Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'PORCA TROIA' HOTSHEET
Highly-Awarded Chianti Wines
French Chenin Blanc
Special Portugal Red,
Pinot Noirs and Champagne
French Chenin Blanc
Special Portugal Red,
Pinot Noirs and Champagne
2022 CHATEAU MAYLANDIE
CORBIERES-BOUTENAC 'VILLA FERRAE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
CORBIERES-BOUTENAC 'VILLA FERRAE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
In 2005, the Corbieres region of Boutenac received a well-deserved upgrade to Cru status and of course, one would expect masterful results from this masterful estate. This special cuvee is 40% Grenache, 30% Carignan, and 30% Syrah with the Syrah portion aged in new barrels, this is from the estate's best plot in the Boutenac zone of Corbieres and located just south of Carcassonne.
In the years we have been featuring Maylandie's wines, this is the first time we have ever been offered any of the Boutenac and vintage 2022 is a velvet monster with sensuous personality. Chewy, bold and voluptuous with telltale wild blackberry, sage, olive, pepper and grenadine notes that are associated with the area. In the mouth, it is mouth coating, spicy and with staying power and length. Very approachable now and will work with an array of dishes but its gastronomic soul mate would be leg of lamb or filet of beef doused with fresh chanterelles. No problem to age this terrific value red wine for a decade.
In the years we have been featuring Maylandie's wines, this is the first time we have ever been offered any of the Boutenac and vintage 2022 is a velvet monster with sensuous personality. Chewy, bold and voluptuous with telltale wild blackberry, sage, olive, pepper and grenadine notes that are associated with the area. In the mouth, it is mouth coating, spicy and with staying power and length. Very approachable now and will work with an array of dishes but its gastronomic soul mate would be leg of lamb or filet of beef doused with fresh chanterelles. No problem to age this terrific value red wine for a decade.
2022 KOPP PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Another tasty twenty-buck Pinot Noir and this is from the Baden region. Located across the Rhine River from Strasbourg and slightly north, this wine and region is the result of impeccable farming, diligence in the winery and the effects of Global warming. The sunniest region in Germany, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris dominates with Riesling playing a minor role.
Not long ago a red wine from this region would be a glorified rosé or mean, lean and green. Not now! Suave berry combines nicely with mineral and peat-smoke along with underlying herbs and strawberry licorice. Classic cool climate Pinot Noir with its true seductive underbelly, although this does have ample structure lurking beneath the surface which will allow it to develop for another 2-4 years. High-toned, energetic and surprisingly well-rounded all suggesting an over-delivering version for twenty-bucks. Roast up a whole chicken and stuff it with a plethora of mushrooms.
Not long ago a red wine from this region would be a glorified rosé or mean, lean and green. Not now! Suave berry combines nicely with mineral and peat-smoke along with underlying herbs and strawberry licorice. Classic cool climate Pinot Noir with its true seductive underbelly, although this does have ample structure lurking beneath the surface which will allow it to develop for another 2-4 years. High-toned, energetic and surprisingly well-rounded all suggesting an over-delivering version for twenty-bucks. Roast up a whole chicken and stuff it with a plethora of mushrooms.
2021 LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
92 Points – Vinous… Located in Panzano in Chianti, the small producer called Le Cinciole has been one of the most sought-after and wine media gems. 2021 is THE next grandiose vintage for Chianti Classico wines and this 100% Sangiovese is nothing but the truth.
Classy and all about equilibrium, this Chianti Classico is an elegant, refined and an expression of traditional Tuscan winemaking. Classic aromas of wild raspberry, sage, hints of floral aspects, undertones of savory earth, distinctive of Sangiovese and Panzano. Flavorful throughout, the 2021 combines red and black fruit characteristics and a generous, round, sultry finish that has an earthy purity along with roasted coffee and mineral notes beneath the surface. Drink over the next 10-12 years with anything ranging from pappardelle with a meat sugo to a fat T-bone steak.
