1/21/20 The Cellar Door's 'BUZZED LIGHTYEAR' Hot Sheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BUZZED LIGHTYEAR' HOTSHEET
Epic Barbaresco, Cameron, Gevrey-Chambertin
2016 J. BOUCHON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON MAULE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON MAULE VALLEY
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Lately when it comes to under-20 Cabs, most of the quality lies within the small producers who are more focused on quality versus large conglomerates who would rather build some sort of PR-drivel brand. J. Bouchon is one of our favorites who produces lovely wines at extremely fair prices.
From vines that are 27 years old and made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the kind of wine that admirers of this grape all seem to want which is something under 20 bucks that tastes like it should cost much more. A voluptuous and flirtatious offering that does not have a mean bone in its body, this Cab possesses smooth, broad aromas and flavors of cassis, black cherry, aromatic tobacco and Indian spices. Offers up a more dry and tangy profile than a North American Cab with the finish being impressively exaggerated and revealing the earth tones from where it comes from. Very engaging to drink over the next 6-8 years.
From vines that are 27 years old and made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the kind of wine that admirers of this grape all seem to want which is something under 20 bucks that tastes like it should cost much more. A voluptuous and flirtatious offering that does not have a mean bone in its body, this Cab possesses smooth, broad aromas and flavors of cassis, black cherry, aromatic tobacco and Indian spices. Offers up a more dry and tangy profile than a North American Cab with the finish being impressively exaggerated and revealing the earth tones from where it comes from. Very engaging to drink over the next 6-8 years.
2018 TIBERIO TREBBIANO D'ABRUZZO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
There are numerous iterations and clones of the Trebbiano grape but one that is so very crucial is Trebbiano Abruzzese. This is the same version that goes into Valentini’s Trebbiano, which is regarded as one of the most prolific white wines in all of Italy. Riccardo Tiberio purchased the property in 1999 and with it came very old vine Trebbiano Abruzzese. Alas, this grape is becoming more difficult to find so when we are able to offer one from 55+ year old vines, it is something very special.
Trust me, if you are a fan of dry white wines, you will love this unoaked version from steep hills just inland from the Adriatic Sea. Incredibly intense and concentrated aromas attack the nose, a nod to the old vines in the vineyard. Packed to the brim with orange blossom, mineral-smoke, anisette, jasmine and white flowers with stunning nervosity that picks up the fleshy fruit and sends it spinning around the palate. The finish is long and satisfying; this is a real clinic of their wonderful terroir. A beautiful match with risotto or spaghetti with shellfish, cracked crab, omelets or white meats prepared very simply.
Trust me, if you are a fan of dry white wines, you will love this unoaked version from steep hills just inland from the Adriatic Sea. Incredibly intense and concentrated aromas attack the nose, a nod to the old vines in the vineyard. Packed to the brim with orange blossom, mineral-smoke, anisette, jasmine and white flowers with stunning nervosity that picks up the fleshy fruit and sends it spinning around the palate. The finish is long and satisfying; this is a real clinic of their wonderful terroir. A beautiful match with risotto or spaghetti with shellfish, cracked crab, omelets or white meats prepared very simply.
2018 TIBERIO CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Not to be outdone is Tiberio’s Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo. Think of this as a very light red or a very dark Rose. Whatever you want to label it as, it doesn’t matter because it is very delicious.
Made from 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from 50+ year old vines that is free run after significant skin contact, this wine is meant to be served chilled. Fleshy, cherry pit and raspberry aspect entire along with an array of spices that carry over into the brisk, mouth-filling and invigorating texture that has mighty, energetic burst at the end. Delicious by itself or with grilled fish, different spicy Thai influenced dishes, as well as pizza or a pasta Pomodoro.
Made from 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from 50+ year old vines that is free run after significant skin contact, this wine is meant to be served chilled. Fleshy, cherry pit and raspberry aspect entire along with an array of spices that carry over into the brisk, mouth-filling and invigorating texture that has mighty, energetic burst at the end. Delicious by itself or with grilled fish, different spicy Thai influenced dishes, as well as pizza or a pasta Pomodoro.
2017 CHARVIN COTES-DU-RHONE
'LE POUTET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LE POUTET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
I thought this was long sold out but because someone, somewhere didn’t take an allocation, I grabbed a tiny bit more. If one were to compile a short list of the greatest Chateauneuf producers, Domaine Charvin would definitely have to be included with the likes of Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe, Rayas and Clos des Papes. Laurent Charvin also happens to make formidable, very ageworthy Cotes-du-Rhone as well. Read further...
The 2017 Cotes-Du-Rhone is yet another moon shot for those who know the wines and a great introduction to Laurent Charvin's wines for those who are first-timers. This wine is much higher in quality than the average 12-dollar Cotes-Du-Rhone. This wine will crush a number of Chateauneuf! 80% Grenache and a 20% mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Bourboulenc from 15 hectares of vines (some up to 90 years old) which are just outside the border of Chateauneuf adjacent to the lieu dit of Maucoil. ‘Only’ entitled to Cotes-du-Rhone status, it offers up intense, penetrating blackberry fruit with explosive Thai and Provençal spices like hot peppers, lavender and rosemary. Full and densely textured although exquisitely silky smooth, which is a hallowed trademark of Charvin's wines as well as many of the fabulous 2017s. The finish is long and seductive but with plenty of structure. Drink now through 2025+.
