9/3/25 The Cellar Door's 'DYNAMO' Wine Sheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DYNAMO' WINESHEET
Bandol Rouge, Cerasuolo Rose
95 Point Sauv Blanc
Bierzo Favorite, SuperTuscan Value
95 Point Sauv Blanc
Bierzo Favorite, SuperTuscan Value
93 Points – The Wine Advocate…One of the most electrifying twenty-dollar wine values..not just Spain but the entire world! Raul Perez has been a force since the initial explosion of Bierzo nearly 20 years ago. He is not only a generous soul; he is also one of the leaders for change in the area, leading to better focus on terroir with the Mencia grape.
Mostly Mencia and teeming with violet, plum, cinnamon, sandalwood and mineral, this wine changes like an obstacle course as it unfolds in the glass. Pure and satisfying with smoothed-over edges, this wine has fine expansion on the palate and follows over to a brisk, lively finish that soars. Do not be fooled; underneath there is ample teeth and structure which will allow it to pair well with pork, sausages and even a burger. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
Mostly Mencia and teeming with violet, plum, cinnamon, sandalwood and mineral, this wine changes like an obstacle course as it unfolds in the glass. Pure and satisfying with smoothed-over edges, this wine has fine expansion on the palate and follows over to a brisk, lively finish that soars. Do not be fooled; underneath there is ample teeth and structure which will allow it to pair well with pork, sausages and even a burger. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
Bordeaux Blend from a Brunello di Montalcino producer. Almost equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from sites in Montalcino, this hearty red seemingly has a foot there but a foot in Sonoma.
Fruit-dominated with savory black raspberry, briar and lurking violet and spiced earth in the background, just to let you know that it is Italian. Juicy with classy, mouth-filling flavors that fill the mouth nicely from start to finish. At this price, we encourage you to buy a bunch, grill a T-bone steak and liberally toss it back!
Fruit-dominated with savory black raspberry, briar and lurking violet and spiced earth in the background, just to let you know that it is Italian. Juicy with classy, mouth-filling flavors that fill the mouth nicely from start to finish. At this price, we encourage you to buy a bunch, grill a T-bone steak and liberally toss it back!
95 Points – The Wine Advocate…When it comes to New Zealand Sauvignon, Dog Point does not mess around. Located in the northern corner of the South Island, this Marlborough luminary makes mighty Sauvignon yet denounce the stereotypical explosion pineapple princess attributes that the majority possess.
Here is a wine that goes down easier than a soccer player who takes a fake dive looking for a foul. Full of energy and attitude, grapefruit, fig, savory herbs, guava and fresh-cut flowers flow nicely into a clean texture that reveals nice movement, subtle power and complexity then concluding by turning on the bright lights at the finish. Long and lingering, pair with grilled prawns with chimichurri sauce, swordfish and more.
Here is a wine that goes down easier than a soccer player who takes a fake dive looking for a foul. Full of energy and attitude, grapefruit, fig, savory herbs, guava and fresh-cut flowers flow nicely into a clean texture that reveals nice movement, subtle power and complexity then concluding by turning on the bright lights at the finish. Long and lingering, pair with grilled prawns with chimichurri sauce, swordfish and more.
I have been enthralled with Herencia Altes wines from Catalonia’s Terre Alta region for a while. Nuria Altes took over from her father in 2010 converting to organics and adding more land including plantations of the rare Garnacha Peluda grape.
A member of the Grenache family, the Peluda (hairy) possesses a fuzzy tone, protecting it from sunburn and extreme heat. Deeply colored, yet natural red acidity from both the grape and elevation brings it into balance. Fifty percent whole cluster brings forth clove spice and everything nice. Think of this like something Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas would make. Broad yet brilliant, outstanding complexity, superb length and persistence. A real Catalonian wine for lamb. If you love things like Rhone, Languedoc or Priorat then this is a must have.
