7/13/20 The Cellar Door's 'PLAYIN' POSSUM' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'PLAYIN' POSSUM' HOTSHEET
Collectible 2016 Brezza Barolo wines, Stunning New Billecart-Salmon Champagne, Sancerre & Austrian Rose, Super Tuscan Special & Under-14 values
2018 HERMANOS PECINA
RIOJA COSECHA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
RIOJA COSECHA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Rioja artistry indeed! Given the sheer cost of doing such a venture, Hermanos Pecina is something that is virtually unheard of; a relatively new estate (founded 1992) in Rioja and one that lives up to the hype. When to comes to Rioja there are wines made in ‘modern-style’, ‘traditional-style’ and ‘old school Dr. J with an afro dunking over your ass-style’. Pedro Pecina worked for 20 years at La Rioja Alta so it is a no brainer that wines in the old school fashion would be produced at this favorite estate. While they most likely won’t enhance your slam-dunk abilities, they are utterly delicious.
Producing a range of Rioja wines in all price points, the introductory Cosecha is always a classy wine and fine value, however, at this price it is to be ordered by the trunkload! Made from 95% Tempranillo and a 5% blend of Graciano and Garnacha. An almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, it exudes class and character. Fleshy, fun and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness, it is smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday summer drop. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews.
Producing a range of Rioja wines in all price points, the introductory Cosecha is always a classy wine and fine value, however, at this price it is to be ordered by the trunkload! Made from 95% Tempranillo and a 5% blend of Graciano and Garnacha. An almost ruby nose of blue flowers, roasted earth, raspberries and strawberries, it exudes class and character. Fleshy, fun and fresh in the mouth with just the right amount of spiciness, it is smooth and plush without pretension and makes for a wonderful, everyday summer drop. Have it with a range of cuisine from cold meats and grilled vegetables to roasted chicken or fish stews.
2019 GERARD FIOU SANCERRE ROSE
'TERROIR SILEX'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'TERROIR SILEX'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Flintstones, meet the Flintstones. Perhaps with this selection it should be Flintstones, meet Gerry’s shocking pink because this is one of the coolest Sancerre Rose. A small estate situated in Saint-Satur on the eastern flank of Sancerre whose vineyards are packed with silex (flint) soils. Made by saignee and from older vines, this upscale Rose will immediately catch your attention as soon as it is poured into the glass.
Mighty minerality combines with shades of raspberry, smoke and saline, all which intensify as it unfurls in the glass. On the palate, lively attack reinforces freshness while the succulent depth of the old vine (60 years) pinot noir compliments the terroir notes. Voluminous, magnetic and rousing on the very persistent finish, it is a serious pink wine that deserves the same attention as any great Sancerre. Drink over the next 2-3 years with grilled salmon or a top-notch goat cheese.
Mighty minerality combines with shades of raspberry, smoke and saline, all which intensify as it unfurls in the glass. On the palate, lively attack reinforces freshness while the succulent depth of the old vine (60 years) pinot noir compliments the terroir notes. Voluminous, magnetic and rousing on the very persistent finish, it is a serious pink wine that deserves the same attention as any great Sancerre. Drink over the next 2-3 years with grilled salmon or a top-notch goat cheese.
2019 DIANETTI 'VIGNAJULIA'
OFFIDO PECORINO
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK
OFFIDO PECORINO
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK
If I had an award for the under-20 dollar Italian white wine of the year, Dianetti’s Pecorino would be my choice. Nestled in the southern reaches of the Le Marches, close to the Abruzzo border is the tiny growing region of Offida Pecorino. Having nothing to do with sheep’s milk cheese, the grape of choice is called Pecorino (it’s Italy, go figure). In 2011, this area was elevated to DOCG status due to its terroir but especially for the potential of the white wines made from the Pecorino grape.
The 2019 has arrived, I just had a bottle over the weekend, and it is smashing. Bone-crushing aromas of blood orange, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and catawba melon show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. Great with sea critters prepared with olive oil, garlic and tomatoes.
The 2019 has arrived, I just had a bottle over the weekend, and it is smashing. Bone-crushing aromas of blood orange, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and catawba melon show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. Great with sea critters prepared with olive oil, garlic and tomatoes.
2019 SCHLOSSKELLEREI GOBELSBURG
ROSE 'CISTERCIAN'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
ROSE 'CISTERCIAN'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Not known as a historic Rose producing wine nation, Austria has emerged with several fun selections for the summer months. Schloss Gobelsburg is located in the famed Kamptal region and they own land in many top vineyards of the region.
The 2019 Rose is made from two grapes that thrive in Austria (Zweigelt and Saint Laurent) and augmented with a bit of Pinot Noir all from cooler sites. Watermelon, blossoms and strawberries spring from the glass! In the mouth, it is laden with fleshy, flavorful red fruits buffered by searing, mouth-watering, citrusy qualities that follow through to a cool, mineral finish. Have it with grilled fish or grilled chicken…or all by itself while relaxing on your porch.
