1/28/19 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'UNSUNG' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'UNSUNG' HOTSHEET
Languedoc Cabernet Value, 95 pt. Brunello Riserva, Bandol, Pinot & more
2015 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
BANDOL ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Alongside luminaries such as Pradeaux, Gros Nore or Pibarnon, the Bronzo Brothers at Bastide Blanche make some of the most compelling wines in the entire Bandol appellation. This is our favorite Bandol Rose producer but they are even more compelling with their red wines.
We have stated that 2015 is a top vintage in the South of France, however, Bandol seems to have taken it a bit further and this one proves that the Bronzos don’t play around when it comes to delivering superb, soulful wine. 78% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, think of a Mediterranean Barolo when it comes to this offering. A haunting and aromatic nose of smoked meat, rose petal and sea salt combine with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns. The wine possesses a very long finish even though its tannins are supple and fairly well rounded. Nevertheless, this fairly boisterous and rotund wine requires, or better put, will truly shine with such hearty red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
We have stated that 2015 is a top vintage in the South of France, however, Bandol seems to have taken it a bit further and this one proves that the Bronzos don’t play around when it comes to delivering superb, soulful wine. 78% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 4% Syrah, 2% Cinsault, think of a Mediterranean Barolo when it comes to this offering. A haunting and aromatic nose of smoked meat, rose petal and sea salt combine with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns. The wine possesses a very long finish even though its tannins are supple and fairly well rounded. Nevertheless, this fairly boisterous and rotund wine requires, or better put, will truly shine with such hearty red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
2017 ZARATE ALBARINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Zarate is not only one of our favorite Albarino producers, they happen to be one of the most influential when it comes to this Spanish, or should we say Galician, white wine. Having been producing since the 1950s, this estate knows a thing or two and what comes off their 10 hectares is best described as delicate exuberance.
The 2017 sports a gorgeous nose of lemon and white peach, with complimentary notes of marine air and seashells that become more prominent as the wine unfolds in the glass. Superbly intense in the mouth with complex notes of lemon-lime and mineral along with no shortage of lifting acidity and a very long finish. A very complex bottle of Albarino and if you love seafood, particularly fresh crab or grilled spot prawns, this is just about the most perfect accompaniment.
The 2017 sports a gorgeous nose of lemon and white peach, with complimentary notes of marine air and seashells that become more prominent as the wine unfolds in the glass. Superbly intense in the mouth with complex notes of lemon-lime and mineral along with no shortage of lifting acidity and a very long finish. A very complex bottle of Albarino and if you love seafood, particularly fresh crab or grilled spot prawns, this is just about the most perfect accompaniment.
2016 HADEN FIG PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
If you don't know Erin Nuccio's wines then it is time that you familiarize yourself with them, they are stunners. Along with owning Evesham Wood since 2009, Erin has made wine under his own label, Haden Fig, for several years and if you enjoy refined, classy Pinot Noir then these should be right up your alley.
Layered, soulful and transparent and really revealing the essence of what a fine Willamette Valley blend is and at such a fair price. Quite the charmer, Erin's 2016 fills the glass with aromas of smoked violet, raspberry, turned earth, rhubarb and subtle spices. Smoothly textured and smoky flavors expand and maintain an ethereal presence all the way to the lingering finish. Not a mean bone in this wine's body, drink this beauty over the next 5-7 years.
Layered, soulful and transparent and really revealing the essence of what a fine Willamette Valley blend is and at such a fair price. Quite the charmer, Erin's 2016 fills the glass with aromas of smoked violet, raspberry, turned earth, rhubarb and subtle spices. Smoothly textured and smoky flavors expand and maintain an ethereal presence all the way to the lingering finish. Not a mean bone in this wine's body, drink this beauty over the next 5-7 years.
2016 FONTANES CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'LES TRAVERS DES FONTANES'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'LES TRAVERS DES FONTANES'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
100% Languedoc Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard that was planted in 1970. Not a simple add-on to a portfolio, Cyriaque Rozier takes this varietal and this wine very seriously and since it is not labeled as Pic St-Loup, it continues to provide excellent value.
Year in and year out, this wine behaves way above average in quality and is way below average in price. The 2016 is a head-spinner that would make Linda Blair proud. Chewy, bold and voluptuous with all of the telltale savory blackberry, sage, pepper and lavender notes that are associated with the area along with cassis, mint and earth. In the mouth, it is full, expansive and spicy with plenty of staying power and length. This flavorful Cab is very approachable now, and will work with an array of dishes, especially a properly grilled steak slathered with crushed black peppercorns. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
Year in and year out, this wine behaves way above average in quality and is way below average in price. The 2016 is a head-spinner that would make Linda Blair proud. Chewy, bold and voluptuous with all of the telltale savory blackberry, sage, pepper and lavender notes that are associated with the area along with cassis, mint and earth. In the mouth, it is full, expansive and spicy with plenty of staying power and length. This flavorful Cab is very approachable now, and will work with an array of dishes, especially a properly grilled steak slathered with crushed black peppercorns. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
2015 GAROFOLI 'PIANCARDA'
ROSSO CONERO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
ROSSO CONERO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
The Le Marches wines of Garofoli both dazzle and baffle. These wines dazzle with impeccable quality with both reds and whites and in all ranges. The baffling part is the wonder of how they keep their prices so low for such amazing singularity and virtue.
