3/11/25 The Cellar Door's 'HERE IT COMES' Wine Sheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HERE IT COMES' WINESHEET
Valpolicella & Soave Special
Collectible Crowley Pinot
Chinon, Italian White, Rioja
Collectible Crowley Pinot
Chinon, Italian White, Rioja
2022 BAUDRY CHINON 'LE DOMAINE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
It is always challenging to make the statement of who is the best in any growing region. The title changes hands due to circumstances, vintages, generation changes, etc. For quite a while now, the current champion of Chinon is Domaine Baudry. Mathieu Baudry simply puts forth detailed red wines to degrees that express both Cabernet Franc and their terroirs.
The Le Domaine cuvee is Cab Franc grown on soils that are 70% of sand over limestone/30% gravel on the Chinon Plateau. Attractive raspberry, dried herbs, licorice, sandalwood, and tobacco permeate from the glass and continue intriguing the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the warmth of the 2022 vintage gives it expansion, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy, and fragrant in the mouth with a steely underbelly. The finish is refined, soulful, and a definitive taste of France. Partake in a bottle of this 100% Cabernet Franc with a roasted, herb-encrusted pork-loin over the next 8-10 years. It is lunchtime as I write this, and I am getting hungry as these words are being typed!
The Le Domaine cuvee is Cab Franc grown on soils that are 70% of sand over limestone/30% gravel on the Chinon Plateau. Attractive raspberry, dried herbs, licorice, sandalwood, and tobacco permeate from the glass and continue intriguing the olfactory senses as it opens. In the mouth, the warmth of the 2022 vintage gives it expansion, but overall, the composition of the wine is lacy, classy, and fragrant in the mouth with a steely underbelly. The finish is refined, soulful, and a definitive taste of France. Partake in a bottle of this 100% Cabernet Franc with a roasted, herb-encrusted pork-loin over the next 8-10 years. It is lunchtime as I write this, and I am getting hungry as these words are being typed!
2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
SUPERIORE 'NICALO'
$21.99 BTL./$131.94 - SIX PACK
SUPERIORE 'NICALO'
$21.99 BTL./$131.94 - SIX PACK
NEW VINTAGE…and 2021 is five-star level for this region. Perhaps we should title this wine along with the following as ‘The Venetians Aren’t Blind’ because they are the essence of the region without being Amarone. Grapes for this offering are dried for about a month then aged for 18 months in large Slovenian botti and this is what brings and extra level of oomph and complexity to the wine.
Lush but lively notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, violet, cocoa powder and roasted earth carry over to a texture with savory red fruits and fine grip lending structure and backbone. Finishing quite long and having ample dimension, this Valpolicella will make everything from roasted pork to mushroom risotto or a gorgonzola cheese dance on your palate. Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Lush but lively notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, violet, cocoa powder and roasted earth carry over to a texture with savory red fruits and fine grip lending structure and backbone. Finishing quite long and having ample dimension, this Valpolicella will make everything from roasted pork to mushroom risotto or a gorgonzola cheese dance on your palate. Drink over the next 5-6 years.
2022 BATISTELLE SOAVE CLASSICO
'BATISTELLE'
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$119.94 - 6 PK
'BATISTELLE'
[reg. $24.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$119.94 - 6 PK
While we adore the Soave stylings of Pra, Gini and Suavia, there is also a plethora of wonderful producers in this zone. Up until 2002, the Dal Bosco family sold their grapes to the local co-op and soon after created Le Battistelle with their many parcels around Brognoligo in Soave. A little long in stock, our distributor placed this fabulous Soave on an exceptionally fine special.
The Batistelle version is one of the top wines of the estate. Located in the same valley, across from Pra, the volcanic and basalt-laden soils bring about excellent minerality to bounce off honeysuckle, pear, orange peel and lemon. Sensual palate presence, there is plenty of suave harmony and brisk notes on the finish. Try this with grilled prawns, seafood pasta dishes or lighter chicken dishes.
