3/5/21 Cameron, Cinque Terre & Cabernet Franc - The Cellar Door
Cameron, Cinque Terre & Cabernet Franc
2019 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
RIBBON RIDGE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
RIBBON RIDGE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
2019 is a Pinot Noir lover’s vintage meaning that it is a classic, cool and drawn out vintage. It also possesses ample detail and doesn’t require a pack of Kools to pair with it. Normally this area can produce full-throttle wines but in this vintage, it rendered out at 12.5% alcohol without ever losing its depth but has class and Cameron soul and spirit abound.
Solely from White Oak Vineyard where JP also sources his Nebbiolo and as the man says, is owned by Hippie Alan. In all seriousness, this small 2-acre plot owned by Alan Foster offers up loads of potential. Sensuous plum/pepper notes surround freshly cut roses, red earth, cranberry, subtle nutmeg and smoke tones. In the mouth, it possesses the same nimble, complex aspects that are displayed on the nose. Caressing with good richness and total finesse and harmony, it spreads out nicely on the extensive, peppery finish. Very attractive now, to me this is the finest version of this wine to date and it promises to age nicely for 6-7 years as well.
Solely from White Oak Vineyard where JP also sources his Nebbiolo and as the man says, is owned by Hippie Alan. In all seriousness, this small 2-acre plot owned by Alan Foster offers up loads of potential. Sensuous plum/pepper notes surround freshly cut roses, red earth, cranberry, subtle nutmeg and smoke tones. In the mouth, it possesses the same nimble, complex aspects that are displayed on the nose. Caressing with good richness and total finesse and harmony, it spreads out nicely on the extensive, peppery finish. Very attractive now, to me this is the finest version of this wine to date and it promises to age nicely for 6-7 years as well.
CAMERON ORDERS WILL ARRIVE NEXT WEEK
2019 TENUTA TERENZUOLA
CINQUE TERRE BIANCO
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
CINQUE TERRE BIANCO
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
With so much of the world essentially being under house arrest due to the pandemic, there has been such a yearn to travel. While we still can’t quite get there yet, here is a wine selection that will help you remember or help you dream of that trip to Cinque Terre in Italy’s Liguria region.
Once you get past the hordes of tourists, there are some very fine white wines made in the area in the miniscule Cinque Terre DOC, which was established in 1973. Terenzuola’s terraced vineyards overlook the sea and are located in Riomaggiore and Vernazza. The whole extension is about one and a half hectare, split into five plots of land of which produces a mere 4000 bottles (that’s about 330 cases to you and me, Russ). Made from Vermentino, along with two native grapes, Bosco and Albarola, this white wine is sizzling indeed. The decomposed sandstone soils combined with close proximity to the sea allows the vines to breathe in the salty air. A full on, delicious white that is extremely compelling with expressive notes of lemon blossom, star anise, saline, freesia and minerality on the nose. The luscious entry gives way to a vinous texture that is elevated and possessing perky crispness and balance; a total vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs, green vegetables, kale, mushrooms, asparagus and more.
Once you get past the hordes of tourists, there are some very fine white wines made in the area in the miniscule Cinque Terre DOC, which was established in 1973. Terenzuola’s terraced vineyards overlook the sea and are located in Riomaggiore and Vernazza. The whole extension is about one and a half hectare, split into five plots of land of which produces a mere 4000 bottles (that’s about 330 cases to you and me, Russ). Made from Vermentino, along with two native grapes, Bosco and Albarola, this white wine is sizzling indeed. The decomposed sandstone soils combined with close proximity to the sea allows the vines to breathe in the salty air. A full on, delicious white that is extremely compelling with expressive notes of lemon blossom, star anise, saline, freesia and minerality on the nose. The luscious entry gives way to a vinous texture that is elevated and possessing perky crispness and balance; a total vehicle for fish jacked with anise and Italian herbs, green vegetables, kale, mushrooms, asparagus and more.
2018 J.M. RAFFAULT CHINON
CLOS D'ISORE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CLOS D'ISORE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Chinon and Cabernet Franc freaks all know the prowess of the likes of Joguet or Baudry but more and more we are seeing a good core of producers rising to the upper echelon and Rodolphe Raffault is certainly one of them. We have offered Rodolphe's entry wines in the past but this time we are offering one of the superb single vineyard offerings. One of the top sites of Chinon, Raffault owns 14 of the 36 acres making the family the largest holders of the site.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates back to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 and are steeply situated in clay/limestone soil, which sits atop a white chalk subsoil. 100% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe all which are packed in snugly at the moment. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a $20 offering that while accessible early on with a hearty meal, it can also age extremely well. Drink over the next 15 years.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates back to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 and are steeply situated in clay/limestone soil, which sits atop a white chalk subsoil. 100% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe all which are packed in snugly at the moment. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a $20 offering that while accessible early on with a hearty meal, it can also age extremely well. Drink over the next 15 years.
