7/24/23 The Cellar Door's 'NON ROMPERMI LE PALLE' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'NON ROMPERMI LE PALLE' HOTSHEET
Nine-Year-Old Etna Rosso
Pillot Beaune Premiers Crus
Syrah Special, Oregon Gamay, Rhone Values
Pillot Beaune Premiers Crus
Syrah Special, Oregon Gamay, Rhone Values
2021 DOMAINE ALARY
'LA GRANGE DANIEL' ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'LA GRANGE DANIEL' ROUGE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
A superb value red wine from the Rhone Valley made by a top-level Cairanne producer. Only classified as Vin de Pays, the vines for this are located on the L’Ameillaud plateau just south of Cairanne and represents a vivacious and succulent value.
Given the price level, this wine is pure pleasure in overdrive. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and others it is dreamy and easy with pronounced lavender, plum, pepper and plenty of spiced-earth character. Open-armed Mediterranean flavors with excellent depth, personality and dimension make this a beyond suitable red with grilled meats or veggies.
Given the price level, this wine is pure pleasure in overdrive. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and others it is dreamy and easy with pronounced lavender, plum, pepper and plenty of spiced-earth character. Open-armed Mediterranean flavors with excellent depth, personality and dimension make this a beyond suitable red with grilled meats or veggies.
2021 DOMAINE ALARY
'LA GRANGE DANIEL' BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LA GRANGE DANIEL' BLANC
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The sibling to the red is this delicious white wine from 100% Roussanne that is grown within Cairanne and is from vines that are now almost 30 years old. Aged in stainless steel tanks and made without malolactic fermentation, it is all at once exuberant and fleshy.
White peach, lime, blossoms and underlying mint tones jump from the glass. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 2-4 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon.
White peach, lime, blossoms and underlying mint tones jump from the glass. Unapologetically mouth filling with a lovely round texture, sneaky mineral and plenty of late-arriving mandarin tones fill the mouth and provide immense palate-pleasure. Very enjoyable with both fullness and freshness, enjoy drinking this over the next 2-4 years. It absolutely sings with asparagus dishes, halibut in sauce or seared scallops wrapped in bacon.
2014 CALABRETTA (Etna Rosso)
NERELLO MASCALESE VECCHE VIGNE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
NERELLO MASCALESE VECCHE VIGNE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
Slow Food’s Slow Wine guide describes Calabretta’s style as “a thousand miles away” from other Italian wine, but the gap might be better measured in time, since the estate seems stuck somewhere in the 19th century. This is a good thing when it comes to this wine and yes, this IS the current release. Proprietor Massimilano Calabretta believes in aging his wines like traditional Barolo meaning extended time in large Slavonian botti. Even though this wine could be called Etna Rosso, Calabretta chooses not to do so, naming it after the grape varietal that is from 70+ year ungrafted old vines and is farmed without the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides.
Simply put, this wine is a trip in time back to old Italy and is so damn delicious. Unlike modern Etna reds, this is sturdier and larger-scaled bringing forth scents of dark chocolate, black licorice, dried cherry, dried violet, pepper and hints of cinnamon and orange. Chewy, full-on, very cherry and intensely textured, there are plenty of complex, wild-spice and baked plum characteristics that come out. The finish is saturated and superbly long. Debonair, meditative stuff that can be drunk with substantial fare like grilled lamb, strong cheeses or pasta with game meats. 2014 is a great vintage on Mt. Etna and this is drinking well at nine years and it will age even further. To experience these wines is something very special and if you love traditional Italian reds, I cannot encourage you more than to have a go at some bottles.
Simply put, this wine is a trip in time back to old Italy and is so damn delicious. Unlike modern Etna reds, this is sturdier and larger-scaled bringing forth scents of dark chocolate, black licorice, dried cherry, dried violet, pepper and hints of cinnamon and orange. Chewy, full-on, very cherry and intensely textured, there are plenty of complex, wild-spice and baked plum characteristics that come out. The finish is saturated and superbly long. Debonair, meditative stuff that can be drunk with substantial fare like grilled lamb, strong cheeses or pasta with game meats. 2014 is a great vintage on Mt. Etna and this is drinking well at nine years and it will age even further. To experience these wines is something very special and if you love traditional Italian reds, I cannot encourage you more than to have a go at some bottles.
