Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'GHOULISH' HOTSHEET
Woodward Canyon, Special Chablis, Sauternes Splits, Brunello, Ayres Pinot & more
2015 WOODWARD CANYON
'NELMS ROAD RED'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'NELMS ROAD RED'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Brand new from Woodward Canyon and under their second lable, Nelms Road is this fabulous red blend. Commencing in 2015, this Walla Walla legend decided not to produce Nelms Road Merlot going forward, instead focusing on something they do extremely well, blended reds.
Dominated by grapes from Woodward Canyon’s estate vineyard along with an addition of press wine from top Washington vineyards, this red is based around Cabernet Franc and Merlot, which results in a lavish, Washington-styled Right Bank Bordeaux influenced red. The warmth and generosity of 2015 is ultra-present in this new cuvee. Sultry, promiscuous and layered aromas and flavors of black cherry, smoke, licorice, cassis and violet. All of the varietals take a verse then backed up nicely by intertwined oak. Graceful, rich and with loads of cushion, on the second taste, one picks up impressive structure, acidity and grip. The finish is surprisingly saturated and long for its price-level. Drink over the next 4-7 years with grilled lamb chops.
Dominated by grapes from Woodward Canyon’s estate vineyard along with an addition of press wine from top Washington vineyards, this red is based around Cabernet Franc and Merlot, which results in a lavish, Washington-styled Right Bank Bordeaux influenced red. The warmth and generosity of 2015 is ultra-present in this new cuvee. Sultry, promiscuous and layered aromas and flavors of black cherry, smoke, licorice, cassis and violet. All of the varietals take a verse then backed up nicely by intertwined oak. Graceful, rich and with loads of cushion, on the second taste, one picks up impressive structure, acidity and grip. The finish is surprisingly saturated and long for its price-level. Drink over the next 4-7 years with grilled lamb chops.
2015 FAURY SYRAH
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WOW! From a top-notch Cote-Rotie, St-Joseph and Condrieu producer, this 100% Syrah is from vineyards on the plateaus above Saint-Joseph and is a pure straight up blow-your-mind Northern Rhone Syrah experience for a mere 20-spot.
The nose is archetypal French, specifically Northern Rhone Syrah, highlighting the aromatic side of this magnificent varietal. Alluring violet, bacon fat, billowy white smoke, black olive, red berry and freshly ground pepper engulf the senses. Straight away, the complex aromas follow into the mouth with vibrancy, cool depth and plenty of soft smoke that comes on even further as this aerates. Poised throughout, but with sneaky grip on the finish. The quality of the 2015 vintage has brought an extra something-something to an already wonderful red. Enjoy with herb-encrusted pork tenderloin, roasted rabbit or grilled steak.
The nose is archetypal French, specifically Northern Rhone Syrah, highlighting the aromatic side of this magnificent varietal. Alluring violet, bacon fat, billowy white smoke, black olive, red berry and freshly ground pepper engulf the senses. Straight away, the complex aromas follow into the mouth with vibrancy, cool depth and plenty of soft smoke that comes on even further as this aerates. Poised throughout, but with sneaky grip on the finish. The quality of the 2015 vintage has brought an extra something-something to an already wonderful red. Enjoy with herb-encrusted pork tenderloin, roasted rabbit or grilled steak.
2015 AYRES PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Brad McLeroy's Ayres Pinot Noirs have been Cellar Door mainstays for over 10 years now and we are doing backflips over the quality of his 2015 Willamette Valley. As usual, the Ayres Willamette Valley is Pinot Noir blended from the estate's Ribbon Ridge vineyard and augmented with some purchased older vine fruit from Eola-Amity.
Commencing with an ambrosial, extensive nose that comes in waves as the wine is swirled in the glass, sensuous violet tones, black fruits, herbs and transparent red earth tones reveal themselves nicely. With respect to the texture, the wine is somewhat like an Italian plum, exploding with ripe dark fruit and then gaining structure and grip on the brilliantly focused and extending finish. Instantly one can figure out that Brad was quite successful for 2015. Very drinkable now, but no problem for this wine to age 4-6 years, too. Kudos to Brad McLeroy for making yet another kickass Pinot Noir and resisting the temptation to increase his prices.
