Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S '10 WINES' HOTSHEET
RiojaSpecial, Cristom Single Vineyards, Cotes-du-Rhone, Malbec & more
2013 PESQUIER COTES-DU-RHONE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Earlier this year we made a visit to the Rhone Valley and perhaps the biggest revelation is just how spectacular Domaine du Pesquier’s wines have become. The Boutiere family’s wines are now firmly being done by a new generation. The Cotes-du-Rhone comes entirely from the village of Sablet, is very traditionally produced and as usual, is one hell of a value! The following are my tasting notes:
‘Creme de fraise (strawberry), fine herbes de provence, rosemary and rose petal, prominent licorice and smoke. Mouth filling, quite Grenache in stature today. Backbone of 30% Mourvedre presents itself on the broad but lifting texture. Snappy finish offsets the blue fruits that arrive at end. Saline and spine. Loads of persistence, a big over achiever and is really showing Mathieu Boutiere’s touch now that he is working solo with papa Guy in retirement. Best now – 2019.’
‘Creme de fraise (strawberry), fine herbes de provence, rosemary and rose petal, prominent licorice and smoke. Mouth filling, quite Grenache in stature today. Backbone of 30% Mourvedre presents itself on the broad but lifting texture. Snappy finish offsets the blue fruits that arrive at end. Saline and spine. Loads of persistence, a big over achiever and is really showing Mathieu Boutiere’s touch now that he is working solo with papa Guy in retirement. Best now – 2019.’
2013 PESQUIER GIGONDAS
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
While the Cotes-du-Rhone is delicious, there are only 500 cases produced, it is the Gigondas that is the big dog, specialty at the estate and Mathieu has taken these wonderful offerings to new heights and they are now amongst the elite of the region...and their prices are mighty fine given the quality! More of my tasting notes:
‘Mineral and licorice, camphor and dusty herbs (lavender, anise, thyme). Starts introverted but penetrated very deeply. Pekoe combined red and black fruit; raspberry and plum. Youthful in mouth, all in mid palate at the moment but ample old vine depth and richness. Smoky, very sneaky, long, vibrant, peppery finish. Could use another year in the bottle but if decanted can be enjoyed with hearty beef or lamb dishes with a tomato base. Best 2017 through 2026+. I just drank a 2001 recently and it was screaming delicious! This has outstanding potential!’
‘Mineral and licorice, camphor and dusty herbs (lavender, anise, thyme). Starts introverted but penetrated very deeply. Pekoe combined red and black fruit; raspberry and plum. Youthful in mouth, all in mid palate at the moment but ample old vine depth and richness. Smoky, very sneaky, long, vibrant, peppery finish. Could use another year in the bottle but if decanted can be enjoyed with hearty beef or lamb dishes with a tomato base. Best 2017 through 2026+. I just drank a 2001 recently and it was screaming delicious! This has outstanding potential!’
2014 ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC 'TERROIRS'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Many of you have been great supporters of the Malbec wines from Altos las Hormigas, both the Clasico and the Reserva. The ‘Terroir’ cuvee is the sleeper in this Italian-owned; Argentina operation’s line is a bottling that comes solely from the Valle de Uco within Mendoza. The vineyards here sit at 900 meters, have excellent drainage and most importantly, are very stony.
Captivating nose. Lots of creme de mure and serious minerality to go along with the vibrant cherry pit aspects. Lovely underlay of nutmeg, turned earth and subtle coffee notes. Quite ethereal and very old-viney with high elevation freshness for most excellent balance. Takes off like a rocket on the superb, saturated finish. This is top-notch, undervalued juice that will drink well for 4-6 years.
Captivating nose. Lots of creme de mure and serious minerality to go along with the vibrant cherry pit aspects. Lovely underlay of nutmeg, turned earth and subtle coffee notes. Quite ethereal and very old-viney with high elevation freshness for most excellent balance. Takes off like a rocket on the superb, saturated finish. This is top-notch, undervalued juice that will drink well for 4-6 years.
2011 MUGA RIOJA RESERVA
[reg. $21.99 - ½ btl.]
SPECIAL $11.99-½ BTL./$287.76 – CASE 24 SPLITS
[reg. $21.99 - ½ btl.]
