The Cellar Door's 'SCUDETTO' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SCUDETTO' HOTSHEET
Washington Syrah
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Steal
Rhone, Vouvray, Volpaia SuperTuscan
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Steal
Rhone, Vouvray, Volpaia SuperTuscan
2020 VOLPAIA 'CITTO' TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Famed Chianti Classico producer Castello di Volpaia dips their toes in many waters. Not only do they make Chianti, are experts in hospitality with their restaurant and villas, they also have property in Maremma. Citto is an excellent value red that comes from a blend of both of their estates in Chianti and Maremma and is a tasty wine that will appease anyone who loves SuperTuscans at an affordable price.
Mainly Sangiovese with a dose of Cabernet Sauvignon, this red possesses a forward rose of blackberry plus pronounced spices which dominate the nose and carry over to the smooth and stylish palate. A yummy everyday red wine, this one is perfect for hearty pastas, grilled burgers or for just plain sipping. Drink over the next five years.
Mainly Sangiovese with a dose of Cabernet Sauvignon, this red possesses a forward rose of blackberry plus pronounced spices which dominate the nose and carry over to the smooth and stylish palate. A yummy everyday red wine, this one is perfect for hearty pastas, grilled burgers or for just plain sipping. Drink over the next five years.
2019 K VINTNERS SYRAH
WAHLUKE SLOPE 'MILBRANDT'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
WAHLUKE SLOPE 'MILBRANDT'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Like dogs and their owners, wines can often take on the personality of their vintners. Charles Smith of K Wines is a wild dude with plenty of attitude. Taking his cue from the likes of Cayuse, K Wines are loaded and with no shortage of personality. The Milbrandt Syrah comes from the growing area of Wahluke Slope northwest of Walla Walla.
Stunning aromatics leap from the glass showing wonderful wood smoke aromas and cracked pepper, black plum, hints of curry and an undertow of Mexican hot chocolate and mineral from the rocky earth. In the mouth it is lavish, silky, yet quite substantial with a full core of fruit complemented by an excellent spine on the spice-laden finish.
Stunning aromatics leap from the glass showing wonderful wood smoke aromas and cracked pepper, black plum, hints of curry and an undertow of Mexican hot chocolate and mineral from the rocky earth. In the mouth it is lavish, silky, yet quite substantial with a full core of fruit complemented by an excellent spine on the spice-laden finish.
2021 COPPO BARBERA D'ASTI
'L'AVVOCATA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'L'AVVOCATA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Along with the likes of Vietti, Bologna and Olim Bauda, Coppo is on the list of Rushmore producers of Asti. Founded in 1892 this family has become widely known for their wines and since the 80s, Barbera in particular.
Aged solely in stainless steel tanks this Barbera provides an abundance of pleasure for everyday consumption. Fleshy, vibrant and given the warmth and cuddly aspects of 2021, possesses ample red and black fruits. Very mouth filling but most importantly very fun and one that will please many palates. Enjoy this flavorful red with meatballs, seafood in tomatoes and salami.
Aged solely in stainless steel tanks this Barbera provides an abundance of pleasure for everyday consumption. Fleshy, vibrant and given the warmth and cuddly aspects of 2021, possesses ample red and black fruits. Very mouth filling but most importantly very fun and one that will please many palates. Enjoy this flavorful red with meatballs, seafood in tomatoes and salami.
2019 PINON VOUVRAY SEC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
The image of Vouvray tends to be a tainted one for most people. In the eyes of the wine geeks and wine lovers throughout the world, they will tell you that some of France's greatest white wines and values come from this magnificent Loire village. Getting to François Pinon's winery in the hills above Vouvray is no easy feat. When I last visited the region, it was certainly a challenge to find this place. Having placed numerous calls to during my drive for blow-by-blow directions, I finally reached Vouvray Valhalla. Transportation aside, this Vouvray is worth the effort and the 2020 vintage is oh, so, remarkable! We love Chenin Blanc and when crafted by one of the Loire's most talented producers, it doesn't get much better. Julien Pinon took over the family Domaine in 2018 and is succeeding his late father Francois and producing wines that are pure expressions of terroir.