A member of the Grenache family, the Peluda (hairy) possesses a fuzzy tone, protecting it from sunburn and extreme heat. Deeply colored, yet natural red acidity from both the grape and elevation brings it into balance. Fifty percent whole cluster brings forth clove spice and everything nice. Think of this like something Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas would make. Broad yet brilliant, outstanding complexity, superb length and persistence. A real Catalonian wine for lamb. If you love things like Rhone, Languedoc or Priorat then this is a must have.
A captivating and delicious white wine from one of our preferred Corbieres producers that oozes the South of France.
Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc & Rolle (Vermentino), aromas of red pear, blood orange, Mediterranean herbs and mandarin shine. Building up on the initial attack, crunchy citrus flavors arrive with kisses of spice extending pleasantly. Have this as a gathering wine with a charcuterie board, grilled vegetables (particularly asparagus), or lighter fish like steamed cod.
Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc & Rolle (Vermentino), aromas of red pear, blood orange, Mediterranean herbs and mandarin shine. Building up on the initial attack, crunchy citrus flavors arrive with kisses of spice extending pleasantly. Have this as a gathering wine with a charcuterie board, grilled vegetables (particularly asparagus), or lighter fish like steamed cod.
We have highlighted Lioco’s Chardonnays in the past, but this is the premier offering of their cool climate Pinot Noir from Mendocino County.
Very engaging from the jump, the remoteness of this site is indicative in this Pinot Noir. Aromatically expressive with botanical aspects like forest floor, jasmine, anise and pepper riding alongside red plum, raspberry and cinnamon. Classic, sultry flavors, gorgeous movement, nice spice tones and extension. More dark blackberry compote qualities arrive on the second sip. A wine where class meets country, drink this Pinot with pulled pork and more. Drink over the next decade.
Very engaging from the jump, the remoteness of this site is indicative in this Pinot Noir. Aromatically expressive with botanical aspects like forest floor, jasmine, anise and pepper riding alongside red plum, raspberry and cinnamon. Classic, sultry flavors, gorgeous movement, nice spice tones and extension. More dark blackberry compote qualities arrive on the second sip. A wine where class meets country, drink this Pinot with pulled pork and more. Drink over the next decade.
Hailing from Italy's Adriatic Coast in the Abruzzo area is this delightful regional specialty.
A pink torpedo that is primed to sink you, this rosé from 100% of the Montepulciano grape is all about vivid pleasure. Alluring strawberry licorice surrounds subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs; the cool, ethereal texture that takes on all the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down….Beautifully dry and Caprese salad friendly. Slurp, slurp, slurp!
A pink torpedo that is primed to sink you, this rosé from 100% of the Montepulciano grape is all about vivid pleasure. Alluring strawberry licorice surrounds subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs; the cool, ethereal texture that takes on all the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down….Beautifully dry and Caprese salad friendly. Slurp, slurp, slurp!
Who says you cannot get an ageworthy wine for an attractive price??!! One of the supreme producers of this famous Mediterranean region, Bastide Blanche's Cuvee Fontaneou can best be described as "Mighty Mourvedre". This bottling is 92% Mourvedre, 8% Grenache from a same-named parcel that is a stone's throw from the Mediterranean Sea and is from red clay soils over an abundance of limestone. Very much a wine for the cellar, this is not just a can of whoop-ass, it is a whole case of whoop-ass!!!
Resolute scents of asphalt, game, rose, blueberry and sea salt with an undercurrent of cranberry and coffee from earth rather than from the use of new oak. Wiry with resounding structure, fine fruit notes are underneath and will come out with time. Expect this to be very ripe, layered and profound with complex notes of Provençal herbs, truffle and floral tones as it ages. Firm and packed in the back, this should be held until 2027, and it will then drink exquisitely through 2037.
Resolute scents of asphalt, game, rose, blueberry and sea salt with an undercurrent of cranberry and coffee from earth rather than from the use of new oak. Wiry with resounding structure, fine fruit notes are underneath and will come out with time. Expect this to be very ripe, layered and profound with complex notes of Provençal herbs, truffle and floral tones as it ages. Firm and packed in the back, this should be held until 2027, and it will then drink exquisitely through 2037.