Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BRAINWASHED TRUE BELIEVERS' HOTSHEET
New Domaine Drouhin Pinot, Gramercy Cellars, Blazing French Rose & White, Italian Collectible from Umbria + More!
2014 DOMAINE DROUHIN
ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
One of the most exciting developments in the last few years at Domaine Drouhin was their acquisition of the Roserock vineyard in the southern stretches of the Eola-Amity appellation in 2013. We are now starting to see the first results that are stunning and drastically different from their Dundee Hills wines, which is to be expected with such different terroir.
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 then fanning 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 underneath and will undoubtedly unfold with a few years of cellaring.
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 then fanning 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 underneath and will undoubtedly unfold with a few years of cellaring.
2015 RAVIER ROUSSANNE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Last week one of our normally pragmatic wholesalers came in with this wine and I inquisitively asked him, ‘why the hell are you bringing in a second producer from the Savoie, especially when you already have Eugene Carrel’? He simply responded by pouring this into my glass and simply saying, ‘this is why’!
Deservedly so, this Alpine white wine made with a grape more associated with the South of France knocked me on my arse with its delectable array of aromas and flavors. Blatantly aromatic with cool tones of apricot, nectarine, chamomile and subtle mineral/ginger characteristics wafting from the glass then following through to a balanced, yet lavishly formed texture that bursts with lively fruit, anise and white pepper. Picks up lively dry citrus aspects on the long, driving finish; excellent material and mineral throughout, it is very credible and true to the varietal and growing region. A formidable white wine that should be consumed with scallops, lobster or a soft-ripened camembert. A red wine drinker's white wine!
Deservedly so, this Alpine white wine made with a grape more associated with the South of France knocked me on my arse with its delectable array of aromas and flavors. Blatantly aromatic with cool tones of apricot, nectarine, chamomile and subtle mineral/ginger characteristics wafting from the glass then following through to a balanced, yet lavishly formed texture that bursts with lively fruit, anise and white pepper. Picks up lively dry citrus aspects on the long, driving finish; excellent material and mineral throughout, it is very credible and true to the varietal and growing region. A formidable white wine that should be consumed with scallops, lobster or a soft-ripened camembert. A red wine drinker's white wine!
2015 LE PARADOU ROSE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
The big orange orb in the sky that we have all been yearning to see in Oregon is set to arrive this week so we only thought it appropriate that we sink you with this pink torpedo! Le Paradou is a project from the Chaudiere family who make some of the Ventoux area’s most respected wines. Brothers Alexandre and Frederic headed westward to create a series of apex buys including this 100% Cinsault Rose that is a blend of sites in and around Minervois in Languedoc.
Limestone-rich and sandy soils are what drive this yummy and refreshing number that is made from a grape that seems to thrive when done in rose form. Direct press with no malolactic fermentation, lots of energy and Southern French soul permeates throughout. Explosive scents and flavors of strawberry, currant and citrus keep calling you back for glass after glass. Great for hors d'oeuvres, grilled veggies and goat cheese shared with good friends.
Limestone-rich and sandy soils are what drive this yummy and refreshing number that is made from a grape that seems to thrive when done in rose form. Direct press with no malolactic fermentation, lots of energy and Southern French soul permeates throughout. Explosive scents and flavors of strawberry, currant and citrus keep calling you back for glass after glass. Great for hors d'oeuvres, grilled veggies and goat cheese shared with good friends.
2014 CRISS CROSS PETITE SIRAH
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Criss Cross is a project spearheaded by Argentine wine specialist Vino del Sol and Lange Twins Winery specializing in delicious California value reds.
Made from 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Syrah off old vines from Lodi and Clarksburg, this wine screamed "scrumptious" from the first scent to the long finish. Full-flavors and aromas of roasted blackberry, milk chocolate, cooking herbs, pepper and smoke it is unpretentious, full of generosity and extension. Have this wine with friends at a barbecue, especially with spicy ribs.
Made from 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Syrah off old vines from Lodi and Clarksburg, this wine screamed "scrumptious" from the first scent to the long finish. Full-flavors and aromas of roasted blackberry, milk chocolate, cooking herbs, pepper and smoke it is unpretentious, full of generosity and extension. Have this wine with friends at a barbecue, especially with spicy ribs.
2012 UMANI RONCHI
ROSSO CONERO 'SAN LORENZO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
ROSSO CONERO 'SAN LORENZO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
If this wine were made in Tuscany, Piedmont or the Veneto, it would easily be twice the price! Rosso Conero is one of the red wine regions of Le Marches deemed as DOC. The regulations for the DOC are that it must be at least 85% Montepulciano with up to 15% Sangiovese permitted to be blended in.
Umani Ronchi’s San Lorenzo takes its name from one of the two vineyard sources is made with 100% Montepulciano with 50% aged in 5000-8000 liter casks and the other half aged in neutral barriques. Poetic and animalistic all at once, very exciting aromas of plum, violet, mineral and telltale Montepulciano sanguine aspects build nicely from the glass. In the mouth, it is firmly dry with nice depth and earth tones. Food-friendly and undoubtedly Italian both in its aromatic and flavor profile; enjoy this sinister beauty over the next 3-5 years with hearty pasta dishes or braised beef.
