7/10/23 The Cellar Door's 'FULL ISAAC' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'FULL ISAAC' HOTSHEET
Napa Cab Blend, Kelley Fox Value
Soaring Soave from Pra
Collectible Chianti & Chambertin
Soaring Soave from Pra
Collectible Chianti & Chambertin
2020 PRA SOAVE CLASSICO 'STAFORTE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
93-Points - Vinous...Many of you all know our affinity that we have for the Soave wines from Pra. We can go on and on about how this estate is the current champion but the reality and proof is in the bottle. Staforte is one of the family’s reserve bottlings, a blend of distinctive Cru vineyards, and made with 100% Garganega.
Aged on its lees in stainless steel tank for a minimum of six months and then for another twelve in bottle. Essence of the region, this spot-on interpretation of Soave has forward honey, lemon and pineapple and seashore scents that are backed up by mighty minerality. In the mouth, it is suave and sophisticated with plenty of voltage. The volcanic soil detail gains momentum on the taut, flavorful mid-palate and keeps on going to the livewire, brisk finish. A great white wine to drink with asparagus/saffron risotto, salmon in sauce or Gnocchi Genovese.
Aged on its lees in stainless steel tank for a minimum of six months and then for another twelve in bottle. Essence of the region, this spot-on interpretation of Soave has forward honey, lemon and pineapple and seashore scents that are backed up by mighty minerality. In the mouth, it is suave and sophisticated with plenty of voltage. The volcanic soil detail gains momentum on the taut, flavorful mid-palate and keeps on going to the livewire, brisk finish. A great white wine to drink with asparagus/saffron risotto, salmon in sauce or Gnocchi Genovese.
2021 VENDRELL-RIVED MONTSANT
'MILOCA'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
'MILOCA'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Only in his early 40s, Josep-Maria Vendrell is one of the veterans who were behind what we know as modern Montsant. Twenty years ago with the likes of Albert Jane, Celler Capcanes and others, these producers changed the image of this region that forms a horseshoe around Priorat. Do not be fooled, both soils and landscapes as well as temperatures differ immensely.
The Miloca cuvee is the epitome of a Catalan country wine. 100% Carignan, this organic offering is rich and vibrant at the same time. Virtual purple aromas of plum and blueberry with surrounding notes of thyme and rosemary along with savory earth scents lead into a gruff yet charming, earth-laden, spicy finish. This is a perfect choice with BBQ ribs, chops or chicken slathered with a spicy sauce.
The Miloca cuvee is the epitome of a Catalan country wine. 100% Carignan, this organic offering is rich and vibrant at the same time. Virtual purple aromas of plum and blueberry with surrounding notes of thyme and rosemary along with savory earth scents lead into a gruff yet charming, earth-laden, spicy finish. This is a perfect choice with BBQ ribs, chops or chicken slathered with a spicy sauce.
2019 CASTELLO DI RAMPOLLA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
[reg. $44.99]
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
One of the top Chianti performers and performing at a level of most others’ Riserva or Gran Selezione cuvees, the Rampolla winery has been owned by the di Napoli family for nearly three centuries. Their 42 hectares of vineyard located on rocky-calcareous soil sits at a high elevation above the sea. Respect for the land and the use of thoughtful neo-classic technique have proved the right recipe for Rampolla for years.
2019 is a shaping up to be a damn fine Tuscan vintage and this has taken full advantage of the splendor with subdued aromas of pomegranate, bing cherry, anisette, dried violets, roasted meat, mineral and subtle dark chocolate. If you are looking for a big dumb oak bomb with big chewy and drying tannins, move along because this is classic, poised and fine Chianti - a perfect blend of red cherry fruit and secondary notes bringing complexity and making this perfect for the table right now. The structure is fine but substantial and the overall complexity will grow for another decade. Have with slow braised or roasted meats over rich tomato-sauced pasta dishes.
2019 is a shaping up to be a damn fine Tuscan vintage and this has taken full advantage of the splendor with subdued aromas of pomegranate, bing cherry, anisette, dried violets, roasted meat, mineral and subtle dark chocolate. If you are looking for a big dumb oak bomb with big chewy and drying tannins, move along because this is classic, poised and fine Chianti - a perfect blend of red cherry fruit and secondary notes bringing complexity and making this perfect for the table right now. The structure is fine but substantial and the overall complexity will grow for another decade. Have with slow braised or roasted meats over rich tomato-sauced pasta dishes.
2018 RAMEY CLARET
NAPA VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Ramey founder and Napa legend David Ramey honed his craft at such luminous producers like Dominus, Rudd and was one of the persons responsible for the advent of the entire Chalk Hill appellation. What we love most about Ramey's sterling wines is that his wines are built more to express balance, structure and richness more than just following the normal Napa trend of overripe flavor and alcohol and his children are maintaining these high standards.
No shortage of intensity and depth here, this predominantly Cabernet-based blend really beams with Napa Valley character. Regal, upscale aromas that sneak in a Bordeaux influence or two, but the Napa terroir and warmth are this blend's signature. Fragrances of cassis, tobacco, hints of spearmint and vanilla integrate nicely carrying a texture that is supple, round and seemingly laced with powdered chocolate touched with coriander spice. The Ramey watermark is present especially on the fine, smooth finish that carries on for quite a while. A rare find of a Napa red for the price. Drink through 2030.
No shortage of intensity and depth here, this predominantly Cabernet-based blend really beams with Napa Valley character. Regal, upscale aromas that sneak in a Bordeaux influence or two, but the Napa terroir and warmth are this blend's signature. Fragrances of cassis, tobacco, hints of spearmint and vanilla integrate nicely carrying a texture that is supple, round and seemingly laced with powdered chocolate touched with coriander spice. The Ramey watermark is present especially on the fine, smooth finish that carries on for quite a while. A rare find of a Napa red for the price. Drink through 2030.
