Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'OFF TO NEVER-NEVER LAND' HOTSHEET
Chateauneuf, Oregon Pinot, Under 10 Chianti & more
2014 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Always one of the most popular under 20 buck Pinots, notably because it comes from ab esteemed, five-star producer! In existence since the mid-80s, Evesham Wood is synonymous with excellence on all levels and perceptive Pinot Noir lovers have really picked up on this. On all levels, these wines provide excellent quality/price rapport.
2014 provided warm, dry conditions and the result at Evesham is a wine of distinct and generous fruit yet typical of what has always been done here, one that maintains balance and never becomes a caricature of itself. Ripe creme du cassis, black cherry, violet, cedar, violet and eucalyptus notes soar from the glass. This beautiful pinot has great depth of flavor, with fine balance and zest that offset the lovely core of fruit. This Pinot will take you from salmon to lamb to roasted chicken and mushroom risotto. Stock up now for your upcoming holiday fiestas because there is never a ton of this beauty made and it always sells out quickly.
2014 provided warm, dry conditions and the result at Evesham is a wine of distinct and generous fruit yet typical of what has always been done here, one that maintains balance and never becomes a caricature of itself. Ripe creme du cassis, black cherry, violet, cedar, violet and eucalyptus notes soar from the glass. This beautiful pinot has great depth of flavor, with fine balance and zest that offset the lovely core of fruit. This Pinot will take you from salmon to lamb to roasted chicken and mushroom risotto. Stock up now for your upcoming holiday fiestas because there is never a ton of this beauty made and it always sells out quickly.
2014 LAVANTUREAUX
PETIT CHABLIS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
PETIT CHABLIS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Mineral drenched. These are the ultimate two words to describe the newest release from one of our favorite values from France’s Chablis region. Domaine Lavantureaux is a prime specialist in Petit Chablis. Chablis versus Petit Chablis? The difference isn’t in size as the moniker may have to believe but it is soil distinction, Petit Chablis is grown in Portlandian soil versus Kimmeridgian.
2014 is the next big thing in Chablis; this is a perfect storm vintage that seemingly has all of the goodness that Chablis has to offer. Pure has hell and while we’re at it, let’s get back to the beginning of this entry and use caps – MINERAL DRENCHED!! An underlay of lemon and floral is present but this is all about the earth and guttural beauty. Combining nervosity and detail with depth from old vines, this wine has remarkable likability and pairs exquisitely with food. Crack several bottles with dozens of freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns or a white fish like cod in a light sauce and served with green vegetables.
2014 is the next big thing in Chablis; this is a perfect storm vintage that seemingly has all of the goodness that Chablis has to offer. Pure has hell and while we’re at it, let’s get back to the beginning of this entry and use caps – MINERAL DRENCHED!! An underlay of lemon and floral is present but this is all about the earth and guttural beauty. Combining nervosity and detail with depth from old vines, this wine has remarkable likability and pairs exquisitely with food. Crack several bottles with dozens of freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns or a white fish like cod in a light sauce and served with green vegetables.
2012 MONTELLORI CHIANTI
'POGGIO ALLA LUNA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
'POGGIO ALLA LUNA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
I constantly hear from various sales folk, "Tell me a 'insert wine here' that is better than this one is for this price." Truthfully, if this is heard one more time, the beatings may have to be implemented once again. If there is one wine that ever fits this statement, the Montellori Poggio alla Luna Chianti, an apex buy that consistently exceeds expectations is the choice.
Bing cherry, rich earthy tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this medium and easy red. Fresh and mouth tickling with red fruit flavors following into the mouth and leaving your palate cleansed but satisfied. Enjoy with aged Italian cheeses, traditional red/meat sauces for pasta such as Bolognese with sharp Parmigiano shaved on top. Drink this everyday eye-tye over the next two to three years.
Bing cherry, rich earthy tones, violet, roasted sage and spice dominate this medium and easy red. Fresh and mouth tickling with red fruit flavors following into the mouth and leaving your palate cleansed but satisfied. Enjoy with aged Italian cheeses, traditional red/meat sauces for pasta such as Bolognese with sharp Parmigiano shaved on top. Drink this everyday eye-tye over the next two to three years.
