Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'LEAP YEAR LOUIE' HOTSHEET
Domaine Drouhin, Profound Amarone, Apex Washington Cab, Many Values & more
2013 ACUSTIC CELLER MONTSANT
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
A new release of one of our favorite Catalan full flavored red wines from the hot-to-trot region that surrounds Priorat like a horseshoe. Like its more famous neighbor, this area is blessed with an abundance of old vines. Year in and year out, Albert Jane produces impressive wines.
The newly arrived 2013 is made from 65% Carignan and 35% Grenache coming from vines that are 35-80 years old. 2013 started cool but as the summer and fall progressed, more warmth arrived and the drawn out autumn led to full-flavored red wine that maintain beauty and poise. Wonderfully assembled aromas of sandalwood, blackcurrant, strawberry, violet and licorice shine on the nose and lead into a texture that is both handsome and tenacious all at once. Energetic, ripe and complex with a finish that has superb snap-back and a stopwatch-busting, long finish. Enjoy over the next 6-8 years with roasted or grilled pork dishes.
The newly arrived 2013 is made from 65% Carignan and 35% Grenache coming from vines that are 35-80 years old. 2013 started cool but as the summer and fall progressed, more warmth arrived and the drawn out autumn led to full-flavored red wine that maintain beauty and poise. Wonderfully assembled aromas of sandalwood, blackcurrant, strawberry, violet and licorice shine on the nose and lead into a texture that is both handsome and tenacious all at once. Energetic, ripe and complex with a finish that has superb snap-back and a stopwatch-busting, long finish. Enjoy over the next 6-8 years with roasted or grilled pork dishes.
2013 DOMAINE DROUHIN
CHARDONNAY 'ARTHUR'
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
CHARDONNAY 'ARTHUR'
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
Always one of Oregon's most stylish and fabulous Chardonnays, after tasting the latest release, I really noticed the French Drouhin roots, yet its grown in the Dundee Hills all which means don't expect a pound of butter and a boat plank. The 2013 is most definitely a "diva wine," simply because it must be the focal point at any dinner, especially a special one that will involve impeccable seafood.
Minimally oaky and very French (Puligny-Montrachet inspiration?) in style with orange, subtle tropical fruit and perfume that surround biscuit and mineral tones. Sophisticated and way above the norm for an American Chardonnay in the mouth. Finesseful, but rich flavors that show gorgeous depth and firmness then slams it home with a persistent, driving, yet very polished and suave finish. This wine highlights the potential for greatness for Oregon Chardonnay when placed in deft hands such as these! Very luxurious now, it will continue to develop and gain complexity over the next 6-10 years.
Minimally oaky and very French (Puligny-Montrachet inspiration?) in style with orange, subtle tropical fruit and perfume that surround biscuit and mineral tones. Sophisticated and way above the norm for an American Chardonnay in the mouth. Finesseful, but rich flavors that show gorgeous depth and firmness then slams it home with a persistent, driving, yet very polished and suave finish. This wine highlights the potential for greatness for Oregon Chardonnay when placed in deft hands such as these! Very luxurious now, it will continue to develop and gain complexity over the next 6-10 years.
2010 PAOLO PETRILLI 'IL GUERRO'
DAUNIA ROSSO
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
DAUNIA ROSSO
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Back in September when we originally featured this wine, it was quite good. Fast forward almost six months and given proper time to settle into its own skin, we discovered over the weekend just how exceptional it really is!
100% Nero di Troia and drinking exquisitely, this northern Puglia gem lights up the glass with the telltale smoked plums that the characterizes the varietal. Beaneath the surface and fruit there are complex notes of coriander, wild spice, saline, cocoa and lavender, which add further intrigue. Lacy and expansive with succulence and absolutely no hard edges with a fantastic finish that soars on and on then some more. A total lamb wine, especially done in a pasta and jacked with tomatoes and herbs. So damn delicious now, however it will show well through the end of the decade.
100% Nero di Troia and drinking exquisitely, this northern Puglia gem lights up the glass with the telltale smoked plums that the characterizes the varietal. Beaneath the surface and fruit there are complex notes of coriander, wild spice, saline, cocoa and lavender, which add further intrigue. Lacy and expansive with succulence and absolutely no hard edges with a fantastic finish that soars on and on then some more. A total lamb wine, especially done in a pasta and jacked with tomatoes and herbs. So damn delicious now, however it will show well through the end of the decade.
2012 SEROL COTE ROANNAISE
'CUVEE TROISGROS'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
'CUVEE TROISGROS'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Somewhat of an obscure growing region of the Loire Valley, Côte Roanaisse is actually in closer proximity to Beaujolais than to Chinon. Located at the foothills of the Massif Central about 70 miles west of the Crus of Beaujolais, this miniscule appellation is all of 530 acres! Domaine Serol is a family operation that has been in existence since the 18th century. Well known in the city of Roanne is the Michelin three star restaurant, Maison Troisgros. The Troisgros and Serol families have had a great friendship for years and Serol has been making this special cuvee that is selected by the team at the restaurant since the late 70s.
100% Gamay on granitic soils, it is easy to want to refer to it the 11th Cru of Beaujolais, but this is an injustice, the expression is very different. Aromatic, cherry pit, perfumed rose petal and violet. Middleweight and dancing in the mouth, it is perfect to serve with a chill on it along with a plate of meats and cheeses yet it is serious enough to go with a more upscale meal as well. A great value, any French wine lover should enjoy this red.
