6/26/23 The Cellar Door's ''SERVE IT UP' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SERVE IT UP' HOTSHEET
Highest Rated Rose thus far in 2023
Walla Walla White Rhone Blend, Etna Rosso, Chassagne-Montrachet
Value Champagne for Forty
Walla Walla White Rhone Blend, Etna Rosso, Chassagne-Montrachet
Value Champagne for Forty
2021 MOULIN DE GASSAC 'GUILHEM'
PAYS L'HERAULT ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
PAYS L'HERAULT ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Moulin de Gassac is the value project of famed Languedoc producer Mas de Daumas Gassac. Since 1970, the late, great showman of Languedoc Aime Guibert accomplished so much including kicking Mondavi’s ass out of the region! More importantly, he proved that the terroirs in the Larzac and other Languedoc areas could be fabulous and now with four of Aime’s children leading the Domaine, these efforts are continuing even further.
The 2021 Moulin is a superb and smooth vin rouge made from 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Carignan. Enticing and defined aromas of plum, blueberry, pepper and mineral invite one in for many sips…it is easy-going, fleshy, balanced and clean with gently placed herb and spice notes on the finish. Serve it with pork tenderloin with a cumin-based rub, tabbouleh or macaroni with sharp cheddar cheese.
The 2021 Moulin is a superb and smooth vin rouge made from 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Carignan. Enticing and defined aromas of plum, blueberry, pepper and mineral invite one in for many sips…it is easy-going, fleshy, balanced and clean with gently placed herb and spice notes on the finish. Serve it with pork tenderloin with a cumin-based rub, tabbouleh or macaroni with sharp cheddar cheese.
2021 TERRE NERE ETNA ROSSO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
One of the takeaways from my trip to Sicily back in April is that yes, Sicily is an island but Mt. Etna is an island within the island. Popular perception is that like the rest of the region that it is dry and hot. Example, the north side of the mountain’s precipitation is significantly more and being at 2000 feet temperatures are very cool, all allowing for the Nerello Mascalese grape to thrive.
One of the founders of what we know of with today’s Etna Rosso Marc de Grazia’s Terre Nere is a real go-to producer; however, with the popularity and scarcity of the wines, they tend to disappear rather quickly. Even up until 25 years ago, the grapes from these old vineyards were being used for bulk wines. Instinctually knowing the great potential for these sites, Terre Nere immediately showcased Mt. Etna's myriad of terroirs, both within the single contrada wines as well as this overachieving wine from a blend of sites. 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappucio, this wine is sensual, very Pinot-like in its appearance and finesse. Irresistible strawberry and currant shine while undertones of mint, spice, licorice and peony join in. Flavorful and harmonious, there is ample vivacity and suaveness to go along with deceptive depth and length.
One of the founders of what we know of with today’s Etna Rosso Marc de Grazia’s Terre Nere is a real go-to producer; however, with the popularity and scarcity of the wines, they tend to disappear rather quickly. Even up until 25 years ago, the grapes from these old vineyards were being used for bulk wines. Instinctually knowing the great potential for these sites, Terre Nere immediately showcased Mt. Etna's myriad of terroirs, both within the single contrada wines as well as this overachieving wine from a blend of sites. 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappucio, this wine is sensual, very Pinot-like in its appearance and finesse. Irresistible strawberry and currant shine while undertones of mint, spice, licorice and peony join in. Flavorful and harmonious, there is ample vivacity and suaveness to go along with deceptive depth and length.
2022 TIBERIO
CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO ROSE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO ROSE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
94 points – Vinous and their highest rated Rose thus far in 2023…Many dry pink wines are produced in Italy but Abruzzo is one of the three original, TRADITIONAL areas of Italy for rosé production. Cerasuolo is a bit of a different beast. Think of this as a very light red or a very dark Rose. Whatever you want to label it as, it doesn’t matter because it is very delicious.
Made from 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from 50+ year old vines that is free run after significant skin contact, this wine is best served chilled. Fleshy cherry pit, blood orange and blackberry undertones entire along with an array of spices that carry over into the mouth-filling yet invigorating texture that has soars at the end. Delicious by itself or with grilled fish, different spicy Thai influenced dishes, as well as pizza or a pasta Pomodoro, however, it is extra special with a caprese salad served with burrata. ONLY 5 CASES AVAILABLE.
Made from 100% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from 50+ year old vines that is free run after significant skin contact, this wine is best served chilled. Fleshy cherry pit, blood orange and blackberry undertones entire along with an array of spices that carry over into the mouth-filling yet invigorating texture that has soars at the end. Delicious by itself or with grilled fish, different spicy Thai influenced dishes, as well as pizza or a pasta Pomodoro, however, it is extra special with a caprese salad served with burrata. ONLY 5 CASES AVAILABLE.
2022 KRUGER-RUMPF PINOT BLANC
TROCKEN ESTATE
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
TROCKEN ESTATE
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Over the past few years, Kruger-Rumpf has become one of our popular Riesling producers. Hailing from the Nahe region, which is home to legends like Donnhoff and Diel, we decided to bring in a small amount of their estate Pinot Blanc.
Very Teutonic in its profile and very dry, this Pinot Blanc has a personality all its own due to loess soils and 25% being aged in large, neutral barrels. Harmonious nuances of very fine fruit including apples and nectarine sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with finely-tuned minerality and honey on the nose leading to brisk, palate-sweeping, sculpted middleweight Pinot Blanc flavors which finish with succulence, spice and electricity. Drive some of this back with white sausages, grilled chicken legs or thighs with savory herbs, shrimp salad and much more.
