2023 DOMAINE THEVENET
MACON-VILLAGES
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

We have been selling Domaine Thevenet’s Maconnais wines since I arrived in 1998. Not only is this one of the best kept secrets, they also can claim the most frigid cellar that I ever tasted in and visited. For the first time we are offering their unoaked apex-buy Macon Villages.

The fruit comes from the villages of Bussieres and Milly providing fragrant lemon, green apple and stony mineral. Zippy flavors dominate, but expansion and intensity from the vintage prevail. Crisp and nerveaux on the finish, it is perfect with fish done in a light sauce, old-school roasted chicken or a vegetarian mushroom/pea pasta. There may be less expensive Macons, there may be greater Macons, but we feel that there is no finer Macon for the money!

2022 GROSSOT CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'FOURNEAUX
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PK

A longtime Cellar Door favorite, we are starting to wind down the 2022 vintage of Eve Grossot’s Chablis. The 2023s are coming but they will be 20-25% more expensive due to tariffs. Grab this undervalued Premier Cru while it is at this price! The words that best reflect the essence of this Premier Cru are generosity and mineral finesse. Fourneaux’s small thirty-three hectares are on a Kimmeridgian subsoil and poor stony and clay soil, and Eve Grossot owns a mere 1.75 of the entire site. This unique Premier Cru's grapes ripen nicely but never sacrifice their Chablis soul.

The perfume and aromatics on this Premier Cru are mighty impressive and is quietly becoming prototype Chablis that is very undervalued. Flinty mineral has taken the lead now with breezy chalk and fine undertones of mandarin and lemon. Regal texture, almost crunchy but ample depth and personality in the middle then driving home nicely with a brisk, thrusting, mouthwatering finish. Drink through 2033.

2022 LA CROIX MONTJOIE
VEZELAY BLANC 'IMPATIENTE'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

Located just outside the small village of Vezelay, 45 minutes south of Chablis is this gem of a Domaine. Vezelay was upgraded to a well-deserved elevation to AOC status in 2017, amazing initself because the vineyards were only restored in the early 1970s.

Founded in 2009 by Sophie and Matthieu Woillez, they are situated in one of the most picturesque areas of Burgundy. 100% Chardonnay but not sloppy, goopy, or oaky. The fullness comes from the estate's low-yielding, south-facing, blue clay marl soil vineyard site that is dedicated to this offering. Scents of lime, anise, yellow flowers pronounced mineral, saline and chalk follow through to a texture that has excellent movement and energy along with mouth-filling flavors and persistence. Drink this beauty with a flaky fish doused in a butter-laden sauce.

2021 NATHALIE RICHEZ HAUTES
COTES-DE-BEAUNE BLANC
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Nathalie Richez is the definition of a garagiste winemaker. Her winery is literally a room next to her house with the cellar below a shed in her back yard. We have always championed white Burgundy but as we have seen seismic price changes and what we once had normal access to are now almost unaffordable which has caused us to seek out producers such as her – young, passionate, dynamic and from regions that are now being prized for their rising quality.

Owning a small site in the village of Saint-Aubin just outside the village boundary and butting up against the St-Aubin vineyard of Champ-Tirant it is a Chardonnay-purist’s chardonnay, exuding terroir and depth of fruit. Crushed rocks, lemon zest, peat and white flowers dominate the nose. The texture is very gallant with sophistication, intensity and creaminess that would not be out of place in a St-Aubin Premier Cru that would easily sell for seventy. Exciting from front to back and at this point, the finish is now very extensive indeed. A delicious drink now through 2031.

2021 CHATEAU CANTEMERLE
HAUT-MEDOC (5th Growth)
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$143.94 - 6 PK

2021 CHATEAU CANTEMERLE HAUT-MEDOC (5th Growth) [reg. $51.99] SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$143.94 - 6 PK Chateau Cantemerle is one of the rare, classified growths that is Haut-Medoc. Only one of five, they are th last Chateau before arriving to Margaux. The local distributor is offering a wonderful closeout special due to 2022 having just landed.

2021 is a sleeper/shadow vintage that is a Bordeaux lovers’ vintage. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Aromas of red plum, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, violet, coffee and pipe tobacco are magnetic. In the mouth, this beauty reels you in with a veneer, velvety texture with uplifting minerality and crunchy cherry suggestions. At 13% alcohol this is a deceptive bottle of young Bordeaux being so delicious right now, specifically with a pan-seared thick porterhouse, but there is also no doubt that it will unfurl and age well. An expression of textbook Bordeaux, ready and approachable young but will evolve further over the next 10-15 years.

