Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'WINE FOR THOUGHT' HOTSHEET
95-point Nobile di Montepulciano, Savory Lake Garda Rose, Woodward Canyon, Bordeaux Value & more
2016 CHATEAU BEAUSEJOUR FRONSAC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
There are many times that I often hear about how Bordeaux is expensive. On one hand, it is very true, but that tends to be for the classified growths, great Pomerol and a sufficiency of Saint-Emilion at stupid prices. On the other hand, a generation of excellent small Chateaux committed to terrific quality delivers fabulous wine at fair prices.
Located in close proximity to Saint-Emilion and fifth generation female-owned, this wine takes on some of the characteristics of the more famed area yet has its own pedigree. Blackcurrants, smoke, mineral and an underbelly of cherry, spice and baking herbs, it is well textured, classy and dry. The finish is sneaky long for such a wine under fifteen bucks. Prototype petite chateau Bordeaux and one that carries beautifully to the dinner table. Drink now – 2023.
Located in close proximity to Saint-Emilion and fifth generation female-owned, this wine takes on some of the characteristics of the more famed area yet has its own pedigree. Blackcurrants, smoke, mineral and an underbelly of cherry, spice and baking herbs, it is well textured, classy and dry. The finish is sneaky long for such a wine under fifteen bucks. Prototype petite chateau Bordeaux and one that carries beautifully to the dinner table. Drink now – 2023.
2016 DEI VINO NOBILE
DI MONTEPULCIANO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
DI MONTEPULCIANO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
95 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine and a steal at 27-bucks...Caterina Dei has long been one of our most esteemed Tuscan producers that we annually work with, especially when it comes to her infallible Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
'Fragrant blue flower, crushed aromatic herb and wild berry aromas form the nose of this smooth, full-bodied red. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, it’s savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, truffle and cocoa before a star anise finish. Supple tannins and bright acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2021–2031'. - 95 POINTS - WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE'
'Fragrant blue flower, crushed aromatic herb and wild berry aromas form the nose of this smooth, full-bodied red. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, it’s savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, truffle and cocoa before a star anise finish. Supple tannins and bright acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2021–2031'. - 95 POINTS - WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE'
2019 LEBEAUPIN SAINT-AMOUR
CLOS DE LA BROSSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
CLOS DE LA BROSSE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
The Brosse is back! I have recently sampled several other wines from this terrific Cru in Beaujolais but have shoved them all aside for this old school producer's wine that comes from a miniscule clos with 95+ year old vines. Along with obsessive farming, Gerard Lebeaupin's winemaking techniques are from a couple of generations ago, he still uses the wooden grate punchdown system (think of a French Press), and the results are superb.
The 2019 Saint Amour is old vine soul at its best. Seamless and pleasing, this red delivers a luminous presence of creme de framboise, smoke, anise and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick. Resoundingly vivacious, this gem is a total eruption of flavors that cascade through the mouth. Finishes lengthy and full of spice, but fills in beautifully with sultry fruit that energizes and stains the palate. The classic pairing would be roasted chicken with mushrooms. We also recommend going outside the borders and having it with Indian or Moroccan cuisine as well as grilled fish.
The 2019 Saint Amour is old vine soul at its best. Seamless and pleasing, this red delivers a luminous presence of creme de framboise, smoke, anise and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick. Resoundingly vivacious, this gem is a total eruption of flavors that cascade through the mouth. Finishes lengthy and full of spice, but fills in beautifully with sultry fruit that energizes and stains the palate. The classic pairing would be roasted chicken with mushrooms. We also recommend going outside the borders and having it with Indian or Moroccan cuisine as well as grilled fish.
2019 SIDEBAR SAUVIGNON BLANC
RUSSIAN RIVER
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
RUSSIAN RIVER
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
David Ramey's Sidebar wines are great alternatives to his higher end namesake wines and are selections that deviate from the Ramey Cellars offerings and are meant to be enjoyed on an every evening basis and we think that Sauvignon Blanc fans will adore this, especially at this special price.
From Russian River and aged in both stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels, not to impart any intrusive oak tones, it is enticing from the first moment that the wine is poured into the glass. Freshly cut grass lurks beneath beautiful orange-lime-fig aromas that follow to a slightly creamy texture that buffers the brisk, fruit-driven, crisp citrus characteristics. The finish is very sleek and suave with an enlightening finish that sticks around nicely well after the wine is swallowed. A stellar deal from one of California and America’s most important and influential wine figures.
From Russian River and aged in both stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels, not to impart any intrusive oak tones, it is enticing from the first moment that the wine is poured into the glass. Freshly cut grass lurks beneath beautiful orange-lime-fig aromas that follow to a slightly creamy texture that buffers the brisk, fruit-driven, crisp citrus characteristics. The finish is very sleek and suave with an enlightening finish that sticks around nicely well after the wine is swallowed. A stellar deal from one of California and America’s most important and influential wine figures.
2020 LE FRAGHE BARDOLINO
CHIARETTO ROSE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
CHIARETTO ROSE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Rose is widely produced in Italy; however, much of it is from non-traditional regions, however, the three classic areas where Rose has been produced for centuries are Lombardy (Chiaretto), Puglia and the Cerasuolo from Abruzzo. Chiaretto is known in Italy as 'the Christmas wine' as much is consumed in December but a wine that is this thirst quenching and attractive demands impatience and is easy to drink in June as well.
