9/27/21 The Cellar Door's 'JUMP ON BOARD' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'JUMP ON BOARD' HOTSHEET
Gevrey-Chambertin & 97 point Chardonnay, Exclusive Cellar Door Italian White Wine, Several for under-15...Bordeaux, Argentina, Tempranillo & Tuscany
2020 ZERBINA BIANCO DI CEPARANO
ALBANA DI ROMAGNA SECCO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
ALBANA DI ROMAGNA SECCO
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK
Back in April while still on lockdown, we had the great opportunity to do a ZOOM tasting with Cristina Geminiani, owner/winemaker at Fattoria Zerbina, one of Italy's finest producers. Her wines from the Romagna area of Emilia-Romagna are some of the Boot's true hidden gems.
Exclusive to The Cellar Door for Oregon, The Bianco di Ceparano is a dry white wine made with the Albana di Romagna grape. A great Italian term when describing wine is "equiliberato" which means that everything is there and in perfect proportion with each other, this wine has this great balance in spades.
With its almost quartz-like aromas, this wine keeps inviting you back for more. Impeccable apple-spice fruit and more than a touch of mineral and wet chalkboard aromas permeate from the glass. The texture is seemingly very crystallized with serious cut, depth and mouthwatering briskness along with a finish that is nakedly pure and drawn out. Cristina feels that texturally that this is something akin to a dry wine from the Loire Valley but from straight out of the gate to the long finish, it is something very Italian, very special and very individual. A magical match with scallops or other fish dishes it is possible to age and develop for 6-8 years, although it is deliciously irresistible right now.
Exclusive to The Cellar Door for Oregon, The Bianco di Ceparano is a dry white wine made with the Albana di Romagna grape. A great Italian term when describing wine is "equiliberato" which means that everything is there and in perfect proportion with each other, this wine has this great balance in spades.
With its almost quartz-like aromas, this wine keeps inviting you back for more. Impeccable apple-spice fruit and more than a touch of mineral and wet chalkboard aromas permeate from the glass. The texture is seemingly very crystallized with serious cut, depth and mouthwatering briskness along with a finish that is nakedly pure and drawn out. Cristina feels that texturally that this is something akin to a dry wine from the Loire Valley but from straight out of the gate to the long finish, it is something very Italian, very special and very individual. A magical match with scallops or other fish dishes it is possible to age and develop for 6-8 years, although it is deliciously irresistible right now.
2018 DURIGUTTI CABERNET FRANC
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Cabernet Franc isn’t the first thing when one thinks of wines from Argentina but more and more we are seeing excellent examples such as this one emerge from these high elevation vineyard sites. Brothers Hector and Pablo Durigutti are leaders of a young generation of winemakers in Argentina that are producing stellar wines. This Mendoza estate established in 2002 and has expanded over time with three levels of wine and this version delivers impressive results.
Fifty percent each from Mendoza regions of Agrelo and La Consulta, it is a very refined take on this varietal. Up front and attractive, revealing prominent black raspberry, clove, pekoe and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is mellow, smooth and very poised. Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years.
Fifty percent each from Mendoza regions of Agrelo and La Consulta, it is a very refined take on this varietal. Up front and attractive, revealing prominent black raspberry, clove, pekoe and cinnamon scents that follow into a texture that is mellow, smooth and very poised. Excellent depth, body and length belie its modest price point. Drink this delicious, superbly priced Reserve Cab Franc over the next 3-4 years.
2017 PRODUTTORI DI CAREMA
CAREMA CLASSICO (Nebbiolo)
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CAREMA CLASSICO (Nebbiolo)
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Carema is the Piedmont’s most northwestern wine regions situated at the border of the Valle d’Aosta. A small and very well run cooperative founded in 1960, the Produttori di Carema consists of 45 growers, and the wines emerging are fantastic expressions of their region and especially the Nebbiolo grape.
