Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'NEVER MIND THE PADLOCKS' WINESHEET
9 wines including 95 point Chianti Riserva
Pinot Noir, Rioja, French Cab Franc
Puglia Red for 15
Pinot Noir, Rioja, French Cab Franc
Puglia Red for 15
Located in the southern portion of Puglia near Lecce and Salento, Copertino is a DOC rarely seen outside of Italy. The outstanding Cantina Sociale co-op is the main producer, and these are old school Italian reds that literally have Paolo Conte playing in the background.
Mostly Negramaro with small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. Berries, plum, allspice, almond and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, something with a spicy Asian influence, but it is at its best with pizza.
Mostly Negramaro with small dollops of Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. Berries, plum, allspice, almond and cedar/tobacco characteristics unfold from the glass. In the mouth, the dry and nuanced flavors coat the mouth and reveal tones that make one think of the fleshy, vibrant portion of the cherry that is right around the stone. The finish draws out and somersaults into being textbook Southern Italian with its tangy, earthy, spicy qualities and wild red fruits. Pair this delicious wine with slow roasted meats, something with a spicy Asian influence, but it is at its best with pizza.
Established in 1886, Gomez Cruzado is one of the most important producers of Rioja wine. Compared to many larger neighbors, these wines slither under the Rioja radar. This Bodega’s valor of maintaining elegance and class is very admirable after 130+ years.
75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, you shouldn't sense that this Crianza is solely elegance; it possesses plentiful punch complementing glorious components of dried cherries, spice and leather and savory herb aspects. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long, dry, and with well-defined, earth accents. Drink through 2032.
75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, you shouldn't sense that this Crianza is solely elegance; it possesses plentiful punch complementing glorious components of dried cherries, spice and leather and savory herb aspects. Cutting a sleek, handsome profile with fine balance, it finishes long, dry, and with well-defined, earth accents. Drink through 2032.
'All of life is a dispute over taste and tasting' --- Nietzsche....One of the things that makes me as cranky as Willie Nelson or Snoop Dogg when they're out of weed is the archaic misinterpretation that Piedmont’s white wines are non-descript. Given the quality of Arneis, Timorasso, Gavi and Nascetta, we are currently in an epoca bellisima of diversity and deliciousness.
Elvio Cogno is one of a handful of Piemontese producers who revived this ancient, temperamental white grape in the mid-1990s adding further fascination to modern Piedmont’s varietals. Intriguing and elusive, the resulting white wine is fragrant with bustling scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lychee and underlying minerality. Mouth-filling, full of energetic burst with complexity and complimentary succulence progressing to the delectable, drawn-out finish. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
Elvio Cogno is one of a handful of Piemontese producers who revived this ancient, temperamental white grape in the mid-1990s adding further fascination to modern Piedmont’s varietals. Intriguing and elusive, the resulting white wine is fragrant with bustling scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lychee and underlying minerality. Mouth-filling, full of energetic burst with complexity and complimentary succulence progressing to the delectable, drawn-out finish. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
Picture yourself kicking back in a French café or bistro wearing oversized sunglasses enjoying a hunk of paté or rillettes while getting loaded on this Cabernet Franc.
Luminous, clean and full of fruit, earth and soul, it engages the olfactory senses with raspberry, sanguine, roses and turned earth aromas. The texture surges with red tones, sandalwood and an underlay of licorice. At 12.5° alcohol, this is an enticing wine to have with anything that will clog the arteries.
Luminous, clean and full of fruit, earth and soul, it engages the olfactory senses with raspberry, sanguine, roses and turned earth aromas. The texture surges with red tones, sandalwood and an underlay of licorice. At 12.5° alcohol, this is an enticing wine to have with anything that will clog the arteries.
95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Combine a seamless, great Chianti vintage like 2021 with one of the legendary, epic producers and Tuscan fireworks are sure to go off!
From vineyard sites in Castelnuovo Berardenga planted in the 1970s, the Black label Riserva is a tremendous value. An Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are the wine’s trademark. Highlighting Tuscan savory floral, sage and toffee scents, an abundance of detailed terroir rides shotgun on this complex red. Generosity up front then fanning out on the entire palate the sensuous fruit submerges the stacked tannins. The true highlight of this wine is its graceful aftertaste that lingers on and on then snaps back for more. Felsina’s wines never rip the enamel off your teeth if you desire to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2035+.
From vineyard sites in Castelnuovo Berardenga planted in the 1970s, the Black label Riserva is a tremendous value. An Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are the wine’s trademark. Highlighting Tuscan savory floral, sage and toffee scents, an abundance of detailed terroir rides shotgun on this complex red. Generosity up front then fanning out on the entire palate the sensuous fruit submerges the stacked tannins. The true highlight of this wine is its graceful aftertaste that lingers on and on then snaps back for more. Felsina’s wines never rip the enamel off your teeth if you desire to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2035+.
Walla Walla genius and high-end producer Rasa’s gateway Occam’s Razor Cabernet Sauvignon is from top-notch Washington sites.
Flavorful yet not overblown or overoaked, black plum and coriander are enveloped by chocolate/espresso nuances. Palate staining, there is an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, because it will age nicely for 6-8 years.
Flavorful yet not overblown or overoaked, black plum and coriander are enveloped by chocolate/espresso nuances. Palate staining, there is an irresistible quality to this wine now, but don't drink it all up at once, because it will age nicely for 6-8 years.
Made by Louis Roederer, this Chardonnay is a modern throwback to the best highlights of older California presentations.
Full throttle, yet light on its feet, a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease entices. Think of pure creamy length and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Sounds a bit naughty but it really is not. Refined tropical notes and light custardy spice with bright vibrancy for equilibrium, it has everything a Cali-Chard lover will enjoy with no one component outshining another, brilliant juice to be consumed with friends and fish tacos.
Full throttle, yet light on its feet, a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease entices. Think of pure creamy length and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Sounds a bit naughty but it really is not. Refined tropical notes and light custardy spice with bright vibrancy for equilibrium, it has everything a Cali-Chard lover will enjoy with no one component outshining another, brilliant juice to be consumed with friends and fish tacos.
The 2022s from Marcus Goodfellow are magical, compelling stories. Even in a youthful stage, his Dundee Hills Durant Vineyard Pinot possesses profound scents with underlying perfume that in time will stand above all other elements of this wine.
Strawberry, fine earth, pepper, cardamom and Indian spices unfold as it airs in the glass. Superb, ethereal depth and penetration. Sculpted and not soupy or over-thought, vertical backbone arrives on the drawn-out, luxurious finish. Put this Pinot down until early 2028 and then drink it through 2036+.
Strawberry, fine earth, pepper, cardamom and Indian spices unfold as it airs in the glass. Superb, ethereal depth and penetration. Sculpted and not soupy or over-thought, vertical backbone arrives on the drawn-out, luxurious finish. Put this Pinot down until early 2028 and then drink it through 2036+.
Last call for the last four cases of this ten-dollar Southern French steal before the price increases.
50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Marselan & 10% Mourvedre, this sturdy red is chock full of alluring violet, sea-salt, lavender, blueberry and cherry aromas. Classic roasted earth, pepper and feisty aspects commonly found in these wines takes it up a level. Chewy, ripe flavors expand into a firm and spicy middle then extend into the way above average finish.
50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Marselan & 10% Mourvedre, this sturdy red is chock full of alluring violet, sea-salt, lavender, blueberry and cherry aromas. Classic roasted earth, pepper and feisty aspects commonly found in these wines takes it up a level. Chewy, ripe flavors expand into a firm and spicy middle then extend into the way above average finish.
