1/9/23 The Cellar Door's '10 JACKHAMMER WINES' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S '10 JACKHAMMER WINES' HOTSHEET
2016 Premier Cru Chablis
Italian Rose & Dolcetto
Rioja, Apex Gruner & Collectible Cornas
Italian Rose & Dolcetto
Rioja, Apex Gruner & Collectible Cornas
2019 RIDGE 'DEMOSTENE' ZIN BLEND
ALEXANDER VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
ALEXANDER VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
58% Zinfandel & 42% Carignan from 100+ year old vines, this Alexander Valley Red is something we have not been able to feature as it was mostly for their club members. Then again, when it comes to full-on Zin blends, Ridge is Ridge and this is a superb value.
Full-on from the get-go, this explodes and seduces with peppery tones as well as pronounced chocolate covered strawberry tones, briar and licorice. In the mouth, it is crammed with savory, luscious and spicy full fruit and extremely well integrated flavors that carry over into the gorgeous, ripe finish. Drink now through 2028.
Full-on from the get-go, this explodes and seduces with peppery tones as well as pronounced chocolate covered strawberry tones, briar and licorice. In the mouth, it is crammed with savory, luscious and spicy full fruit and extremely well integrated flavors that carry over into the gorgeous, ripe finish. Drink now through 2028.
2016 BROCARD CHABLIS 'MONTMAINS'
PREMIER CRU
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Talk about an eye opener at 8:45 AM! I saw this hanging around on a list and then inquired to see how much was available. Enough to highlight for sure! Jean-Marc Brocard is one of the famed names in Chablis, setting up shop in 1973. His son Julien has been in charge since 1997 and converted the Domaine’s vineyards to organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Six years old and essence of middle-aged Chablis that is drinking very well indeed. No longer about its fruit but more about mineral and terroir. Aromas of flint, earth, mushroom, and pond water, more mineral, lemon and wet stone characteristics dominate the nose. In the mouth, this is electric, svelte yet with superb depth and expansion. Long and twangy with earth and pronounced mineral, this wine drinks beautifully now and will continue through 2028. Enjoy with fish in sauce, grilled prawns, Jambon Chablisienne, mushroom pasta and stinky soft-ripened cheeses.
Six years old and essence of middle-aged Chablis that is drinking very well indeed. No longer about its fruit but more about mineral and terroir. Aromas of flint, earth, mushroom, and pond water, more mineral, lemon and wet stone characteristics dominate the nose. In the mouth, this is electric, svelte yet with superb depth and expansion. Long and twangy with earth and pronounced mineral, this wine drinks beautifully now and will continue through 2028. Enjoy with fish in sauce, grilled prawns, Jambon Chablisienne, mushroom pasta and stinky soft-ripened cheeses.
2021 BOSCHIS DOGLIANI DOLCETTO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
92 Points – Vinous…Pianezza is the gateway Dolcetto into the realm of Dogliani and one of its finest producers, Boschis.
Very purple aromas with solid Morello cherry scents wrapped around chalky, minerally tones which, in true Dogliani fashion, leap from the glass. In the mouth, full frontal, dense and very precise flavors build and move to a long finish with undertones of dark chocolate. The 2021 Dogliani Pianezza is an engaging wine to pair with antipasti like salami or carpaccio yet full enough to stand up nicely to pork or poultry.
Very purple aromas with solid Morello cherry scents wrapped around chalky, minerally tones which, in true Dogliani fashion, leap from the glass. In the mouth, full frontal, dense and very precise flavors build and move to a long finish with undertones of dark chocolate. The 2021 Dogliani Pianezza is an engaging wine to pair with antipasti like salami or carpaccio yet full enough to stand up nicely to pork or poultry.
2021 NERVI-CONTERNO
'IL ROSATO'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'IL ROSATO'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
For the third year in a row, this Rose has arrived later in the season but once you have it, you see why it is more of a gourmand rose versus a porch sipper. Made by famed, ultra-lux Barolo producer Roberto Conterno, one sees that not only in Barolo is he great, he took his talents to Gattinara and makes grand level reds as well as this tasty dry Rose.
