Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BURST OF SPRIGHTLINESS' HOTSHEET
Shea Pinot Noir, Barolo Special, Rioja, Rose and Fine Values throughout
2012 SIERRA CANTABRIA RIOJA TINTO
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
Rioja is Spain's most famous region and it is carving out a new identity to go along with its established sense of tradition. There are still many revered, extended oak-aged wines from this area, but the new modernists are blazing a trail to establish a new identity for this historic growing region based on vineyard, soil and terroir rather than a wood profile. Sierra Cantabria, run by the Erugen family, have been offering several delightful Riojas for not a lot of money over the last decade.
The introductory Tinto is always a classy wine and fine value. Made from 100% tempranillo and possessing a clean and pure, almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, it exudes the class of something that should cost a lot more. Medium-bodied and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from a short time in oak. A giving, smooth and plush wine without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews. If scores are your thing, Vinous hit this one with 90 points..
The introductory Tinto is always a classy wine and fine value. Made from 100% tempranillo and possessing a clean and pure, almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, it exudes the class of something that should cost a lot more. Medium-bodied and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness from a short time in oak. A giving, smooth and plush wine without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday drink. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews. If scores are your thing, Vinous hit this one with 90 points..
2014 NEVEU SANCERRE ROSE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Beguiling, very serious Rose from one of the true masters of Sancerre, if you were to put a blindfold on and taste the wine, it wouldn't matter that the wine was pink, you would still believe you were drinking fabulous Sancerre Blanc; it's truly all about terroir, rocks and acid!! Neveu's luxurious Sancerre Rose is treated with the same meticulous care as the estate's white Sancerre wines.
Alluring, intense aromas of raspberries and strawberries combine with brilliant gunflint, lemon-lime, herbs and crustaceans that march directly into a lively attack with nice body and nervosity that is akin to sticking one's finger into a socket, all together reinforces the wine's prowess. Owning a scintillating long aftertaste, if you have never experienced Sancerre Rose it is high time that you did. Like great Bandol Rose, Sancerre Rose wines are extremely high in quality, but are completely different animals all together yet deserve the same attention. Drink it over the next 2 years with grilled salmon, Thanksgiving turkey, fresh crab, and much more!
Alluring, intense aromas of raspberries and strawberries combine with brilliant gunflint, lemon-lime, herbs and crustaceans that march directly into a lively attack with nice body and nervosity that is akin to sticking one's finger into a socket, all together reinforces the wine's prowess. Owning a scintillating long aftertaste, if you have never experienced Sancerre Rose it is high time that you did. Like great Bandol Rose, Sancerre Rose wines are extremely high in quality, but are completely different animals all together yet deserve the same attention. Drink it over the next 2 years with grilled salmon, Thanksgiving turkey, fresh crab, and much more!
2012 GIUSTI & SANZA TOSCANA
SYRAH 'PERBRUNO'
$22.99 BTL./$137.94 - SIX PACK
SYRAH 'PERBRUNO'
$22.99 BTL./$137.94 - SIX PACK
The small estate of Giusti & Zanza lies in the northwest of Tuscany, not far from the sea and a short drive from Pisa and just north of the famous Bolgheri Super-Tuscan growing area. The soil profile as well as the use of French varietals here make for somewhat similar wines, however since the location isn’t Bolgheri and factually in the Maremma, the prices are drastically lower.
Perbruno is 100% Syrah and a dedication to Paolo Giusti’s grandfather Bruno. This wine had a run in with the bureaucracy of the US government due to the label which states in Italian and English, which is also on the label ‘Wings to stay high’…only in America would they take a reference and use it for something else! Nevertheless, I digress and back to the vino at hand. Grown in an exciting portion of Maremma, this mouth-coating Tuscan red offers up varietally-strong aspects of violet, black pepper, smoke and cracked pepper that are combined with Tuscan herbs and tangy earth. Smooth, nicely layered and more inspired by what is done in the Rhone Valley vs. what is done in Australia. A perfect pairing with roasted lamb, prime rib or a pasta sauce done with a sugo that has chunks of pork. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Perbruno is 100% Syrah and a dedication to Paolo Giusti’s grandfather Bruno. This wine had a run in with the bureaucracy of the US government due to the label which states in Italian and English, which is also on the label ‘Wings to stay high’…only in America would they take a reference and use it for something else! Nevertheless, I digress and back to the vino at hand. Grown in an exciting portion of Maremma, this mouth-coating Tuscan red offers up varietally-strong aspects of violet, black pepper, smoke and cracked pepper that are combined with Tuscan herbs and tangy earth. Smooth, nicely layered and more inspired by what is done in the Rhone Valley vs. what is done in Australia. A perfect pairing with roasted lamb, prime rib or a pasta sauce done with a sugo that has chunks of pork. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
2014 CHATEAU DE FONTENILLE ENTRE-DEUX-MERS BORDEAUX BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
One of the more eye-opening white wines from Bordeaux that I have recently comes from young Stephane Defraine. The large area of Entre-Deux-Mers is undergoing a quiet renaissance with producers who are keener on quantity versus selling insane amounts of diluted pure Sauvignon to the Bordeaux merchants.
Located in a prime site of the region this blend utilizes all of the grapes allowed for white wines in the area, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Semillon and 20% Muscadelle. A golden, light yellow color draws you into an engaging nose of immediate citrus and white peach scents. Bright and ample attack with pleasant balance and an overall profile that morphs into terrific complexity. Layered yet vivacious and with the Sauvignon Gris providing a slightly spicy/peppery aspect and superb persistence. Compelling juice for 14 bucks, it will accompany superb seafood, salmon, sushi, paella and is outstanding to explore with goat cheese.
