Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HOMEWORK' HOTSHEET
Washington CabSpecial, Chablis, Roederer Champagne, Pinot Noir, Rose & more
2016 LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Many of you who are familiar with us know of our passion for white Burgundy. If there were a candidate for ‘region with the best value’ for white Burgundy, it would have to be Chablis. If you do a little homework and search out the top producers, one can come away with marvelous chardonnays that reflect the unique terroir of this sleepy village at wonderful prices.
The buzz swirling about the 2016 and 2017 vintages in Chablis is absolutely justified. These are very promising wines that have both detail and depth. Do you want to experience the buzz, (and cop one as well), and then you have to check out Louis Moreau’s naked and unoaked Chablis. If diamonds could have aromas of perfume, this would be it. Pristine, classic Chablis aromas soar from the glass and feature gunsmoke, lemon, gentle hints of juniper and seashells. In the mouth it is precisely and brightly detailed, much delineated and with compact richness in the mid-palate. Wiry and finely tuned with minerally zip on the edges and on the expressive, long sultry finish. Moreau’s Chablis wines are nothing but the truth! Drink this wine over the next 4-5 years with heartier shellfish like scallops, sole prepared in a light cream sauce or even a smoked ham.
The buzz swirling about the 2016 and 2017 vintages in Chablis is absolutely justified. These are very promising wines that have both detail and depth. Do you want to experience the buzz, (and cop one as well), and then you have to check out Louis Moreau’s naked and unoaked Chablis. If diamonds could have aromas of perfume, this would be it. Pristine, classic Chablis aromas soar from the glass and feature gunsmoke, lemon, gentle hints of juniper and seashells. In the mouth it is precisely and brightly detailed, much delineated and with compact richness in the mid-palate. Wiry and finely tuned with minerally zip on the edges and on the expressive, long sultry finish. Moreau’s Chablis wines are nothing but the truth! Drink this wine over the next 4-5 years with heartier shellfish like scallops, sole prepared in a light cream sauce or even a smoked ham.
2017 LOOP DE LOOP PINOT NOIR
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Loop de Loop is Julia Bailey who worked at Patricia Green Cellars and Love & Squalor before starting her own label that she named after her loopy journey to her final goal of producing her label with the 2012 vintage. The Willamette Valley Cuvee is an expression of a blend of three regions, Dundee Hills, Symonette in Eola-Amity and Johan in the Van Duzer Corridor and is indicative of both the Valley and of the vintage.
Lofty scents of raspberry and strawberry fruit combine with shaved dark chocolate, red earth, ground pepper and an underlay of rose and thyme. On the palate, it is caressing and ethereal, yet possessing excellent movement and vibrancy, especially on the ample finish. Pure Pinot and not a smoker-friendly, Cabernet wannabe, this wine is very extroverted and accessible, but there is sneaky structure here to allow the wine to age nicely for 6-8 more years as well.
Lofty scents of raspberry and strawberry fruit combine with shaved dark chocolate, red earth, ground pepper and an underlay of rose and thyme. On the palate, it is caressing and ethereal, yet possessing excellent movement and vibrancy, especially on the ample finish. Pure Pinot and not a smoker-friendly, Cabernet wannabe, this wine is very extroverted and accessible, but there is sneaky structure here to allow the wine to age nicely for 6-8 more years as well.
2017 LOOP DE LOOP PINOT NOIR
'FOUR WINDS VINEYARD'
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
'FOUR WINDS VINEYARD'
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
Four Winds Vineyard is one of the finest, high elevation cool sites in Oregon. Located in the McMinnville Coast Range and sitting at 800 feet, this site makes well-structured, very red tinged, flavorful Pinot Noirs. Crowley and Patricia Green both make superb wines from this site and now Loop de Loop can be included into that list, Julia made two barrels for 2016 and it is quite a gem.
Gorgeous and oh so classic pinot noir nose of lavender, strawberry, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency. Texturally, it is quite giving with a ripe and silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume that speaks clearly. The palate’s flavors are indicative of the vineyard, with the high elevation bringing backbone and firmness to the pleasurable aspects of what is up front. Sensuous and prototype, top-drawer Oregon Pinot, these aspects carry on to the finish that maintains a finesseful pure character that is present throughout the wine. Lacy, elegant and accessible but it will age gracefully for 10-15 years easily.