2023 FATTORIA ZERBINA ROMAGNA
'POGGIO VICCHIO' SANGIOVESE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

It is customary for Cristina Geminiani to produce delicious, award-winning, value-driven red wines, especially since she is responsible for establishing and enhancing the Romagna region just west of Bologna.

From a single vineyard and plot in Marzeno, articulate tangy berry, red flowers, fennel and sage qualities take center stage to create a wonderful mouthfeel that is both filling and uplifting. Suede-like structure, terrific complexity and vibrancy throughout with moxie, depth and persistence. Drink with classic Italian dishes based around grilled pork or beef, it is also valiant with penne in a Bolognese sauce or lasagna.

2023 POJER e SANDRI
NOSIOLA DOLOMITI BIANCO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Pojer e Sandri is widely recognized as an elite Trentino grower. The partnership and friendship of Fiorentino Sandri and winemaker Mario Pojer dates to 1975 and their wines are innovative expressions of Northern Italy. Now led by a new generation, they remain wines that cause one to sport a terroir turban because they are genuinely transparent.

Nosiola is a grape native to Trentino, and this ultra-vivid white wine value is dialed in with spicy, smoky apple/lemon tones and overriding mineral and very subtle hazelnut aspects that go off like fireworks. Intense, piercing brightness shines with laser-beam precision chiming throughout the whole experience, particularly on the superb minerally finish. Enjoy with lighter fish dishes, vegetable soups, shrimp and mild cheese.

2023 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX
LIRAC 'LE LORENTINE'
[reg. $35.99]
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the appellation of Lirac. Many Rhône fans have long known about the superb price/quality rapport of Lirac's wines. Highly-celebrated, Domaine de Marcoux was one of the first Chateaueuf players to cross the river to obtain Lirac vineyards in 2003.

Vintage 2021 is stylish, balanced and has proven repeatedly that there is Rhone character abound. 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache. Telltale Lirac aromas of anise, purple flowers, black plum, herbes de Provençe and smoked hickory wood erupt and entice. Mouth filling with terrific movement and energy, this wine is so relentless for this special price. Enjoy over the next 7-8 years with lamb.

2023 FLACO TEMPRANILLO
VINOS DE MADRID
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

From just outside Madrid, this is Tempranillo 101 and an utterly delicious choice for a nightly tipple to a launch point to more upscale appellations.

Forward, lush aromas of raspberry compote, roasted earth and gentle hints of cinnamon. Nicely balanced fruit, with great maintenance of freshness make this a perfect red to slam back morning, afternoon or evening.

2023 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
ABBEY RIDGE
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PK

In any given vintage with Cameron’s Pinot Noirs, one can certainly be called an Abbey vintage or a Clos vintage where one stands out over the other...yet both still maintain their profundity. 2023 is one of those vintages that both performed at exceedingly elevated levels but, the Abbey Ridge that takes it by a mere nose.

On its usual world class form, the 2023 Abbey Ridge is ravishing. Complex, aromatic, sexy Pinot aromas slither from the glass. Poised tones of lavender, smoked earth, herbs, red and black raspberries deliver excellent transparency. In the mouth, it is a prodigal musician, ethereal, cerebral, and changing the questions just when you think you have all the answers. The 50-year-old vines bring sheer joy and persistence pleasantly lingering for minutes. Drink through 2038+.

2023 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
CLOS ELECTRIQUE
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PK

The 2023 Clos Electrique is quite a masterpiece itself but speaks a different language than the Abbey Ridge.

Planted in the early eighties, Clos Electrique is a superb Dundee Hills site. The terroir here is a bit warmer than Abbey Ridge but John Paul does not pull any magic tricks with his techniques. Always a bit sturdier and masculine than the Abbey the 2023 Clos Electrique is spice driven, full and round, but with no shortage of grip and the vintage plays right into JP's hands. It commences with smoke, leather and violet then after ten minutes or so morphs into more alluring floral notes of violet and lilac followed up by elevated Italian plum. In the mouth, the voluptuousness of this vintage delivers a core of rich, ripe red fruit, with exotic warm spices and a long lively finish. Drink through 2038.

2023 CAMERON CHARDONNAY
CLOS ELECTRIQUE
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PK

Clos Electrique is always about the many clones that John Paul uses for this wine and 2023 is yet another masterpiece.

Beautifully defined and scintillating aromas of orange, cream, buttered toast, cinnamon and mineral tones draw you in. Quite tantalizing, the palate is both electric and rich along with spine and structure for further aging. Brilliantly delineated around the edges, this wine carries into a long, polished and graceful finish. Perfect for White Burgundy aficionados or for anyone who loves the world’s most compelling Chardonnays. Drink this wine with any hedonistic seafood dish through 2038.

