9/2/20 The Cellar Door's Wednesday Wine
CELLAR DOOR'S WEDNESDAY WINE
Malbec Sampler, Red & White Burgundy Specials, Pra Soave, under 15 buck Gruner & more
2016 PERNOT-BELICARD
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
[reg. $29.99]
SPECIAL - $21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Surprise surprise, they put the last of this wine back on special! If you love white Burgundy, wrap your arms around this because the 2017 is $30 and the 2018 will be even more. The name Pernot in Puligny-Montrachet is quite an excellent one. Philippe Pernot is the son of the legendary Paul Pernot. To this day he continues to work at his father’s Domaine, however, he and his wife also make wine from her family’s plots under the Pernot-Belicard label that range from this moonsaulting Bourgogne all the way up to a stellar Meursault-Perrieres.
From just below the Puligny limitation and above the Route National in a very respectable neighborhood, this is essence of Cote D’Or white Burgundy. Sophistication and harmony in the bottle and glass, this is a superior version of Bourgogne Blanc. Floral notes with orange, mineral, rosemary and anise lead into a wiry, nervy texture that has all of the weight and richness that the low-yielding 2016 white Burg vintage has to offer. A linear, complex and lengthy finish makes this a great wine for matching up with sole or halibut in rich sauces. Drink over the next 4-5 years.
From just below the Puligny limitation and above the Route National in a very respectable neighborhood, this is essence of Cote D’Or white Burgundy. Sophistication and harmony in the bottle and glass, this is a superior version of Bourgogne Blanc. Floral notes with orange, mineral, rosemary and anise lead into a wiry, nervy texture that has all of the weight and richness that the low-yielding 2016 white Burg vintage has to offer. A linear, complex and lengthy finish makes this a great wine for matching up with sole or halibut in rich sauces. Drink over the next 4-5 years.
2019 GOODFELLOW FAMILY CELLARS
WHISTLING RIDGE BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WHISTLING RIDGE BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Full disclosure, Marcus Goodfellow has been a good friend of The Cellar Door for over 20 years and Bryan has had shared bottles and football trash-talk with him since 1994. Someone once related to us, that "the friends are the friends and the business is the business" which for us translates that when it comes time to making wine decisions, those minutes that we taste, friendship momentarily gets set aside. This all being said, after tasting the Whistling Ridge White from when I visited Goodfellow Cellars on Monday morning, it reconfirmed everything we said a few years back about this wine, it is truly one of the best white wines produced in Oregon.
Made with traditional grapes seen both in Alsace and here in Oregon, the desire to allow Whistling Ridge Vineyard to speak and transcending the varietals is mightily accomplished in this bottle. Virtually glistening aromas of honeysuckle, apple, lemon, tinges of exotic spice and most importantly, a real rocky minerality, which comes from the non-irrigated vines taking a vow of poverty and having to go deep to find the basalt rock and where the moisture lies within this vineyard's soils. Intense depth, dry, racy and radiant with loads of personality and structure in the mouth…long, mouth-watering and extensively complex on the finish. Absolutely delightful now, my instincts say that this wine will age impeccably. If you want to have it now, try it with smoked salmon or grilled Tuna done with Chinese 5-spice, soy and ginger; a few years down the road, have it with chicken in a mushroom sauce or soft-ripened triple crème cheeses.
Made with traditional grapes seen both in Alsace and here in Oregon, the desire to allow Whistling Ridge Vineyard to speak and transcending the varietals is mightily accomplished in this bottle. Virtually glistening aromas of honeysuckle, apple, lemon, tinges of exotic spice and most importantly, a real rocky minerality, which comes from the non-irrigated vines taking a vow of poverty and having to go deep to find the basalt rock and where the moisture lies within this vineyard's soils. Intense depth, dry, racy and radiant with loads of personality and structure in the mouth…long, mouth-watering and extensively complex on the finish. Absolutely delightful now, my instincts say that this wine will age impeccably. If you want to have it now, try it with smoked salmon or grilled Tuna done with Chinese 5-spice, soy and ginger; a few years down the road, have it with chicken in a mushroom sauce or soft-ripened triple crème cheeses.
2016 PILLOT POMMARD TAVENNES
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $46.99 BTL. - LIMITED
[reg. $59.99]
SPECIAL - $46.99 BTL. - LIMITED
It is a well-known fact that we have had a genuine attraction to Laurent Pillot's wines for many years. We have been working with his white wines since the mid-90s and lately we seem to get even more excited when we taste his red wines and here is one where we have drastically reduced the price.
