Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'AU REVOIR ALI' HOTSHEET
Cristom, 95 pt. Ridge Zin, Chianti, Rose & more
2012 SAN VINCENTI
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Over the past few years we have seen tariffs rise steadily for Chianti Classico. These days it is the norm to have to spend 20-30 to get a high quality bottling from the area. Therefore, you could imagine our joy last week when we tasted the 2012 Classico from San Vincenti, an excellent producer located in Gaiole.
Here is a truly seamless, delicious Chianti Classico that is truly one of the best deals in Tuscany. Pretty aromatics of savory spice, dark berry, and sage lead in to a gorgeous fruit-packed mouth full of blackberry, spice, a nice dusty quality all without ever sacrificing the steely terroir of Gaiole. The finish is quite extensive, earthy and superbly long. A remarkable wine for the price and for the dinner table…one taste of this and you will keep coming back for more! Drink this beauty over the next 3-5 years.
Here is a truly seamless, delicious Chianti Classico that is truly one of the best deals in Tuscany. Pretty aromatics of savory spice, dark berry, and sage lead in to a gorgeous fruit-packed mouth full of blackberry, spice, a nice dusty quality all without ever sacrificing the steely terroir of Gaiole. The finish is quite extensive, earthy and superbly long. A remarkable wine for the price and for the dinner table…one taste of this and you will keep coming back for more! Drink this beauty over the next 3-5 years.
2015 J. CHRISTOPHER 'J.J'
PINOT NOIR ROSE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR ROSE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
As is common knowledge, Jay Somers, owner, winemaker and lead guitarist at J. Christopher is a very adept and clever white wine and prolific Pinot Noir producer, so it is not surprising that all of J Christopher’s skills and quality would carry over into the dry rose wines.
A new offering, the J.J rose is made entirely from Pinot Noir and is gently bled into this pulsating, mouth-watering pink wine that is akin to standing under a cold, gushing waterfall. Currant, lime, cranberry, wildflowers and smoked herbs. Flavorful, impacting bracing texture that is an electrical storm in the mouth; the finish is zesty, engaging and entices you back for about four more glasses and then another bottle. Perfect for appetizers and mild cheeses.
A new offering, the J.J rose is made entirely from Pinot Noir and is gently bled into this pulsating, mouth-watering pink wine that is akin to standing under a cold, gushing waterfall. Currant, lime, cranberry, wildflowers and smoked herbs. Flavorful, impacting bracing texture that is an electrical storm in the mouth; the finish is zesty, engaging and entices you back for about four more glasses and then another bottle. Perfect for appetizers and mild cheeses.
2015 MAS DE LIBIAN
'VIN DE PETANQUE' ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'VIN DE PETANQUE' ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Located in the foothills on the way to the Ardeche, this area is a bastion of Cotes-du-Rhone that is now being discovered. For many years, this was the redheaded stepchild of the southern Rhone, now folks are farming sustainably paying attention to detail in the winery and some fantastic, terroir-driven wines are hitting our shores. The Thibon family has been farming and making wine at Mas de Libian since 1670. Modern-day, we have a generation who is keen to pay respect to the earth, vines and wines.
Named after the ubiquitous French game played throughout the nation, Vin de Petanque is a red wine that is perfect while playing petanque (boules) or betting on boules in the evening as well as for guzzling with friends and family on picnics or other summer occasions. 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, this whimsical, fun and flavorful red is peppery, spicy, and old school bursting with pomegranate and licorice qualities. Smooth, gently mouth filling and extremely versatile it is a wonderful choice with charcuterie or barbecue.
Named after the ubiquitous French game played throughout the nation, Vin de Petanque is a red wine that is perfect while playing petanque (boules) or betting on boules in the evening as well as for guzzling with friends and family on picnics or other summer occasions. 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, this whimsical, fun and flavorful red is peppery, spicy, and old school bursting with pomegranate and licorice qualities. Smooth, gently mouth filling and extremely versatile it is a wonderful choice with charcuterie or barbecue.
2014 OLIM BAUDA GAVI DI GAVI
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Before heading to France last month, I had the chance to enjoy this Piemontese white wine with a piping hot bowl of mussels in broth with spinach and a heap of garlic and the first words uttered were, "what the hell is not to like about this white!!"
Olim Bauda is a Barbera specialist who happens to make a devastatingly delicious, mouth-watering Gavi that absolutely lifts the palate. 100% of the Cortese grape grown in chalky soils with an underlay of clay, this 12% alcohol white reveals powdery citrus and blitzing mineral. Zippy, flavorful and a wine that coats and cleanses the entire palate. Open-knit and perfect for an apertivo but even better with shellfish and green vegetables, alone or together.
Olim Bauda is a Barbera specialist who happens to make a devastatingly delicious, mouth-watering Gavi that absolutely lifts the palate. 100% of the Cortese grape grown in chalky soils with an underlay of clay, this 12% alcohol white reveals powdery citrus and blitzing mineral. Zippy, flavorful and a wine that coats and cleanses the entire palate. Open-knit and perfect for an apertivo but even better with shellfish and green vegetables, alone or together.
