Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FRENETIC' WINESHEET
Crozes-Hermitage
95-Point Brunello
French Pinot Noir
Yakima Merlot, Tuscan Value
95-Point Brunello
French Pinot Noir
Yakima Merlot, Tuscan Value
2022 DOMAINE DUPRE
BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A French Pinot Noir from Burgundy's Macon region, this is an unmitigated, eye-opening, vivacious, easy-drinking dry Pinot Noir that will not put any expensive types out of business.
Suave berry joins mineral and peat-smoke along with underlying herbs and reglise - well-crafted, radiant and high-toned. A seductive underbelly, refinement and buoyancy allow diversity with food choices. Easy to have with pate or other hors d’oeuvres along with mushroom pasta, stir-fried beef or chicken, upcoming holiday fare or soft-ripened Camembert cheese.
Suave berry joins mineral and peat-smoke along with underlying herbs and reglise - well-crafted, radiant and high-toned. A seductive underbelly, refinement and buoyancy allow diversity with food choices. Easy to have with pate or other hors d’oeuvres along with mushroom pasta, stir-fried beef or chicken, upcoming holiday fare or soft-ripened Camembert cheese.
2022 BOSCARELLI 'PRUGNOLO'
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the four pillar Vino Nobile di Montepulciano estates, Boscarelli has been one of my longtime favorites of this famed Tuscan region. Prugnolo Gentile is the name of the clone of Sangiovese utilized in the village of Montepulciano. Eighty-five percent is utilized in this Rosso along with 15% Mammolo and it outperforms many other producers’ Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Trademark gorgeous perfume with notes of bursting cherry, tobacco, sage and cardamom. In the mouth, it overachieves with deceptive upscale texture red currants, untamed spice and a wistful, long finish. A beautiful wine, and one of the finest values to pair with many Italian dishes.
Trademark gorgeous perfume with notes of bursting cherry, tobacco, sage and cardamom. In the mouth, it overachieves with deceptive upscale texture red currants, untamed spice and a wistful, long finish. A beautiful wine, and one of the finest values to pair with many Italian dishes.
2019 COMTE LELOUP MUSCADET
'CUVEE DES CEPS CENTENAIRES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CUVEE DES CEPS CENTENAIRES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Château Carre/Comte Leloup is one of the most established and highly celebrated producers in the western Loire Valley Muscadet region of Muscadet located just outside of Nantes. This estate owns land throughout several of the Crus but this wine in Chasseloir is special for its schist soils and over one-hundred-year-old vines.
Notable for late release after extensive bottle age after fourteen months sur-lie, this wine takes on qualities reminiscent of a hypothetical cross of top Chablis and Savennieres yet is prominent in its Melon grape and terroir. Secondary lemon-drop scents surrounded by superb ‘oyster juice’ notes along with compelling oceanic scents constantly flow from the glass. Abundant breadth and intensity from the old vines, this wine also has startling energy with snappy acidity and salty tones. Jaunty and very multifaceted, enjoy it with fresh shucked oysters. However, given its intricacy, it will bode well to do halibut, sole or cod doused in a beurre blanc.
Notable for late release after extensive bottle age after fourteen months sur-lie, this wine takes on qualities reminiscent of a hypothetical cross of top Chablis and Savennieres yet is prominent in its Melon grape and terroir. Secondary lemon-drop scents surrounded by superb ‘oyster juice’ notes along with compelling oceanic scents constantly flow from the glass. Abundant breadth and intensity from the old vines, this wine also has startling energy with snappy acidity and salty tones. Jaunty and very multifaceted, enjoy it with fresh shucked oysters. However, given its intricacy, it will bode well to do halibut, sole or cod doused in a beurre blanc.
2022 CASA SMITH PRIMITIVO
WAHLUKE SLOPE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WAHLUKE SLOPE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The Zinfandel grape's lineage runs through Primitivo, a Southern Italian, Puglia grape before hitting its roots in Croatia. There are factors that render Primitivo different than what we know as Zinfandel. After tasting, we highly encourage you to try this savory Washington number from Charles Smith and celebrate the differences!
Exuberant, penetrating and meaty with prominent, solid raspberry and balsamic tones. Subtle coffee-spice comes through from the earth and not the oak nor beans. Vivid cherry and root tones along with winter fruits. A fleet footed, but full wine that excellent linear freshness and grip. Not as spice driven as nose lets on, especially on the pointed, pure and long finish that shows good zing and length.
