Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DRINKING FASCINATION' HOTSHEET
Albarino & ChampagneSpecials, Chianti, Hermitage, Nebbiolo, Sonoma & more
2012 GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU
SONOMA RED 'MOUNTAIN CUVEE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
SONOMA RED 'MOUNTAIN CUVEE'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
One of the most historic properties in California, it cannot be understated the influence that Gundlach-Bundschu has had on Sonoma and California viticulture. This estate has had peaks and valleys throughout its existence but recently has been on a major roll with outstanding wines that give off so much California character for their price levels.
Unapologetically Sonoma and California in profile, this Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot/Cabernet Franc-based blend delivers so much good for an excellent price, especially in comparison to so many others in the state’s famous growing regions. Unlike many others from California in this price level, there isn’t any fruit from Lodi or bulked out juice to this wine, all of the grapes come from Sonoma; Gundlach’s estate vineyard along with other Sonoma sites. Chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A subtle mineral underlay and deceptive structure give this wine nice spine and breadth of flavor. Very drinkable now, especially with braised shortribs or a grilled steak, it wouldn't surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
Unapologetically Sonoma and California in profile, this Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot/Cabernet Franc-based blend delivers so much good for an excellent price, especially in comparison to so many others in the state’s famous growing regions. Unlike many others from California in this price level, there isn’t any fruit from Lodi or bulked out juice to this wine, all of the grapes come from Sonoma; Gundlach’s estate vineyard along with other Sonoma sites. Chock full of cassis, blueberry and violet with spikes of cocoa that seemingly swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with lots of sensuality to it. A subtle mineral underlay and deceptive structure give this wine nice spine and breadth of flavor. Very drinkable now, especially with braised shortribs or a grilled steak, it wouldn't surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
2014 PAZO DE SENORANS ALBARINO
[reg. $26.99]
SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
[reg. $26.99]
SPECIAL - $17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Located in the Northwest corner of Spain is the Galician region of Rias-Baixas. Until 25 or so years ago, there was no D.O. for this area. Today, only 100% Albarino from this region may be labeled with the Rais-Baixas D.O. Because of the close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, this region's climate is quite different than in other parts of Spain and is Spain’s only region where Albariño can flourish naturally.
Fanatical farming and hand harvesting characterize Pazo de Senorans Albarino. The wine is also aged on its lees and stored in stainless steel tanks that make for a very clean and dry wine with great minerality and intensity. Gorgeous scents of peach and white flowers swirl around the nose while crisp dry fruit plays on the tongue then saturates and exhilarates the entire palate. We absolutely love this wine! Albarino is the ultimate seafood wine and this offering will pair well with crab, smoked albacore, mussels and more.
Fanatical farming and hand harvesting characterize Pazo de Senorans Albarino. The wine is also aged on its lees and stored in stainless steel tanks that make for a very clean and dry wine with great minerality and intensity. Gorgeous scents of peach and white flowers swirl around the nose while crisp dry fruit plays on the tongue then saturates and exhilarates the entire palate. We absolutely love this wine! Albarino is the ultimate seafood wine and this offering will pair well with crab, smoked albacore, mussels and more.
2007 SERTOLI SALIS VALTELLINA
'CAPO DI TERRA'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
'CAPO DI TERRA'
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
"Heroic viticulture" says it all about the Valtellina region, which is a deep gorge, surrounded by the Orobie and the Retiche mountain chains located in Italy's Lombardy region up near the Swiss border. This is one tough region to farm but those adrenaline junkies who do, have the stuff to make some of the most intriguing and pleasurable Nebbiolo in all of Italy.
One of the smashing producers is Conti Sertoli Salis who has been producing wine since 1869. 100% Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo) this red is one of the most pure and pretty expressions of this noble varietal. Haunting scents of freshly turned earth, peat, dried roses; cherry pit, camphor and orange peel shine on the nose that is full of complexity and dimension. In the mouth, it is sculpted and full of complexity with a fine velvety aspect beneath the surface. Dense and soaring on the finish, this ultra-traditional Nebbiolo screams purity and pairs well with earthy mushroom dishes or rack of lamb. At age 9 and drinking beautifully it will continue to hold serve nicely for 4-5 more. So Italian, so Alpine and so unique, this is a wine for those who love to go on a Nebbiolo thrill-ride.
