5/30/23 The Cellar Door's 'THAT'S IT-FORT PITT' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'THAT'S IT-FORT PITT' HOTSHEET
95-point Brunello & New Haut-Rian
Southern French Rose Value
Cool White Wines, Rioja, Red Burgundy
Southern French Rose Value
Cool White Wines, Rioja, Red Burgundy
2022 VILLAVIVA COTES-DE-THAU ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
A remarkable value from Languedoc, this 100% Carignan rose comes is a neighbor of Pinet, which is famed for Picpoul. Following the mantra of don’t think, just drink, this magnetizing rose wine both lights up and pleases the senses.
Melon, lime, thyme surround bursting strawberry and cranberry notes all carrying to a pulsating, nimble texture that extends nicely and is one that we have taken to calling ‘adult pink lemonade’. At this price, drink lots and then lots more…at least until it sells out.
Melon, lime, thyme surround bursting strawberry and cranberry notes all carrying to a pulsating, nimble texture that extends nicely and is one that we have taken to calling ‘adult pink lemonade’. At this price, drink lots and then lots more…at least until it sells out.
2016 HERMANOS PECINA RIOJA CRIANZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
93 Points – The Wine Advocate…The Crianza classification is often the one most wine drinkers associate with Rioja. Often these wines are accessible and offer stellar value for under $20. The regulations for Crianza state that the wine must be aged 12 months in barrel followed by 12 more months in bottle before release. 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 2% Garnacha, Hermanos Pecina takes the aging of the wines a bit further, aging it 24 months in used oak barrels and holding it 18 more months in bottle before release. They could ACTUALLY call this wine Reserva!
2016 is current and brings back memories to those who loved Rioja wines from Pedro Pecina's past (he worked at La Rioja Alta for 20 years). Blackberry, cherry pit and black raspberry fruit on the nose while vanilla and spice tones fold into the fine core of fruit. An ultra-smooth finish keeps you coming back for another glass. This will pair nicely with all types of red meat and game. If you like good Rioja at a good price, grab yours now and enjoy it over the next decade.
2016 is current and brings back memories to those who loved Rioja wines from Pedro Pecina's past (he worked at La Rioja Alta for 20 years). Blackberry, cherry pit and black raspberry fruit on the nose while vanilla and spice tones fold into the fine core of fruit. An ultra-smooth finish keeps you coming back for another glass. This will pair nicely with all types of red meat and game. If you like good Rioja at a good price, grab yours now and enjoy it over the next decade.
2019 HAUT-RIAN 'SAINT-SEURIN'
COTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE PRESTIGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
COTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE PRESTIGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The Haut-Rian onslaught begins! Culminating in an afternoon with Pauline Dietrich on June 16th, we will be offering new releases of Chateau Haut-Rian up until that time. White, Rose, Cremant bubbly and this red Bordeaux are all ready to roll.
The single parcel wine ‘Saint-Seurin’ is Haut-Rian’s wondrous luxury wine. From the estate’s oldest vines, the presence of 20-30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 months aging in oak brings about a fine presence of depth, finesse and extensive potential. Cassis, Italian plum and vanilla along with undertones of sage, North African spice and anise. Layered and with good impact and depth in the mouth, but plenty of spine and firm Cabernet character. Broad-scaled yet very smooth finish that spreads out very nicely. Displaying ample character, complexity and aging potential, this is irresistible now and can develop through 2029. Enjoy it with a grilled ribeye steak with slow-sweated shallots in butter placed on top.
The single parcel wine ‘Saint-Seurin’ is Haut-Rian’s wondrous luxury wine. From the estate’s oldest vines, the presence of 20-30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 months aging in oak brings about a fine presence of depth, finesse and extensive potential. Cassis, Italian plum and vanilla along with undertones of sage, North African spice and anise. Layered and with good impact and depth in the mouth, but plenty of spine and firm Cabernet character. Broad-scaled yet very smooth finish that spreads out very nicely. Displaying ample character, complexity and aging potential, this is irresistible now and can develop through 2029. Enjoy it with a grilled ribeye steak with slow-sweated shallots in butter placed on top.