SPECIAL $11.99-½ BTL./$287.76 – CASE 24 SPLITS
When it comes to Rioja, Muga is akin to Soul Train's Don Cornelius – smooth, laid-back and full of everything that icons are made from all without the 12 or so bowls of fine cheeb before heading out on stage. Speaking of stage, when it comes to the legends in Rioja, along with Lopez de Heredia, La Rioja Alta and a few others, Muga definitely plays on the main stage!
Though the legal definition of “Reserva” in the region of Rioja requires three years of ageing, with a minimum of just one year in barrel, this wine spends a full 2 years in barrel, and achieves a complete integration of the flavors of grape and wood, plus the mellowness that only time can provide. Deep, meaty and aromatic on the nose with a beautiful perfume of secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar, leather and deep rich berries in the background, this classically formed Rioja is super complex and has great balance in the mouth. The poise and brilliance that is so prevalent throughout really permeates on the finish that is packed with warm spice, cocoa, leather and one more hit of berry. A real stunner that drinks well out of the chute and will age nicely for 10-12 more years. ONLY HALF BOTTLES ARE AVAILABLE OF THIS SPECIAL!
Though the legal definition of “Reserva” in the region of Rioja requires three years of ageing, with a minimum of just one year in barrel, this wine spends a full 2 years in barrel, and achieves a complete integration of the flavors of grape and wood, plus the mellowness that only time can provide. Deep, meaty and aromatic on the nose with a beautiful perfume of secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar, leather and deep rich berries in the background, this classically formed Rioja is super complex and has great balance in the mouth. The poise and brilliance that is so prevalent throughout really permeates on the finish that is packed with warm spice, cocoa, leather and one more hit of berry. A real stunner that drinks well out of the chute and will age nicely for 10-12 more years. ONLY HALF BOTTLES ARE AVAILABLE OF THIS SPECIAL!
2014 LA ROQUETE 'CLOS LA ROQUETE' CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
The estate of Domaine La Roquète is from the renowned, legendary, luxurious Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer, Vieux Telegraphe. La Roquete is NOT a 2nd label but a separate estate that was purchased by the Brunier family back in 1986. Up until 2011, both reds and whites were made here but after the creation of the Piedlong cuvee, now only white wine is made here...and what a spectacular white wine it is!!
40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 30% Roussanne and located in the Piedlong lieu dit, right next door the famed Le Rayas vineyard, the combination of sandy soils and large stones makes for compelling wines. 2014 is fabulous for white Chateauneuf and this wine is overflowing with white peach, ginger, lime, sea breeze and creeping spice led by anise. Creamy and stony in the mouth. Viscous without being heavy yes with plenty of buzzing, fresh qualities that liven the palate, particularly on the fanning-out, persistent finish. Very lovely now with lobster, scallops, monkfish in sauce, bouillabaise or a cheese like reblochon. No problem to age 10-15 years to see it develop more complex and sensuaous qualities. Great white wines like this RARELY come along at a special price as this, take advantage!
40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 30% Roussanne and located in the Piedlong lieu dit, right next door the famed Le Rayas vineyard, the combination of sandy soils and large stones makes for compelling wines. 2014 is fabulous for white Chateauneuf and this wine is overflowing with white peach, ginger, lime, sea breeze and creeping spice led by anise. Creamy and stony in the mouth. Viscous without being heavy yes with plenty of buzzing, fresh qualities that liven the palate, particularly on the fanning-out, persistent finish. Very lovely now with lobster, scallops, monkfish in sauce, bouillabaise or a cheese like reblochon. No problem to age 10-15 years to see it develop more complex and sensuaous qualities. Great white wines like this RARELY come along at a special price as this, take advantage!
2014 VILLA MATHILDE FALANGHINA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
The white wines from Campania are some of Italy's finest and possess character not found virtually anywhere else on the sunny peninsula. One of Southern Italy's great names is Villa Matilde and they are especially known for their white wines grown just outside of Naples.
The first word that came to mind when I put this wine made from the Falanghina grape to my nose was, "fresh" and that resonated throughout the whole experience, from start to finish. Gentle, alive and complex aromas of freshly peeled mandarin, anisette, sheer earth and delicate white flower billow out from the glass. Intense and incredibly nervy in the mouth with a great contrast of melon, blood orange and white spice enhances the ravishing mouthfeel. We love unoaked white wines and while this white is Southern Italian, it possesses the minerality and complex flavors found in fine, purely styled whites from the world over. Have it with spicy, tomato-based seafood dishes or grilled seafood with lemon and capers.
