10/3/22 The Cellar Door's 'DOUX REVEURS' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DOUX REVEURS' HOTSHEET
Mighty Meursault & 97 pt. Brunello
Vaunted Verdicchio Arrival
Bordeaux, Bierzo, Zinfandel Values
Vaunted Verdicchio Arrival
Bordeaux, Bierzo, Zinfandel Values
2021 ANDREA FELICI VERDICCHIO
CASTELLI DEI JESI
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK
CASTELLI DEI JESI
$16.99 BTL./$101.94 - SIX PACK
When it comes right down to it, we absolutely adore Verdicchio. Therefore, when our friend Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon started expounding on the new arrival of the 2021, we knew the possibilities could be promising. That is until we tasted it. Holy merda this is phenomenal Italian white wine and a bleeping steal for 17-bucks!
No longer merely a rising Verdicchio star, this full-on, crazy rock star’s classic bottling now bests a bunch of Riserva cuvees from the area. Illuminating aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone seemingly alternate in an unhurried fashion and draw you in for a sip. When the wine reaches the lips, perfumed flavors that are rich, yet tense and electric touch all of the senses in the mouth and extend to a superb, lingering finish. Perfect over the next few years with just about anything that swims as well as pesto or other green vegetables.
No longer merely a rising Verdicchio star, this full-on, crazy rock star’s classic bottling now bests a bunch of Riserva cuvees from the area. Illuminating aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone seemingly alternate in an unhurried fashion and draw you in for a sip. When the wine reaches the lips, perfumed flavors that are rich, yet tense and electric touch all of the senses in the mouth and extend to a superb, lingering finish. Perfect over the next few years with just about anything that swims as well as pesto or other green vegetables.
2018 ACHAVAL-FERRER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'MENDOZA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'MENDOZA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
2019 BODEGAS ESTEFANIA
BIERZO 'TILENIUS' ROBLE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
BIERZO 'TILENIUS' ROBLE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the early arrivals in modern day Bierzo, Bodegas Estefania arrived in 1999 as one of a group who revived the region. Back in 2005 while visiting Spain, I visited this estate and met with a guy who was then unheard and is now a legend for Spanish wine, Raul Perez. It has been several years since we have offered these wines due to poor distribution but they are here and very scrumptious indeed.
From 40-60 year old vines, just smelling this wine is captivating. Boysenberries, loganberries, graham, earth, stones, all rolled into one irresistible aroma. Then there is what happens on the palate: a satisfying sense of excitement as this wickedly delicious wine takes hold. The flavors suggest black licorice, minerals, orange spice tea, and blackberries. The finish and structure are commanding; the texture, velvety and uplifting from beginning to end. Have this with a plethora of pork products.
From 40-60 year old vines, just smelling this wine is captivating. Boysenberries, loganberries, graham, earth, stones, all rolled into one irresistible aroma. Then there is what happens on the palate: a satisfying sense of excitement as this wickedly delicious wine takes hold. The flavors suggest black licorice, minerals, orange spice tea, and blackberries. The finish and structure are commanding; the texture, velvety and uplifting from beginning to end. Have this with a plethora of pork products.
2020 GABRIELSKLOOF SYRAH
WALKER BAY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WALKER BAY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Gabrielskloof is a sustainable winery founded in 2001 by Bernhard Heyns and grower Barry Anderson. Walker Bay is a cool-climate growing region heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean; these wines are the epitome of freshness, detail and drinkability from the moment they are poured.
Alluring smoke, red berry, white pepper, and meaty tones on the nose. In the mouth it is expansive with lots of strawberry, plum, and pepper notes. This very accessible and delicious wine shows impeccable balance and excellent depth and poise with its 13.7% alcohol. A steal for the price, if you love traditional “Northern Rhone style” Syrah, or think that all Southern Hemisphere versions taste like Lindemans Bin 666 Shiraz, then you must give this a go. Enjoy with grilled sirloin, grilled chicken thighs or breasts with a spicy sauce as well as fine minestrone.
Alluring smoke, red berry, white pepper, and meaty tones on the nose. In the mouth it is expansive with lots of strawberry, plum, and pepper notes. This very accessible and delicious wine shows impeccable balance and excellent depth and poise with its 13.7% alcohol. A steal for the price, if you love traditional “Northern Rhone style” Syrah, or think that all Southern Hemisphere versions taste like Lindemans Bin 666 Shiraz, then you must give this a go. Enjoy with grilled sirloin, grilled chicken thighs or breasts with a spicy sauce as well as fine minestrone.
2016 CHATEAU MONCETS
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
LALANDE DE POMEROL
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol are perhaps some of the more bizarre regions to drive through in all of Bordeaux. On one hand, and on the route to this Chateau, you will pass the pizzeria de Pomerol…which is just across the street from Chateau Nenin (very expensive wines) and down the street from Chateau Le Pin (a bottle of one of these hotties will set you back 3K). Guess it is the perfect pairing. Once you reach Chateau Moncets, it is large, ostentatious, and white as a lame ass Diner en Blanc with a bunch of wannabe wine snobs who fancy themselves as experts. Safe to say I was quite skeptical. Then I tasted the wines and recognized some real brilliance. Located within the region of Lalande de Pomerol situated just north of Pomerol and defined by two villages, Lalande and Neac. Chateau Moncets is located in Neac, an area where the soils are more clay and gravel-driven, which share a commonality with neighboring Pomerol sans pizza joint.
