Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S "HEADS- I WIN, TAILS- WE FLIP AGAIN" HOTSHEET
95 point Chateauneuf, Valentine's Day Bubbles, 2012 Oregon Pinot plus many fine values


2013 TERRE NERE ETNA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Looking for a different and exhilarating Italian wine adventure? Look no further than this mouth-watering red from Sicily. Right now, the entire island exploding with producers, but the question remains, where is the pinnacle region? Easy answer, it is Etna. Referred to as a Mediterranean Burgundy, this region which runs through the valleys and hills from the sea to Mt. Etna and many outsiders from Tuscany and other regions of Italy are buying land here due to the burgeoning reputation and early signs of impeccable quality.

One such outsider is famed Italian Wine Broker Marco de Grazia and almost instantly, recognition came due to the estate's impeccable quality. 98% Nerello Mascalese and 2% Nerello Cappuccio this outstanding wine adventure is ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint and sage. Terre Nere's Etna Rosso is flavorfully textured and dry with plenty of generous, ripe fruit that carries into a lingering and balanced finish that possesses alluring, integrated qualities. We highly recommend this hearty red with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.

2012 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR "TEMPERANCE HILL"
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE - VERY LIMITED

Yet another ravishing 2012 Pinot Noir from one of Oregon's long-time superstars. Located in the Eola-Amity Hills appellation, the Temperance Hill Vineyard is one of the area's prized sites and is one that Evesham has been working with for many years. In fact, the very first vintage of Cuvee J came from this site with the 1989 vintage. Evesham's plot was planted in 1982 and for vintage 2012 only 125 cases were produced.

Wines here from a vintage like 2012 make one swoon! Candied mushroom caps, ripe raspberry, freshly turned earth, cardamom and dried flowers echo from the glass and right on to the rich, round and velvety palate. The tannins are fine and integrated from the seamless start to the expansive finish. Quite alluring now but do give this wine another year or two to fully come together. Enjoy 2017 – 2024+.

2012 MOUNT EDEN CHARDONNAY "WOLFF VINEYARD"
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

All too often, we forget just how good this wine really is! Mount Eden is one of California's long-time, influential producers of Chardonnay with their Estate wine, but over the last few years, their Edna Valley version has proved to be one of the Golden State's best buys. This particular offering isn't their vaunted estate offering, but for a 20 spot, it really brings it.

From the Wolff Vineyard in Edna Valley, this full lush Chardonnay is dominated by pineapple and orange from the outset. The palate shows off plenty of richness and buttery characteristics that one expects from California, but it also shows a vivid and balanced side that allows it to maintain freshness.

CHAMPAGNE COLIN "BRUT ALLIANCE"
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

If you're hoping for more than a kiss goodnight on Feb. 14, flowers alone won't cut it, you'll definitely need bottles of bubbles to enhance the chance and this particular grower Champagne is a real steal with superb quality! The small family Domaine of Champagne Colin has been farming in Vertus since 1829. Led by brothers Richard (vineyards) and Romain (winemaker) and Richard's wife Delphine (sales & export), only 7,500-8,000 cases are produced from their 26 acres of vines.

The Cuvee Alliance is house specialty, being 35% of the production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier from 2 vineyards, one in Vertus, the other in the Cote-de-Sezanne. 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, one really sees the attention to detail on this excellent gateway into Champagne Colin.

2013 PERTICAIA UMBRIA ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Made from 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino & 10% Merlot from in and around the Montefalco region of Umbria comes this generously flavored, very real and engaging Italian red. A hearty red, the varietal components strut their stuff in this attractive number that categorically shows off the depth, warmth and authoritative presence of what this land-locked neighbor of Tuscany offers.

Vibrant aromas of juicy strawberry, game, sage, white flowers and blueberry move nicely into the round and friendly mouthfeel. This hearty red is the perfect accompaniment to pizza, meatloaf, and simple red-sauced pasta dishes or as we often muse, have a few glasses while you are cooking the meal with a hunk of good cheese.

2013 CHATEAU FERRANDIERE VIOGNIER
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

This so-called, "little" Viognier always mesmerizes us with its big-dog personality. Consistently we taste wines that we refer to as gimmick wines with cute names. Take Mad Housewife for example. If the housewife is already mad, have her take a sip of Mad Housewife Viognier and she will want to file for divorce. Do yourself a favor, give her Ferrandiere Viognier instead and you will help to turn her frown upside down!

Rose, lavender and lily aromas give strong varietal character. Clean and unoaked with nice orange undertones; in the mouth, it is well balanced, but typically Mediterranean and mouth filling with nice depth, cut and personality. Plenty of spice, which is natural for Viognier, creeps through on the finish. A very versatile, food friendly white that while is not Condrieu, is also not 60 bucks either! Enjoy it with friends, with hors d'oeuvres or with Asian-inspired seafood dishes.

2012 DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE "CUVEE BOISRENARD"
$69.99 BTL./$419.94 – SIX PACK CASE

95 POINTS - THE WINE SPECTATOR
Over the years many of you have been able to experience the range of wines from the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer, Domaine de Beaurenard. The Coulon family has been producing wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1695, so there is an abundance of experience! Boisrenard is the family's top Chateauneuf and is from 90-110 year old vines with the yields kept to about 1 ton per acre! This wine also receives huge accolades and the 2012 is no exception with a fat 95 point score from The Wine Spectator.

"Offers a grippy feel, with taut licorice and tar notes stretching from start to finish. Ripe plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors fill in the core, while hints of anise and juniper hang in the background. The finish reveals a bolt of graphite. Should age very nicely. Best from 2015 through 2030. – 95 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR"

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