Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'KEG HALF FULL' HOTSHEET
White Burgundy, New Vietti Barbera, Last Call Rasteau, HalfOff 96 point Sauternes & more
2016 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'TRE VIGNE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
'TRE VIGNE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
After spending time in Piedmont back in May, one of the many things that stood out is the prowess of the 2016 vintage. This vintage proved to reveal stellar conditions, warm when it was supposed to be warm, cool nights, ripeness and generosity, terrific structure and acidity. I can certainly go on but safe to say, if you love the wines from this area, take note.
As always, one of the grand stalwart producers is Vietti. Year in and year out, what Luca Currado and his team continue to put forth is nothing short of mighty. 2016 played right into their hands! The Tre Vigne, as always, over delivers. Made mostly from 25-40 year old vines from three Grand Cru villages of Barolo, Monforte D’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and La Morra along with a smattering of grapes from other Langhe villages. A lavish, smooth dense Barbera that never strays from its Alba roots; it is marked by plenty of hearty licorice, black cherry and milk chocolate tones. Flavorful and mouth filling with a staggering presence of lusciousness beneath the silky tannins, subtle spice and an abundance of detailed Piedmont earthiness and zestiness. Everything integrates nicely on the lingering, pleasing finish. It is the perfect, hearty choice for roasted lamb or risotto prepared with slowly braised beef and mushrooms. Drink this killer through 2024.
As always, one of the grand stalwart producers is Vietti. Year in and year out, what Luca Currado and his team continue to put forth is nothing short of mighty. 2016 played right into their hands! The Tre Vigne, as always, over delivers. Made mostly from 25-40 year old vines from three Grand Cru villages of Barolo, Monforte D’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and La Morra along with a smattering of grapes from other Langhe villages. A lavish, smooth dense Barbera that never strays from its Alba roots; it is marked by plenty of hearty licorice, black cherry and milk chocolate tones. Flavorful and mouth filling with a staggering presence of lusciousness beneath the silky tannins, subtle spice and an abundance of detailed Piedmont earthiness and zestiness. Everything integrates nicely on the lingering, pleasing finish. It is the perfect, hearty choice for roasted lamb or risotto prepared with slowly braised beef and mushrooms. Drink this killer through 2024.
2016 KELLEY FOX
PINOT NOIR 'AHURANI'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR 'AHURANI'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
We debuted this Pinot Noir back in April but decided to feature it again at a special price! First offered at $34.99, we are now at $24.99 for this prolific producer’s stunning wine! Decidedly inspired by the old world, particularly Burgundy, Kelley’s influence from her time working alongside David Lett at Eyrie is very evident in her elegant, precise and very ageworthy Pinot Noirs that are consistently in Oregon's top echelon.
Ahurani, named after an ancient Persian goddess of water and well-being, comes forth in a very French style. Coming from the smashing 2016 vintage, Kelley’s Ahurani is genuine Pinot with seductive aspects, it is cerebral and not a deeply-colored, caricature version like others that could be referred to as Pinot to pair with a pack of Kools. Instead, this wine has all the hallmarks of a siren on the rocks with rose-petal, crunchy and not jammy strawberry, subtle pepper and underlying jasmine/mineral aromas which dominate the nose. Ethereal flavors that are caressing, silky and vivid fan out and flow on through to the impressively long, airy finish that also provides pleasurable snap-back. Very accessible now, but for best results, give it another year and drink it through the end of the decade.
Ahurani, named after an ancient Persian goddess of water and well-being, comes forth in a very French style. Coming from the smashing 2016 vintage, Kelley’s Ahurani is genuine Pinot with seductive aspects, it is cerebral and not a deeply-colored, caricature version like others that could be referred to as Pinot to pair with a pack of Kools. Instead, this wine has all the hallmarks of a siren on the rocks with rose-petal, crunchy and not jammy strawberry, subtle pepper and underlying jasmine/mineral aromas which dominate the nose. Ethereal flavors that are caressing, silky and vivid fan out and flow on through to the impressively long, airy finish that also provides pleasurable snap-back. Very accessible now, but for best results, give it another year and drink it through the end of the decade.
2015 GUY BOCARD
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Whenever we depart the cellars at Domaine Bocard in Meursault and after saying our goodbyes, often times we get in the car and we state ‘I am lost in the ocean that is Guy Bocard’ or simply ‘Godd$&n Guy’! This is because when Guy speaks, he is difficult to understand; even his colleagues in France say the same thing. What we do understand is that this man is one of the reclusive and unheralded maestros of Meursault.
The first thing that I wrote in my notes during tasting this wine is ‘one thinks that they're sipping Meursault’. In all actuality, one is actually sipping Meursault when in fact, this wine comes from seven different parcels within Meursault city limits and just across the roadway, that starts the boundary for Meursault AOC. An unlikely thing happens when you smell this wine; it literally makes the mouth water! Lemon-lime, mineral, persistent and inviting with telltale Meursault notes of cereal, honey and toasted bread. Ripe and pure entry with good amplitude, but also possesses engaging, citrusy lift and excellent mineral notes on the finish. This wine is kickass for its price and it can best be called a Meursault experience without the Meursault price.
