2/27/23 The Cellar Door's 'HELL YEAH' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'HELL YEAH' HOTSHEET
Amarone & Gevrey-Chambertin
Washington Red Blend
Alsace Bubbly Value
Washington Red Blend
Alsace Bubbly Value
2021 PAOLO SCAVINO LANGHE NEBBIOLO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Declassified Barolo from two sites in La Morra that are specifically made into Langhe Nebbiolo, this wine is all about drinking pleasure for 4-6 years while you wait on the more impenetrable Barolo wines. 2021 is a small but impressive Piedmont vintage and for those who love Nebbiolo, Barolo and Barbaresco, this wine is perfect for you.
Aged 10 months in neutral barrels, violet, pekoe, licorice tones are cordially accentuated with intermittent scents of dark chocolate. In the mouth, it is lacy, very giving, and all highlighted by seductive flavors that are the essence of La Morra. Keeps gaining depth and finishes with vibrancy, abundance and deceptive structure. Delightful now, especially with risotto dishes that are enhanced with mushrooms.
Aged 10 months in neutral barrels, violet, pekoe, licorice tones are cordially accentuated with intermittent scents of dark chocolate. In the mouth, it is lacy, very giving, and all highlighted by seductive flavors that are the essence of La Morra. Keeps gaining depth and finishes with vibrancy, abundance and deceptive structure. Delightful now, especially with risotto dishes that are enhanced with mushrooms.
AGAPÉ CREMANT D’ALSACE BRUT
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Lately finding good twenty-dollar sparkling wine is akin to finding a wad or rolled up hundred-dollar bills on the street, it just doesn’t happen! Domaine Agape is from the mind of Vincent Sipp who left his family’s estate (Sipp-Mack) to follow his own wine vision. Located in Riquewihr, Vincent has excellent land holdings and this bubbly is not made to be a mere sideshow.
40% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Blanc, 30% Chardonnay. Apple puffed-pastry, butter-tones, orange and mineral aromas glimmer from the glass and follow into a texture that dances with finesse and electricity. It also boasts excellent depth and mouth-watering fruit then finishes with boundless character that allows it to be something wonderful to share with a bunch of friends, perhaps at the table with fish or with the cheese/dessert course.
40% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Blanc, 30% Chardonnay. Apple puffed-pastry, butter-tones, orange and mineral aromas glimmer from the glass and follow into a texture that dances with finesse and electricity. It also boasts excellent depth and mouth-watering fruit then finishes with boundless character that allows it to be something wonderful to share with a bunch of friends, perhaps at the table with fish or with the cheese/dessert course.
2020 SLEIGHT OF HAND
'SPELLBINDER' RED
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'SPELLBINDER' RED
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Sleight of Hand is a superb Walla Walla-based producer who happens to excels in the art of blending. Spellbinder is typical of Trey Busch's style, powerful yet with velvety edges and ample exuberance.
39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and sort of the second wine to The Conjurer, aromas of red cherry and black cherry mesh well with scents of mocha and nutmeg; the texture here is mouth coating and forward with minimal presence of tannin. Classic Washington dusty aspects come through as well as hints of dried herbs. The finish is packed with vibrant fruit and spice and is oh so typical of well-made Washington red blend. Drink this now through 2026.
39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and sort of the second wine to The Conjurer, aromas of red cherry and black cherry mesh well with scents of mocha and nutmeg; the texture here is mouth coating and forward with minimal presence of tannin. Classic Washington dusty aspects come through as well as hints of dried herbs. The finish is packed with vibrant fruit and spice and is oh so typical of well-made Washington red blend. Drink this now through 2026.
2020 JM RAFFAULT CHINON
'CLOS D'ISORE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'CLOS D'ISORE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, Chinon wines are a distinct taste of France and replicating these wines in the New World is quite a challenge. Bravo to those who succeed but they usually are not twenty-bucks. The current winemaker at Domaine J-M Raffault, Rodolphe Raffault is 14th generation. He has ably followed his ancestors’ stewardship, and is making wines that are some of the finest in the region. Having prime-time terroir doesn't exactly hurt either.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates back to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 planted in clay/limestone soil that sits atop a white chalk subsoil. The 2010 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe, all which are packed in snugly now. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a $20 offering that can age very well. Late last year I had a 2010 of this offering that was humming – 2020 has even greater potential. Serve this wine in a Burgundy or Pinot Noir glass to allow the material to unfold. As it airs, the aromas and flavors expand and smoothen with floral aspects joining in on the fruit, mineral and spice mélange. A wine for those who truly appreciate the art of detailed French wines, Drink through 2033.
Clos D'Isore is an enclosed vineyard that dates back to the 17th century. The current 6+ acres were planted in 1938 planted in clay/limestone soil that sits atop a white chalk subsoil. The 2010 is a well-structured wine with generous raspberry fruits, Asian spices, pronounced flint, sanguine and pekoe, all which are packed in snugly now. Old-vine depth backbone and persistence abound, this wine is a $20 offering that can age very well. Late last year I had a 2010 of this offering that was humming – 2020 has even greater potential. Serve this wine in a Burgundy or Pinot Noir glass to allow the material to unfold. As it airs, the aromas and flavors expand and smoothen with floral aspects joining in on the fruit, mineral and spice mélange. A wine for those who truly appreciate the art of detailed French wines, Drink through 2033.
2020 FX PICHLER RIESLING
'RIED LOIBNER BURGSTALL'
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
'RIED LOIBNER BURGSTALL'
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
When it comes to Dry Riesling, Alsace doesn’t have a monopoly. Austria is home to many great versions and a producer like FX Pichler make Dry Riesling wines on a Grand Cru level.