The 2019 Rose is made from two grapes that thrive in Austria (Zweigelt and Saint Laurent) and augmented with a bit of Pinot Noir all from cooler sites. Watermelon, blossoms and strawberries spring from the glass! In the mouth, it is laden with fleshy, flavorful red fruits buffered by searing, mouth-watering, citrusy qualities that follow through to a cool, mineral finish. Have it with grilled fish or grilled chicken…or all by itself while relaxing on your porch.
2017 TENUTA DI BISERNO
‘INSOGLIA DI CHINGALE’ ROSSO
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$167.94 – SIX PACK
‘INSOGLIA DI CHINGALE’ ROSSO
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 BTL./$167.94 – SIX PACK
Almost like a Kinks reunion, Tenuta di Biserno is a joint Bolgheri project between brothers Ludovico Antinori (Ornellaia/Massetto) and Marchesi Piero Antinori. The wines that come from this estate regularly are north of $100 and are some of the most sublime of Super Tuscan offerings so it is nice to offer their gateway wine at an excellent price.
From the Campo di Sasso site in Alta Maremma this red is blended with almost equal portions of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, then a dollop of Petite Verdot. Intense blackberry and blueberry tones weave through spices that range from nutmeg and vanilla to classic Christmas spices and cedarbox. Full-bodied, with sublime concentration and velvety tannins in the mouth carry over into a long and expansive finish. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Not much available...it will sell out quickly!
From the Campo di Sasso site in Alta Maremma this red is blended with almost equal portions of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, then a dollop of Petite Verdot. Intense blackberry and blueberry tones weave through spices that range from nutmeg and vanilla to classic Christmas spices and cedarbox. Full-bodied, with sublime concentration and velvety tannins in the mouth carry over into a long and expansive finish. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Not much available...it will sell out quickly!
2018 EYRIE PINOT BLANC
DUNDEE HILLS
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
The significance of Eyrie Vineyards and David Lett on Oregon's wine history can never be downplayed. Still going stronger than ever, David's son Jason is now at the wheel and continuing in his late father's footsteps by making terrific wines.
Eyrie's Pinot Blanc is one of Oregon's textbook white wines. Dry, crisp and terroir-driven as well owning more lift, dimension and body than the average Pinot Blanc, complex, spiced honey and wet-stone aromas surround smoke and red apple tones. In the mouth, the attack is restrained, precise and expansive. The enthusiasm for this wine around here is unyielding and is one that we enthusiastically recommend that you try with simply prepared halibut or chicken.
Eyrie's Pinot Blanc is one of Oregon's textbook white wines. Dry, crisp and terroir-driven as well owning more lift, dimension and body than the average Pinot Blanc, complex, spiced honey and wet-stone aromas surround smoke and red apple tones. In the mouth, the attack is restrained, precise and expansive. The enthusiasm for this wine around here is unyielding and is one that we enthusiastically recommend that you try with simply prepared halibut or chicken.
2018 HAYES VALLEY MERITAGE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Located in California’s Central Coast region and produced at Clos LaChance, the lineup of wines from this producer offer formidable bang for the buck. No, they will never be the level of Ridge Montebello or Ramey Chardonnay but for 10 bucks, one scores a hell of a lot of flavor and character.
Constructed with all five of the Bordeaux varietals, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Verdot, 45% Merlot & 20% Cabernet Franc, this toothsome treat presents boysenberry, dark chocolate, cedar and roasted coffee aromas that follow to a texture that is mouth-filling and full of California smoothness. A perfect wine to serve to a crowd and one that is an excellent cheeseburger choice.
Constructed with all five of the Bordeaux varietals, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Verdot, 45% Merlot & 20% Cabernet Franc, this toothsome treat presents boysenberry, dark chocolate, cedar and roasted coffee aromas that follow to a texture that is mouth-filling and full of California smoothness. A perfect wine to serve to a crowd and one that is an excellent cheeseburger choice.
CHAMPAGNE BILLECART-SALMON
BRUT 'SOUS BOIS'
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
BRUT 'SOUS BOIS'
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
A longtime Cellar Door favorite, Billecart-Salmon has been absolutely killing it, especially since 2000. About a decade ago or so, the house introduced a cuvee called Sous Bois. Not much is made but for the first time we are excited to offer something new from this famed house.
