2/21/23 The Cellar Door's 'DANDY' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DANDY' HOTSHEET
Saint-Joseph Special
Cru Beaujolais, Canary Hill Pinot Noir, White Chateauneuf
TenBuck Tempranillo
Cru Beaujolais, Canary Hill Pinot Noir, White Chateauneuf
TenBuck Tempranillo
2019 CLOS DE GAMOT CAHORS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
A blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec is the main attraction of Cahors, the famed growing region in the Dordogne and better known as "the black wine of France". Clos De Gamot is one of the region's major players. The Jouffreau family works mostly at the higher end of the spectrum and their wines reveal less about the grape and more about the soil, which is what the best producers of this region accomplish.
The beauty of the Dordogne is expressed deeply and this 100% Malbec is packed with plenty of penetrating power. Deep, very dry formidable juice, wild scents of red and blue berries, pronounced limestone-mineral, sandalwood and exotic spice waft from the glass and into the mouth, where it is reveals an ever-so-slight nod to modernity. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the rich land here permeates the aromas and flavors and are a virtual throwback to another era. The finish is long, lasting, dry and palate staining. A whole lotta wine for 24 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next decade although it is not a simple sipper, it needs food. Pair with duck leg, rillettes, cassoulet, pâté de campagne or a steak with a slab of foie gras on top or blue cheese.
The beauty of the Dordogne is expressed deeply and this 100% Malbec is packed with plenty of penetrating power. Deep, very dry formidable juice, wild scents of red and blue berries, pronounced limestone-mineral, sandalwood and exotic spice waft from the glass and into the mouth, where it is reveals an ever-so-slight nod to modernity. Even though there is a toe in this century, this is Cahors and the rich land here permeates the aromas and flavors and are a virtual throwback to another era. The finish is long, lasting, dry and palate staining. A whole lotta wine for 24 bucks! Drink this wine now and over the next decade although it is not a simple sipper, it needs food. Pair with duck leg, rillettes, cassoulet, pâté de campagne or a steak with a slab of foie gras on top or blue cheese.
2019 L'ECOLE NO. 41 MERLOT
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
L'Ecole No 41 is well known for high-quality Merlot since 1983 with the release of their Columbia Valley. One of the old school in Walla Walla, these wines are (and remain) the real deal and are inspired by the finesse & great balance that is achieved in the best bottles of Bordeaux but have a level of richness from the Columbia Valley & Walla Walla climate.
The blend here is 81% merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot blended from eight major sites in the Valley...Seven Hills, Estate Ferguson, Candy Mountain, Dionysus, Weinbau & Pepperbridge vineyards comprise the blend. Rich black cherry, raspberry, sweet vanilla-scented tobacco, and plums steeped with cinnamon stick flow from this opaque wine. Those ripe fruit flavors follow on the palate with even more rich exotic spice filling the mouth with ripe tannins and a fine voluptuous mouthfeel. Drink now over the next 8-10 years.
The blend here is 81% merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot blended from eight major sites in the Valley...Seven Hills, Estate Ferguson, Candy Mountain, Dionysus, Weinbau & Pepperbridge vineyards comprise the blend. Rich black cherry, raspberry, sweet vanilla-scented tobacco, and plums steeped with cinnamon stick flow from this opaque wine. Those ripe fruit flavors follow on the palate with even more rich exotic spice filling the mouth with ripe tannins and a fine voluptuous mouthfeel. Drink now over the next 8-10 years.
2021 ELENA WALCH PINOT BIANCO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Former architect Elena Walch has been making wines for over three decades. Her career transition has been seamless producing some of the finest wines from this region originally planted with grapes by the Romans. Regarded as one of Alto Adige's finest producers and now joined by her daughters, these wines continue their terrific consistency and we are thrilled to feature them after an absence.
With pure and vibrant characteristics, the 2021 Pinot Bianco shows a balanced, forward and creamy fruit with intense and showy terroir notes of minerality and stone. The wine also expresses the aromatic side of Pinot Bianco with nose-tickling minerality of pear, pineapple and soft cardamom spice. Best yet, it sees no wood offering a freshness that wakes the palate with balanced earthy richness making it the perfect start to a meal of fowl with mushrooms.
With pure and vibrant characteristics, the 2021 Pinot Bianco shows a balanced, forward and creamy fruit with intense and showy terroir notes of minerality and stone. The wine also expresses the aromatic side of Pinot Bianco with nose-tickling minerality of pear, pineapple and soft cardamom spice. Best yet, it sees no wood offering a freshness that wakes the palate with balanced earthy richness making it the perfect start to a meal of fowl with mushrooms.
