11/1/21 The Cellar Door's 'IMPAIRED INSPIRATION' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'IMPAIRED INSPIRATION' HOTSHEET
Cameron, 2016 Barolo, Chianti & Cab Values, Grower Champagne, Vacqueyras & more
2019 FALCHINI CHIANTI COLLI SENESI
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 - SIX PACK
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 - SIX PACK
Perennially, this is the finest weeknight Chianti we offer. Noted for their Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines, Falchini also puts forth excellent red wines. The latest Chianti comes from hills around Siena, hence Colli Senesi, is very on point in the excellent 2019 vintage.
Made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and very Chiantigiana, meaning essence of pure Chianti sans makeup, bells, whistles, steroids, etc. Fine and balanced aromatics of cherry, licorice, coffee, wild herbs and spice, continuing in the mouth with a refined, classy, savory texture and plenty of length. Cook up some spicy sausage with penne pasta topped with tomato, vodka cream sauce, then pour a generous glass of this - sheer heaven!
Made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and very Chiantigiana, meaning essence of pure Chianti sans makeup, bells, whistles, steroids, etc. Fine and balanced aromatics of cherry, licorice, coffee, wild herbs and spice, continuing in the mouth with a refined, classy, savory texture and plenty of length. Cook up some spicy sausage with penne pasta topped with tomato, vodka cream sauce, then pour a generous glass of this - sheer heaven!
2019 FOURMONE VACQUEYRAS
'LE POETE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LE POETE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Owned by the Combe family since 1910, it is only recently that the wines from Domaine Fourmone have caught our attention. Fifth generation brother and sister team Albin and Florentine head up the estate along with their mother Marie-Therese and these superbly priced Rhone wines are on a rapid ascent. Specializing in Vacqueyras and a small amount of Gigondas, this estate produces a number of cuvees that are sure to appease any Rhone wine enthusiast.
Le Poete is named in honor of Roger Combe, third generation of the family and a poet. The blend of Grenache and Syrah comes from sandy/clay-laden vineyards in the north of the appellation not far from Gigondas. Tender yet tenacious, the 2109 is quite aromatic and soulful. A brilliant ruby, the 2019 blossoms with chocolate and mint notes that give it a feeling of freshness. As it is aerated, crushed fresh strawberry, plum and thyme move forward. The texture reveals depth from 30-year-old vines, interwoven peppery tones and closes with fine persistence. Drink this over the next 6-8 years with various lamb dishes and more.
Le Poete is named in honor of Roger Combe, third generation of the family and a poet. The blend of Grenache and Syrah comes from sandy/clay-laden vineyards in the north of the appellation not far from Gigondas. Tender yet tenacious, the 2109 is quite aromatic and soulful. A brilliant ruby, the 2019 blossoms with chocolate and mint notes that give it a feeling of freshness. As it is aerated, crushed fresh strawberry, plum and thyme move forward. The texture reveals depth from 30-year-old vines, interwoven peppery tones and closes with fine persistence. Drink this over the next 6-8 years with various lamb dishes and more.
2020 CAMERON CHARDONNAY
DUNDEE HILLS
$21.99 BTL./$263.94 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$21.99 BTL./$263.94 CASE
The mastery of John Paul once again has delivered another superb Chardonnay. Very soft pressing as well as all fruit coming from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique has made for one savory, delectable Chardonnay indeed.
Butterscotch, mandarin and pear aromas that intermingle nicely with soft spice and undertones of mineral. Silky palate-presence, the 2020 is flavorful, multi-faceted and sporting its old vine material all without being overblown or heavy-handed.
Butterscotch, mandarin and pear aromas that intermingle nicely with soft spice and undertones of mineral. Silky palate-presence, the 2020 is flavorful, multi-faceted and sporting its old vine material all without being overblown or heavy-handed.
2019 TRIMBACH PINOT BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Trimbach is the epitome of what DRY wines in Alsace ought to be and after drinking a bottle of the newly arrived 2019 it made me remember why I love the dry wines of Alsace so much. Trends change and with so many wines in Alsace having more sweetness than I would like, Trimbach still maintains their path of terroir-driven wines that are dry and carry beautifully to the dinner table.
The 2019 commences with scents of honeydew, yellow apple, and a hint of lime peel. These aspects carry over into the mouth along with citrus fruit, mineral, earth, a hint of spice and a long, dry, crisp finish. For all of those who enjoy Pinot Blanc or have not had Trimbach or an Alsace version in a while, you will fall in love with this white wine. Drink this white with prawns, charcuterie, or an old school Cobb salad. It will also hold up to curried and Asian inspired dishes as well as being masterful with holiday turkey.
The 2019 commences with scents of honeydew, yellow apple, and a hint of lime peel. These aspects carry over into the mouth along with citrus fruit, mineral, earth, a hint of spice and a long, dry, crisp finish. For all of those who enjoy Pinot Blanc or have not had Trimbach or an Alsace version in a while, you will fall in love with this white wine. Drink this white with prawns, charcuterie, or an old school Cobb salad. It will also hold up to curried and Asian inspired dishes as well as being masterful with holiday turkey.
2016 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE - LIMITED
$42.99 BTL./$515.88 CASE - LIMITED
If you haven’t scored any of the legendary 2016 Barolo wines, speak now because with all of the accolades, supplies have dwindled and we are now mostly on to 2017. Since 1978 Mauro Molino, father of Matteo and Martina who now are at the helm, has produced wines that can best be described as neo-classical wines that are produced using appropriate technology to maintain the flavors of the region and their gateway Barolo is always a tremendous value.