None of that is here as this is a case study of top terroir. Beautifully situated with the Danube River almost acting as a mirror reflecting on the vineyard, a small topsoil of sand covers up pure gneiss and granite. Blitzing aromas of mineral, peat, lemon and peach flow from the glass. In the mouth, it is all about minerally precision. Well balanced with saline aspects arriving. Very dry, lifting and extensive, this special single vineyard offering will easily age for 15+ years. Enjoy it now if you’d like with roasted branzino or seabass, Indian fish curry, asparagus risotto with a stock made from cracked crab shells on the second day after one pairs a bottle with the crabmeat itself.
None of that is here as this is a case study of top terroir. Beautifully situated with the Danube River almost acting as a mirror reflecting on the vineyard, a small topsoil of sand covers up pure gneiss and granite. Blitzing aromas of mineral, peat, lemon and peach flow from the glass. In the mouth, it is all about minerally precision. Well balanced with saline aspects arriving. Very dry, lifting and extensive, this special single vineyard offering will easily age for 15+ years. Enjoy it now if you’d like with roasted branzino or seabass, Indian fish curry, asparagus risotto with a stock made from cracked crab shells on the second day after one pairs a bottle with the crabmeat itself.
2021 TANNERIE CARCASSONE ROUGE
CAB FRANC-MERLOT-GRENACHE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
CAB FRANC-MERLOT-GRENACHE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
One of our most popular wines last year returns with a new vintage as well as 25% Grenache to go with the already delicious Cabernet Franc and Merlot. From vines just outside the medieval city of Carcassone in Languedoc, this blend is all about pleasure.
Intense with purple reflections. Generous nose of black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint, embellished with rosemary, thyme and peppery notes, which are a nice addition from the Grenache. Both the South of France and the grape varietals show off very well in this great everyday drink. Flavorful and supple palate, supported by nice structure and persisting with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including burgers, roasted chicken, sloppy joes, pizza, hearty soups, chicken wings during basketball and much more.
Intense with purple reflections. Generous nose of black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint, embellished with rosemary, thyme and peppery notes, which are a nice addition from the Grenache. Both the South of France and the grape varietals show off very well in this great everyday drink. Flavorful and supple palate, supported by nice structure and persisting with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including burgers, roasted chicken, sloppy joes, pizza, hearty soups, chicken wings during basketball and much more.
2019 PEACHY CANYON ZINFALDEL
'WEST SIDE' PASO ROBLES
$19.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'WEST SIDE' PASO ROBLES
$19.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
One of the pioneers of the Paso Robles wine region, plenty of deliciousness is always on offer from Peachy Canyon and their Westside Zin is always one of the regions excellent expressions of site and grape as well as being a hell of a value for twenty bucks.
Superb Zin density without being heavy or ponderous, this offering is very civilized indeed. Extroverted with fleshy raspberry, cranberry and cherry tones along with plenty of briar, and smoky spice. In the mouth, it is bright, chewy and chock full of berries, licorice and pepper. Consistent from start to finish, and really good, too! Drink now through 2028 with a big steak.
Superb Zin density without being heavy or ponderous, this offering is very civilized indeed. Extroverted with fleshy raspberry, cranberry and cherry tones along with plenty of briar, and smoky spice. In the mouth, it is bright, chewy and chock full of berries, licorice and pepper. Consistent from start to finish, and really good, too! Drink now through 2028 with a big steak.
2017 TENUTA SANT'ANTONIO
AMARONE 'CASTAGNEDI'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
AMARONE 'CASTAGNEDI'
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
From their top Amarone wines all the way down to their entry range, Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s Veneto wines put forth honesty, detail and just want to be loved. Always an Amarone of value, the Castagnedi cuvee provides both lux and earlier approachability than their top level (and more expensive, inquire if you want some) Campo del Gigli Amarone.
The 2017 is extraordinarily large but also extraordinarily smooth and teeming with aromas of licorice, tar, almond, saturated cherry, cedar, lively pepper and exotic spices. Upon entry, it explodes, expands and luxuriates all of the senses. Concentrated and rich, this mountain of a wine conceals its tannins and alcohol nicely. Impressive with slow-roasted pork dishes or gorgonzola and can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.
The 2017 is extraordinarily large but also extraordinarily smooth and teeming with aromas of licorice, tar, almond, saturated cherry, cedar, lively pepper and exotic spices. Upon entry, it explodes, expands and luxuriates all of the senses. Concentrated and rich, this mountain of a wine conceals its tannins and alcohol nicely. Impressive with slow-roasted pork dishes or gorgonzola and can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.
2020 DOMAINE COLLOTTE
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 'LES EVOCELLES'
$74.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 'LES EVOCELLES'
$74.99 BTL. - VERY LIMITED
Based in Marsannay as well as having renown as one of the village’s finest producers, Domaine Collotte also has small holdings in the prestigious villages of Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin. From the Evocelles site that is located high above the village, the Collotte site is less than 1 acre with vines planted in 1955.
Gevrey-Chambertin personified! Smoke and mineral shine as well as pronounced chocolate licorice. Poised and quite expansive in the mouth with a good spine and stand-up structure. Rather luscious finish revealing a little oak that will undoubtedly integrate with a few years of age. This is uptown village level wine – almost Premier Cru. Hold on to this bad-boy until 2025 and drink it through 2033+.
Gevrey-Chambertin personified! Smoke and mineral shine as well as pronounced chocolate licorice. Poised and quite expansive in the mouth with a good spine and stand-up structure. Rather luscious finish revealing a little oak that will undoubtedly integrate with a few years of age. This is uptown village level wine – almost Premier Cru. Hold on to this bad-boy until 2025 and drink it through 2033+.
