7/19/21 The Cellar Door's 'FEAST YOUR EYES' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FEAST YOUR EYES' HOTSHEET
Piedmont Rosé & Bubbly Rosé, Walla Walla Syrah, Bordeaux Heist & more
92 Points – Vinous…2020 has been a compelling vintage for Rose wines from Europe. Just when you thought the beat slowed down along comes an annual rock star from Northern Piedmont that is made from 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina and with a fantastic review from Vinous.
‘The 2020 is an understated and delicate rendition of Rosa Del Rosa. Nuances of peach tea, chamomile, green apple and hints of ginger can all be found with coaxing. It’s silky and pliant in feel, the vibrant acids and mineral tones mixing to create a tug-of-war of sweet and salty tension, as notes of ripe melon give way to pretty inner florals. This tapers off persistent, lightly structured and buzzing with residual energy, completely refreshing the palate with a twang of sour citrus. The Rosa Del Rosa is a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina. It’s very enjoyable already, but it will likely blossom further with a bit more time in bottle.’ An excellent choice with green vegetables, shellfish, marinated pork tenderloin or chicken. Drink through the end of 2022.
‘The 2020 is an understated and delicate rendition of Rosa Del Rosa. Nuances of peach tea, chamomile, green apple and hints of ginger can all be found with coaxing. It’s silky and pliant in feel, the vibrant acids and mineral tones mixing to create a tug-of-war of sweet and salty tension, as notes of ripe melon give way to pretty inner florals. This tapers off persistent, lightly structured and buzzing with residual energy, completely refreshing the palate with a twang of sour citrus. The Rosa Del Rosa is a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina. It’s very enjoyable already, but it will likely blossom further with a bit more time in bottle.’ An excellent choice with green vegetables, shellfish, marinated pork tenderloin or chicken. Drink through the end of 2022.
From Isenhower in Walla Walla, Photobomb Wine Company is Denise Isenhower’s which is somewhat of a rarity on the West Coast, an everyday drinking wine that is not a crappy critter wine. Made utilizing purchased juice, this Syrah won’t challenge Chave or Voge but for thirteen bucks, is a legit glass of wine that red wine lovers can enjoy on a weeknight or party.
Teeming with smoke, plum, freshly ground pepper and coffee tones, there is also a nice underlay of strawberry and black olive from 50% use of whole clusters. Flavorful, chewy dark chocolate tones shine in the mouth along with a lovely core of poised fruit. Very well balanced throughout with an impressive, spice-laden finish. Have it with pulled pork, burgers, pasta and more.
Teeming with smoke, plum, freshly ground pepper and coffee tones, there is also a nice underlay of strawberry and black olive from 50% use of whole clusters. Flavorful, chewy dark chocolate tones shine in the mouth along with a lovely core of poised fruit. Very well balanced throughout with an impressive, spice-laden finish. Have it with pulled pork, burgers, pasta and more.
Last week someone sent a request to pair a wine with seared lamb loin on a mushroom risotto cake topped with fried shallots. Rhone and Grenache immediately came to mind but one that I wish I had on the shelf is this mind bender from Spain.
As I have mentioned several times, the Grenache coming from the hills west of Madrid in the fractured and vast Vinos do Madrid region are some of Spain’s most compelling. One of the leaders of this area is Bernabeleva and their scion old vine material puts forth detailed, intense yet ethereal, and civilized Garnacha. The Navaherros cuvee comes from vines ranging from 40-60 years of age. A hearty, aromatic number and possessing pronounced Mediterranean herbs and spices around grenadine, blackberry and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, mouthwatering and fruit that isn’t inspired by a juicebox or jelly of the month. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the expansive, knife-edge, full finish that is pleasantly structured. A very attractive choice to drink over the next 5-7 years with lamb, beef brisket with a savory sauce or a spicy Thai beef dish.