90% Nebbiolo, 10% Uva Rara and when done as a pink wine, takes on the character of the varietals, yet totally refreshes the mouth with glee. Neon-pink in color along with full, generous, bursting aromas of strawberry, white pepper, graphite, saline and mineral, which lead into a brisk, mouth-filling, uplifting and invigorating texture that coats and cleanses the palate then luxuriously lingers on for minutes.
90% Nebbiolo, 10% Uva Rara and when done as a pink wine, takes on the character of the varietals, yet totally refreshes the mouth with glee. Neon-pink in color along with full, generous, bursting aromas of strawberry, white pepper, graphite, saline and mineral, which lead into a brisk, mouth-filling, uplifting and invigorating texture that coats and cleanses the palate then luxuriously lingers on for minutes.
2020 HERMANOS PECINA
RIOJA 'COSECHA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
RIOJA 'COSECHA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Even though this estate is just over 25 years old, the wines that emerge from this Bodega are the epitome of traditionally made Rioja. Pedro Pecina worked for 20 years at La Rioja Alta so it is a no brainer that wines in this fashion would be this damn good to boot.
Producing a range of Rioja wines in all price points, the introductory Cosecha is always a classy wine and fine value, however, at this price it is to be ordered by the trunkload! Made from 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Garnacha and possessing an almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries. Fleshy and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from a short time in oak, it is smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews.
Producing a range of Rioja wines in all price points, the introductory Cosecha is always a classy wine and fine value, however, at this price it is to be ordered by the trunkload! Made from 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Garnacha and possessing an almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries. Fleshy and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from a short time in oak, it is smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews.
2020 F.X. PICHLER
GRUNER VELTLINER 'LOIBNER'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
GRUNER VELTLINER 'LOIBNER'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
The name Pichler is synonymous when it comes to Austrian greatness and especially the famed region of Wachau. Whether it is FX, Rudi or Pichler-Krutzler, these wines perform on an excellent level and are some of the world’s finest dry white wines. The Loibner is one hell of a glass of class and typical of the great FX Pichler, really over delivers and if it were made in another country, would fetch twice the price.
Revved up, multi-faceted scents of powdered lime, peppermint, crushed rock and an undertone of melon build from the glass. Commencing with full, expansive fruit in the mouth, the wine's lightning-bolt crisp, zesty mineral characteristics dominate the substantial, clean, firm middle and gushing finish. One with immense potential, drink over the next decade with seafood including sea bass or halibut dressed with greens, Indian cuisine based around curry or mild cheeses.
Revved up, multi-faceted scents of powdered lime, peppermint, crushed rock and an undertone of melon build from the glass. Commencing with full, expansive fruit in the mouth, the wine's lightning-bolt crisp, zesty mineral characteristics dominate the substantial, clean, firm middle and gushing finish. One with immense potential, drink over the next decade with seafood including sea bass or halibut dressed with greens, Indian cuisine based around curry or mild cheeses.
2016 CHATEAU BRUILLEAU
PESSAC-LEOGNAN ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
PESSAC-LEOGNAN ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Serge Bedicheau is the prototype of a French wine grower. One can picture this late sixties-something dude toiling on his tractor, sporting a beret and just engaged with his vines. Sectioned off from the overlying Graves region, Pessac-Leognan was created in 1987 to highlight the finest terroirs. This prestigious Bordeaux region is home to famous luminaries like Haut-Brion or Papes Clement.
Prominent gravelly soil and a blend of about half each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both of which are the driving force of this smashing red wine. A full nose of adobe, gravel, serious Morello cherry and rose scents mixed with mulled spice, savory earth and herbs lead into a very proper and poised texture. The delivery of the higher-toned Cabernet are highlighted initially with smoke, wild spices and blueberry arrive along with peat/gravel scents then switch back to the cherry and tobacco. Silky, stylish and quite complex for this level of Bordeaux especially on the detailed, precise, mineral-laden finish that has fine extension. Gorgeous and flavorful now but can also age nicely for another decade. Enjoy with roasted duck or lamb as well as a sautéed ribeye steak.
