7/17/23 The Cellar Door's 'CRACK ONE OFF' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'CRACK ONE OFF' HOTSHEET
Collectible Barbera & 96-Point Nebbiolo
Sonoma Cab, Oregon Pinot
Albarino, Dry Vouvray & Value Reds
Sonoma Cab, Oregon Pinot
Albarino, Dry Vouvray & Value Reds
2021 ARCHITECTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
ALEXANDER VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
A superb new find from Alexander Valley that is from Bartholomew Broadbent, son of famed British Master of Wine and overall giant influence in the wine world, the late Michael Broadbent. If it were not for Michael Broadbent, the world would never have learned about so many wine regions, in particular Bordeaux and its varietals.
The name comes from Broadbent’s training as an architect in the 1960s before becoming the wine prodigy that we came to know and love. Made from two sites in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, this Cabernet exceeds its 20-dollar price tag. Teeming with aromas of blueberry, cassis and mocha with no shortage of old-school California peppermint and anisette scents, those who love Cabernet will immediately be impressed. Entry on the palate is savory and fruit forward, with supple flavors, good structure, acidity, and finely balanced tannins that drop a finish that is poised, courteous and really hangs around nicely. Gorgeous now with all of its good stuffing, this wine also can age another six-8 years.
The name comes from Broadbent’s training as an architect in the 1960s before becoming the wine prodigy that we came to know and love. Made from two sites in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, this Cabernet exceeds its 20-dollar price tag. Teeming with aromas of blueberry, cassis and mocha with no shortage of old-school California peppermint and anisette scents, those who love Cabernet will immediately be impressed. Entry on the palate is savory and fruit forward, with supple flavors, good structure, acidity, and finely balanced tannins that drop a finish that is poised, courteous and really hangs around nicely. Gorgeous now with all of its good stuffing, this wine also can age another six-8 years.
2021 RACAUDERIE VOUVRAY SEC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Rivers always seem to play a major role in wine growing regions, as many times they tend to play the role as the bottom of any valley. The Loire River is France's longest, and is said to be Western Europe's last wild river. Many great vineyards are situated in the rolling hills above, including those just outside the city of Tours, the region of Vouvray. The image of Vouvray tends to be a tainted one for most people due to the image of the 70s and 80s sickeningly sweet versions. In the eyes of the wine geeks and wine lovers throughout the world, they will tell you that some of France's greatest white wines and values come from this magnificent Loire village’s small growers.
Alluring aromas of quince, ripe pear, wet stone and lemon. The texture is fully ‘sec’ with an abundance of nervous energy, dry, jaunting and balanced out by terrific penetration and a finish that is very satin-like and staying. Beautiful now with Asian-inspired, ginger-laced seafood dishes…it will also age nicely for 10-12 years as well.
Alluring aromas of quince, ripe pear, wet stone and lemon. The texture is fully ‘sec’ with an abundance of nervous energy, dry, jaunting and balanced out by terrific penetration and a finish that is very satin-like and staying. Beautiful now with Asian-inspired, ginger-laced seafood dishes…it will also age nicely for 10-12 years as well.
2021 GRACCIANO DELLA SETA
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
One of the oldest and finest producers in the Tuscan village of Montepulciano, Gracciano della Seta produces their wines in a very traditional manner and this Rosso is no exception. Aged solely in stainless steel tank, this predominantly Sangiovese (90%) blend comes from vines ranging from 20-to-50 years old.
Cheerful, high-spirited with savory sage, wild cherry, dusty earth, and subtle spice scents. In the mouth, the cherry components continue along with a tangy, Tuscan md-palate and finish that is high-toned and food friendly. Have this with a pasta with Bolognese sauce, a slice of pepperoni pizza or Cioppino.
Cheerful, high-spirited with savory sage, wild cherry, dusty earth, and subtle spice scents. In the mouth, the cherry components continue along with a tangy, Tuscan md-palate and finish that is high-toned and food friendly. Have this with a pasta with Bolognese sauce, a slice of pepperoni pizza or Cioppino.