As I have mentioned several times, the Grenache coming from the hills west of Madrid in the fractured and vast Vinos do Madrid region are some of Spain’s most compelling. One of the leaders of this area is Bernabeleva and their scion old vine material puts forth detailed, intense yet ethereal, and civilized Garnacha. The Navaherros cuvee comes from vines ranging from 40-60 years of age. A hearty, aromatic number and possessing pronounced Mediterranean herbs and spices around grenadine, blackberry and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, mouthwatering and fruit that isn’t inspired by a juicebox or jelly of the month. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the expansive, knife-edge, full finish that is pleasantly structured. A very attractive choice to drink over the next 5-7 years with lamb, beef brisket with a savory sauce or a spicy Thai beef dish.
Raventos i Blanc is one of Spain’s most prestigious, prodigal and profound producer of sparkling wines. So much that they are leading the charge to establish a new appellation for Spanish Sparkling wine called Conca Del Riu Anoia. This decision was made in order to separate the boutique, quality focused producers within the Cava category from those who are of the more industrial sized and based on quantity. The regulations are much more stringent in Conca Del Riu Anoia, a small geographical area surrounding the Anoia River valley Eastern Penedes. Lees contact versus Cava is a minimum of 18 months versus nine for Cava and only indigenous grapes permitted. Vineyards must be 10-years-old and organically certified as well. All said and moving forward, this leader is making stunning sparkling wines. Period!
42% Macabeo, 37% Xarel.lo, 14% Parrellada, 7% Monastell from all estate vineyards then aged 30 or so months before disgorgement. This is a pink fizz that we have absolutely no problem drinking, and you shouldn't either, especially since it won't bust the piggy bank like Rose Champagne is doing right now. Alluring, sexy-pink color, teeming with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, mineral and lemon, this bubbly follows into the mouth with a cascading texture and plenty of burst of flavor that doesn't seem to let up. You will look even better than you already do while hoisting a glass of this sparkling rose at a gathering, but if you're not worried purely about aesthetics or narcissism, drink it with ceviche, sushi or smoked oysters.
42% Macabeo, 37% Xarel.lo, 14% Parrellada, 7% Monastell from all estate vineyards then aged 30 or so months before disgorgement. This is a pink fizz that we have absolutely no problem drinking, and you shouldn't either, especially since it won't bust the piggy bank like Rose Champagne is doing right now. Alluring, sexy-pink color, teeming with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, mineral and lemon, this bubbly follows into the mouth with a cascading texture and plenty of burst of flavor that doesn't seem to let up. You will look even better than you already do while hoisting a glass of this sparkling rose at a gathering, but if you're not worried purely about aesthetics or narcissism, drink it with ceviche, sushi or smoked oysters.
A virtual thrill ride of a Piedmont red wine value that happens to come from one of Barolo’s heralded producers. Aged entirely in stainless steel tank, this everyday red wine exudes the commitment to excellence and high standards that this Castiglione Faletto estate always strives to express.
From younger vines of indigenous varietals (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetta et. al.) plum and raspberry tones come out along with sassafrass, some turned earth, licorice and peppermint tones, all which glide into a hearty texture that while buoyant, fleshy, and playful has a self-assured undertone to it. A great way to experience Piedmont at a great price point.
From younger vines of indigenous varietals (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetta et. al.) plum and raspberry tones come out along with sassafrass, some turned earth, licorice and peppermint tones, all which glide into a hearty texture that while buoyant, fleshy, and playful has a self-assured undertone to it. A great way to experience Piedmont at a great price point.
Lowest price in years for this delicious South African Cabernet blend from an iconic producer. 55% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has New World fruit but with even more prolific Old World earth and savory herb tones, hallmarks of South Africa’s wines.
Quite handsome, possessing dense aromas of blue fruits forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth. More and more aromatic as it unfurls in the glass, everything comes together nicely on the silky but structured texture that extends and fans out on the deceptively packed, lingering finish. This is a steal at 20 and even crazier at 14! Perfect for drinking with friends who love Bordeaux or American blends.
Quite handsome, possessing dense aromas of blue fruits forward mineral/ironstone, graphite and spiced earth. More and more aromatic as it unfurls in the glass, everything comes together nicely on the silky but structured texture that extends and fans out on the deceptively packed, lingering finish. This is a steal at 20 and even crazier at 14! Perfect for drinking with friends who love Bordeaux or American blends.
