6/2/25 The Cellar Door's 'XERTZ' WineSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'XERTZ' WINESHEET
Low Alcohol Alpine Red & White
Oregon Viognier/Washington Syrah
Barbera & Epic Gigondas
Oregon Viognier/Washington Syrah
Barbera & Epic Gigondas
2023 RATTI BARBERA D'ASTI
'BATTAGLIONE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'BATTAGLIONE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of Barolo and Piedmont’s important and influential addresses, Renato Ratti has been making Barbera d’Asti since 2009. Unlike Alba, Barbera is the main feature of the Asti region and tends to be more robust and heartier in style.
The grapes for the Battaglione Barbera D’Asti come from Ratti’s Villa Pattono property in Costiglioli d’Asti. Resonant earth notes in addition to red and black fruit aromas intermixed with hints of spice, licorice, rose and dried herbs come together nicely. One of the most popular Italian wine values that we offer, it will accompany any hearty risotto dish, firm Alpine cheeses or an Italian-inspired roasted chicken.
The grapes for the Battaglione Barbera D’Asti come from Ratti’s Villa Pattono property in Costiglioli d’Asti. Resonant earth notes in addition to red and black fruit aromas intermixed with hints of spice, licorice, rose and dried herbs come together nicely. One of the most popular Italian wine values that we offer, it will accompany any hearty risotto dish, firm Alpine cheeses or an Italian-inspired roasted chicken.
2024 ET FILLE VIOGNIER
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
If you are an Oregon wine lover, you already know that 2024 is going to be a prolific vintage across the board. Even early on, the white wines that are arriving possess almost seamless attributes.
Increasingly as I taste Et Fille’s Viognier, the thing that makes me notice is that it is true to the varietal yet is never ponderous or smells like Prell shampoo. Beautifully balanced with orange blossom, nectarine, tangerine and hints of jasmine and verbena. Aromatic yet poised and personable, the scents are mimicked on the palate with nice depth and vibrancy. Finishes with subtle spice and extension, enjoy this with scallops, asparagus/veggie risotto with a seafood stock, curries and soft, mild cheese.
Increasingly as I taste Et Fille’s Viognier, the thing that makes me notice is that it is true to the varietal yet is never ponderous or smells like Prell shampoo. Beautifully balanced with orange blossom, nectarine, tangerine and hints of jasmine and verbena. Aromatic yet poised and personable, the scents are mimicked on the palate with nice depth and vibrancy. Finishes with subtle spice and extension, enjoy this with scallops, asparagus/veggie risotto with a seafood stock, curries and soft, mild cheese.
2021 ACHAVAL-FERRER
MALBEC MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MALBEC MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Known for super-lux priced wines; this estate has continued to evolve and remains one of the pinnacle producers in Argentina. Even after receiving medals, accolades, near and at 100-point scores, Achaval-Ferrer still puts forth an entry wine that over-delivers for its price point.
Unlike 10-15 years ago, Malbecs from Argentina are no longer about how much oak furniture can be crammed into the bottle. Most producers are now allowing the terroirs to shine and Achaval is no exception. This wine is aged nine months in used French barrels and for twenty-bucks, is compelling indeed. Handsome with an abundance of raspberry, carob, chocolate, fig and red earth aromas that keep coming on as the wine unfolds in the glass. In the mouth, it has voluptuousness buffered by cool, zesty tones along with a vertical backbone and a very vinous, broad, seductive escalating finish.
Unlike 10-15 years ago, Malbecs from Argentina are no longer about how much oak furniture can be crammed into the bottle. Most producers are now allowing the terroirs to shine and Achaval is no exception. This wine is aged nine months in used French barrels and for twenty-bucks, is compelling indeed. Handsome with an abundance of raspberry, carob, chocolate, fig and red earth aromas that keep coming on as the wine unfolds in the glass. In the mouth, it has voluptuousness buffered by cool, zesty tones along with a vertical backbone and a very vinous, broad, seductive escalating finish.
2023 SCHENK 'L'ALPAGE'
CHASSELAS
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
>CHASSELAS
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
The Two-Slope Alpine Slide wine begins here! Two years ago, we started working with this white wine from the French speaking portion of Switzerland and many of you shared in our enthusiasm. Made from the Chasselas grape in the Alpine Mont-sur-Rolle and given its 12° alcohol content as well as having a high BPH (bottles per hour) component, it will surely have you yodeling or watching The Sound of Music on loop after consuming a bunch!
Texas grapefruit, quince, alpine herbs, white flowers and above all mighty mountain minerality. Virtually cascading and gushing with luminous acidity that screams for you to pour more. Enjoy with hors d’oeuvres, gruyere cheese, grilled prawns, green salads and more.
Texas grapefruit, quince, alpine herbs, white flowers and above all mighty mountain minerality. Virtually cascading and gushing with luminous acidity that screams for you to pour more. Enjoy with hors d’oeuvres, gruyere cheese, grilled prawns, green salads and more.