Umani Ronchi’s San Lorenzo takes its name from one of the two vineyard sources is made with 100% Montepulciano with 50% aged in 5000-8000 liter casks and the other half aged in neutral barriques. Poetic and animalistic all at once, very exciting aromas of plum, violet, mineral and telltale Montepulciano sanguine aspects build nicely from the glass. In the mouth, it is firmly dry with nice depth and earth tones. Food-friendly and undoubtedly Italian both in its aromatic and flavor profile; enjoy this sinister beauty over the next 3-5 years with hearty pasta dishes or braised beef.
2013 ESPELT GARNACHA
'OLD VINES' EMPORDA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'OLD VINES' EMPORDA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From Catalonia's Emporda region, a stone's throw from the French border on the Mediterranean, Espelt is a producer who fashions super wines that put forth an abundance of bang for the buck.
The color here stands out like a blackberry stain on white linen! Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice and cocoa tones with engaging nuances of cracked pepper and roasted earth. The attack is round, concentrated and luscious with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything highlights the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart as well as grilled or braised pork loin.
The color here stands out like a blackberry stain on white linen! Sustained, generous scents of black cherry quickly jump into licorice and cocoa tones with engaging nuances of cracked pepper and roasted earth. The attack is round, concentrated and luscious with tannins that are delicate and smooth. Everything highlights the fruit, which follows up with a long finish. Demonstrative of the entire Espelt philosophy and personality, this very expressive wine is a harmonious reflection of authenticity and fruit. Ideal with a mushroom tart as well as grilled or braised pork loin.
2007 ANTONELLI SAGRANTINO
'CHIUSA DI PANNONE'
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK
'CHIUSA DI PANNONE'
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 - SIX PACK
The name Sagrantino derives from the Latin, "Sacer", a holy wine destined for consumption during the Christian festivals. The spiritual grape of Umbria's Montefalco region, Antonelli does a magnificent job in bringing out its full expression. Rarely seen outside of this area, the Sagrantino puts forth large-scaled wines that can age for a long time. Chiusa di Pannone is a small and mighty 6½ acre vineyard that is chock full of chalky-clay soil with underlying gravel deposits. This wine is a passion for Antonelli as only limited amounts are produced and only from fine vintages.
Robust, heady and intense, blackberry, tobacco, mint, almond, spice and vanilla dominate the nose while the mouth is rich and so chewy that you almost need a fork to have this wine. The super-long aftertaste confirms all of the characters of the aromas. Still a baby, but one can see the deep and thrusting core of beauty and potential that is within the entire package of this wine. If you do uncork one, have it with a heavy risotto dish, maybe an Italian beef stew, but if aged, grab some fine Gorgonzola and prepare yourself for something that is truly operatic. Seriously, this wine will have no problem aging 25-30 years from vintage date. A great choice for those who have a child or future occasion from 2007.
Robust, heady and intense, blackberry, tobacco, mint, almond, spice and vanilla dominate the nose while the mouth is rich and so chewy that you almost need a fork to have this wine. The super-long aftertaste confirms all of the characters of the aromas. Still a baby, but one can see the deep and thrusting core of beauty and potential that is within the entire package of this wine. If you do uncork one, have it with a heavy risotto dish, maybe an Italian beef stew, but if aged, grab some fine Gorgonzola and prepare yourself for something that is truly operatic. Seriously, this wine will have no problem aging 25-30 years from vintage date. A great choice for those who have a child or future occasion from 2007.
2012 GRAMERCY CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
Greg Harrington's Gramercy Cellars is definitely the hottest property in Walla Walla these days. Sooner than not, we are figuring that his already difficult-to-obtain wines will be even scarcer, especially given the reviews and that he is selling more and more from his mailing list.
Originally known as a Syrah specialist, Greg and his crew have taken their Cabernets to new and exciting heights. From the renowned Phinney Hill and Sagemoor vineyards, the 2012 was aged for almost 2 years in French oak, 40% of which is new, this stacked wine is built to age and its levels of density and dimension are very profound. Loads of blackberry, cardamom, licorice, dark flowers and underlying minerally red earth and graphite follow through to a texture that is sculpted, deep, penetrating and well structured. The finish seemingly drives on for 500 miles! There is a sexiness to it now, but do resist temptation and drink it 2018 - 2030.
Originally known as a Syrah specialist, Greg and his crew have taken their Cabernets to new and exciting heights. From the renowned Phinney Hill and Sagemoor vineyards, the 2012 was aged for almost 2 years in French oak, 40% of which is new, this stacked wine is built to age and its levels of density and dimension are very profound. Loads of blackberry, cardamom, licorice, dark flowers and underlying minerally red earth and graphite follow through to a texture that is sculpted, deep, penetrating and well structured. The finish seemingly drives on for 500 miles! There is a sexiness to it now, but do resist temptation and drink it 2018 - 2030.
