Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'YOU DON'T SAY' HOTSHEET
Iconic Sancerre & Walla Walla Wine, 94 point Chianti Riserva Special, Kelley Fox Pinot & more
2016 FELSINA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
94 points - The Wine Advocate. A special offer until it is gone. The southernmost Chianti Classico village and environs of Castelnuova Berardenga is an area where Chianti is defined by power and the undeniable leader here is Fattoria di Felsina. Having worked with these wines for 2+ decades, this estate is consistently on top for and when a vintage as prodigious as 2016 comes along, it is certainly a prize that all Tuscan/Italian/Wine-lovers should have in their cellars and dinner tables, especially at this spectacular price.
The merits and hype of the 2016 vintage in Chianti Classico are genuine, and this wine is simply one of the most beautiful offerings that we have seen of the vintage. The style here is one of power due to prime plots in Castelnuovo Berardenga. 100% Sangiovese. Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are hallmarks of this wine. Highlighting Tuscan savory violet, sage and toffee scents, there is an abundance of detailed terroir that ride shotgun on this complex red. In the mouth, the wine has generosity up front and then spreads out on the entire palate with sensuous fruit that submerges the tannins, although the structured grip is noticeable. The true highlight of this wine is its aftertaste that is graceful, complex and if we had a stopwatch, it would make a couple of rotations. We knew the quality of 2016 was going to be very high, but in tasting many Tuscan wines recently, our confirmation is that it is even more glorious than we would have ever anticipated. Felsina’s wines will never rip the enamel off your teeth if you were to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2030+.
The merits and hype of the 2016 vintage in Chianti Classico are genuine, and this wine is simply one of the most beautiful offerings that we have seen of the vintage. The style here is one of power due to prime plots in Castelnuovo Berardenga. 100% Sangiovese. Impressive combination of power and smoothness, deep and dark black cherry and plum fruit are hallmarks of this wine. Highlighting Tuscan savory violet, sage and toffee scents, there is an abundance of detailed terroir that ride shotgun on this complex red. In the mouth, the wine has generosity up front and then spreads out on the entire palate with sensuous fruit that submerges the tannins, although the structured grip is noticeable. The true highlight of this wine is its aftertaste that is graceful, complex and if we had a stopwatch, it would make a couple of rotations. We knew the quality of 2016 was going to be very high, but in tasting many Tuscan wines recently, our confirmation is that it is even more glorious than we would have ever anticipated. Felsina’s wines will never rip the enamel off your teeth if you were to uncork one now. Drink this future hall of famer through 2030+.
2017 DUPORT COTE-DE-BROUILLY
'LIEU DIT BROUILLY'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LIEU DIT BROUILLY'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Crazy enough there is a single cru on the Cote-de-Brouilly called Brouilly! When you taste it, you would never confuse it with the Brouilly because Cote-de-Brouilly wines always have a tendency towards more power and structure. Having met and visited Julien Duporte in 2019, he is on the map one of the leaders in both Brouilly and especially Cote-de-Brouilly.
Named after the quarry of Brouilly, not only does this wine convey gorgeous sense of fruit, it has a very impressive mineral streak to it from the deep blue granite and late-age colluvium soils. Concentrated both aroma and flavor, generous strawberry, scents of wet chalkboard, undertones of violet and plum, this wine soars. Spreads out on the palate and persists with peppercorn and a backdrop of succulence. So attractive now but it will also age well. I see a beautifully sautéed hangar steak with a mushroom sauce or perhaps gently brined pork chops from the grill in our futures.
Named after the quarry of Brouilly, not only does this wine convey gorgeous sense of fruit, it has a very impressive mineral streak to it from the deep blue granite and late-age colluvium soils. Concentrated both aroma and flavor, generous strawberry, scents of wet chalkboard, undertones of violet and plum, this wine soars. Spreads out on the palate and persists with peppercorn and a backdrop of succulence. So attractive now but it will also age well. I see a beautifully sautéed hangar steak with a mushroom sauce or perhaps gently brined pork chops from the grill in our futures.
2019 GAGLIARDO FAVORITA BIANCO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Known as Vermentino in Tuscany, Sardnina and most of Italy and Rolle in France, the name for the grape in Piedmont is called Favorita and it does quite well in the region. We have enjoyed Gagliardo’s wines in the past but never have really had the opportunity to offer this spritely white wine.
Captivating aromas of flowers and mineral provide lots of dance from the glass, but also show impressive depth. Lavish and lemony with engaging ginger-spice tones that are woven-in nicely and extend to the suave, stand-up finish. This is absolutely sexy juice for the adventurous wine drinker who is willing to uncork their minds and palates. Exquisite with swordfish or albacore tuna.
Captivating aromas of flowers and mineral provide lots of dance from the glass, but also show impressive depth. Lavish and lemony with engaging ginger-spice tones that are woven-in nicely and extend to the suave, stand-up finish. This is absolutely sexy juice for the adventurous wine drinker who is willing to uncork their minds and palates. Exquisite with swordfish or albacore tuna.
2018 ESPELT GARNACHA
'OLD VINES' EMPORDA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'OLD VINES' EMPORDA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From Catalonia's Emporda region, a stone's throw from the French border on the Mediterranean, Espelt is a producer who fashions super wines that put forth an abundance of bang for the buck.
Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice and cocoa tones with engaging nuances of cracked pepper and roasted earth. The attack is round, concentrated and luscious with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything showcases the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart, grilled pork loin or pizza.
Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice and cocoa tones with engaging nuances of cracked pepper and roasted earth. The attack is round, concentrated and luscious with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything showcases the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart, grilled pork loin or pizza.
2017 BISCI 'FOGLIANO' ROSSO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
LAST CALL! If you love Italian red wines, there has never been a better time to get some of this one to be your versatile dinner red, which can be served for an upscale Italian dinner or with a steaming bowl of spaghetti & meatballs or even Thai beef or pork dishes. Well, what is it? Read on...
A classic blend highlighted by Sangiovese from the Le Marches region of Italy, Bisci is most notably a great Verdicchio producer and this red shows that they are just a great wine producer, period. Loaded with scents and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, herbs, and black pepper, it is soft and silky in the mouth. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
A classic blend highlighted by Sangiovese from the Le Marches region of Italy, Bisci is most notably a great Verdicchio producer and this red shows that they are just a great wine producer, period. Loaded with scents and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, herbs, and black pepper, it is soft and silky in the mouth. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
2018 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
'HYLAND VINEYARD' COURY CLONE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'HYLAND VINEYARD' COURY CLONE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
This is quite a fabulous, refined Pinot. Close to the Coast Range separating the Willamette Valley from the Pacific Ocean, the beautiful Hyland Vineyard, first planted in 1971, is one of Oregon’s oldest vineyards. This wine was produced from self-rooted Coury clone vines planted in 1988 in a block of red Jory volcanic soil at around 600 feet. The legendary Charles Coury introduced this mysterious clone of Pinot noir into Oregon, and the wine from these vines has a fine red character that is, in a subtle way, inimitable.
From Kelley Fox: ‘The Hyland is the last release of my 2018s and well worth the wait, I think. It’s a medium-dark, youthful red and beautifully transparent in the glass. The nose is full of black cherries, minerals, a bit of spice, and a feeling of fresh ocean air, and in the mouth it’s light on its feet considering the attack. This very balanced Pinot is fine and velvety, and the flavours are much the same as the nose. Very delicious. The Hyland 2018 has red energy-all of the good things red. Rooted, sanguine, and joyful. If Pinot noir could be a beautiful cherry wine, this might be it (or the reverse). Not literally, but energetically: this is all Oregon Pinot in every way.’
From Kelley Fox: ‘The Hyland is the last release of my 2018s and well worth the wait, I think. It’s a medium-dark, youthful red and beautifully transparent in the glass. The nose is full of black cherries, minerals, a bit of spice, and a feeling of fresh ocean air, and in the mouth it’s light on its feet considering the attack. This very balanced Pinot is fine and velvety, and the flavours are much the same as the nose. Very delicious. The Hyland 2018 has red energy-all of the good things red. Rooted, sanguine, and joyful. If Pinot noir could be a beautiful cherry wine, this might be it (or the reverse). Not literally, but energetically: this is all Oregon Pinot in every way.’
2019 VACHERON SANCERRE
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
It isn’t the norm for us to offer Sancerre north of thirty dollars but when it comes to some of the iconic producers of the region we relent. Vacheron is a true benchmark of the region and their Sancerre takes it to a different realm versus the many we frequently sell. Trust me; if you enjoy the wines from this area, you owe it to yourself to try wines from Vacheron.
The pedigree of this wine excites from the moment it is poured. Exquisitely defined and possessing everything that I look for in a fine Sancerre, this is the essence of Haut Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Mineral tones, but alluring notes of persistent gooseberry, melon and tangerine take over on the nose. The texture is finesseful, racy, lively and compact with plenty of mouth-watering tones that dominate throughout. Go to your favorite cheese shop, pick up a piece of Crottin du Chavignol and watch the combination make sweet music. It will also work well with oysters and other seafood, too.
The pedigree of this wine excites from the moment it is poured. Exquisitely defined and possessing everything that I look for in a fine Sancerre, this is the essence of Haut Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Mineral tones, but alluring notes of persistent gooseberry, melon and tangerine take over on the nose. The texture is finesseful, racy, lively and compact with plenty of mouth-watering tones that dominate throughout. Go to your favorite cheese shop, pick up a piece of Crottin du Chavignol and watch the combination make sweet music. It will also work well with oysters and other seafood, too.
2017 LONG SHADOWS 'PIROUETTE RED
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
Made By Philippe Melka (Napa winemaker/consultant extraordinaire…Bryant Family, Vineyard 29/Aida & Lail) and Agustin Huneeus (owner of famed Napa winery, Quintessa) the 2017 Pirouette is a rich, deeply colored wine which offers a broad spectrum of complex aromas including leather and black cherry interwoven with hints of spice, earth and a subtle note of licorice. Supple yet firm tannins on the entry turn rich on the mid-palate to provide a lush mouthfeel across a lengthy finish. A major league cellar selection from an outstanding Walla Walla group Hold on to this well-structured beauty until 2022 and drink it through 2032+.
