Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FUZZY' HOTSHEET
Napa Cab, New Italian Red, 93 pt. Oregon Riesling, White Burgundy & more
2012 PAOLO PETRILLI
C'ACCE MMITA DI LUCERA 'AGRAMENTE'
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
C'ACCE MMITA DI LUCERA 'AGRAMENTE'
$17.99 BTL./$107.94 - SIX PACK
Paolo Petrilli is our favorite producer from Italy’s Puglia region. Just landed is the new vintage of his ever popular and delicious Agramente. Forget your preconceived notions of Puglia wines, this one is from the northern reaches in the region of C’acce Mmita di Lucera based around the Nero di Troia grape and possesses both maritime and continental influences. Unlike the wines from Southern Puglia that are made from Primitivo and Negroamaro and are overtly jammy and alcoholic, this organically produced wine is always beautifully poised, complex and never sacrifices its flavor and dimension.
We quite enjoyed the 2011 but the 2012 tells a different and an even more compelling story. Broad stokes of smoked plums are present which come from Nero di Troia and Montepulciano grapes while cherry pit, fine herbs, mineral and vibrancy come from the addition of Sangiovese and Bombino. Seductively textured, this bountiful red spreads out beautifully on the palate, extends, and lingers in a most pleasant manner. Aged without the use of oak barrels, this wine is very diverse when it comes to pairing with food. Enjoy it with hearty fish slathered in tomatoes and capers, roasted lamb or a penne pasta done with sausage, fennel and tomatoes.
We quite enjoyed the 2011 but the 2012 tells a different and an even more compelling story. Broad stokes of smoked plums are present which come from Nero di Troia and Montepulciano grapes while cherry pit, fine herbs, mineral and vibrancy come from the addition of Sangiovese and Bombino. Seductively textured, this bountiful red spreads out beautifully on the palate, extends, and lingers in a most pleasant manner. Aged without the use of oak barrels, this wine is very diverse when it comes to pairing with food. Enjoy it with hearty fish slathered in tomatoes and capers, roasted lamb or a penne pasta done with sausage, fennel and tomatoes.
2014 CHATEAU FONTANES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Cyriaque Rozier is a renowned enologist and vineyard manager who is best known for his work at the acclaimed Languedoc estate, Chateau La Roque. Fontanes is his personal estate and one of the specialties here is this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard that was planted in 1970!!
Not a simple add-on to a portfolio, Cyriaque takes this varietal and this wine very seriously. How the hell he is able to maintain a price point such as this and sustainably farming the land is beyond us!! After tasting this, I lovingly referred to it as "Sudnapafrance". Very French and Mediterranean aspects with old vine cabernet cassis-like notes shining along with garrigue notes of mint, thyme and cracked pepper. Chewy, succulent, mouth filling and deceptively structured, this wine is a terrific everyday kind of Cab that can be had alone, paired with hearty stews or with a grilled steak.
Not a simple add-on to a portfolio, Cyriaque takes this varietal and this wine very seriously. How the hell he is able to maintain a price point such as this and sustainably farming the land is beyond us!! After tasting this, I lovingly referred to it as "Sudnapafrance". Very French and Mediterranean aspects with old vine cabernet cassis-like notes shining along with garrigue notes of mint, thyme and cracked pepper. Chewy, succulent, mouth filling and deceptively structured, this wine is a terrific everyday kind of Cab that can be had alone, paired with hearty stews or with a grilled steak.
2013 LOVE & SQUALOR RIESLING
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Love & Squalor’s first vintage was 2007 but owner/winemaker Matt Berson has worked in various Oregon cellars since 2003 including the likes of Patty Green and J. Christopher as well as in New Zealand and Germany. It would be too easy to refer to Love & Squalor as Riesling specialists and if were the only wine that were produced, it would still garner a remarkable reputation. Don’t be misled, not only is Riesling focused on but there are others made here including some damn fine Pinot Noirs (see below), however, a great way to kick off #1 of 2 is this delectable Oregon Riesling.
