1/17/23 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HOW IT IS' HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HOW IT IS' HOTSHEET
Amarone
Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir
White Rhone plus other superb values
Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir
White Rhone plus other superb values
2019 ZUCCARDI MALBEC 'Q'
VALLE DE UCO MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
VALLE DE UCO MENDOZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
92 Points - The Wine Advocate... Founded in 1963, Zuccardi is one of Arentina's most respected wineries. The Q Series Malbec is an excellent blend from Mendoza's Uco Valley and from very high elevation vineyards.
Full yet focused with notes of black currant beautifully interwoven with a touch of floral, mint, cedar and mineral. Mouth filling, concentrated flavors of bold fruit, chocolate and wild spice but with ample freshness that comes from vineyards located at almost 4000 feet. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Throw this bottle into your next big red wine tasting or fire up the grill; this is great with just about any grilled meat, particularly a marinated flank steak.
Full yet focused with notes of black currant beautifully interwoven with a touch of floral, mint, cedar and mineral. Mouth filling, concentrated flavors of bold fruit, chocolate and wild spice but with ample freshness that comes from vineyards located at almost 4000 feet. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Throw this bottle into your next big red wine tasting or fire up the grill; this is great with just about any grilled meat, particularly a marinated flank steak.
2020 MATTES-SABRAN CORBIERES
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
One of 2022's terrific successes for value red wines was the 2019 version of this palate seducing Languedoc red. Lately in the 12-and under price range, there is no shortage of rejectamenta, but in the case of the even better 2020, this nothing but goodness from first glass to last.
This easy drinker comprised of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre goes down smooth and easy. Really easy! Fermented in stainless steel, it shows the perfect balance of fruit, earth and love. Think black plum, licorice and five-spice. Move over other Corbieres reds, this is our new everyday favorite. Ready to drink now…tonight, tomorrow…you get the picture!
This easy drinker comprised of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre goes down smooth and easy. Really easy! Fermented in stainless steel, it shows the perfect balance of fruit, earth and love. Think black plum, licorice and five-spice. Move over other Corbieres reds, this is our new everyday favorite. Ready to drink now…tonight, tomorrow…you get the picture!
2021 DROUHIN OREGON
ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR
$35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR
$35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
Both the 2019 and 2018 received 95 and 93 points respectively from The Wine Spectator. Then they were snapped up very quickly. Many of yinz came running for more or for a shot at some and went home sad after it was sold out. Expect the newly released 2021 to do the same because it is outstanding. Then again, whatever Drouhin seems to put forth lately from their Oregon sites is nothing short of brilliant.
From the Eola-Amity region, this wine soars immediately as it is poured. The usual Eola-Amity structure and spine are present. Enticing and beautifully aromatic scents of crushed black raspberry, violet and cinnamon shine brightly from the glass and carry over into a stylish and refined texture with an abundance of penetrating fruit & perfumed flowers along with sneaky structure. The finish is suave and understated with a hint of allspice and cocoa from a very thoughtful use oak. This gorgeous Pinot matches very well with veal chops and will drink and develop wonderfully over the next 10-12 years.
From the Eola-Amity region, this wine soars immediately as it is poured. The usual Eola-Amity structure and spine are present. Enticing and beautifully aromatic scents of crushed black raspberry, violet and cinnamon shine brightly from the glass and carry over into a stylish and refined texture with an abundance of penetrating fruit & perfumed flowers along with sneaky structure. The finish is suave and understated with a hint of allspice and cocoa from a very thoughtful use oak. This gorgeous Pinot matches very well with veal chops and will drink and develop wonderfully over the next 10-12 years.
2021 DOMAINE CHARVIN
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
COTES-DU-RHONE BLANC
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Over the last several years, Chateauneuf/Cotes-du-Rhone legend Laurent Charvin has quietly expanded his white wine portfolio. This wine could be referred to as the junior partner of white Chateauneuf-du-Pape but in reality, it will kick a number of CDP Blanc's ass due to its locale, terroir and pedigree of Laurent Charvin's winemaking skills. 45% Bourboulenc (60 yr old vines), 20% Clairette, 20% Roussanne, 10% Grenache blanc and from close proximity to Charvin’s estate in northern Chateauneuf.
Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Pineapple, ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper aspects shine on the nose. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 5-6 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon. I enjoyed it with some quickly seared tuna encrusted with sesame alongside avocado and a ponzu sauce, a 'tuning fork moment' pairing. A mere 1400 bottles (not cases) are produced so we are honored to have a small supply and who knows, maybe we will receive some of his even more limited white Chateauneuf this year...
Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Pineapple, ginger, jasmine, anise and white pepper aspects shine on the nose. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 5-6 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon. I enjoyed it with some quickly seared tuna encrusted with sesame alongside avocado and a ponzu sauce, a 'tuning fork moment' pairing. A mere 1400 bottles (not cases) are produced so we are honored to have a small supply and who knows, maybe we will receive some of his even more limited white Chateauneuf this year...
2020 KUMUSHA PINOTAGE SWARTLAND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Renowned Sommelier and now winemaker Tinashe Nyamudoka is not only one of the few black wine producers in the world, he is also a superstar when it comes to his wines from South Africa. I have wanted to feature these wines for a while now and now with this wine's arrival, we are finally able to show you some of the quality and innovation of South Africa's superb young producers are delivering.
One of South Africa's signature grapes, Pinotage is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that does not exactly behave like either varietal. Hearty, soulful with black raspberry, coffee and freshly ground black and green peppercorns. Hearty, fleshy, succulent and very direct, plenty of plum and earth tones shine. A perfect wine for barbecued ribs slathered in a spicy sauce. Drink this scrumptious red over the next 5-6 years.
