3/22/21 The Cellar Door's 'AND THE NOMINEES ARE...' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'AND THE NOMINEES ARE...' HOTSHEET
Deep Chianti Specials, 15-buck Saint Emilion Bordeaux, Sparkling Rose, Apex Rhone, Pinot Noir and more
2018 CHATEAU DES ROQUES
PUISSEGUIN SAINT-EMILION
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
PUISSEGUIN SAINT-EMILION
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Chateau des Roques is the epitome of what is going on in Bordeaux. Some may say the region’s approach may be conservative but flip the coin and one sees an abundance of young growers in non-classified Chateaux who are making beautiful wines. Located in one of St-Emilion’s satellite district known as Puisseguin, young Gregoire Sublett continues his run of excellence with the dynamite 2018.
A classic St-Emilion blend with 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, tantalizing fragrances of blueberry, floral, mineral, earth and attractive, intertwined, smoky oak notes build from the glass. Mouth-filling, supple, and classic Bordeaux with a nicely balanced finish and typical earthy tones that are dressed up nicely with subtle vanilla and cedar box notes from a gentle smattering of oak. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
A classic St-Emilion blend with 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, tantalizing fragrances of blueberry, floral, mineral, earth and attractive, intertwined, smoky oak notes build from the glass. Mouth-filling, supple, and classic Bordeaux with a nicely balanced finish and typical earthy tones that are dressed up nicely with subtle vanilla and cedar box notes from a gentle smattering of oak. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
2018 LUKE JEFFERSON
'SYMBION' PINOT NOIR
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'SYMBION' PINOT NOIR
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Luke Jefferson Vineyards was started in 2012 by famed, influential Cristom winemaker Steve Doerner and his wife Irene Steh as an homage to their young son Luke. The Doerner style utilizing whole clusters (50%) is evident in these small production wines.
A small side project, Steve Doerner initially started Symbion in 1997 and it has morphed into the entry wine of Luke Jefferson. The 2018 is based around aromatics, finesse and beauty. Red berry, black plums, hints of roses, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of the wine. In the mouth, it is very young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, concentrated and long without being jam. A terrific under-$25 Oregon Pinot, this can be enjoyed now and a decade from vintage date.
A small side project, Steve Doerner initially started Symbion in 1997 and it has morphed into the entry wine of Luke Jefferson. The 2018 is based around aromatics, finesse and beauty. Red berry, black plums, hints of roses, soft smoke, and elusive herbs and spices are the characteristics of the wine. In the mouth, it is very young and packed in, but what is underneath is velvety, concentrated and long without being jam. A terrific under-$25 Oregon Pinot, this can be enjoyed now and a decade from vintage date.
2016 OLIM BAUDA BARBERA D'ASTI
LE ROCCHETTE
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
LE ROCCHETTE
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
92 points – Vinous…Introduced to Tenuta Olim Bauda's wines a few years ago, I instantly loved them and visited the estate back in 2010. Safe to say meeting with brothers Dino & Gianni Bertolini and experiencing the family's wines it was a most educational way to learn more about the Asti region. The estate itself is located in Incisa Scapaccino with the vines for this award-winning Barbera coming from the village of Nizza Monferrato. These areas make up the spiritual heart of the Asti region of Piedmont and are from the eponymous-named vineyard in Isole d'Asti whose vines were planted in 1950.
A penetrating, driving nose of hearty Italian plum, mineral, gentle kisses of smoky oak and underlying cherry pit character. Big-boned with its fruit and velvety texture yet full of elegance and suaveness. A luminous presence of vividness follows through to a drawn-out lavish finish that displays hints of milk chocolate, coffee and plenty of fullness while maintaining poise and freshness. Very lingering, this wine is a steal for 20 bucks!