One of the smashing producers is Conti Sertoli Salis who has been producing wine since 1869. 100% Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo) this red is one of the most pure and pretty expressions of this noble varietal. Haunting scents of freshly turned earth, peat, dried roses; cherry pit, camphor and orange peel shine on the nose that is full of complexity and dimension. In the mouth, it is sculpted and full of complexity with a fine velvety aspect beneath the surface. Dense and soaring on the finish, this ultra-traditional Nebbiolo screams purity and pairs well with earthy mushroom dishes or rack of lamb. At age 9 and drinking beautifully it will continue to hold serve nicely for 4-5 more. So Italian, so Alpine and so unique, this is a wine for those who love to go on a Nebbiolo thrill-ride.
CHAMPAGNE CHARLES HEIDSIECK
BRUT RESERVE
[reg. $69.99]
SPECIAL - $46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PK
BRUT RESERVE
[reg. $69.99]
SPECIAL - $46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PK
Founded in 1851, Champagne Charles Heidsieck has been a consistent name when it comes to quality Champagne and since the early 1990s, they have been producing bubbles that are on a level that when tasted will make any Champagne hound do backflips and cartwheels!
On offer at an excellent price point, the Brut Reserve is a classic blend of one-third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay and aged 3+ years on the lees. The house style here is one of substance and in this particular cuvee, 40% of Reserve wines, many up to 10 years old, are what drives this intensely complex and flavorful Champagne. Richness, dimension, power and above all, silky, finesseful bubbles virtually glimmer from the glass. Brioche, honey, orange, chalk and nougat scents lead into a glorious, full texture with a seductive mousse and ample expansion all buffered by livewire aspects that culminate in a luxurious, long finish. If you love Champagne, you are going to want some of this one!
On offer at an excellent price point, the Brut Reserve is a classic blend of one-third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay and aged 3+ years on the lees. The house style here is one of substance and in this particular cuvee, 40% of Reserve wines, many up to 10 years old, are what drives this intensely complex and flavorful Champagne. Richness, dimension, power and above all, silky, finesseful bubbles virtually glimmer from the glass. Brioche, honey, orange, chalk and nougat scents lead into a glorious, full texture with a seductive mousse and ample expansion all buffered by livewire aspects that culminate in a luxurious, long finish. If you love Champagne, you are going to want some of this one!
2012 LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in Panzano in Chianti, up near Fontodi, the wines of Le Cinciole are some of the best-kept secrets in all of Tuscany. In 1991, Milan residents Luca and Valeria Orsini took a radical leap; tired of the fast-paced city life, they seized the opportunity to buy the Le Cinciole estate in the storied Chianti village of Panzano, relocating to Tuscany and leaving their former careers as a math professor and an architect behind to become grape growers and winemakers.
Silky and sultry wines are the norm at this organically farmed estate located at 450 meters. Simply irresistible for twenty bucks and truly delivers the goods! Aromatic, perfumy tones that are typical of Panzano reveal wild cherry, caramel, and Tuscan herbs, particularly sage, all lead into a juicy, ripe black fruit flavor framed nicely by structured tannins and acidity. Lavishly put-together and drinkable now through 2022.
Silky and sultry wines are the norm at this organically farmed estate located at 450 meters. Simply irresistible for twenty bucks and truly delivers the goods! Aromatic, perfumy tones that are typical of Panzano reveal wild cherry, caramel, and Tuscan herbs, particularly sage, all lead into a juicy, ripe black fruit flavor framed nicely by structured tannins and acidity. Lavishly put-together and drinkable now through 2022.
2014 CAMBIS SAINT-CHINIAN
'JARDINS SUSPENDUS'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
'JARDINS SUSPENDUS'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Over the last two years or so, Domaine Cambis has become one of my favorite Languedoc producers. Based in the St-Chinian appellation, this estate is among the new wave of producers who are moving the image of Languedoc out of the mass-produced industrial wines to ones that reflect the diverse soils and microclimates. Of course there are many nine-dollar wines that have cute names and a French critter on the label, but you now have a choice to find something that is hand crafted, veraciously farmed and made from real grapes and by real people.
The Jardins Suspendus (hanging gardens) cuvee is from 50-year-old vines entirely in schist soils. 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. Impeccable appeal throughout along with a merde-load of detail of origin brings together richness, concentration and power with alluring lavender, thyme, anise and African spice components that could not be mistaken as being from anywhere but Southern France. The pure, energetic and concentrated texture show darkness from Syrah which interacts exquisitely with the high tones and pepper power of the Grenache. The Languedoc wine revolution is on and is being streamed live so we recommend in taking part and enjoying it over the next five years with roasted/grilled meats, ratatouille or a slice of pizza.
