Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SOARING TEMPERATURES' HOTSHEET
Tasty Tuscan Red, Picpoul Rose? Oui, Oregon Pinot from superb bloodlines, Graillot Crozes-Hermitage & more
2020 DOMAINE BARON
SAUVIGNON BLANC TOURAINE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
SAUVIGNON BLANC TOURAINE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Strong varietal character along with strong sense of Loire Valley’s Touraine appellation, Domaine Baron’s Sauvignon is a superb taste of France. Located on the Cher River about 45 minutes from the city of Tours this Sauvignon delights from the moment that it is uncorked and is the sort of selection that one would find in a Paris wine bar or oyster joint.
Classic chalky aromas form nicely around ardent mandarin and grapefruit scents that provide thrills and chills. Plenty of underlying mineral with depth and character alongside intense saline-like briskness, especially on the electric and lasting finish all which come together to make this the ultimate value Summer Sauvignon Blanc. Break out some good goat cheese, oysters or do up a nice flaky white fish and prepare for liftoff.
Classic chalky aromas form nicely around ardent mandarin and grapefruit scents that provide thrills and chills. Plenty of underlying mineral with depth and character alongside intense saline-like briskness, especially on the electric and lasting finish all which come together to make this the ultimate value Summer Sauvignon Blanc. Break out some good goat cheese, oysters or do up a nice flaky white fish and prepare for liftoff.
2016 FALCHINI 'PARETAIO'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
Located in San Gimignano, Falchini is a known as a top Vernaccia producer. What is a bit of a secret is that they also happen to produce one of the finest red wine values in all of Tuscany. Drinking beautifully at the moment, this is smoothed out Sangiovese indeed.
A savory and invitingly layered number that reveals black cherry, chocolate-mint, sage and anise following into a generous, mouth-filling texture that has considerable dimension and depth. Submerged structure also is a fine indicator that this wine can and will age for a few years, too. Gorgeous to guzzle now, but given experience from previous vintages, it will also age for another 4-5 years as well.
A savory and invitingly layered number that reveals black cherry, chocolate-mint, sage and anise following into a generous, mouth-filling texture that has considerable dimension and depth. Submerged structure also is a fine indicator that this wine can and will age for a few years, too. Gorgeous to guzzle now, but given experience from previous vintages, it will also age for another 4-5 years as well.
2020 FONCALIEU PIQUEPOUL ROSE
COTEAUX D'ENSERUNE, LANGUEDOC
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
COTEAUX D'ENSERUNE, LANGUEDOC
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
I have to admit, up until last week, I have never tried the red (or pink) variant of the Picpoul grape as a stand-alone, mostly because there are only about 250 acres remaining in the south of France. Permitted as a blending grape in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this natural mutation of Picpoul Blanc is what makes this rose fly in the Coteaux D'Enserune area west of Beziers in Languedoc.
Five hours of skin contact then directly pressed, this peppy pink drop grabs the palate and then some! Cherry pit, pomegranate runs out front with subtle notes of thyme and anise lurking beneath the surface. Gravelly soils bring about terrific natural energy to this Rose that is great to pair with a charcuterie plate or steamed clams in white wine with saffron.
Five hours of skin contact then directly pressed, this peppy pink drop grabs the palate and then some! Cherry pit, pomegranate runs out front with subtle notes of thyme and anise lurking beneath the surface. Gravelly soils bring about terrific natural energy to this Rose that is great to pair with a charcuterie plate or steamed clams in white wine with saffron.
2012 KAESLER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
BAROSSA VALLEY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE - LIMITED
BAROSSA VALLEY
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE - LIMITED
Here is something we don't feature very often, Australian wines...and one with almost 9 years age to boot. Kaesler is a Barossa Valley stalwart producer and one whose wines are unapologetically Australian. With history dating back to the first vines that were planted in 1893, over the many decades they grew into one of Australia's finest. In 1999, the estate's now third owner, Reid Bosward has taken this legendary, 5-star rated property to lofty heights.
Extremely typical of Barossa, telltale blackberry, spearmint, pepper and coriander are present but secondary aspects of fig, truffle and mocha lead into a robust, broad texture that has lots of appeal now. Luscious, resolved, still possessing fine fruit and surprising complexity. At its peak and will continue to drink well for another three to four years before a slow descent.
Extremely typical of Barossa, telltale blackberry, spearmint, pepper and coriander are present but secondary aspects of fig, truffle and mocha lead into a robust, broad texture that has lots of appeal now. Luscious, resolved, still possessing fine fruit and surprising complexity. At its peak and will continue to drink well for another three to four years before a slow descent.
2017 CAPCANES MONTSANT
'MAS COLLET SELECCIO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'MAS COLLET SELECCIO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Celler Capcanes is one of the producers who led the revival of Catalonia’s Montsant region back in the 90s. Forming a horseshoe around the Priotat region and sitting just below, these wines are not mere little brothers; the soil compositions are vastly different as are the temperatures.
The Mas Collet comes from a blend of 40% Garnacha, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Samso (Catalan Carignan) and quickly entices the taster with teeming white pepper and Asian spice along with broad black raspberry overtones. Brambly, warm and fantastically forward this bold charmer shows tremendous presence of depth and fruit and rolls into a finish that is extensive and penetrating for a wine at this price. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years.