Prominent gravelly soil and a blend of about half each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both of which are the driving force of this smashing red wine. A full nose of adobe, gravel, serious Morello cherry and rose scents mixed with mulled spice, savory earth and herbs lead into a very proper and poised texture. The delivery of the higher-toned Cabernet are highlighted initially with smoke, wild spices and blueberry arrive along with peat/gravel scents then switch back to the cherry and tobacco. Silky, stylish and quite complex for this level of Bordeaux especially on the detailed, precise, mineral-laden finish that has fine extension. Gorgeous and flavorful now but can also age nicely for another decade. Enjoy with roasted duck or lamb as well as a sautéed ribeye steak.
2019 BRANDBOURG PINOT NOIR
BENCH LANDS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
BENCH LANDS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Once again, Elkton, Oregon-based Terry Brandborg has delivered yet another of his very individual Pinot Noirs that happens to come from the Umpqua Valley versus the Willamette. These wines have excellent distinction and offer excellent value, especially for those who want something for twenty bucks that can be enjoyed on a regular basis.
Coming in at 13.3% alcohol, this wine reveals its slightly warmer climate but carries its weight and color with a deft touch. Lively red cherry, hints of smoked plum along with cinnamon spice and earth aromas engage the taster then follow through to a tangy, bright mouthfeel that builds richness on the fine finish.
Coming in at 13.3% alcohol, this wine reveals its slightly warmer climate but carries its weight and color with a deft touch. Lively red cherry, hints of smoked plum along with cinnamon spice and earth aromas engage the taster then follow through to a tangy, bright mouthfeel that builds richness on the fine finish.
2020 VOGE CORNAS 'LES CHAILLES
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
The tiny appellation of Cornas is in the midst of being in a golden age these days. Along with a fountain of youth that has asserted themselves, there are still the grand old maestros that continue to make top-drawer wines. Voge has been one of our go-to producers for collectible French Syrah, specifically Cornas.
One of the highlights from last year’s jaunt through the Rhone Valley was the entire range of 2020 wines from Domaine Voge. Les Chailles is from four specific sites in Cornas, 40-year-old vines and planted on sandstone and granite soils. Attractive and alluring scents of plum, rose petal, smoked meat, graham spice, wet chalkboard and more. A bit of a youthful wild child who needs the belt, but then again, one could get a trip to the can for doing that these days. Lots of grip after the lush entry, brilliantly focused acids and tannins. Loads of persistence. Give this until 2027 and enjoy through 2036.
One of the highlights from last year’s jaunt through the Rhone Valley was the entire range of 2020 wines from Domaine Voge. Les Chailles is from four specific sites in Cornas, 40-year-old vines and planted on sandstone and granite soils. Attractive and alluring scents of plum, rose petal, smoked meat, graham spice, wet chalkboard and more. A bit of a youthful wild child who needs the belt, but then again, one could get a trip to the can for doing that these days. Lots of grip after the lush entry, brilliantly focused acids and tannins. Loads of persistence. Give this until 2027 and enjoy through 2036.
2020 COLTERENZIO 'LUMO' PINOT GRIGIO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
There is something about being a fan from New York, Philly, Pittsburgh, Chicago etc. It is not different that Pinot Gris/Grigio fans. Given the many non-dry local versions, do what fans from those cities do when their teams play poorly and boo their ass right out of the stadium!
Coterenzio’s Lumo is a tasty and friendly version from a fine Alto Adige co-op. Forward fleshy aromas and flavors of white peach, tangerine, pear, white flowers and a kiss of aromatic spice. Stuffed to the brim with flavor and a finish that is focused, vivid and dry. This is a wonderful sipper to start a meal or to serve with an array of seafood dishes and white meats.
Coterenzio’s Lumo is a tasty and friendly version from a fine Alto Adige co-op. Forward fleshy aromas and flavors of white peach, tangerine, pear, white flowers and a kiss of aromatic spice. Stuffed to the brim with flavor and a finish that is focused, vivid and dry. This is a wonderful sipper to start a meal or to serve with an array of seafood dishes and white meats.