Part of a movement to bring out the beauty of Pommard in lieu of its once stereotypical hard, virile qualities, Laurent Pillot makes wines here that have both stylish aspects to go along with aromatic intensity and beauty as well as never losing substance or depth. 2016 is somewhat of a miraculous vintage for Burgundy given the miniscule quantities due to the frost. What remained and especially the red wine, delivered power-laden, structured and profound wines. Across the board, these are lovely, focused wines possessing depth and plenty of potential for aging. The 2016 Tavennes has an exciting, jumping perfumed nose that penetrates and keeps building in the glass. Blueberry, cherry, rose, mineral and red earth follow through to a youthful, well-structured, debonair palate that spreads out on the palate and then does what a young red Burgundy typically does, packs in and flips you off telling you to come back in a few years! Very persistent and profound, this is stunning and with a decanting, can be accessed but ultimately will be best end of 2021 through 2030. Drink with beef stroganoff, beef bourguignon or mushroom feasts.
Part of a movement to bring out the beauty of Pommard in lieu of its once stereotypical hard, virile qualities, Laurent Pillot makes wines here that have both stylish aspects to go along with aromatic intensity and beauty as well as never losing substance or depth. 2016 is somewhat of a miraculous vintage for Burgundy given the miniscule quantities due to the frost. What remained and especially the red wine, delivered power-laden, structured and profound wines. Across the board, these are lovely, focused wines possessing depth and plenty of potential for aging. The 2016 Tavennes has an exciting, jumping perfumed nose that penetrates and keeps building in the glass. Blueberry, cherry, rose, mineral and red earth follow through to a youthful, well-structured, debonair palate that spreads out on the palate and then does what a young red Burgundy typically does, packs in and flips you off telling you to come back in a few years! Very persistent and profound, this is stunning and with a decanting, can be accessed but ultimately will be best end of 2021 through 2030. Drink with beef stroganoff, beef bourguignon or mushroom feasts.
2018 PRA SOAVE CLASSICO
'MONTE GRANDE'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
'MONTE GRANDE'
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE
The Mother of all Soave wines is back and in the superb 2018 vintage. In my humble opinion, this has been the Soave of the vintage the last three years running. In 2018, the race will be for second best because this wine is utterly special!
At the top of the Soave mountain of winemaking sits Graziano Pra. His single vineyard Monte Grande does not really get any better, and not to mention that 2018 was a 150 point vintage in Northeast Italy. 70% Garganega and 30% of Trebbiano di Soave (actually a cousin of Verdicchio). The Trebbiano is blended in for its briskness. This adds a buffer to the Garganega, which is picked later, provides the wine’s density, form and full character. Nevertheless, it is Pra and poise is what always rules the day with all of their wines, especially this selection. Gorgeous aromatics seduce with notes of mineral, lemon, and white flowers. Bone dry, excruciatingly refreshing citrus notes of lemon, lime, orange, not to mention even more mineral and a touch of mushroom and earth lingering beneath. Very complex, and just plain fun to drink, this is one of our absolute favorite Italian white wines, and a perfect drink for what we hope is an excellent fall salmon season.
At the top of the Soave mountain of winemaking sits Graziano Pra. His single vineyard Monte Grande does not really get any better, and not to mention that 2018 was a 150 point vintage in Northeast Italy. 70% Garganega and 30% of Trebbiano di Soave (actually a cousin of Verdicchio). The Trebbiano is blended in for its briskness. This adds a buffer to the Garganega, which is picked later, provides the wine’s density, form and full character. Nevertheless, it is Pra and poise is what always rules the day with all of their wines, especially this selection. Gorgeous aromatics seduce with notes of mineral, lemon, and white flowers. Bone dry, excruciatingly refreshing citrus notes of lemon, lime, orange, not to mention even more mineral and a touch of mushroom and earth lingering beneath. Very complex, and just plain fun to drink, this is one of our absolute favorite Italian white wines, and a perfect drink for what we hope is an excellent fall salmon season.
LA POSTA MALBEC SAMPLER
3 BOTTLES - $45.00
Laura Catena’s La Posta project is based around grape growing families in Argentina and reflective of where they are grown. La Posta also means ‘the tavern’ because this is where many folks would gather locally to share and drink many bottles of their wines.
2017 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PAULUCCI'
Angel Paulucci's family produced wine in Italy since the early 1800's, and Angel arrived in Mendoza with his parents in 1953 at the age of 21. The vines for these selections come from Ugarteche at the southern limit of the Lujan de Cuyo department.
