Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'RAINDANCE' HOTSHEET
Barbaresco, Priorat Special, Rose, Unoaked Chardonnay & more
2013 RIDGE THREE VALLEYS
ZINFANDEL BLEND
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
ZINFANDEL BLEND
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
For over 50 years, Ridge has shaped and influenced all who have made Zinfandel and in 2015, this grand American estate continues to make wines of stunning character. 2013 for Zin and particularly Ridge is quite successful and the wines reflect the warm spring and early summer, and were followed by cool and even temperatures to moderate the ripening.
80% Zinfandel, 11% Carignan, 8% Petit Sirah & 1% Alicante Bouchet, and coming from 3 Sonoma Valleys (Dry Creek, Russian River & Alexander) Ridge’s 2013 Three Valley is a full-flavored stunner that possesses tight wire balance. Generous expressive notes of black raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, and spice entice on the nose and as any good Zinfandel should be, packed with exquisite blackberry and raspberry fruit on the palate, along with more milk chocolate, clove, and vanilla tones. This is simply too delicious not to enjoy. If you are a big Zinfandel fan, you will be able to enjoy this beauty now through 2019.
80% Zinfandel, 11% Carignan, 8% Petit Sirah & 1% Alicante Bouchet, and coming from 3 Sonoma Valleys (Dry Creek, Russian River & Alexander) Ridge’s 2013 Three Valley is a full-flavored stunner that possesses tight wire balance. Generous expressive notes of black raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, and spice entice on the nose and as any good Zinfandel should be, packed with exquisite blackberry and raspberry fruit on the palate, along with more milk chocolate, clove, and vanilla tones. This is simply too delicious not to enjoy. If you are a big Zinfandel fan, you will be able to enjoy this beauty now through 2019.
2014 CARREL JONGIEUX ROSE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From the Savoie region of Jongieux, this succulent rosé wine epitomizes the essence of the term summer-slammer! Made with 90% Gamay and 10% Mondeuse (a native Alpine grape), this gushing Alpine-waterfall of a pink wine is more bursting and complex than one would ever imagine at its modest alcohol level.
Alluring aromas of freshly cut peonies, melon, raspberry, mineral and white licorice, the explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long; enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself. An excellent wine from one of France’s apex producers. Yes, I am being serious, if this Domaine were in Bordeaux or Burgundy, they’d fetch 5 times the price. They are THAT good!
Alluring aromas of freshly cut peonies, melon, raspberry, mineral and white licorice, the explosiveness on the nose follows through to the mouth with dry, brisk, mouthwatering tones that show excellent intensity from old vines and sustainable farming. The finish is nakedly pure and super-long; enjoy it with grilled shrimp or just by itself. An excellent wine from one of France’s apex producers. Yes, I am being serious, if this Domaine were in Bordeaux or Burgundy, they’d fetch 5 times the price. They are THAT good!
CARREL VIN DE SAVOIE
BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
One of the real eye-openers tasted last week was this delectable sparkling wine made in the Champagne method. 80% Gamay, 10% Pinot Noir and 10% Mondeuse this fresh pink bubbly attacks and pleases all of the olfactory senses.
The color is a beautiful pink that is pale, yet lively and the mousse is a delicate foam that cascades over one's tongue with a finish is all-together refined and elegant. Fully dry and showing lots of juicy red currants and fresh strawberries touched by rose petals and ginger, this bubbly is a delicious alternative to higher-priced Champagne and it comes from one of France's greatest treasures - the Carrel family. We'll see you in line for more.
The color is a beautiful pink that is pale, yet lively and the mousse is a delicate foam that cascades over one's tongue with a finish is all-together refined and elegant. Fully dry and showing lots of juicy red currants and fresh strawberries touched by rose petals and ginger, this bubbly is a delicious alternative to higher-priced Champagne and it comes from one of France's greatest treasures - the Carrel family. We'll see you in line for more.
2012 GAROFOLI ROSSO CONERO
'PIANCARDA'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
'PIANCARDA'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
100% Montepulciano, this flavorful red wine from Italy's Le Marches region along the Adriatic coast is 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, enjoy this sinister beauty with hearty pasta dishes or braised beef.
Not only is Garofoli one of Le Marches most important producers; they tend to usually be mentioned when it comes to Italy's elite even though they make such affordable wines. Both red and white wines are produced here in many ranges. If you love Italian wine values we can't encourage you more to try some of Garofoli's delectable wines.