The newly arrived 2020 Sec is fully dry. Slender and stylish, this precise Vouvray brings forth aromas of chalkboard, lemon-lime, red apple, chamomile and an array of mineral. In the mouth, it is fine-tuned with relaxed flavors that carry over to an edgy, mouth-watering finish. Drink this now over the next decade. If you have not experienced a fine Vouvray with Northwest salmon, it is about time that you should. If you like your Chenin Blanc older, this will easily age 15-20+ years as well as drinking early.
The newly arrived 2020 Sec is fully dry. Slender and stylish, this precise Vouvray brings forth aromas of chalkboard, lemon-lime, red apple, chamomile and an array of mineral. In the mouth, it is fine-tuned with relaxed flavors that carry over to an edgy, mouth-watering finish. Drink this now over the next decade. If you have not experienced a fine Vouvray with Northwest salmon, it is about time that you should. If you like your Chenin Blanc older, this will easily age 15-20+ years as well as drinking early.
2019 COUROULU VACQUEYRAS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Upgraded from Cotes-du-Rhone Village status in 1990, Domaine Couroulu is one of the small and outstanding producers in the region and their premier Vacqueyras wine always delivers a big bang, especially at 20 bucks.
60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, bold depth of aromas are present with perfectly placed scents of lavender, thyme, blackberry and pronounced rosemary. Think of walking in the Sunday Provençal market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgues and taking in all the aromas. Very penetrating and a bit devilish, the texture is what makes this wine so worth it. Full-on palate coverage and with kirsch and wild spice flavors. Telltale Vacqueyras dimension here with its backbone and wind-blown components that all follow through to a brilliantly focused, authoritative finish that is laden with white pepper. Drink it through the end of 2029. Toss a fat steak on to the grill and have a go at a bottle.
60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, bold depth of aromas are present with perfectly placed scents of lavender, thyme, blackberry and pronounced rosemary. Think of walking in the Sunday Provençal market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgues and taking in all the aromas. Very penetrating and a bit devilish, the texture is what makes this wine so worth it. Full-on palate coverage and with kirsch and wild spice flavors. Telltale Vacqueyras dimension here with its backbone and wind-blown components that all follow through to a brilliantly focused, authoritative finish that is laden with white pepper. Drink it through the end of 2029. Toss a fat steak on to the grill and have a go at a bottle.
2020 GOTA 'MIRRA' ALENTEJO TINTO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Gota, meaning drop, is a project spearheaded by Natalia Jessa who works closely with small growers in various regions of Portugal and puts forth wines that are just aching to be poured into your glasses.
The Mirra is from the southern Portuguese region of Alentejo and is a perfect, hearty red made with indigenous grapes that works well on any weeknight. As you would expect from a southern Portuguese wine lots of dark berry tones are out front with hints of chocolate and pepper. Juicy and generous in the mouth with hints of coffee, earth, and pepper on the finish, this fun red is perfect for backyard potluck parties.
The Mirra is from the southern Portuguese region of Alentejo and is a perfect, hearty red made with indigenous grapes that works well on any weeknight. As you would expect from a southern Portuguese wine lots of dark berry tones are out front with hints of chocolate and pepper. Juicy and generous in the mouth with hints of coffee, earth, and pepper on the finish, this fun red is perfect for backyard potluck parties.
2021 ARTERBERRY-MARESH PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
The on-ramp into Jim Arterberry Maresh’s wine freeway from the Dundee Hills, this third generation Oregon producer comes from great bloodlines; in fact, one could say Oregon wine royalty. What he is doing with not only his family’s vineyard (Maresh) as well as some neighboring sites is nothing short of momentous. The prime focus here is on single vineyard wines but there is always fruit that is too good to be sold off and hence winds up in this cuvee that has impressive material.