The first thing that I wrote in my notes during tasting this wine is ‘one thinks that they're sipping Meursault’. In all actuality, one is actually sipping Meursault when in fact, this wine comes from seven different parcels within Meursault city limits and just across the roadway, that starts the boundary for Meursault AOC. An unlikely thing happens when you smell this wine; it literally makes the mouth water! Lemon-lime, mineral, persistent and inviting with telltale Meursault notes of cereal, honey and toasted bread. Ripe and pure entry with good amplitude, but also possesses engaging, citrusy lift and excellent mineral notes on the finish. This wine is kickass for its price and it can best be called a Meursault experience without the Meursault price.
2015 QUINTA DA AVELEDA
DUORO TINTO 'CHARAMBA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
DUORO TINTO 'CHARAMBA'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Known more for Vinho Verde, Aveleda also dabbles quite a bit in red wines and including this flavor-filled 10-dollar dry red from the Douro region, which is better known as the home of Port.
Utilizing Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines), hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to an arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
Utilizing Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines), hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, finely placed oak and sneaky minerality. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to an arousing finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.
2012 FOUR VINES ZINFANDEL
'THE BIKER'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'THE BIKER'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
If you are a Zinfandel fanatic, you should unquestionably have this operation's full-flavored bounties in your drinking repertoire. The Four Vines crew are wine rebels who specialize in Zin and make wines that are decidedly American.
The Biker is an authoritative and impactful Zin! From dry-farmed, head-pruned vines from Paso Robles, the old vines here give this stunner intensity and an elixir-like concentration. Ripe, warm notes of raspberry and juicy cherry play off perfectly intertwined pepper-spice and lovely violet scents. The poor, rather rocky soils in the vineyard bring forth vibrancy that balances out the richness and makes this zin a great match for smoked meats, brick-oven pizza and tomato-based dishes.
The Biker is an authoritative and impactful Zin! From dry-farmed, head-pruned vines from Paso Robles, the old vines here give this stunner intensity and an elixir-like concentration. Ripe, warm notes of raspberry and juicy cherry play off perfectly intertwined pepper-spice and lovely violet scents. The poor, rather rocky soils in the vineyard bring forth vibrancy that balances out the richness and makes this zin a great match for smoked meats, brick-oven pizza and tomato-based dishes.
2008 GAROFOLI 'PODIUM'
VERDICCHIO SUPERIORE
$37.99 BTL./$227.94 - SIX PACK
VERDICCHIO SUPERIORE
$37.99 BTL./$227.94 - SIX PACK
There is a myth that Italian white wines are not capable of aging. In some cases, this is true but when it comes to some of the country’s apex white wines, they certainly can develop and put forth multi-nuanced, classy and complex selections as they age. Verdicchio within the Le Marches region along the Adriatic is proving this point.
One of the icon producers of the area, Garofoli’s top white wine, Podium, is best when aged. This library selection is an excellent way to impress wine friends as well as to pair with elaborate food dishes. There are some wines that you just wish you could bottle the aromas and sell as perfume. This is one such wine, and frankly, it is pure liquid heaven! Coming at you in vivid colors, the complexity of this old girl is enormous. On you go to a nose that is distinctively packed with dried mandarin, spiced pear, honey, dried figs, saline, and a touch of chamomile ! In the mouth, it is luxurious yet chock full of elevation, zest and richness that are totally buffered and enhanced by brilliant citrus and oceanic mineral. The finish penetrates and spreads out over the entire palate while still maintaining a light on its feet quality. Absolutely drinkable right now and perfect with lobster, scallops or salmon in a sorrel/cream sauce, ripe cheeses and more.
One of the icon producers of the area, Garofoli’s top white wine, Podium, is best when aged. This library selection is an excellent way to impress wine friends as well as to pair with elaborate food dishes. There are some wines that you just wish you could bottle the aromas and sell as perfume. This is one such wine, and frankly, it is pure liquid heaven! Coming at you in vivid colors, the complexity of this old girl is enormous. On you go to a nose that is distinctively packed with dried mandarin, spiced pear, honey, dried figs, saline, and a touch of chamomile ! In the mouth, it is luxurious yet chock full of elevation, zest and richness that are totally buffered and enhanced by brilliant citrus and oceanic mineral. The finish penetrates and spreads out over the entire palate while still maintaining a light on its feet quality. Absolutely drinkable right now and perfect with lobster, scallops or salmon in a sorrel/cream sauce, ripe cheeses and more.
2016 BEAURENARD RASTEAU
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Our distributor is getting down to the last 15 cases of this remarkable Rhone wine value from the epic 2016 vintage. That may sound like a lot of wine but it really is not, 180 bottles for the retailers and restaurants in the state tend to go quickly.
