Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'JOLLY GOOD' HOTSHEET
Cameron Pinot, 94-point Barolo
Three Summery White Wines
Stylish Cotes-du-Rhone, Volpaia
Three Summery White Wines
Stylish Cotes-du-Rhone, Volpaia
2021 FONT DU LOUP
COTES-DU-RHONE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Last year Font du Loup was one of the most exciting arrivals of Rhone wines that we have recently come across. Anne-Charlotte Bachas is based in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, specifically on the north side of Le Crau. This lieu dit is famed for Vieux Telegraphe but the north side is a cooler terroir. Aside from her exceptionally fine Chateauneuf wines, she also happens to make a wondrous Cotes-du-Rhone that is smoking good for under 20.
Savory herbs like rosemary and fennel jump from the glass first followed by a combination of strawberry and blackberry. Classy and sassy, underlying refinement to go with the plush but not overripe fruit. Energetic with fine clarity throughout and finishing with prominent white pepper on the elongated finish. Font du Loup’s Cotes-du-Rhone is the ultimate burger or grilled chicken wine, but it is also versatile enough to pair up with a pasta with marinara, grilled vegetables or sausages.
Savory herbs like rosemary and fennel jump from the glass first followed by a combination of strawberry and blackberry. Classy and sassy, underlying refinement to go with the plush but not overripe fruit. Energetic with fine clarity throughout and finishing with prominent white pepper on the elongated finish. Font du Loup’s Cotes-du-Rhone is the ultimate burger or grilled chicken wine, but it is also versatile enough to pair up with a pasta with marinara, grilled vegetables or sausages.
2023 LOBO HILLS
SAUVIGNON BLANC YAKIMA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
SAUVIGNON BLANC YAKIMA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Founded in 2010, Lobo Hills is an exciting Washington producer that focuses on miniscule production wines spread out over a number of classifications. Based in Woodinville and focusing on vineyard sites from the Yakima Valley, Tony and Diana Dollar produce an excellent range of food friendly Washington wines.
I have often found it challenging to find Washington Sauvignon Blanc wines that possess charisma and value. The Lobo Hills version made me take notice. Stimulating from the start, the Yakima Valley climate has this Sauvignon divulging more melon, gooseberry, and mango notes to go along with citrusy orange-lemon notes. Penetrating and dazzling in the mouth with sneaky depth and ample crisp acidity provide balance and allow it to be enjoyed with ceviche, white fish, spicy foods or by itself.
I have often found it challenging to find Washington Sauvignon Blanc wines that possess charisma and value. The Lobo Hills version made me take notice. Stimulating from the start, the Yakima Valley climate has this Sauvignon divulging more melon, gooseberry, and mango notes to go along with citrusy orange-lemon notes. Penetrating and dazzling in the mouth with sneaky depth and ample crisp acidity provide balance and allow it to be enjoyed with ceviche, white fish, spicy foods or by itself.
2019 DEHESA LA GRANJA
TIERRA DE CASTILLA Y LEON TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
TIERRA DE CASTILLA Y LEON TINTO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Having put the entire Ribera Del Duero on his shoulders in the late seventies and early eighties with his iconic Pesquera estate, the late, great Alejandro Fernandez expanded operations in the early 00s branching out into other warm areas of Spain including this stellar property above the picturesque Guareña River, west of Ribera Del Duero.
Raging, gushing Tempranillo (100%) aromas of black raspberry, roasted nuts, pepper, smoke, and a touch of sweet spice on the nose; great intensity of fruit in the mouth, with plenty of supple and smooth notes to go along with the depth, concentration and length. Luscious and very accessible now but will also develop nicely through 2028.
Raging, gushing Tempranillo (100%) aromas of black raspberry, roasted nuts, pepper, smoke, and a touch of sweet spice on the nose; great intensity of fruit in the mouth, with plenty of supple and smooth notes to go along with the depth, concentration and length. Luscious and very accessible now but will also develop nicely through 2028.
2021 VOLPAIA 'CITTO'
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
TOSCANA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
Volpaia's tasty Tuscan blend comes from their holdings in both Maremma and Chianti and the results are always upmarket but in a vintage like 2021, this has an extra level of class.
Mostly Sangiovese with a nice dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend and maintains Volpaia's high standard of excellence and integrity. Nutmeg, dark chocolate and a prominent minerality surrounds black raspberry and roasted plum notes while a mouth-filling combination of wild spice, earth and well-placed core of fruit pleasantly fills the mouth. Classic Sangio tang and juiciness shine throughout with the Cab providing just enough dark tones and support, enjoy with grilled or roasted meats, eggplant and hearty pasta dishes.
Mostly Sangiovese with a nice dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend and maintains Volpaia's high standard of excellence and integrity. Nutmeg, dark chocolate and a prominent minerality surrounds black raspberry and roasted plum notes while a mouth-filling combination of wild spice, earth and well-placed core of fruit pleasantly fills the mouth. Classic Sangio tang and juiciness shine throughout with the Cab providing just enough dark tones and support, enjoy with grilled or roasted meats, eggplant and hearty pasta dishes.
2022 FLOR DE VETUS
RUEDA BLANCO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
RUEDA BLANCO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Young winemaker Vanessa Perez has a very nimble and deft touch and this white wine from Rueda is banging. 100% Verdejo and harvested at night to maintain its freshness, this summery Spanish white wine is from Segovia which is at 800 meters and grown in sandy soils.