A penetrating, driving nose of hearty Italian plum, mineral, gentle kisses of smoky oak and underlying cherry pit character. Big-boned with its fruit and velvety texture yet full of elegance and suaveness. A luminous presence of vividness follows through to a drawn-out lavish finish that displays hints of milk chocolate, coffee and plenty of fullness while maintaining poise and freshness. Very lingering, this wine is a steal for 20 bucks!
2018 CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET LIRAC
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
One of Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s celebrated producers and like several others, Clos du Mont-Olivet has invested in the region of Lirac located just across the river from CDP. When in the vineyards of Lirac, one sees why these shrewd growers have decided to make wine from this area. Large round stones, sand and flint are what drives these wines.
2018 is full yet very balanced. This somewhat underrated vintage has proven repeatedly that there is so much Rhone character and this one does not disappoint. 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault, this is a classic blend of this area. Spice driven with telltale Lirac aromas of anise, red and purple flowers, raspberry, herbes de Provençe and smoked hickory wood. Mouth filling with terrific movement and energy, this wine has so much going on for its price. Enjoy this Rhone wine steal over the next 7-8 years.
2018 is full yet very balanced. This somewhat underrated vintage has proven repeatedly that there is so much Rhone character and this one does not disappoint. 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault, this is a classic blend of this area. Spice driven with telltale Lirac aromas of anise, red and purple flowers, raspberry, herbes de Provençe and smoked hickory wood. Mouth filling with terrific movement and energy, this wine has so much going on for its price. Enjoy this Rhone wine steal over the next 7-8 years.
2018 LES PERDICES MALBEC MENDOZA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Delicious, forthright, honest and chock full of flavor, this Malbec is grown at about 3300 feet in the Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo sub-zone of Mendoza and has major-league yum factor for just north of 12 bucks.
An everyday gem that showcases expressive bright, fresh red juicy fruit, plum, raspberry and dark currant, with some fresh spice, earth and roasted coffee. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays down the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with engaging nuances.
An everyday gem that showcases expressive bright, fresh red juicy fruit, plum, raspberry and dark currant, with some fresh spice, earth and roasted coffee. More than just a juicy-loosey fruit bomb, there is good structure that lays down the tracks for a fleshy, endowed red with engaging nuances.
PRINCE DE DULPHY
CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT ROSE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A striking value with all of the detail and technique that is compulsory in Champagne is utilized in this scrumptious sparkling wine from Burgundy.
Based around Pinot Noir with bits of Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligote add in, there is plenty to be attracted to with this bottle. Too bad it is not Valentine’s Day because this fizz tickles the palate as well as one's spirit! Moreover, at 20-bucks it also will make every meal a milestone, or add to a daily a festive tipple. The color is a beautiful pink that is pale, yet lively. The mousse is a delicate foam that cascades over the 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. A delicious alternative to higher-priced Champagne…we will see you in line for more.
Based around Pinot Noir with bits of Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligote add in, there is plenty to be attracted to with this bottle. Too bad it is not Valentine’s Day because this fizz tickles the palate as well as one's spirit! Moreover, at 20-bucks it also will make every meal a milestone, or add to a daily a festive tipple. The color is a beautiful pink that is pale, yet lively. The mousse is a delicate foam that cascades over the 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. A delicious alternative to higher-priced Champagne…we will see you in line for more.
2018 RAUL PEREZ BIERZO BLANCO
'ULTREIA' GODELLO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'ULTREIA' GODELLO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
One of the real good guys in the wine world and along with the Palacios family, Raul Perez has been a force since the initial explosion of Bierzo nearly 20 years ago. He is not only a generous soul; he is also one of the leaders for change in the area. The white Bierzo (yes, small amounts of white wine are produced here) is a new wine from Perez and was without a doubt, the most compelling white wine I tasted this past month.
Made from 100% Godello, this takes this grape to another level. Being from Bierzo there is definitely some body and depth but the natural electricity of the grape shouts and zings. Pink grapefruit, mango and prominent slate-driven wet chalkboard scents follow through to a palate coating texture with ample verve, vibrancy and cut. Grab some swordfish, tuna or fresh Chinook salmon and toss it on the grill, this will enhance it even further. Drink this killer through 2025.