As usual, this is 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah from terraced, stony slopes in the region that possess impeccable terroir. Cropped at the same levels of a Chateauneuf, this deep and expansive expression of Rasteau is teeming with exotic spice, sun kissed red raspberry, rose petal, lavender and cracked white pepper. There is a mysteriousness to this wine. Harnessing the generosity of the sunshine and expressing the freshness of the mineral laden site beautifully, there is serious explosiveness but with great finesse throughout. Layered but never heavy a full core of red and purple plum, raspberry fruit shines followed up by a finish that expresses rosemary, white pepper and thyme notes on the finish. A helluva wine that will drink and develop gracefully through 2027.
As usual, this is 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah from terraced, stony slopes in the region that possess impeccable terroir. Cropped at the same levels of a Chateauneuf, this deep and expansive expression of Rasteau is teeming with exotic spice, sun kissed red raspberry, rose petal, lavender and cracked white pepper. There is a mysteriousness to this wine. Harnessing the generosity of the sunshine and expressing the freshness of the mineral laden site beautifully, there is serious explosiveness but with great finesse throughout. Layered but never heavy a full core of red and purple plum, raspberry fruit shines followed up by a finish that expresses rosemary, white pepper and thyme notes on the finish. A helluva wine that will drink and develop gracefully through 2027.
2016 TERRES FALMET CINSAULT
PAYS D'OC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
PAYS D'OC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From Languedoc, Domaine Terres Falmet is a small Saint-Chinian producer that we have long admired and one who is of a rebellious nature. Instead of bottling his wines as St-Chinian, he prefers to make wines that are mono cepage, meaning one grape.
Normally a lighter, blending grape in Southern France that us rarely seen on its own. It is also prominent in Rose but as a stand-alone cuvee, not many have les burettes to produce one. Yves Falmet has 50+ year old vines and this $12 wine does cartwheels. Savory, supple blackberry and freshly ground black pepper notes lead into a medium-bodied palate that has excellent flow and movement. Garrigue spices arrive on the surprisingly concentrated and balanced finish. Very versatile to pair with food, try it with pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving turkey, grilled vegetables, meatballs and more.
Normally a lighter, blending grape in Southern France that us rarely seen on its own. It is also prominent in Rose but as a stand-alone cuvee, not many have les burettes to produce one. Yves Falmet has 50+ year old vines and this $12 wine does cartwheels. Savory, supple blackberry and freshly ground black pepper notes lead into a medium-bodied palate that has excellent flow and movement. Garrigue spices arrive on the surprisingly concentrated and balanced finish. Very versatile to pair with food, try it with pork tenderloin, Thanksgiving turkey, grilled vegetables, meatballs and more.
2011 CHATEAU SUDUIRAUT SAUTERNES
PREMIER CRU CLASSE
[reg. $119.99] SPECIAL - $69.99 BTL. - LIMITED
PREMIER CRU CLASSE
[reg. $119.99] SPECIAL - $69.99 BTL. - LIMITED
96 POINTS - THE WINE SPECTATOR
We have a distributor closing their doors soon and this one at damn near half price just showed up! For red Bordeaux, 2011 is merely a good vintage but for white Bordeaux and particularly Sauternes, 2011 was grand scale. If you love the world’s great dessert wines, do not miss this opportunity.
‘A big, broad, powerful style, with piecrust, roasted almond and hazelnut cream notes framing the core of apricot, creamed peach and dried mango. Picks up extra fig and pear details through the toasty finish. Needs a bit of time to finish sorting itself out. Best from 2017 through 2030. – 96 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR’
We have a distributor closing their doors soon and this one at damn near half price just showed up! For red Bordeaux, 2011 is merely a good vintage but for white Bordeaux and particularly Sauternes, 2011 was grand scale. If you love the world’s great dessert wines, do not miss this opportunity.
‘A big, broad, powerful style, with piecrust, roasted almond and hazelnut cream notes framing the core of apricot, creamed peach and dried mango. Picks up extra fig and pear details through the toasty finish. Needs a bit of time to finish sorting itself out. Best from 2017 through 2030. – 96 POINTS, THE WINE SPECTATOR’
FRIDAY SIPS
RIOJA 101, 102 & MASTER’S CLASS
This Friday October 5 from 1:30 - 6:30
Drop by this Friday to enjoy a comprehensive lineup of Rioja wines from Bodegas Hermanos Pecina. This is an exciting producer who has great lineage to other famed wineries in the Rioja region and it is a rare treat to have us pour and stair step you from Cosecha to Crianza to Reserva to Gran Reserva.
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Hermanos Pecina Rioja Coscecha
2013 Hermanos Pecina Rioja Crianza
2011 Hermanos Pecina Rioja Riserva
2010 Hermanos Pecina Gran Rioja ‘Finca Iscorta’