The Mas Collet comes from a blend of 40% Garnacha, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Samso (Catalan Carignan) and quickly entices the taster with teeming white pepper and Asian spice along with broad black raspberry overtones. Brambly, warm and fantastically forward this bold charmer shows tremendous presence of depth and fruit and rolls into a finish that is extensive and penetrating for a wine at this price. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years.
2019 GUILLAUME CLUSEL
COTEAUX-DU-LYONNAIS 'TRABOULES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COTEAUX-DU-LYONNAIS 'TRABOULES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in the hills west and south of Lyon and formerly (and somewhat still) known for wine served in carafes in the city's Bouchon restaurants, the Coteaux du Lyonnais is being transformed by several young growers including Guillaume Clusel, the son of prominent Cote-Rotie stalwart Clusel-Roch. Traboules is named for the secret passageways in Vieux Lyon and this wonderful quaffer displays both joy and pleasure along with detail.
100% Gamay from organically farmed, southeast facing vineyards. The grapes are partially destemmed, and a long, slow fermentation is done using indigenous yeasts. The wine then ages 6 months in stainless steel. The color is typical Gamay garnet-red, and the friendly nose gives aromas of red fruits, gooseberries and raspberries. It is a flighty, lifting, succulent, yet structured wine with good tannins, and its flavors of cranberry and perky raspberry make it a wonderful food wine. Pair with Sausage & Lentils, Coq au Vin, Oeufs en Meurette, classic charcuterie like pate de Campagne, dried salami and more.
100% Gamay from organically farmed, southeast facing vineyards. The grapes are partially destemmed, and a long, slow fermentation is done using indigenous yeasts. The wine then ages 6 months in stainless steel. The color is typical Gamay garnet-red, and the friendly nose gives aromas of red fruits, gooseberries and raspberries. It is a flighty, lifting, succulent, yet structured wine with good tannins, and its flavors of cranberry and perky raspberry make it a wonderful food wine. Pair with Sausage & Lentils, Coq au Vin, Oeufs en Meurette, classic charcuterie like pate de Campagne, dried salami and more.
2019 VOLVER TEMPRANILLO
'PASO A PASO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
'PASO A PASO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
An insanely priced, delicious red wine from Spain's La Mancha region that offers up a lot of flavor for not a lot of money.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose white in the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is very easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose white in the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is very easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs.
2018 GRAILLOT CROZES-HERMITAGE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Formidable French Syrah and pound for pound, Graillot's Crozes-Hermitage may well be the finest, ageworthy, grand-scale collectible that you will find. Since taking over from his father Alain in 2008, Maxime Graillot has maintained the title belt of ‘King of Crozes’ and is in no mood to surrender it any time soon.
We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a great wine. This is one of those special circumstances! The epitome and apex of Crozes-Hermitage, what sets it apart is the extra level of depth and dimension that makes it stand above the other contenders. Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper - lavishly flavored, but very youthful right now. Graillot's wines always provide much sensory overload and while you can have a go at a bottle now, it will ultimately be at its best from 2023 – 2031+.
We love to drink wine, but there is something about putting the glass to your nose and just smelling the beauty of a great wine. This is one of those special circumstances! The epitome and apex of Crozes-Hermitage, what sets it apart is the extra level of depth and dimension that makes it stand above the other contenders. Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and cracked pepper - lavishly flavored, but very youthful right now. Graillot's wines always provide much sensory overload and while you can have a go at a bottle now, it will ultimately be at its best from 2023 – 2031+.
2018 ARTERBERRY-MARESH PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS 'OLD VINES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS 'OLD VINES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Jim Maresh is a third generation Oregon producer who comes from great bloodlines; in fact, one could say Oregon wine royalty. What he is doing with not only his family’s vineyard (Maresh) as well as some neighboring sites is nothing short of breathtaking. 2018 is simply magnificent for this wine and the depth and material reveal themselves early but the fact of the matter is that this wine is built to soar and built to age.
From two-thirds Maresh Vineyard and one-third Weber Vineyard, both in the Dundee Hills and vines planted between 1970 and 1983, this wine is the essence of Oregon Pinot purity. Think of the old, great ageworthy wines from the likes of Eyrie, which were unruly for several years before unfurling into becoming stunning beauties. 2018 is a vintage that will provide sexy depth of fruit but this wine is certainly tightly wound and very youthful with plenty of red berry and red flowers. Extremely pure and genteel, there are terrific Dundee Hills scents that are waiting to come out with time. Lots of breed and satisfying strawberry tones that are delineated and locked in. The material here is ultra-impressive and it is on the finish where this statement is fully realized. There is a swan beneath the surface; give it until 2025 then drink it through 2035 to obtain the maximum pleasure that is in this bottle.
From two-thirds Maresh Vineyard and one-third Weber Vineyard, both in the Dundee Hills and vines planted between 1970 and 1983, this wine is the essence of Oregon Pinot purity. Think of the old, great ageworthy wines from the likes of Eyrie, which were unruly for several years before unfurling into becoming stunning beauties. 2018 is a vintage that will provide sexy depth of fruit but this wine is certainly tightly wound and very youthful with plenty of red berry and red flowers. Extremely pure and genteel, there are terrific Dundee Hills scents that are waiting to come out with time. Lots of breed and satisfying strawberry tones that are delineated and locked in. The material here is ultra-impressive and it is on the finish where this statement is fully realized. There is a swan beneath the surface; give it until 2025 then drink it through 2035 to obtain the maximum pleasure that is in this bottle.