100% Gamay on granitic soils, it is easy to want to refer to it the 11th Cru of Beaujolais, but this is an injustice, the expression is very different. Aromatic, cherry pit, perfumed rose petal and violet. Middleweight and dancing in the mouth, it is perfect to serve with a chill on it along with a plate of meats and cheeses yet it is serious enough to go with a more upscale meal as well. A great value, any French wine lover should enjoy this red.
2014 LUBERRI RIOJA 'ORLEGI'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A delicious value red, Luberri’s Orlegi Rioja is aged entirely in stainless steel. Packed with clean, pure Tempranillo aromas of strawberry along with hints of earth, smoke and white pepper, it is quite the middleweight charmer. Savory flavors with surprising dimension, this clean red glimmers with plenty of juicy, mouth-watering notes throughout. Very pleasing indeed, this is a great red for grilled fish.
2012 SEVEN HILLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'KLIPSUN VINEYARD'
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
'KLIPSUN VINEYARD'
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE
One of Walla Walla's finest yet sometimes underappreciated stars; Seven Hills Winery and leader Casey McClellan have been making suave, full flavored expressions of Washington wines for 25 years. Steady and consistent, wonderful juice has been oozing from these cellars for a long time and with a recent distribution change, we have better access to these exciting offerings.
A mere 96 cases were made of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the state’s top-notch vineyard sites and the almost 30-year-old vines in this wine announce themselves with authority. Bold, fragrant red and black cherry wrapped around alluring, exotic aspects of cumin, mint, allspice, and chocolate dust. Dense and lavish with plenty of power and decadence, given the spine of vintage 2012, it is firm and structured enough for aging. There is a fine presence of oak here, but it is not the dominant feature in this awesome Washington wine that finishes gutsy, hearty and very expansive. It may be enjoyed now if decanted at least an hour in advance but in all honesty, it will be at its best from 2019 - 2030.
2013 KUENTZ BAS
'ALSACE' BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
'ALSACE' BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. Like Cher, Madonna, Prince and Seal it just is what it is and boy, do we like it! Kuentz Bas "Alsace" is a white blend from you guessed it, "Alsace". The producer named this wine to show the regional essence of this terrific bone-dry white wine value.
Do not think percentages or varietals. Like the fairy-tale encourages, just believe…and enjoy! Dry peach and smoky minerals, undergirded with energy and true richness, edged with earth, smoke and tropical notes. On the palate, the wine is vivid and lively with detail and complexity, offering a very clean and long finish. Pale golden in color with brilliant, light-refractive qualities, this spirited wine goes well with seafood items and of course, choucroute and sushi.
Do not think percentages or varietals. Like the fairy-tale encourages, just believe…and enjoy! Dry peach and smoky minerals, undergirded with energy and true richness, edged with earth, smoke and tropical notes. On the palate, the wine is vivid and lively with detail and complexity, offering a very clean and long finish. Pale golden in color with brilliant, light-refractive qualities, this spirited wine goes well with seafood items and of course, choucroute and sushi.
2006 BERTANI AMARONE CLASSICO
$119.99 BTL./$719.94 - SIX PACK
$119.99 BTL./$719.94 - SIX PACK
Bertani's role of importance in the Veneto region cannot be understated in the least. Located near Verona in northeastern Italy, Bertani is one of the region's most renowned and influential wineries producing a full spectrum of classic wines from the Veneto (Valpolicella, Amarone, Soave & more) which have enjoyed a reputation for quality right from the start. Founded in 1857 by two brothers who believed that quality winemaking held the key to the future, the Bertanis invested their money in some of the finest vineyards in the province and began making their own wines and the estate has continued their excellence to this day
No special single vineyard cuvees here, Bertani's Amarone is their apex wine and is issued no sooner than 7 years after the harvest, when the estate feels that it may be accessed. The 2006’s deep ruby-garnet color takes on brick red tones that make it very deceptive, one may expect a light wine, but wrongo bongo, this is Amarone!!! The bouquet is ornate, with suggestions of ripe cherries and jam, exotic spices, vanilla, balsam and woodsmoke. Typical of old school Amarone, it has an opulence on the palate that is best thought of as symphonic. Ripe fruit flavors are bolstered by complex tones of walnut and dark chocolate in its lingering almost everlasting aftertaste. This dense, persistent wine is a resounding tribute to "Old Italy," and can be drunk now through 2035. MAMMA MIA!
No special single vineyard cuvees here, Bertani's Amarone is their apex wine and is issued no sooner than 7 years after the harvest, when the estate feels that it may be accessed. The 2006’s deep ruby-garnet color takes on brick red tones that make it very deceptive, one may expect a light wine, but wrongo bongo, this is Amarone!!! The bouquet is ornate, with suggestions of ripe cherries and jam, exotic spices, vanilla, balsam and woodsmoke. Typical of old school Amarone, it has an opulence on the palate that is best thought of as symphonic. Ripe fruit flavors are bolstered by complex tones of walnut and dark chocolate in its lingering almost everlasting aftertaste. This dense, persistent wine is a resounding tribute to "Old Italy," and can be drunk now through 2035. MAMMA MIA!
