Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE ONE' WINESHEET
Tour de France/Bastille Week
All French Wine
Pouilly-Fume, 10-year-old Chateauneuf
Cotes-du-Rhone, White Burgundy
Values from Languedoc/Toulouse/Alps
All French Wine
Pouilly-Fume, 10-year-old Chateauneuf
Cotes-du-Rhone, White Burgundy
Values from Languedoc/Toulouse/Alps
2023 CARREL & SENGER
JONGIEUX SAVOIE BLANC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
JONGIEUX SAVOIE BLANC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Like clockwork, the Tour always climbs into the Alps, often weaving its way through picturesque scenery as well as wine regions that many are unfamiliar with. When Thomas Senger acquired Domaine Eugene Carrel, it has been eye-opening to see an already strong Domaine gain further strength and higher quality.
From the Savoie region of Jongieux, this low-alcohol (11.5%) white wine epitomizes the essence of the term summer-slammer! Made with 100% Jacquère grape, this gushing Alpine-waterfall of a white is more intense and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol level. Alluring aromas of freshly cut white flowers, melon, mandarin, mineral and white licorice, the intensity and explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long; enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself.
From the Savoie region of Jongieux, this low-alcohol (11.5%) white wine epitomizes the essence of the term summer-slammer! Made with 100% Jacquère grape, this gushing Alpine-waterfall of a white is more intense and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol level. Alluring aromas of freshly cut white flowers, melon, mandarin, mineral and white licorice, the intensity and explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long; enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself.
2022 VOGE COTES-DU-RHONE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'LES PEYROUSES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A 'step-up' and stereotype breaking, sophisticated Cotes-du-Rhone from a Northern Rhone Cornas master. Domaine Alain Voge’s Lionel Fraisse has emphasized the Domaine’s Cotes-du-Rhone to better quality. Made from 100% Syrah with a small portion of 10-year-old Cornas vines blended into the final wine.
More girth and assertiveness than 2020 and 2021. Fragrant with currants, rose, blackberries and pronounced smoked meat. Black pepper is here, but it is a backdrop along with hints of dark chocolate. Expansive layered flavors creep through the mouth with high-toned grip morphing into red fruits then finishing very lengthy, earthy and succulent. Drink this sensuous Syrah over the next 6-8 years with leaner meats like sirloin steak, lamb chops or dressed up pork tenderloin.
More girth and assertiveness than 2020 and 2021. Fragrant with currants, rose, blackberries and pronounced smoked meat. Black pepper is here, but it is a backdrop along with hints of dark chocolate. Expansive layered flavors creep through the mouth with high-toned grip morphing into red fruits then finishing very lengthy, earthy and succulent. Drink this sensuous Syrah over the next 6-8 years with leaner meats like sirloin steak, lamb chops or dressed up pork tenderloin.
2023 CHATEAU CLAMENS FRONTON
'NEGRETTE & CO.'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'NEGRETTE & CO.'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Fronton, located about forty miles outside the city of Toulouse, is an obscure wine region located about thirty-five miles outside of the city of Toulouse. This area makes wines based around the local Negrette grape that are dark, flavorful and a true taste of France.
The Frontonization of Portland is underway! An individual wine, presenting aromas of wild blackberry, plum pit, leather and anise along with bursting flavors that are savory, tangy and succulent. Medium weight and calls you back for another six glasses. Easy to drink and perfect with cold meats (terrines and pates), as well as sausages, meatloaf or bean-based dishes like cassoulet.
The Frontonization of Portland is underway! An individual wine, presenting aromas of wild blackberry, plum pit, leather and anise along with bursting flavors that are savory, tangy and succulent. Medium weight and calls you back for another six glasses. Easy to drink and perfect with cold meats (terrines and pates), as well as sausages, meatloaf or bean-based dishes like cassoulet.
2022 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'CLOS D'ISORE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CLOS D'ISORE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Even though the Tour de France starts in the far north of the country, the first wine region they cycle through is the Loire Valley, starting in Chinon. This region is in a beautiful era right now with superb producers extending outside of established stars like Joguet and Baudry, including this Cellar Door favorite, JM Raffault.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 and are steeply situated in clay/limestone soil, which sits atop a white chalk subsoil. 100% Cabernet Franc, Rodolphe Raffault’s 2022 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe all which are packed in snugly. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a value choice that while accessible early on with a hearty meal, will also age extremely well. Drink over the next 15 years.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 and are steeply situated in clay/limestone soil, which sits atop a white chalk subsoil. 100% Cabernet Franc, Rodolphe Raffault’s 2022 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe all which are packed in snugly. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a value choice that while accessible early on with a hearty meal, will also age extremely well. Drink over the next 15 years.
2023 TERRES DOREES
BEAUJOLAIS BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
BEAUJOLAIS BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Gather ‘round kiddies, we have a great lesson in a well-known, yet obscure sub-category of White Burgundy called Beaujolais Blanc. Domaine Terres Dorees is in the beautiful Pierres Dorees area (region of Golden Stones) of Beaujolais. This area is noted for the golden sandstone that is prominent everywhere. Quite famed for their red Beaujolais, this Domaine takes their white wines to lofty heights sans the high price. Unlike the famed granitic soils of the Cru of Beaujolais about 45 minutes north, this part of Beaujolais, is slightly warmer with limestone-dominated soils.
