Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BE KIND, REWIND' HOTSHEET
Eyrie Pinot Gris, Cellar-Worthy Barolo Specials, Rose, Rioja, Zinfandel & more
2014 HAUT-RIAN BORDEAUX ROSE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
This bottle will be the most fun 10 bucks that you will spend this summer!! New Haut-Rian releases have hit the market and one that we consumed copious amounts of over the weekend was Michel Dietrich’s blazing, yummy, dry pink wine. In fact, one friend who lives across from the river refers to it as ‘the crack of the Couve’!
Strawberries and sea! Bursting but very precise with definite sense of place sketched in with the red fruits and marine aspects. Brisk, brilliantly focused and one that goes down excessively easily yet maintains a serious undertone to it. Enjoy a bottle or six with grilled fish dishes, crab, hors d'oeuvres, salads and light vegetarian fare.
Strawberries and sea! Bursting but very precise with definite sense of place sketched in with the red fruits and marine aspects. Brisk, brilliantly focused and one that goes down excessively easily yet maintains a serious undertone to it. Enjoy a bottle or six with grilled fish dishes, crab, hors d'oeuvres, salads and light vegetarian fare.
2012 DASHE ZINFANDEL 'HEART ARROW VINEYARD'
[reg. $28.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$243.88 CASE
[reg. $28.99]
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$243.88 CASE
Dashe Cellars is a boutique, Sonoma winery that quickly rose through the ranks as producers of some of California's most formidable Zins! Michael Dashe gained his experience by working with The Supreme Zinfandel Alien-Being, Paul Draper at Ridge, then in 1996 he decided to branch out on his own and from day one, and these Zins with the whimsical labels have been ultra-magnificent.
Heart Arrow Vineyard is located in Mendocino and combined with Dashe’s deft winemaking touch, this site always puts forth excellent and well-balanced Zins. Classic and civilized, Dashe’s 2012 Heart Arrow Zin is California gone good. Smoked raspberry, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell, mouthfilling and exactly what a good zin ought to be with density and spice spreading out then following through to the exhilarating and fine finish. While it cries out for good barbecued pork chops, it'll also pair well with beef or smoked meats. These wines also have a propensity to age and this Zin will easily develop for 7-10 years from vintage date.
Heart Arrow Vineyard is located in Mendocino and combined with Dashe’s deft winemaking touch, this site always puts forth excellent and well-balanced Zins. Classic and civilized, Dashe’s 2012 Heart Arrow Zin is California gone good. Smoked raspberry, briar and subtle pepper tones impressively penetrate the senses. The texture is ripe, smooth as hell, mouthfilling and exactly what a good zin ought to be with density and spice spreading out then following through to the exhilarating and fine finish. While it cries out for good barbecued pork chops, it'll also pair well with beef or smoked meats. These wines also have a propensity to age and this Zin will easily develop for 7-10 years from vintage date.
2012 STATTI GAGLIOPPO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Something from Southern Italy that will be sure to please any adventurous Italian red wine lover. Made from 100% of the Gaglioppo grape which is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico.
It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Statti's version is chock full of roasted red plum, forest-floor, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture that screams for tomato-based dishes.
It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Statti's version is chock full of roasted red plum, forest-floor, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture that screams for tomato-based dishes.
2013 GRAILLOT CROZES-HERMITAGE BLANC
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE - LIMITED!
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE - LIMITED!
On my recent trip to the Rhone Valley, one of the biggest revelations that I had was the resurgence and superb quality of the entire region’s white wines. Gone are the days of heavy and ponderous wines. Today we are seeing an influx of wines that reflect beauty, depth, terroir, aging potential and above all, freshness and drinkability.
Always an influential producer, Alain Graillot and his son Max are the Kings of Crozes but over the last 5 years or so, changes in their white wine have leg others to follow. The 2013 is a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne and the key here is that malolactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is aged in 50% stainless steel and 50% larger, 500-liter barrels. The resulting white wine is very fragrant and alive with scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lime and ample underlying minerality. Mouth-filling and full of energetic burst with lovely complexity and complimentary succulence that carries all the way to the delectable, drawn-out finish that is teeming with flavor and character. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Perfect for drinking now and over the next 4-6 years.