2017 JEAN-MICHEL GERIN SAINT-JOSEPH
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $35.99 BTL./$215.94 - SIX PACK
Back in the 2000s when Cote-Rotie maestro Jean-Michel Gerin expanded to include Saint-Joseph into his range, expectations of top quality were very high. Possessing no shortage of confidence Jean-Michel met the hype with outstanding wines from the initial vintage.
12.5% alcohol and from 100% Syrah vines in the top St-Joseph village of Chavany, this wine at age five is seriously delicious and revealing the laid back, elegant style of wines from this region. Fragrant textbook cool-climate French Syrah characteristics of plum, olive, engaging toffee/graham and nicely enhanced by an undercurrent of sanguine and mineral. Ample penetration and grip here from the vintage but is light on its feet with lively high-tones that hold it together very well. Gaining some secondary aromas, sneaky backbone and a presence of burst shine on the persistent and pure finish. Enjoy this with smoked meats over the next 5-6 years.
12.5% alcohol and from 100% Syrah vines in the top St-Joseph village of Chavany, this wine at age five is seriously delicious and revealing the laid back, elegant style of wines from this region. Fragrant textbook cool-climate French Syrah characteristics of plum, olive, engaging toffee/graham and nicely enhanced by an undercurrent of sanguine and mineral. Ample penetration and grip here from the vintage but is light on its feet with lively high-tones that hold it together very well. Gaining some secondary aromas, sneaky backbone and a presence of burst shine on the persistent and pure finish. Enjoy this with smoked meats over the next 5-6 years.
2019 PIRON & LAMELOISE
CHENAS 'QUARTZ'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CHENAS 'QUARTZ'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Dominque Piron is one of the mainstays of Beaujolais. The fact that Dominique is a 14th generation vigneron might have a small part to do with his pride and passion for the region of and his wines at the single Cru level are among the purest and most well-structured in all of Beaujolais and can age gracefully for years. Christian Lameloise is a member of the family of the namesake Michelin three-star restaurant in Chagny. When these vines came up for sale, both Dominique and Christian leapt at the chance to have this prestigious site, which was once part of a top producer known as Domaine Robin.
A neighbor of Moulin-a-Vent, Chénas is one of the fullest yet smoothly structured and aromatic of the Cru Beaujolais. What makes this offering so special is that the granite is covered by quartz, which brings an extra layer of finesse and complexity. Chock full of cherry, graham, underlying pink peppercorn and plenty of exuberance on the nose, all of these characteristics carry over into a wine that fills the mouth with excitement and flavor, all while never becoming ponderous or undrinkable. Versatility at its finest here, this wine will go with the chicken or other fowl with cep/porcini mushrooms, will also pair well with Vietnamese beef-based dishes, pot-au-feu (French roast beef) and even heartier seafood dishes.
A neighbor of Moulin-a-Vent, Chénas is one of the fullest yet smoothly structured and aromatic of the Cru Beaujolais. What makes this offering so special is that the granite is covered by quartz, which brings an extra layer of finesse and complexity. Chock full of cherry, graham, underlying pink peppercorn and plenty of exuberance on the nose, all of these characteristics carry over into a wine that fills the mouth with excitement and flavor, all while never becoming ponderous or undrinkable. Versatility at its finest here, this wine will go with the chicken or other fowl with cep/porcini mushrooms, will also pair well with Vietnamese beef-based dishes, pot-au-feu (French roast beef) and even heartier seafood dishes.
2018 GAROFOLI ROSSO CONERO
'PIANCARDA'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'PIANCARDA'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
As wonderful as Garofoli’s Verdicchio-laden white wines are, the red wines are equally as formidable. The best way that I can describe these very individualistic wines is that they are poetic animals. Piancarda is the first of two Rosso Conero wines and is always a stupendous value.
Made with 100% of the Montepulciano grape, this wine is dark, haunting and nothing like its Abruzzo brethren. Soil and sea play a tremendous role with this wine and enhance the very authentic fruit that the Garofoli family always obtains. Elusive with perpetual movement, constantly rolling in different, alluring directions each time you draw it to the nose. Piquant, graceful, classy with impressive palate coverage and extension. Creamy, generous and genuine, the previously mentioned soil and sea really play their roles to perfection in concert with the fruit. The darkness and wildness of the Montepulciano is offset nicely by the tanginess and salinity of the terroir. One to drink over the next 4-5 years with a classic minestrone or roasted pork loin slathered in Italian herbs.
