6/5/23 The Cellar Door's 'LOOK ALIVE' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'LOOK ALIVE' HOTSHEET
Walla Walla Syrah
SuperTuscan from Montalcino
Cotes-du-Rhone, Cru Beaujolais, Cool Chardonnay
SuperTuscan from Montalcino
Cotes-du-Rhone, Cru Beaujolais, Cool Chardonnay
2017 CENCIONI TOSCANA ROSSO
'SOLARIENNE'
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
'SOLARIENNE'
$26.99 BTL./$161.94 - SIX PACK
The proprietress of a superb Brunello di Montalcino estate, Patrizia Cencioni does not spend her time behind a desk. Starting in 1989 at age nineteen, this relatively unknown producer walked away with a Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for her 1997 Brunello and never looked back. These days this female owned and operated (Patrizia is now joined by her two daughters Arianna and Annalisa) estate is one of the superb gems of the region. Until recently and before a larger winery got involved with the name, the estate, and wine was simply called Solaria. That all had to change and it is now known as Patrizia Cencioni but she keeps the name Solaria around just to give the corporate assclowns at Antinori the middle finger. Gotta love the Italians!
Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon resurrected a direct import relationship with Patrizia and we are able to offer her wines at killer prices. Solarienne is Cencioni’s Super Tuscan offering that is a blend of 50% each Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grown entirely within the confines of Montalcino. Very snazzy as always with this wine, endless rivers of luscious blackberry and blueberry fruit combine with Tuscan herbs, strawberry licorice, underlying cocoa and allspice tones that gleam from the glass and follow into an irresistible texture that is palate-filling all while submerging the tannins. Drawn out, nicely formed and very drinkable over the next 10-12 years.
Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon resurrected a direct import relationship with Patrizia and we are able to offer her wines at killer prices. Solarienne is Cencioni’s Super Tuscan offering that is a blend of 50% each Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grown entirely within the confines of Montalcino. Very snazzy as always with this wine, endless rivers of luscious blackberry and blueberry fruit combine with Tuscan herbs, strawberry licorice, underlying cocoa and allspice tones that gleam from the glass and follow into an irresistible texture that is palate-filling all while submerging the tannins. Drawn out, nicely formed and very drinkable over the next 10-12 years.
2019 PESQUIER COTES-DU-RHONE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Another shipment of this delicious Cotes-du-Rhone from a Gigondas specialist has arrived into Portland and after uncorking a bottle this past weekend, I can tell you that it is drinking very well indeed!
From fruit solely from the village of Sablet, all the edginess when it first landed has now all smoothed themselves out. Wild spice and minerality up front, however there is plenty of smoked plum, cracked pepper, and pronounced rosemary and lavender. Chewy, substantial and affable. Very exciting suave flavors move from exotic spice to peppery tones. Expansion and depth are present, along with a finish that has classic Rhone succulence and white pepper notes. A real steal of a Cotes-du-Rhone that will please over the next 2-3 years with grilled fare as well as braised fare.
From fruit solely from the village of Sablet, all the edginess when it first landed has now all smoothed themselves out. Wild spice and minerality up front, however there is plenty of smoked plum, cracked pepper, and pronounced rosemary and lavender. Chewy, substantial and affable. Very exciting suave flavors move from exotic spice to peppery tones. Expansion and depth are present, along with a finish that has classic Rhone succulence and white pepper notes. A real steal of a Cotes-du-Rhone that will please over the next 2-3 years with grilled fare as well as braised fare.
2021 BISCI VERDICCHIO DI MATELICA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
The wine Bisci built its reputation on, Matelica’s sheer hard limestone is unique to the area and what differentiates its Verdicchio from the neighbor Castelli dei Jesi versions.
Resounding aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. Perfect for shellfish, particularly crab; it also has the intensity to stand up to halibut or sole in a cream sauce.
Resounding aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. Perfect for shellfish, particularly crab; it also has the intensity to stand up to halibut or sole in a cream sauce.
2020 CHATEAU DE LA TERRIERE
MOULIN-A-VENT 'LE MOULIN'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
MOULIN-A-VENT 'LE MOULIN'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
One of two Cru wines made from Moulin-A-Vent chez Terriere, Le Moulin is a prestigious single climat located just below the famed windmill of which this famed Cru takes its name. Old vines grown in pink granite soil just below sand, this is often one of the most Burgundian of all Beaujolais wines and has major capability to age very well.