One of South Africa's signature grapes, Pinotage is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that does not exactly behave like either varietal. Hearty, soulful with black raspberry, coffee and freshly ground black and green peppercorns. Hearty, fleshy, succulent and very direct, plenty of plum and earth tones shine. A perfect wine for barbecued ribs slathered in a spicy sauce. Drink this scrumptious red over the next 5-6 years.
2021 DOMAINE DES CASSAGNOLES
GROS MANSENG BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
GROS MANSENG BLANC
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
About as predictable as the Chargers choking in the playoffs and even more so by peeing down their legs with a 27-0 lead is just how good and consistent this white wine with a winning attitude and history possesses.
Chargers chokes and jokes aside, I introduced this white wine to Karen 25 years ago when she was on an ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) kick. Featuring 100% of the native Southwestern French grape Gros Manseng, passionfruit and lemon bounce from the glass, while intriguing melon and pink grapefruit notes turn on the jets in the mouth. Pairing it with exotically prepared seafood dishes always is fun, so don't be afraid to add a little spice to both your food and your wine-drinking repertoire!
Chargers chokes and jokes aside, I introduced this white wine to Karen 25 years ago when she was on an ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) kick. Featuring 100% of the native Southwestern French grape Gros Manseng, passionfruit and lemon bounce from the glass, while intriguing melon and pink grapefruit notes turn on the jets in the mouth. Pairing it with exotically prepared seafood dishes always is fun, so don't be afraid to add a little spice to both your food and your wine-drinking repertoire!
2016 PIANTATE LUNGHE ROSSO CONERO
$14.99 BTL./$89.94 - SIX PACK
$14.99 BTL./$89.94 - SIX PACK
I cracked open a bottle of this hearty red from the Le Marches region of Conero over the holidays and found that it is in a very lovely place to drink right now.
Made from 100% Montepulciano, revealing plenty of blackberry, smoked meat, rosemary, and layered plum tones. Deep and mouth filling with sensual fruit to make it very attractive, but at age six has now tamed the savage personality that young Conero is known to show in its youth. Confident, flavorful and delicious, this silked out red will pair nicely with roasted pork dishes.
Made from 100% Montepulciano, revealing plenty of blackberry, smoked meat, rosemary, and layered plum tones. Deep and mouth filling with sensual fruit to make it very attractive, but at age six has now tamed the savage personality that young Conero is known to show in its youth. Confident, flavorful and delicious, this silked out red will pair nicely with roasted pork dishes.
2018 BRUNO CLAIR SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE
'LA DOMINODE' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
'LA DOMINODE' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
Domaine Bruno Clair is a name that is synonymous with world class Pinot Noir. This famous estate is located in the small village of Marsannay. The Domaine's holding are broad with land in several villages throughout Burgundy. This is a result of the Domaine's beginnings after the fall of the famous Domaine Clair-Dau. This estate is all about great fruit from perfectly maintained vineyards, and a wonderful approach of letting the grapes show where they come from.
Bruno Clair's vines from the Premier Cru site 'La Dominode' were planted in 1902. It is very rare to see this in Burgundy, as most of the vines from that time, have been destroyed due to disease. This parcel survived and the old vine intensity is present. Smoked meat; dark cherry and blackberry tones ring from the glass and follow to a texture that is rich, vinous and with formidable but finely grained tannins that are almost reminiscent of 2009 or 2015. As this wine aerates, profound wine revealed more mineral intrigue and dynamic, well-formed complexity. Though a warning, it is not interested in charming you at this point, and it would be wise to cellar until 2025 before revisiting, then count on another 10-15 years after of drinking and developing.
Bruno Clair's vines from the Premier Cru site 'La Dominode' were planted in 1902. It is very rare to see this in Burgundy, as most of the vines from that time, have been destroyed due to disease. This parcel survived and the old vine intensity is present. Smoked meat; dark cherry and blackberry tones ring from the glass and follow to a texture that is rich, vinous and with formidable but finely grained tannins that are almost reminiscent of 2009 or 2015. As this wine aerates, profound wine revealed more mineral intrigue and dynamic, well-formed complexity. Though a warning, it is not interested in charming you at this point, and it would be wise to cellar until 2025 before revisiting, then count on another 10-15 years after of drinking and developing.
2016 MASI AMARONE
COSTASERA RISERVA
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
COSTASERA RISERVA
$79.99 BTL./$479.94 - SIX PACK
What is better for a winter wonder wine than Amarone?! Best of all, when it is from the iconic Masi estate it is sure to warm you up. Costasera Riserva spans the bridge between the entry Costasera Amarone and the uber rare and expensive, single vineyard cuvees. Normally I would not go on how eighty bucks is a value but given who it is from and that it is almost to the point of the single cru wines, it truly screams great bang for the buck.
The 2016 Amarone Riserva is a bottle liquid thunder from a VERY special vintage! An absolute killer, it is full on with dried blackberry, tar, almond, raisin, spice, balsamico and tealeaf. In the mouth, this is dense, full-throttle, very rich and extremely structured. Finely woven bright tones creep through to add complexity. The finish is very youthful and snuggly wrapped but smooth and not having a hair out of place. The potential for greatness is enormous! Hold on tightly, fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a thrill ride. Drink it through 2034+.
The 2016 Amarone Riserva is a bottle liquid thunder from a VERY special vintage! An absolute killer, it is full on with dried blackberry, tar, almond, raisin, spice, balsamico and tealeaf. In the mouth, this is dense, full-throttle, very rich and extremely structured. Finely woven bright tones creep through to add complexity. The finish is very youthful and snuggly wrapped but smooth and not having a hair out of place. The potential for greatness is enormous! Hold on tightly, fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a thrill ride. Drink it through 2034+.