The first word that came to mind when I put this wine made from the Falanghina grape to my nose was, "fresh" and that resonated throughout the whole experience, from start to finish. Gentle, alive and complex aromas of freshly peeled mandarin, anisette, sheer earth and delicate white flower billow out from the glass. Intense and incredibly nervy in the mouth with a great contrast of melon, blood orange and white spice enhances the ravishing mouthfeel. We love unoaked white wines and while this white is Southern Italian, it possesses the minerality and complex flavors found in fine, purely styled whites from the world over. Have it with spicy, tomato-based seafood dishes or grilled seafood with lemon and capers.
2014 MCMANIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Inexpensive California Cab can be a complete disaster but every now and then one will surprise. For several years now, we have been featuring the wines from McManis and they consistently provide strong varietal character and plenty of bang for the buck.
Mocha, clove, black raspberry and aromatic herbs play nicely with blueberry and raspberry fruit. Luscious, friendly, balanced, honest and direct, this engaging Cali-Cab delivers nice depth and character for not a lot of money and is a terrific wine to open on a Wednesday evening.
Mocha, clove, black raspberry and aromatic herbs play nicely with blueberry and raspberry fruit. Luscious, friendly, balanced, honest and direct, this engaging Cali-Cab delivers nice depth and character for not a lot of money and is a terrific wine to open on a Wednesday evening.
2014 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'LOUISE VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
'LOUISE VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
Time and time, we have mentioned that Steve Doerner is a deity when it comes to Oregon pinot noir. Consistently, this cat has delivered some of America's finest pinots throughout his distinguished career at both Calera before 1992 and Cristom since. Steve always creates pinot for pinot lovers and has consistently my short list of top three Oregon producers.
The most flirtatious of the order, Louise is the spice queen and that unique quality is what sets this wine apart in every vintage and is what has set the stage for this wonderfully velvety 2014. Candied mushroom caps, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, cardamom and dried flowers echo from the glass and right on to the full, rich, round and velvety palate. The tannins are pretty soft and integrated but do give this wine a couple of years to come together and enjoy through 2028.
The most flirtatious of the order, Louise is the spice queen and that unique quality is what sets this wine apart in every vintage and is what has set the stage for this wonderfully velvety 2014. Candied mushroom caps, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, cardamom and dried flowers echo from the glass and right on to the full, rich, round and velvety palate. The tannins are pretty soft and integrated but do give this wine a couple of years to come together and enjoy through 2028.
2014 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'JESSIE VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
'JESSIE VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
Jessie was planted in 1994 and over the years we have seen it develop into one of Oregon’s true Grand Cru sites is very steep and east facing. Steve hit a tape measure shot with the stylish 2014!
Delivering grace and regal depth of fruit all conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry, licorice, white pepper and cocoa-dust, this wine is quite the seductress. Texturally this offering is concentrated and persistent with plenty of dark tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and rich finish. This is top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle and while this wine has immense accessibility, there is even more potential lurking, which will undoubtedly unfold with a few years of cellaring. Drink this 2019 – 2028+
Delivering grace and regal depth of fruit all conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry, licorice, white pepper and cocoa-dust, this wine is quite the seductress. Texturally this offering is concentrated and persistent with plenty of dark tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and rich finish. This is top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle and while this wine has immense accessibility, there is even more potential lurking, which will undoubtedly unfold with a few years of cellaring. Drink this 2019 – 2028+
2014 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'EILEEN VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
'EILEEN VINEYARD'
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE
Eileen is the youngest of the ladies and one whose vines are now over 15 years old. The potential that this site once had is now being achieved quite well indeed. The 2014 is a magical, brooding operatic wine that is a destined for greatness and undoubtedly will become a masterpiece.
Concentrated scents wickedly reveal plenty of nutmeg, vanilla and smoke to go along with the vinous, opaque chocolate-covered cherry and spice flavors. Penetrating and impressive, there is major material here, although it needs time to all come together. A truly special bottle of Oregon Pinot that should be laid down until 2019 and drunk through 2028+.
Concentrated scents wickedly reveal plenty of nutmeg, vanilla and smoke to go along with the vinous, opaque chocolate-covered cherry and spice flavors. Penetrating and impressive, there is major material here, although it needs time to all come together. A truly special bottle of Oregon Pinot that should be laid down until 2019 and drunk through 2028+.