86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Chateau Moncet's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 7-9 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc. Deep and youthful flavors and aromas of violet, blackcurrant, sweet red pepper and a hearty meatiness that leads on to a rich, full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a cherry infused cocoa spice that lingers beautifully in the mouth. Chateau Moncet's Lalande de Pomerol is textbook right-bank juice with the finesse and grip of something more expensive. Drink now and over the next 7-9 years with a rack of lamb or roasted duck.
2019 FOUR VINES ZINFANDEL
OLD VINE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
OLD VINE
$12.99 BTL./$155.88 CASE
If you are a Zinfandel fanatic, you should unquestionably have this operation's full-flavored values in your drinking repertoire. The Four Vines crew are wine rebels who specialize in Zin and make wines that are decidedly American.
Up-front, in-your face aromas of ripe blackberries, briar, pepper, sweet herbs and cracked pepper lead into a fleshy, bold, succulent texture that fills the mouth. The finish is authoritative, but not so much as it will overpower your meal. Drink this deliciously nuanced and priced Zin value over the next 2-3 years.
Up-front, in-your face aromas of ripe blackberries, briar, pepper, sweet herbs and cracked pepper lead into a fleshy, bold, succulent texture that fills the mouth. The finish is authoritative, but not so much as it will overpower your meal. Drink this deliciously nuanced and priced Zin value over the next 2-3 years.
2020 MASI VALPOLICELLA 'BONACOSTA'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Looking for that Thursday evening wine to pair with a slice of pizza or a succulent burger. Well look no further! From one of Amarone and Italy's most important addresses, Masi's Valpolicella is a non-ripasso version chock-a-block full of explosive and vibrant red raspberry fruit and a tangy long finish. A perfect and vastly underrated wine to go with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna.
2019 BOYER-MARTENOT MEURSAULT
'LES NARVAUX'
$79.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
'LES NARVAUX'
$79.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
Led by Vincent Boyer, who never seems to age, this Meursault estate is a bit of a unicorn wine in that they are difficult to find and sought after by white Burgundy lovers. One of the cool things is that even though these wines are not easy to obtain, the pricing is immaculate. Les Narvaux needs to be considered for elevation to Premier Cru because wines from producers like this often outshine many others that are more expensive. One of the highest elevated vineyard site in Meursault, I often equate the name with nerveaux or nervy because this wine always has lots of livewire tension. High elevation combined with virtual pure rock and planted in the early 1970s, it takes on such a powerful presence when young then evolves into something that is complex, energetic and a corral of stony minerality.
This wine is a dream come true for any true white Burgundy lover. However, if you are looking for a lollipop, fruity wine, you may want to try another address. This is Mighty Meursault highlighted with loads of hazelnut, earth, wet stone, and hints of honeyed peach and serious minerality on the nose. Ripeness and generosity show beautifully up front with a honey-butter aspect. The flavors gain precision, cut and elegance in the mid-palate. Excellent clarity and focus rule the day and the wine finishes pure, piercing and extremely long. This is a very impressive wine early on but it will easily age well for 12-14 years as well. A mere 18 bottles available, I also have some other limited Boyer-Martenot Meursault selections available...inquire!
This wine is a dream come true for any true white Burgundy lover. However, if you are looking for a lollipop, fruity wine, you may want to try another address. This is Mighty Meursault highlighted with loads of hazelnut, earth, wet stone, and hints of honeyed peach and serious minerality on the nose. Ripeness and generosity show beautifully up front with a honey-butter aspect. The flavors gain precision, cut and elegance in the mid-palate. Excellent clarity and focus rule the day and the wine finishes pure, piercing and extremely long. This is a very impressive wine early on but it will easily age well for 12-14 years as well. A mere 18 bottles available, I also have some other limited Boyer-Martenot Meursault selections available...inquire!
2016 CAPRILI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
RISERVA 'AD ALBERTO'
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PK - LIMITED
RISERVA 'AD ALBERTO'
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PK - LIMITED
97 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine, 96 Points – Vinous, 96 Points – The Wine Advocate. At Caprili, Riserva truly means something more than just an extra year of aging. Only made in the greatest of vintages, this wine is selected from the oldest vines, specifically from the mother clone of Sangiovese and ages impeccably. Translation, if you have a child or occasion from 2016, then this one is for you. Quite simply, 2016 is one of the most seamless, grand vintages for Brunello di Montalcino and this may be the greatest young wine that I have ever tasted from this vaunted estate.
Very extroverted, flirtatious blonde-bombshell aromas of flamboyant Italian plum, licorice, amare and sweet Tuscan herbs, this statuesque Brunello is broad, yet very pure and not succumbing to the temptations of small French barrique. Early on, this is showing attractive fruitiness, but there impressively submerged components that are waiting to come out and gain refinement and complexity with cellar time. The finish obviously shows this with it being loaded and stuffed. If you want to have a go now, decant it, but I would not touch this until at least age 10. Hold and drink it 2026 – 2040.
Very extroverted, flirtatious blonde-bombshell aromas of flamboyant Italian plum, licorice, amare and sweet Tuscan herbs, this statuesque Brunello is broad, yet very pure and not succumbing to the temptations of small French barrique. Early on, this is showing attractive fruitiness, but there impressively submerged components that are waiting to come out and gain refinement and complexity with cellar time. The finish obviously shows this with it being loaded and stuffed. If you want to have a go now, decant it, but I would not touch this until at least age 10. Hold and drink it 2026 – 2040.