Made from 100% Godello, this takes this grape to another level. Being from Bierzo there is definitely some body and depth but the natural electricity of the grape shouts and zings. Pink grapefruit, mango and prominent slate-driven wet chalkboard scents follow through to a palate coating texture with ample verve, vibrancy and cut. Grab some swordfish, tuna or fresh Chinook salmon and toss it on the grill, this will enhance it even further. Drink this killer through 2025.
2015 RENZO MARINAI
CHIANTI CLASSICO
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PK
CHIANTI CLASSICO
[reg. $34.99]
SPECIAL - $23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PK
Renzo Marinai is a prestigious Chianti producer based in Panzano in the Classico zone and one who produces wines that can be priced at a prestigious level as well so it was exciting to see both this and the following Riserva on excellent specials. These wines are truly worth the price of admission, even at their regular prices but if you love good Chianti as we do, do not miss these specials.
All about purity, savory cherry pit, sage, Tuscan spice and floral tones waft from the glass. Layered and very red-toned, you will not mistake this for Washington Sangiovese! Ethereal, lifting and very food-friendly and loads of persistence instantly transport you to that most memorable Tuscan vacation you took and the trattoria where you had the food/wine epiphany of a classic Chianti and a pasta with some sort of sugo of rabbit, chingale, lamb, tomatoes, etc. A knock-your-socks-off Chianti and one that drinks beautifully now and will age nicely for another four-5 years, too.
All about purity, savory cherry pit, sage, Tuscan spice and floral tones waft from the glass. Layered and very red-toned, you will not mistake this for Washington Sangiovese! Ethereal, lifting and very food-friendly and loads of persistence instantly transport you to that most memorable Tuscan vacation you took and the trattoria where you had the food/wine epiphany of a classic Chianti and a pasta with some sort of sugo of rabbit, chingale, lamb, tomatoes, etc. A knock-your-socks-off Chianti and one that drinks beautifully now and will age nicely for another four-5 years, too.
2015 RENZO MARINAI
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PK
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PK
A selection of top fruit and barrels, Renzo’s Riserva is sublime indeed. This is an agreement and charter amongst Panzano’s producers to farm organically, sans the use of chemicals in the vineyards. Like the Classico, all of the Marinai wines are farmed in this manner so the word Riserva actually means quality and a big step up from Classico.
Aged in a combination of large botti and 600 liter tonneaux, the 2015 Riserva emits uplifting yet deep aromas of wild cherry and perfumo di Toscana that virtually fill the room once this beauty opens up. Ripe red cherry echoes on the palate and is joined by flavors of creamy strawberry, balsamico, violet, cedar, anisette and roasted earth., that quality is accentuated even further, adding a deeper level of depth and structure to the complex flavors in the mouth. A great wine that is accessible early on with a good decanting, ultimately this could use another year or two to fully integrate and then will continue to give you copious amounts of pleasure through 2032. If you are a lover of great Italian wines, this is necessary in your cellar. Enjoy with the great cuisine inspired by the region such as braised meat with roasted porcini.
Aged in a combination of large botti and 600 liter tonneaux, the 2015 Riserva emits uplifting yet deep aromas of wild cherry and perfumo di Toscana that virtually fill the room once this beauty opens up. Ripe red cherry echoes on the palate and is joined by flavors of creamy strawberry, balsamico, violet, cedar, anisette and roasted earth., that quality is accentuated even further, adding a deeper level of depth and structure to the complex flavors in the mouth. A great wine that is accessible early on with a good decanting, ultimately this could use another year or two to fully integrate and then will continue to give you copious amounts of pleasure through 2032. If you are a lover of great Italian wines, this is necessary in your cellar. Enjoy with the great cuisine inspired by the region such as braised meat with roasted porcini.