Commencing with an ambrosial, extensive nose that comes in waves as the wine is swirled in the glass, sensuous violet tones, black fruits, herbs and transparent red earth tones reveal themselves nicely. With respect to the texture, the wine is somewhat like an Italian plum, exploding with ripe dark fruit and then gaining structure and grip on the brilliantly focused and extending finish. Instantly one can figure out that Brad was quite successful for 2015. Very drinkable now, but no problem for this wine to age 4-6 years, too. Kudos to Brad McLeroy for making yet another kickass Pinot Noir and resisting the temptation to increase his prices.
2012 FOUR VINES
ZINFANDEL 'TRUANT'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
ZINFANDEL 'TRUANT'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 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.
Made from Zinfandel blended from Lodi, Mendocino, Cucamonga Valley, Amador and Paso Robles, Truant is Four Vine’s gateway wine and one that makes for a terrific, hearty weeknight red. Yummy, purple, juicy, people and dog-friendly, it is the perfect addition to cold rainy days, which should end sometime in about mid-June. A fun red to try with hearty beef stew and good company.
Made from Zinfandel blended from Lodi, Mendocino, Cucamonga Valley, Amador and Paso Robles, Truant is Four Vine’s gateway wine and one that makes for a terrific, hearty weeknight red. Yummy, purple, juicy, people and dog-friendly, it is the perfect addition to cold rainy days, which should end sometime in about mid-June. A fun red to try with hearty beef stew and good company.
2012 ROMAIN COLLET CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'MONTMAINS'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL $31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'MONTMAINS'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL $31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
When visiting Chablis, one will see the name Collet everywhere because various branches of this family tree have long been wine producers in this magical area. Romain Collet is the grandson of Jean Collet and makes remarkable wines of detail. A trek to these cellars is impressive because it is not only akin to attending Chablis Premier Cru 101 it is also 102 and the damn master’s class!
Montmains is one of the most known of the Premiers Crus sites of Chablis. This cool area makes for very classic, lean and expressive wines that in the care of a producer of this ilk, reveal the detail of the soil in such a chiming and unadulterated fashion. 2012 is a superb vintage and one that had nice sun, yet after four years, the first scent and taste shouts one word – MINERAL! Prominent crustacean scents are along for the ride along with hints of peat and lemon tones. From 40+ year old vines, the intensity shines and unfolds into more of the earth-laden aspect and briskness that one finds in the purest expressions of Chablis. This is a steal for 32 bucks…Drink it raw oysters if you would like to have some now or put it down, then drink it from the end of 2017 through 2023 with more substantial fish dishes in a sauce.
Montmains is one of the most known of the Premiers Crus sites of Chablis. This cool area makes for very classic, lean and expressive wines that in the care of a producer of this ilk, reveal the detail of the soil in such a chiming and unadulterated fashion. 2012 is a superb vintage and one that had nice sun, yet after four years, the first scent and taste shouts one word – MINERAL! Prominent crustacean scents are along for the ride along with hints of peat and lemon tones. From 40+ year old vines, the intensity shines and unfolds into more of the earth-laden aspect and briskness that one finds in the purest expressions of Chablis. This is a steal for 32 bucks…Drink it raw oysters if you would like to have some now or put it down, then drink it from the end of 2017 through 2023 with more substantial fish dishes in a sauce.
2014 LIBRANDI CIRO ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Calabria's Ciro region is situated not far from the picturesque Ionian coastline on Italy's boot tip. Librandi is one of the area's leading producers and the estate's core wine, Ciro Rosso, is made from 100% Gaglioppo, the most important grape of Calabria. Gaglioppo is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico.
Smoked strawberry licorice, saline and dried flowers, this is as old school and food friendly as it gets. Well-formed, tangy, dry and semi-spicy with a fine and savory finish. Not one to sit around and sip as a cocktail, it is perfect to drink with roasted meats with tomatoes or a spicy pasta dish. It is amazing how this wine can cut into chili flakes.
Smoked strawberry licorice, saline and dried flowers, this is as old school and food friendly as it gets. Well-formed, tangy, dry and semi-spicy with a fine and savory finish. Not one to sit around and sip as a cocktail, it is perfect to drink with roasted meats with tomatoes or a spicy pasta dish. It is amazing how this wine can cut into chili flakes.