2021 TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA
RIPASSO 'SAN ROCCO'
$25.99 BTL./$155.94 - SIX PACK

In Italy, 2021 is a heroic red wine vintage including those from the Valpolicella/Amarone area. Our friend Riccardo Tedeschi’s Valpolicella Ripasso may be one of his best-ever versions of this cuvee.

Ripasso is the Venetian technique that involves taking freshly pressed Valpolicella Classico juice and passing it over the pomace (mainly skins and seeds) of the Amarone, bringing further power and complexity. Well-dressed and muscular with chocolate covered black cherries, balsamico, savory elements and kisses of Moroccan spice. Broad and substantial and balanced by the Corvina grape’s stimulating acidity and a finish that pleasantly lingers for minutes. A hearty autumnal/winter selection to drink over the next 7-8 years with osso buco, braised lamb shanks, Spezzatino di Manzo and gorgonzola cheese.

2021 PENLEY CABERNET
SAUVIGNON 'COONAWARA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine…People are always searching for the twenty-dollar Cabernet that tastes like forty and this one is the choice.

Grown in Terra Rossa soils In SE Australia’s Coonawarra, Cabernet is king. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee kick it off, but after about 10 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, dusty earth and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture, which is luscious and dry. Plentiful backbone and, dare we say, a little Northern Pauillac-like influence with its boldness and sass. Impressively lengthy and buxom, grill up a steak or pork chops. Enjoy it over the next decade.

2024 BERNARD MAGREZ
BORDEAUX BLANC
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE

Famed for owning the grand Chateau Pape Clement, Bernard Magrez is a force in Bordeaux. Specializing in wines from the Graves, the standards associated with his name are remarkable on all levels.

Sauvignon Blanc with a dollop of Semillon, this scintillating white Bordeaux is extremely satisfying bringing together mineral intensity, with classic fleshy tangerine, honeysuckle and lemongrass aromas. Walking the line between ‘intense and finesse,’ penetrating flavors rule the day yet beautifully cut by fresh citrus flavors that stay with you until your next sip.

FERRARI TRENTO BRUT
'F1 LIMITED EDITION'
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$143.94 - 6 PK

There is an explanation for this sparkling wine’s impressive price decrease. Five years ago, Ferrari gained the contract for F1 Racing and made special cuvees for the circuit, labeling them for the race’s host cities. During the duration of this contract Formula 1 took off in popularity. Earlier, Moet bought out the contract, paying for one year the entire cost for the of the full five-year deal, hence the huge special on remaining stocks. After Giulio Ferrari returned to Trentino in Northern Italy from France in 1902, he was convinced his native terroir could be elite in for sparkling wine. Planting Chardonnay for his wines (unheard of and blasphemous at the time) recognition came instantly for these bubblies. Move ahead a century later and Ferrari is one of the most high-quality and famous producers of Sparkling wine done in the Champagne method in all of Italy and are a six time sparkling wine of the year winner from various publications.

Falling in somewhere between Ferrari’s deluxe Perle range and their exclusive Riserva Lunelli sparklers, this Blanc de Blancs makes one do a doubletake because you will think you are drinking from Champagne. Creamy and lavishly styled from 100% Chardonnay aged 38 months sur latte. Alluring scents of baked apple, brioche, perfumed almonds and lemon blossoms lead into a texture with silky bubbles that convey richness and overall class and finesse. A perfect aperitif to start a meal or pair nicely with scallops or petrale sole.

2023 GOMEZ CRUZADO
RIOJA BLANCO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

I tasted this white Rioja last week from a small but long-established Bodega and was blown away by its pedigree. Made mostly in steel tank and a small portion in non-toasted, steam-bended barrels, this blend of 70% Viura, 25% Tempranillo Blanco & 5% Garnacha Blanca has Spanish flair with Burgundian finesse and sensibility.

Layered with lemon oil scents along with granny smith apple, white peach, anise, brioche and scintillating earth notes. The finish is zesty and balanced with cracking extension. Perfect to appease any white wine enthusiast/snob, it can be drunk now and will continue to develop 5-6 years as well. Have it with scallops, fish in butter, rice dishes or pungent, soft-ripened cheeses.

2023 LA CROIX GRATIOT 'CERISE'
PAYS L'HERAULT ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A scrumptious, 100% Languedoc Syrah from our current favorite Picpoul producer that is nothing short of joyful.

The name of the wine is cherries, and they are certainly in the aromas. A wine for friends, this 13% alcohol Syrah shows shifty smoke and salty tones beneath red fruits, licorice, white pepper and purplish tones. Crunchy, cool and succulent, combine this with smoked meats including the holiday turkey.