The Batistelle version is one of the top wines of the estate. Located in the same valley, across from Pra, the volcanic and basalt-laden soils bring about excellent minerality to bounce off honeysuckle, pear, orange peel and lemon. Sensual palate presence, there is plenty of suave harmony and brisk notes on the finish. Try this with grilled prawns, seafood pasta dishes or lighter chicken dishes.
2021 LUKE JEFFERSON SYRAH
'SYMBION' WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'SYMBION' WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Retired Cristom winemaker Steve Doerner has not exactly fully retired as he continues to make superb wines under his Luke Jefferson label and Eola-Amity vineyard. Many know Steve for his profound Pinot Noirs, but at both Cristom and Calera, he also produces superb Syrah and not from Washington...but from Eola-Amity.
Made with an abundance of whole clusters, this Syrah is a gift from Eola-Amity soils. Wily aromas of perfumed black plum, smoked meat, freshly ground white pepper and a hint of cinnamon and olive. Fills the mouth nicely and possesses supple, smooth tannins and a nice backbone as well. Very drinkable now with barbecue or in winter with a braised lamb dish. Will age nicely for 8-10 years as well.
Made with an abundance of whole clusters, this Syrah is a gift from Eola-Amity soils. Wily aromas of perfumed black plum, smoked meat, freshly ground white pepper and a hint of cinnamon and olive. Fills the mouth nicely and possesses supple, smooth tannins and a nice backbone as well. Very drinkable now with barbecue or in winter with a braised lamb dish. Will age nicely for 8-10 years as well.
2022 FRESCOBALDI POMINO BIANCO
'CASTELLI POMINO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'CASTELLI POMINO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Situated northwest of Florence, the relatively unknown DOC region of Pomino was created in the 1970s. Exceedingly small in land size, this area does have the usual Tuscan red varietals but also is known for its white wines as well.
If this wine were presented to me ten years ago, I would have gone running to find a pair of tweezers to pull the splinters from my tongue because it was nuked with oak. These days the wine is aged in stainless steel with a miniscule portion of used barrels. The blend is Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay revealing mango, yellow apple, subtle white flowers and a touch of flinty notes. Very direct flavors on entry build and expand the close by sweeping clean the entire palate with its brisk acids.
If this wine were presented to me ten years ago, I would have gone running to find a pair of tweezers to pull the splinters from my tongue because it was nuked with oak. These days the wine is aged in stainless steel with a miniscule portion of used barrels. The blend is Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay revealing mango, yellow apple, subtle white flowers and a touch of flinty notes. Very direct flavors on entry build and expand the close by sweeping clean the entire palate with its brisk acids.
2021 CHATEAU GROLET
COTES-DE-BOURG BORDEAUX
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
COTES-DE-BOURG BORDEAUX
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
Beneath the archaic aspect of secrecy in Bordeaux, there is ample forward thinking of a young generation of Petite Chateaux owners who are making terrific wine and doing with sensible farming and diligence in the winery. Jean-Luc Hubert practices biodynamic farming on his estate that perched on slopes in the Cotes-de-Bourg district affectionately known by locals as ‘the little Switzerland of Gironde.’
The usual Bordeaux suspects epitomize this Bordeaux, Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon from 55-year-old vines. Soils here are loam and gravel which deliver minerality, but the wine also enhanced by skillfully vinous cassis and blue fruits. Earthy spice comes forward on the lengthy finish. Depth and persistence are present, both of which are hallmarks of Bordeaux's excellent and well-defined vintage. Lovely now with a pan-seared rib-eye steak, duck or aged cheeses.
The usual Bordeaux suspects epitomize this Bordeaux, Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon from 55-year-old vines. Soils here are loam and gravel which deliver minerality, but the wine also enhanced by skillfully vinous cassis and blue fruits. Earthy spice comes forward on the lengthy finish. Depth and persistence are present, both of which are hallmarks of Bordeaux's excellent and well-defined vintage. Lovely now with a pan-seared rib-eye steak, duck or aged cheeses.