Twelve percent alcohol, 100% Chardonnay and unoaked, this offering has so much goodness. Peach, sage, toasted bread, mineral, anise and spice careen from the glass and lead into a texture that is vinous yet attacking and dry. Loads of purity and breezy acidity from the limestone all culminating in a lively and energetic finish. Perfect to drink over the next 3-4 years, this far-southern White Burgundy is perfect with cod or halibut dressed in a light cream sauce.
Twelve percent alcohol, 100% Chardonnay and unoaked, this offering has so much goodness. Peach, sage, toasted bread, mineral, anise and spice careen from the glass and lead into a texture that is vinous yet attacking and dry. Loads of purity and breezy acidity from the limestone all culminating in a lively and energetic finish. Perfect to drink over the next 3-4 years, this far-southern White Burgundy is perfect with cod or halibut dressed in a light cream sauce.
2023 CHATEAU D'OUPIA
'LES HERETIQUES' HERAULT ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'LES HERETIQUES' HERAULT ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
It is not the largest or most multi-faceted red that we sell, but year in and year out, this Minervois Chateau’s juicy, flavorful red delivers loads of pleasure.
90% Carignan, 10% Syrah and tres typique of a wine from the Languedoc, black raspberry notes roll from the glass. Vibrant and peppery with bursting flavors throughout, have it now and have it with anything on the grill. Don't think, just drink.
90% Carignan, 10% Syrah and tres typique of a wine from the Languedoc, black raspberry notes roll from the glass. Vibrant and peppery with bursting flavors throughout, have it now and have it with anything on the grill. Don't think, just drink.
2022 DOMAINE BOUCHOT
POUILLY-FUME 'MCMLV'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
POUILLY-FUME 'MCMLV'
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Bouchot is a new, yet well-established Domaine. Native to the region, Antoine Gouffier trained in several regions around the world. In 2018, neighbor Domaine de Bouchot’s owner Pascal Kerbiquet wished to retire, thus Antoine was able to purchase and gain another mentor to start his concept. The beauty of this Domaine and area is the abundance of silex (flint) soils.
We lovingly refer to this wine as the Super Bowl wine due to the Roman numerals, but this cuvee indicates the year that these vines were planted (1955). We did a tasting back in March, and this offering made us become wide-eyed with enthusiasm. Aged in several types of vessels (large, medium, small barrels, stainless steel, concrete eggs, amphora), this Pouilly-Fume is one of the most elegant and poised I have tasted in a long time. Delicate yet intense flavor defines this delicious wine with white grapefruit, tangerine, chalk and mineral. Seamless, detailed yet lush fruit flavors are nicely reined in by the flinty nature of the Silex soil. The finish is very intellectual with smoke, quince, seashells and on and on. Stretching across the entire palate and soaring, this sophisticated demon can be consumed over the next 10-12 years with salmon, all types of goat cheeses, crab cakes, marinated halibut cheeks and more.
We lovingly refer to this wine as the Super Bowl wine due to the Roman numerals, but this cuvee indicates the year that these vines were planted (1955). We did a tasting back in March, and this offering made us become wide-eyed with enthusiasm. Aged in several types of vessels (large, medium, small barrels, stainless steel, concrete eggs, amphora), this Pouilly-Fume is one of the most elegant and poised I have tasted in a long time. Delicate yet intense flavor defines this delicious wine with white grapefruit, tangerine, chalk and mineral. Seamless, detailed yet lush fruit flavors are nicely reined in by the flinty nature of the Silex soil. The finish is very intellectual with smoke, quince, seashells and on and on. Stretching across the entire palate and soaring, this sophisticated demon can be consumed over the next 10-12 years with salmon, all types of goat cheeses, crab cakes, marinated halibut cheeks and more.
2015 VIEUX TELEGRAPHE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 'LE CRAU'
$139.99 BTL. - LIMITED
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 'LE CRAU'
$139.99 BTL. - LIMITED
95 Points – The Wine Spectator…Vieux-Telegraphe is NOT a wine for immediate gratification to respond to the nature of the American 8-second soundbite mentality when it comes to wine. VT always requires patience so when we were offered a chance at a very accessible, ten-year-old version from a great vintage, we had to jump.
Due to hail destroying their Chateauneuf crop in 2022, the Bruniers released some older vintages to offset the loss. Drinking very middle-aged and exquisite, Chinese five-spice, hickory, truffle, white pepper and rhubarb. Complex scents of violet, grenadine and camphor also ride shotgun. In the mouth it is drinking exquisitely. Smoothly textured, impressive mid-palate presence and really fanning out on the energetic, spice-laden, drawn-out finish that lasts and lasts. Still underlying grip and no problem for continued development for another 10-12+ years.
Due to hail destroying their Chateauneuf crop in 2022, the Bruniers released some older vintages to offset the loss. Drinking very middle-aged and exquisite, Chinese five-spice, hickory, truffle, white pepper and rhubarb. Complex scents of violet, grenadine and camphor also ride shotgun. In the mouth it is drinking exquisitely. Smoothly textured, impressive mid-palate presence and really fanning out on the energetic, spice-laden, drawn-out finish that lasts and lasts. Still underlying grip and no problem for continued development for another 10-12+ years.