Located in a prime site of the region this blend utilizes all of the grapes allowed for white wines in the area, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Semillon and 20% Muscadelle. A golden, light yellow color draws you into an engaging nose of immediate citrus and white peach scents. Bright and ample attack with pleasant balance and an overall profile that morphs into terrific complexity. Layered yet vivacious and with the Sauvignon Gris providing a slightly spicy/peppery aspect and superb persistence. Compelling juice for 14 bucks, it will accompany superb seafood, salmon, sushi, paella and is outstanding to explore with goat cheese.
2014 HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK
We stink. Why do we stink? Too often, we forget about all of the goodness that is happening in South Africa and their wines. This is simply a minor oversight - truth be told, there is major-excitement here and Hamilton Russell is not only one of the nation’s best producers, they also happen to put forth one of the New World’s most prolific Chardonnays. Situated close to the sea in one of the southernmost growing regions (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley), Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from his father in 1991 produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are seriously prolific examples!
Significantly inspired by the greats of white Burgundy this Chardonnay has a soul of its own. Dazzling aromas of creamy hazelnut, cereal, honeyed pear and spice, it is rich upon entry with superb polish and definition. A touch of tropical fruit in the mouth, this full-flavored wine shows excellent cut and balance that carry through to the searing and long finish that definitely has sea breeze notes. Like good white Burgundy, this wine has dimension, depth and the ability to age. Enjoy this with lobster rolls or sole done with a rich sauce through 2024.
Significantly inspired by the greats of white Burgundy this Chardonnay has a soul of its own. Dazzling aromas of creamy hazelnut, cereal, honeyed pear and spice, it is rich upon entry with superb polish and definition. A touch of tropical fruit in the mouth, this full-flavored wine shows excellent cut and balance that carry through to the searing and long finish that definitely has sea breeze notes. Like good white Burgundy, this wine has dimension, depth and the ability to age. Enjoy this with lobster rolls or sole done with a rich sauce through 2024.
2009 VIGNALTA VENDA ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Founded in 1980, Lucio Gomero created Vignalta based on his passion for the red wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux (Pomerol & St-Emilion). Il Veneto's Colli Euganei region is in close proximity to Venice.
The hills and soil structures allow for exquisite wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc to excel all while maintaining their Italian roots. Insanely yummy for 10 bucks and revealing plush blue fruit and nice tealeaf and tobacco character riding shotgun. Voluptuous and sneaky expansive texture that is very clean, brisk, fruit-forward and with an engaging, lingering follow-through.
The hills and soil structures allow for exquisite wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc to excel all while maintaining their Italian roots. Insanely yummy for 10 bucks and revealing plush blue fruit and nice tealeaf and tobacco character riding shotgun. Voluptuous and sneaky expansive texture that is very clean, brisk, fruit-forward and with an engaging, lingering follow-through.
2010 VAJRA BAROLO BRICCO DELLE VIOLE
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE
[reg. $99.99]
SPECIAL - $74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE
Over the last decade-plus, Aldo Vajra’s traditionally styled wines have become quite the talk of Piedmont. Located in the commune of Barolo, specifically the village of Vergne, the highest elevated village of this zone, these wines have impeccable quality to back up their stalwart reputation and accolades. Bricco delle Viole is one of Barolo village’s classic and most prized vineyard sites. Perched at 1250 feet up to 1500+ feet in the hills of Barolo, only the oldest and best vines (60+ years old) go into this limited production Barolo.
If you haven’t heard, 2010 is a monumental, very long-lived vintage for Barolo so if you have a reason to celebrate something down the road that occurred in 2010 this would certainly be a great choice. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, generous and yet youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry licorice and more perfume arrives. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has waves of depth that will undoubtedly needs time to come out. Lots of vibrancy, buried tannins and spine on the excruciatingly long finish that is packed tight but lasts for an eternity. This wine needs to go into the cellar and be forgotten about at least until 2020 and then consumed through 2040. Also has a fat 96-point score from Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
If you haven’t heard, 2010 is a monumental, very long-lived vintage for Barolo so if you have a reason to celebrate something down the road that occurred in 2010 this would certainly be a great choice. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, generous and yet youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry licorice and more perfume arrives. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has waves of depth that will undoubtedly needs time to come out. Lots of vibrancy, buried tannins and spine on the excruciatingly long finish that is packed tight but lasts for an eternity. This wine needs to go into the cellar and be forgotten about at least until 2020 and then consumed through 2040. Also has a fat 96-point score from Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
2012 SHEA WINE CELLARS
PINOT NOIR ESTATE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE - LIMITED
PINOT NOIR ESTATE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE - LIMITED
There is something about the Shea Vineyard that makes Oregon Pinot Noir enthusiasts go bat-merde crazy. One of the top sites utilized by several top growers, owner Dick Shea produces wines under his own name in limited quantities and we are fortunate to have some of the 2012.
An on form alpha dog, the 2012 is packed with alluring nuances of violet, jasmine and lilac. On the palate, the full dense aspects of this vintage deliver a core of opaque fruit with exotic warm spices and a long lively finish. One might think that this site only offers powerful, dense fruit and flowers, but in all truthfulness, this pinot has a bit of seductiveness with its velvety robe lying beneath the surface. Very enjoyable now, but plenty of submerged structure will allow this wine to age for another 8-12 years.
An on form alpha dog, the 2012 is packed with alluring nuances of violet, jasmine and lilac. On the palate, the full dense aspects of this vintage deliver a core of opaque fruit with exotic warm spices and a long lively finish. One might think that this site only offers powerful, dense fruit and flowers, but in all truthfulness, this pinot has a bit of seductiveness with its velvety robe lying beneath the surface. Very enjoyable now, but plenty of submerged structure will allow this wine to age for another 8-12 years.
