Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HAVEN'T YINZ NOTICED' HOTSHEET
New Graillot Crozes & Leonetti Merlot
94-point Spanish Red for 20
Friulano & Southern French Rose
94-point Spanish Red for 20
Friulano & Southern French Rose
2022 ALVAR DE DIOS
TIO UCO TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
TIO UCO TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
94 Points – Vinous…Even thought this wine is from the Toro region of Spain, Alvar de Dios chooses to classify this wine as Tierra de Castilla y Leon due to it being more balanced and not the over-the-top stereotype that is the norm of the area.
90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha aged five months in large French foudres (1000-3500 liters), this red reveals vivacious, tantalizing scents of wild strawberry, savory herbs, kisses of dahlia and dark plum all well-formed. On the palate, succulent fruit is present along with an aftertaste of fine spice, pepper and crisp acidity. A terrific value and not often where a 94-point score is bestowed on a twenty-dollar wine!
90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha aged five months in large French foudres (1000-3500 liters), this red reveals vivacious, tantalizing scents of wild strawberry, savory herbs, kisses of dahlia and dark plum all well-formed. On the palate, succulent fruit is present along with an aftertaste of fine spice, pepper and crisp acidity. A terrific value and not often where a 94-point score is bestowed on a twenty-dollar wine!
2021 SEPPELTSFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'CLARE VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CLARE VALLEY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Seppeltsfield have been in operation in Australia since 1851 initially establishing themselves as a fortified wine specialist. Over time, classic dry wines were introduced from this beloved estate with an abundance of history.
Unrepenting Aussie and Clare Valley, the saturated and distinct qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that is ripe and layered along with freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 7-8 years.
Unrepenting Aussie and Clare Valley, the saturated and distinct qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that is ripe and layered along with freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 7-8 years.
2022 MITJA SIRK
FRIULANO BIANCO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
FRIULANO BIANCO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
One of the peculiarities of this enticing Friulano white is that it is labeled as a wine from EU due to the grapes coming from both Italy and just across Friuli’s border in Slovenia. Locations and semantics aside, this has been one of the most compelling and fascinating white wines that we have offered in 2024.
A very authentic expression of the stony, ponca soils that is prominent in both areas, this version feels as though it is picked in several passes through the vineyard. Aged 90% in steel tank and 10% in older neutral barrels, this Friuliano is direct and detailed. Sharing gentle herbs with sea-driven, salinous aromas along with quasi-lemongrass and perfumed nectarine aspects, there is an abundance of intricacy and change each time you smell the wine. The texture itself is clean but provides palate coverage along with tense, twangy dryness, especially on the vibrant, savory follow-through. Try with Prosciutto di San Daniele which is a classic match. It will also collaborate well with a seafood smorgasbord and white sausages.
A very authentic expression of the stony, ponca soils that is prominent in both areas, this version feels as though it is picked in several passes through the vineyard. Aged 90% in steel tank and 10% in older neutral barrels, this Friuliano is direct and detailed. Sharing gentle herbs with sea-driven, salinous aromas along with quasi-lemongrass and perfumed nectarine aspects, there is an abundance of intricacy and change each time you smell the wine. The texture itself is clean but provides palate coverage along with tense, twangy dryness, especially on the vibrant, savory follow-through. Try with Prosciutto di San Daniele which is a classic match. It will also collaborate well with a seafood smorgasbord and white sausages.
2021 ALAIN GRAILLOT
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 SIX PACK
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 SIX PACK
When it comes to Crozes Hermitage, Domaine Graillot is the Muhammed Ali of the region. There are other contenders, some exceptionally good, but none of their Crozes Hermitage wines are the equal of this champion's. For 35+ years, the late, great Alain Graillot along with his sons Max and Antoine have perfected their art making some of the most sophisticated, complex and grand Syrahs on all levels.
The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage is another knockout beauty! We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a top wine. This is one of those special circumstances! After tasting this version, the first sentence in my notes were "closeted Côte-Rôtie". Makes sense, Alain is originally from Vienne and Max and Antoine have continued his deft and delicate touch when it comes to his wines. Magical perfume notes with prominent woodsmoke, olive, black raspberry, hints of licorice and cherry blossom immediately seduce from the start. In the mouth, it is expectedly chill, but with major depth and poise. Wonderful finesse and ethereal depth and a finish that is illuminating and sneaky-long…the youthful exuberance and structure take over. Put this one away until 2026 and consume it through 2035+.
The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage is another knockout beauty! We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a top wine. This is one of those special circumstances! After tasting this version, the first sentence in my notes were "closeted Côte-Rôtie". Makes sense, Alain is originally from Vienne and Max and Antoine have continued his deft and delicate touch when it comes to his wines. Magical perfume notes with prominent woodsmoke, olive, black raspberry, hints of licorice and cherry blossom immediately seduce from the start. In the mouth, it is expectedly chill, but with major depth and poise. Wonderful finesse and ethereal depth and a finish that is illuminating and sneaky-long…the youthful exuberance and structure take over. Put this one away until 2026 and consume it through 2035+.
2022 PASCUAL TOSO
ESTATE MALBEC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
ESTATE MALBEC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
This is the story of "The Little Wine That Could". Once upon a time, there was a thirst...and that thirst needed to be quenched. Enter Pascual Toso Estate Malbec, a dark red, terroir-driven delight. It offers a generous nose of plums, dark cherries and berries with notes of earth added to its lush and velvety sweet body flowing with dark fruit, sharing an attractive balance with opulence that is sure to please.
