3/27/23 The Cellar Door's 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT' HOTSHEET
Amarone & Bandol
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir
Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Barbera
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir
Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Barbera
2020 DOMAINE ROCHETTE
BEAUJOLAIS-LANTIGNE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
BEAUJOLAIS-LANTIGNE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Within Beaujolais, there are ten Cru wines, which are regarded as the region’s top status. Up until recently many of these wines were just labeled as Beaujolais village, however the AOC of Beaujolais-Lantigne has existed since 1936. Looking to elevate and lobby for eleventh Cru status, the owners of the 110 hectares that make up this area which is located next to the Crus of Morgon and Regnie have tightened required yields and lowering them what the Crus require as well as doing soil and terroir analyses revealing this area’s diversity and individuality of the wines. Currently one can find remarkable values here and this offering is no exception.
Founded in 1981, Domaine Rochette has been on the scene making terrific Cru wines from Morgon, Brouilly, Cote-de-Brouilly and Regnie. Their Lantigne is somewhat of a secret weapon in the lineup that can hit for power and hit well to the opposite field. Dark garnet, with delicious, complex, suggestively perfumed aromas of black plum, blackberries with mineral and subtle notes of tarragon. Bright, layered peppery fruit and herbs make a wine that's refreshing but worthy of more attention than just casual sipping due to its mouth filling texture that can best be described as a miracle in the mouth. Lots of extension, depth and grace, this wine is very tasty now and will continue to drink very well and develop through end 2026.
Founded in 1981, Domaine Rochette has been on the scene making terrific Cru wines from Morgon, Brouilly, Cote-de-Brouilly and Regnie. Their Lantigne is somewhat of a secret weapon in the lineup that can hit for power and hit well to the opposite field. Dark garnet, with delicious, complex, suggestively perfumed aromas of black plum, blackberries with mineral and subtle notes of tarragon. Bright, layered peppery fruit and herbs make a wine that's refreshing but worthy of more attention than just casual sipping due to its mouth filling texture that can best be described as a miracle in the mouth. Lots of extension, depth and grace, this wine is very tasty now and will continue to drink very well and develop through end 2026.
2019 PIERO BENEVELLI BARBERA D'ALBA
'BRICCO DEL PILONE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'BRICCO DEL PILONE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
I am headed to Italy in just under three weeks and one of the producers I am most excited to visit is Monforte-bases Barolo specialist Piero Benevelli. Led by Piero’s son and winemaker Massimo, these wines are made in the current mode of Piemont, highlighting the traditional values and terroir but taking advantage of current equipment, farming and knowledge. These behind the curtain offerings will surely please any Piedmont wine lover.
The Barbera D’Alba is from a portion of the Ravera di Monforte Cru and is aged six months in old barrels then moved to large Slavonian casks for another ten months before bottling all resulting in a Barbera that combines fruit, structure and succulence. Brilliant red cherry, ample minerality from the limestone with undertones of roses and licorice shine from the glass. Hearty, expansive yet very brisk and vibrant. Plenty of savory earth tones combine nicely with the classy fruit on the finish that is very Monforte and very Piemonte.
The Barbera D’Alba is from a portion of the Ravera di Monforte Cru and is aged six months in old barrels then moved to large Slavonian casks for another ten months before bottling all resulting in a Barbera that combines fruit, structure and succulence. Brilliant red cherry, ample minerality from the limestone with undertones of roses and licorice shine from the glass. Hearty, expansive yet very brisk and vibrant. Plenty of savory earth tones combine nicely with the classy fruit on the finish that is very Monforte and very Piemonte.
2021 EVESHAM WOOD PINOT NOIR
EOLA-AMITY HILLS
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
EOLA-AMITY HILLS
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Once again, this five-star Eola-Amity producer delivers another Pinot Noir that punches well above its weight class. Since 1986, this Oregon estate has been nothing but the truth with their small production and superb quality. 2021 was a small quantity vintage but in Eola-Amity some superb wines have emerged. Be quick, as mentioned supplies are very limited.
Evesham's Eola-Amity cuvee is an appellation-specific wine that bridges the gap between the Willamette Valley offering and the single vineyard wines. Graceful aromas and flavors conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry and cocoa-dust, texturally this offering is even-keeled and persistent with plenty of blue fruit tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and extending finish. Top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle, this wine shows admirable approachability now and will drink nicely through 2031+. Given the price hikes that we have been seeing for this vintage of small quantity, this wine is a steal for its price level.
Evesham's Eola-Amity cuvee is an appellation-specific wine that bridges the gap between the Willamette Valley offering and the single vineyard wines. Graceful aromas and flavors conjure up harmonious notes of strawberry and cocoa-dust, texturally this offering is even-keeled and persistent with plenty of blue fruit tones up front that fan out into a vivid, suave and extending finish. Top-notch, obsessive farming and winemaking at its pinnacle, this wine shows admirable approachability now and will drink nicely through 2031+. Given the price hikes that we have been seeing for this vintage of small quantity, this wine is a steal for its price level.