Sous Bois goes back to the way Champagne was produced before the arrival of stainless steel tanks with the base wines aged in barrels. 15-year-old neutral barrels are used for bringing up equal parts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier all from select vineyards and villages. It also stays on the yeast for at least 6 years before disgorgement. What we have here is beyond exciting. Dried tangerine, toffee, brioche, fig, apple feuillette, vanilla and on and on and on…Texturally the smooth and stylish bubbles slowly expand on the palate and fill the mouth. Power, luminosity, depth, savory aspects and succulence all draw you back for sip after sip. This is truly special Champagne and at a terrific price.
Sous Bois goes back to the way Champagne was produced before the arrival of stainless steel tanks with the base wines aged in barrels. 15-year-old neutral barrels are used for bringing up equal parts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier all from select vineyards and villages. It also stays on the yeast for at least 6 years before disgorgement. What we have here is beyond exciting. Dried tangerine, toffee, brioche, fig, apple feuillette, vanilla and on and on and on…Texturally the smooth and stylish bubbles slowly expand on the palate and fill the mouth. Power, luminosity, depth, savory aspects and succulence all draw you back for sip after sip. This is truly special Champagne and at a terrific price.
2016 BREZZA BAROLO 'SARMASSA'
$64.99 BTL./$389.94 - SIX PACK
$64.99 BTL./$389.94 - SIX PACK
These days many folks ask me what they should be buying and collecting. Usually the first words that come out are 2016 Barolo/Barbaresco. Enzo Brezza is an exceptional, ultra-traditional producer has been on fire with undervalued Barolo wines, all which come from the hallowed slopes of his home base of Barolo village. Not as well-known as Cannubi (see below), the finest wines of Enzo’s range come from Sarmassa, located in close proximity to Cannubi and straddling the border of La Morra and Cerequio. This also includes a Bricco Sarmassa Riserva that is only released in the finest vintages (we will see the 2016 a few years down the road). Meantime, this wine is a showstopper indeed.
I had to resort to the Satanic stylings of the Swedish metal band Ghost (all tongue in cheek LOL!) to write about these Barolo wines. Sarmassa would be ‘Kiss the Go-Goat’. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, sinister and youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry, black licorice and perfume tones arrive with air. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has buried waves of depth that will undoubtedly arrive with cellar time. Submerged tannins and spine are present on the eternally long and packed finish. This wine needs to go into the cellar and forgotten until at least 2025 and then consumed through 2040. Also 95 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
I had to resort to the Satanic stylings of the Swedish metal band Ghost (all tongue in cheek LOL!) to write about these Barolo wines. Sarmassa would be ‘Kiss the Go-Goat’. The aromas are very sultry, extensive, sinister and youthfully rambunctious as is to be expected at this juncture. Perfumed rose petal and anise rule the moment with mineral and earth from traditional vinification weaving themselves in as it sits in the glass. Cherry, black licorice and perfume tones arrive with air. Grand Cru penetration of fruit and detail permeate throughout this wine. Gripping, structured and compact texture that has buried waves of depth that will undoubtedly arrive with cellar time. Submerged tannins and spine are present on the eternally long and packed finish. This wine needs to go into the cellar and forgotten until at least 2025 and then consumed through 2040. Also 95 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
2016 BREZZA BAROLO 'CANNUBI'
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
Sometimes with stardom comes arrogance and pretense. With so much recent worldwide demand for Brezza’s impeccable Italian masterpieces, one could expect this Barolo maestro to be a total jagoff. This is absolutely not the case, and while we always love selling great wine, it is an even greater pleasure to sell great wines from a genius and artist who is gentlemanly, extremely friendly and nice like Enzo Brezza!
2016 is a special vintage and will very slowly, but not to worry, the magic will arrive. Currently, the 2016 Brezza Cannubi possesses profound qualities as well. Cannubi is like the poppy hooks of Ghost’s ‘Mary on a Cross’. Catchy and melodic, primary and almost inviting scents rule the day. Rose and strawberry licorice play off mushroom, tar and smoke. One can almost just smell this all day long! On the palate it is still tight as a tick, but with superb ripeness and stellar potential. Very wiry and Burgundian-influenced, especially on the youthful finish, which is stacked and packed with grand cru depth and length! Firm, penetrating and destined for greatness! Hold on to this until 2025 and it will undoubtedly live and develop even further for another two decades and beyond.
2016 is a special vintage and will very slowly, but not to worry, the magic will arrive. Currently, the 2016 Brezza Cannubi possesses profound qualities as well. Cannubi is like the poppy hooks of Ghost’s ‘Mary on a Cross’. Catchy and melodic, primary and almost inviting scents rule the day. Rose and strawberry licorice play off mushroom, tar and smoke. One can almost just smell this all day long! On the palate it is still tight as a tick, but with superb ripeness and stellar potential. Very wiry and Burgundian-influenced, especially on the youthful finish, which is stacked and packed with grand cru depth and length! Firm, penetrating and destined for greatness! Hold on to this until 2025 and it will undoubtedly live and develop even further for another two decades and beyond.
