Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'AMBIENT CAFFEINE' HOTSHEET
95 point Washington Syrah, barolo, Pinot GrigioSpecial, Yummy Selections under 15 & more
2015 JERMANN PINOT GRIGIO
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
TRE BICCHIERI AWARD FROM GAMBERO ROSSO.
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
TRE BICCHIERI AWARD FROM GAMBERO ROSSO.
Newly arrived and at the same smashing special price is the 2015 Jermann Pinot Grigio but what is most impressive is that it is a vaunted Three Glass Award recipient for the first time ever from Italian wine gufde, Gambero Rosso. Normally this status is reserved for the likes of Jermann’s 60-dollar-plus Vintage Tunina, so if you love grand scale Italian white wines then you MUST take advantage before it sells out!
The 2015 Jermann Pinot Grigio is consummate, authentic and achingly terroir-driven with an obstacle course of aromas of limestone, river rocks, and although there is absolutely no wood used here there is a sense of roundness that takes the extreme intensity and builds on it until there is almost the impression of a creaminess in the mouth. A sign of true white wine greatness is a level of generosity and texture that comes from perfectly ripened fruit of off meticulously farmed vines. There is a bit of perfumed pear, white flower and fresh citrus in the mid-palate but this is a lean athlete whose depth comes from the lush flavors of the site upon which is lives. The velvety finish dances on and on and on. If you have never experienced a wine from Jermann, jump on in, because this is a great deal. A fantastic food match with shellfish or simply grilled white fish drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. Keep it simple and let the wine shine, since this is one complex and delicious beauty.
The 2015 Jermann Pinot Grigio is consummate, authentic and achingly terroir-driven with an obstacle course of aromas of limestone, river rocks, and although there is absolutely no wood used here there is a sense of roundness that takes the extreme intensity and builds on it until there is almost the impression of a creaminess in the mouth. A sign of true white wine greatness is a level of generosity and texture that comes from perfectly ripened fruit of off meticulously farmed vines. There is a bit of perfumed pear, white flower and fresh citrus in the mid-palate but this is a lean athlete whose depth comes from the lush flavors of the site upon which is lives. The velvety finish dances on and on and on. If you have never experienced a wine from Jermann, jump on in, because this is a great deal. A fantastic food match with shellfish or simply grilled white fish drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. Keep it simple and let the wine shine, since this is one complex and delicious beauty.
2015 BOW & ARROW GAMAY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
We are always on the search for flavorful 20-buck, local offerings that can quickly go to the table or just to toss back on any occasion. Sadly, the quality of Pinot Noir in this price point can be all over the board, sometimes impeccable, sometimes scary so it has led us to find alternative varietals done by artisan makers such as Bow & Arrow. Having initially done time at Cameron, Scott Frank stepped out on his own 5 years ago and is making delectable Oregon wines that are very individual and based on his Loire Valley influences.
The toothsome 2015 Gamay is precision-personified. A melange of aromtics including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned (from high-elevation vineyards) with plenty of depth, personality and length. A masterful match with a plethora of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, Pho and of course, next month’s big bird.
The toothsome 2015 Gamay is precision-personified. A melange of aromtics including peonies, strawberries, blackberry, cinnamon and smoked earth follow through to a texture that is bursting, invigorating and exuberant, high-toned (from high-elevation vineyards) with plenty of depth, personality and length. A masterful match with a plethora of dishes like slow-braised beef, mushroom pasta, Pho and of course, next month’s big bird.
2013 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PAULUCCI'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Laura Catena’s La Posta project is based around grape growing families in Argentina and are reflective of where they are grown. La Posta also means ‘the tavern’ because this is where many folks would gather locally to share and drink many bottles of their wines.