From the great 2020 vintage, this broad-shouldered offering is chock full of coffee, peat, tightly packed raspberry, graham-spice. Creamy and with layers of distinction, but around the edges there is plenty of grip. The top quality fruit leads to loads of deep vinous qualities without being heavy or overripe. All in the back of the mouth today, we recommend sitting on this one for a year or two before drinking it over the next 10-12. If you must drink one, do decant and have it with a steak jacked with morels in sauce.
From the great 2020 vintage, this broad-shouldered offering is chock full of coffee, peat, tightly packed raspberry, graham-spice. Creamy and with layers of distinction, but around the edges there is plenty of grip. The top quality fruit leads to loads of deep vinous qualities without being heavy or overripe. All in the back of the mouth today, we recommend sitting on this one for a year or two before drinking it over the next 10-12. If you must drink one, do decant and have it with a steak jacked with morels in sauce.
2020 PLANETA CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
Southeastern Sicilian wines, particularly those of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region, are the trendiest thing to come from Italy these days. Planeta is one of the island’s most influential producers and without a doubt, was one of my top visits on my most recent trip to Italy and Sicily.
The 2020 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Rosso is a delicious 60% Nero D'Avola, 40% Frappatto blend that exudes the essence of both of these native varietals. Flamboyant in color and aromatics with lots of blackberry, plum and sanguine aromas, but also exuding its sensuous, smooth side from the distinctive red soils of the region. Well-rounded and very flavorful this is a wonderful selection to pair with just about anything done with tomatoes, eggplant or Spaghetti alla Nerano.
The 2020 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Rosso is a delicious 60% Nero D'Avola, 40% Frappatto blend that exudes the essence of both of these native varietals. Flamboyant in color and aromatics with lots of blackberry, plum and sanguine aromas, but also exuding its sensuous, smooth side from the distinctive red soils of the region. Well-rounded and very flavorful this is a wonderful selection to pair with just about anything done with tomatoes, eggplant or Spaghetti alla Nerano.
2022 KARA TARA CHARDONNAY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A tasty Chardonnay that will appease both the buttery/oaky palate as well as one who prefers a more Burgundian effort, this deserves your attention at the twenty-dollar price.
From three South African regions and aged in 15% new oak, this fleet-footed darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and palate-coating mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this wine of equilibrium pairs well with fettuccini Alfredo, prosciutto, and shrimp ceviche.
From three South African regions and aged in 15% new oak, this fleet-footed darling shows a solid nose of tropical fruit, spice and yes, buttery charm without the grease. Instead, think of pure creamy length and palate-coating mouth-feel. The palate is refined with ripe, tropical notes and light custardy spice. There is plenty of brightness to balance the whole package. Overall, this wine of equilibrium pairs well with fettuccini Alfredo, prosciutto, and shrimp ceviche.
2016 CHATEAU BOUSCASSE MADIRAN
'ARGILE ROUGE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
'ARGILE ROUGE'
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
With so many great values, we just love the wines of Southwest France around here. Unfortunately, there are more than enough bad wines produced to make one have to choose carefully. Humble Madeiran is an area that we have written about in the past and here the Tanat grape takes center stage, and let us tell you, it is one tricky grape because it is like an unruly animal that needs to be tamed, so that it can be shown off. Few manage to be able to do it, but when they do, it is something that is real taste of "le vrai France".
Alain Brumont with both his Chateau Montus and this one, Chateau Bouscasse is widely acknowledged at the papa of modern Madiran. Recently we tried this excellent offering and it is a smashing, underpriced red that is a bunch of French punch. Inky, dark and potent with blackberry, licorice, cooking herbs, and undertones of smoke dominate the nose. Chewy flavors abound in the mouth, with unbridled energy, earth tones, and a tangy, drawn-out finish. A lot of wine for not a lot of money and perfect for drinking with duck, barbecued ribs or a gnarly blue cheese over the next 4-6 years.
