Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'ALL IN THE GAME' HOTSHEET
Saint-Estephe Bordeaux values, Grower Champagne, Oregon Sauv Blanc, Petroio Chianti & more
2016 ACUSTIC CELLER
MONTSANT TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MONTSANT TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located on slopes that surround Priorat like a horseshoe and about 2 hours south of Barcelona, the Montsant has its own distinction and terroir that vastly differs from that of its more famous, higher-elevated neighbor Priorat. Ever since the region was elevated to D.O. status in 2001, the quality has been superb and the wines seemingly are an extension of Languedoc or the Rhone. Albert Jane has been at it in this area since the 2003 vintage and his wines are amongst the most prolific and are remarkably priced for their excellent quality.
65% Carignan and 35% Grenache coming from vines that are 35-80 years old. 2016 is a mighty vintage for the area and classic Mediterranean in its personality. Albert’s benchmark Montsant possesses pronounced aromatic herbs and spices around dense licorice, violet and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, but opaque, concentrated fruit. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the ripe, pleasantly structured, full finish that maintains vibrancy and zip. Very attractive now and can be aged for 5-7 years as well.
65% Carignan and 35% Grenache coming from vines that are 35-80 years old. 2016 is a mighty vintage for the area and classic Mediterranean in its personality. Albert’s benchmark Montsant possesses pronounced aromatic herbs and spices around dense licorice, violet and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, but opaque, concentrated fruit. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the ripe, pleasantly structured, full finish that maintains vibrancy and zip. Very attractive now and can be aged for 5-7 years as well.
2019 JC SOMERS SAUVIGNON BLANC
'CROFT VINEYARD'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
'CROFT VINEYARD'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Having stepped away from J. Christopher to refocus on making wine on a smaller scale, Willamette Valley lead guitarist and profound winemaker Jay Somers set out on an exciting new venture. Having made Sauvignon Blanc from this top drawer vineyard site, Jay knows this grape and these vines like no other. 2019 is a cool vintage and this played right into his hands producing somewhat of an Oregon Sancerre-styled wine with terrific minerality and cut.
Forward quenching flavors of kiwi, lime, herbs and an undertow of Texas grapefruit meld beautifully into a core of savory minerality making one ask how Jay can achieve these traits in the new world?! Concentration on the pin of a needle with old vine depth balanced by lovely saline aspects and a long mouth filling fresh finish. This will work beautifully with NW mussels and with its depth and dimension will pair exquisitely with salmon.
Forward quenching flavors of kiwi, lime, herbs and an undertow of Texas grapefruit meld beautifully into a core of savory minerality making one ask how Jay can achieve these traits in the new world?! Concentration on the pin of a needle with old vine depth balanced by lovely saline aspects and a long mouth filling fresh finish. This will work beautifully with NW mussels and with its depth and dimension will pair exquisitely with salmon.
2015 FATTORIA DI PETROIO
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
We always get excited when a new release comes from Petroio capo Diana Lenzi. Over the years we have watched her wines become stronger and even more prolific since she took over the operation of her family’s superb Castelnuova Berardenga-based Chianti estate.
Riserva truly means something to these wines and this wine is built to age impeccably. A powerlifter of a Chianti that has substantial structure, there is an undertow of balance and smoothness that will arrive with some aging. Engaging aromas of dark chocolate, tobacco, toffee and leather peek in and mingle gracefully with smoked plum, roasted herbs, violets and licorice. Right now, it presents an ultra-complex array of aromas that are seamlessly echoed in the mouth, which reflect meticulous care in both the vineyard and winery. However, if you want to uncork one, you had better decant it for about an hour before pouring. Grill a steak or some sort of game meat like elk if you want to try it now, otherwise let it sit until 2022 and drink it through 2030.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN LARGE FORMAT BOTTLES
Large (1.5-liter) - $69.00, Extra Large (3-liter) - $140.00, Bed Wetter (5-liter) - $215.00
Riserva truly means something to these wines and this wine is built to age impeccably. A powerlifter of a Chianti that has substantial structure, there is an undertow of balance and smoothness that will arrive with some aging. Engaging aromas of dark chocolate, tobacco, toffee and leather peek in and mingle gracefully with smoked plum, roasted herbs, violets and licorice. Right now, it presents an ultra-complex array of aromas that are seamlessly echoed in the mouth, which reflect meticulous care in both the vineyard and winery. However, if you want to uncork one, you had better decant it for about an hour before pouring. Grill a steak or some sort of game meat like elk if you want to try it now, otherwise let it sit until 2022 and drink it through 2030.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN LARGE FORMAT BOTTLES
Large (1.5-liter) - $69.00, Extra Large (3-liter) - $140.00, Bed Wetter (5-liter) - $215.00
2018 VINA LAS PERDICES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'PARTRIDGE'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'PARTRIDGE'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Everyone loves a 10-dollar, every evening Cabernet. From Mendoza, we normally have worked with this estate’s Malbec but the Cab arrived and we were happily surprised.
