11/18/19 The Cellar Door's 'CLEVELAND NEVER ROCKED' HotSheet

2017 LA JANASSE
COTES-DU-RHONE RESERVE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

When it comes to the Cotes-du-Rhone wines that we retail for under 20, Domaine de la Janasse’s version always seems to be the most cerebral. Yes, this is Cotes-du-Rhone but the outer shell always seems to have a Burgundian-like suaveness about them. Whether it be Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Cotes-du-Rhone, Christophe Sabon always performs at an apex level and in a top vintage like 2017; it tends to show extraordinarily well.

Upscale fragrances of hot-rock, lavender, fennel and blackberry Structured and very Provençal - seemingly fragrant in the mouth as well as lengthy, cerebral and ethereal. Drink over the next 5-6 years. If your budget won't allow for you to have a go at Janasse's higher end wines, the Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve is well worth drinking, especially on a weeknight.

2017 BALBOA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'WALLA WALLA ARTIST SERIES'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Balboa’s Tom Glase is really one of the superb Walla Walla producers that many have not heard of. Having cut his teeth at L’Ecole No. 41, Tom founded the Balboa label over a decade ago. Balboa’s estate Eidolon Vineyard in the Rocks District of Walla Walla sits at slightly higher elevation, which allows Cabernet Sauvignon to perform very well.

The 2017 Cabernet shows the power of the varietal and warmth of the site but being aged in used barrels, the special terroir of these vines comes through with lots of allure. Lushly structured and integrated, this wine shows black cherry, cassis and allspice aromas with flavors of ripe plum and dark chocolate carrying to an earthy, spicy finish. Delicious in its youth but will age nicely for a decade from vintage date.

2018 HENRI BOURGEOIS
SANCERRE 'LES BARONNES'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE

For ten generations, the Bourgeois family have had a presence in Sancerre with vines as well as having goats and sustenance crops. In the 1950s, Henri Bourgeois dove into solely growing grapes and being one of the names is responsible for the lofty status that Sancerre has attained over the years.

These days Famille Bourgeois produces thirteen different cuvees of Sancerre with the Les Baronnes being the essence of the blend of the mosaic of soils and terroirs of the region. Impressive with lovely balance of intense fruit coupled with terroir-driven notes of oyster shells, edamame, white flowers, minerality and a lengthy, uplifting finish. Coats and cleanses the palate beautifully and lingers on and on and on. Have this beautifully pure Sancerre with white fish like sole done with curry, crab cakes, fresh grilled salmon or oysters. A top-notch wine from one of France's most famous growing regions…do not miss out!

2017 TUA RITA ROSSO DEI NOTRI
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

A Super Tuscan blend from a luxury estate that is one of the finest values in the entire region! Tua Rita was founded in 1984 when Virgilio and Rita Tua planted Cabernet Sauvignon in an area located in close proximity to the Southern Tuscan coast in the province of Livorno. Having been working their land and continuing on a well-run trajectory, all of a sudden the estate gained instant celebrity status when Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave their 2000 Merlot known as Redigaffi 100 points.

The Rosso dei Notri is one of the fine wines on their roster and delivers a lovely Super Tuscan value. 50% Sangiovese backed up by 50% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. A warmer vintage, the 2017 is a wonderfully formed, invitingly layered number that reveals savory plum, chocolate-mint, sage and anise that follow into a generous, mouth-filling texture that has considerable dimension and depth. Submerged structure also is a fine indicator that this wine can and will age for a few years, too. Gorgeous to guzzle now, but given past experience, it will also age for 6-7 years. Enjoy with a grilled T-Bone or a Penne done with a Bolognese sauce.

2016 BELLE PENTE PINOT NOIR
'MURTO VINEYARD'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

One of the most underrated Oregon producers, Brian O'Donnell is an established, humble, quiet superstar in Oregon whose wines we absolutely believe in. This Yamhill-Carlton estate makes wines that are over-the-top and phenomenal for the price point, especially given all of the newbie, many dollar Oregon versions out there.

