2/16/21 The Cellar Door's 'PRAGNOSTIGATOR' HotSheet


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'PRAGNOSTIGATOR' HOTSHEET
Two Winter Rose wines, Trimbach Pinot Blanc & Tuscan Specials, Bordeaux, Napa, under -10 red & more


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2016 TRIMBACH PINOT BLANC
SPECIAL - $14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

Reg. 21.99...We at The Cellar Door have a genuine affinity for Pinot Blanc. The sheer deliciousness of this grape is quite exciting and we love how much that it differentiates its various terroirs from wherever in the world that it is grown, becoming individual, meaning Alto Adige’s versions are different from Oregon which are different from Alsace which are different from Austria. Who knows, maybe a tasting could be in our future.

Trimbach is a legend in Alsace and after recently having a bottle of the 2016; it made me remember why I still like the good that Alsace brings to the wine world even if it is slightly out of fashion. Trends change but Trimbach still maintains their path of dry, terroir-driven wines. This wine is a throwback. Not in the sense of classic or relic, it is literally one to throw back, especially since it is 12.5% alcohol. It all starts with pretty aromatics of melon, pear, and a hint of lychee, continuing in the mouth, with citrus fruit, along with mineral, earth, a hint of spice, and a long, dry, crisp finish. An excellent value, all of those who enjoy Pinot Blanc or have not had a Trimbach or Alsace version in a while, will fall in love with this white wine. This wine is dry but has generosity that will hold up to curried and Asian inspired dishes as well as being masterful with roasted chicken or pork. Also 91 points from Vinous.



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2016 HAMACHER PINOT NOIR 'H'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Eric Hamacher is one of Oregon's superstars and his wines are extremely sensible, confident and terroir-driven reflecting the heart and soul of Oregon Pinot. Hamacher's "H" Pinot Noir always represents one of the finest values in Oregon Pinot and 2016 is way above "everyday value" status!

Hamacher's 2016 "H" Pinot Noir is one of the sexiest wines we have seen from Eric. Teeming with alluring raspberry and plum aromas with overtones of lavender and cracked pepper, this is one sensuous number! The palate is forward, dazzling and layered with flavors that caress their way to the back of the mouth and finish incredibly long for an under-$25 pinot, something that virtually NEVER happens! Drink now and over the next 4-6 years.



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2016 CHATEAU LESTAGE-DARQUIER
MOULIS-EN-MEDOC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Back when visiting Bordeaux back in 2014 I made a prediction that the wines from Listrac and Moulis would become more important in the region. With the proliferation of fine growers there, it was only a matter of time until this prognostication came true. Chateau Lestage-Darquier is situated in a hill district made famous by Chateau Chasse-Spleen about halfway between the Listrac and Margaux regions. This is quality gravelly soil over top of Garonne clay and makes for a lovely red Bordeaux that compared to a few neighbors that are more famous, is criminally undervalued.

2016 is an awe-inspiring vintage for Bordeaux and this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc is from vines planted in 1975. Classic Bordeaux aromas, but allow it to breathe for 30 minutes and it will detonate in the glass and show just how fine it is. Generous tones of blackcurrant, Valrhona chocolate, smoke, mineral, earth and cedar-box follow into an archetypal texture that reveals the depth and thrust of the vintage but maintains its delineation and class. Enjoyable now, however, this will drink beautifully and develop even further through 2026 and probably beyond.



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2019 NERVI-CONTERNO
'IL ROSATO'
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Reg. $26.99...In 2018, the wine world was abuzz as legendary Barolo vintner Roberto Conterno of Giacomo Conterno and Monfortino fame bought a controlling interest in this Gattinara producer. The anticipation of what Roberto would do in this Northnern Piedmont region was immense and as the wines started to roll out that anticipation turned into impressive reality due to the quality of the wines.

90% Nebbiolo, 10% Uva Rara and when done as a pink wine, takes on the character of the varietals, yet totally refreshes the mouth with glee. Neon-pink in color along with full, generous, bursting aromas of strawberry, white pepper, graphite, saline and mineral, which lead into a brisk, mouth-filling, uplifting and invigorating texture that coats and cleanses the palate then luxuriously lingers on for minutes. Always a better autumn/winter Rose, enjoy this wine with antipasti, crab or sauteed trout.