The 2017 Cotes-Du-Rhone is yet another moon shot for those who know the wines and a great introduction to Laurent Charvin's wines for those who are first-timers. This wine is much higher in quality than the average 12-dollar Cotes-Du-Rhone. This wine will crush a number of Chateauneuf! 80% Grenache and a 20% mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Bourboulenc from 15 hectares of vines (some up to 90 years old) which are just outside the border of Chateauneuf adjacent to the lieu dit of Maucoil. ‘Only’ entitled to Cotes-du-Rhone status, it offers up intense, penetrating blackberry fruit with explosive Thai and Provençal spices like hot peppers, lavender and rosemary. Full and densely textured although exquisitely silky smooth, which is a hallowed trademark of Charvin's wines as well as many of the fabulous 2017s. The finish is long and seductive but with plenty of structure. Drink now through 2025+.
2014 CORTESE BARBARESCO 'RABAJA'
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
Without a doubt, the Cortese family is counted amongst the most profound producers of Barbaresco and they really make their mark with their top wines from the famed Rabaja Vineyard. Grand Cru defined, Rabaja is a site of kings and is one that cellars gloriously.
Unlike the 2014 vintage for Barolo, which is a mixed bag, the 2014 vintage for Barbaresco is outstanding because the region avoided the rainfall and hail that Barolo received. The wines are dynamic and have a Burgundy underbelly to them. This wine is a fabulous value, especially given the pricing for other producers’ versions of Rabaja and it also possesses a 94 point score from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: ‘Balsam, leather, perfumed berry, pressed blue flower and dark spice aromas lead the way in this elegant, vibrant red. The savory, focused palate offers red cherry, tobacco, licorice and ground clove flavors set against a backdrop of bright acidity and firm, refined tannins. Drink 2022–2034. – 94 POINTS
Unlike the 2014 vintage for Barolo, which is a mixed bag, the 2014 vintage for Barbaresco is outstanding because the region avoided the rainfall and hail that Barolo received. The wines are dynamic and have a Burgundy underbelly to them. This wine is a fabulous value, especially given the pricing for other producers’ versions of Rabaja and it also possesses a 94 point score from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: ‘Balsam, leather, perfumed berry, pressed blue flower and dark spice aromas lead the way in this elegant, vibrant red. The savory, focused palate offers red cherry, tobacco, licorice and ground clove flavors set against a backdrop of bright acidity and firm, refined tannins. Drink 2022–2034. – 94 POINTS
2017 VOLVER TEMPRANILLO
'PASO A PASO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
'PASO A PASO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
An insanely-priced, delicious red wine from Spain's La Mancha region that offers up a lot of flavor for not a lot of money.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose white in the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is very easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs.
Savory tones of strawberry, black cherry, chocolate, licorice and nutmeg qualities shine on the nose white in the mouth, caressing, full, juicy characteristics make this a wine that is very easy to like. Have it with barbecued ribs.
2018 CAMERON CHARDONNAY
DUNDEE HILLS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
What makes the Cameron Chardonnay always a special deal is its scion material is from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique. The 2018 is chock full of lemon, papaya and pear aromas that intermingle nicely with subtle stony character and undertones of spiced cereal. Flavorful without being overblown, owning a silky smooth mouthfeel and great balance, this wine is a consistent winner that pairs beautifully with most Northwest seafood like salmon and halibut, or makes the perfect match with roasted poultry.
Forget about the old style Oregon version of lean, mean and green as well as the butterbombs from California, Cameron and modern Oregon Chardonnay is all about balance and place and this wine is one of the great values and leaders.
Forget about the old style Oregon version of lean, mean and green as well as the butterbombs from California, Cameron and modern Oregon Chardonnay is all about balance and place and this wine is one of the great values and leaders.
2016 CHERON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'LES CHAMPONNETS' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
'LES CHAMPONNETS' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
Philippe Cheron is the epitome of Burgundy. Flying under the radar, this man hit the vineyard lottery when he inherited old vineyards from his grandparents that were leased by other luminous producers. When the leases were up, Philippe reclaimed the sites and we are all the better for it. Champonnets is a Premier Cru site that sits just above the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Philippe Cheron traded a parcel of Nuits-St-Georges to obtain these Premier Cru vines.
Darker presence for 2016 along with a hefty nose, cooler red fruits are present from northern exposure. Plenty of classic Gevrey licorice and plum prevail. Integrated nutmeg and pepper arrive. Powerfully built yet with underlying silk that will undoubtedly emerge and become very special indeed. Stacked and vertical finish that really sticks around Wow!! This is quite a steal given what many Gevrey Premiers Crus go for these days. Drink 2023+.
Darker presence for 2016 along with a hefty nose, cooler red fruits are present from northern exposure. Plenty of classic Gevrey licorice and plum prevail. Integrated nutmeg and pepper arrive. Powerfully built yet with underlying silk that will undoubtedly emerge and become very special indeed. Stacked and vertical finish that really sticks around Wow!! This is quite a steal given what many Gevrey Premiers Crus go for these days. Drink 2023+.
FRIDAY SIPS
Rhone Villages
This Friday January 24 from 1:30 – 6:30
Drop by this week as we check out wines from the named villages of the Southern Rhone Valley. Sablet, Cairanne and more on display
FEATURED WINES:
2017 Guintrandry Visan Cotes-du-Rhone Villages
2018 Cabasse Sablet Cotes-du-Rhone Villages
2015 Deydier Les Clefs D’Or Massif D’Uchaux Cotes-du-Rhone Villages
2016 Berthaut-Rayne Cairanne
BRUNELLO FRIDAY SIPS
Canalicchio di Franco Pacenti with Special Guest Lorenzo Pacenti
Next Friday Jan. 31 from 3:30 – 6:00
$10.00 tasting fee
$10.00 tasting fee
A special Friday tasting with a perennial favorite and upper echelon producer from Montalcino. Drop by to meet and taste with Lorenzo Pacenti as we highlight three wines from his vaunted Brunello di Montalcino estate.
FEATURED WINES:
2016 Canalicchio Rosso di Montalcino
2015 Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino
2014 Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino
2012 Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
