Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FILL IN THE BLANKS' HOTSHEET
Superb Chateaueuf-du-Pape, First Rose of The Season, Volpaia Tuscan Value, Malbec & more
2015 MAS D'AMILE VIEUX CARIGNAN
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
NEW, LOWER PRICE & A HEIST FOR 20-BUCKS.
The exuberant Amélie d'Hurlaborde’s has quietly become one of the superb producers in Languedoc. Production here is very small but the quality is mighty and are the types of Languedoc wines that I have been shouting about.
100% Carignan ranging in 70-80 year old vines. Only two parcels totaling up to about 2 acres so with naturally low-productivity of these ancient vines, there are miniscule quantities made. Wind-swept kirsch, lavender and thyme notes arrive first followed black licorice and Indian spices. Vinous, solidly built, old vine depth and with excellent attack, there is prominent succulence and range as well as a finish that does not quit. Enjoy this delectable offering over the next 6-8 years with hearty stews, grilled or pan-seared pork chops, ratatouille and more.
The exuberant Amélie d'Hurlaborde’s has quietly become one of the superb producers in Languedoc. Production here is very small but the quality is mighty and are the types of Languedoc wines that I have been shouting about.
100% Carignan ranging in 70-80 year old vines. Only two parcels totaling up to about 2 acres so with naturally low-productivity of these ancient vines, there are miniscule quantities made. Wind-swept kirsch, lavender and thyme notes arrive first followed black licorice and Indian spices. Vinous, solidly built, old vine depth and with excellent attack, there is prominent succulence and range as well as a finish that does not quit. Enjoy this delectable offering over the next 6-8 years with hearty stews, grilled or pan-seared pork chops, ratatouille and more.
2017 VOLPAIA 'CITTO'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
Famed Chianti Classico producer Castello di Volpaia dips their toes in many waters. Not only do they make Chianti, are experts in hospitality with their restaurant and villas, they also have property in Maremma. Citto is an excellent value red that comes from a blend of both of their estates in Chianti and Maremma and is so damn tasty for every evening consumption.
65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red possesses a forward rose of blackberry plus pronounced spices which dominate the nose and carry over to the smooth and stylish palate. A yummy everyday red wine, this one is perfect for hearty pastas, grilled burgers or for just plain sipping.
65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red possesses a forward rose of blackberry plus pronounced spices which dominate the nose and carry over to the smooth and stylish palate. A yummy everyday red wine, this one is perfect for hearty pastas, grilled burgers or for just plain sipping.
2019 CARREL JONGIEUX ROSE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
We are a tad late but finally we have a Rose that meets our standards to kick off the season and of course, it is from the Alpine region of Savoie, specifically Jongieux. Carrel is one of the stalwart producers of the region and consistently delivers one of the best early season dry pink wines.
Blended with 80% Gamay and 20% Mondeuse this dry rose is an all-out blitz on the senses. Think of a gushing pink mountain waterfall. Bursting with strawberry, plum pit from the Mondeuse, mountain spices and fine mineral, this jaunting rose tickles you in places you never would think a wine could do. Tingly, tasty and chock full of character, this wine demands your love and attention. Enjoy with shrimp, mussels, salami or just on your patios while watching the world go by.
Blended with 80% Gamay and 20% Mondeuse this dry rose is an all-out blitz on the senses. Think of a gushing pink mountain waterfall. Bursting with strawberry, plum pit from the Mondeuse, mountain spices and fine mineral, this jaunting rose tickles you in places you never would think a wine could do. Tingly, tasty and chock full of character, this wine demands your love and attention. Enjoy with shrimp, mussels, salami or just on your patios while watching the world go by.
2018 ANTONELLI TREBBIANO SPOLETINO
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
An exciting white wine from our favorite Umbria Montefalco/Sagrantino producer, Filippo Antonelli. The origins for this version of Trebbiano are from the neighborhood around Perugia. Unlike other members of the Trebbiano family, this grape is native to this area and comes from the word Trebula.
Elevated in large, neutral 2500-liter casks this wine almost has a quasi-white Burgundy feel to it. Very sea-driven aromas. Almost cynar-like herbs. Some creamy tones but quite mineral. Honey, lime, white flowers and a touch of churned butter. Crawls through the mouth and the salty aspects really shine through. Lengthy, subtly spicy finish that coasts the palate. Sappy and very snappy. Filippo believes these old vines and wine can age for 20 years. Damn delicious now! Very exciting and a wow for the money! Denser fishes should be on the plate. Salmon for sure.
Elevated in large, neutral 2500-liter casks this wine almost has a quasi-white Burgundy feel to it. Very sea-driven aromas. Almost cynar-like herbs. Some creamy tones but quite mineral. Honey, lime, white flowers and a touch of churned butter. Crawls through the mouth and the salty aspects really shine through. Lengthy, subtly spicy finish that coasts the palate. Sappy and very snappy. Filippo believes these old vines and wine can age for 20 years. Damn delicious now! Very exciting and a wow for the money! Denser fishes should be on the plate. Salmon for sure.