Very Teutonic in its profile and very dry, this Pinot Blanc has a personality all its own due to loess soils and 25% being aged in large, neutral barrels. Harmonious nuances of very fine fruit including apples and nectarine sing like a church soloist from the glass. Resounding and clear with finely-tuned minerality and honey on the nose leading to brisk, palate-sweeping, sculpted middleweight Pinot Blanc flavors which finish with succulence, spice and electricity. Drive some of this back with white sausages, grilled chicken legs or thighs with savory herbs, shrimp salad and much more.
2015 COLLI DI CASTELFRANCI AGLIANICO
'VADANTICO' IRPINIA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
'VADANTICO' IRPINIA
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
The region of Campania, which comprises areas around the city of Naples, is home to many good things, including not only pizza and the mafia, but also excellent red wines from the Aglianico grape. Honest, soulful and dressed up nicely without losing its natural beauty, this flavorful red reveals wild berry aromas that are finely enhanced by undertones of tealeaf, sanguine and chocolate licorice.
Drinking perfectly now, this is a wine that requires one’s legs to be under the table because it is a wine for food, not for cocktail-style sipping. Enjoy over the next year or two with slow cooked Sunday gravy with all sorts of meat in the sauce, slow-roasted porchetta or spaghetti alla puttanesca.
Drinking perfectly now, this is a wine that requires one’s legs to be under the table because it is a wine for food, not for cocktail-style sipping. Enjoy over the next year or two with slow cooked Sunday gravy with all sorts of meat in the sauce, slow-roasted porchetta or spaghetti alla puttanesca.
2022 ELEPHANT SEVEN 'SIDE E'
WALLA WALLA WHITE BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
WALLA WALLA WHITE BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Specializing in Rhone varietals, Elephant Seven is a Walla Walla newcomer who is following the trend towards balance and producing fantastic wines that do not tip the scales with high alcohol levels. The Side E is a tasty Washington take on a Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc style blend.
53% Roussanne, 9% Marsanne & 38% Viognier. Alluring and fragrant peach, tangerine and anise aromas shine and carry into a viscous, ripe, generous palate. As it moves to the back of the mouth, more zesty citrus aspects bring everything together. A truly wonderful effort from Southern Oregon, enjoy it with fleshier fish monkfish, swordfish or salmon.
53% Roussanne, 9% Marsanne & 38% Viognier. Alluring and fragrant peach, tangerine and anise aromas shine and carry into a viscous, ripe, generous palate. As it moves to the back of the mouth, more zesty citrus aspects bring everything together. A truly wonderful effort from Southern Oregon, enjoy it with fleshier fish monkfish, swordfish or salmon.
2020 PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
VIEILLES VIGNES ROUGE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
VIEILLES VIGNES ROUGE
$46.99 BTL./$563.88 CASE
A terrific Pillot experience for under 50, this RED Chassagne (yes, they do make red wine in this famed village) comes from vines planted in 1959, 1962, 1963 and 1969.
Darker-tinged than usual, with late-arriving griotte cherry aspects showing as the wine opens. Cool and detailed, aromatic with an underlay of nutmeg and pepper. Layered and penetrating from these old vines. Moves in waves and fills the entire palate then glides into a sensual finish that does clamp down. Accessible now with aeration, however, give it until the end of next year and drink through 2032.
Darker-tinged than usual, with late-arriving griotte cherry aspects showing as the wine opens. Cool and detailed, aromatic with an underlay of nutmeg and pepper. Layered and penetrating from these old vines. Moves in waves and fills the entire palate then glides into a sensual finish that does clamp down. Accessible now with aeration, however, give it until the end of next year and drink through 2032.
2021 AVANIEL TEMPRANILLO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Just a tasty little Tempranillo from Bodegas Monteabellon, a fine Ribera del Duero grower that works well for an every evening, post sundown red.
Savory spices combine with generous dark fruit, violet, hints of licorice and roasted earth tones on the nose and follow through into a texture that is warm, plush and inviting. The fruit is the focus here and there is plenty of it. This would pair very well with grilled pork chops although I could envision myself throwing down a bottle of this with a cheeseburger. A wonderful value and a small price to pay for such a mouthful of red wine.
Savory spices combine with generous dark fruit, violet, hints of licorice and roasted earth tones on the nose and follow through into a texture that is warm, plush and inviting. The fruit is the focus here and there is plenty of it. This would pair very well with grilled pork chops although I could envision myself throwing down a bottle of this with a cheeseburger. A wonderful value and a small price to pay for such a mouthful of red wine.
CHAMPAGNE DIEBOLT-VALLOIS
BLANC DE BLANC BRUT
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 6-PK
BLANC DE BLANC BRUT
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 6-PK
At forty-bucks, this is the finest ‘real’ Champagne deal that we offer! Diebolt-Vallois Champagnes have been sought after in France for decades and the estate is situated in Cramant, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs, whose chalky soil makes the perfect home for chardonnay.
One of the first ever Grower Champagnes to ever be brought into the US, Diebolt-Vallois’s Prestige is 100% Chardonnay from Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and Cramant. The latest version of this fizzy drop extremely exudes finesse and tiny bubbles. Bright aromas of toasted wheat bread, lemon, soft spice and chalk lead into a mouth-coating, scintillatingly seductive texture that cleans the palate and calls you back for another sip, glass, bottle or case.
One of the first ever Grower Champagnes to ever be brought into the US, Diebolt-Vallois’s Prestige is 100% Chardonnay from Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and Cramant. The latest version of this fizzy drop extremely exudes finesse and tiny bubbles. Bright aromas of toasted wheat bread, lemon, soft spice and chalk lead into a mouth-coating, scintillatingly seductive texture that cleans the palate and calls you back for another sip, glass, bottle or case.