Always an influential producer, Alain Graillot and his son Max are the Kings of Crozes but over the last 5 years or so, changes in their white wine have leg others to follow. The 2013 is a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne and the key here is that malolactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is aged in 50% stainless steel and 50% larger, 500-liter barrels. The resulting white wine is very fragrant and alive with scents of pear, blossoms, ginger, lime and ample underlying minerality. Mouth-filling and full of energetic burst with lovely complexity and complimentary succulence that carries all the way to the delectable, drawn-out finish that is teeming with flavor and character. Enjoy this delicious white wine with monkfish, grilled tuna or white meats as well as soft-ripened cheese after the main course. Perfect for drinking now and over the next 4-6 years.
2012 JOUCLARY CABARDES
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Vent Est-Vent Ouest. This is the motto of Cabardes, one of Languedoc's lesser-known regions. Located minutes outside of the medieval city of Carcassonne, this region seemingly is Bordeaux slammed into the Rhone. Atlantic varietals (Cabernet/Merlot, etc) co-exist with Rhone varietals (grenache, syrah, etc.) and come together to make impeccably scrumptious wines.
Winds prevail from both the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea and allow for lots of movement and cooling for the wines that come from this somewhat warm region. Composed of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, Jouclary's 2012 Cabardes is a terrific, hearty glass of red wine. Wonderfully cerebral, this wine enchants with raspberry, red licorice, cassis, lavender and pepper scents that are all wonderfully detailed. Poised with good depth; mineral and red tones from Bordeaux grapes shine and black fruit and spices from Rhône grapes sing. Performs way over its 12-dollar pricepoint! Grill up sausages, burgers, portabella mushrooms, or just about anything and toss back many bottles. Sometimes things are very predictable and the prediction for this wine is that this choice will be one of the summer grilling reds of 2015!
Winds prevail from both the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea and allow for lots of movement and cooling for the wines that come from this somewhat warm region. Composed of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, Jouclary's 2012 Cabardes is a terrific, hearty glass of red wine. Wonderfully cerebral, this wine enchants with raspberry, red licorice, cassis, lavender and pepper scents that are all wonderfully detailed. Poised with good depth; mineral and red tones from Bordeaux grapes shine and black fruit and spices from Rhône grapes sing. Performs way over its 12-dollar pricepoint! Grill up sausages, burgers, portabella mushrooms, or just about anything and toss back many bottles. Sometimes things are very predictable and the prediction for this wine is that this choice will be one of the summer grilling reds of 2015!
2008 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA RESERVA
'VINA ALBERDI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'VINA ALBERDI'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
If you're gonna do it, then do it very well. Doing it well in Rioja is to present a champion-caliber Spanish wine from a renowned, uber-traditional and iconic producer, La Rioja Alta.
If you are a Spanish wine lover and love the traditional style of Rioja, then this is a must try. Rioja made as it used to be made, and it does not come much better than this. Savory and laden with cherries, strawberries, mocha and thoughtfully placed toasty oak. Underlying mineral and rose-petal provide background music and together all the components flow into a mouth-feel that is smooth, voluptuous and packed with character and expansion. Drink this succulent, flavorful Rioja over the next decade with pork doused with garlic, olive oil and fennel.
If you are a Spanish wine lover and love the traditional style of Rioja, then this is a must try. Rioja made as it used to be made, and it does not come much better than this. Savory and laden with cherries, strawberries, mocha and thoughtfully placed toasty oak. Underlying mineral and rose-petal provide background music and together all the components flow into a mouth-feel that is smooth, voluptuous and packed with character and expansion. Drink this succulent, flavorful Rioja over the next decade with pork doused with garlic, olive oil and fennel.