2022 ALBAMAR ALBARINO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Alba del Mar (next to the sea) best describes this briny; saline Albarino made by Xurxo Alba Padín in the family winery (which had been producing Albarino for generations) that he took over in 2006. Located in the subzone of O Salnes, the 6 hectares of vineyards average 25 years and are planted in sandy soil 50 meters from where the Ria de Arosa flows into the Atlantic.
Fresh fruit aromas of apricot and peach slices with notes of lemon and green apple. Mighty oceanic tones really emerge as the wine unfolds in the glass. Moving over to the texture, it is bracingly bone dry and pleasantly invigorating with prominent lemon, brine and very stony flavors that really blitz the palate. This is a classic Albarino, which is wonderful young, but actually improves over two to three years. As I have stated repeatedly, this wine is a magnet to pair with just about any sea creature.
Fresh fruit aromas of apricot and peach slices with notes of lemon and green apple. Mighty oceanic tones really emerge as the wine unfolds in the glass. Moving over to the texture, it is bracingly bone dry and pleasantly invigorating with prominent lemon, brine and very stony flavors that really blitz the palate. This is a classic Albarino, which is wonderful young, but actually improves over two to three years. As I have stated repeatedly, this wine is a magnet to pair with just about any sea creature.
2021 JC SOMERS PINOT NOIR
'JOIE DE CHIEN' DUNDEE HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'JOIE DE CHIEN' DUNDEE HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Longtime Oregon Pinot producer Jay Somers (former J. Christopher/Cameron) created the JC Somers label in 2019 and instantly the wines have become quite popular, especially given their superb quality. The ‘Joie de Chien’ wines are second labels to the top wines, come from seriously fine fruit sources, and represent fantastic quality/price rapport.
The fruit for this Pinot is all Dundee Hills (La Colina and Nicolas Family vineyards) and is evident in the classic aromatics that waft from the glass. More akin to a Bolshoi ballerina than a pro wrestler, this pinot is sleek, stylish and possesses plenty of depth and expansion. Youthfully attractive and exuberant it manages to captivate you on the nose with scents of deep raspberry along with an undertow of red cherry, cedar, anise, and red earth. There is no shortage of showy fruit on the palate - notes of red fruits play off the detailed earth and an ever-so-tender touch of oak and ride shotgun with the solid core of the wine. A Pinot Noir for Pinot-philes, not Pinot for Cabernet lovers, this wine has immediate appeal and will have no problem aging for 7-8 more years as well.
The fruit for this Pinot is all Dundee Hills (La Colina and Nicolas Family vineyards) and is evident in the classic aromatics that waft from the glass. More akin to a Bolshoi ballerina than a pro wrestler, this pinot is sleek, stylish and possesses plenty of depth and expansion. Youthfully attractive and exuberant it manages to captivate you on the nose with scents of deep raspberry along with an undertow of red cherry, cedar, anise, and red earth. There is no shortage of showy fruit on the palate - notes of red fruits play off the detailed earth and an ever-so-tender touch of oak and ride shotgun with the solid core of the wine. A Pinot Noir for Pinot-philes, not Pinot for Cabernet lovers, this wine has immediate appeal and will have no problem aging for 7-8 more years as well.
2020 QUINTA DA VARZEA DE PEDRA
OBIDOS TINTO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
OBIDOS TINTO
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Definitely a red wine that is outside many wine drinkers’ boxes, this wine comes from Portugal’s Obidos region, a narrow strip of land inland from the Atlantic Ocean, about an hour north of Lisbon and just south of the ancient city of Obidos.
The classic Tinto wine from brothers Tomas and Alberto Emidio is from 100% of the Touriga Nacional grape. Upon pouring this wine, one may hear Daft Punk’s ‘Da Funk’ playing faintly in the background. Along with these undertones, hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist with Moroccan spice, turned earth and sneaky minerality. Bountiful, rustic flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. A perfect match to pair with pork or lam in both roast and sausage from.