2013 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR
'MT JEFFERSON'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
'MT JEFFERSON'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
If there were ever a vintage for Cristom and Steve Doerner, 2013 would be it. The conditions play right into the entire operation's hands beautifully.
The 2013 Mt-Jeff is full of fragrance and typical of a Cristom wine based around aromatics and beauty. Red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of the wine. In the mouth, it is sensual, cool, harmonious and virtually weightless. In the mouth, velvety and long-legged without being jammy. The finish is expansive and full of what is good about Cristom’s wines. Seriously delicious and always a consistent performer, this wine is a resounding local choice to share and use for gift-giving, dinners, etc.
The 2013 Mt-Jeff is full of fragrance and typical of a Cristom wine based around aromatics and beauty. Red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of the wine. In the mouth, it is sensual, cool, harmonious and virtually weightless. In the mouth, velvety and long-legged without being jammy. The finish is expansive and full of what is good about Cristom’s wines. Seriously delicious and always a consistent performer, this wine is a resounding local choice to share and use for gift-giving, dinners, etc.
2011 CHATEAU DE SALES POMEROL
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
Chateau De Sales is one of the better known and value estates within the high-priced neighborhood of Pomerol. Now affiliated with Christian Moeuix (he who also owns Petrus, Trotanoy, Dominus and others) this ancient property that dates back to the 17th century is making wines that are quite fine and ageworthy, especially for the astute and savvy Bordeaux consumer.
2011 has the misfortune of following 2009 and 2010. If not for these two vintages, we would be hearing the noise touting the underrated and lovely quality of this particular year. In fact, if it occurred in the 80s or 90s, it may well have been referred to as great in those eras. A very classy right bank Bordeaux, this wine performs way above expectations. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a structured palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth and follows through with finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 10-15 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
2011 has the misfortune of following 2009 and 2010. If not for these two vintages, we would be hearing the noise touting the underrated and lovely quality of this particular year. In fact, if it occurred in the 80s or 90s, it may well have been referred to as great in those eras. A very classy right bank Bordeaux, this wine performs way above expectations. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a structured palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth and follows through with finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 10-15 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
2013 RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS (Zin Blend)
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
The history of Lytton Springs and its vineyards goes back to 1860, the wine produced from this Dry Creek site is remarkably different and equally as profound as the Geyserville, and we all have our preferences. First produced in 1972, this wine has become synonymous with California’s greatest and most influential. Best part is that it remains at such a wonderful price, especially given the perceived weakness of the California dollar and the propensity to raise prices.
74% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mataro. "The 2013 Lytton Springs has really come together over the last year, far exceeding my early expectations. Powerful and explosive in the glass, the 2013 boasts tons of inky blue/purplish fruit, mocha, spices, new leather, lavender and licorice. Readers will have to give the Lytton Springs at least a few years to shed some baby fat, but it is nearly impossible to resist, even at this early stage. Once again, the team at Ridge has produced an absolutely compelling Lytton Springs. The 16% Petite Sirah in the blend adds an unmistakable air of gravitas. Drink 2018 – 2033. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS”
74% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mataro. "The 2013 Lytton Springs has really come together over the last year, far exceeding my early expectations. Powerful and explosive in the glass, the 2013 boasts tons of inky blue/purplish fruit, mocha, spices, new leather, lavender and licorice. Readers will have to give the Lytton Springs at least a few years to shed some baby fat, but it is nearly impossible to resist, even at this early stage. Once again, the team at Ridge has produced an absolutely compelling Lytton Springs. The 16% Petite Sirah in the blend adds an unmistakable air of gravitas. Drink 2018 – 2033. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS”
2007 RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS (Zin Blend)
$54.99 - VERY LIMITED!
$54.99 - VERY LIMITED!
Every now and again we can get our hands on some library wines such as this (and the two Pinots just below) from top-level producers and it always excites us to be able to share them to show you why they should be aged.
One of Ridge’s iconic wines is their Zinfandel-based Lytton Springs. For over 40 years, this wine has proven itself one of America’s most unique and very ageworthy wines. 2007 in Sonoma was a vintage of excellence and now at age nine, this wonderful red is starting to strut its stuff. Typical of this offering, it is a large-scaled, complex debonair yet decadent badass! 71% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah & 7% Carignane, flavors of ripe black fruits and cassis married with Asian spices, briar, licorice and nutmeg explode in the mouth! The color is dark purple and the flavor is concentrated and rich; the texture is supple yet firm. This red wine is smoking delicious right now yet as experience has shown with Ridge wines; this will have another 15+ years of enjoyment and development to it.
One of Ridge’s iconic wines is their Zinfandel-based Lytton Springs. For over 40 years, this wine has proven itself one of America’s most unique and very ageworthy wines. 2007 in Sonoma was a vintage of excellence and now at age nine, this wonderful red is starting to strut its stuff. Typical of this offering, it is a large-scaled, complex debonair yet decadent badass! 71% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah & 7% Carignane, flavors of ripe black fruits and cassis married with Asian spices, briar, licorice and nutmeg explode in the mouth! The color is dark purple and the flavor is concentrated and rich; the texture is supple yet firm. This red wine is smoking delicious right now yet as experience has shown with Ridge wines; this will have another 15+ years of enjoyment and development to it.
