Friday Sips
FRIDAY SIPS
White Burgundy Values + one red wine
Today February 26 from 1:30 - 6:30
White Burgundy Values + one red wine
Today February 26 from 1:30 - 6:30
We do have an affinity for White Burgundy here at The Cellar Door but drinking Puligny and Chassagne-Montrachet on an everyday basis can be cost prohibitive. Truth is, there are numerous values within the entire Burgundy region and we will sample three coming from three different areas of the appellation. We'll also have a Rhone Red for those who need to have their Friday red wine fix.
2014 VESSIGAUD MACON-FUISSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A model of what French Chardonnay from Southern Burgundy is all about, we have been waiting for this new arrival from an old favorite for quite a while. Pierre Vessigaud follows the traditional method handed down by previous generations – those who have contributed to the renown of the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation. He produces wines of an exceptional quality induced by the privileged situation of its vineyard located in the hamlet of Pouilly, itself in the village of Fuisse.
The Macon-Fuisse region is actually within Pouilly-Fuissé, specifically in 2 plots. This wine comes from parcel situated at the top of the cote of Pouilly-Fuisse. A consistent over-achiever, this Maconnais wine is a true hidden gem. Vessigaud ages this wine primarily in stainless steel along with a combination of 3-5 year barrels, both large and small. This doesn't impart any oakiness on the wine, just brings about more depth and body. Piercing, steely, beautiful mineral dominates this offering along with a robe of lemon and apple tones. In the mouth, it is athletic with plenty of depth which all carries over to an expansive mineral driven, chiming finish that extends nicely. Drink this offering over the next few years.
The Macon-Fuisse region is actually within Pouilly-Fuissé, specifically in 2 plots. This wine comes from parcel situated at the top of the cote of Pouilly-Fuisse. A consistent over-achiever, this Maconnais wine is a true hidden gem. Vessigaud ages this wine primarily in stainless steel along with a combination of 3-5 year barrels, both large and small. This doesn't impart any oakiness on the wine, just brings about more depth and body. Piercing, steely, beautiful mineral dominates this offering along with a robe of lemon and apple tones. In the mouth, it is athletic with plenty of depth which all carries over to an expansive mineral driven, chiming finish that extends nicely. Drink this offering over the next few years.
2014 DUBRUEIL-FONTAINE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 'LES CRENILLES'
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 'LES CRENILLES'
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Dubrueil-Fontaine is the epitome of a family Domaine and one that has been in existence and passed down since 1879. Located in the Corton village of Pernand-Vergelesses, this estate is equally adept with both red and white wine. The Les Crenilles vineyard is located in the village of Pommard and since there is no white wine permitted to be referred to as Pommard, this wine is labeled as Bourgogne Chardonnay.
One of a kind beauty, the soils for this wine are chock full of active limestone within the clays and are actually closer to what one might find in Nuits Saint-Georges or Gevrey-Chambertin. Suave and way above the norm for mere ‘Chardonnay’ in the mouth. Finesseful, but underlying powerful flavors show admirable depth and electricity then slamming it home with a persistent, driving, yet very poised finish. A delicious drink now through 2019.
One of a kind beauty, the soils for this wine are chock full of active limestone within the clays and are actually closer to what one might find in Nuits Saint-Georges or Gevrey-Chambertin. Suave and way above the norm for mere ‘Chardonnay’ in the mouth. Finesseful, but underlying powerful flavors show admirable depth and electricity then slamming it home with a persistent, driving, yet very poised finish. A delicious drink now through 2019.
2013 ROMAIN COLLET CHABLIS
'LES PARGUES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'LES PARGUES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
The name Collet is very important in the village of Chablis and for its wines. Romain Collet is the grandson of Jean Collet, one of the influential Chablis producers, and son of Gilles who followed immaculately in his father's footsteps so it is unsurprising that this young dude is producing rock star Chablis!
There is a story behind this wine. The vineyard of Les Pargues was once Premier Cru but local politics after World War II kept it from restoration to its former status. If you were to obtain a map of Chablis, you would see that Les Pargues is the third in a series of south-facing hillsides and runs parallel to Vaillons and Montmains. The instant that I put the glass up to my nose, the colorful metaphors commenced in my notebook. However, I will keep it clean for family wine drinking purposes! This is essence of Chablis! Clean, pristine, and very regal. Serious steely, flinty qualities and with excellent posture. Pushes very deep; this is Premier Cru quality! Old vine intensity is present, but very classically delineated. Racy around the edges, super nerve and seashell character builds on the long, penetrating and snappy finish. A super-overachiever, this wine is a virtual trapeze artist. While accessible now, this steal of a Chablis will easily age for 4-6 more years without any problem. If you have it now, shellfish is the choice. Two or three years on, and then pair it with sole or halibut dressed in a cream sauce and perhaps with some mushrooms, too.
There is a story behind this wine. The vineyard of Les Pargues was once Premier Cru but local politics after World War II kept it from restoration to its former status. If you were to obtain a map of Chablis, you would see that Les Pargues is the third in a series of south-facing hillsides and runs parallel to Vaillons and Montmains. The instant that I put the glass up to my nose, the colorful metaphors commenced in my notebook. However, I will keep it clean for family wine drinking purposes! This is essence of Chablis! Clean, pristine, and very regal. Serious steely, flinty qualities and with excellent posture. Pushes very deep; this is Premier Cru quality! Old vine intensity is present, but very classically delineated. Racy around the edges, super nerve and seashell character builds on the long, penetrating and snappy finish. A super-overachiever, this wine is a virtual trapeze artist. While accessible now, this steal of a Chablis will easily age for 4-6 more years without any problem. If you have it now, shellfish is the choice. Two or three years on, and then pair it with sole or halibut dressed in a cream sauce and perhaps with some mushrooms, too.
2014 BRUNIER VENTOUX ROUGE
'MEGAPHONE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'MEGAPHONE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the last 15 years, the Brunier family of Vieux Telegraphe fame has been spreading their expertise across many other areas of the Rhone outside of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. While visiting the Domaine last June, I had the chance to sample a red from the Ventoux region that is rapidly becoming more exciting and no longer known for just bistro wines. As terroirs are being uncovered, folks like Bruniers and Philippe Gimel along with a couple others are taking this region to new and exciting heights.
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah and from the village of St-Hippolyte-de-Graveyron in close proximity to the Dentelles de Montmirial, this wine has Vieux Telegraphe DNA and markings all over it but in a more value-oriented, earlier drinking style. So what if this wine won’t last fifteen years, it is delicious now and over the next 4-6 years. Grown in sandy/clay soils with light limestone. Scintillating lavender, red cherry, white pepper and hickory smoke and mineral scents lead into a texture that is both lively and layered as well as showing a level of sophistication that is normally reserved for wines of a much higher pedigree. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes up with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes on the uncommonly long finish.
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah and from the village of St-Hippolyte-de-Graveyron in close proximity to the Dentelles de Montmirial, this wine has Vieux Telegraphe DNA and markings all over it but in a more value-oriented, earlier drinking style. So what if this wine won’t last fifteen years, it is delicious now and over the next 4-6 years. Grown in sandy/clay soils with light limestone. Scintillating lavender, red cherry, white pepper and hickory smoke and mineral scents lead into a texture that is both lively and layered as well as showing a level of sophistication that is normally reserved for wines of a much higher pedigree. Ethereal and spicy throughout then finishes up with pronounced strawberry, currant and thyme notes on the uncommonly long finish.