Classy and all about equilibrium, this Chianti Classico is an elegant, refined and an expression of traditional Tuscan winemaking. Classic aromas of wild raspberry, sage, hints of floral aspects, undertones of savory earth, distinctive of Sangiovese and Panzano. Flavorful throughout, the 2021 combines red and black fruit characteristics and a generous, round, sultry finish that has an earthy purity along with roasted coffee and mineral notes beneath the surface. Drink over the next 10-12 years with anything ranging from pappardelle with a meat sugo to a fat T-bone steak.
2019 LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO
'ALUIGI CAMPO AI PIERI' GRAN SELEZIONE
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK
'ALUIGI CAMPO AI PIERI' GRAN SELEZIONE
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK
96 Points – Vinous…Le Cinciole's Aluigi is an incredibly special and rare (only about 320 cases produced) from a single Cru. Also 100% Sangiovese, this Gran Selezione Chianti is on the lines of Montegrossi's San Marcellino or Felsina's Vigna Rancia. Very profound Chianti and a great candidate for aging.
When I recently tasted this, I instantaneously fell in love, especially with the depth and early complexity. Aromas of underbrush, vivid red cherry fruit with mint, sandalwood and rosemary. Aged for two years in 2500-liter barrels followed by another year in concrete permits the flavors to come together and remain at their most pure. Even in its youth this wine is very silky yet substantial. Broad and stretching across the entire palate then finishing with so much energy and extension. This is one that is going into my own personal cellar! Not inaccessible now but will really start to kick into gear end of 2026 and drink and develop for another fifteen after then.
When I recently tasted this, I instantaneously fell in love, especially with the depth and early complexity. Aromas of underbrush, vivid red cherry fruit with mint, sandalwood and rosemary. Aged for two years in 2500-liter barrels followed by another year in concrete permits the flavors to come together and remain at their most pure. Even in its youth this wine is very silky yet substantial. Broad and stretching across the entire palate then finishing with so much energy and extension. This is one that is going into my own personal cellar! Not inaccessible now but will really start to kick into gear end of 2026 and drink and develop for another fifteen after then.
2022 DOMAINE DE LA PETITE ROCHE
ANJOU BLANC
[REG. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
ANJOU BLANC
[REG. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
At twenty-bucks this dry French Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley is terrific, however at fourteen it can now be in your everyday drinking repertoire.
Striking aromatics of gushing oranges that have been juiced and passed over rocks. Chamomile, lemon, and honey-spice round out the already complex nose. Bright stone fruit essences encompass a tasty range of pear, apple and peach with hints of slate and quince highlight the palate. Precise, focused and pure, this Chenin Blanc is crisp, clean and delicious! Brilliant as an aperitif, it will also accompany an array of fresh cheeses and Asian-spiced seafood or white meat dishes.
Striking aromatics of gushing oranges that have been juiced and passed over rocks. Chamomile, lemon, and honey-spice round out the already complex nose. Bright stone fruit essences encompass a tasty range of pear, apple and peach with hints of slate and quince highlight the palate. Precise, focused and pure, this Chenin Blanc is crisp, clean and delicious! Brilliant as an aperitif, it will also accompany an array of fresh cheeses and Asian-spiced seafood or white meat dishes.
2019 QUINTA DE SAES DÃO TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
What is the next exciting red wine region? Portugal and specifically the Dão region which becoming desired by wine growers as well as consumers with its excellent price/quality choices.
Equal parts Touriga Naçional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, and Tinta Pinheira grown at 1600 feet in granitic soils with veins of sand. All about pleasure. Mediterranean personality all over and displaying frontal hearty, peppery scents. Suggestions of chocolate truffle complimented with raspberry, leather, roasted earth, sage and spice bring everything together. The texture starts out plush and supple quickly gaining zest and spine on the earth-laden, snap-back finish. Drink with pork dishes laced with mushrooms or roasted chicken slathered with herbs.
Equal parts Touriga Naçional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, and Tinta Pinheira grown at 1600 feet in granitic soils with veins of sand. All about pleasure. Mediterranean personality all over and displaying frontal hearty, peppery scents. Suggestions of chocolate truffle complimented with raspberry, leather, roasted earth, sage and spice bring everything together. The texture starts out plush and supple quickly gaining zest and spine on the earth-laden, snap-back finish. Drink with pork dishes laced with mushrooms or roasted chicken slathered with herbs.