2017 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
For the second season in a row, the current titleholder for our top Twenty Buck Pinot Noir is Goodfellow. Made from a blend of four single vineyards, Durant (Dundee Hills), Whistling Ridge (Ribbon Ridge), Temperance Hill (Eola-Amity) and Fir Crest (Yamhill-Carlton) this wine is superbly constructed, complex and structured. This of course is from the scion material from great sites as well as Marcus utilizing plenty of whole clusters. This is why I often hold off on featuring until the Spring after release.
Violet, plum, lavender, red licorice, kisses of tarragon and cinnamon/red-hot candies follow through to a succulent, sultry texture with deceptive depth, poise and material. Like any superb Pinot Noir, this wine fans out nicely on the palate, extends beautifully, and sticks around. A steal of a top-notch Oregon Pinot Noir, this wine can easily be consumed now and over the next 6-8 years.
Violet, plum, lavender, red licorice, kisses of tarragon and cinnamon/red-hot candies follow through to a succulent, sultry texture with deceptive depth, poise and material. Like any superb Pinot Noir, this wine fans out nicely on the palate, extends beautifully, and sticks around. A steal of a top-notch Oregon Pinot Noir, this wine can easily be consumed now and over the next 6-8 years.
2017 ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS
MALBEC RESERVE
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
MALBEC RESERVE
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
It is difficult to believe but this version is the 20th anniversary of this particular offering that has inspired so many in Argentina and remains one of that nation’s profound wines. No small barrels are utilized nor is there any American oak, it is now done in for 18 months in 3500-liter vats then 6 months in bottle so not to impair the focus of the grape or place. The other big thing is that all of the fruit comes from top sites of the sub-zone of the Uco Valley, which between the high elevation and chalky soils brings about a mighty, energetic presence.
Refined and sexy with a slow-building, expansive texture. Whereas former versions were more frontal, this wine crescendos towards a deep and harmonious, middle and seriously extensive and expansive finish. Loads of violet, licorice, espresso from earth and minerality are prominent throughout. No problem for this wine to age nicely for another eight-10 years, although it is damn delicious now.
Refined and sexy with a slow-building, expansive texture. Whereas former versions were more frontal, this wine crescendos towards a deep and harmonious, middle and seriously extensive and expansive finish. Loads of violet, licorice, espresso from earth and minerality are prominent throughout. No problem for this wine to age nicely for another eight-10 years, although it is damn delicious now.
2016 GALET-DES-PAPES
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Last call for the profound 2016 Chateaueuf-du-Pape wines from at this small but mighty estate. These wines are some of the finest ever to emerge from this very traditional cellar and if you have not scored some, do not miss them! Sometimes, and very erroneously, the Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape referred to as an ‘entry wine’. Not so fast because it soars way above that notation and is terrific and ageworthy in its own right. The Cuvee Tradition is named as such due its traditional aspects of being primarily Grenache.
50 year old vines, 80% Grenache - 5% Syrah - 5% Cinsault - 5 % Mourvedre - 5% Vaccarese. We have long known that Galet-des-Papes is one of the best-kept secrets of Chateauneuf, and vintage 2016 was a successful one at chez Mayard. Traditionally vinified, the outstanding-valued 2016 Cuvee Tradition boasts a combination of deep and balanced crème de cassis, crème de mure, white pepper and smoked earth. Plenty of balance for a big wine, plenty of grenache-laden peppery fruit stands out. The finish is compact but very lengthy indeed. Drink through 2030.
50 year old vines, 80% Grenache - 5% Syrah - 5% Cinsault - 5 % Mourvedre - 5% Vaccarese. We have long known that Galet-des-Papes is one of the best-kept secrets of Chateauneuf, and vintage 2016 was a successful one at chez Mayard. Traditionally vinified, the outstanding-valued 2016 Cuvee Tradition boasts a combination of deep and balanced crème de cassis, crème de mure, white pepper and smoked earth. Plenty of balance for a big wine, plenty of grenache-laden peppery fruit stands out. The finish is compact but very lengthy indeed. Drink through 2030.
2016 GALET-DES-PAPES
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
VIEILLES VIGNES
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
VIEILLES VIGNES
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
As always, the blend for the old vines is a bit different from the Tradition. Beneath the firm and rebellious youthful nature, you will discover that there is incredible material waiting to reveal itself. Since the wine is aged in large vessels and the fruit is never destemmed, the color is garnet rather than black. Do not be fooled; this is never a light-bodied wine!
60% Grenache - 30% Mourvedre – 10% Syrah. Exotic red berry fruit on the nose along with lots of roasted and gamey tones, black pepper, coffee, and mineral build as it opens. Incredible density in the mouth with primary roasted earth, black olive, herbs de Provence flavors, along with a solid core of black raspberry and kirsch fruit. As it should be, this wine is a bit rugged and bites back right now, but has an incredible future ahead of it. The massive core of fruit and spice completely sops up any alcohol, and the length is too long to mention. Drink 2023 – 2035+.
60% Grenache - 30% Mourvedre – 10% Syrah. Exotic red berry fruit on the nose along with lots of roasted and gamey tones, black pepper, coffee, and mineral build as it opens. Incredible density in the mouth with primary roasted earth, black olive, herbs de Provence flavors, along with a solid core of black raspberry and kirsch fruit. As it should be, this wine is a bit rugged and bites back right now, but has an incredible future ahead of it. The massive core of fruit and spice completely sops up any alcohol, and the length is too long to mention. Drink 2023 – 2035+.