2022 DOMAINE LABBE MONDEUSE
VIN DE SAVOIE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
VIN DE SAVOIE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Located in the Alps east of Lyon and close to the Swiss border, wines from this region are perfect for everyday use as well as to play stump the assclown who fancies themselves a wine expert. Mondeuse is one of the red grapes of choice and Labbe’s is delicious indeed.
Planted in calcareous soil, this red is full of unbridled energy. Mountain berries, mountain spices, plenty of mineral and an undertone of rose petals carry over into a texture that is lifting yet mouth filling and chock full of beautiful fruit. If you want to even make it a chillable red, go for it! Enjoy with charcuterie, mushrooms, roasted chicken, Chinese dishes and more.
Planted in calcareous soil, this red is full of unbridled energy. Mountain berries, mountain spices, plenty of mineral and an undertone of rose petals carry over into a texture that is lifting yet mouth filling and chock full of beautiful fruit. If you want to even make it a chillable red, go for it! Enjoy with charcuterie, mushrooms, roasted chicken, Chinese dishes and more.
2022 I CLIVI MERLOT
FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Even though known for its famed white wines, Northern Italy’s Friuli region is the home of some of Italy's most flavorful and innovative red wines, many from familiar grapes like this Merlot.
The brilliance here is that this does not smell or taste as though it comes from the local vegetation store with the neon green cross in the window. Telltale Merlot blackberry fruit, tealeaf, allspice and cherry underpinnings are surrounded by cinnamon and pepper notes from both the use of French oak and the marl soils. The palate is warm, round and deep with flavors that deliver ripe blackberry, then chocolate, allspice and tobacco and the finish is extremely lush but with tangy Italian earth tones adding to the allure. Drink over the next decade.
The brilliance here is that this does not smell or taste as though it comes from the local vegetation store with the neon green cross in the window. Telltale Merlot blackberry fruit, tealeaf, allspice and cherry underpinnings are surrounded by cinnamon and pepper notes from both the use of French oak and the marl soils. The palate is warm, round and deep with flavors that deliver ripe blackberry, then chocolate, allspice and tobacco and the finish is extremely lush but with tangy Italian earth tones adding to the allure. Drink over the next decade.
2021 SANTA DUC GIGONDAS
'AUX LIEUX DITS'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
'AUX LIEUX DITS'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
These days in Gigondas there are talented players but for me, the current holder of the title belt in my opinion is Domaine Santa Duc. Exquisite wines from start to finish are produced and long gone are the smoker-friendly, overoaked wines instead the Gras family are making detailed wines without sacrificing depth nor intensity. Aux Lieux Dits is a complex blend of eight different parcels with varying soils and located both in the Dentelles and on the classic plain. Benjamin Gras produces captivating wines so if you love Rhone wines, you do not want to miss these.
Penetrating and energetic aromas, extra levels of complexity are evident in the multitude of scents that waft from the glass, herbes-des-provence highlighted by rosemary and lavender, white pepper, exotic Thai spice and wild plum. This hauntingly beautiful Gigondas is a stunning balancing act of compact, deep lacy blackberry and cherry pit aspects, saturation, movement and fine structure and a lingering silky finish. This wine may be approached young but will easily develop for 12-15 more years.
Penetrating and energetic aromas, extra levels of complexity are evident in the multitude of scents that waft from the glass, herbes-des-provence highlighted by rosemary and lavender, white pepper, exotic Thai spice and wild plum. This hauntingly beautiful Gigondas is a stunning balancing act of compact, deep lacy blackberry and cherry pit aspects, saturation, movement and fine structure and a lingering silky finish. This wine may be approached young but will easily develop for 12-15 more years.
2021 ECHOLANDS SYRAH
LES COLLINES VINEYARD
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
LES COLLINES VINEYARD
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
I am often asked who are the new and exciting producers in Walla Walla. Even though they have now been around since the 2018 vintage, I can emphatically state that one of the finest newbies is Echolands. I have known Doug Frost for over 20 years and while he is quite the character, he is a very astute wine mind. He must be, Doug is one of the very few who have both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications. Along with partner Brad Bergman, this estate could be referred to as the middle finger of Walla Walla in their efforts to produce balanced wines that are conducive to this growing region.
The newly dropped 2021 Syrah is from the famed Les Collines Vineyard, a Walla Walla Valley benchmark for top Syrah. Classic aromas of white pepper, red currant, red berries, smoked meat, roses and a hint of the stone-laden earth that is to come. In the mouth, this provocative and poised wine hits you with dazzling scents of cherry, black currant, and pepper flavors. Outstanding extension and excellent structure, this exemplary Walla Walla benefits from some quiet time in the cellar and will be at its best from 2027-2040.
The newly dropped 2021 Syrah is from the famed Les Collines Vineyard, a Walla Walla Valley benchmark for top Syrah. Classic aromas of white pepper, red currant, red berries, smoked meat, roses and a hint of the stone-laden earth that is to come. In the mouth, this provocative and poised wine hits you with dazzling scents of cherry, black currant, and pepper flavors. Outstanding extension and excellent structure, this exemplary Walla Walla benefits from some quiet time in the cellar and will be at its best from 2027-2040.
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