Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DUDE, LET'S GO BOWLING' HOTSHEET
Vietti Barbera Wines, Cameron, Pink Pinot Gris, Under 20 Oregon Pinot Noir, Rhone & more
2013 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Kicking off this week’s musings is a Pinot Noir value from one of our top-level producers who also happens to be a longtime friend. Marcus Goodfellow has been thrilling Oregon wine lovers with his Matello wines and now is making wines under his namesake label of Goodfellow Family Wines. As we head into the future and with the ever-rising costs of Pinot Noir grapes, one has to wonder just how long we are going to continue to see value-oriented wines such as this. Having tasted it last week, it was very mind-boggling just how good this wine is for such a low price.
A true-to-life Willamette Valley Pinot, this wine is blended from some of Marcus’s top sources. 40% comes from Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, 20% from Durant in the Dundee Hills, 25% from Bishop Creek and 15% Deux Vert, both fine vineyards in Yamhill-Carlton. The 2013 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and is enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth that follows into a smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 3-4 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
A true-to-life Willamette Valley Pinot, this wine is blended from some of Marcus’s top sources. 40% comes from Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, 20% from Durant in the Dundee Hills, 25% from Bishop Creek and 15% Deux Vert, both fine vineyards in Yamhill-Carlton. The 2013 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and is enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth that follows into a smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 3-4 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
2014 CAMERON RAMATO (PINOT GRIS)
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Pinot Gris is normally thought of as white, but in actuality, it is a grey, slightly pink grape and when left on its skins the resulting wine comes out rather pink. In 2011 John Paul took on a block of old vine Pinot Gris from the famed Oregon Grand Cru site of Abbey Ridge and in a move of genius decided to do a skin-contact Pinot Gris.
Coming off as a copper/pink color and meticulously designed, this wine is one of the more individual expressions in Oregon. Inspired by a Friulian technique and the Northern Italian region's wines, the stellar 2014 Ramato has a forward, fullish nose of nectarine, red flowers and enhanced by forthright powdery/rocky aspects. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with rich flavors that are kept in perfect balance by bright acidity and earth tones which are all derived from the alchemy of old vines. Not a porch pounder, this wine screams for seafood, perhaps an elaborate preparation of crab, shrimp or salmon. Recently we tried the 2011 and yes, this wine will age impeccably.
Coming off as a copper/pink color and meticulously designed, this wine is one of the more individual expressions in Oregon. Inspired by a Friulian technique and the Northern Italian region's wines, the stellar 2014 Ramato has a forward, fullish nose of nectarine, red flowers and enhanced by forthright powdery/rocky aspects. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with rich flavors that are kept in perfect balance by bright acidity and earth tones which are all derived from the alchemy of old vines. Not a porch pounder, this wine screams for seafood, perhaps an elaborate preparation of crab, shrimp or salmon. Recently we tried the 2011 and yes, this wine will age impeccably.
2013 JAMAIN REUILLY PINOT GRIS ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Continuing with our pink Pinot Gris theme, we cross the Atlantic and head to the Haut Loire region of Reuilly. Located about an hour west of Sancerre this region is known more for its Sauvignon Blanc white wines, however, Pinot Gris is grown here and the resulting wines are and have traditionally been done with skin contact.
Like the above-mentioned Cameron version, this wine is pink; however, it is complete different beast. The sand/gravel and kimmeridgian marl soil are what drives this wine so toss out any of your preconceived notions of what you may think that this wine will be. 100% terroir-driven and soil-laden, seashell, lanolin, solid perfume, floral and strawberry tones shine on the nose and the wine's texture is rather substantial and layered, but with no shortage of briskness and brace. This is very stereotype-breaking stuff! Drawn-out, linear, very salinous and with a slight hint of spice, pair it with Ceviche, asparagus or salmon.