2021 PELLE MENETOU-SALON
'LES MOROGUES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'LES MOROGUES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Having appellation status since 1958 and just under 20 miles from Sancerre, the Menetou-Salon region has long existed beneath the shadow of its more famous neighbor. The fact of the matter is that Menetou itself has an abundance of the classic Kimmereridgian soils that drives the bus for both region’s wines. Yes, they are Sauvignon Blanc but nowhere is Sauvignon Blanc like Menetou or Sancerre!
Only 30 producers make up the entire appellation of Menetou-Salon and at the head of the table is Domaine Henry-Pelle. Led by Paul-Henry Pelle since 2007, this estate is one of the best-kept secrets of the wine world. Located in the spiritual base of Menetou, the most important cuvee named after the village of Morogues is from seven different hillsides and is from 90% kimmerdigian marl soils. Paul-Henry’s grandpa tirelessly worked for the elevated status of this Cru and the results are in the bottle. Gooseberry, lime, blood orange fruit shine reveals loads of burst. Plenty of flinty, chalky qualities, it is the penetrating fruit that shines on this persuasive offering. Succulent from the moment it is tasted, plenty of zesty features call one back for more. Vibrant and piercing enough for shellfish dishes but enough weight to handle white fishes in sauce. Even though this wine is priced like Sancerre, it will knock the merde out of the majority of them in this range.
Only 30 producers make up the entire appellation of Menetou-Salon and at the head of the table is Domaine Henry-Pelle. Led by Paul-Henry Pelle since 2007, this estate is one of the best-kept secrets of the wine world. Located in the spiritual base of Menetou, the most important cuvee named after the village of Morogues is from seven different hillsides and is from 90% kimmerdigian marl soils. Paul-Henry’s grandpa tirelessly worked for the elevated status of this Cru and the results are in the bottle. Gooseberry, lime, blood orange fruit shine reveals loads of burst. Plenty of flinty, chalky qualities, it is the penetrating fruit that shines on this persuasive offering. Succulent from the moment it is tasted, plenty of zesty features call one back for more. Vibrant and piercing enough for shellfish dishes but enough weight to handle white fishes in sauce. Even though this wine is priced like Sancerre, it will knock the merde out of the majority of them in this range.
2019 MARTA MATE RIBERA DEL DUERO
'EL HOLGAZAN'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'EL HOLGAZAN'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in the northernmost point of Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, the vines for this single vineyard, 100% Tempranillo are 25 years old and are planted at 2800 feet. A young team all around, Marta Castrillo and Cesar Mate founded this estate in 2013 and given their location, choose to make wines built around nuance, detail and a lovely core of fruit versus many in this area that are seriously extracted, heavy and boozy.
Forward, upbeat flavors of mouthcoating blueberry, milk chocolate, red plum, minerally earth, cinnamon and perfume come together on a perfectly built elegant and sophisticated frame. Lingering red and dark perfumed berries and spice permeate the palate and expand into something quite wonderful. A vibrant and pretty decadent drink right now and over the next 6-8 years. Enjoy it with classy yet hearty fare like slow cooked leg of lamb.
Forward, upbeat flavors of mouthcoating blueberry, milk chocolate, red plum, minerally earth, cinnamon and perfume come together on a perfectly built elegant and sophisticated frame. Lingering red and dark perfumed berries and spice permeate the palate and expand into something quite wonderful. A vibrant and pretty decadent drink right now and over the next 6-8 years. Enjoy it with classy yet hearty fare like slow cooked leg of lamb.
2018 CHATEAU LES PETITES
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
BLAYE COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Blaye sits in the northern portion of Bordeaux’s Right Bank and is one of four regions that classify their wines Cotes-de-Bordeaux. The name of this Chateau is appropriate due to its mere 12 hectares spread over three villages.
A real joy to drink and classically formed, the 2018 is poised, personable and with a telltale right bank Bordeaux nose of ironstone, raspberry, espresso and sandalwood, this delicious red delivers so much for so little. Elegant, sophisticated beyond its price tag and chock full of grace, terroir and a dry, austere, spiced-earth finish. An amazing value that can be consumed any day of the week. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.
A real joy to drink and classically formed, the 2018 is poised, personable and with a telltale right bank Bordeaux nose of ironstone, raspberry, espresso and sandalwood, this delicious red delivers so much for so little. Elegant, sophisticated beyond its price tag and chock full of grace, terroir and a dry, austere, spiced-earth finish. An amazing value that can be consumed any day of the week. Drink it with a plethora of cuisine ranging from smoked meats, grilled beef, Vietnamese dishes, roasted chicken, veggies and more.