Angel Paulucci's family produced wine in Italy since the early 1800's, and Angel arrived in Mendoza with his parents in 1953 at the age of 21. The vines for these selections come from Ugarteche at the southern limit of the Lujan de Cuyo department. Black licorice, smoke, red raspberry, tar and rose petal intermingle with subtle sandalwood and vanilla notes that show wonderful refinement. The palate is nicely integrated, velvety and possessing good concentration. The finish is sleek, lasting and incredibly full of life. Drink it now - 2019 and with grilled pork chops or leg of lamb.
Angel Paulucci's family produced wine in Italy since the early 1800's, and Angel arrived in Mendoza with his parents in 1953 at the age of 21. The vines for these selections come from Ugarteche at the southern limit of the Lujan de Cuyo department. Black licorice, smoke, red raspberry, tar and rose petal intermingle with subtle sandalwood and vanilla notes that show wonderful refinement. The palate is nicely integrated, velvety and possessing good concentration. The finish is sleek, lasting and incredibly full of life. Drink it now - 2019 and with grilled pork chops or leg of lamb.
2014 PERNOT-BELICARD
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Esteemed bloodlines are the source of this relatively new Domaine launched in 2009. The name Pernot is synonomous in Puligny-Montrachet with wines made by the legendary Paul Pernot. Son Philippe continues to work with his father and makes stellar wines, which remain much undiscovered from him, and his wife’s own 15 hectares primarily in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault.
The 2014 Bourgogne Chardnnay is a rocking value of quality. Essence of Burgundy, this wine is sophistication and harmony in the bottle and glass. is a superior version of Bourgogne Blanc that is sourced from various parcels within the village of Puligny-Montrachet. Floral notes with orange, mineral, rosemary and anise lead into a wiry, nervy texture that has all of the weight and richness that 2004 has to offer. Linear, complex and lengthy finish makes a great wine for matching up with sole or halibut in rich sauces.
The 2014 Bourgogne Chardnnay is a rocking value of quality. Essence of Burgundy, this wine is sophistication and harmony in the bottle and glass. is a superior version of Bourgogne Blanc that is sourced from various parcels within the village of Puligny-Montrachet. Floral notes with orange, mineral, rosemary and anise lead into a wiry, nervy texture that has all of the weight and richness that 2004 has to offer. Linear, complex and lengthy finish makes a great wine for matching up with sole or halibut in rich sauces.
2012 QUINTA DOS ROQUES
DAO TINTO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
DAO TINTO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Quinta Dos Roques along with its other properties Quinta das Maias and Quinta do Correio are deftly run by the ever-passionate and energetic Luis Lourenco and are among the leaders and innovators of the new Portugal. The gateway to Luis’s wine world is one of my absolute favorite everyday red wines that comes from the Dao region.
Blended with the native varietals of Jaen, Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, this hearty red is all about pleasure. Packed with Mediterranean personality displaying hearty, peppery and very forward scents and flavors of chocolate truffle complimented with raspberry, leather, roasted earth, herbs and spice that bring everything together. The texture starts out plush and supple quickly gaining spicy strength on the earth-laden, snap-back finish. Drink with pork dishes.
Blended with the native varietals of Jaen, Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, this hearty red is all about pleasure. Packed with Mediterranean personality displaying hearty, peppery and very forward scents and flavors of chocolate truffle complimented with raspberry, leather, roasted earth, herbs and spice that bring everything together. The texture starts out plush and supple quickly gaining spicy strength on the earth-laden, snap-back finish. Drink with pork dishes.
2014 BARBIER-BELLEVUE
BERGERAC ROUGE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
BERGERAC ROUGE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
All those that love great Merlot and Cabernet from Bordeaux, at a great price will love this wine. The first word that comes to mind when tasting this wine is "character."
For 10 per bottle this is a real flavorful taste of France. Full frontal aspects packed with stylish cassis, blueberry-earth tones, and spice. Delightful, nicely formed and palate coating, one sip and you too will become a Bergerac believer! Drink this tasty, versatile red over the next 3-4 years with sausages, burgers, steak, grilled mushrooms and more.
