Hot Sheets


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SO FAR, SO GOOD, SO WHAT' HOTSHEET
White Burgundy Value, Ken Wright Pinot Noirs, Tuscan Wine & more


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2012 BOCARD BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE

For years we have been referring to this wine as virtual Meursault and justifiably so, the vineyards for Guy's Bourgogne all sit within the borders of the village of Meursault. 2012 is a formidable vintage in Burgundy for both white and red wines but the only drawback is the miniscule crop yields. This all means that this top-notch vintage will sell out quickly.

So, when was the last time you had Meursault for 21 bucks? Trust me you seemingly have it here. A visit to Guy Bocard is akin to going to Meursault School with the lesson one receives on the minute differences between the sites and terroirs within this famous village.

The 2012 is complex as hell. Ripe and persistent aromas of anise, orange, lemon, honey-nut cereal, flint and mineral send you into orbit! Without any presence of intrusive new oak, the texture is pure, graceful and seductive. The presence of limestone carries over into the finish which crescendos with tropical fruit that plays off the honey-nut cereal notes that are oh so present on the nose and are classic Meursault. This wine is very accessible now, but it always shows even more compelling after 18 months in the bottle. Many of you have experienced this wine in the past and with the terrific quality of 2012 in Burgundy, we highly urge you to experience more!



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2012 PIAGGIA CARMIGNANO
'IL SASSO'
$27.99 BTL./$167.94 - SIX PACK

Carmignano, located northwest of the city of Florence, unofficially is noted as being the first "Super-Tuscan" since Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & other Bordeaux varietals have always been permitted for blending with the native Sangiovese. This region is home to serious big red wines that deliver a lot of bang for the buck. In recent years, the upstart grower Piaggia has taken the lead and has become the benchmark for the region.

The recently arrived 2012 is a Tuscan treasure that if it were in Montalcino would be three times the price. A mighty blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Merlot, it is packed and laden with wild cherry and berry scents that rule the day along with penetrating smoke, sage and sandalwood undertones. Lavish, deep, yet tenderly balanced this is extremely fine. Succulent, flavorful and owning an exacting and extensive finish for a wine at this price. A candidate for cellaring for 10-12 years however, it is going to be difficult to be patient because it is so enchanting even at an early stage.



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2013 TORREDEROS
RIBERA DEL DUERO JOVEN
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

A relatively new Bodega, Torrederos was founded by four families who used to sell their wines to a larger co-op. Over the last 5 years, we have been offering these wines and always one of the most fun and pleasurable is the entry level Joven that is simply a joy to drink.

A steal for 10 bucks, here the aim is to make a smooth, mouth-filling, fruit-forward Tempranillo with just a touch of barrel aging to soften the wine further and make it ready for drinking now. The nose is fresh and fruity with aromas of redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of sweet clove spiciness. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of soft cherries, spiced plums and crushed red fruit complimented by a subtly soft and long round finish. Enjoy it with whatever you please whenever you please.



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2013 FONTSAINTE CORBIERES
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE

Our favorite delicious French country red from Corbieres in Languedoc is back and better than ever. We have been working with this beauty for many years and it always strikes a chord with those looking to have a palate pleasing red that is full of soul for not a lot of money. The separate terroir of Boutenac within Corbieres is widely regarded as the appellation’s finest and Domaine Fontsainte was one of the first producers to export their delicious wine to the US and years later has remained our favorite.

It is a mystery how you can pack this much wine in a 13 dollar bottle. 2013 is a classic vintage that expresses the land of the area as well as the spicy varietals in perfect balance. 60% Carignan, 30% Grenache Noir, 10% Syrah from clay-limestone soil with plenty of gravel and large stones. Forward, substantial with room-filling aromas of ripe strawberry, anisette, garrigue and cocoa tones that mingle soulfully with cracked pepper and roasted earth. This is round, concentrated and luscious in the mouth with tannins that are ripe and integrated. Everything highlights the fruit, which shows up on the long finish that is very expressive with pepper and earth adding a level of complexity. Ideal with mushroom quiche, grilled fish, roasted chicken with mushrooms or braised pork loin.



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2014 CA' LOJERA LUGANA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

After a three-year absence, this smashing Italian white wine has made a triumphant return and is unlike any other from the Northern Italian Lugana region that you may have ever tasted! The estate of Ca' Lojera is located in close proximity to the south shore of Lake Garda in Lombardia. Unlike many other quaffing Lugana wines, this wine is dead serious and cerebral as hell.

Made from 100% Turbiana, armed with redolent tones of melon, tangerine, lime, and pronounced saline which seemingly go non-stop until the bottle is drained. Filling the mouth with flavor and having plenty of depth, there is ample zesty, crisp acidity that holds it all in balance and extends to the finish that is both stately and sassy. Salmon-season is almost here, and furthermore, it will pair with a bounty of seafood choices. Youze all owe to yourselves to try it. What the hell are you waiting for?!?!



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2007 RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS
$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 8, 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.



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2007 KEN WRIGHT PINOT NOIR
'CARTER VINEYARD'
$64.99 BTL./$389.94 - SIX PACK

Damn are these wines ever drinking beautifully?! As is well known, Ken Wright is one of Oregon’s most popular and influential producers who makes wines that please so many. 2007 is a vintage that is one where it becomes its most popular just as it is about to sell out. Fortunately, Ken was clever and stashed some of these beauties away and Pinot lovers who did not age their original versions or those who want to experience what an old Oregon Pinot is all about should certainly have some of these.

Located in the Eola-Amity Hills, Carter was planted in 1983. This vineyard consistently puts forth wines that take their time to fully show their identities. The 2007 is just getting into its window and revealing scents of dried violet, blueberry, plenty of smoke, engaging coriander and peppery aspects with undertones of sage and roses. In the mouth it is voluptuous and yet airy at once. Silky, very refined and offering excellent extension and depth throughout. Drinking exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another 6-8+ years.



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2007 KEN WRIGHT PINOT NOIR
'MCCRONE VINEYARD'
$64.99 BTL./$389.94 - SIX PACK

One of my favorites in the Ken Wright lineup is from the Yamhill-Carlton based McCrone Vineyard. 2007 played right into this site’s hands. The conditions and has made for one fine Pinot Noir that is stylish and very precise.

The normal dark fruits are here but the cool vintage of 2007 allowed for red plum and strawberry aspects to creep in adding another layer. Beautiful perfumy aromatics that come in waves, this shows tertiary aspects that change repeatedly as the wines unfurls in the glass. Lavish and palate seducing with ample persistence, this is an excellent example of mature Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink over the next 5-6 years.



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