2022 KELLEY FOX CHARDONNAY
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Kelley Fox is one of Oregon’s very legit, artisanal producers. All of her wines are small production and stimulate the taster with many facets. The Willamette Chardonnay is from younger wines, all from the famed Freedom Hill Vineyard and aged in stainless steel tank.
Very pretty, restrained aromas of green apples, flowers, and engaging wet stone tones, the 2022 is dry, refreshingly relaxed, yet impeccably detailed and provocative in the mouth. No oak to interfere, just waves of stony flavors supported by a fine core of fruit. Drink it with fresh crab or grilled monkfish or grilled salmon; you will come back thanking us.
Very pretty, restrained aromas of green apples, flowers, and engaging wet stone tones, the 2022 is dry, refreshingly relaxed, yet impeccably detailed and provocative in the mouth. No oak to interfere, just waves of stony flavors supported by a fine core of fruit. Drink it with fresh crab or grilled monkfish or grilled salmon; you will come back thanking us.
2020 SALLIER DE LA TOUR SYRAH
SICILIA ROSSO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
SICILIA ROSSO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Owned by famed Sicily producer Tasca D’Almrita, Sallier de la Tour is an estate located in the northwest corner of the island that we introduced to you all earlier this year. When it comes to French varietals on the island, I can quickly become skeptical but in this case and after tasting, I was won over by this tasty value.
Very unique and very true to the grape, aromatic creamed plum with complex scents of woodsmoke, sage, white pepper and sneaky strawberry shine brightly. Texturally it is generous and giving with direct fruit and instant likability. The vivid and gliding finish closes with lively fruit tones but also typical smoke and earth notes. Enjoy over the next few years with smoked meats or mushroom-based dishes.
Very unique and very true to the grape, aromatic creamed plum with complex scents of woodsmoke, sage, white pepper and sneaky strawberry shine brightly. Texturally it is generous and giving with direct fruit and instant likability. The vivid and gliding finish closes with lively fruit tones but also typical smoke and earth notes. Enjoy over the next few years with smoked meats or mushroom-based dishes.
2013 CHERON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
'CHAMPONNET' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
'CHAMPONNET' PREMIER CRU
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
We do not often get to offer ten-year-old Premier Cru Burgundy. It is also very infrequent that we can offer one at a fair price because many Gevrey Premier Cru run north of $150 these days. Many of the Cote-de-Nuits producers we have spoken with describe 2013 as a classic, old school Burgundy vintage. There is ample complexity and wiry, vertical aspects to go along with the lovely fruit and dimension, but do it some real justice and have it with a meal like boeuf bourgignon or something else slow braised…or a damn fine Epoisses cheese.
Lacy aromas of violet, lavender, kirsch and subtle mushroom, this wine is vinous and serious. Quite an ethereal gem with notes of anise and beautiful detail jump from the glass along with dried black and red berry fruit, overriding candied ceps, gentle allspice, smoke and underlying floral tones which could almost fool one into thinking it's from Chambolle and not Gevrey. Very high-toned and classy in the mouth, this is drinking beautifully at age ten and will develop even further. The finish is graceful without ever becoming jammy or heavy. A meditative offering and make sure you have it with a nice meal.
Lacy aromas of violet, lavender, kirsch and subtle mushroom, this wine is vinous and serious. Quite an ethereal gem with notes of anise and beautiful detail jump from the glass along with dried black and red berry fruit, overriding candied ceps, gentle allspice, smoke and underlying floral tones which could almost fool one into thinking it's from Chambolle and not Gevrey. Very high-toned and classy in the mouth, this is drinking beautifully at age ten and will develop even further. The finish is graceful without ever becoming jammy or heavy. A meditative offering and make sure you have it with a nice meal.
2020 PRIMITIVO QUILES TINTO
ALICANTE 'CONO 4'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
ALICANTE 'CONO 4'
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
A red from one of Spain's road-less-traveled wines regions, this wine is always one of our favorites but is also one that takes you on a very different ride. In fact, if it were akin to rolling in a car, this car might be a 1962 Pontiac.
Made from 100% Monastrell this meant-to-drink-young number is a dark beauty. Enticing pekoe, blackberry, sanguine and fall spices are nicely enhanced by maple and currant. Velvety and sultry with ample acidity and very tantalizing from start to finish, enjoy this wine with grilled sausage, jamon serrano or carnitas tacos.
Made from 100% Monastrell this meant-to-drink-young number is a dark beauty. Enticing pekoe, blackberry, sanguine and fall spices are nicely enhanced by maple and currant. Velvety and sultry with ample acidity and very tantalizing from start to finish, enjoy this wine with grilled sausage, jamon serrano or carnitas tacos.
2022 ALIANCA VINHO VERDE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
Summer is in full swing and you will be super-prepared when you have a bottle or six of this impeccably refreshing 10.5° alcohol, slightly active Portuguese white!
Light, airy, thirst-quenching qualities make you want to drink more and more! Lime-blossom, sea-shore and mineral-tinged, it is explosive and slap-happy...Classic Vinho Verde wine isn't meant to be sipped, it is meant to be slammed. Toss it back with a plate of clams, on a picnic or with a bunch of friends.
Light, airy, thirst-quenching qualities make you want to drink more and more! Lime-blossom, sea-shore and mineral-tinged, it is explosive and slap-happy...Classic Vinho Verde wine isn't meant to be sipped, it is meant to be slammed. Toss it back with a plate of clams, on a picnic or with a bunch of friends.