2021 TERENZUOLO VERMENTINO
'VIGNE BASSE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'VIGNE BASSE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The grape that is the spiritual soul in Liguria is Vermentino. Terenzuola is one of this microscopic region’s most prolific producers.
Pour some of this shimmering white into a glass and it immediately screams Italian Riviera. Vibrant seashell, mandarin, lime and an underlying salted peach scent come together nicely and lure you in. The fine fruit tones are enhanced by energetic and lemony briskness, which is very apparent on the mouth-watering, palate-cleansing, thrusting finish. The biggest problem with this white is that it goes down excessively easily. This can be accessed alone, before dinner with friends yet it will nicely stand up to cod, salmon, shrimp, green veggies or something drowned in a romesco sauce.
Pour some of this shimmering white into a glass and it immediately screams Italian Riviera. Vibrant seashell, mandarin, lime and an underlying salted peach scent come together nicely and lure you in. The fine fruit tones are enhanced by energetic and lemony briskness, which is very apparent on the mouth-watering, palate-cleansing, thrusting finish. The biggest problem with this white is that it goes down excessively easily. This can be accessed alone, before dinner with friends yet it will nicely stand up to cod, salmon, shrimp, green veggies or something drowned in a romesco sauce.
2021 MALAT GRUNER VELTLINER 'FURTH'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Over the last several years, Michael Malat’s wines are what I reach for when I want something diverse and flavorful that I can drink on a weeknight or to share with wine geek friends. Since taking over for his emblematic papa who was one who helped the Kremstal region gain appellation status, Michael has continued and even surpassed him and makes wines all levels that deliver well beyond their price levels.
Multi-faceted as soon as it hits the glass, orange peel, yellow apple, herbs and wet stone ride out front and open into even further aromatics as it airs. Crisp, almost weightless, fanning out on the palate with an abundance of range and terroir all holding well within its 12% alcohol profile. I had this with onion rings over the weekend but it will also pair well with pad Thai, white sausages, or ling cod, breaded with lemon or with a fruit/spice side.
Multi-faceted as soon as it hits the glass, orange peel, yellow apple, herbs and wet stone ride out front and open into even further aromatics as it airs. Crisp, almost weightless, fanning out on the palate with an abundance of range and terroir all holding well within its 12% alcohol profile. I had this with onion rings over the weekend but it will also pair well with pad Thai, white sausages, or ling cod, breaded with lemon or with a fruit/spice side.
2019 PILLOT VOLNAY
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Chassagne-Montrachet maestro Laurent Pillot’s Volnay may well be the most prolific value in his lineup of all his 2019 and 2020 offerings. Two of the five sites are Premier Cru vineyards (Ronceret and Brouillards) and it is not a quality issue. Laurent does not bottle these separately since there is not enough to make for full cuvees so all the vineyard sites are blended to make quite an attractive French Pinot Noir.
Pole vaulting perfume and very exciting from the get-go. Touches of oak up front with cinnamon and clove spiciness. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Layered and stacked with Premier Cru depth. Lovely persistence and spreads out impeccably. Here is where the curse words in my notebook of excitement commenced, use your imagination. As tempting as this wine is to enjoy now, I would opt to hold this one for another year or two and it will develop exquisitely through 2034+.
Pole vaulting perfume and very exciting from the get-go. Touches of oak up front with cinnamon and clove spiciness. Peppercorn and lacy strawberry fruit abound. Youthful as to be expected. Layered and stacked with Premier Cru depth. Lovely persistence and spreads out impeccably. Here is where the curse words in my notebook of excitement commenced, use your imagination. As tempting as this wine is to enjoy now, I would opt to hold this one for another year or two and it will develop exquisitely through 2034+.