Not only is Garofoli one of Le Marches most important producers; they tend to usually be mentioned when it comes to Italy's elite even though they make such affordable wines. Both red and white wines are produced here in many ranges. If you love Italian wine values we can't encourage you more to try some of Garofoli's delectable wines.
2012 RANSOM CABERNET FRANC
ROGUE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
ROGUE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Over the long weekend, a friend asked me how wine is assessed. Wine shouldn't necessarily be about fruit and berries, wine is a total experience. Where you have it, who you are drinking it with, what is the occasion, what music may be playing in the background. We all have these experiences and to simply get mentally irregular over PH levels, poly-phenols or guessing how many punch-downs have been made on a particular wine is not about pleasure but more about chest-thumping. Just ask yourself and answer the question: Do you like the wine? If you respond positively or negatively, trust me, it will not ruin your street credibility.
Originally starting out as a spirits producer making superb grappa, eau-de-vie & whiskies, Tad Seestedt branched out into the wine world starting with the 1999 vintage and since that time, the still wines have become quite impressive indeed. With the distillery and winery now located in the same facility in Sheridan, Tad sources grapes from the Willamette Valley but the Rogue Valley, which is the source for this particular offering. Definitive warm-climate Cab Franc, the 2012 offers up a uniquely Oregon take on the varietal. Prominent strawberry licorice, juniper, peppermint, white pepper and coriander waft from the glass and follow over to a creamy, yet fresh and elevated texture that is very red-tinged, spice-driven and lingering. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years with smoked meats, particularly pork.
Originally starting out as a spirits producer making superb grappa, eau-de-vie & whiskies, Tad Seestedt branched out into the wine world starting with the 1999 vintage and since that time, the still wines have become quite impressive indeed. With the distillery and winery now located in the same facility in Sheridan, Tad sources grapes from the Willamette Valley but the Rogue Valley, which is the source for this particular offering. Definitive warm-climate Cab Franc, the 2012 offers up a uniquely Oregon take on the varietal. Prominent strawberry licorice, juniper, peppermint, white pepper and coriander waft from the glass and follow over to a creamy, yet fresh and elevated texture that is very red-tinged, spice-driven and lingering. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years with smoked meats, particularly pork.
2012 ANDRE AUBERT
GRIGNAN-LES-ADHEMER ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
GRIGNAN-LES-ADHEMER ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
In order to disassociate themselves from the neighborhood nuclear power plant, the Rhone region of Grignan-Les Adhemer was formerly known as Coteaux-de-Tricastin and even before the name change; it was still one of the Southern Rhone's most obscure regions. Located in the northernmost stretches of the southern portion of the Rhone Valley, often is the case, good-sized dollops of Syrah are in these blends that play so nicely off the racy Grenache that is characteristic of this area.
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan this flavorful red is unpretentious and easy going with lots of strawberry fruit, black pepper, and a smooth, stylish texture that pleasantly lingers throughout. Enjoy this delicious French red with every evening fare like burgers, a simple pasta marinara or sausages.
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan this flavorful red is unpretentious and easy going with lots of strawberry fruit, black pepper, and a smooth, stylish texture that pleasantly lingers throughout. Enjoy this delicious French red with every evening fare like burgers, a simple pasta marinara or sausages.
2013 GUEUGNON-REMOND
MACON-CHARNAY
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
MACON-CHARNAY
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Only established in 1980, Domaine Gueugnon-Remond is a young but thriving winery located in the Maconnais village of Charnay. Led by second generation winemakers, Veronique and Jean-Christophe Remond 8 different wines are produced here all within a 6 km radius of Charnay but the heart and soul of the operation is this delightfully-priced and tasty Macon-Charnay.
100% UNOAKED Chardonnay, this wine screams of France! Clean, fresh and incredibly vibrant with magical notes of tangerine, lemon and most obviously, interlaced with exquisite minerality. The palate is zesty and pure with nervosity, thrust and sophistication of stoniness that follows from the nose. Balanced with lively fruit and detail, this versatile non-oaked wine will give wine drinkers a new insight into this chameleon of a varietal. A terrific selection for roasted poultry, mushroom or simply prepared fish dishes and an impressive one to sip on its own.