Like the above-mentioned Cameron version, this wine is pink; however, it is complete different beast. The sand/gravel and kimmeridgian marl soil are what drives this wine so toss out any of your preconceived notions of what you may think that this wine will be. 100% terroir-driven and soil-laden, seashell, lanolin, solid perfume, floral and strawberry tones shine on the nose and the wine's texture is rather substantial and layered, but with no shortage of briskness and brace. This is very stereotype-breaking stuff! Drawn-out, linear, very salinous and with a slight hint of spice, pair it with Ceviche, asparagus or salmon.
2013 ZORZAL MALBEC
'TERROIR UNICO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'TERROIR UNICO'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Zorzal is a relatively small producer in Argentina. When it comes to these sorts of entry-level Malbecs from Argentina, I admire this style, that being no use of oak or worse yet oak chips, just a pure expression Malbec.
The Terroir Unico cuvee shows its sandy soil terroir with its flamboyant aromatics. Blackberry and plum-pit qualities surround secondary scents of licorice and coffee all which carry into a mouth filling texture that never gets ponderous or burdensome. A perfect wine to drink by the case, it will pair nicely with sauteed pork chops or even a good Bolognese sauce.
The Terroir Unico cuvee shows its sandy soil terroir with its flamboyant aromatics. Blackberry and plum-pit qualities surround secondary scents of licorice and coffee all which carry into a mouth filling texture that never gets ponderous or burdensome. A perfect wine to drink by the case, it will pair nicely with sauteed pork chops or even a good Bolognese sauce.
2012 DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE
VACQUEYRAS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
VACQUEYRAS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Known for producing one of our favorite and very reliable Cotes-du-Rhones, Domaine la Garrigue’s house specialty is their Vacqueyras wines. This estate always excels with hearty and full-flavored wines that possess excellent balance. What we admire most about them is they are priced so fairly with way above the norm quality.
A very typical blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre & 5% Cinsault, the Vacqueyras is a very significant step up from the Cotes-du-Rhone with its depth, complexity and structure. Aged for 18 months in concrete tanks the 2012 shows off a commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious presence. There is an extra level of intensity from the superb 2012 vintage. Immediately noticeable is a multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry that shine on the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! No shortage of intensity here, what separates it from going into being redundant is its acidity and red tones that bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish that seemingly coats the entire palate. Very lovely now and will age well for 6-9 years. Enjoy this delicious Rhone red with braised venison or lamb shanks as well as a grilled ribeye steak.
A very typical blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre & 5% Cinsault, the Vacqueyras is a very significant step up from the Cotes-du-Rhone with its depth, complexity and structure. Aged for 18 months in concrete tanks the 2012 shows off a commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious presence. There is an extra level of intensity from the superb 2012 vintage. Immediately noticeable is a multitude of complex perfumed aromas of exotic spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry that shine on the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! No shortage of intensity here, what separates it from going into being redundant is its acidity and red tones that bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish that seemingly coats the entire palate. Very lovely now and will age well for 6-9 years. Enjoy this delicious Rhone red with braised venison or lamb shanks as well as a grilled ribeye steak.
2013 LA ZORRA
SERRA DE SALAMANCA TINTO 'TESO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
SERRA DE SALAMANCA TINTO 'TESO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Do you have a friend who fancies himself or herself a wine expert and want to stump them? Well, I have the perfect wine for you! A show of hands, who has ever experienced a red wine made from the Rufete grape? Up until recently, unless I had it in some sort of blend from Spain, I hadn't experienced one either.
A most engaging wine from Spain's high-elevation Salamanca region located ENE of Madrid and about halfway to the Portuguese border. The indigenous Rufete, a grape utilized in both Spain and the Dao and Duoro regions of Portugal, expresses the slate/sand/clay fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with a bright blackberry/olive varietal. Allspice and licorice surround sleek berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this wine carries extremely well to the table.