2011 CONTI COSTANTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
If I had spray paint, we would do as they did in London in the 60s and paint "Clapton is God" on things. In this case, I’d prefer to desecrate the Duomo in Florence in huge letters, COSTANTI IS GOD!!" The Costanti family has been part of Montalcino since 1555. Montalcino residents are a tightly knit community, with a strong sense of identity and deep love for their territory. After all, they are producing the purest and most profound expression of Sangiovese in the world. Andrea Costanti is one of the ambassadors of this great Tuscan appellation and after meeting him for the first time ever last week, I came away even more impressed after finding out that he has always resisted the urge to expand beyond his 5000 cases. The reason being, he has never wanted to have land that isn’t around his winery!
The Costanti vineyards are located in the Matrichese cru, the central area and the heart of Montalcino, a territory that produces wines of the utmost complexity and dimension. When it comes to his wines, after a year in barrel, Andrea decides what will be Brunello, Brunello Riserva and Rosso. For vintage 2011 and not wanting to sacrifice the quality, he decided that there would be no Riserva and all of that gorgeous fruit is in the classic Brunello. Always a price point above many, one taste after a few years justifies and explains it all. These wines have it all incredibly deep fruit, bold structure, but lovely balance, finesse and breeding yet after some time in the bottle, they always exude a silky suave quality with incredible substance. Aromatic and full of class with impressive density and mass all kept in a polished and graceful shell. Insane blackberry and violet mingle with gorgeous minerals, hot rocks, roasted coffee and savory spice. Plenty of spine gives this wine super-longevity. While there is charm to this wine now, it IS a crime to open one because they are scarce in production. Let this age to bring out its entire dimension and breed. Drink this 2018 through 2027.
The Costanti vineyards are located in the Matrichese cru, the central area and the heart of Montalcino, a territory that produces wines of the utmost complexity and dimension. When it comes to his wines, after a year in barrel, Andrea decides what will be Brunello, Brunello Riserva and Rosso. For vintage 2011 and not wanting to sacrifice the quality, he decided that there would be no Riserva and all of that gorgeous fruit is in the classic Brunello. Always a price point above many, one taste after a few years justifies and explains it all. These wines have it all incredibly deep fruit, bold structure, but lovely balance, finesse and breeding yet after some time in the bottle, they always exude a silky suave quality with incredible substance. Aromatic and full of class with impressive density and mass all kept in a polished and graceful shell. Insane blackberry and violet mingle with gorgeous minerals, hot rocks, roasted coffee and savory spice. Plenty of spine gives this wine super-longevity. While there is charm to this wine now, it IS a crime to open one because they are scarce in production. Let this age to bring out its entire dimension and breed. Drink this 2018 through 2027.
2012 CH. LA RIVIERE SAUTERNES
$17.99 HALF BTL.
$431.76, CASE OF 24 SPLITS
$17.99 HALF BTL.
$431.76, CASE OF 24 SPLITS
There are many desert wines produced around the world, but there is always something special about drinking Sauternes from the Bordeaux region. In a land where there are not too many values (this is an expensive proposition to make) this week we are offering you a splendid one. Let’s face it, this wine isn’t going to put Chateau Rieussec or Chateau d'Yquem out of business, however, these half-bottles are wonderful expressions of what this hallowed ground has to offer and at a fair price.
Extremely agreeable aromas of honey, baked orange and gingerbread lead into a creamy, dense, unctuous texture that is full of sweet flavor, low acidity and with decent spiciness. Enticingly spicy on the finish which has excellent length for a wine at this price point. While it will easily develop 6-8 more years, it is irresistible right now! Have it with a tarte tatin, pear cake or something with walnuts. However, we suggest you use it as your dessert and have it with its most compatible match and that would be to grab a hunk of good Roquefort cheese!
Extremely agreeable aromas of honey, baked orange and gingerbread lead into a creamy, dense, unctuous texture that is full of sweet flavor, low acidity and with decent spiciness. Enticingly spicy on the finish which has excellent length for a wine at this price point. While it will easily develop 6-8 more years, it is irresistible right now! Have it with a tarte tatin, pear cake or something with walnuts. However, we suggest you use it as your dessert and have it with its most compatible match and that would be to grab a hunk of good Roquefort cheese!
