Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FINGER PAINTING' HOTSHEET
Cameron, Bandol, Classified Growth Bordeaux, Zinfandel, Gruner & more


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2013 MONTARIBALDI LANGHE ROSSO
'TRESTELLE'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Located at the southern end of the boundary of Barbaresco village and bordering on Treiso, this terrific Barbaresco producer takes its name from the single Cru vineyard of Montaribaldi. Having been in existence since 1968 and owned by the Taliano family, the wines that emerge from this estate are outstanding values ranging from this delightful Piedmont blend on up to their Cru Barbaresco wines.

Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto (one-third each) from both Barbaresco and Treiso, this fetching red wine is elevated in stainless steel and finished for 3-4 months in large, 2500-3000 liter barrels and is a terrific taste of Piedmont for not a lot of money. Plenty of plum and raspberry tones come out along with sassafrass, some turned earth, licorice and peppermint tones all glide into a hearty texture that while buoyant, fleshy and playful has a self-assured undertone to it. The finish shows smooth but high pitched both aspects that are traits of Barbaresco’s vineyards. Drink with slow-roasted meats or hearty pasta dishes, especially those with mushrooms.



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2015 CAMERON 'GIOVANNI'
VIGNA PINOT BIANCO
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

Damn, has this wine ever come around and taken shape since its release back in March! Giovanni was created back in the mid-nineties as a way to pay tribute to some of John’s favorite producers of Italian white wine like Schiopetto, Felluga and Jermann. It was also a way to agitate the old guard of the Oregon wine establishment by naming it Pinot Bianco instead of Pinot Blanc. Giovanni is designed to orchestrate a blend of white grapes inspired by the likes of Vintage Tunina and other nomi di fantasia wines from Friuli.

5 months on, the 2015 really shows off its aromatic side with forward aromas of nose-tickling minerality, citrus, pear, and soft cardamom spice all from the site and varietal, as this white sees no wood. Balancing fresh terroir character with ripe and pure fruit, this wakes your palate up and coats it with balanced earthy richness that makes it perfect to start a meal or with savory seafood dishes.



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2013 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
'ARLEY'S LEAP'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

LAST CALL FOR CAMERON ARLEY’S LEAP!!! Arley's Leap Pinot Noir first arrived in the mid-90s. The base of the wine consists of clippings from Clos Electrique that were planted up at Abbey Ridge in 1990; this is the secret weapon in the Cameron arsenal of great Pinot Noirs.

The first aromas almost transport you to somewhere in the Cote-de-Beaune with its alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, smoked herbs and subtle meaty tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace in the mouth. Beautifully expressed even now, we all know that Cameron’s Pinot Noirs age like beasts and this wine has a deceptive underbelly of structure and dimension that is going to reveal itself even further. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled and just waiting to unleash itself, the vinous, mouth-coating, sultry texture that is present on the entire palate truly belies its usual lower alcohol level. A terrific choice to drink as well as to put some away and enjoy over the next 10-12 years.



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2013 SOELLNER GRUNER VELTLINER
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Even though both countries speak (somewhat) the same language, there are many differences between Austria and Germany, culturally, socially and for our case, in their wines. Stereotypically, people believe Austrian white wine to be sweet...except for dessert wines that make up 3% of the country's entire production; this could not be further from the truth. The majority of Germany's white wines are made from Riesling carrying various levels of sweetness. Riesling is also produced in Austria, but here the noble varietal is Grüner Veltliner and possesses more volume and is a very DRY WINE!

Aromatic and very detailed; intense loess, mussel-chalk and gravel soil-driven minerals are buffered by stonefruit, lemon-lime and subtle fennel notes. The fleshy and clean attack shows plenty of mouth-coating aspects, but the real beauty lies in the back of the mouth where the wine gains stirring energetic zest and length. With its ample burst and depth, this white wine will work exquisitely with a general array of appetizers as well as scallops, grilled tuna or white sausages.



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2013 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Many of you are oh so familiar with the Rose offerings from Bastide Blanche, one of Bandol’s stalwart, apex producers. As is the case with the pink wine, the Bronzo brothers are also at the top of the food chain when it comes to red Bandol producing wines that are utterly magnificent. 72% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 6% Cinsault 1% Syrah and 1% Carignan, this is prototype Bandol and an exciting version to put into the cellar or if you use a decanter, one to try early.

Vintage 2013 combines an aromatic nose of fresh leather and pipe tobacco with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns. The wine possesses a very long finish even though its tannins are up front yet are fairly well rounded. Nevertheless, it is boisterous, rotund wine that requires another year or two of aging. If you really want to experience one early, buy two bottles and serve it with robust red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs then drink the other bottle in about 5 years.



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2014 CRISS CROSS
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Criss Cross is a project spearheaded by Argentine wine specialist Vino del Sol and Lange Twins winery using old vine fruit from Lodi and making delicious California value reds. The 2014 Zinfandel doesn't overstate the name old vines because these gnarly old things are 80+ years old!

Deep ruby/purple in color with a vibrant nose of black raspberry, black cherry, plum, cola, tobacco and spicy oak, it is quite full bodied revealing dense fruit with plush tannins and bold flavors of black cherry, raspberry, plum, maple and spice. Well-structured and complex, it offers beautiful balance and a long and assertive finish. Have with barbecued ribs.



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2009 GRAN RECONSIND
EMPORDA CRIANZA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

One of the old-school Napa Valley producers, over time Stony Hill has achieved mythical, legendary status with their long-lived wines, especially their Chardonnay they pioneered back in the 50s. Eschewing the stereotypical California boat plank and a pound of butter, Stony Hill uses neutral barrels ranging from five to 25 years old and purposely avoids malolactic fermentation. Quite honestly, these wines are ferocious when young but give them 5 years like this one and they become marvelous. I have had 15-18 year old versions of these wines and it is remarkable at how they pick up richness and even more depth all while maintaining civilized alcohol levels (this one is 13%).

The ever elegant and pure 2010 chardonnay offers an incredibly complex set of aromas from spring blossoms, to candied mushroom caps, white pineapple, and melon, citrus and overt rocky aromas. Purity is a characteristic of this chardonnay and the finish is fine with a long burst of refreshing minerality and unbelievably persistent. Excuse me while I kiss the sky ‘cause this is a romantic bottle that just unfolds layer upon layer of luscious restraint. At age 6 this is starting to unfold now and will continue to develop and drink exquisitely for a good 12-15 more years.



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2006 CHATEAU RAUZAN-SEGLA
MARGAUX 2ND GROWTH
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK

Of course, when it comes to the Margaux region of Bordeaux the first thing one thinks of is Chateau Margaux and then followed by Chateau Palmer. What one must also think about is that there are 22 classified growths within this famed appellation. Many perform very well but one that has been separating itself from the pack and coming into the picture of the big dogs of the region is Chateau Rauzan-Segla. This estate has been setting off fireworks over the last 20 years and their 2006 is very wonderful Bordeaux indeed!

Classy, smooth like mayonnaise, sultry scents that are magnum opus Margaux! Smoky, savory, very black plum and red flower tones. Subtle sandalwood. Lacy and full texture that stretches out on the palate. Not overpowering and not a hair out of place. Serious second growth quality here. Succulent, crunchy tones arrive on the coating, luscious finish. Starting to open its window of drinkability and will easily drink for another 10-15 years.






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