Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'KINGS OF THE NORTH' HOTSHEET
Bordeaux, Bubbles & Bucci
2011 CHATEAU CHARMAIL
HAUT-MEDOC CRU BOURGEOIS
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
HAUT-MEDOC CRU BOURGEOIS
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
A smaller Chateau, Charmail's vineyards planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot are contiguous around the Chateau. What makes these wines possess good distinction is the virtual mosaic of terroirs (gravel, clay, sand and limestone) that bring ultimate dimension and depth. In just about all vintages of Charmail, these are well structured Bordeaux.
One of the great sleeper vintages that many wine insiders have figured out is the sneaky-fine 2011. Still no shortage of classic Bordeaux grip, the cool qualities of 2011 show up quite well, Laden with inviting cassis and red berry, smoke, engaging cooking herbs, potpourri and dark chocolate tones. Rather succulently textured and arriving in waves, the wine fills the mouth and has ample, underlying structure that will allow it to develop nicely.
One of the great sleeper vintages that many wine insiders have figured out is the sneaky-fine 2011. Still no shortage of classic Bordeaux grip, the cool qualities of 2011 show up quite well, Laden with inviting cassis and red berry, smoke, engaging cooking herbs, potpourri and dark chocolate tones. Rather succulently textured and arriving in waves, the wine fills the mouth and has ample, underlying structure that will allow it to develop nicely.
2012 CHATEAU BRUILLEAU
PESSAC-LEOGNAN (GRAVES)
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
PESSAC-LEOGNAN (GRAVES)
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
One of the smaller properties in the Pessac area of Graves and only 12 miles south of famed Chateau Haut-Brion, this Chateau literally sits within the suburbs of the city of Bordeaux. Interesting enough and due to the warmth of the buildings and proximity to the city itself, this is actually a warm microclimate.
Prominent gravelly soil and a blend of about half each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both of which are the driving force of this smashing red wine. A full nose of adobe, gravel, serious Morello cherry and rose scents mixed with mulled spice, savory earth and herbs lead into a very proper and poised texture. The delivery of the higher-toned Cabernet are highlighted initially with smoke, wild spices and blueberry arrive along with peat/gravel scents then switch back to the cherry and tobacco. Silky, stylish and quite complex for this level of Bordeaux especially on the detailed, precise, mineral-laden finish that has fine extension. Gorgeous and flavorful now but can also age nicely for another decade.
Prominent gravelly soil and a blend of about half each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both of which are the driving force of this smashing red wine. A full nose of adobe, gravel, serious Morello cherry and rose scents mixed with mulled spice, savory earth and herbs lead into a very proper and poised texture. The delivery of the higher-toned Cabernet are highlighted initially with smoke, wild spices and blueberry arrive along with peat/gravel scents then switch back to the cherry and tobacco. Silky, stylish and quite complex for this level of Bordeaux especially on the detailed, precise, mineral-laden finish that has fine extension. Gorgeous and flavorful now but can also age nicely for another decade.
2014 ROBINSON RESERVE
PINOT NOIR
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
There is always a demand for under 15 Pinot Noirs but sadly most of them taste one step up from battery acid. Fortunately this isn’t the case with this perennial favorite!
Robinson Reserve is from a warmer site yet the 2014 never becomes a caricature wine. Drinking wonderfully now, buxom, ripe aromas teem with wild black cherry, earth and alluring herbs. Mouth-filling and dark-toned although supported very nicely by bright strawberry tones. The tannins are very supple and this is a 2014 that is certainly qualifies as an excellent every day Pinot. Plenty of length and detail, this wine can be enjoyed with friends but certainly carries over to the dinner table, too. Enjoy it through 2019.
Robinson Reserve is from a warmer site yet the 2014 never becomes a caricature wine. Drinking wonderfully now, buxom, ripe aromas teem with wild black cherry, earth and alluring herbs. Mouth-filling and dark-toned although supported very nicely by bright strawberry tones. The tannins are very supple and this is a 2014 that is certainly qualifies as an excellent every day Pinot. Plenty of length and detail, this wine can be enjoyed with friends but certainly carries over to the dinner table, too. Enjoy it through 2019.
BISOL PROSECCO
VALDOBBIADENE 'CREDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
VALDOBBIADENE 'CREDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
There is Prosecco then there is Bisol’s Crede!
Crede is one of several single crus that Bisol produces to express the uniqueness of each of their microzones in the Valdobbiadene. The name Crede refers to the prominence of clay soils with sub-soils of marine sand, which allow the wine to possess a noble wealth of zest, aromatics, fruitiness, richness, and seriousness that is virtually never seen in Prosecco.
Alluring scents of wildflowers, pears, apples and gently placed mineral shimmer from the glass; the texture is energetic, brisk, fruit driven and intense, yet the bubbles are some of the most finesseful and silky I've ever experienced in an Italian bubbly. Beautifully complex and way too classy to be tossed into a Bellini, treat this as you would with any other more expensive sparkling wine. Perfect for upcoming holiday fetes with out of town guests and family. Have it as an aperitif and especially with prawns or crab.
Crede is one of several single crus that Bisol produces to express the uniqueness of each of their microzones in the Valdobbiadene. The name Crede refers to the prominence of clay soils with sub-soils of marine sand, which allow the wine to possess a noble wealth of zest, aromatics, fruitiness, richness, and seriousness that is virtually never seen in Prosecco.
Alluring scents of wildflowers, pears, apples and gently placed mineral shimmer from the glass; the texture is energetic, brisk, fruit driven and intense, yet the bubbles are some of the most finesseful and silky I've ever experienced in an Italian bubbly. Beautifully complex and way too classy to be tossed into a Bellini, treat this as you would with any other more expensive sparkling wine. Perfect for upcoming holiday fetes with out of town guests and family. Have it as an aperitif and especially with prawns or crab.
2014 BUCCI VERDICCHIO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A small producer of 8,000 cases of three different wines made in the Adriatic region of Le Marches, the 2014 Verdicchio Classico is all about the sea, this outstanding white wine is a tremendous match with anything that swims.
Bone-crushing aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package…For a Jackson note one can experience one of Italy's great white wines and it stunning with any holiday crab feast. Don't miss out because Bucci’s Classico is on par with most other producer’s Riserva bottlings!
Bone-crushing aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package…For a Jackson note one can experience one of Italy's great white wines and it stunning with any holiday crab feast. Don't miss out because Bucci’s Classico is on par with most other producer’s Riserva bottlings!
FRIDAY SIPS
This Friday December 30 from 1:30 – 6:30
La Derniere Goutte (The Last Drop) of 2016
The New Year’s Eve Eve Version
The New Year’s Eve Eve Version
We’re throwing a shoe at 2016 and ringing in 2017 a day early with wines from Bordeaux and Oregon along with a bubbly. Bring your friends, bring your family, the juice will be flowing!
FEATURED WINES:
2011 Chateau Charmail Haut-Medoc
Bisol Prosecco ‘Crede’
2015 Walter Scott Pinot Noir ‘La Combe Verte’
2013 Col D’Orcia Rosso di Montalcino