2017 is ultra-successful as it the conditions provided excellent generosity, but also possesses plenty of crunchiness and zip due to the elevation and cool nights. Very engaging, savory scents of rose, red plum, mint, licorice and subtle undertones of smoke and herbs lead into a mouth-filling and vivacious texture that oozes deliciousness and a level of depth that is exactly why this producer is regarded as one of the finest in all of Piedmont. A wine with substance and dimension as well as owning a finish that takes off. Tons of goodness here for not a ridiculous amount of money, enjoy this with beef/pork stuffed ravioli or a risotto done with cheese and mushrooms.
2017 is ultra-successful as it the conditions provided excellent generosity, but also possesses plenty of crunchiness and zip due to the elevation and cool nights. Very engaging, savory scents of rose, red plum, mint, licorice and subtle undertones of smoke and herbs lead into a mouth-filling and vivacious texture that oozes deliciousness and a level of depth that is exactly why this producer is regarded as one of the finest in all of Piedmont. A wine with substance and dimension as well as owning a finish that takes off. Tons of goodness here for not a ridiculous amount of money, enjoy this with beef/pork stuffed ravioli or a risotto done with cheese and mushrooms.
2019 WALTER SCOTT PINOT NOIR
'CUVEE RUTH'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
'CUVEE RUTH'
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Cuvee Ruth is a Reserve Pinot Noir that is meant to span a very long bridge between this operation’s terrific Willamette Valley version and their very limited single vineyard wines will which arrive in the Spring. A selection of favorite barrels coming from top-level Eola-Amity vineyards - Seven Springs, Sojeau, X-Novo and Temperance Hill, this wine is Oregon Pinot in its most beautiful form.
Walking the fine line between black and red, the 2019 brings forth sensuous aromatics with an impressive core of poised fruit, engaging smoke and spice all that follows through to a silky texture that expands nicely and maintains vibrancy throughout. Lengthy and very promising, this seriously delectable and seamless Reserve Pinot is an unmitigated heist. Drink over the next 12-15 years.
Walking the fine line between black and red, the 2019 brings forth sensuous aromatics with an impressive core of poised fruit, engaging smoke and spice all that follows through to a silky texture that expands nicely and maintains vibrancy throughout. Lengthy and very promising, this seriously delectable and seamless Reserve Pinot is an unmitigated heist. Drink over the next 12-15 years.
2016 CHATEAU BEAUSEJOUR
FRONSAC ROUGE (Bordeaux)
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
FRONSAC ROUGE (Bordeaux)
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Located in close proximity to Saint-Emilion and fifth generation female-owned, this wine takes on some of the characteristics of the more famed area yet has its own pedigree.
Blackcurrants, smoke, mineral and an underbelly of cherry, spice and baking herbs, it is well textured, classy and dry. The finish is sneaky long for a fifteen buck wine. Prototype petite chateau Bordeaux and one that carries beautifully to the dinner table. Drink now – 2024.
Blackcurrants, smoke, mineral and an underbelly of cherry, spice and baking herbs, it is well textured, classy and dry. The finish is sneaky long for a fifteen buck wine. Prototype petite chateau Bordeaux and one that carries beautifully to the dinner table. Drink now – 2024.
2018 CHERON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'LES SEUVREES'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
'LES SEUVREES'
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK
Philippe Cheron is the epitome of Burgundy. Flying under the radar, this man hit the vineyard lottery when he inherited old vineyards from his grandparents that were leased by other luminous producers. When the leases were up, Philippe reclaimed the sites and we are all the better for it.
This vineyard located in southern portion of Gevrey-Chambertin just below Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru. Streamlined with aromatic burst. Sensual spice and developing cinnamon. Lacy, but dense fruit, indicative of plush, powerful, but debonair 2018 vintage. Sleek, silky entry and with much more red flavors than the black fruit dominated nose lets on. Youthful and all in back of mouth right now with killer extension. Hold this until 2023 and drink through 2036.