Intensely aromatic, this Barolo from a five-star vintage is telltale La Morra with its perfumed rose petal and red licorice tones. At this time, it is quite wrapped up into itself but a sultry beast is lurking beneath with blaring signs of greatness; dense clay, asphalt, dark Belgian chocolate and a deep core of red fruit. Wonderfully intense in the mouth with fine structure. This classic and elegant Barolo is marked by gorgeous mouth filling flavors carrying over seamlessly from the nose. Best 2022 - 2031.
Intensely aromatic, this Barolo from a five-star vintage is telltale La Morra with its perfumed rose petal and red licorice tones. At this time, it is quite wrapped up into itself but a sultry beast is lurking beneath with blaring signs of greatness; dense clay, asphalt, dark Belgian chocolate and a deep core of red fruit. Wonderfully intense in the mouth with fine structure. This classic and elegant Barolo is marked by gorgeous mouth filling flavors carrying over seamlessly from the nose. Best 2022 - 2031.
MARIE-COURTIN EXTRA BRUT
'RESONANCE' BLANC DE NOIRS
$56.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
'RESONANCE' BLANC DE NOIRS
$56.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
Located in Champagne’s Cote-de-Bar region (also known as the Aube) Dominique Moreau is known as one of the top growers in this area and the village where she is located is closer to Chablis than it is to Epernay or Reims. This area has become prized for its Pinot Noir given its slightly warmer position as well as having the same kimmeridgean limestone soils that one finds in Chablis. This all makes for sterling, site specific, gourmand Champagnes.
The latest Resonance, based around the 2018 vintage possesses the usual chiseled, searing qualities that this estate is known for on their wines. Prominent blood orange, oyster shell, wet stone, subtle anise and engaging smokiness. More stuffing than usual due to the deeper vintage but make no mistake, this is blitzing. This of it as a top Chablis Premier Cru with bubbles. Very much a Champagne for the table, have it with freshly shucked oysters, fresh crab and scallops in a butter based sauce.
The latest Resonance, based around the 2018 vintage possesses the usual chiseled, searing qualities that this estate is known for on their wines. Prominent blood orange, oyster shell, wet stone, subtle anise and engaging smokiness. More stuffing than usual due to the deeper vintage but make no mistake, this is blitzing. This of it as a top Chablis Premier Cru with bubbles. Very much a Champagne for the table, have it with freshly shucked oysters, fresh crab and scallops in a butter based sauce.
2019 LA ZORRA 'SESO
'SIERRA DE SALAMANCA TINTO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'SIERRA DE SALAMANCA TINTO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Do you have that one jagoff friend who fancies himself or herself a wine expert and want to stump them? Well, I have the perfect wine for you! A show of hands, who has ever experienced a red wine made from the Rufete grape?
A most intriguing wine from Spain's high-elevation Salamanca region located ENE of Madrid and about halfway to the Portuguese border. The indigenous Rufete, a grape utilized in both Spain and the Dao and Duoro regions of Portugal, expresses the slate/sand/clay fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with bright blackberry/olive/sanguine highlights. Allspice and licorice surround berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this gamey, gnarly wine carries extremely well to the table. Have with ham, pork, bacon, and on and on.
A most intriguing wine from Spain's high-elevation Salamanca region located ENE of Madrid and about halfway to the Portuguese border. The indigenous Rufete, a grape utilized in both Spain and the Dao and Duoro regions of Portugal, expresses the slate/sand/clay fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with bright blackberry/olive/sanguine highlights. Allspice and licorice surround berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this gamey, gnarly wine carries extremely well to the table. Have with ham, pork, bacon, and on and on.
2018 ST. BARTHOLOMEW CABERNET
SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
SAUVIGNON COLUMBIA VALLEY
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington or California often comes associated with expensive price tags.
St. Bartholomew is a Washington project designed to produce a Cab that bucks this trend. Made by Brett Isenhower, the 2018 shows an enticing presence of succulent cassis, aromatic plum, hints of cedar, milk chocolate and allspice. In the mouth, the round, layered texture is inviting, billowy, ripe and forward. The finish brightens carrying quite a bit of lusciousness and pleasure-factor that we feel that it will pair beautifully with steak, cheeseburgers or just plain by itself.
St. Bartholomew is a Washington project designed to produce a Cab that bucks this trend. Made by Brett Isenhower, the 2018 shows an enticing presence of succulent cassis, aromatic plum, hints of cedar, milk chocolate and allspice. In the mouth, the round, layered texture is inviting, billowy, ripe and forward. The finish brightens carrying quite a bit of lusciousness and pleasure-factor that we feel that it will pair beautifully with steak, cheeseburgers or just plain by itself.
2017 RAMEY SYRAH SONOMA COAST
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
93 points – The Wine Advocate… Known for top drawer Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons, Ramey also makes fabulous Syrah from the cool climate Sonoma Coast. This wine and region is a passion for the estate and its northern Rhone influences are very present indeed.
‘The 2017 Syrah Sonoma Coast is blended with 11% Viognier and comes from Cole Creek and Rodgers Creek vineyards this year. Medium to deep ruby, the aromatics of warm blackberries and blueberries are complemented with lovely notes of pepper, blue flowers, bacon fat, garrigue and mint. It has a medium weight and floods the mouth with concentrated red and blue berry fruits, finely grained and with just enough freshness to lift the finish. – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’
‘The 2017 Syrah Sonoma Coast is blended with 11% Viognier and comes from Cole Creek and Rodgers Creek vineyards this year. Medium to deep ruby, the aromatics of warm blackberries and blueberries are complemented with lovely notes of pepper, blue flowers, bacon fat, garrigue and mint. It has a medium weight and floods the mouth with concentrated red and blue berry fruits, finely grained and with just enough freshness to lift the finish. – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’