Spicy, dark and racy, opulent, delicious and with its easy charm and even easier pricing, this is the ideal house Cab. Perfect for pizza, pasta, drive-bys, binge watching reruns, stargazing, grilled steak, protests, filling out your tax return, virtual book clubs, burgers, chicken salads, steaks, knee-capping, Thai cuisine, playing board games…and anything else you can think of.
Spicy, dark and racy, opulent, delicious and with its easy charm and even easier pricing, this is the ideal house Cab. Perfect for pizza, pasta, drive-bys, binge watching reruns, stargazing, grilled steak, protests, filling out your tax return, virtual book clubs, burgers, chicken salads, steaks, knee-capping, Thai cuisine, playing board games…and anything else you can think of.
2018 CAPRANERA FALANGHINA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A few weeks back we rolled out the red wine made from the Aglianico grape made by this value-focused Campania producer. This week we move on to their excellent white wine made from the native Falanghina grape. If you find yourself stuck in Pinot Gris purgatory or cooped up with Chardonnay then you need to free your mind and follow your ass to this wonderful, energetic dry white wine.
Gentle, fresh and complex aromas of fresh cut mandarin, anisette, sheer earth and delicate white flower billow out from the glass. Intense and incredibly nervy in the mouth with a great contrast of melon, blood orange and white spice that enhance the ravishing mouthfeel. We love that this white is so very Italian and Napolitan because it possesses the minerality and sea-inspired aspects that are what provides so much pleasure to the wines of this area. Have it with spicy, tomato-based seafood dishes or grilled seafood with lemon and capers.
Gentle, fresh and complex aromas of fresh cut mandarin, anisette, sheer earth and delicate white flower billow out from the glass. Intense and incredibly nervy in the mouth with a great contrast of melon, blood orange and white spice that enhance the ravishing mouthfeel. We love that this white is so very Italian and Napolitan because it possesses the minerality and sea-inspired aspects that are what provides so much pleasure to the wines of this area. Have it with spicy, tomato-based seafood dishes or grilled seafood with lemon and capers.
2017 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR
'ILLAHE VINEYARD'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'ILLAHE VINEYARD'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Evesham Wood is one of Oregon’s five-star producers that so many don’t know. Having been in existence since the mid-80s and founded by Russ Raney, it is now run and continues its very high quality by Erin Nuccio, Russ’s former assistant.
One of several single vineyard wines, Illahe is one of the steals in all of Oregon. A superbly situated vineyard site outside of Eola-Amity, Illahe is located in the foothills of the Coast Range and is in good company. Croft & Freedom Hill are located here, but Illahe’s terroir brings about a bit more refinement and grace than these other illustrious sites. 2017 is a bang-up, great vintage for Oregon. These are classic Pinot Noirs with depth and balance and are not supersized. Sensuous plum/pepper notes surround freshly cut flowers, red earth, subtle nutmeg and smoke tones. In the mouth, it possesses the same nimble purple aspects that are displayed on the nose. Caressing with good richness and total finesse and harmony, it spreads out nicely on the extensive, peppery finish. Very attractive now, this promises to age nicely for 10+ years as well.