Black licorice, smoke, red raspberry, tar and rose petal intermingle with subtle sandalwood and vanilla notes that show wonderful refinement. The palate is nicely integrated, velvety and possessing good concentration. The finish is sleek, lasting and incredibly full of life. Drink it now - 2019 and with grilled pork chops or leg of lamb.
Black licorice, smoke, red raspberry, tar and rose petal intermingle with subtle sandalwood and vanilla notes that show wonderful refinement. The palate is nicely integrated, velvety and possessing good concentration. The finish is sleek, lasting and incredibly full of life. Drink it now - 2019 and with grilled pork chops or leg of lamb.
2017 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PIZZELLA'
Pizzella is a complete left turn in comparison to the Paulucci listed above with grapes coming from the Altimira section of La Consulta. The vines here are a bit younger and this number tends to be darker and spicier in its profile, possessing ample blueberry, plum, licorice, and allspice tones while never straying outside of its refined frame.
Very typical of a Laura Catena wine, this wine is not about sheer power and is more about complexity, depth and above all poise. Lots of lingering pleasantness on the finish, this is a perfect wine to enjoy with meat dishes and those combined with tomatoes. Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Very typical of a Laura Catena wine, this wine is not about sheer power and is more about complexity, depth and above all poise. Lots of lingering pleasantness on the finish, this is a perfect wine to enjoy with meat dishes and those combined with tomatoes. Drink over the next 3-4 years.
2017 LA POSTA MALBEC 'FAZZIO'
Along with Paulucci and Pizzella, Fazzio is yet another Malbec and this version comes from the Tupungato region of Mendoza and grown at 3500 feet.
Pristine and pure Malbec scents of black licorice, graphite, blackberry, herbs and spices. Lush and bold with underlying firmness. The regalness that this estate obtains is insane especially given the price point. The finish has plenty of freshness and red tones that call you back for another glass, another bottle or another case.
Pristine and pure Malbec scents of black licorice, graphite, blackberry, herbs and spices. Lush and bold with underlying firmness. The regalness that this estate obtains is insane especially given the price point. The finish has plenty of freshness and red tones that call you back for another glass, another bottle or another case.
2019 BERGER GRUNER VELTLINER
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Austria is not Germany and Germany is not Austria, the wines that come from these two countries are very different. For starters and probably the most important distinction to make is that most Austrian whites are dry. Although there are high quality and beautiful Rieslings being made in both countries, grüner veltliner is an expertise of the Austrians. Gruner Veltliner is the wonder grape that goes with many foods that usually make wine taste weird. Berger produces transparent wines that are amongst the best values of Austria. Best of all, they come in liter bottles.
Generous with mineral soaked lemon-lime and peach aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouth-feel that instantly coats, cleanses, and simply doesn't quit. We love this and if you like fresh, intense and nervy wines, you will too. A superb effort to enjoy for this last blast of summer, try this delicious Gruner with everything from salad, broccoli, grilled asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
Generous with mineral soaked lemon-lime and peach aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouth-feel that instantly coats, cleanses, and simply doesn't quit. We love this and if you like fresh, intense and nervy wines, you will too. A superb effort to enjoy for this last blast of summer, try this delicious Gruner with everything from salad, broccoli, grilled asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
2017 CORREGGIA ROERO NEBBIOLO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Matteo Correggia was one of the profound influences when it comes to the rise of quality and the recognition of Piedmont’s Roero region. Sadly he departed earth way too early but his legacy lives on with his family’s wines as well as many other producers within this area.
Aromatic, fine, complex and a complete over-achiever, this 100% Nebbiolo demands respect and adulation from the first moment it is poured. Licorice-laden, nice floral tones, chinato-herbs and very steely, it is linear, wiry and textbook with upscale depth and material all without ever being ponderous. True character and finesse shine on the packed, persistent finish - drink it through 2016, it'll age nicely. If you love Barolo and Barbaresco but not the price points, then you must have a go at this hard-working Nebbiolo.
Aromatic, fine, complex and a complete over-achiever, this 100% Nebbiolo demands respect and adulation from the first moment it is poured. Licorice-laden, nice floral tones, chinato-herbs and very steely, it is linear, wiry and textbook with upscale depth and material all without ever being ponderous. True character and finesse shine on the packed, persistent finish - drink it through 2016, it'll age nicely. If you love Barolo and Barbaresco but not the price points, then you must have a go at this hard-working Nebbiolo.