2013 EYRIE PINOT GRIS
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
The significance of Eyrie’s Pinot Gris should never be discounted among those who appreciate Oregon wines. David Lett singlehandedly put this varietal on the Oregon wine chart and even after almost 50 years, this wine has profound influence and the quality has never waned. 2013 is a vastly underrated vintage for red wines and it is a superb vintage for the state’s white wines and is one that shouldn’t be missed.
As usual, Eyrie’s Pinot Gris stands out for its intricate minerality and smoky notes. Ripe yellow apple and spice tones fill the steely palate out with beautiful balance and an uplifting glow on the finish. Simply fetching, it is a damn foolproof match with salmon, prawns and roasted chicken.
As usual, Eyrie’s Pinot Gris stands out for its intricate minerality and smoky notes. Ripe yellow apple and spice tones fill the steely palate out with beautiful balance and an uplifting glow on the finish. Simply fetching, it is a damn foolproof match with salmon, prawns and roasted chicken.
2007 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO 'CHINIERA'
[reg. $89.99]
SPECIAL - $69.99 BTL./$839.88 CASE - LIMITED!
[reg. $89.99]
SPECIAL - $69.99 BTL./$839.88 CASE - LIMITED!
It isn’t all too often that we get a chance to go back and look at great wines from great producers a few years on. For this producer we are about to receive 2011s and it is a thrill to be able to re-offer a couple of their masterful 2007 wines in the interim.
Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the young superstars of Barolo. Vigna Chiniera, located within Monforte D'Alba is a south facing vineyard that sits at 320-360 meters. Loosely packed, sandy soil with a limestone base that makes this wine very special. A frighteningly brilliant and complete wine of perfumy, sublime, sophistication, with plenty of depth and backbone. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 8, there is a small glimpse of what is truly to come; however, the best is still yet to come. Hold this debonair bad boy until 2017 and drink it on through to 2028.
Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the young superstars of Barolo. Vigna Chiniera, located within Monforte D'Alba is a south facing vineyard that sits at 320-360 meters. Loosely packed, sandy soil with a limestone base that makes this wine very special. A frighteningly brilliant and complete wine of perfumy, sublime, sophistication, with plenty of depth and backbone. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 8, there is a small glimpse of what is truly to come; however, the best is still yet to come. Hold this debonair bad boy until 2017 and drink it on through to 2028.
2007 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO 'CASA MATE'
[reg. $89.99]
SPECIAL - $74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE - LIMITED!
[reg. $89.99]
SPECIAL - $74.99 BTL./$899.88 CASE - LIMITED!
It isn’t all too often that we get a chance to go back and look at great wines from great producers a few years on. For this producer we are about to receive 2011s and it is a thrill to be able to re-offer a couple of their masterful 2007 wines in the interim.
Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the young superstars of Barolo. Vigna Chiniera, located within Monforte D'Alba is a south facing vineyard that sits at 320-360 meters. Loosely packed, sandy soil with a limestone base that makes this wine very special. A frighteningly brilliant and complete wine of perfumy, sublime, sophistication, with plenty of depth and backbone. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 8, there is a small glimpse of what is truly to come; however, the best is still yet to come. Hold this debonair bad boy until 2017 and drink it on through to 2028.
Tucked away in the hills between Monforte d'Alba and Castiglione Faletto is the Cantina and vineyards of Elio Grasso. We have been ardent supporters of these wines for a while now, and it is extremely clear that Gianluca Grasso is without a doubt one of the young superstars of Barolo. Vigna Chiniera, located within Monforte D'Alba is a south facing vineyard that sits at 320-360 meters. Loosely packed, sandy soil with a limestone base that makes this wine very special. A frighteningly brilliant and complete wine of perfumy, sublime, sophistication, with plenty of depth and backbone. Undertones of licorice, balsam, lots of underbrush and earth give even more complexity along with length. At age 8, there is a small glimpse of what is truly to come; however, the best is still yet to come. Hold this debonair bad boy until 2017 and drink it on through to 2028.
