THE CELLAR DOOR'S "SOLSTICE" WINE SHEET - 2008 Cristom, Lyeth Meritage Special, Collectible Piedmont Deals, St-Emilion & more
2010 LYETH MERITAGE SONOMA
SUPER-SPECIAL PRICE - $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
A fantastic new price on one of the earliest properties to pursue the attributes of a Bordeaux-styled blend and utilizing the Meritage moniker. Cabernet dominant with dollops of Malbec, Merlot & Petite Verdot, this full-flavored red
delivers lots of thrills for 15 bucks. Boysenberry, dark chocolate, peppermint, cedar and roasted coffee aromas follow to a texture that is generous, structured yet full of Sonoma smoothness. Drink over the next 5-7 years with hearty foods
or strong cheeses.
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2010 FOXGLOVE CHARDONNAY
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
90 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE
A new release and yet another 90 point rating for this perennial California favorite, unoaked Chardonnay!! "The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite
rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here,
never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.
I was blown away by the two wines I tasted from Foxglove, Bob and Jim Varner's negociant label. The Varners clearly have the magic touch. These are among the finest values readers will find anywhere in the world. – 90 POINTS, THE WINE
ADVOCATE"
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2009 ABACELA OREGON TEMPRANILLO "CUVÉE"
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The combination of meticulous planting in an expression of a unique microclimate, careful stewardship in the winery preserves Abacela's varietal character and makes this tiny operation in Roseburg one of the most exciting wineries in
Oregon. Earl Jones's immeasurable passion first brought Abacela to the attention of savvy wine drinkers across the country and it is that passion and his unique vision which has allowed them to grow into something very special just in the
last decade. Taking its cue from the likes of Pesquera and Emilio Moro in the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain, this flavorful offering is chock full of dark berry tones and a touch of coffee on the nose which lead into a rich mouth of
boysenberry and blackberry fruit, black pepper, chocolate, and nice dusty tannins on the finish. A superb new world Tempranillo that is a must try for any red wine lover. We are so bullish on the wines from Abacela, that we continue to
believe that this is truly one of the finest estates in Oregon that we are fortunate enough to work with!
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2011 SIGALES ASSYRTIKO/ATHIRI
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
The saying goes, be careful what you wish for…At the Cellar Door, we have just two wishes: 1.) The weather will take a decidedly brilliant turn for the better, and 2.) to drink the perfect wine to pair with foods and friends and the
spring and summer!
Welcome friends the 2011 vintage of Assyrtiko/Athiri by Sigalas.
Considered by many experts to be the greatest white grape in Greece, Assyrtiko is a productive and versatile varietal adapting well to different soil types and known for having both depth and vibrancy. The island of Santorini claims both
the origin and best expressions of Assyrtiko.
Athiri provides intense notes of citrus fruits and minerals for a white that is crisp, clean and refreshingly pleasing glass after glass. The volcanic soils on the island of Santorini are home to very ancient vines, some reaching 150 years
and combining both the grapes and the terroir, we have a scrumptious white wine of fine character and persistence, lightly perfumed with floral notes and a silky finish. An alluring wine to break plates over. However, so not have your
significant other want to kill you for breaking the good china, have it with calamari, braised or grilled fish or a simple mélange of roasted vegetables.
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2008 CHÂTEAU PUY-BLANQUET ST-EMILION
GRAND CRU
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
A long-time, terrific St-Emilion Château, commencing in 2007, owner Mme. Jacquet turned everyday operations over to Christian Moeuix, owner of the famed Château Petrus in Pomerol. The wines here have always been fine, but the 2008 has
ratcheted up the quality yet another notch. A very underrated vintage, 2008 is proving to offer wines of great smoothness but with deceptive spine for aging…and their prices are great when compared to the 2009 and 2010s which will hit our
shores soon and be 25-30% higher.
The secret weapon at Puy Blanquet is chef du culture Pierre Meunier who is a vital part of L'Equipe Moeuix and was trained by the man himself…A real gentle soul of a wine with a very classic St-Emilion nose. Violets, blue fruits, fine
herbs and touches of graphite. After 5 minutes in the glass, the graphite moves to the background while espresso notes come to the forefront. Exquisite in the mouth and very Bordeaux in stature filling the mouth with harmonious fruit and
spiced earth following through to a seemingly airy finish. Deceptively structured, this wine will certainly age. Drink or hold through 2019.
AGE-WORTHY DEALS FROM PIEDMONT
2 outrageous deals from the northern reaches of this hallowed Italian region
2007 TORRACCIA DEL PIANTAVIGNA GHEMME
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
The northern reaches of Piedmont, particularly Gattinara, Ghemme & Lessona, are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Serious producers with energetic youth are coming on the scene and delivering some wonderful wines. Torraccia Del
Piantavigna is one such producer…Founded in 1977, these wines are new to us here in Oregon and for the most part, the US. Quality and vineyard-driven focus is the #1 priority here and the wines really have kickass quality for their price
levels….if these were done in Barolo or Barbaresco they'd be twice the price! Ghemme and Gattinara are in very close proximity, but the terroirs couldn't be more different. Ghemme's soils come from Alpine, glacial deposits from the ice age
and are laced with sand and clay…Lovely perfume, showing fennel, turned-earth with more and more camphor arriving as it opens. Steely-eyed, assertive tones lurk beneath…Wiry, classy entry, drives with nice cushion and well-honed polish and
poise as it moves through the middle and on the finish. Firms up and is turns inward on the packed, material-laden finish. This will unfold into something really cool. Hold until 2014 and drink through 2025.
2006 TORRACCIA DEL PIANTAVIGNA GATTINARA
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
Gattinara's terroir is vastly different even though their hills are only 20 minutes away. Gattinara's soils are volcanic and also packing granitic and quartz deposits. The 2006 is destined for greatness!! Alluring, refined scents.
Prominent licorice, graphite and asphalt along with red fruits and potpourri-spices. Submerged perfume and earth all which will unleash itself in a couple of years. Sultry core of fruit and then gains significant structure and spine.
Energetic, mysterious and elusive…but something very seductive is here. Youthful finish that really hangs around…Give this until 2014 and drink through 2025 and probably beyond.
2008 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR "MARJORIE"
$64.99 BTL./$779.88 CASE
If you didn't score any of the already legendary 2008 Cristom wines, here's a bit of an unexpected last call!
By now everyone knows both the majesty of the 2008 Pinot Noir vintage in Oregon and most know that Cristom and Steve Doerner are not only one of Oregon's but truly one of the world's most influential and inspiring producers. We have a
little more 2008 Marjorie at our fingertips…If you love the greats of Oregon and want to cellar some, this will be the one… In recent vintages it seems as though Marjorie has separated itself from the pack and one that Steve Doerner often
refers to as his favorite lady… Ethereal and cerebral, this seducer possesses sexy, aromatic tones of red raspberry, red flowers, cassis, clove, gently placed herbs and plenty of red earth and cinnamon. A wine that you just want to keep
on smelling, but eventually, you have to take a sip, and wow, what a first sip!! Lavish, very refined, lacy, but also having killer dimension and depth. Currently wrapped in a ball right now, the fruit will want to lead you to believe
that it is extremely accessible now, but don't be mislead, there is ample material just waiting to be unleashed! Youthfully packed with stunning length, vibrancy and Christmas spices abound this wine should be cellared until 2015 or 2016
and consumed through 2028. Really special juice and one of my candidates for wine of the vintage in 2008!
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