2019 KANONKOP KADETTE
CAPE RED BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

We stink. Why do we stink? Because we sometimes overlook the virtuous wines of South Africa. Although it’s a small oversight, we are enthusiastic now and for the future.

Kanonkop is one of the country's longtime leading names and their Kadette Blend is a rocking value. 44% Pinotage, 29% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, this is a distinct red wine experience. A full-bodied pepper-pot wine, wild strawberries, herbs, rose petal, earth and clove tones penetrate the nose and the assertive palate. Extensive, complex and flavorful, this wine pairs nicely with roasted meats, especially game.

2023 DOMAINE BAUD COTE-DE-JURA
TROUSSEAU 'COUSU MAIN'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

100% Trousseau from the Jura. Even though it is only November 3, it is not too early to think about your Thanksgiving feast wines. This historic area between Burgundy and Switzerland is home to interesting, ancient wines and techniques including those from this ninth-generation grower.

Up-front stoniness, strawberry, dried herbs, sandalwood, smoke and mountain spices permeate from the glass and continue challenging the olfactory senses as it unfolds. Don't be fooled by the light color, it is virtuous, unadulterated and seemingly fragrant in the mouth with a resolute underbelly. The finish is refined, soulful, focused and airy, it will scream with turkey, especially the drumsticks and thighs. It also bonds well with duck or mushrooms.

2022 BELLE PENTE PINOT BLANC
'CUVEE HENRI'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

A special white wine made by an Oregon prodigy. This Pinot Blanc is a rare clone originally from Nuits-St-Georges mutated from Pinot Noir called Pinot Gouges and named after Henri Gouges who discovered it over one hundred years ago. 104 cases made, coming from the RPG vineyard managed by Brian O’Donnell’s friend Dave Paige, formerly of Adelsheim, this is Pinot Blanc in a different division.

Pronounced spiced orange and cereal scents with enticing mineral and perfume. Billowy, ornate and regal with depth and personality of something that is more expensive. Blazing brisk acidity with spiced bread sneaking through on the long follow-through. I cannot say enough about this Oregon Pinot Blanc (Gouges)! Drink over the next 4-5 years with salmon, roasted chicken and mushroom dishes.

2023 SANT'ANTONIO
VALPOLICELLA 'NANFRE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From an underrated Amarone/ Valpolicella producer, Sant' Antonio’s Nanfre is pleasurable and made for drinking rather than thinking.

Full of cherry-pit, dark chocolate and vibrant herbs, it is fun, mouth-filling and goes down easily in heroic doses. One taste and you will find out why we ask, "what's not to like about this red??!!"

2019 CHATEAU ORMES DE PEZ
SAINT-ESTEPHE
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

The Saint-Estephe hamlet of Pez is home to three formidable Chateaux, Chateau de Pez, Chateau Tour de Pez and Château Ormes de Pez, which is the best of the lot. Owned by the Cazes family (famous for Lynch-Bages and Pichon Baron Longueville) since the late 19th century, this estate is the model of excellence, consistency and one of the finest non-classified growths in Bordeaux.

A great vintage, 2019 is comprised of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc & 3% Petit Verdot. Elegantly persuasive, this intense Bordeaux shows off fine spice, cassis and blackberry gleaming against a backdrop of tobacco, allspice and cocoa powder. The palate is exquisitely balanced, concentrated, yet still youthful and packed. Ripe berries and forest floor tones kick in then further build on a full, structured palate and finish that persists and fascinates. Even though good appeal and charm represent, hold on to it for another 12-18 months and enjoy it through 2038.

2022 FONT-SARADE
VENTOUX ROUGE
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

From a purist Vacqueyras producer is this country red made from Grenache, Syrah and Carignan exceeds expectations at this special price.

An array of complex perfumed aromas of spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and feral notes steer this Southern Rhone selection. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal. Penetration and spirit, the elevation and Mont Ventoux’s cool nights bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the spice-laden finish. Enjoy with sausages, lamb, and a spicy Asian stir-fry done with beef or even grilled salmon.

2024 FONT-DU-LOUP
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Anne-Charlotte ‘Acha’ Melia-Bachas’s Chateauneufs and Cotes-du-Rhone wines have become required features at The Cellar Door and we are excited to be able to offer her new Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc.

Grenache Blanc and Clairette comprise the blend of this upscale Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc whose grapes come from sandy soils in the Chateauneuf village of Courthezon. 2024 is terrific for white Rhones and this offering reveals pear, hints of ginger, subtle peach skin and anise tones. The texture does what white Rhone wines do best, penetrate the palate, however, since she blocks the malolactic fermentation, combined with a cool vintage, the mineral finale and zing allow it to reach loftier heights than usual. Enjoy with grilled swordfish, pan-seared seabass and goat cheese.