100% UNOAKED Chardonnay, this wine screams of France! Clean, fresh and incredibly vibrant with magical notes of tangerine, lemon and most obviously, interlaced with exquisite minerality. The palate is zesty and pure with nervosity, thrust and sophistication of stoniness that follows from the nose. Balanced with lively fruit and detail, this versatile non-oaked wine will give wine drinkers a new insight into this chameleon of a varietal. A terrific selection for roasted poultry, mushroom or simply prepared fish dishes and an impressive one to sip on its own.
2013 ALVARO PALACIOS PRIORAT
'LES TERRASSES'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
'LES TERRASSES'
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE
Alvaro Palacios's Les Terrasses Priorat is one of the best values in this high-priced and Catalan wine region. Given who is behind the wine and at this price, it is a ridiculous bargain. Commencing in 2007, Alvaro culled the young vines out of this cuvee, created a new cuvee and added the Velles Vinyes (old vines) moniker to this superstar wine. This wine always has had good components, but these days, there is even more to love about this prolific Mediterranean red.
55% Grenache & 45% Carignan from the first moment this wine is wonderfully dramatic and sophisticated. Persistence and character with driving spicy, mulled cherry, grenadine, slate, wind-swept lavender and plenty of tangy red licorice aspects seemingly glow from the glass. So damn impressive, it carries over into a palate that is extroverted, ripe and mouth coating and these days, Alvaro has been constructing this wine to maintain poise over sheer power. Natural minerality shines from the slate soils and there is plenty of backbone and submerged grip. The back end seemingly lasts forever and is class from the get-go. Amazingly one can uncork a bottle but there is no doubt that this wine will easily age for 7-10 more years as well. If you need to be reassured with a score, The Wine Advocate scored it 93.
55% Grenache & 45% Carignan from the first moment this wine is wonderfully dramatic and sophisticated. Persistence and character with driving spicy, mulled cherry, grenadine, slate, wind-swept lavender and plenty of tangy red licorice aspects seemingly glow from the glass. So damn impressive, it carries over into a palate that is extroverted, ripe and mouth coating and these days, Alvaro has been constructing this wine to maintain poise over sheer power. Natural minerality shines from the slate soils and there is plenty of backbone and submerged grip. The back end seemingly lasts forever and is class from the get-go. Amazingly one can uncork a bottle but there is no doubt that this wine will easily age for 7-10 more years as well. If you need to be reassured with a score, The Wine Advocate scored it 93.
2010 CANTINA DEL PINO BARBARESCO
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
2010 CANTINA DEL PINO BARBARESCO
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
If the name Vacca sounds familiar in Barbaresco lore, it should because Renato is Produttori Del Barbaresco Director Aldo Vacca’s cousin and for over 15 years now, we have been touting the grandness of Renato Vacca’s wines on these pages. The 2010 Barbaresco is one of the steals of this magnificent vintage.
A blend of fruit from 4 top-notch Barbaresco vineyards (Ovello, Gallina, Albesani and Starderi) this is definitely a choice that should be put into the cellar for a few years before opening. Three of the four sites show off the textbook power and spice of Nieve, which is one of three villages that comprise Barbaresco while the Ovello brings forth the wines underbelly of silkiness and depth. Mind-bending aromas of rose petal, licorice, dark fruits, some coriander and asphalt that exude a certain perfumy quality. Excellent depth of fruit and excellent structure seal the deal on this traditional wine made with modern thinking. Finishes very long with a lovely combination of earth, licorice, and savory/hot spice. Utterly brilliant Barbaresco that should be drunk 2018 – 2028+.
A blend of fruit from 4 top-notch Barbaresco vineyards (Ovello, Gallina, Albesani and Starderi) this is definitely a choice that should be put into the cellar for a few years before opening. Three of the four sites show off the textbook power and spice of Nieve, which is one of three villages that comprise Barbaresco while the Ovello brings forth the wines underbelly of silkiness and depth. Mind-bending aromas of rose petal, licorice, dark fruits, some coriander and asphalt that exude a certain perfumy quality. Excellent depth of fruit and excellent structure seal the deal on this traditional wine made with modern thinking. Finishes very long with a lovely combination of earth, licorice, and savory/hot spice. Utterly brilliant Barbaresco that should be drunk 2018 – 2028+.
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