2021 REDOLENT CHARDONNAY
'DION VINEYARD'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'DION VINEYARD'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Based in Amity, Redolent Wine Company is a collaboration between Jon Larson and Boyd Pearson utilizing grapes from throughout the Willamette Valley and fashioning wines that are expressive and true to their origins. This is a label to keep your eyes on, especially with the high quality that is already springing from this producer.
Dion Vineyard is located in the Chehalem Mountain AVA and the Redolent expression is aged 20% new French barrels with the other 80% in neutral French oak. It also clocks in at a mild 12.7% alcohol level as well. Mandarin, subtle clove, nutmeg and a very fine toasty note on the tail end. Satisfying and creamy yet possessing and abundance of mineral nervosity that balances everything very well. Nice movement and character, especially on the chiming, bright, lengthy finish. Definitely more inspired by Burgundy and not the butterballs from California, this wine will pair so very well with much of our local seafood including fresh halibut that is hitting the markets.
Dion Vineyard is located in the Chehalem Mountain AVA and the Redolent expression is aged 20% new French barrels with the other 80% in neutral French oak. It also clocks in at a mild 12.7% alcohol level as well. Mandarin, subtle clove, nutmeg and a very fine toasty note on the tail end. Satisfying and creamy yet possessing and abundance of mineral nervosity that balances everything very well. Nice movement and character, especially on the chiming, bright, lengthy finish. Definitely more inspired by Burgundy and not the butterballs from California, this wine will pair so very well with much of our local seafood including fresh halibut that is hitting the markets.
2015 CHATEAU PRADEAUX BANDOL
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
These days Bandol is not just Domaine Tempier. Many stalwarts are finally being recognized for outstanding quality and the devout traditionalist Chateau Pradeaux is one that we have been working with and enjoying for many years. Very much a wine that ages extremely well, the 2015 is not just a can of whoop-ass; it is a whole truck load of whoop-ass! A drop-dead stunner of a Bandol vintage, this wine almost behaves like a French Barolo!
Serious tar scents wit undertones of red flower and coffee from earth rather than from the use of new oak. Wiry texture and extremely tightly wound with resounding structure, this wine is powerfully-built and even in a warm vintage will age stupendously. 95% Mourvedre & 5% Grenache with deep, fine fruit notes underneath and more come out as it airs. Very ripe, layered and profound with complex notes of Provençal herbs, mushroom and floral tones. Initially firm on the finish but snaps back with wild oceanic, sanguine and spiced earth characteristics as it delightfully stays around exquisitely in the mouth. Decant and drink this mountainous Mourvedre through 2035+.
Serious tar scents wit undertones of red flower and coffee from earth rather than from the use of new oak. Wiry texture and extremely tightly wound with resounding structure, this wine is powerfully-built and even in a warm vintage will age stupendously. 95% Mourvedre & 5% Grenache with deep, fine fruit notes underneath and more come out as it airs. Very ripe, layered and profound with complex notes of Provençal herbs, mushroom and floral tones. Initially firm on the finish but snaps back with wild oceanic, sanguine and spiced earth characteristics as it delightfully stays around exquisitely in the mouth. Decant and drink this mountainous Mourvedre through 2035+.
2016 CA' LA BIONDA AMARONE
$53.99 - 15 btls available
$53.99 - 15 btls available
In existence since 1902, Ca’ La Bionda is located in the heart of the Amarone della Valpolicella district in the village of Marano. This estate practices organic viticulture and unlike many modernistas, Ca’ la Bionda does much slower vinification and aging processes before releasing their wines.
Make no mistake, like many Amarone, this is a massive, full-throttle wine. With one whiff you are transported to the land of hallucinations with a potpourri of decadent aromas highlighted by dried Morello cherry, Asian spice, fresh baked blueberry pie, wild mushroom and dried rose petal to name a few. This intellectually hedonistic nose is only outdone by the incredibly balanced richness on the palate. It is a beautiful thing to see all of the components coming together to form one complex and elegant package that has the power and depth to stand up to braised short ribs and any roasted beast you can think of. Open one now with a hearty meal or hold over the next 15 years and watch as the kaleidoscope of colors widens more and more.
Make no mistake, like many Amarone, this is a massive, full-throttle wine. With one whiff you are transported to the land of hallucinations with a potpourri of decadent aromas highlighted by dried Morello cherry, Asian spice, fresh baked blueberry pie, wild mushroom and dried rose petal to name a few. This intellectually hedonistic nose is only outdone by the incredibly balanced richness on the palate. It is a beautiful thing to see all of the components coming together to form one complex and elegant package that has the power and depth to stand up to braised short ribs and any roasted beast you can think of. Open one now with a hearty meal or hold over the next 15 years and watch as the kaleidoscope of colors widens more and more.