This vineyard located in southern portion of Gevrey-Chambertin just below Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru. Streamlined with aromatic burst. Sensual spice and developing cinnamon. Lacy, but dense fruit, indicative of plush, powerful, but debonair 2018 vintage. Sleek, silky entry and with much more red flavors than the black fruit dominated nose lets on. Youthful and all in back of mouth right now with killer extension. Hold this until 2023 and drink through 2036.
2017 BADIOLA MAREMMA ROSSO '642'
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
[reg. $19.99]
SPECIAL - $13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
From way southern Tuscany, this offering’s name comes from the wine being six grape varietals and grown at 42 degrees latitude. A wonderful producer indeed, this excellent red delivers a hell of a lot of bang.
Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sangiovese & Grenache it is packed with savory, ripe berry and cassis notes. A velvety, luscious, tangy number owning excellent depth and spice as well as uncommon length and generosity. Enjoy with a ham as well as prime rib, penne Bolognese or as an upscale party wine by the glass.
Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sangiovese & Grenache it is packed with savory, ripe berry and cassis notes. A velvety, luscious, tangy number owning excellent depth and spice as well as uncommon length and generosity. Enjoy with a ham as well as prime rib, penne Bolognese or as an upscale party wine by the glass.
2018 VINA GORMAZ
RIBERA DEL DUERO ROBLE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
RIBERA DEL DUERO ROBLE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Made from 100% Tempranillo, Vina Gormaz’s Ribera del Duero is a red wine that is sure to please many a palate. Here the aim is to make a smooth, mouth-filling, fruit-forward Tempranillo with just a touch of barrel ageing to soften the wine further and make it ready for drinking now.
The nose is fresh and fruity with aromas of redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of sweet clove spiciness. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of soft cherries, spiced plums and crushed red fruit complimented by a subtly soft and long round finish. Enjoy with brined pork chops and garlic mashed potatoes.
The nose is fresh and fruity with aromas of redcurrants and raspberries plus a touch of sweet clove spiciness. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of soft cherries, spiced plums and crushed red fruit complimented by a subtly soft and long round finish. Enjoy with brined pork chops and garlic mashed potatoes.
2016 MOUNT EDEN CHARDONNAY
ESTATE RESERVE 'SANTA CRUZ MTS.'
$84.99 BTL./$1,019.88 CASE
ESTATE RESERVE 'SANTA CRUZ MTS.'
$84.99 BTL./$1,019.88 CASE
97 Points – Vinous… If there were ever to be a case to quantify a California Chardonnay as being Grand Cru, Mt. Eden's Estate Reserve cuvee would certainly be deemed as one of the top contenders. Simply put this is iconic Cali-Chard and is one that ages like a beast. Martin Ray planted the scion material for this wine in the 1940s and 1960s high up on the Santa Cruz Mountains and over the years, this wine has attained legendary status, due to its meticulous selection and mere 251 case production. Also, let’s get one thing out of the way, this not the stereotypical California pound of butter/boat plank Cougar Juice, this is the real deal, serious, ageworthy Burgundian-inspired Chardonnay from a legend.
‘The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve is the stuff dreams are made of. Towering and statuesque in its pedigree, the Reserve shows why the Santa Cruz Mountains is such a special place. The 2016 is deep, powerful and intense, and yet it remains remarkably finessed as well. Tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all develop with a few hours of aeration. The Reserve is a blend of 11 barrels (all neutral oak) that spends its second winter on its lees in tank, an approach that is common in Burgundy, but that is not often seen in California. All I can say is: Wow! Drink 2024 – 2034’. – 97 POINTS, VINOUS
‘The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve is the stuff dreams are made of. Towering and statuesque in its pedigree, the Reserve shows why the Santa Cruz Mountains is such a special place. The 2016 is deep, powerful and intense, and yet it remains remarkably finessed as well. Tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all develop with a few hours of aeration. The Reserve is a blend of 11 barrels (all neutral oak) that spends its second winter on its lees in tank, an approach that is common in Burgundy, but that is not often seen in California. All I can say is: Wow! Drink 2024 – 2034’. – 97 POINTS, VINOUS
