1/30/23 The Cellar Door's 'MARQUEE MOON' HotSheet


THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MARQUEE MOON' HOTSHEET
Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir
Gleaming Gruner & Ventoux Value
Ridge Petite Sirah


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2020 PESQUIE VENTOUX 'TERRASSES'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

60% Grenache 40% Syrah, the compelling Rhone red always rocks the house. Formerly known as Cotes-de-Ventoux, Ventoux is the region characterized by alternating hills and valleys that closely surround Mont Ventoux and extend back to the Dentelles de Montmirial. Many youthful producers are changing the image of this region in small increments, fighting against the local co-op menace and putting forth excellent wines that really are reflective of their varying terroirs.

The word Terrasses comes from the Latin word terras, which literally means, "lump of earth". This flavorful yet tender wine exudes the personality of Provence. Aromas of lavender, smoke, thyme and pepper lead into a deceptively deep textured wine with substance and soul. A fine all-season selection that works well with slow-roasted lamb or stews in winter as well as grilled fare in summer. Enjoy this savory Southern French treat over the next 3-4 years.



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2021 INGRID GROISS
GRUNER VELTLINER 'WEINVIERTAL
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

From Austria, specifically the Weinviertel region located in the NE corner on the border of both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the white wines from this region are regarded as Austria’s spiciest. Ingrid Groiss is a young talent and one who is following her vision and making some of Austria's coolest and most intriguing wines.

Symmetrical, sleek, athletic and energetic with mineral soaked lime and peach-pit aromas and flavors, the mineral intensity turns to a crisp, peppery, anise and fresh mouthfeel that instantly coats and cleanses the entire palate. Try this delicious Gruner with everything from salad, artichokes, blanched asparagus and grilled prawns all the way to pork chops with a fruit preparation.



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2019 VILLACRUCES RIBERA DEL DUERO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Like many other Ribera del Duero estates, Finca Villacreces is quite young on paper. In 2004 after being purchased by the Anton family, they revitalized the vineyards all while ending long term contracts to which fruit was sold to other producers. Located in a very respectable neighborhood, this site is bordered on one side by Vega Sicilia and the other Pingus. Not too shabby of an address and one hell of a value.

For this 100% Tempranillo, the robust nature of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvety texture. The presence of coolness, fresh-cut flowers, mineral, and creamy marionberry permeate from the glass. Texturally, this is typically formidable yet it is succulent, tender and chock full of exotic spice. Refined and gorgeous now, it will easily develop for 7-8 years as well.</div>



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2020 PIAGGIA CARMIGNANO 'IL SASSO'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

The region of Carmignano is to Bolgheri what the latest fashion trend is to innate style. When you've got it, you've got it and you don't have to follow drinking trends or trends at all because you are the one setting the pace. Located northwest of the city of Florence, unofficially the region is noted as being the first "Super-Tuscan" since Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & other Bordeaux varietals have always been permitted for blending with the native Sangiovese.

The recently arrived 2020 is a Tuscan treasure that if it were in Bolgheri would be five times the price. A mighty blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc with 10% Merlot, it is packed and laden with wild cherry and berry scents that rule the day along with penetrating smoke, sage and sandalwood undertones. Lavish, deep, yet tenderly balanced this is extremely fine. Succulent, flavorful and owning an exacting and extensive finish for a wine at this price. A candidate for cellaring for 10-12 years however, it is going to be difficult to be patient because it is so enchanting even at an early stage.



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2019 RIDGECREST PINOT NOIR
'RIBBON RIDGE'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

After retiring from Chehalem, Harry Peterson-Nedry could not stay put and along with his daughter and former Chehalem winemaker Wynne, they started a small but rather prolific operation based around their namesake Ridgecrest Vineyard and upper tier RR Label.

Planted in 1982, Ridgecrest Vineyard was the first to be planted in the now uber-famous Ribbon Ridge appellation. The 2019 is magic as it should be due to the brilliance of the vintage. An achingly beautiful Pinot Noir possessing enticing and beautifully aromatic aromas of crushed black raspberry, violet and cinnamon that shines brightly from the glass. Texturally, the wine is stylish and refined with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with sneaky structure. The finish is suave and understated with a hint of allspice, red earth and cocoa from oak. A mouth filling Pinot, this selection will pair wonderfully with chops and will drink and develop wonderfully through 2030.



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2020 LIVIO FELLUGA PINOT GRIGIO
'COLLI ORIENTALI FRIULI'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

After World War II (as well as previous eras that Friuli was occupied by various empires), it was Livio Felluga who was one of those responsible for restoring viticulture to the region. Up until his passing in 2016 at the age of 102, he was a tireless promoter of the region and their superb wines and compelling story continues with subsequent generations.

Pinot Grigio from Friuli is quite a different animal from other regions in Italy (or Alsace). There is often more material and the wines fan across the palate very well. There is pinot gris/pinot grigio, then there is Livio Felluga, and this wine is utterly sublime. Brilliantly focused aromas of baked apple, mineral and stunning spice lead into a texture that is rich and dense, but very relaxed and regal. Broad strokes of definitive Friuli terroir are blatantly present throughout and especially on the long and graceful finish. This wine really stands up in the glass and is a magnet for salmon.



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2021 ISENHOWER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Walla Walla based Isenhower has been churning out terrific wines since their inception in 1999. We have experienced many delicious values and this certainly includes their Cabernet that comes from throughout the Columbia Valley.

Red plum, red currant and blackberry fruit spun with maple, spice, tobacco and a touch of toast coming from a thoughtful use of French oak build up as soon as it is poured. Plenty of power without lacking the signature smoothness that Isenhower is noted for; there is abundant "silky grip" and a roundness on the palate, which carry over nicely to a lingering, well-honed finish. Quite a steal for 20 bucks!



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2019 RIDGE PETITE SIRAH
'LYTTON ESTATE'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

This is Pure Wine Fury and a selection from Ridge that we do not get to offer to the entire list all too often. From 1972 through 1992, Ridge produced a Petite Sirah that was regaled over by fans who have long followed this famed California producer. In 2009, it re-emerged with plenty of gusto and we are proud to have it alongside their hallowed Zinfandel blends.

Unblended, the 2019 is 100% Petite Sirah and varietally strong in all facets. Ballsy might be the best description here. Packed, stacked, lots of black fruits, brambly herbs and spice, olive, licorice and underlying minerally tones. Mouth filling, savory, ample fruit and plenty of vibrancy keeps it in balance. Drawn-out, peppery and very lingering, enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.



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2019 CASA SANTOS LIMA
'QUINTAS DAS AMORAS' TINTO
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE

From the Estremadura region of Portugal and comprised of Castelao, Camarate, Tinta Miuda and Touriga Nacional, all native Portuguese varietals and at $8.99, what the hell are you waiting for!

Hearty, luscious, spicy, tangy aromas and flavors all provide delicious depth of fruit. A great all-around, anytime red that should be ordered by the bottle and especially by the case if you are having a gathering and need to please a bunch of palates.