4/1/19 The Cellar Door's 'Technology Stinks, Buy More Wine' HotSheet

2016 EDGEBASTION 'PEPPER POT'
RED BLEND
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Instead of grappling with wines from South Africa we present one that falls into the category of recreationally satisfying and of course, scrumptious.

Edgebastion’s Pepper Pot Red Blend is A delicious, hearty red blend from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions that is chock full of flavor and South African individuality. 60% Syrah, 14% Carignan, 11% Tannat, 7% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault and 3% Grenache with ample character that upholds the wine's moniker of pepper pot. Violet, plum, smoke, freshly ground white pepper herbs and licorice dominate the nose while in the mouth, full, spicy, smooth-flowing flavors take hold. Very drinkable now and over the next 2-3 years with grilled anything.

2016 RAUL PEREZ
BIERZO BLANCO 'ULTREIA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

One of the real good guys in the wine world and along with the Palacios family, Raul Perez has been a force since the initial explosion of Bierzo nearly 20 years ago. He is not only a generous soul; he is also one of the leaders for change in the area. The white Bierzo (yes, small amounts of white wine are produced here) is a new wine from Perez and was without a doubt, the most compelling white wine I tasted this past month.

Made from 100% Godello, this takes this grape to another level. Being from Bierzo there is definitely some body and depth but the natural electricity of the grape shouts and zings. Pink grapefruit, mango and prominent slate-driven wet chalkboard scents follow through to a palate coating texture with ample verve, vibrancy and cut. Grab some swordfish, tuna or fresh Chinook salmon and toss it on the grill, this will enhance it even further. Drink this killer through 2022.

2016 RAUL PEREZ
BIERZO TINTO 'ULTREIA ST-JACQUES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Not to be outshined by the delicious white wine, Raul Perez’s entry level red Bierzo always over delivers and the newly arrived 2017 doesn’t fool around, especially with a 93 point score:

‘The clean, floral and 2017 Ultreia Saint Jacques comes mostly from old vineyards from different soils in Valtuille and Villadecanes fermented in stainless steel and oak vats with part of full clusters and matured in used barriques for one year. It's produced in a fresh and very drinkable way. This is one of the best values from Bierzo and Spain, and a great introduction to Bierzo. It's a more serious wine than what the wine was when it was first produced, fresh and elegant. It's very reliable and a great value.’ – 93 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

2016 BODEGAS CARO 'AMANCAYA'
CABERNET-MALBEC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Bodegas Caro is a collaboration between two legends of wine royalty. These are none other than the legendary Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Argentina's wine forefather, Nicolas Catena. The 2016 Amancaya is as usual, made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec and aged in French oak, one-quarter new. Both the Lafite and Catena influences are evident.

This full-flavored, but very fresh effort is sultry with pronounced cassis, blackberry, allspice and undertones of mineral and earth on the nose followed by a very complete palate that is supple, rich, forward and layered. Plenty of sneaky structure and finesse are present which will allow this knockout to age for well over 5-7 years.

2008 CALABRETTA (Etna Rosso)
NERELLO MASCALESE 'VECCHIE VIGNE'
$32.99 BTL./$395.88 CASE

Slow Food’s Slow Wine guide describes Calabretta’s style as “a thousand miles away” from other Italian wine, but the gap might be better measured in time, since the estate seems stuck somewhere in the 19th century. This is a good thing when it comes to this wine and yes, this IS the current release. Proprietor Massimilano Calabretta believes in aging his wines like traditional Barolo meaning extended time in large Slavonian botti. Even though this wine could be called Etna Rosso, Calabretta chooses not to do so, naming it after the grape varietal that is from 70+ year ungrafted old vines and is farmed without the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides. Simply put, this wine is a trip in time back to old Italy and is so damn delicious. Unlike modern Etna reds, this is sturdier and larger-scaled bringing forth scents of dark chocolate, black licorice, dried cherry, dried violet, pepper and hints of cinnamon and orange. Chewy, full-on, very cherry and intensely textured, there are plenty of complex, wild-spice and baked plum characteristics that come out. The finish is saturated and superbly long. Debonair, meditative stuff that can be drunk with substantial fare like grilled lamb, strong cheeses or pasta with game meats. Drinking well at 10 years, it will age even further. To experience these wines is something very special and if you love traditional Italian reds, I can’t encourage you more than to have a go at some bottles!

2017 OWEN ROE CABERNET FRANC
'ROSA MYSTICA'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

As many of our followers know, we have been working with Owen Roe wines since their inception and one thing that always stands out on David O'Reilly's roster of wines are his silent-assassin Cabernet Franc wines. One of the leaders with this particular varietal, the Rosa Mystica is made from several superb hillside Yakima Valley (including DuBrul & Red Willow) vineyards.

In true Owen Roe fashion, this flavorful wine coats the palate with velvety dark plum, raspberry, warm spice and chocolate covered cherry. What is most notable is that while this is quite a decadent wine, it shows great balance and restraint with polished tannins and brightness that holds your full attention. Beautiful to drink now and through the end of the decade. Try it with braised short ribs with a tangy sauce.

2017 BATTISTELLE SOAVE CLASSICO
'ROCCOLO DEL DURLO'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Last fall our friend Pancetta introduced these Soave wines to the market and quickly turned many heads. From the same valley as Pra, on the opposite slope, these wines convey superb definition of origin but most importantly, have terrific flavor impact. This singe cru is from the Roccolo del Durlo Vineyard, which is impressive with its volcanic, basalt rock soils, steep terraces and very old Garganega wines. No oak is utilized here however, 48 hours of skin contact followed by aging on the lees with batonnage practiced as well. Not only does this wine drink well early, it has excellent aging potential and goes with an abundance of cuisines.

Beautiful aromatics swirl from the glass with notes of mineral, lemon, white flowers and mushroom. There is a deep level of old-vine concentration that is mouth-coating and rich yet it is bone dry, with excruciatingly refreshing citrus notes of lemon, lime, tangerine, and even more mineral with the earth lingering beneath. This wine is a testament to old vines and beautiful artisanship and knowing when to let your amazing site just speak for itself. Have with salmon or a seafood risotto dish.

2015 VOGE CORNAS 'LES CHAILLES'
$53.99 - LIMITED!

The tiny appellation of Cornas is in the midst of being in a golden age these days. Along with a fountain of youth that has asserted themselves, there are still the grand old maestros that continue to make top-drawer wines. Voge has been one of our go-to producers for collectible French Syrah, specifically Cornas.

Les Chailles is from four specific sites in Cornas, 40-year-old vines and planted on sandstone and granite soils. As expected, it is rather youthful now as Cornas should be. Stunning nose, smoked bacon, generous red and black plum. Gains more mineral along with violet and rose petal. The texture is embryonic with muscle and detail; however, there is sexiness and allure waiting to come to the surface with cellar time. The finish is packed, long and laden with cracked pepper, smoke and hints of tapenade that really linger nicely. Hold this wine until 2021 and enjoy it through 2033+....and if you want a nice score, this has 95 points from The Wine Spectator.

FRIDAY SIPS

Four On The Floor

FEATURED WINES:

2017 Cameron Pinot Noir ‘Ribbon Ridge’
2016 Raul Perez Bierzo Blanco ‘Ultreia’
2015 Rostaing ‘Puech Noble’ Languedoc Rouge
2016 Agostina Pieri Rosso di Montalcino