2012 CARPE DIEM CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
It is uncommon to obtain top-notch Napa Valley cab made by an excellent source for a price such as this, so if you love Napa and California Cab we are highly encouraging you to give this one a go. It is all about performance and in this price category this wine is way undervalued. Where else can one score a wine that has been vinified by the folks at Dominus and supervised by the legendary Christian Moeuix? Think about that next time you trip over your shoelaces to grab a $65+ dollar bottle of Chateau St. Jean Cab "Cinq Cepages"!
Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, version 2012 is a bit more robust and muscular than usual but doesn't deter from the fact that it is exquisitely crafted. Bordeaux-inspired earth and finesse without ever sacrificing the Napa Valley warmth and deep fruit, there is a plethora of cassis, blackberry and cedar to go along with undertones of vanilla, graphite and tobacco. Lots of texture here along with generous mulled spice and red earth. Picks up more backbone as it slides to the handsomely poised finish. A steal of a Napa Valley Cab that will drink and develop through 2020.
Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, version 2012 is a bit more robust and muscular than usual but doesn't deter from the fact that it is exquisitely crafted. Bordeaux-inspired earth and finesse without ever sacrificing the Napa Valley warmth and deep fruit, there is a plethora of cassis, blackberry and cedar to go along with undertones of vanilla, graphite and tobacco. Lots of texture here along with generous mulled spice and red earth. Picks up more backbone as it slides to the handsomely poised finish. A steal of a Napa Valley Cab that will drink and develop through 2020.
2013 LA TOUR VIEILLE COLLIOURE
'LA PINEDE'
[reg. $31.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
'LA PINEDE'
[reg. $31.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Collioure is about as far south in France that you can get for dry red wine before hitting Spain. Part of the charm is definitely location; however, the soils, grapes and proximity to the ocean play a role in these distinctive wines that aren’t the easiest nor the most inexpensive to produce.
Along with the great Domaine du Mas Blanc, La Tour Vieille is considered as one of the top three in the region. La Pinede is a glorious offering and at 22 bucks, doesn’t break the bank. 80% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 7% Carignan and 6% Mourvedre, this wine is a screamer! Distinctly Catalan with its flare, this exquisite red is chock full of broad plum, cinnamon, licorice and serious wind-swept garrigue, but never fear, the distinct dance of the minerality never strays far in both aroma and taste-wise. Speaking of taste, the texture goes deep with a full presence of black licorice fruit. Full-on flavors rule the day, but never veer into heaviness or thickness. Resounding white pepper explodes on the finish that possesses excellent persistence. This is a stealth badass in the making! Drink now through 2023.
Along with the great Domaine du Mas Blanc, La Tour Vieille is considered as one of the top three in the region. La Pinede is a glorious offering and at 22 bucks, doesn’t break the bank. 80% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 7% Carignan and 6% Mourvedre, this wine is a screamer! Distinctly Catalan with its flare, this exquisite red is chock full of broad plum, cinnamon, licorice and serious wind-swept garrigue, but never fear, the distinct dance of the minerality never strays far in both aroma and taste-wise. Speaking of taste, the texture goes deep with a full presence of black licorice fruit. Full-on flavors rule the day, but never veer into heaviness or thickness. Resounding white pepper explodes on the finish that possesses excellent persistence. This is a stealth badass in the making! Drink now through 2023.
2014 COL DEL MONDO
PECORINO 'KERRIAS'
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
PECORINO 'KERRIAS'
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Here is a great example of just how the country of Italy seems to thrive on chaos and confusion.
PECORINO: both a cheese and a wine grape and a hell of a nightmare if you were to stroll into a wine & cheese shop in Abruzzo on Italy's Adriatic Coast to place an order! Yes pecorino is a cheese, but it is also a native white grape of this Central Italian area that when done right, is fabulously yummy. Frankly, 20 years ago, the Pecorino grape was heading towards extinction. Sadly, this area was following the rest of the world and ripping up vines like this in order to plant more Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and worst of all, Pinot Grigio, all in an area not suited for any of them. Fortunately, logic has prevailed and we are seeing a resurrection of native grapes not only in Abruzzo but on the entire sunny peninsula as well.
Col del Mondo is one of the superb names for Montepulciano D'Abruzzo so it would only make sense that the estate would produce a smokin' Pecorino that kills it from the first sniff until the last swallow. Delightfully persistent and intense with aromas of nectarine, lemon-lime and seabreeze that jump from the glass and then blitz the palate with depth, cut and mouth-watering illumination. Throw this one down with calamari or other shellfish.