2020 FOXGLOVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
PASO ROBLES
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
All Paso Robles fruit (94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot & 2 % Cabernet Franc) and made by Chardonnay specialists Bob and Jim Varner, Foxglove wines consistently overachieve and drink well on an every evening basis.
Aromas of black cherry, leather and a touch of spice box jump out of the glass. The smooth entry evolves into a lush, ripe, round mouth-feel filled with boysenberry, blackberry and earthy flavors that carry into a fine finish that reveals touches of chocolate. Overall, this is an attractive, charming Cab that isn't one bit superfluous and that cab-lovers can confidently serve at any occasion.
Aromas of black cherry, leather and a touch of spice box jump out of the glass. The smooth entry evolves into a lush, ripe, round mouth-feel filled with boysenberry, blackberry and earthy flavors that carry into a fine finish that reveals touches of chocolate. Overall, this is an attractive, charming Cab that isn't one bit superfluous and that cab-lovers can confidently serve at any occasion.
2022 VIDAL SOBLECHERO RUEDA
'VINA CLAVIDOR'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'VINA CLAVIDOR'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Spain’s Rueda region is known as one of that nation’s best for white wines. Lately it seems that many producers are misguided in producing explosion wines that have more in common with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc than they do with what brought them into prominence.
What we love about Vidal and Alicia Soblechero’s white wines is they aren’t blending any international varietals into the wine, only using natural yeasts and farming organically. 50% Verdejo, 50% Viura and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks Zesty but never explosive, white grapefruit, lemon, ginger, mineral, peach, and earth scents lead into a vinous texture that possesses superb delineation and zestiness. The slow-building finish is very long and subtle with saline soil tones and terrific grip. This one is too tempting to pass up. Have it with cod, smoked salmon, or spicy shrimp dishes.
What we love about Vidal and Alicia Soblechero’s white wines is they aren’t blending any international varietals into the wine, only using natural yeasts and farming organically. 50% Verdejo, 50% Viura and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks Zesty but never explosive, white grapefruit, lemon, ginger, mineral, peach, and earth scents lead into a vinous texture that possesses superb delineation and zestiness. The slow-building finish is very long and subtle with saline soil tones and terrific grip. This one is too tempting to pass up. Have it with cod, smoked salmon, or spicy shrimp dishes.
2020 BEDROCK SYRAH
[reg. $36.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
[reg. $36.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Committed to Syrah, Morgan Peterson (son of Ravenswood founder and Zin icon Joel Peterson) and his business/winemaking partner/consigliere Chris Cottrell make serious Syrahs as well as epic Zins and heirloom old vine reds. This offering comes from a blend of Santa Barbara, Napa and Sonoma sites and shows its California fruit, but also a French inspiration because it never feels blasted with oak or thick like many Washington or Aussie caricature versions.
Wily aromas of perfumed black plum, smoked meat, freshly ground white pepper and a hint of cinnamon. Fills the mouth nicely and possesses supple, smooth tannins and a nice backbone as well. Very drinkable now and over the next 8-10 years with a lamb barbacoa, braised short ribs and lean game meats like venison.
Wily aromas of perfumed black plum, smoked meat, freshly ground white pepper and a hint of cinnamon. Fills the mouth nicely and possesses supple, smooth tannins and a nice backbone as well. Very drinkable now and over the next 8-10 years with a lamb barbacoa, braised short ribs and lean game meats like venison.
2022 JURTSCHITSCH 'TERRASEN'
GRUNER VELTLINER
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
GRUNER VELTLINER
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Although there is a commonality of language, Austrian wines differ quite a bit from their German neighbors. Often, and especially Grüner Veltliner, these wines are fermented dry and have a fuller presence about them, yet with no shortage of zest or mineral.