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2017 AGUSTI TORELLO CAVA
BRUT ROSE 'TREPAT
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Often times Cava can be stereotyped and referred to as being industrial. While this region South of Barcelona certainly has producers like refinery producers like Frexinet and Segura Viudas, there is a thriving scene of growers producing great sparkling wines that are more than just eye opening. One of the greatest sparkling wine producers outside of France, Augsti Torello is the renowned godfather of the grower Cava producers. What makes it so special? Agustí Torelló makes small quantities of handcrafted sparkling wines based around the areas indigenous varietals.

Made in the Champagne method with extended lees aging, this pink fizz is made from the ever-popular Trepat grape that actually produces excellent Rose wines both still and sparkling. The color is hot pink that looks and tastes stunning once it is poured. The mousse is a delicate foam that cascades over one's tongue. The finish is all-together refined and elegant. The wine is dry showing lots of juicy red currants and fresh strawberries touched by rose petals and ginger. Perfect for post ice-storm celebrations.



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2013 LUIS PATO BAIRRADA VINHA PAN
$29.99 BTL. - LIMITED

Like any wine producing country, Portugal has its resident renegades and eccentric producers. One such is the great and renowned Luis Pato. From his service in the navy to becoming a chemist and working with ceramics, many of the things that he learned are put to use in the family wine business in 1984. The challenge for Pato is the Bairrada region itself with its tricky Atlantic climate and its finicky grape varietal, Bago. Pato has his hand in all aspects of the wines. He does everything himself from making the wines to designing the labels to selling the products worldwide. Each bottle bears an immediately distinguishable feature - a duck in one pose or another, for pato means duck in Portuguese.

Vinha Pan is a steep site that was planted in 1984. Plenty of Atlantic aspects here, but the bottom line is that this wine is certainly well poised with an abundance of character and yet with an enlightened height of smoothness. A mysterious brunette, this red has many twists and turns as well as layered cassis/currant qualities, touches of peppermint, lavender, Eastern spice and cinnamon tones that are layered and well-integrated. The superb finish fans out with an array of herb, spice and turned earth qualities that combine Portugal’s endearing aspects with influences of Bordeaux. Starting to drink exquisitely now and can be cellared and consumed for another 6-8 years as well.



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2015 SPRING MOUNTAIN ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK

Spring Mountain is prime real estate for Cabernet Sauvignon, with Diamond Mountain to its north and Mt. Veeder to the south. A sort of cult winery going back to the 1960s, we have not seen them in over 10 years. For those of you who are not familiar with this winery, Spring Mountain is a small production operation, all of the fruit is from their own three historic vineyards in this elite Spring Mountain appellation of Napa Valley, and the quality is still impeccable. Considering how expensive the majority of Napa Cab is these days, this special wine is quite a deal and ages beautifully.

'Sports an intense and pure beam of raspberry and cassis flavors, flanked by sage, incense and black tea aromas and backed by mouthwatering licorice snap notes and a bramble-filled finish. A beautiful example of mountain fruit. Best from 2022 through 2040.' – 95 POINTS – WINE SPECTATOR



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2017 SESTI MONTELECCIO
TOSCANA ROSSO
SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Reg. $26.99…Sesti is a luxurious, high-end Brunello producer who makes wines that are sought after by collectors and Tuscan wine aficionados. While their top wines easily cross the three-digit mark, they also make a terrific wine from 100% Sangiovese within the borders of Montalcino. Taking the Monteleccio, which is the Italian version of the Latin name of Montalcino, meaning hill of the holm oaks, this wine gives a Sesti experience for a nice price.

Aged one year in 3000 liter barrels and traditionally formed, this is a traditional offering refraining from heavy-handed use of oak and over-extraction. Instead, the pure dark cherry, licorice, and spice aromas and flavors that we all look for in good Sangiovese shine through. If you are looking for a very good wine from the area around Montalcino that you can enjoy now, and won’t break the bank, then stock up on special. Drink through 2024+.



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2018 BODEGAS RAMON RAMOS
TORO 'MONTETORO'
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

When it comes to describing a few Tempranillo growing regions in Spain, it is quite easy. Ribera Del Duero: masculine. Rioja: feminine. Toro: drag queen.

Aged in concrete, this clean, full-fruit offering has no shortage of flavor. Dark berry and plum fruit with nutmeg, cinnamon and smoked clay aspects provide ample impact for a 10-buck wine. Have this enjoyable, buxom red with grilled steak or pork chops.