Trentino-based Pojer & Sandri is widely recognized as an elite winery for white wines Northern Italy of Italy. The partnership and friendship of Fiorentino Sandri and winemaker Mario Pojer dates back to 1975. Along with Foradori, these two operations revolutionized the area. Today they remain the leaders of Trentino. Whereas Foradori concentrates on the Teroldego grape, Pojer & Sandri work with native varietals as well as international selections and all provide outstanding results.
Nosiola is a grape native to Trentino, and this ultra-vivid white wine value is dialed in with spicy, smoky apple/lemon tones and overriding mineral aspects that go off like fireworks. Intensity is all over the place but piercing brightness shines with laser-beam precision and chimes throughout the whole experience, particularly on the superb finish. Grab your terroir turban because this is one beyond detailed. Enjoy with grilled salmon.
Nosiola is a grape native to Trentino, and this ultra-vivid white wine value is dialed in with spicy, smoky apple/lemon tones and overriding mineral aspects that go off like fireworks. Intensity is all over the place but piercing brightness shines with laser-beam precision and chimes throughout the whole experience, particularly on the superb finish. Grab your terroir turban because this is one beyond detailed. Enjoy with grilled salmon.
One of Oregon’s hot-to-trot newcomers and with former Beaux Freres winemaker Grant Coulter in charge of winemaking and vineyards, there is ample buzz about this Ribbon Ridge estate just after a few years. A flaneur is, quite simply, a leisurely wanderer, a worldly explorer, a connoisseur of life, maybe Van Halen trashing a hotel room after playing ‘Unchained’.
A superbly supple Oregon Pinot Noir that does not rely on a bunch of new oak flavorings. Waves of cherry blossom, lavender, black plum and fresh-turned earth/spice billow from the glass and fill your senses; the structure is refined, rich yet maintaining elegance with a drawn-out, cushiony finish. Drink over the next 7-8 years.
A superbly supple Oregon Pinot Noir that does not rely on a bunch of new oak flavorings. Waves of cherry blossom, lavender, black plum and fresh-turned earth/spice billow from the glass and fill your senses; the structure is refined, rich yet maintaining elegance with a drawn-out, cushiony finish. Drink over the next 7-8 years.
Located between the towns of Beychevelle and St-Julien, just opposite famed Bordeaux 2nd Growth Ducru-Beaucaillou, Chateau Du Glana has a distinguished history. Founded in 1870 with the original 12 acres being from 4th Growth Chateau Saint-Pierre, Gabriel Meffre acquired the estate in 1961 and enlarged it to 112 acres with the acquisition of plots from 3rd Growth Chateau Lagrange. I have been experiencing and consuming Du Glana's wares since my old Pittsburgh days, cutting my teeth with the 1982 vintage. The wines have always been very fine but in 1999 with the arrival of the late, renowned consultant, Denis Dubordieu has resulted in wines that hit heights that in certain vintages have the potential to perform on the classified growth level.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot aged in 40% new oak and coming from the region's famed gravelly soils, this wine kills it and oozes serious class for 40 bucks! Textbook southern St-Julien cabernet notes ride out front with crushed black cherry, gravel, toasty, vanilla-bean character all leading into a succulent texture with excellent volume, definition, and a delicious core of fruit that fills the mouth and adds penetration to the fine tannin structure. Structured, firm and while dense enough to enjoy now, is one that has amazing potential. Given the prestige of the 2016 Bordeaux vintage, there is no problem at all for this wine to age for another 15 (and probably more) years.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot aged in 40% new oak and coming from the region's famed gravelly soils, this wine kills it and oozes serious class for 40 bucks! Textbook southern St-Julien cabernet notes ride out front with crushed black cherry, gravel, toasty, vanilla-bean character all leading into a succulent texture with excellent volume, definition, and a delicious core of fruit that fills the mouth and adds penetration to the fine tannin structure. Structured, firm and while dense enough to enjoy now, is one that has amazing potential. Given the prestige of the 2016 Bordeaux vintage, there is no problem at all for this wine to age for another 15 (and probably more) years.