For 10 per bottle this is a real flavorful taste of France. Full frontal aspects packed with stylish cassis, blueberry-earth tones, and spice. Delightful, nicely formed and palate coating, one sip and you too will become a Bergerac believer! Drink this tasty, versatile red over the next 3-4 years with sausages, burgers, steak, grilled mushrooms and more.
2013 GRAMERCY CELLARS
SYRAH 'LAGNIAPPE'
95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
$54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE, LIMITED
SYRAH 'LAGNIAPPE'
95 POINTS - THE WINE ADVOCATE
$54.99 BTL./$659.88 CASE, LIMITED
Upon first visiting Greg Harrington in Walla Walla back in 2007, we immediately knew that his wines were going to take off and become not so easy to get our hands on. Accolades have come and now much of Gramercy Cellars' wines are sold via the mailing list, but fortunately, we are able to score some of one of my favorite Syrahs in all of Washington. To pay tribute to his time spent in New Orleans, Greg chose the name Lagniappe, which means "something extra" in the Cajun dialect for this wine. Having been the first Gramercy wine that made me a follower I have such a soft spot for it and its undeniable force.
‘Slightly more fruit driven than the meaty, peppery John Lewis release, the 2013 Syrah Lagniappe is a drop dead gorgeous Syrah that does everything right. Its almost opaque purple color is followed by a complex, layered bouquet that includes ample black and blue fruits, ground pepper, lavender, olive and hints of bacon fat. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, silky 2013 that has a great mid-palate, juicy acidity and a great finish. I’d happily drink it today, but it should be at its best from 2018-2028. – 95 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘Slightly more fruit driven than the meaty, peppery John Lewis release, the 2013 Syrah Lagniappe is a drop dead gorgeous Syrah that does everything right. Its almost opaque purple color is followed by a complex, layered bouquet that includes ample black and blue fruits, ground pepper, lavender, olive and hints of bacon fat. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, silky 2013 that has a great mid-palate, juicy acidity and a great finish. I’d happily drink it today, but it should be at its best from 2018-2028. – 95 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE’
2010 VAJRA BAROLO
'BRICCO DELLE VIOLE'
96 POINTS - VINOUS
$74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE
'BRICCO DELLE VIOLE'
96 POINTS - VINOUS
$74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE
2010 VAJRA BAROLO
'BRICCO DELLE VIOLE'
96 POINTS - VINOUS
$74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE
This is without a doubt one of the most prolific values for 2010 Barolo...period! Over the last decade-plus, Aldo Vajra’s traditionally styled wines have become quite the talk of Piedmont. Located in the commune of Barolo, specifically the village of Vergne, the highest elevated village of this zone, these wines have impeccable quality to back up their stalwart reputation and accolades. Bricco delle Viole is one of Barolo village’s classic and most prized vineyard sites. Perched at 1250 feet up to 1500+ feet in the hills of Barolo, only the oldest and best vines (60+ years old) go into this limited production Barolo.
If you haven’t heard, 2010 is a monumental, very long-lived vintage for Barolo so if you have a reason to celebrate something down the road that occurred in 2010 this would certainly be a great choice. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, generous and yet youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry licorice and more perfume arrives. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has waves of depth that will undoubtedly needs time to come out. Lots of vibrancy, buried tannins and spine on the excruciatingly long finish that is packed tight but lasts for an eternity. This wine needs to go into the cellar and be forgotten about at least until 2020 and then consumed through 2040. Also has a fat 96-point score from Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
If you haven’t heard, 2010 is a monumental, very long-lived vintage for Barolo so if you have a reason to celebrate something down the road that occurred in 2010 this would certainly be a great choice. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, generous and yet youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry licorice and more perfume arrives. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has waves of depth that will undoubtedly needs time to come out. Lots of vibrancy, buried tannins and spine on the excruciatingly long finish that is packed tight but lasts for an eternity. This wine needs to go into the cellar and be forgotten about at least until 2020 and then consumed through 2040. Also has a fat 96-point score from Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
