Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WAKE UP' HOTSHEET
Kelley Fox Pinot Noir
Tuscan Special, 10-year-old Cornas
19-buck French Red, Gran Reserva Rioja
Tuscan Special, 10-year-old Cornas
19-buck French Red, Gran Reserva Rioja
2019 CAPEZZANA CARMIGNANO
'VILLA CAPEZZANA'
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'VILLA CAPEZZANA'
[reg. $35.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
A superb special on one of Tuscany’s finest producer’s wines from a DOCG region that many of you may have visited, passed through but never experienced. Located northwest of the city of Florence, Carmignano is home to serious red wines that deliver a lot of bang for the buck. Capezzana is an historic property and along with Ambra and Piaggia is generally regarded as the finest grower in the region. If this were grown in Montalcino, it would be three times the price!
This top-level Tuscan red offers up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Expansive, chewy, well-harmonized flavors show silky, yet substantial tannins that are gobbled up by the seamless fruit. The symmetry and sophistication of the 2019 vintage shows with this as well as its long finish that spreads out beautifully. A pure and expressive offering from one of Tuscany’s historic estates and while irresistible now, will give more pleasure with age. Drink through 2031+.
This top-level Tuscan red offers up intense aromas of smoky violet, cassis and raspberry with hints of balsam, underbrush and cinnamon. Expansive, chewy, well-harmonized flavors show silky, yet substantial tannins that are gobbled up by the seamless fruit. The symmetry and sophistication of the 2019 vintage shows with this as well as its long finish that spreads out beautifully. A pure and expressive offering from one of Tuscany’s historic estates and while irresistible now, will give more pleasure with age. Drink through 2031+.
2022 KELLEY FOX
PINOT NOIR 'MIRABAI'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR 'MIRABAI'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Uncompromising, Burgundian-inspired and very individual, Kelley Fox’s influence from her time working alongside David Lett at Eyrie is very evident in her elegant, precise and very ageworthy Pinot Noirs that are consistently in Oregon's top echelon. Make no mistake, this is one of the finest producers in Oregon and her wines excel, especially as they age. Produced from two legendary vineyards and following Kelley’s credo of solely utilizing old vines for this wine, 74% is from the Weber Vineyard (planted in 1983) and 12% from Maresh (1988), 9% Durant (1973) and 5% Anderson (1992 planted).
No new oak and 30% whole clusters, the brand new 2022 is now available and it is one of the most exciting versions of this wine to date. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose, however, do not be fooled, while it is tasty now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Dundee Hills character. As mentioned, there is early charm here but this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Hold for a couple years and then enjoy through 2034.
No new oak and 30% whole clusters, the brand new 2022 is now available and it is one of the most exciting versions of this wine to date. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose, however, do not be fooled, while it is tasty now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shines through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Dundee Hills character. As mentioned, there is early charm here but this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Hold for a couple years and then enjoy through 2034.
2021 CHATEAU FAGE
GRAVES DE VAYRES BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
GRAVES DE VAYRES BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Occasionally, we at The Cellar Door get the experience of learning an area of wine with our customers. The obscure region of Graves de Vayres has nothing to do with the more famous Graves region that is home to Haut Brion. This small area sits across from Fronsac and Pomerol with gravel soils which differentiate it from the surrounding Entre-Deux-Mers wines.
60% Semillion, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, this white Bordeaux is a terrific value. Extremely satisfying bringing together mineral intensity, with classic fleshy tangerine, honeysuckle and lemongrass aromas. Walking the line between ‘intense and finesse’, mouth-coating richness rule the day yet beautifully cut by fresh citrus flavors that stay with you until your next sip. Drink with prawns, salmon, roasted chicken and especially a good goat cheese.
60% Semillion, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, this white Bordeaux is a terrific value. Extremely satisfying bringing together mineral intensity, with classic fleshy tangerine, honeysuckle and lemongrass aromas. Walking the line between ‘intense and finesse’, mouth-coating richness rule the day yet beautifully cut by fresh citrus flavors that stay with you until your next sip. Drink with prawns, salmon, roasted chicken and especially a good goat cheese.
2020 COPPO BARBERA D'ASTI
'CAMP DE ROUSS'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
'CAMP DE ROUSS'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
One of Piedmont's legendary and important producers and wines, Camp de Rouss is one of the mainstays of the Coppo house. This Barbera is aged in oak casks (no new barrel) and takes on a different personality than the L’Avvocata. A more serious selection, Camp du Rouss was first produced in 1985. This was revolutionary because at the time, Asti Barbera was known much more for quantity rather than top quality. It is also named after the original owner of the vineyard, a big burly red headed man who used to scare the children. Not to worry, these wines are smooth, stylish and very friendly.
Barbera shines more with blackberries along with intense spice highlighted by sandalwood and red earth. Mouth filling, generous and having very fine expansion, although less acidity than their entry Barbera. I find that this wine really wants more cuisine from the earth, particularly mushrooms (porcini). It will work well with chicken and tomatoes as well as a soulful vegetarian dish that has root veggies along with mushrooms, perhaps over fettucine.