A splash of Spanish happiness, this brisk white will tickle you in places both imaginable and unimaginable! Aromatic passionfruit and citrus marmalade notes shine on the nose followed by bursting lime and unassuming mineral. The old vines kick in instantly and notably on the mid to back-end with crunchy flavors of white peach, anise, mineral and mouth-coating tropical fruits rolled over by the perfectly balanced natural acidity. You will want to drink multiple glasses of this regardless of what is on the table but enjoy with all sea vermin, fresh cheeses and white meats with fruit-based marinades.
A splash of Spanish happiness, this brisk white will tickle you in places both imaginable and unimaginable! Aromatic passionfruit and citrus marmalade notes shine on the nose followed by bursting lime and unassuming mineral. The old vines kick in instantly and notably on the mid to back-end with crunchy flavors of white peach, anise, mineral and mouth-coating tropical fruits rolled over by the perfectly balanced natural acidity. You will want to drink multiple glasses of this regardless of what is on the table but enjoy with all sea vermin, fresh cheeses and white meats with fruit-based marinades.
2022 LIVIO FELLUGA FRIULANO
COLLIO BIANCO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
COLLIO BIANCO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Friulano (the grape formerly known as Tocai Friulano) is a white grape that is native to the Northern reaches of Italy believed to originate in the Veneto region. However, it is neighboring Friuli where this grape and selection thrives beautifully.
A quintessential Italian white wine experience and one of the reference point versions, Felluga's 2022 Friulano shares gentle herbs with sea-driven, salty aromas along with quasi-lemongrass and perfumed nectarine aspects. The texture itself is clean, unoaked and provides lots of coverage along with tense, twangy dryness, especially on the vibrant, savory follow-through. Try with Prosciutto di San Daniele, which is a classic match. It will also work well with a smorgasbord of shellfish, too.
A quintessential Italian white wine experience and one of the reference point versions, Felluga's 2022 Friulano shares gentle herbs with sea-driven, salty aromas along with quasi-lemongrass and perfumed nectarine aspects. The texture itself is clean, unoaked and provides lots of coverage along with tense, twangy dryness, especially on the vibrant, savory follow-through. Try with Prosciutto di San Daniele, which is a classic match. It will also work well with a smorgasbord of shellfish, too.
2020 LOS MORROS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Los Morros is one of two Chilean outfits owned by Miguel Besoain. A graduate from the Universite de Bourgogne in Dijon, Miguel followed his schooling with 10 years of toiling in wineries in France and Germany before returning home to the Maipo Valley to do his own thing.
The Los Morros winery is designated for value wines and their Cabernet Sauvignon is banging for 10-bucks. Chewy, bold black cherry, allspice, and mocha carry over to the warm, full, and inviting texture that is sumptuous and mouth coating from the attacking start to the substantial, spicy finish.
The Los Morros winery is designated for value wines and their Cabernet Sauvignon is banging for 10-bucks. Chewy, bold black cherry, allspice, and mocha carry over to the warm, full, and inviting texture that is sumptuous and mouth coating from the attacking start to the substantial, spicy finish.
2019 G.D. VAJRA BAROLO 'ALBE'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine...Located just above the village of Barolo, GD Vajra's wines are among the region's finest, and the Albe cuvee is so sensibly priced.
'Stunning in its purity, freshness and vibrancy, the Albe Barolo from the venerable Vajra family is a beauty. Aromas of fresh cherries, wild strawberries, rose- buds, wild herbs, underbrush and subtle chalky notes waft from the glass. The generous palate showcases the tart red fruits Nebbiolo is known for, but at a higher gear followed by more savory flavors finishing with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity.' - 94 POINTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE...Drink through 2032.
'Stunning in its purity, freshness and vibrancy, the Albe Barolo from the venerable Vajra family is a beauty. Aromas of fresh cherries, wild strawberries, rose- buds, wild herbs, underbrush and subtle chalky notes waft from the glass. The generous palate showcases the tart red fruits Nebbiolo is known for, but at a higher gear followed by more savory flavors finishing with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity.' - 94 POINTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE...Drink through 2032.
2022 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Released about two months ago, it is quite surprising that there is still a bit of Cameron's 2022 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir available. Given the old vines and vineyard sites, this wine remains a deal for the price, especially when one considers the many newbies that charge a hell of a lot more for younger vines and do not have John Paul's forty-year record.
2022 is a blend of 80% Abbey Ridge and the remainder La Colina Vineyard. The old vines really show on this remarkable Pinot Noir that clocks in at 12.9% alcohol. Old school Cameron in style and displays subtlety and restraint upon pouring but after about ten minutes it really articulates Dundee Hills exquisitely. Jasmine, blackberry, cherry pit, lavender, hints of pink peppercorn then rolling with fine red earth tones. Very lifting and revealing fine depth and balance, this sensuous, silky Pinot is accessible with aeration and will age nicely for 10-12 years from vintage date.
2022 is a blend of 80% Abbey Ridge and the remainder La Colina Vineyard. The old vines really show on this remarkable Pinot Noir that clocks in at 12.9% alcohol. Old school Cameron in style and displays subtlety and restraint upon pouring but after about ten minutes it really articulates Dundee Hills exquisitely. Jasmine, blackberry, cherry pit, lavender, hints of pink peppercorn then rolling with fine red earth tones. Very lifting and revealing fine depth and balance, this sensuous, silky Pinot is accessible with aeration and will age nicely for 10-12 years from vintage date.