Alain Brumont with both his Chateau Montus and this one, Chateau Bouscasse is widely acknowledged at the papa of modern Madiran. Recently we tried this excellent offering and it is a smashing, underpriced red that is a bunch of French punch. Inky, dark and potent with blackberry, licorice, cooking herbs, and undertones of smoke dominate the nose. Chewy flavors abound in the mouth, with unbridled energy, earth tones, and a tangy, drawn-out finish. A lot of wine for not a lot of money and perfect for drinking with duck, barbecued ribs or a gnarly blue cheese over the next 4-6 years.
2019 ECHOLANDS SYRAH
'WALLA WALLA'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
'WALLA WALLA'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
After now working with Doug Frost and company’s Echolands wines for about a year now, it is no surprise that they make stunning Syrah wines. From the heralded Les Collines Vineyard along with additions from The Rocks District, this 12.8% alcohol version is aged in 500-liter barrels and very little new. This allows for the purity and depth of Syrah not to be overwhelmed by a bunch of oak furniture.
Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and subtle cinnamon/white pepper. Lavishly flavored with resounding burst, this is showing beautifully and complete along with outstanding persistence and savory brightness on the finish. Brilliantly focused and ageworthy Walla Walla Syrah. Hold until end of 2024 and drink through 2031+.
Smoky, peppery and chock full of cassis, currants and subtle cinnamon/white pepper. Lavishly flavored with resounding burst, this is showing beautifully and complete along with outstanding persistence and savory brightness on the finish. Brilliantly focused and ageworthy Walla Walla Syrah. Hold until end of 2024 and drink through 2031+.
2021 LUMINOUS HILLS
PINOT NOIR 'ASTRA'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
PINOT NOIR 'ASTRA'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
The 2021s from Byron Dooley’s Seven of Hearts label and Luminous Hills Vineyard are going to become collector’s items. Byron and his wife have now taken retirement and 2021 is their last vintage where wine is made. They still own the luminous Hills site but are now are only selling the fruit. Luminous Hills is Byron's estate vineyard and after walking through this vineyard, one sees why Byron planted here and the sheer diversity of the terroir of his site. Ranging from 600 feet in elevation up to 800, 2 different soil types are present along with both Pommard and Dijon clones. With its rocky underbelly and high elevation, this estate vineyard is all about bringing forth essence of elegance.
The 2021 Astra is uber fine! Captivating perfume builds from the glass as it sits, leading to lavender, violet, underlying strawberry licorice and pekoe/cinnamon notes. Crunchy dark tones combine nicely with virtual Burgundian sensibilities of smoky, floral aspects, turned earth and strawberry. Graceful, layered and sensuous in the mouth with engaging exotic spices - this penetrates deeply, but is true to its Pinot Noir roots. Lots of lift and suppleness arrive on the finish that provides fantastic balance and pleasantly hanging around for quite a while on the long finish. Drink this beauty over the next 15+ years.
The 2021 Astra is uber fine! Captivating perfume builds from the glass as it sits, leading to lavender, violet, underlying strawberry licorice and pekoe/cinnamon notes. Crunchy dark tones combine nicely with virtual Burgundian sensibilities of smoky, floral aspects, turned earth and strawberry. Graceful, layered and sensuous in the mouth with engaging exotic spices - this penetrates deeply, but is true to its Pinot Noir roots. Lots of lift and suppleness arrive on the finish that provides fantastic balance and pleasantly hanging around for quite a while on the long finish. Drink this beauty over the next 15+ years.
2021 LOS MORROS CARMENERE
$10.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$10.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
The Carmenere grape was originally planted in the Medoc in Bordeaux and is part of the Cabernet family. While virtually extinct there due to it being difficult to ripen in Bordeaux's conditions, it is alive and thriving in Chile.
Los Morros's version is an assertive charmer. Leather, spice, tealeaf, black licorice and black plum shine on the nose and follow through to a texture that is broad, polished and persistent; it is a yummy, full-flavored wine that is perfect for every-evening consumption.
Los Morros's version is an assertive charmer. Leather, spice, tealeaf, black licorice and black plum shine on the nose and follow through to a texture that is broad, polished and persistent; it is a yummy, full-flavored wine that is perfect for every-evening consumption.