Get over your fears of Riesling and stop the bullmerde stereotyping, Riesling can be produced into various levels of dryness including all the way to some of the grandest dessert wines in the world. Crucial, ferocious and thoroughly dry, this Riesling definitely has teeth and certainly is not the old blue-hair versions from Chateau Benoit from back in the day! Sourced from older vineyards it is a real "sense-tantalizer" with tactile, savory aspects throughout the entire experience. Fragrant peach, hints of grapefruit, talc and smoke tones lead into a blazing texture invigorates and entices all the way through to the livewire finish. A perfect wine for mussels, smoked fish or grilled bratwurst. PS – this also scored 93 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Get over your fears of Riesling and stop the bullmerde stereotyping, Riesling can be produced into various levels of dryness including all the way to some of the grandest dessert wines in the world. Crucial, ferocious and thoroughly dry, this Riesling definitely has teeth and certainly is not the old blue-hair versions from Chateau Benoit from back in the day! Sourced from older vineyards it is a real "sense-tantalizer" with tactile, savory aspects throughout the entire experience. Fragrant peach, hints of grapefruit, talc and smoke tones lead into a blazing texture invigorates and entices all the way through to the livewire finish. A perfect wine for mussels, smoked fish or grilled bratwurst. PS – this also scored 93 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
2012 LOVE & SQUALOT PINOT NOIR
'ANTSY PANTS'
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
A mere 150 cases of Love & Squalor’s top Pinot Noir were produced for vintage 2012. This barrel select comes from some top sites in four different Oregon growing regions. Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge, Cherry Grove Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, Cuddihy Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton , Winter’s Hill Vineyard in Dundee Hills, and Methven Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills are included in this magnificent Pinot Noir that is aged in one-third 2-year old barrels and two-thirds neutral oak. This is a version from 2012 that is one to put in the cellar given the pedigree of sites and winemaking style.
The mode d’emploi of Antsy Pants Pinot Noir is to have transparency of vineyard and fruit and not to make oak furniture and jam. The 2012 is absolutely gorgeous juice that has immense potential for aging. Based around aromatics, finesse and beauty, red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of this sultry, fine Pinot. In the mouth, it is very young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, stylish, deftly proportioned and long and ethereal. Finishes very sleek and deep while offering up a great, long aftertaste. If you wish to drink, do decant 45 minutes prior or use an aerator. Best 2018 – 2025 and probably beyond.
The mode d’emploi of Antsy Pants Pinot Noir is to have transparency of vineyard and fruit and not to make oak furniture and jam. The 2012 is absolutely gorgeous juice that has immense potential for aging. Based around aromatics, finesse and beauty, red berry, violet, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of this sultry, fine Pinot. In the mouth, it is very young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, stylish, deftly proportioned and long and ethereal. Finishes very sleek and deep while offering up a great, long aftertaste. If you wish to drink, do decant 45 minutes prior or use an aerator. Best 2018 – 2025 and probably beyond.
2014 J. PORTUGAL RAMOS ALENTEJANA
TINTO 'VILA SANTA LOIOS'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
TINTO 'VILA SANTA LOIOS'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Joao Portugal Ramos is one of the real heroes of modern Portuguese wines. His influence on what is being accomplished in this country, especially with the dry wines, can never be understated. Originally garnering a reputation as a consultant for other properties in the 80s and 90s, Joao set about doing his own wines in the warm-climate Alentejano region, a large growing area east of Lisbon and stretching to the Spanish border.
A killer value, the 2014 Loios is a kickass value red. Aged solely in stainless steel tanks, made from three native varietals (35% Aragones, 35% Trincadeira and 30% Castelao) exquisite scents of blueberry, licorice and savory balsamic tones roll from the glass. On the palate it is engaging, shows nice warmth and fleshy characteristics with nice spicy-earth on the back end.
A killer value, the 2014 Loios is a kickass value red. Aged solely in stainless steel tanks, made from three native varietals (35% Aragones, 35% Trincadeira and 30% Castelao) exquisite scents of blueberry, licorice and savory balsamic tones roll from the glass. On the palate it is engaging, shows nice warmth and fleshy characteristics with nice spicy-earth on the back end.
2011 BUSSOLA VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE
'CA DEL LAITO'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
'CA DEL LAITO'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Tommaso Bussola is one of the leading producers of Amarone. Originally a stone mason, Bussola took over this estate, having learned some about the business from his uncle, Giuseppe, a local grower who still tends to the vineyards. In general, Valpolicella is a region noted for high quality reds that offer a lot of wine for not a lot of money, having said that, not all Valpolicella is created equally. Tommaso Bussola’s inquisitive nature always leads to the creation of some the region's most interesting and thoughtfully produced red wines.