Planted in 1978, Murto is an exceptional Dundee Hills site and Brian has been making wine from this vineyard for over twenty years. Youthful as to be expected on the nose, with some aeration it shows pretty aromatics of plum, red raspberry, lavender, violet and resounding spice that is the hallmark of the vineyard. Precisely balanced fruit in the mouth, there is great fruit intensity here without being candied or in danger of being a lollipop wine. This is a result of meticulously farmed, old vine fruit\. There is excellent persistence here with everything in place to ensure aging capability. If you do drink this wine right now, we recommend decanting. For prime drinking, and a chance to really enjoy its complexity we recommend drinking from 2022-2030.

2016 CHOCAPAHLA CASTELAO TINTO
VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

What is happening in Portugal right now is nothing short of amazing. Red wines of substance and character are coming from this country and on all levels.

Made from the Castelão grape, this mouth-coating, everyday red delivers up loads of strawberry, licorice, herbs and coriander. Buxom, yet cerebral, there is a hell of a lot of goodness in the bottle. Chewy and beefy along with plenty of vibrancy to balance it out. Really fine with smoked meats.

2017 MICHELOT NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES
PREMIER CRU 'LA RICHEMONE'
$79.99 BTL. - LIMITED!

Domaine Alain Michelot is one of the stalwart, sturdy producers of the large village of Nuits-St-Georges. A visit to this Domaine is akin to attending NSG University because of the holdings that the estate owns. Various vineyards throughout the appellation have allowed for a true study. Alain Michelot always made excellent wines but in a more rustic, sturdier style. Daughter Elodie took over in 2006 and she has cleaned up rusticity and added a beautiful feminine touch without ever sacrificing Nuit’s depth and terroir. These wines are flying so far under the radar right now and we are proud to be out in front and offering them at terrific prices.


A house specialty chez Michelot is the miniscule but prolific La Richemone Premier Cru site that only has two owners. The vineyard is located in the northern part of Nuits-Saint-Georges between two great Premiers Crus sites, Les Chaignots and Les Cras with the soil being pink limestone, and a topsoil of silty clay and oolite scree. The soil here always allows for seductive wines that have a bit of underlying power to them. Given its youth, the 2017 is hiding its material but if you work and search, it will be found. Sexy aromatics. Combines violet and wild spice to go along with the cushion and penetration from the old vines. Very formidable and with great future. A great red Burgundy to age until its eighth or tenth birthday then enjoyed for another decade afterwards.

2012 MICHELOT NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES
PREMIER CRU 'LA RICHEMONE'
$79.99 BTL. - LIMITED!

One of the great sleeper vintages in the last decade-plus, 2012 has delivered sterling wines that are getting close to their drinking windows. This offering is sexy, wild, layered and possessing excellent potential. Lots of plum notes still here but we are moving into aspects of roses, wild strawberry, Wonderful movement on the palate however, there is still ample grip on the finish which notes that another year or two in bottle will allow for even more pleasure. A great wine indeed...Drink through 2030.

2016 TEDESCHI AMARONE CLASSICO
'MARNE 180'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

A few weeks ago, we had our friend Riccardo Tedeschi in the house for a small, intimate Seat at the Table Tasting. Riccardo is one of the region’s top producers and before we got started and were having conversations about many other things, he diverted, lit up and glowed, proudly stating that 2016 is something very special for Amarone. We tasted this killer about an hour later and it didn’t disappoint.

Full on with classic dried flower and plum notes that surround alluring spiced earth and pepper notes. Texturally, this is traditionally styled Amarone as it is dark, round and mouth coating. Large-scaled throughout, this finishes with powerful ripe red tones, excellent length and a lingering cocoa note that pleasantly hangs around. Like most Amarone, the acids and submerged tannins allow for early access, especially if you are having slow-braised beef or pork, but it will easily age well for 15-20 more years as well.

FRIDAY SIPS

Fabulous New French Arrivals from Animaux du Vin
Special Guest – Chad Zimmerman

FEATURED WINES:

2015 Chateau Gaillard Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
2015 Chateau Peyrou Cotes-du-Castillon
2016 Pesquier Gigondas
2016 Terriere Moulin-a-Vent 'La Lure'