The classic Tinto wine from brothers Tomas and Alberto Emidio is from 100% of the Touriga Nacional grape. Upon pouring this wine, one may hear Daft Punk’s ‘Da Funk’ playing faintly in the background. Along with these undertones, hearty aromas of pronounced chocolate-covered strawberry co-exist with Moroccan spice, turned earth and sneaky minerality. Bountiful, rustic flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the arousing finish that brings it all home. A perfect match to pair with pork or lam in both roast and sausage from.
2020 GUINTANDRY SAINT-LEGER ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Made by a terrific Visan Cotes-du-Rhone producer, the grapes for this wine come from just across the border in the Drome region of the Rhone Valley.
50% each Grenache and Syrah with raspberry and strawberry scents, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness, it is an open knit glass of wine that is loaded with goodness! Not as complex or serious as the estate's Cotes-du-Rhone wines, it is a perfect wine for everyday use, or if you want something for summer parties and barbecues.
50% each Grenache and Syrah with raspberry and strawberry scents, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness, it is an open knit glass of wine that is loaded with goodness! Not as complex or serious as the estate's Cotes-du-Rhone wines, it is a perfect wine for everyday use, or if you want something for summer parties and barbecues.
2018 OLIM BAUDA
NIZZA ROSSO RISERVA
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
NIZZA ROSSO RISERVA
$34.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PACK
Packed and built to age, the Nizza bottling from Olim Bauda is their most special Barbera and is only offered in appropriately good vintages. From low-yielding vineyards within the Olim Bauda estate, this wine is packed and chock full of character.
When Nizza was upgraded to DOCG in 2014, requirements became very tightened and only allow for top wines. The Olim Bauda Riserva is aged 30 months in French oak up to 2500 liters; this fully packed Barbera is alluring and robust revealing typical Asti traits. Layered and symphonic, Olim Bauda’s Nizza runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit, red plum and chocolate dust to asphalt and tones. The finish is ultra-long after coating the entire palate with sheer nobleness and is lifted by cranberry-like freshness. This wine is ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2031+. One of the Muhammed Ali level Barbera wines that is necessary for any Piedmont drinker and collector.
When Nizza was upgraded to DOCG in 2014, requirements became very tightened and only allow for top wines. The Olim Bauda Riserva is aged 30 months in French oak up to 2500 liters; this fully packed Barbera is alluring and robust revealing typical Asti traits. Layered and symphonic, Olim Bauda’s Nizza runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit, red plum and chocolate dust to asphalt and tones. The finish is ultra-long after coating the entire palate with sheer nobleness and is lifted by cranberry-like freshness. This wine is ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2031+. One of the Muhammed Ali level Barbera wines that is necessary for any Piedmont drinker and collector.
2013 CANTALUPO GHEMME
'COLLIS BRECLEMAE'
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
'COLLIS BRECLEMAE'
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
96 Points – Vinous… The northern reaches of Piedmont, particularly Gattinara, Ghemme & Lessona, are a force to be reckoned with. Serious producers are and have been on the scene and delivering some wonderful wines and Cantalupo has been a longtime stalwart and godfather of the Ghemme region. If these wines were from Barolo or Barbaresco they would be twice the price!
A single Cru vineyard, Collis Breclemae is one of the top wines at the estate and is produced from 100% Nebbiolo. Lovely perfume, showing fennel, turned-earth with more and more camphor arriving as it opens. Slender and sculpted, there are more secondary notes arrive. At age 10, this is just beginning to drink well; the window is barely cracked. Classy entry, drives with nice cushion and well-honed polish and poise as it moves through the middle and on the long finish that fans out beautifully. Enjoy this remarkable Piedmont wine over the next fifteen years.
A single Cru vineyard, Collis Breclemae is one of the top wines at the estate and is produced from 100% Nebbiolo. Lovely perfume, showing fennel, turned-earth with more and more camphor arriving as it opens. Slender and sculpted, there are more secondary notes arrive. At age 10, this is just beginning to drink well; the window is barely cracked. Classy entry, drives with nice cushion and well-honed polish and poise as it moves through the middle and on the long finish that fans out beautifully. Enjoy this remarkable Piedmont wine over the next fifteen years.