Rosso Conero is this Italian Adriatic costal region’s on most important. So many undervalued and underestimated wines come from these hillside vineyards. Garofoli's 2015 is from the single vineyard Piancarda and is made with 100% Montepulciano. Dry, full-flavored and matured in traditional, large casks, this red is very Italian tasting. Smoked plums, meat and minerally earth tones shine on the nose and in the mouth. Have this red with roasted meats with Italian herbs or a nice pecorino cheese.
Rosso Conero is this Italian Adriatic costal region’s on most important. So many undervalued and underestimated wines come from these hillside vineyards. Garofoli's 2015 is from the single vineyard Piancarda and is made with 100% Montepulciano. Dry, full-flavored and matured in traditional, large casks, this red is very Italian tasting. Smoked plums, meat and minerally earth tones shine on the nose and in the mouth. Have this red with roasted meats with Italian herbs or a nice pecorino cheese.
2014 GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU MERLOT
'SONOMA VALLEY'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
'SONOMA VALLEY'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
Gundlach-Bundschu’s history and status for both Sonoma and California cannot be understated when it comes to American wine. There is something about a bad movie and the M word that makes people not want to enjoy these wines. OK, so one line singlehandedly obliterated a category but it also weeded out many bad Merlots while others who made good versions were able to sustain the curse and bring forth wines that are better than ever.
89% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% each of Malbec & Cab Franc, this is not the stereotypical, wispy, fruity type that so many came to abhor. It is classy, complex and chock full of goodness. A voluptuous, robust and balanced expression of this noble variety showing a deep garnet color with a concentrated nose of black cherry, blackberry essence, smoke and freshly ground cinnamon from 40% new French oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and an extremely long finish. Very open knit now, this Merlot will continue to develop and give drinking pleasure through 2025.
89% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% each of Malbec & Cab Franc, this is not the stereotypical, wispy, fruity type that so many came to abhor. It is classy, complex and chock full of goodness. A voluptuous, robust and balanced expression of this noble variety showing a deep garnet color with a concentrated nose of black cherry, blackberry essence, smoke and freshly ground cinnamon from 40% new French oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and an extremely long finish. Very open knit now, this Merlot will continue to develop and give drinking pleasure through 2025.
2016 CHANTEAU CLAMENS
FRONTON ROUGE 'PRESTIGE'
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
FRONTON ROUGE 'PRESTIGE'
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
In the wine world, there is a sort of one-upsmanship that goes on with being able to sell and drink the most obscure wine possible. For many of us, finding your favorite Southern French wine is like trying to pick a favorite child, a favorite NBA team or your favorite Simpson (Bryan's is O.J.). This has bistro wine written all over it! Southwest France is home to numerous appellations that feature quality wines made from a myriad of grape varietals. This wine hails from the Fronton appellation just outside of Toulouse and is made from 70% of the local Negrette grape and backed up by 30% Cabernet Franc.
Fragrant scents of violet, berry, smoked herbs and pepper lead into a smooth yet striking texture that fills the mouth and calls you back for another six glasses. This stuff is medium-weight, easy to drink and perfect with cold meats (terrines, pates, and sausages).
Fragrant scents of violet, berry, smoked herbs and pepper lead into a smooth yet striking texture that fills the mouth and calls you back for another six glasses. This stuff is medium-weight, easy to drink and perfect with cold meats (terrines, pates, and sausages).
2012 CANALICCHIO BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK
DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK
Located in the northern sector of Montalcino, Canalicchio is a top-notch producer who produces wines from an exquisite terroirs that provides immense elegance, polish, breeding and depth. This wine takes on the traits of its maker, Franco Pacenti, holding its cards close to his chest, very debonair and only revealing its true personality when it is ready. If you haven't heard by now, 2012 is a resoundingly grand vintage for Montalcino and this wine follows its path nicely with wines built to last.
Riserva here actually means more than just an extra year in the barrel, it is a wine from only the best of the best lots and not a lot is produced. Savory, pure aromas of sage, thyme, pepper, refined dried violet and cherry notes that give a quiet elegance to the wine. Aromatically handsome and subtle which follow through to the mouth with prominent spices, plenty of push and depth and density with more backbone arriving as it moves towards the lingering, but bound tight finish. A real product of the 2012 vintage with its personality, viscosity and depth, it also snaps back after the wine is swallowed. This is a 10 year from vintage date proposition. Drink 2022 – 2035 and beyond! If you need score reassurance, this has 95 points from Vinous and they are listing it for $102.00!
Riserva here actually means more than just an extra year in the barrel, it is a wine from only the best of the best lots and not a lot is produced. Savory, pure aromas of sage, thyme, pepper, refined dried violet and cherry notes that give a quiet elegance to the wine. Aromatically handsome and subtle which follow through to the mouth with prominent spices, plenty of push and depth and density with more backbone arriving as it moves towards the lingering, but bound tight finish. A real product of the 2012 vintage with its personality, viscosity and depth, it also snaps back after the wine is swallowed. This is a 10 year from vintage date proposition. Drink 2022 – 2035 and beyond! If you need score reassurance, this has 95 points from Vinous and they are listing it for $102.00!
FRIDAY SIPS
Blends, Blends and more Blends
This Friday February 1 from 1:30 – 6:30
We’re kicking off February with an outstanding tasting featuring blends from France, California, Austria & Washington. Drop by to see just how well various grapes play together in their own various sandboxes.
FEATURED WINES:
2014 Soos Creek ‘Artist Series Red #14’ Columbia Valley
2015 Ramey Claret Napa Valley
2012 Fourcas-Borie Listrac Medoc Bordeaux
2015 Heinrich Red Burgenland