PECORINO: both a cheese and a wine grape and a hell of a nightmare if you were to stroll into a wine & cheese shop in Abruzzo on Italy's Adriatic Coast to place an order! Yes pecorino is a cheese, but it is also a native white grape of this Central Italian area that when done right, is fabulously yummy. Frankly, 20 years ago, the Pecorino grape was heading towards extinction. Sadly, this area was following the rest of the world and ripping up vines like this in order to plant more Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and worst of all, Pinot Grigio, all in an area not suited for any of them. Fortunately, logic has prevailed and we are seeing a resurrection of native grapes not only in Abruzzo but on the entire sunny peninsula as well.
Col del Mondo is one of the superb names for Montepulciano D'Abruzzo so it would only make sense that the estate would produce a smokin' Pecorino that kills it from the first sniff until the last swallow. Delightfully persistent and intense with aromas of nectarine, lemon-lime and seabreeze that jump from the glass and then blitz the palate with depth, cut and mouth-watering illumination. Throw this one down with calamari or other shellfish.
2013 GABA DO XIL
VALDEORRAS TINTO MENCIA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
VALDEORRAS TINTO MENCIA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Like Alvaro Palacios, Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain's larger-than-life wine figures. Over the last two decades, this producer has taken central Spain's Tempranillo-based wines to various lofty heights. Rodriguez is all about balance rather than pushing ripeness and alcohol levels. Diving head-on into Spanish wines that aren’t made from Tempranillo, his Gaba do Xil project in the tiny Galician region of Valdeorras is completely different from the regions of Bierzo and Ribera Sacra. Telmo has instantly made his mark with the Mencia grape and this is one that he insists on showing off the granitic slopes of this region and done so without the intrusion of oak.
Up until a decade ago, Valdeorras was really known for its white wines made from the Godello grape, however, the Mencia grape has been grown and produced from these granitic soils since Roman-times. Recently, small farmers have veered away from the co-ops that exploit their old vine fruit to make sub-expressions of this wine. The 2013 Gaba do Xil Valdoerras is chock full of sappy red cherry along with hints of spearmint, tealeaf and plenty of granitic spice. In the mouth, it shows a soulful, very real texture that bursts and elevates to a nicely drawn-out, pure finish. Essence of western Spain’s red wines. Enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years with sausage.
Up until a decade ago, Valdeorras was really known for its white wines made from the Godello grape, however, the Mencia grape has been grown and produced from these granitic soils since Roman-times. Recently, small farmers have veered away from the co-ops that exploit their old vine fruit to make sub-expressions of this wine. The 2013 Gaba do Xil Valdoerras is chock full of sappy red cherry along with hints of spearmint, tealeaf and plenty of granitic spice. In the mouth, it shows a soulful, very real texture that bursts and elevates to a nicely drawn-out, pure finish. Essence of western Spain’s red wines. Enjoy this wine over the next 2-3 years with sausage.
2012 BEAURENARD
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
It just doesn’t matter! Vintage after vintage, the Coulon brothers, Daniel and Frederic, produce some of Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s finest wines. These two guys are legitimate, bonsai farmers utilizing organic and biodynamic principles all which lead to wines that bring mighty energy and structure to wines that are seemingly soaked in sunshine. For years, we have been touting these wines and after visiting again this past June, I am fully convinced that this highly regarded and awarded estate is making even more prolific wine than ever!
For 40 bucks, this wine is very outstanding, from a grand-scale vintage and is one that will easily drink and develop for 15+ years. The following are from my visit to the Domaine in June: ‘Full nose. Blackberry packed with a mélange of black, white and pink peppercorns. Dense, creamy scents. Licorice and thyme hiding beneath the surface. Expansive, loaded and somewhat of a spice monster. Brilliant fresh acids slice through the gorgeous material. Picks up cherry pit and smoky aspects on the assertive, drawn-out and vivid finish. Easily a 15 year ager from vintage date but is very likable now if you want.’
For 40 bucks, this wine is very outstanding, from a grand-scale vintage and is one that will easily drink and develop for 15+ years. The following are from my visit to the Domaine in June: ‘Full nose. Blackberry packed with a mélange of black, white and pink peppercorns. Dense, creamy scents. Licorice and thyme hiding beneath the surface. Expansive, loaded and somewhat of a spice monster. Brilliant fresh acids slice through the gorgeous material. Picks up cherry pit and smoky aspects on the assertive, drawn-out and vivid finish. Easily a 15 year ager from vintage date but is very likable now if you want.’