2021 REVELRY MERLOT COLUMBIA VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Walla Walla-based Revelry Vintners is the brainchild of Jared Burns who is of the belief that good wine doesn’t need to be overblown nor overpriced and this is such an invigorating approach, especially when it comes to the wines from our northern neighbors.
Made from a combination of fruit from throughout the Columbia Valley, this Merlot succeeds where so many at this price point fail. No shortage of impact, it is laden with a virtual blueberry tart aspect with violet with spikes of cocoa that swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with red earth and deceptive material bestowing nice breadth and tastiness. Very drinkable now, especially with braised short ribs or a grilled steak, it would not surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
Made from a combination of fruit from throughout the Columbia Valley, this Merlot succeeds where so many at this price point fail. No shortage of impact, it is laden with a virtual blueberry tart aspect with violet with spikes of cocoa that swirl in the glass. The texture is buxom and creamy with red earth and deceptive material bestowing nice breadth and tastiness. Very drinkable now, especially with braised short ribs or a grilled steak, it would not surprise us if this were to age 3-4 years, too.
2022 JC SOMERS PINOT NOIR
ABBEY RIDGE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
ABBEY RIDGE
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
The relationship between Jay Somers and Bill Wayne (owner at Abbey Ridge) goes back to pre-1996 when Jay was working at Cameron with John Paul. Whether it is J. Christopher, Cameron or now JC Somers, Jay knows this site and has a magical touch in his own form with the making of wines from the Oregon Grand Cru site and along with Cameron, he is the only other producer to receive grapes from this cherished site.
More akin to a Bolshoi ballet dancer than a UFC fighter, this Pinot is sleek, stylish and possesses backbone for aging. Still youthful and unevolved, it still manages to captivate on the nose with scents of deep raspberry along with an undertow of red cherry, cedar, anise, and red earth. There is no shortage of depth of fruit on the palate; notes of red fruits play off the detailed earth and gentle kiss of oak and ride shotgun with the good backbone of the wine. While not undrinkable right now, this wine will benefit from another three-4 years in the cellar and then will drink beautifully through 2034+. Undoubtedly a Pinot for Pinot-philes, not pinot for cabernet lovers.
More akin to a Bolshoi ballet dancer than a UFC fighter, this Pinot is sleek, stylish and possesses backbone for aging. Still youthful and unevolved, it still manages to captivate on the nose with scents of deep raspberry along with an undertow of red cherry, cedar, anise, and red earth. There is no shortage of depth of fruit on the palate; notes of red fruits play off the detailed earth and gentle kiss of oak and ride shotgun with the good backbone of the wine. While not undrinkable right now, this wine will benefit from another three-4 years in the cellar and then will drink beautifully through 2034+. Undoubtedly a Pinot for Pinot-philes, not pinot for cabernet lovers.
CHAMPAGNE AURELIEN SUENEN 'OIRY'
GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT
$89.99 BTL./$539.94 - SIX PACK
As recently as pre-Covid, I would have to beg people to buy these exquisite Champagnes from this tiny producer. Now they are tightly allocated, however, there seemed to be a bit more available, so we are offering it to everyone.
The Oiry Grand Cru cuvee is quite a masterpiece. Low dosage is prevalent, and the wines have terrific attack. Champagnes from the village of Oiry lend themselves to having creaminess and the bubbles luxuriate and bring a level of finesse to the fang-like structure of the wine. Spreading out on the palate, this bubbly seduces and has a high likability factor. Increasingly we need to look at Champagne as wine itself and pair with food instead of merely celebrating. This well constructed, terroir-laden fizz will go oh so well with foie gras, lobster, crab or scallops swimming in butter.
The Oiry Grand Cru cuvee is quite a masterpiece. Low dosage is prevalent, and the wines have terrific attack. Champagnes from the village of Oiry lend themselves to having creaminess and the bubbles luxuriate and bring a level of finesse to the fang-like structure of the wine. Spreading out on the palate, this bubbly seduces and has a high likability factor. Increasingly we need to look at Champagne as wine itself and pair with food instead of merely celebrating. This well constructed, terroir-laden fizz will go oh so well with foie gras, lobster, crab or scallops swimming in butter.