Exuberant, penetrating and meaty with prominent, solid raspberry and balsamic tones. Subtle coffee-spice comes through from the earth and not the oak nor beans. Vivid cherry and root tones along with winter fruits. A fleet footed, but full wine that excellent linear freshness and grip. Not as spice driven as nose lets on, especially on the pointed, pure and long finish that shows good zing and length.
2023 ETIENNE BECHERAS
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CROZES-HERMITAGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
A new offering from one of my go-to Saint-Joseph producers, Etienne Becheras owns a small 2+ acre plot of Crozes-Hermitage. A throwback to the heady days of ultra-traditional producers like Trollat, de Barjac and old Ferraton wines, this wine is ultra-fine, conventional, aromatic, lacy Syrah.
Smoked meat, black olive, ground pepper, red plum fruit, cassis and tea-smoke boom from the glass. In the mouth it possesses a smooth, layered texture with brisk vibrancy, coolness and brilliant depth of fruit. Adventurous and wild throughout with sneaky snap-back on the radiant, genuine finish. Quite accessible, there is terrific ceiling for aging. Drink over the next 10-12 years with sirloin steak slathered with peppercorns or grilled lamb chops.
Smoked meat, black olive, ground pepper, red plum fruit, cassis and tea-smoke boom from the glass. In the mouth it possesses a smooth, layered texture with brisk vibrancy, coolness and brilliant depth of fruit. Adventurous and wild throughout with sneaky snap-back on the radiant, genuine finish. Quite accessible, there is terrific ceiling for aging. Drink over the next 10-12 years with sirloin steak slathered with peppercorns or grilled lamb chops.
2023 LA POSTA
BONARDA'MENDOZA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
BONARDA'MENDOZA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Mentioned in the 19th century Bonarda is Argentina's second most planted varietal after Malbec. In 2008 it was discovered the Bonarda grape in Argentina is not Piedmont’s Bonarda Novarese, but Douce Noir, a grape also known as Charbono, whose background is from France's Savoie region. As it has evolved, it is now something very distinctively Argentine.
La Posta is a value-oriented producer, and their version reveals piquant, frontal red essences presenting themselves immediately. Instant appeal makes it a selection for any moment; the succulence and suppleness smoothly complement anything from pizza to empanadas to grilled meat or veggies.
La Posta is a value-oriented producer, and their version reveals piquant, frontal red essences presenting themselves immediately. Instant appeal makes it a selection for any moment; the succulence and suppleness smoothly complement anything from pizza to empanadas to grilled meat or veggies.
2022 POLLARD MERLOT
YAKIMA VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
YAKIMA VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
Pollard is Robin Pollard who owns a Yakima Valley site at over 1100 feet, and she collaborates on the wines and farming with partner Andrew Will founder and legend Chris Camarda.
Dignified and beautiful, this Merlot is aged in 20% new French oak so not to overwhelm the fruit. An ambrosial Merlot that coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, herbs and spices and a peppermint patty note. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through 2034. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.
Dignified and beautiful, this Merlot is aged in 20% new French oak so not to overwhelm the fruit. An ambrosial Merlot that coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, herbs and spices and a peppermint patty note. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through 2034. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.
2019 PERTIMALI LIVIO SASSETTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 - SIX PACK
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 - SIX PACK
95 Points – Wine Spectator…People and publications speak of desert island albums, foods and more. If I were to have a desert island Brunello, Livio Sasseti Pertimali would be my choice. I have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking these wines since the 1990 vintage and a generation on, they still floor me with their quality.
Brunello di Montalcino’s 2019 vintage exceptional. Located on the Montosoli hill just north of the village, this wine has it all: incredibly deep fruit, bold structure, but lovely balance, finesse and breed exuding a silky suave quality with impressive substance. Aromatic and full of class with impressive saturation all kept in a composed and stylish shell. Alluring blackberry and violet mingle with gorgeous mineral, hot rocks, roasted coffee and savory spice. Backbone and grip give this wine super-longevity. While there is early charm to this wine, it IS a crime to open one. Let it age to bring out all its dimensions and complexity and drink 2028 through 2039+.
Brunello di Montalcino’s 2019 vintage exceptional. Located on the Montosoli hill just north of the village, this wine has it all: incredibly deep fruit, bold structure, but lovely balance, finesse and breed exuding a silky suave quality with impressive substance. Aromatic and full of class with impressive saturation all kept in a composed and stylish shell. Alluring blackberry and violet mingle with gorgeous mineral, hot rocks, roasted coffee and savory spice. Backbone and grip give this wine super-longevity. While there is early charm to this wine, it IS a crime to open one. Let it age to bring out all its dimensions and complexity and drink 2028 through 2039+.