From Maresh and Weber vineyards and as pure as Pinot gets, never becoming a juice box, the 2021 Arterberry Maresh shines through with hearty minerality, red and purple floral aromas and creamy red and blueberry fruit. Silky and round in the mouth with ripe tannins and great purity of flavor. This is lovely to drink now and over the next decade with soft cheeses or roasted chicken that has been loaded with morel mushrooms.
From Maresh and Weber vineyards and as pure as Pinot gets, never becoming a juice box, the 2021 Arterberry Maresh shines through with hearty minerality, red and purple floral aromas and creamy red and blueberry fruit. Silky and round in the mouth with ripe tannins and great purity of flavor. This is lovely to drink now and over the next decade with soft cheeses or roasted chicken that has been loaded with morel mushrooms.
2019 CHATEAU FAUGERES SAINT-EMILION
GRAND CRU CLASSE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
GRAND CRU CLASSE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
95 Points – Vinous… The famed Bordeaux region of Saint-Emilion has an entirely different classification system for its wines versus those of the Medoc. The name Grand Cru is tossed around like a frisbee but it goes even a bit further. The apex of Grand Cru for this region is known as Premier Cru Classe ‘A’. There are only four and include the likes of Cheval Blanc, Ausone, etc. Then there is Premier Cru Classe ‘B’, counts 14, and includes Figeac, Clos Fourtet and others. The next layer, which includes this wine, is Grand Cru Classe and there are 64 Chateaux entitled to this status and let’s face it, none of these 82 mentioned are cheap - yet this is a steal! Following this is Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, with over 200 represented. After Grand Cru, there is just plain Saint-Emilion. Hope this helps because this wine is priced very well given its lofty status. Lastly, it is a grand wine to cellar and will be perfect for a 21st birthday or 20-25th anniversary based on 2019.
2019 is an epic vintage for Bordeaux and this epic Bordeaux is stylish and destined for greatness. Pronounced blueberry and black cherry tones which are surrounded by plenty of cinnamon and pepper notes from both the use of French oak and the terroir which is from the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion. The palate is sultry, round and deep with flavors that deliver ripe blackberry, then chocolate, allspice and tobacco. The finish is extremely persistent and this wine is a definite candidate for long-term aging. It wouldn't be a crime if you open one, but have it with something that has forceful flavors like rack of lamb, but it will ultimately be best 2025 – 2040+.
2019 is an epic vintage for Bordeaux and this epic Bordeaux is stylish and destined for greatness. Pronounced blueberry and black cherry tones which are surrounded by plenty of cinnamon and pepper notes from both the use of French oak and the terroir which is from the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion. The palate is sultry, round and deep with flavors that deliver ripe blackberry, then chocolate, allspice and tobacco. The finish is extremely persistent and this wine is a definite candidate for long-term aging. It wouldn't be a crime if you open one, but have it with something that has forceful flavors like rack of lamb, but it will ultimately be best 2025 – 2040+.
2022 CHATEAU MAYLANDIE
CORBIERES ROSE 'CABANON'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
CORBIERES ROSE 'CABANON'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Founded in the 1950s and located in the prime lieu dit of Boutenac, Chateau Maylandie is an older Corbieres producer with a healthy dose of youthful infusion.
Prototype Languedoc Rose, Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah comprise the blend. Fresh notes of strawberry and red currant along with scents of quinine, Mediterranean herbs blitz from the glass and carries over to a texture that really makes your mouth water, with fine fruit, silky texture, and thirst-quenching acidity. This goes down way too easily, so stock up, because nothing is better on a hot day (it's coming this weekend!) then a bottle of the pink stuff!
Prototype Languedoc Rose, Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah comprise the blend. Fresh notes of strawberry and red currant along with scents of quinine, Mediterranean herbs blitz from the glass and carries over to a texture that really makes your mouth water, with fine fruit, silky texture, and thirst-quenching acidity. This goes down way too easily, so stock up, because nothing is better on a hot day (it's coming this weekend!) then a bottle of the pink stuff!