One of several single vineyard wines, Illahe is one of the steals in all of Oregon. A superbly situated vineyard site outside of Eola-Amity, Illahe is located in the foothills of the Coast Range and is in good company. Croft & Freedom Hill are located here, but Illahe’s terroir brings about a bit more refinement and grace than these other illustrious sites. 2017 is a bang-up, great vintage for Oregon. These are classic Pinot Noirs with depth and balance and are not supersized. Sensuous plum/pepper notes surround freshly cut flowers, red earth, subtle nutmeg and smoke tones. In the mouth, it possesses the same nimble purple aspects that are displayed on the nose. Caressing with good richness and total finesse and harmony, it spreads out nicely on the extensive, peppery finish. Very attractive now, this promises to age nicely for 10+ years as well.
2014 CHATEAU TOUR DE PEZ
SAINT-ESTEPHE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
SAINT-ESTEPHE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Named after the hamlet of Pez, which includes Chateau de Pez and Chateau Les Ormes de Pez, the Bouchara family has owned this estate since 1989 and has elevated them into the top Cru Bourgois status in Saint-Estephe. Best yet is that it doesn’t dispense a price tag north of $55 like the other Pez’s.
Solid, sturdy but sensual – prototype St-Estephe based around almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with about 10% Petit Verdot in the mix. Cherry along with interesting scents of Havanas, roses, turned earth, rhubarb, licorice and cardamom. Generous entry then clamps down as to be expected. Underlying graceful tones, impressive material. Moves nicely but ultimately is packed in. Hangs around and lingers quite well. Stuffed, impressive finish. Drink 2022 – 2030.
Solid, sturdy but sensual – prototype St-Estephe based around almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with about 10% Petit Verdot in the mix. Cherry along with interesting scents of Havanas, roses, turned earth, rhubarb, licorice and cardamom. Generous entry then clamps down as to be expected. Underlying graceful tones, impressive material. Moves nicely but ultimately is packed in. Hangs around and lingers quite well. Stuffed, impressive finish. Drink 2022 – 2030.
2014 LES HAUTS DE PEZ
SAINT-ESTEPHE
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
SAINT-ESTEPHE
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
Les Hauts de Pez is the second label of the previously mentioned Tour de Pez. Cuvees that have early accessibility are utilized for this wine. Classic Bordeaux varietals make up the blend with the dense clay in the soil bringing about a nice lushness.
Very classy nose, quite forward and offering plush blackberry, smoke, hints of cherry pit, coriander and red earth. Creamy entry, telltale St-Estephe with its firmness and succulence. Pure, driving, long finish. This one really overachieves. Drink now – 2026.
Very classy nose, quite forward and offering plush blackberry, smoke, hints of cherry pit, coriander and red earth. Creamy entry, telltale St-Estephe with its firmness and succulence. Pure, driving, long finish. This one really overachieves. Drink now – 2026.
CHAMPAGNE MARC HEBRART
BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS
$59.99 btl./$359.94 – six pack
BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS
$59.99 btl./$359.94 – six pack
For many years, we have offered these bubblies, but after going through the archives, this is the first time we have ever dropped the Blanc de Blancs on y'all. Champagne Marc Hebrart, let by Jean-Paul Hebrart is small but formidable grower Champagne producer who makes a murderer’s row of a roster of bubblies.
A very individual Blanc de Blancs that is 100% Chardonnay with 60% coming from the Grands Crus villages of Chouilly and Oiry but the other 40% comes from the home Premier Cru village, Marieul-sur-Ay across the river and is more known for its Pinot Noir, Instantly enticing, this drop has serious toss-it-back factor exuding 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 or bottle. Luxuriate. Oh indeed!
A very individual Blanc de Blancs that is 100% Chardonnay with 60% coming from the Grands Crus villages of Chouilly and Oiry but the other 40% comes from the home Premier Cru village, Marieul-sur-Ay across the river and is more known for its Pinot Noir, Instantly enticing, this drop has serious toss-it-back factor exuding 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 or bottle. Luxuriate. Oh indeed!
