Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'TOOL' WINESHEET
96 point Oregon Pinot Noir
Walla Walla Syrah, Library Verdicchio
Two fun wines for under twelve
Walla Walla Syrah, Library Verdicchio
Two fun wines for under twelve
2024 KELLEY FOX CHARDONNAY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
We are now starting to see some of the much talked about 2024 Oregon wines and this Chardonnay is from one of our finest producers. For 2024 Kelley added a positive curve with the addition of Durant Vineyard fruit blended in with Freedom Hill.
Partially aged in tank to retain vibrancy and neutral oak which isn’t to impart oaky tones but to bring forth volume and complexity. Seamlessly formed, there is nothing not to love about this Chardonnay. Get butterball California out of your domes and think about its true inspiration, Burgundy. Harmonious aromas of mango, golden apple, powdered orange, and engaging wet stone minerality, 2024 is dry, relaxed, yet impeccably detailed and provocative in the mouth. Expansive waves of stony flavors supported by its fine core of fruit carries into a drawn out, pure finish conclusively it is a mind-bending deal for its price. Drink it with fresh crab or grilled monkfish or grilled salmon; you will come back thanking us.
Partially aged in tank to retain vibrancy and neutral oak which isn’t to impart oaky tones but to bring forth volume and complexity. Seamlessly formed, there is nothing not to love about this Chardonnay. Get butterball California out of your domes and think about its true inspiration, Burgundy. Harmonious aromas of mango, golden apple, powdered orange, and engaging wet stone minerality, 2024 is dry, relaxed, yet impeccably detailed and provocative in the mouth. Expansive waves of stony flavors supported by its fine core of fruit carries into a drawn out, pure finish conclusively it is a mind-bending deal for its price. Drink it with fresh crab or grilled monkfish or grilled salmon; you will come back thanking us.
2022 ELIO GRASSO BARBERA
D'ALBA 'VIGNA MARTINA'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
D'ALBA 'VIGNA MARTINA'
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
94.5+ Points – The J.O. Wine Journal…It has been a minute since we have highlighted this apex Barolo producer’s sensual Barbera as well as an accolade from the highly accredited, non-affiliated JO Wine Journal. There are moments when strong terroir transcends and overrides a particular grape varietal. Here is one such example.
Barbera grape, but more importantly, it smells like the Barolo village of Monforte D'Alba, due to it coming from a single Cru vineyard. Never straying from its varietal roots in the mouth, the nose reveals dark plum, dusty clay, classic Monforte mushroom, mineral and camphor notes. Aromatically expressive as it unfolds in the glass. Radiating confidence on the palate, it is a very convivial Barbera that is rich, mouth crawling and rousing, especially on the finish that fans out nicely. A significant step-up from everyday Barbera, try with risotto or braised beef. It is very lavish now but can easily age 8-10 years as well.
Barbera grape, but more importantly, it smells like the Barolo village of Monforte D'Alba, due to it coming from a single Cru vineyard. Never straying from its varietal roots in the mouth, the nose reveals dark plum, dusty clay, classic Monforte mushroom, mineral and camphor notes. Aromatically expressive as it unfolds in the glass. Radiating confidence on the palate, it is a very convivial Barbera that is rich, mouth crawling and rousing, especially on the finish that fans out nicely. A significant step-up from everyday Barbera, try with risotto or braised beef. It is very lavish now but can easily age 8-10 years as well.
2024 LE FRAGHE CHIARETTO DI
BARDOLINO ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
BARDOLINO ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
There is Rose in Italy; however, much of it is from non-traditional regions. In fact, there are only three classic areas where Rose has been produced for centuries, Cerasuolo from Abruzzo, Lombardy (Chiaretto) and Puglia.
Comprised of Corvina and Rondinella grapes blended to perfection, this pulsating pink wine produced on the east side of Lake Garda offers lively notes and flavors of terrific raspberry fruit, silky texture, refreshing acidity, and just a tinge of spice. Add to that a long, stretching picture finish and we think you are starting to get the picture. Very well rounded and utterly refreshing. Rosé fans should not miss this one.
