THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SEVEN BANGERS' WINESHEET
Genius Oregon White Wines
Bedrock ZinSpecial
Italian Red Blend from Venice area
2022 BEDROCK ZINFANDEL
OLD VINE
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
93 Points - The Wine Spectator...A short-time, sizzling special on one our favorite top-level Zinfandels, this normally checks in at thirty beans.
One of California's great values is the calling card of Bedrock. Old vines mean something here because the 2022 is from 80+ year old vines and from several famed vineyards (Teldeschi, Evanghelho, Katushas, Nervo, Sodini, Beeson, Bedrock, Old Hill, and Papera). Brimming with judicious marionberry, tones of black pepper, licorice, briar and smoked earth tones ride shotgun. Spicy and layered, there are excellent red tones to balance out the telltale power and bring a streamlined aspect. Pronounced cardamom and red earth shine on the flooded, fresh, extending finish. If you fancy yourself a Zin aficionado, then you must grab some bottles and drink with summer barbecues and more. NEW BEDROCK HERITAGE VINE ARRIVALS…EMAIL FOR INFO AND PRICING
2022 EYRIE PINOT GRIS ESTATE
DUNDEE HILLS
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
With wine professionals, amateurs and even writers all agog for newcomers and rising trends, it is easy to forget the already established and great. For over fifty years Eyrie has been the benchmark for Oregon Pinot Gris and to this day that has not changed.
As usual, Eyrie’s Pinot Gris stands out for its intricate minerality and smoky notes. Clear-cut yellow apple and spice tones fill the lithe, vinous palate out with beautiful balance and uplifting glow on the finish. Intricate and fetching at once, it is a foolproof match with salmon, prawns and roasted chicken.
2023 JC SOMERS PINOT BLANC
LOUISE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Formerly at J. Christopher and Cameron, in 2019 Jay Somers desired a smaller production lifestyle and created JC Somers. Immediately the quality and his deft touch showed in both white and red wine. This Pinot Blanc is Jay’s favorite barrel with the remainder going into another cuvee.
From the Louise Vineyard in the Laurelwood AVA, this Pinot Blanc is aged in neutral 500 liter oak barrels. This brings about volume and extension versus oaky/buttery tones. Expressive and balancing forward, creamy fruit with intense and showy terroir notes of minerality and stone. Showing off the aromatic side of this flexible, chameleon of a grape, forward aromas of nose-tickling minerality, creamy pear, pineapple and soft cardamom spice. The chipper, saline-driven finish shows serenity and persistence. A deal for twenty dollars, Jay’s 2023 is clean, never mean, and full of high-octane gasoline. (…Just kidding about the gasoline…) and will pair splendidly with white meat, fresh crab or a nice fish like sole done in a light sauce.
2021 COMBEL LE SERRE CAHORS
'PUR FRUIT DU CAUSSE'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Wading through the assorted styles of Cahors is like having three dogs and then wading through the landmines that they have left in your front yard. Many changes have occurred. A new generation who are refusing to add in Merlot or Tannat are allowing this beautiful chalky soil to enhance the Malbec grape versus battling the grape with too much oak.
100% Auxerrois (the local name for Malbec), this wine is drier than versions from Washington or Argentina. A true taste of France, this wine is soulful and made for grandmere cuisine. Old school, rustic aromas of mineral, turned earth, pepper, herbs, with black and red raspberry along for the ride. Black goes to red in the mouth, with cherry tones, hints of black licorice, supple tannins and a smooth finish that has ample earthiness and is in no way a lollipop wine. Enjoy with sausage/peppers/onions, country pate, a juicy burger and for the adventurous and patient cook, cassoulet.
2021 ANTIDOTO RIBERA DEL DUERO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
100% Tempranillo from the high-elevation, cooler climate portion of Ribera del Duero. The beauty of this wine is that there is absolutely no aging in new barrels; it is all about neutrality and sense of place.
Virtual fragrance and complexity from the Atlantic inspire this wine but the results are very Mediterranean that backed up beautifully with fullness, power and depth. The natural stanchness of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvet-like texture. The presence of coolness is important for the wines reflection of their NE Ribera sector terroir. Fresh-cut flowers, mineral, creamy marionberry permeate from the glass flowing to a savory texture chock full of earth and spice. Refined and scrumptious now, it will easily develop for 6-8 years as well.
2023 MARCHESI DI SALENTO
NERO D'AVOLA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Sicilian and satisfying, this Nero D'Avola is a perfect daily red or party choice.
Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, vanilla and sage; this wine sings from the glass then follows through to a texture packed with spicy ripe fruit and a lingering and balanced finish that possesses well-integrated tannins. We highly recommend this hearty red with roasted meats or spaghetti & meatballs.
2018 VIGNALTA 'GEMOLA'
COLLI EUGANEI ROSSO
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK
Famous for the jars of salt that are always around here, Lucio Gomero put the Colli Euganei wine region just outside of Venice on the map. Bordeaux varietals thrive and Lucio strives to produce what is an Italian Saint-Emilion and with 2018, he succeeded mightily by winning the vaunted Tre Bicchieri Award from Slow Food Gambero Rosso.
Detailed and never losing its Italian sensibilities, this Bordeaux-inspired blend (70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc) from just outside of Venice puts forth scents of black cherry, plum, cedar, currant, mocha, tangy earth, sage and anise. Flavor-wise, this number is impressively structured and stacked with earth-laden notes from the terroir joining the generosity in the middle and especially on the luxurious, long finish. You wouldn't be committing a crime if you were to open one now with something grilled or braised, however given the prowess and track record of Gemola, it is poised for greatness and will continue to develop, gain further nuance and complexity over the next 12-15+ years. If this blend were from the Tuscan Coast, it would be $145 and not $45.