Comprised of Corvina and Rondinella grapes blended to perfection this pulsating pink wine produced on the Veneto 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, and it won’t last long!
Comprised of Corvina and Rondinella grapes blended to perfection this pulsating pink wine produced on the Veneto 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, and it won’t last long!
2016 TEDESCHI 'MATERNIGO'
VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK
Having been in existence since 1630, Tedeschi has always been a formidable name for Amarone and Valpolicella. Lately Riccardo Tedeschi has taken his family’s estate to some of the loftiest levels by creating single parcel wines that exude greatness reflecting their specific origins while possessing ample decadence.
Award winning as usual, the locale-named Maternigo Valpolicella is from a vineyard called ‘Impervio’ that is so steep that it may well make a mountain goat puke! This seven-acre single vineyard possesses superior terroir consisting of intermittent white and yellow limestone marls. Done with traditional vinification without any drying of the grapes and aged for 14 months in 2000 and 2500-liter barrels, this wine maintains a formidable, yet beautiful presence attaining power through elegance.
Sensually red in color, it has a wide and embracing bouquet with scents of forest fruits, juniper, and tobacco, prominent stony mineral and coffee essences. Seamless and sexy on the palate with generous fruit, well-balanced zest and spine and a finish that goes on and on and puts you on notice that it ain’t your grandpa’s old Valpol that comes from a jug! Beautiful with mushrooms or slow braised pork. One of the best versions yet and from an epic vintage for this region, it attained a Tre Bicchieri Award from Gambero Rosso, Drink this killer over the next 10+ years.
Award winning as usual, the locale-named Maternigo Valpolicella is from a vineyard called ‘Impervio’ that is so steep that it may well make a mountain goat puke! This seven-acre single vineyard possesses superior terroir consisting of intermittent white and yellow limestone marls. Done with traditional vinification without any drying of the grapes and aged for 14 months in 2000 and 2500-liter barrels, this wine maintains a formidable, yet beautiful presence attaining power through elegance.
Sensually red in color, it has a wide and embracing bouquet with scents of forest fruits, juniper, and tobacco, prominent stony mineral and coffee essences. Seamless and sexy on the palate with generous fruit, well-balanced zest and spine and a finish that goes on and on and puts you on notice that it ain’t your grandpa’s old Valpol that comes from a jug! Beautiful with mushrooms or slow braised pork. One of the best versions yet and from an epic vintage for this region, it attained a Tre Bicchieri Award from Gambero Rosso, Drink this killer over the next 10+ years.
2012 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA
'VINA ARDANZA' RESERVA
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'VINA ARDANZA' RESERVA
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
One of the greatest expressions of this venerable Spanish region, La Rioja Alta exceeded expectations in this vintage. Incredibly undervalued, the current release is 2012, and is an absolutely brilliant wine that is certainly a throwback in style. Here the color is amber-ruby and the wine is more akin to a fine Barolo or Burgundy than a full-on cab or plush merlot.
Insane complexity and finesseful aromas of dry-rub spices, melted cherry, sweet tobacco, mineral, vanilla bean and red licorice. Sensuously textured with lovely ripeness and cushion, this wine crawls, teases and pleases throughout the mouth all the way to the long, ethereal brilliant, high-toned finish. Stunning now and will easily age another 10-15 years as well. Serve it with a slow-roasted leg of lamb or pork tenderloin, it is a match made in heaven. If you need scores for reassurance, 94 points from The Wine Advocate.
Insane complexity and finesseful aromas of dry-rub spices, melted cherry, sweet tobacco, mineral, vanilla bean and red licorice. Sensuously textured with lovely ripeness and cushion, this wine crawls, teases and pleases throughout the mouth all the way to the long, ethereal brilliant, high-toned finish. Stunning now and will easily age another 10-15 years as well. Serve it with a slow-roasted leg of lamb or pork tenderloin, it is a match made in heaven. If you need scores for reassurance, 94 points from The Wine Advocate.
2018 WOODWARD CANYON
CABERNET FRANC ESTATE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
CABERNET FRANC ESTATE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
Rick Small and his team have always been enthusiastic about the Cabernet Franc grape and its potential in Walla Walla. 2018 marks the second release of this wine, which is from vines planted on their estate vineyard in 1997.
Decadent raspberry, currant, chocolate-pie, nutmeg and cedar tones permeate from the glass and lead into a voluptuous, velvety-smooth, ripe texture. As always is the case, alluring fruit dominates in the mouth and higher tones arrive on the throat-coating finish. Impressively long and fleet-footed this Fred Astaire meets Zion Williamson Cabernet Franc can be consumed now and will improve and develop through 2028+.
Decadent raspberry, currant, chocolate-pie, nutmeg and cedar tones permeate from the glass and lead into a voluptuous, velvety-smooth, ripe texture. As always is the case, alluring fruit dominates in the mouth and higher tones arrive on the throat-coating finish. Impressively long and fleet-footed this Fred Astaire meets Zion Williamson Cabernet Franc can be consumed now and will improve and develop through 2028+.
