Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FREAK FLAG' HOTSHEET
Accessible Barolo, Limited Sancerre Rose, Champagne, Under-14 values & more
2019 TERRIERE BROUILLY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
If there were a specialty of the house at Chateau de la Terriere, it would have to be Brouilly as this is the Cru where they have their largest holdings. Separating itself from common Brouilly, this northern appellation wine is grown in hard, red granite and while not Morgon, has an inspiration of its minerality.
Last week I threw down two bottles of this roller coaster of a Gamay that runs the gamut of strawberry, peonies and prominent mineral. Classically textured, energetic and vinous, this carries very well from front to back and lingers beautifully with its detail and fruit. Ample penetration of fruit, this classy yet soulful French red will pair with a plethora of cuisine including roasted chicken, leaner meats, creamy vegetarian pasta laced with mushrooms and is at its ultimate with sausages, including Pittsburgh kielbasa.
Last week I threw down two bottles of this roller coaster of a Gamay that runs the gamut of strawberry, peonies and prominent mineral. Classically textured, energetic and vinous, this carries very well from front to back and lingers beautifully with its detail and fruit. Ample penetration of fruit, this classy yet soulful French red will pair with a plethora of cuisine including roasted chicken, leaner meats, creamy vegetarian pasta laced with mushrooms and is at its ultimate with sausages, including Pittsburgh kielbasa.
2016 RENZO MARINAI CHIANTI CLASSICO
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $25.99 BTL./$155.94 - 6 PK
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $25.99 BTL./$155.94 - 6 PK
Earlier this year we featured the 2015 on a fantastic special and now we are featuring the even more prestigious 2016 vintage and it is on a limited time special, too. Renzo Marinai is a prodigal, organic Chianti producer based in Panzano in the Classico zone and one who produces wines often priced at a prodigal level as well so it was exciting to see this apex vintage at 25. These wines are truly worth the price of admission, even at their regular prices but if you love good Chianti as we do, do not miss this special.
Along with 2010, 2016 is the finest Chianti vintage since the turn of the millennium and that says a bunch because there has been so much success in the region. Seamless and soulful there is no shortage of layers of Sangiovese fruit here. Red cherry, sage, sneaky black tones creep in as well as underlying turned earth and dark chocolate. Long and drawn out, this open knit Chianti is accessible early on but give it another 18-24 months and it will truly be operatic. Enjoy through 2030.
Along with 2010, 2016 is the finest Chianti vintage since the turn of the millennium and that says a bunch because there has been so much success in the region. Seamless and soulful there is no shortage of layers of Sangiovese fruit here. Red cherry, sage, sneaky black tones creep in as well as underlying turned earth and dark chocolate. Long and drawn out, this open knit Chianti is accessible early on but give it another 18-24 months and it will truly be operatic. Enjoy through 2030.
2018 CHARVIN COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
The junior partner of white Chateauneuf-du-Pape but in reality it will kick a number of CDP Blanc's ass due to its locale, terroir and pedigree of Laurent Charvin's winemaking skills.40% Bourboulenc (90 yr old vines), 25% Clairette blanche, 20% Roussanne, 15% Grenache blanc and from close proximity to Charvin’s estate in northern Chateauneuf.
Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Pineapple, ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper aspects shine on the nose. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 5-6 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon. I enjoyed it with some quickly seared tuna encrusted with sesame alongside avocado and a ponzu sauce and that pairing is what we refer to as a 'tuning fork moment'. A mere 1200 bottles (not cases) are produced so we are honored to have a small supply.
Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Pineapple, ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper aspects shine on the nose. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 5-6 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon. I enjoyed it with some quickly seared tuna encrusted with sesame alongside avocado and a ponzu sauce and that pairing is what we refer to as a 'tuning fork moment'. A mere 1200 bottles (not cases) are produced so we are honored to have a small supply.
2018 NOVELTY HILL MERLOT
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
In the world of Washington wine, Novelty Hill has firmly established itself as one of the fine producers who consistently deliver fine value for their entire range of wines and in the warm and exciting 2018 vintage, conditions were very conducive to making superb Merlot.
Laden with smoked plums and smoked rosemary aromas, this wine has instantly alluring aromatics. Intertwined nicely with ground black pepper and dark chocolate, all of these wonderful components carry over nicely into a texture that spreads out nicely on the palate and never goes out of balance. The finish is pure and nicely packed and showing no overly aggressive tones, just layered and lingering in a pleasant, fruit-forward manner. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Laden with smoked plums and smoked rosemary aromas, this wine has instantly alluring aromatics. Intertwined nicely with ground black pepper and dark chocolate, all of these wonderful components carry over nicely into a texture that spreads out nicely on the palate and never goes out of balance. The finish is pure and nicely packed and showing no overly aggressive tones, just layered and lingering in a pleasant, fruit-forward manner. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
2020 REVERDY SANCERRE ROSE
'TERRE DE MAIMBRAY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'TERRE DE MAIMBRAY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
One of the superb names of Sancerre, Pascal Reverdy has long been famous in France for not only his white even more for his red Sancerre, so it would only make sense that a killer Rose would emerge from these cellars in the tiny hamlet of Maimbray, just outside of the village of Sancerre and in close proximity to Chavignol.