Gorgeous and oh so classic pinot noir nose of lavender, strawberry, mulled spice, earth and pepper with undertones of mushroom providing instant complexity and transparency. Texturally, it is quite giving with a ripe and silky texture, and a sense of deep perfume that speaks clearly. The palate’s flavors are indicative of the vineyard, with the high elevation bringing backbone and firmness to the pleasurable aspects of what is up front. Sensuous and prototype, top-drawer Oregon Pinot, these aspects carry on to the finish that maintains a finesseful pure character that is present throughout the wine. Lacy, elegant and accessible but it will age gracefully for 10-15 years easily.
2015 HELIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLUMBIA VALLEY
[reg. $23.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY
[reg. $23.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
From the long-time, Walla Walla-based stalwart producer Chuck Reininger, Helix is the label utilized for the Columbia Valley selections that are excellent values. This one at $24 is always excellent but at 14 bucks, is one that Cab loving winos should have in their lives.
Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Phinny Hill Vineyard, which is located on the western edge of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. 2015 is a prototype; warm vintage in Washington and the wines have all of the trappings that make those who love New World Cabernets swoon. Flowing aromas of cinnamon, red cherry, allspice and molé. Lavishly textured with backbone that is true to its cabernet roots. Expressive dark flavors, cocoa dust that is typical of the best Washington Cabs, and licorice undertones prevail throughout the mouth. Finishes with nice pepper and spice tones that play off the fruit and stick around well after the wine is swallowed. Cabs this good at this price do not come around too often.
Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Phinny Hill Vineyard, which is located on the western edge of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. 2015 is a prototype; warm vintage in Washington and the wines have all of the trappings that make those who love New World Cabernets swoon. Flowing aromas of cinnamon, red cherry, allspice and molé. Lavishly textured with backbone that is true to its cabernet roots. Expressive dark flavors, cocoa dust that is typical of the best Washington Cabs, and licorice undertones prevail throughout the mouth. Finishes with nice pepper and spice tones that play off the fruit and stick around well after the wine is swallowed. Cabs this good at this price do not come around too often.
2015 QUERCE BETTINA SANGIOVESE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From Tuscany, this is a red wine with no shortage of honest, true-to-form Sangiovese character. Bing cherry, earth tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this medium and easy red. Fresh and mouth tickling with red fruit flavors following into the mouth and leaving your palate cleansed but satisfied. Have it with spaghetti & meatballs or pour for any large gathering that revolves around Italian flavors.
2018 RAFAEL PALACIOS
GODELLO 'LOURO'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
GODELLO 'LOURO'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
If the name sounds familiar, it should be. Rafael Palacios is Alvaro’s youngest brother and is one of the producers who put the Galicia region of Valdeorras on to the wine map. Louro is one of four white wines produced by this Spanish wine superstar and represents a true taste of this region in Northwestern Spain.
20-40 year old vines and around 10% is blended with Treixadura (permissible in Valdeorras) which brings about an interesting spice and some body to the vibrancy and salinity of the Godello. Intense aromas of lilies, nutmeg and pronounced mandarin dominate the nose. At once, this is both Vinous and electric in the mouth, moving and seducing all of the senses. The finish is palate staining and super-long, fanning out with substantially long, powdery fruit. Fresh crab anyone???
20-40 year old vines and around 10% is blended with Treixadura (permissible in Valdeorras) which brings about an interesting spice and some body to the vibrancy and salinity of the Godello. Intense aromas of lilies, nutmeg and pronounced mandarin dominate the nose. At once, this is both Vinous and electric in the mouth, moving and seducing all of the senses. The finish is palate staining and super-long, fanning out with substantially long, powdery fruit. Fresh crab anyone???
2018 CHATEAU CALAVON
COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE ROSE
$19.99 BTL. - LIMITED
COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE ROSE
$19.99 BTL. - LIMITED
Newly introduced to me earlier this year, I decided to make a jump and bring on a new pink wine from Provence. Five generations of the Audibert family have been growing grapes at this site and it is one of the oldest producers in the region. Stony soils provide the energy to this Rose and if you love Provencal pink flavors, you will go nuts over this!
65% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Exciting, very summery scents with raspberry, roses, seashells, flint and peach skin. The fullness of the South of France is present but so is the lift, zip and personality of the rocky soil. Brilliantly focused with ample, late arriving acidity allows is all to form together very well. Enjoy this nectarous rose alone or with seafood. Try it with mussels steamed in white wine, butter and saffron.
65% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Exciting, very summery scents with raspberry, roses, seashells, flint and peach skin. The fullness of the South of France is present but so is the lift, zip and personality of the rocky soil. Brilliantly focused with ample, late arriving acidity allows is all to form together very well. Enjoy this nectarous rose alone or with seafood. Try it with mussels steamed in white wine, butter and saffron.
2015 VOGE SAINT-JOSEPH
'LES COTES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'LES COTES'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
When one drives into the small village of Mauves there is a sign proclaiming ‘Le Berceau de Saint-Joseph’, the cradle of Saint-Joseph. Many excellent villages provide beautiful grapes for these wines but Mauves seems to stand out just a bit more depth and potential. Voge and Lionel Frasse produce exquisite Saint-Joseph in limited quantities. This wine is from a single site and is owned and farmed by now retired Voge winemaker Alberic Mazoyeres who is happy farming this steep site where there is no cell phone coverage.
If I had to describe the wine in one sentence, it would best be described as purity of fruit and earth with minimal influence from oak, but since I have been known to shoot my mouth off for days about these wines, I will expound. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, and white pepper; in the mouth, it is very clean, and silky with lots of red fruit, high toned briskness, and a finish that fans out nicely, not unlike something from Burgundy, even though it's the Rhone. As winemaker Lionel Frasse stated when we visited, ‘Syrah is not a sugar machine’! This is just a plain delicious bottle of wine meant for the table and is perfect with everything from duck, to rabbit, to venison. Chuck in a few olives, and now you are really talking! Drink over the next 12-15 years.
If I had to describe the wine in one sentence, it would best be described as purity of fruit and earth with minimal influence from oak, but since I have been known to shoot my mouth off for days about these wines, I will expound. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, and white pepper; in the mouth, it is very clean, and silky with lots of red fruit, high toned briskness, and a finish that fans out nicely, not unlike something from Burgundy, even though it's the Rhone. As winemaker Lionel Frasse stated when we visited, ‘Syrah is not a sugar machine’! This is just a plain delicious bottle of wine meant for the table and is perfect with everything from duck, to rabbit, to venison. Chuck in a few olives, and now you are really talking! Drink over the next 12-15 years.
2012 CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER
BRUT ROSE
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
BRUT ROSE
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
2012 is generally regarded as the next big thing when it comes to vintage Champagne. Louis Roederer is one of the most esteemed houses in Champagne and their Rose is too the moon in 2012. Remember, even though Roederer is north of 250,000 cases, they own 80% of their land and the other 20% are from long term contracts. All but one of their bubblies is vintage...and let’s not forget Cristal (email if you are interested in some 2008)!
For those of you who think of Rosé as being sweet, this is a myth, as the top examples of pink Champagne are bone-dry, often with a lower dosage than most producers non-vintage and often made from top lots. It is difficult to understate what an incredible vintage 2012 is, and clearly, this wine is one of the highlights of the vintage that we have tasted thus far. A lovely pale salmon color. On the nose, there are gorgeous aromatics of rhubarb, chalk, and a touch of classy white chocolate. In the mouth the mousse and creaminess is incredibly regal, with penetrating red fruits, most noticeably strawberry. Great texture and incredible length make this a truly special Champagne. A steal at this price being under 100, any Rosé lover will be enthralled. If you have never had a great Rosé now is your chance.
For those of you who think of Rosé as being sweet, this is a myth, as the top examples of pink Champagne are bone-dry, often with a lower dosage than most producers non-vintage and often made from top lots. It is difficult to understate what an incredible vintage 2012 is, and clearly, this wine is one of the highlights of the vintage that we have tasted thus far. A lovely pale salmon color. On the nose, there are gorgeous aromatics of rhubarb, chalk, and a touch of classy white chocolate. In the mouth the mousse and creaminess is incredibly regal, with penetrating red fruits, most noticeably strawberry. Great texture and incredible length make this a truly special Champagne. A steal at this price being under 100, any Rosé lover will be enthralled. If you have never had a great Rosé now is your chance.
FRIDAY SIPS
Wines for those not on Summer Holiday
This Friday August 2 from 1:30 - 6:30
Drop by this Friday to sample four wines that are thrilling, flavorful and really have nothing in common with each other.
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Statti Gaglioppo Calabria Rosso
2018 Statti Greco Calabria Bianco
2016 Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge
2018 Judith Beck Rose ‘Pink’