2021 BEDROCK HERITAGE RED
SONOMA VALLEY
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
SONOMA VALLEY
$49.99 BTL./$599.88 CASE
Bedrock Wine Company is from Morgan Twain-Peterson, son of legendary Zinfandel producer Joel Peterson. Since 2007, this Sonoma producer is killing it with Zins, Syrah, and blends from heritage varietals planted by immigrants who came to California at various times. After visiting Bedrock in Sonoma a few weeks ago and walking through the Bedrock vineyard, one must marvel at these ancient vines with the oldest going back to 1888 (yes, 1888 and not 1988!) being blended into this special wine. The essence of a field blend, this wine’s name of ‘Heritage Red’ is appropriate, resulting in one of California’s finest…and yet maintains poise, personality, verticality and above all, is not uber expensive.
Led by Zinfandel, there are twenty different varietals in this red that has fabulous potential. Lots of briar, blackberry, sandalwood, black and pink peppercorn, perfumed roses, African spices and on and on, this wine comes at you in waves. Full-bodied, plenty of girth but also generous acidity and vibrancy hold everything together. The finish and attack all merge and linger, especially revealing what is seemingly a spice box of flavors. The winery opened a 2016 of this and it had qualities of a top notch Chateauneuf combined with Bandol and Brunello so I would recommend holding until 2026 and drinking through 2040.
Led by Zinfandel, there are twenty different varietals in this red that has fabulous potential. Lots of briar, blackberry, sandalwood, black and pink peppercorn, perfumed roses, African spices and on and on, this wine comes at you in waves. Full-bodied, plenty of girth but also generous acidity and vibrancy hold everything together. The finish and attack all merge and linger, especially revealing what is seemingly a spice box of flavors. The winery opened a 2016 of this and it had qualities of a top notch Chateauneuf combined with Bandol and Brunello so I would recommend holding until 2026 and drinking through 2040.
2020 CHATEAU L'ERMITE D'AUZAN
COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
COSTIERES DE NIMES ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Located on the cusp of Provence and Languedoc, this GSM blend shows dark and aromatic scents of lavender-dust and thyme along with black pepper and black cherry. Ripe, supple and smooth from front to back and then finishes with classic spiciness and broadness.
This is the perfect party or outdoor barbecue red wine, so what are you waiting for? Order a case, fire up the grill and invite some friends over!
This is the perfect party or outdoor barbecue red wine, so what are you waiting for? Order a case, fire up the grill and invite some friends over!
2017 CAPRILI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
95 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine…Caprili’s Brunello di Montalcino over-delivers in the 2017 vintage and breaks many stereotypes. Very extroverted, flirtatious bombshell aromas of flamboyant Italian plum, licorice, amare and vivacious Tuscan herbs, this statuesque Brunello is broad, yet very pure and not succumbing to the temptations of small French barrique.
From start to finish, there is brilliant complexity to this wine due to the Bartolommei family’s decision to not produce Riserva and utilizing those grapes for this wine. Exuberant, yet posh on the palate with a rich core of fruit that balances the fine-grained tannins beautifully. A true to form wine closing with flavors that keep going and seemingly snap back with a second finish, all of which is a statement to the great success that Caprili put forth in 2017. Surprisingly approachable now with a hearty meal but will continue to gain in complexity over the next 10-12 years. Perfect while you wait for the 2016s to come to fruition.
From start to finish, there is brilliant complexity to this wine due to the Bartolommei family’s decision to not produce Riserva and utilizing those grapes for this wine. Exuberant, yet posh on the palate with a rich core of fruit that balances the fine-grained tannins beautifully. A true to form wine closing with flavors that keep going and seemingly snap back with a second finish, all of which is a statement to the great success that Caprili put forth in 2017. Surprisingly approachable now with a hearty meal but will continue to gain in complexity over the next 10-12 years. Perfect while you wait for the 2016s to come to fruition.