2021 CHATEAU MASSIAC MINERVOIS
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
We often refer to Minervois as an outlaw growing region, particularly since it is so vast, has terroirs that change like an obstacle course, and utilizes an abundance of varietals. Chateau Massiac is quite a staple of the region and one whose wines have both detail and cojones. Located in the North-center area in the heart of the appellation, this cuvee from Minervois is a blend of Syrah and Carignan.
The credo at Massiac is expressed so well on this wine - elegance, yet concentration; expressive, but subtle; hedonistic, but cerebral. 2021 captivates its audience with black raspberry aromas, which lead to a broad, spicy, animalistic, ripe red/black raspberry-packed personality. Warmly textured, impressive palate coverage, yet with fine acids and tannins. Complex, sultry, and crammed with southern French soul, possessing a meaty finish that screams of pepper and herbes de provence. A total lamb wine, drink this killer through 2028.
The credo at Massiac is expressed so well on this wine - elegance, yet concentration; expressive, but subtle; hedonistic, but cerebral. 2021 captivates its audience with black raspberry aromas, which lead to a broad, spicy, animalistic, ripe red/black raspberry-packed personality. Warmly textured, impressive palate coverage, yet with fine acids and tannins. Complex, sultry, and crammed with southern French soul, possessing a meaty finish that screams of pepper and herbes de provence. A total lamb wine, drink this killer through 2028.
2023 MILENRAMA RIOJA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Sisters Ruth and Ana De Andres have projects and wines from numerous spots in Spain with the majority, like this offering, being killer for their price points. Last year we were enthusiastic about the Jumilla, this year it is their scrumptious, everyday Rioja.
100% Tempranillo. Aged entirely in tank. Packed with clean, fruit-forward scents of strawberry along with hints of earth, smoke and white pepper. Savory-textured flavors with surprising dimension shine with plenty of juicy, mouth-watering notes throughout. A great red for tapas, paella, sausages and more.
100% Tempranillo. Aged entirely in tank. Packed with clean, fruit-forward scents of strawberry along with hints of earth, smoke and white pepper. Savory-textured flavors with surprising dimension shine with plenty of juicy, mouth-watering notes throughout. A great red for tapas, paella, sausages and more.
2022 CROWLEY PINOT NOIR
'FOUR WINDS VINEYARD'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
'FOUR WINDS VINEYARD'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
Commencing his first wine in vintage 2006, we instantly were able to grasp that Tyson Crowley was going to be a formidable force when it comes to fine Oregon Pinot Noir. Having honed his craft previously at Cameron and others, Tyson has been able to take those lessons and incorporate them into his own work.
Four Winds Vineyard is one of the finest, high elevation cool sites in Oregon. Located in the McMinnville Coast Range and sitting at eight hundred feet, this site makes well-structured, very red tinged, flavorful Pinot Noirs. Gorgeous and oh so classic pinot noir nose of lavender, strawberry, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency. Texturally, it is quite giving with a ripe and silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume that speaks clearly. The palate’s flavors are indicative of the vineyard, with the high elevation bringing backbone and firmness to the pleasurable aspects of what is up front. Sensuous and prototype, top-drawer Oregon Pinot, these aspects continue to the finish that maintains a finesseful pure character that is present throughout the wine. Clamps down on the persistent finish, this wine could use a few years on cellar time. Drink this 2028 – 2040+.
Four Winds Vineyard is one of the finest, high elevation cool sites in Oregon. Located in the McMinnville Coast Range and sitting at eight hundred feet, this site makes well-structured, very red tinged, flavorful Pinot Noirs. Gorgeous and oh so classic pinot noir nose of lavender, strawberry, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency. Texturally, it is quite giving with a ripe and silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume that speaks clearly. The palate’s flavors are indicative of the vineyard, with the high elevation bringing backbone and firmness to the pleasurable aspects of what is up front. Sensuous and prototype, top-drawer Oregon Pinot, these aspects continue to the finish that maintains a finesseful pure character that is present throughout the wine. Clamps down on the persistent finish, this wine could use a few years on cellar time. Drink this 2028 – 2040+.