Comprised of Corvina and Rondinella grapes blended to perfection, this pulsating pink wine produced on the east side of Lake Garda offers lively notes and flavors of terrific raspberry fruit, silky texture, refreshing acidity, and just a tinge of spice. Add to that a long, stretching picture finish and we think you are starting to get the picture. Very well rounded and utterly refreshing. Rosé fans should not miss this one.
2023 CHATEAU DE PLAISANCE
ANJOU GAMAY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
ANJOU GAMAY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
As early as three years ago we were shouting about Vanessa Cherruau’s wines for their excellent quality. At the time she was not so known, but these days her wines are becoming more difficult to find. Her white wines are now allocated and soon will result in the reds being doled out. For now, we enjoy and love them.
More famous in Beaujolais, the Gamay grape also thrives in the Loire Valley and expresses itself differently. Sandalwood and botanical scents lead the way, opening into strawberries, red flowers and graham notes. Delectably supple, lithe, food-friendly wine that has generosity, gritty, soulful earthiness floating to a peppery, vibrant, scarlet, licorice finish. All these flavors combined with a pork roast or duck a l'orange promise to make for a perfect evening.
More famous in Beaujolais, the Gamay grape also thrives in the Loire Valley and expresses itself differently. Sandalwood and botanical scents lead the way, opening into strawberries, red flowers and graham notes. Delectably supple, lithe, food-friendly wine that has generosity, gritty, soulful earthiness floating to a peppery, vibrant, scarlet, licorice finish. All these flavors combined with a pork roast or duck a l'orange promise to make for a perfect evening.
2016 UMANI RONCHI VERDICCHIO
'PLENIO' RISERVA
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
'PLENIO' RISERVA
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
There is a myth that Italian white wines are meant for early consumption, however there are a respectable number from the boot that develop remarkably. The Riserva Verdicchio from famed Umani Ronchi gains boundless complexity and distinction and this library selection is quite a showstopper.
This is an exciting wine instantly as it is poured into the glass! Raging full-on aromas of honeycomb, lemon, marine scents, white pepper and prominent salt/mineral. In the mouth, it is bone dry, packed with lots of velvety elegance. The finish has fresh, magical, apple-acidity and goes and goes. Want wine that works exquisitely with green vegetables? Then this is your choice…and it is almost obligatory to drink with cod, halibut and tuna.
This is an exciting wine instantly as it is poured into the glass! Raging full-on aromas of honeycomb, lemon, marine scents, white pepper and prominent salt/mineral. In the mouth, it is bone dry, packed with lots of velvety elegance. The finish has fresh, magical, apple-acidity and goes and goes. Want wine that works exquisitely with green vegetables? Then this is your choice…and it is almost obligatory to drink with cod, halibut and tuna.
2023 VOLVER TEMPRANILLO
'PASO Y PASO'
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
'PASO Y PASO'
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
We are always committed to presenting at least one or two wines every week that are under fifteen dollars and this Tempranillo from Spain’s La Mancha region is indicative of this statement and lofty for eleven.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose. In the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is quite easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs, burgers and more.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose. In the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is quite easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs, burgers and more.
2024 QUINTA DA RAZA
VINHO VERDE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
VINHO VERDE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
What separates this Vinho Verde from many others is that it is from a small producer deeply committed to making the best style of these fizzy, refreshing wines versus something mass produced.
Lime-blossom, seashore and mineral-tinged, it is spritzy and slaphappy! Classic Vinho Verde wine isn't meant to be sipped, it is meant to be guzzled. Toss it back with a plate of clams, on a picnic or with a bunch of friends. VIVA LA RAZA!