A most engaging wine from Spain's high-elevation Salamanca region located ENE of Madrid and about halfway to the Portuguese border. The indigenous Rufete, a grape utilized in both Spain and the Dao and Duoro regions of Portugal, expresses the slate/sand/clay fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with a bright blackberry/olive varietal. Allspice and licorice surround sleek berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this wine carries extremely well to the table.
2010 VIETTI BARBERA D'ASTI 'LA CRENA'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
In the simplest of terms, Luca Currado's La Crena Barbera is of Grand Cru quality – and that is not hyperbole, it is all fact! Having been working with this wine since its inaugural vintage in 1996, we have seen the standard that Luca has set with not only its early appeal but also its uncanny ability to age. Located in the Nizza zone of Piedmont's Asti zone, the vines for La Crena were planted in 1932 and these ancient vines deliver complexity, dimension and an all-around cerebral quality to what goes into the bottle. Combine vines, soil, top farming and winemaking with an epic vintage like 2010 and you have a perfect storm a-brewin'!
Profound Barbera, this wine is smooth like mayonnaise! Deep, alluring and integrated all while showing typical Asti red-earth traits along with sheer intensity of the fruit that comes from these old vines; ardent and symphonic, the La Crena runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit and rose petal to subtle chocolate and mineral tones. The finish is super-long, touches all points of the palate and threatens to break just about any stopwatch. Ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2023, enjoy it with hearty meat dishes or risotto. If you’re wondering why the Crena is 2010 and the Scarrone below is 2012, Luca prefers to release this version a bit later which allows it to settle a bit.
Profound Barbera, this wine is smooth like mayonnaise! Deep, alluring and integrated all while showing typical Asti red-earth traits along with sheer intensity of the fruit that comes from these old vines; ardent and symphonic, the La Crena runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit and rose petal to subtle chocolate and mineral tones. The finish is super-long, touches all points of the palate and threatens to break just about any stopwatch. Ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2023, enjoy it with hearty meat dishes or risotto. If you’re wondering why the Crena is 2010 and the Scarrone below is 2012, Luca prefers to release this version a bit later which allows it to settle a bit.
2012 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA 'SCARRONE'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
There is Barbera for everyday consumption and then there are Barbera wines for special occasions. Scarrone is magical. Luca Currado is one of the top two or three Barbera specialists in Italy and if you don't believe Barbera will not age, just make this claim to him and he will uncork an older one just to prove it.
The Scarrone vineyard is a species all to itself. Located in prime Barolo-land, many of Vietti's colleagues and competitors think that they are crazy to keep Barbera here instead of Nebbiolo that would produce Barolo!
So many of you are familiar with Vietti's wines and know how we feel about them and this offering just continues in Luca’s lineage of greatness. The 2012 Scarrone is red nectar that is exquisitely detailed and dramatic with alluring aromas of red plums, nutmeg, roses, mineral, smoke, and pepper. Mouth filling juice offering polished and refined flavors that cut through the deep layers or intense fruit. The finish is luxurious and super-long. This can be drunk now and it will easily develop through 2027. My East Coast roots come out every time I taste both of these Barbera wines, so I am not going to be a passive-aggressive Oregonian in their summation; these are some of the most iconic Barbera wines produced, period. Don’t miss them!
The Scarrone vineyard is a species all to itself. Located in prime Barolo-land, many of Vietti's colleagues and competitors think that they are crazy to keep Barbera here instead of Nebbiolo that would produce Barolo!
So many of you are familiar with Vietti's wines and know how we feel about them and this offering just continues in Luca’s lineage of greatness. The 2012 Scarrone is red nectar that is exquisitely detailed and dramatic with alluring aromas of red plums, nutmeg, roses, mineral, smoke, and pepper. Mouth filling juice offering polished and refined flavors that cut through the deep layers or intense fruit. The finish is luxurious and super-long. This can be drunk now and it will easily develop through 2027. My East Coast roots come out every time I taste both of these Barbera wines, so I am not going to be a passive-aggressive Oregonian in their summation; these are some of the most iconic Barbera wines produced, period. Don’t miss them!