The Terre de Maimbray Rose is one of the most exquisite Rose wines we feature. Alas with this quality comes popularity and as usual, it is very limited. Made from Pinot Noir, the lithe features of Sancerre are on full display. Up front strawberry, tangerine, herbs and prominent chalky minerality highlight the aromas. Crisp yet vinous qualities electrify the palate with more mineral snapping back on the expansive finish. This is serious rose and one that will pair well with your fresh chinook salmon. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 years.
The Terre de Maimbray Rose is one of the most exquisite Rose wines we feature. Alas with this quality comes popularity and as usual, it is very limited. Made from Pinot Noir, the lithe features of Sancerre are on full display. Up front strawberry, tangerine, herbs and prominent chalky minerality highlight the aromas. Crisp yet vinous qualities electrify the palate with more mineral snapping back on the expansive finish. This is serious rose and one that will pair well with your fresh chinook salmon. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 years.
CHAMPAGNE DIEBOLT-VALLOIS
BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
One of the greatest Champagne values period is this stylish Blanc de Blancs from a favorite grower. Diebolt-Vallois Champagnes have been sought after in France for decades, the house pour Champagne in such prestigious venues as Le Bristol and George V, among many other of France's apex culinary and wine temples. The estate is situated in Cramant, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs, whose chalky soil makes the perfect home for chardonnay.
One of the first ever Grower Champagnes to ever be brought into the US, Diebolt-Vallois’s Prestige is 100% Chardonnay from Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and Cramant. The latest version of this fizzy drop extremely exudes finesse and tiny bubbles. Bright aromas of toasted wheat bread, lemon, soft spice and chalk lead into a mouth-coating, scintillatingly seductive texture that cleans the palate and calls you back for another sip, glass, bottle or case. Luxuriate…you are worth it!
One of the first ever Grower Champagnes to ever be brought into the US, Diebolt-Vallois’s Prestige is 100% Chardonnay from Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and Cramant. The latest version of this fizzy drop extremely exudes finesse and tiny bubbles. Bright aromas of toasted wheat bread, lemon, soft spice and chalk lead into a mouth-coating, scintillatingly seductive texture that cleans the palate and calls you back for another sip, glass, bottle or case. Luxuriate…you are worth it!
2018 CASTANO YECLA TINTO 'ALCARIA'
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Located south of Valencia and inland from Alicante, this warm-climate growing region is one of Spain's smallest. Size isn't necessarily everything, especially when it comes to superb values and since the 1980s, and Castano consistently delivers the goods.
Based around Monastrell, with Garnacha Tintorera and Syrah blended in, this ample red possesses surprising depth, body and structure for such a low price. Glass-filling aromas of violet, blackberry and creosote follow into a warm, pleasure-laden texture that proves to be versatile with lots of everyday fare. Try it with pizza, pork chops, jalapeno burgers and more.
Based around Monastrell, with Garnacha Tintorera and Syrah blended in, this ample red possesses surprising depth, body and structure for such a low price. Glass-filling aromas of violet, blackberry and creosote follow into a warm, pleasure-laden texture that proves to be versatile with lots of everyday fare. Try it with pizza, pork chops, jalapeno burgers and more.
2019 FABRE MONTMAYOU
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'BARREL SELECT'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'BARREL SELECT'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Along with having prominent holdings in Mendoza, Fabre Montmayou has staked claim in the already being realized potential that is cool climate Patagonia. With its various microclimates, this southernmost region of Argentina is one of the world's unique wine areas because here Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Pinot Noir are all cultivated and done very well and now are forging their own identities in the wine world.
One of the most impressive under-15 dollar wines from Argentina that we have tasted recently is this inviting, deceptively complex and forward, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intensely colored with violet and cassis aromas that carry over into a texture that is medium-bodied, exuberant and chock full of flavor and depth. Enjoy this wine at just about any moment with burgers, sausages or smoked meats.
One of the most impressive under-15 dollar wines from Argentina that we have tasted recently is this inviting, deceptively complex and forward, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intensely colored with violet and cassis aromas that carry over into a texture that is medium-bodied, exuberant and chock full of flavor and depth. Enjoy this wine at just about any moment with burgers, sausages or smoked meats.
2011 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO
'VIGNA CASA MATE'
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
'VIGNA CASA MATE'
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
One of the requests that I often receive is if we ever have any Barolo that has some age or is accessible now. For once, we are able to oblige! Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the superstars of Barolo so it truly is amazing to see this epic Barolo on special.
Casa Matè is part of the Ginestra hill within Monforte D'Alba and south facing at about 300 meters. The location is made immensely different from Grasso’s partner site, Chiniera due to the soils that influences both the wines profoundly. Unlike Chiniera, Casa Matè's soil does not have sand, but loosely packed clay that supports the firm limestone base. This brings more roundness, power and structure to the wine along with the telltale richness from this sector of Barolo. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 10, there is an emerging underbelly of smoothness yet the wine will still age well for another 8-10 years. Decant about 30 minutes in advance, serve in a proper glass, and have it with some braised fare.
Casa Matè is part of the Ginestra hill within Monforte D'Alba and south facing at about 300 meters. The location is made immensely different from Grasso’s partner site, Chiniera due to the soils that influences both the wines profoundly. Unlike Chiniera, Casa Matè's soil does not have sand, but loosely packed clay that supports the firm limestone base. This brings more roundness, power and structure to the wine along with the telltale richness from this sector of Barolo. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 10, there is an emerging underbelly of smoothness yet the wine will still age well for another 8-10 years. Decant about 30 minutes in advance, serve in a proper glass, and have it with some braised fare.