Lime-blossom, seashore and mineral-tinged, it is spritzy and slaphappy! Classic Vinho Verde wine isn't meant to be sipped, it is meant to be guzzled. Toss it back with a plate of clams, on a picnic or with a bunch of friends. VIVA LA RAZA!
2021 REYNVAAN WALLA WALLA
SYRAH 'THE UNNAMED SERIES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
SYRAH 'THE UNNAMED SERIES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
It isn’t very often that we offer ten-year-old Washington wines from a prolific producer and vineyard. L’Ecole No. 41 is one of Walla Walla’s grand producers and Perigee, from Seven Hills Vineyard, is one of their top Cabernet blends.
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, 7% Malbec, this full-on blend is drinking exquisitely. Roasted coffee, black licorice, cigar box, snappy mineral and sandalwood and rhubarb fruit. The mouthfeel is warm, full-bodied and chock full of secondary flavors. Superb spine here to carry it even further in the cellar as well. Expands even more on the finish where it reveals the brightness of the Malbec and the structure of the Petite Verdot. We can author a novel about this wine, but it is easier to comment on how delicious it is showing. Drink this wine with a grilled steak or lamb or wait until the fall and have it with venison.
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, 7% Malbec, this full-on blend is drinking exquisitely. Roasted coffee, black licorice, cigar box, snappy mineral and sandalwood and rhubarb fruit. The mouthfeel is warm, full-bodied and chock full of secondary flavors. Superb spine here to carry it even further in the cellar as well. Expands even more on the finish where it reveals the brightness of the Malbec and the structure of the Petite Verdot. We can author a novel about this wine, but it is easier to comment on how delicious it is showing. Drink this wine with a grilled steak or lamb or wait until the fall and have it with venison.
2023 GRANVILLE PINOT NOIR
'HOLSTEIN VINEYARD' ESTATE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
'HOLSTEIN VINEYARD' ESTATE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
96 Points – Decanter Magazine…Second generation winemaker Jackson Holstein made his first wine in 2014 and is now on my personal list of young, go-to stars. I urge fans of Oregon wines to make an appointment and visit, along with his wife Ayla, not only is it a beautiful spot in the Dundee Hills, but the wines also make a strong statement in terroir and balance, sincere expressions of Pinot Noir.
Holstein Vineyard is the family’s estate vineyard from the Holstein family. Planted in 1972 but from the nineties replanting has occurred and the vines range from 17-32 years old. The site reaches 720 feet, and the wines here have an alluring lift, finesse and complexity. Jackson and Ayla’s 2023s are brilliant. Twenty percent new barrel and 20% whole cluster, the aromatics show exceptional potential. Youthful as expected on the nose, with aeration it shows tender aromatics of plum, red raspberry, lavender, violet and resounding cinnamon/cumin spice. Precisely balanced fruit in the mouth, there is great fruit intensity here without being candied or in danger of being a lollipop wine. This is a result of meticulously farmed fruit. There is excellent persistence with everything in place to ensure aging capability. If you do drink this wine right now, we recommend decanting. For prime drinking, and a chance to really enjoy its complexity we recommend drinking from 2028-2040+.
Holstein Vineyard is the family’s estate vineyard from the Holstein family. Planted in 1972 but from the nineties replanting has occurred and the vines range from 17-32 years old. The site reaches 720 feet, and the wines here have an alluring lift, finesse and complexity. Jackson and Ayla’s 2023s are brilliant. Twenty percent new barrel and 20% whole cluster, the aromatics show exceptional potential. Youthful as expected on the nose, with aeration it shows tender aromatics of plum, red raspberry, lavender, violet and resounding cinnamon/cumin spice. Precisely balanced fruit in the mouth, there is great fruit intensity here without being candied or in danger of being a lollipop wine. This is a result of meticulously farmed fruit. There is excellent persistence with everything in place to ensure aging capability. If you do drink this wine right now, we recommend decanting. For prime drinking, and a chance to really enjoy its complexity we recommend drinking from 2028-2040+.