Made with 100% of the Montepulciano grape, this wine is dark, haunting and nothing like its Abruzzo brethren. Soil and sea play a tremendous role with this wine and enhance the very authentic fruit that the Garofoli family always obtains. Elusive with perpetual movement, constantly rolling in different, alluring directions each time you draw it to the nose. Piquant, graceful, classy with impressive palate coverage and extension. Creamy, generous and genuine, the previously mentioned soil and sea really play their roles to perfection in concert with the fruit. The darkness and wildness of the Montepulciano is offset nicely by the tanginess and salinity of the terroir. One to drink over the next 4-5 years with a classic minestrone or roasted pork loin slathered in Italian herbs.
2021 PAZO DE EGUREN TEMPRANILLO
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
At this price, there is no reason to deliberate and contemplate very much when it comes to this wine - don’t think, just drink!
From the warm climate La Mancha area, this Tempranillo is made in an early-drinking style that shows off sassy scents of raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth aromas that flow into a texture that is vibrant, supple and full of character. Plenty of persistence and nice snap-back, this is a delicious everyday red that works along, with a burger or a bunch of friends.
From the warm climate La Mancha area, this Tempranillo is made in an early-drinking style that shows off sassy scents of raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth aromas that flow into a texture that is vibrant, supple and full of character. Plenty of persistence and nice snap-back, this is a delicious everyday red that works along, with a burger or a bunch of friends.
2020 DOMAINE 3 CELLIERS
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Domaine 3 Celliers emerged upon the split of famed Domaine Saint-Benoit when Marc Cellier retired and his three sons took over the land, thus creating this estate. Marc’s partner in Saint-Benoit went on to take his portion of the land and created his own Domaine. Over the last decade, these wines have been very fine indeed and this white Chateauneuf is sure to please fans of the category.
The 2020 Chateauneuf Blanc is off the rails great for its price point. 70% Clairette Blanche, 20% Grenache Blanc, 5% each of Bourboulenc and Roussane, this wine jumps from the glass with mandarin, white peach, white flower, anise and pepper notes. Starts out very plucky then fans out on the palate, building unctuous tones all reined in by crisp citrus and mineral notes. Very engaging now but can also age for a decade and become very different.
The 2020 Chateauneuf Blanc is off the rails great for its price point. 70% Clairette Blanche, 20% Grenache Blanc, 5% each of Bourboulenc and Roussane, this wine jumps from the glass with mandarin, white peach, white flower, anise and pepper notes. Starts out very plucky then fans out on the palate, building unctuous tones all reined in by crisp citrus and mineral notes. Very engaging now but can also age for a decade and become very different.
2021 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
'CANARY HILL VINEYARD'
$89.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
'CANARY HILL VINEYARD'
$89.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
One of the very profound Oregon producers has been able to procure fruit from one of Eola-Amity's finest sites. A mere 151 cases are produced and I have excruciatingly limited amounts of this wine that has immense potential.
From Kelley Fox: 'I’m thrilled to offer you my second bottling of Canary Hill Vineyard! Originally planted in 1982 by Dick and Nancy Daniel, this classic Eola-Amity Hills vineyard was purchased by Ken Wright Cellars in 2006. Their vineyard manager, Seth Miller, has been farming it organically with the utmost love and care. It’s called “Canary Hill” because the founders were told that the countless little yellow birds that live there were canaries. They are Western goldfinches, but the name stayed. This vineyard is gorgeous. The Canary Hill 2021 is medium, rich, youthful ruby-red with brilliant transparency. You can tell right away that this is Eola-Amity and not Dundee: it’s darker and more structured. It has quiet power and noblesse. The nose is amazing and full of blackberries, freshness, and minerals. There is such purity in this one. The mouth is delicious and is full of red and blue berries and cherries with spice-and it’s cool and refreshing- the farthest thing from being fruit-bomb-ish. It has exciting tension and a long, gorgeous finish. I love the frame on this wine. A real beauty.'
From Kelley Fox: 'I’m thrilled to offer you my second bottling of Canary Hill Vineyard! Originally planted in 1982 by Dick and Nancy Daniel, this classic Eola-Amity Hills vineyard was purchased by Ken Wright Cellars in 2006. Their vineyard manager, Seth Miller, has been farming it organically with the utmost love and care. It’s called “Canary Hill” because the founders were told that the countless little yellow birds that live there were canaries. They are Western goldfinches, but the name stayed. This vineyard is gorgeous. The Canary Hill 2021 is medium, rich, youthful ruby-red with brilliant transparency. You can tell right away that this is Eola-Amity and not Dundee: it’s darker and more structured. It has quiet power and noblesse. The nose is amazing and full of blackberries, freshness, and minerals. There is such purity in this one. The mouth is delicious and is full of red and blue berries and cherries with spice-and it’s cool and refreshing- the farthest thing from being fruit-bomb-ish. It has exciting tension and a long, gorgeous finish. I love the frame on this wine. A real beauty.'