From the Langenlois region, this Gruner is generous with mineral soaked lemon-lime and peach aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouth-feel that instantly coats and cleanses and simply doesn't quit. We love this and if you like fresh, intense and nervy wines, you will too. A superb effort to enjoy for this last blast of summer, try this delicious Grüner with everything from salad, artichokes, grilled asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
From the Langenlois region, this Gruner is generous with mineral soaked lemon-lime and peach aromas and flavors; the mineral intensity turns to a crisp and fresh mouth-feel that instantly coats and cleanses and simply doesn't quit. We love this and if you like fresh, intense and nervy wines, you will too. A superb effort to enjoy for this last blast of summer, try this delicious Grüner with everything from salad, artichokes, grilled asparagus to grilled pork chops with a fruit preparation.
2022 AYRES GAMAY NOIR
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
CHEHALEM MOUNTAIN
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
We normally don’t feature Oregon Gamay because the quality-to-price rapport sucks in comparison to many Cru Beaujolais at the same or less money from very old vines. Ayres is a long-time Cellar Door favorite Pinot Noir producer who has jumped aboard the Gamay train, and is doing it well! It would be fitting that Brad McLeroy would make a lovely version of this grape given just how stylish and smooth his Pinot Noirs are.
Coming from the Chehalem Mountain fruit, this offering shows creamy raspberry with underlying spicy tones of coriander and pepper shimmer from the glass and carry over to a texture that is agile, snappy and penetrating with a total eruption of persistent flavors and depth that cascade into a long finish. A wonderful local wine, drink it with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into a roasted chicken.
Coming from the Chehalem Mountain fruit, this offering shows creamy raspberry with underlying spicy tones of coriander and pepper shimmer from the glass and carry over to a texture that is agile, snappy and penetrating with a total eruption of persistent flavors and depth that cascade into a long finish. A wonderful local wine, drink it with fresh morels or chanterelles over pasta or stuffed into a roasted chicken.
2020 PILLOT BEAUNE PREMIER CRU
'LES BOUCHEROTTES'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
'LES BOUCHEROTTES'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
A superb value red wine from the Rhone Valley made by a top-level Cairanne producer. Only classified as Vin de Pays, the vines for this are located on the L’Ameillaud plateau just south of Cairanne and represents a vivacious and succulent value.
Given the price level, this wine is pure pleasure in overdrive. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and others it is dreamy and easy with pronounced lavender, plum, pepper and plenty of spiced-earth character. Open-armed Mediterranean flavors with excellent depth, personality and dimension make this a beyond suitable red with grilled meats or veggies.
Given the price level, this wine is pure pleasure in overdrive. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and others it is dreamy and easy with pronounced lavender, plum, pepper and plenty of spiced-earth character. Open-armed Mediterranean flavors with excellent depth, personality and dimension make this a beyond suitable red with grilled meats or veggies.
2019 PILLOT BEAUNE PREMIER CRU
'LES BOUCHEROTTES'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
'LES BOUCHEROTTES'
$59.99 BTL. - LIMITED
A great vintage, 2019 is definitely a Burgundy lovers’ vintage due to its finite detail, purity and ultimate finesse, all of which shows off very well with this wine.
Glorious expansive quality, there is a classic wild fruit and earth component to this wine yet it is the old vine depth which is impressive and will come through in droves as it ages. Creamy, still quite feminine, very stylish and sultry – almost teasing to the point of being an early drinker. Just when you feel this, it gains spine and substance on the compact yet very long finish. Quite lengthy and chocolatey and very typical of this site I’d give this wine until 2023 and drink through 2032+.
Glorious expansive quality, there is a classic wild fruit and earth component to this wine yet it is the old vine depth which is impressive and will come through in droves as it ages. Creamy, still quite feminine, very stylish and sultry – almost teasing to the point of being an early drinker. Just when you feel this, it gains spine and substance on the compact yet very long finish. Quite lengthy and chocolatey and very typical of this site I’d give this wine until 2023 and drink through 2032+.