Made by doing a second fermentation on the Amarone skins, this wine has some guts and soul behind it. Dark, lush, dried strawberry, dark chocolate, ginger, and tobacco combine with a full and pleasing texture that keeps up with hearty dishes. Amarone inspires the complexity of this wine but unlike Amarone, is a wine that has fine accessibility. If you like big Italian red wines then do not miss this one! Drink over the next 5-6+ years.
Made by doing a second fermentation on the Amarone skins, this wine has some guts and soul behind it. Dark, lush, dried strawberry, dark chocolate, ginger, and tobacco combine with a full and pleasing texture that keeps up with hearty dishes. Amarone inspires the complexity of this wine but unlike Amarone, is a wine that has fine accessibility. If you like big Italian red wines then do not miss this one! Drink over the next 5-6+ years.
2012 DOMAINE CLOS DES ROCS
POUILLY-LOCHE 'LES MURES'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
POUILLY-LOCHE 'LES MURES'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Located just across the way from Pouilly-Fuisse, Pouilly-Loche is a tiny 77-acre appellation that is one of the hidden gems of the Maconnais. Without a doubt, the most important producer of this small area is Domaine Clos des Rocs and winemaker Olivier Giroux. These wines are quite prolific, definitely fly beneath the white Burgundy radar and for the moment, are excellent values.
Les Mures is a single cru that is laden with limestone soils and Clos des Roc’s vines average 40 years. 100% Chardonnay that is not made to suffer in a bunch of new oak barrels, the beautiful nose of cereal, orange, lemon, blazing mineral and dusty rock plays nicely with a gentle kiss of oak. In the mouth its nervosity, depth and detail are mighty impressive; the finish long, palate-staining and tingling. Pure and fine enough to go with sophisticated crustaceans or fish dishes in sauces. A superb wine to age as well. Drin k this beauty through 2022.
Les Mures is a single cru that is laden with limestone soils and Clos des Roc’s vines average 40 years. 100% Chardonnay that is not made to suffer in a bunch of new oak barrels, the beautiful nose of cereal, orange, lemon, blazing mineral and dusty rock plays nicely with a gentle kiss of oak. In the mouth its nervosity, depth and detail are mighty impressive; the finish long, palate-staining and tingling. Pure and fine enough to go with sophisticated crustaceans or fish dishes in sauces. A superb wine to age as well. Drin k this beauty through 2022.
2013 FLORA SPRINGS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Sometimes we tend to forget about great things until the actual loss of them occurs. Music is just one example. It is easy to forget about how David Bowie was such an influence, but if you do, just play Hunky Dory, Station to Station or Ziggy Stardust and it will hit you just how he continually changed the face of modern rock music.
Not to compare this with legends like Bowie, it is California Cabernet after all. Still, it is correct to say that Flora Springs has been making fabulous wine for many years and sometimes it takes a jolt to the brain to remember this fact. 2013 is a top-notch Cali-Cab vintage and Flora Springs continues to perform at lofty levels. The aromas here are concentrated and start out with a generous, Napa, ripe fruit expression of cassis and black cherry. Classic varietal characters of earth, cedar, and spice bring complexity. The palate adds flavors of blackberry and dark chocolate richly framed with broad spine. As is typical with these wines, they won’t strip the enamel off of your teeth if you want to drink one early but they do age quite well. Enjoy this hearty California red wine over the next 12-15 years.
Not to compare this with legends like Bowie, it is California Cabernet after all. Still, it is correct to say that Flora Springs has been making fabulous wine for many years and sometimes it takes a jolt to the brain to remember this fact. 2013 is a top-notch Cali-Cab vintage and Flora Springs continues to perform at lofty levels. The aromas here are concentrated and start out with a generous, Napa, ripe fruit expression of cassis and black cherry. Classic varietal characters of earth, cedar, and spice bring complexity. The palate adds flavors of blackberry and dark chocolate richly framed with broad spine. As is typical with these wines, they won’t strip the enamel off of your teeth if you want to drink one early but they do age quite well. Enjoy this hearty California red wine over the next 12-15 years.