Barbera shines more with blackberries along with intense spice highlighted by sandalwood and red earth. Mouth filling, generous and having very fine expansion, although less acidity than their entry Barbera. I find that this wine really wants more cuisine from the earth, particularly mushrooms (porcini). It will work well with chicken and tomatoes as well as a soulful vegetarian dish that has root veggies along with mushrooms, perhaps over fettucine.
2013 ALAIN VOGE CORNAS
VIEILLES VIGNES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
VIEILLES VIGNES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
What a thrill to offer a ten-year-old version of Cornas from one of the grand old maestros of the region. When I visited the Northern Rhone back in 2015 and tasted the 2013 vintage that followed the warm 2011 and 2012s, I thought that even though these are tightly formed, they will emerge as classic, very fine, complex French Syrah wines. Whether it was Cote-Rotie, Cornas, Hermitage, my hunch was correct, they have really turned into spectacular wines that are essence of this famed region.
Instantly one sees Grand Cru here. Monumental, very multi-dimensional, secondary aromas shine with aromatic black olive, black truffle, licorice, mineral, dark Valrhona chocolate all surrounding sexy strawberry, smoke and black pepper. Slow building then expansive complex texture that has elegance and smoothness to go along with the fine backbone. Very long, very vivid and very fine indeed! At age ten, this is off the chain and as evidenced by a 1999 and 2000 uncorked earlier this year, it will easily age and develop further for another decade and beyond. Supplies are limited (18 bottles), so order soon.
Instantly one sees Grand Cru here. Monumental, very multi-dimensional, secondary aromas shine with aromatic black olive, black truffle, licorice, mineral, dark Valrhona chocolate all surrounding sexy strawberry, smoke and black pepper. Slow building then expansive complex texture that has elegance and smoothness to go along with the fine backbone. Very long, very vivid and very fine indeed! At age ten, this is off the chain and as evidenced by a 1999 and 2000 uncorked earlier this year, it will easily age and develop further for another decade and beyond. Supplies are limited (18 bottles), so order soon.
2020 CARPE DIEM CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
ANDERSON VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Made by the folks from Dominus in Napa Valley, this Chardonnay is not only on special but is a bit of a modern throwback to the best highlights of older California presentations.
Full-throttle, yet light on its feet this darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and silky-smooth mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this is a wine of equilibrium and pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, halibut and chorizo.
Full-throttle, yet light on its feet this darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and silky-smooth mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this is a wine of equilibrium and pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, halibut and chorizo.
2015 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
GRAN RESERVA 'VINA ARANA'
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK
GRAN RESERVA 'VINA ARANA'
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK
Produced for decades, the great bastion of traditionally-styled Rioja La Rioja Alta upgraded this Reserva to Gran Reserva a few years back. Deservedly so, this terroir and the grapes have allowed for stunning results all which bode well for this wine as well as future releases.
An extra level of finesse and tenderness comes with these sites. This truly poised and seamless old-school Rioja is finesseful with a rich and serious core of lovely ripe but dry red fruit flavors; the finish is long with velvety tannins adding backbone and structure. Easily will age at least another decade but even at this stage of the game it has such fine complexity and smoothness that it wouldn't be a crime to open one with some lamb or pork.
An extra level of finesse and tenderness comes with these sites. This truly poised and seamless old-school Rioja is finesseful with a rich and serious core of lovely ripe but dry red fruit flavors; the finish is long with velvety tannins adding backbone and structure. Easily will age at least another decade but even at this stage of the game it has such fine complexity and smoothness that it wouldn't be a crime to open one with some lamb or pork.
2021 CHATEAU D'OUPIA
VAUCLUSE ROUGE 'LES HERETIQUES'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
VAUCLUSE ROUGE 'LES HERETIQUES'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
It is not the largest or most multi-faceted red that we sell, but year in and year out, this Minervois Chateau’s juicy, flavorful red delivers up loads of pleasure.
90% Carignan, 10% Syrah and tres typique of a wine from the Languedoc, black raspberry notes roll from the glass. Vibrant and peppery with bursting flavors throughout, have it now and have it with anything on the grill. Don't think, just drink.
90% Carignan, 10% Syrah and tres typique of a wine from the Languedoc, black raspberry notes roll from the glass. Vibrant and peppery with bursting flavors throughout, have it now and have it with anything on the grill. Don't think, just drink.
2018 HAMACHER 'H' PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Eric Hamacher is one of Oregon's superstars and his wines are extremely sensible, confident and terroir-driven reflecting the heart and soul of Oregon Pinot. Hamacher's "H" Pinot Noir always represents one of the finest values in Oregon Pinot and 2018 is way above "everyday value" status!
Hamacher's 2018 "H" Pinot Noir is quite flamboyant and splashy. Teeming with broad black plum aromas with overtones of lavender and cracked pepper. The palate is forward, dazzling and layered with flavors that caress their way to the back of the mouth and finish long for an under-$25 pinot, something that virtually NEVER happens! Drink now and over the next 3-4 years.
Hamacher's 2018 "H" Pinot Noir is quite flamboyant and splashy. Teeming with broad black plum aromas with overtones of lavender and cracked pepper. The palate is forward, dazzling and layered with flavors that caress their way to the back of the mouth and finish long for an under-$25 pinot, something that virtually NEVER happens! Drink now and over the next 3-4 years.