The main production is from grapes harvested at the end of March; from estate owned vineyards in the Barrancas and Maipu sub-zones of the Mendoza appellation. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats...During the several day fermentation-maceration process the must is punched down for optimal extraction....blah, blah, blah, blah...Not to ignore or shun the technical aspects of this Malbec, the moral of the story is that Toso Estate is all about pleasure. Glass after glass after glass, the thirst was happily quenched. THE END.
The main production is from grapes harvested at the end of March; from estate owned vineyards in the Barrancas and Maipu sub-zones of the Mendoza appellation. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats...During the several day fermentation-maceration process the must is punched down for optimal extraction....blah, blah, blah, blah...Not to ignore or shun the technical aspects of this Malbec, the moral of the story is that Toso Estate is all about pleasure. Glass after glass after glass, the thirst was happily quenched. THE END.
2021 GAROFOLI ROSSO CONERO
'PIANCARDA'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'PIANCARDA'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
100% Montepulciano, this flavorful red wine from Italy's Le Marches region along the Adriatic coast is poetic and animalistic all at once. Exciting aromas of plum, violet, mineral and telltale Montepulciano sanguine aspects build nicely from the glass. In the mouth, it is firmly dry with nice depth and earth tones. Food-friendly, enjoy this sinister beauty with hearty pasta dishes or braised beef.
Not only is Garofoli one of Le Marches most important producers; they tend to usually be mentioned when it comes to Italy's elite even though they make such affordable wines. Both red and white wines are produced here in many ranges. If you love Italian wine values, we cannot encourage you more to try Garofoli's delectable wines.
Not only is Garofoli one of Le Marches most important producers; they tend to usually be mentioned when it comes to Italy's elite even though they make such affordable wines. Both red and white wines are produced here in many ranges. If you love Italian wine values, we cannot encourage you more to try Garofoli's delectable wines.
2021 JC SOMERS PINOT NOIR
'NOUVELLE LUNE' DUNDEE HILLS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
'NOUVELLE LUNE' DUNDEE HILLS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
I have known Jay and Ronda Somers for almost thirty years and given their youthful energy it is humorously unsettling that they are referred to as elders of the Oregon wine industry. Jay has been producing influential wines and after devolving J. Christopher set out to go back to their small winery roots with the JC Somers label.
Nouvelle Lune, or new moon, is solely from the Dundee Hills and specifically from Abbey Ridge (50%), La Colina (40%) and Nicolas Family Vineyards. Absolute essence of what Dundee Hills brings. Aromatic, intricately detailed, lovely combo of violet, plum, jasmine and lavender. Silk-laden, very mouth-crawling, sultry pinot palate. Tightens as expected on the finish, which reveals stunning length and immense potential. Drink over the next 15 years.
Nouvelle Lune, or new moon, is solely from the Dundee Hills and specifically from Abbey Ridge (50%), La Colina (40%) and Nicolas Family Vineyards. Absolute essence of what Dundee Hills brings. Aromatic, intricately detailed, lovely combo of violet, plum, jasmine and lavender. Silk-laden, very mouth-crawling, sultry pinot palate. Tightens as expected on the finish, which reveals stunning length and immense potential. Drink over the next 15 years.
2023 LAFAGE 'MIRAFLORS'
ROUSSILLON ROSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
ROUSSILLON ROSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Southern French Rose under twenty and best of all is they ditched that stupid frosted bottle that was previously used. Jean-Marc Lafage is highly respected for his entire range of Roussillon wines and the newly arrived Miraflors certainly pleases the senses.
The usual suspects of Mourvedre, Grenache, etc. make up the blend and provide soulful and confident Mediterranean aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Ample flavor, depth and detail all culminating with a lively, very spirited finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
The usual suspects of Mourvedre, Grenache, etc. make up the blend and provide soulful and confident Mediterranean aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Ample flavor, depth and detail all culminating with a lively, very spirited finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
2022 LEONETTI MERLOT
'WALLA WALLA'
$110.99 BTL./$665.94 - SIX PACK
'WALLA WALLA'
$110.99 BTL./$665.94 - SIX PACK
Leonetti's Merlot is one of the wines that put Washington on the world's wine stage. A limited chance to score one of Walla Walla’s most popular and lofty producers. 2022 is the second of two major vintages for this area and once again, Leonetti performed on a mighty level. As usual it is tightly allocated, so first come - first served.
Notes from Leonetti: ‘This wine is densely colored garnet to the rim. It opens with rich aromatics of graham crackers and blackberries poured over vanilla ice cream with a subtle note of rich medium roast coffee. Sweet and dense fruit notes on the mid-palate are bolstered by grippy tannins that recede at the perfect moment. Each sip leaves you with a supple but chalky finish that lingers. A truly sensational Merlot from the '22 vintage that must be experienced'. Drink over the next 15-20 years.
Notes from Leonetti: ‘This wine is densely colored garnet to the rim. It opens with rich aromatics of graham crackers and blackberries poured over vanilla ice cream with a subtle note of rich medium roast coffee. Sweet and dense fruit notes on the mid-palate are bolstered by grippy tannins that recede at the perfect moment. Each sip leaves you with a supple but chalky finish that lingers. A truly sensational Merlot from the '22 vintage that must be experienced'. Drink over the next 15-20 years.
