8/9/23 The Cellar Door's 'GOING TO THE DOGS' HotSheet

2022 EVESHAM WOOD
PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

There is always immense excitement when this wine is released, especially for those of us who love to enjoy an under 30-dollar Oregon Pinot Noir. Founded by the late, great Russ Raney and not missing a beat since his protégé Erin Nuccio took control, this 5-star producer has put forth a wine that is a mere glimpse into the quality and pedigree of Oregon’s 2022 vintage.

Alluring scents crème du cassis, cherry, violet, cedar, violet and subtle mint entices from the moment that it is poured. This beautiful pinot has great depth of flavor, poise, over-reaching depth and wonderful balance. This fine choice will take you from salmon to lamb to roasted chicken and mushroom risotto.

2019 DOMAINE DU PESQUIER
COTES-DU-RHONE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE

A delicious Cotes-du-Rhone from a Gigondas specialist 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.

2022 ANDREA FELICI VERDICCHIO
CASTELLI DEI JESI
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PACK

Crazy Leo Felici is back and on form as usual. This producer is a past White Winemaker of the Year from Gambero Rosso, his white wines are electric and eloquent and this entry-level offering will outshine many other Verdicchio producers’ reserve offerings.

Illuminating aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone seemingly alternate in an unhurried fashion and draw you in for a sip. When the wine reaches the lips, perfumed flavors that are rich, yet tense and electric touch all of the senses in the mouth and extend to a superb, lingering finish. Perfect over the next few years with just about anything that swims as well as pesto or other green vegetables.

2019 TERRIERE BROUILLY
'CUVEE JULES DE SOUZY'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Last call for one of the Beaujolais Deals thus far in 2023! Coming from 65+ year old vines in the sweet spot of Northern Brouilly, an old plateau parcel, the soil is decomposed pink granite soil mixed with sand and stones, low in clay and therefore filters very well, producing small yields and Beaujolais wines of depth and personality. Sensual hedonism at its best, this dramatic offering delivers a full presence of crème de framboise, smoked violet, anise, warm granite and undertones of strawberry and cinnamon-stick.

Resoundingly mouth filling and a total eruption of flavors cascades through the mouth. Finishes substantially with spice, but fills in beautifully with broad and balanced fruit that spreads out over the entire palate before it glides into the very persistent finish. An undoubted miracle in the mouth, this is a no-brainer with roasted chicken or turkey. It will also pair well with prime rib, pork roast, mushroom pasta or pungent cheeses like Saint-Marcellin or Brillat-Savarin. Drink over the next decade; this is a Cru Beaujolais that ages very well. Drink through 2030.

2021 CORA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Fun, forward and unpretentious and from the Abruzzo region on the Adriatci Coast, Cora's Montepulciano is the consummate red wine for just about any occasion.

Ordering in pizza? Drink Cora Montepulciano. Celebrating sending the brats off to summer camp or back to school? Drink Cora Montepulciano (although some parents may prefer Champagne. If this is the case, call Bryan immediately!) Having a summer party? Drink Cora Montepulciano. So now that you have the idea, make a plan to order many bottles of this hearty, playful, fun, fruit-driven red that is simply lip-smacking good!

2021 KUENTZ-BAS
ALSACE BLANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, like Cher, Madonna, Prince and Seal it just is what it is and damn, do we like it! Kuentz Bas ‘Alsace’ is a white blend from you guessed it, ‘Alsace’. The producer named this wine to show the regional essence of this terrific well-crafted value. Don't think percentages or varietals - like the fairy-tale or Ted Lasso encourages…BELIEVE…and enjoy!

Dry peach and smoky minerals, undergirded with energy and true richness, edged with earth, smoke and tropical notes. On the palate, the wine is vivid and lively with ripe acidity, good depth and complexity, offering a very clean and long finish. Pale golden in color with brilliant, light-refractive qualities, this polished wine goes well with seafood items and of course, choucroute and sushi.

2017 CAPARZO BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO
[reg. $52.99]
SPECIAL - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Tenuta Caparzo is one of the important addresses in Montalcino and the style here is one of elegance and grace all within a richly textured frame. The Caparzo name seems to originate from Ca' Pazzo, as seen in several ancient maps. Maintaining the tradition, this wine was aged in 8000 and 5000 liter barrels for 36 months.

Violets, roses, sage, and cherry liqueur scents lead into a surprisingly inviting texture that is round, very generous, warm, nicely integrated and showing a rich middle with deceptive structure for aging. The close is very voluptuous with impressive Tuscan traits of sage, red earth and strawberry and a smoothness that will allow for early access and pleasure. At forty-bucks, this wine is stunning and a real heist given the ever-increasing prices of this region. If you like scores, it has 93 points from The Wine Advocate.

2018 ANDREW WILL CIEL DU CHEVAL
RED MOUNTAIN BLEND
$59.99 BTL./$719.88 CASE

95 Points – Vinous. A legendary Washington producer scores again. The record of accomplishment of Chris Camarda and now his son Will is mighty impressive and benchmark Washington blends continue to emerge from their Vashon Island cellars. The Ciel du Cheval vineyard is located near Benton City and the vines average 31 years old for this limited 800 case cuvee. Being a warm and torrid site Andrew Will prefers to make this wine sans Cabernet Sauvignon due to the loamy soils on gravel beds to reflect the site as well as its Right Bank influences.

‘A rich and darkly alluring mix of plum sauce, grilled sage and hints of sweet smoke makes the 2018 Red Wine Ciel du Cheval a total pleasure on the nose. This is seamlessly silky, with potent red fruits complimented by a pleasant inner sweetness that's quickly firmed up by saturating minerality and fine tannins collecting toward the close. The 2018 finishes youthfully inward and structured, leaving nuances of blueberry preserve and a dusting of cocoa to linger. The 2018 is just a baby today, but with serious cellar potential packed in. Wow. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS Drink 2025 – 2035.'