The Jardins Suspendus (hanging gardens) cuvee is from 50-year-old vines entirely in schist soils. 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. Impeccable appeal throughout along with a merde-load of detail of origin brings together richness, concentration and power with alluring lavender, thyme, anise and African spice components that could not be mistaken as being from anywhere but Southern France. The pure, energetic and concentrated texture show darkness from Syrah which interacts exquisitely with the high tones and pepper power of the Grenache. The Languedoc wine revolution is on and is being streamed live so we recommend in taking part and enjoying it over the next five years with roasted/grilled meats, ratatouille or a slice of pizza.
2015 HAMILTON-RUSSELL CHARDONNAY
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
Hamilton Russell is not only one of South Africa’s best producers, they also happen to put forth one of the New World’s most prolific Chardonnays. Situated close to the sea in one of the southernmost growing regions (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley), Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from his father in 1991 produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are seriously prolific examples!
Standing on its own merits yet definitively inspired by white Burgundy, the 2015 Chardonnay displays beautiful aromas of lemon curd and passion fruit with hints of buttered toast and honey, intermingled with a ribbon of caramel. Creamy and rich, with flavors of lemon meringue and pineapple, the racy finish shows us great finesse with integrated brightness and a stony minerality. Harmonious and complex, this wine ages very well and can be enjoyed with many decadent seafood preparations for 10-12 years.
Standing on its own merits yet definitively inspired by white Burgundy, the 2015 Chardonnay displays beautiful aromas of lemon curd and passion fruit with hints of buttered toast and honey, intermingled with a ribbon of caramel. Creamy and rich, with flavors of lemon meringue and pineapple, the racy finish shows us great finesse with integrated brightness and a stony minerality. Harmonious and complex, this wine ages very well and can be enjoyed with many decadent seafood preparations for 10-12 years.
2011 JL CHAVE SELECTIONS
HERMITAGE 'FARCONNET'
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
HERMITAGE 'FARCONNET'
$65.99 BTL./$791.88 CASE
When it comes to Syrah, the name Chave translates to godlike genius! Well, actually, it really doesn’t but for those who admire the greatest of the greats, this family dynasty which goes back to 1481 has been entrenched as standard bearers and in my vision, the security guards to all that is great about the Northern Rhone and Syrah in general. The current leader of the family Domaine is Jean-Louis Chave who is 16th generation. In 1995, he started a negociants business to augment the ultra-level Domaine Chave Hermitage and St-Joseph wines. These days the red Hermitage sells for well north of $200 but if one wants a Chave experience, the Selection wines are excellent.
Farconnet is one of the newer selections and prior to 2007; remaining grapes that did not make it into the grand cuvee were sold off. This selection comes from three distinct climats on the famed Hermitage hill (Diognières, Péleat, Greffieux) and is named after the man from whom Jean-Louis’s great grandfather purchased the Bessards parcel. Hermitage is known as the manliest wine of France, and this 2011 is built like a fleet-footed inside linebacker. Even at age 5, don't expect immediate gratification from this wine. The wine is packed, dense and laden with woodsmoke, cassis, violet, hints of gibier and loads of white pepper. Great fruit intensity, full body, but all packed in behind a wall of well-structured grip. This wine should be cellared for another 2-3 years and then enjoyed over the next 12-15 as it will continue to develop, soften and become silky, smooth and ungodly complex.
Farconnet is one of the newer selections and prior to 2007; remaining grapes that did not make it into the grand cuvee were sold off. This selection comes from three distinct climats on the famed Hermitage hill (Diognières, Péleat, Greffieux) and is named after the man from whom Jean-Louis’s great grandfather purchased the Bessards parcel. Hermitage is known as the manliest wine of France, and this 2011 is built like a fleet-footed inside linebacker. Even at age 5, don't expect immediate gratification from this wine. The wine is packed, dense and laden with woodsmoke, cassis, violet, hints of gibier and loads of white pepper. Great fruit intensity, full body, but all packed in behind a wall of well-structured grip. This wine should be cellared for another 2-3 years and then enjoyed over the next 12-15 as it will continue to develop, soften and become silky, smooth and ungodly complex.
