8/21/23 The Cellar Door's 'CHARISMATIC WATERMELON' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'CHARISMATIC WATERMELON' HOTSHEET
13-year-old 96-Point Rioja plus 10-year-old Voge Cornas
Barolo Bargain, Napa Cab, Vietti Arneis
Everyday Gruner & Malbec
Barolo Bargain, Napa Cab, Vietti Arneis
Everyday Gruner & Malbec
2022 VIETTI ROERO ARNEIS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Along with the soon-to-arrive Timorasso, this is the final Arneis and final white wine done by Luca Currado before he departed Vietti. As usual, this ever-influential white wine shows exquisite quality and is great for end of summer/beginning of fall consumption.
Vietti’s Arneis is one of the benchmarks from the region. On the first sniff this tempting white wine lunges with lemon pastry, lychee, honey, and some faint hints of flowers and melon. Quite smooth, easygoing and agreeably luscious on the palate, think Grandma's lemon meringue pie without the extreme acidity. Light minerality plays off the bright tones, especially on the finish. Fantastic with roasted, barbecued or deep fried chicken or with seafood especially Asian-style seared tuna or fried calamari.
Vietti’s Arneis is one of the benchmarks from the region. On the first sniff this tempting white wine lunges with lemon pastry, lychee, honey, and some faint hints of flowers and melon. Quite smooth, easygoing and agreeably luscious on the palate, think Grandma's lemon meringue pie without the extreme acidity. Light minerality plays off the bright tones, especially on the finish. Fantastic with roasted, barbecued or deep fried chicken or with seafood especially Asian-style seared tuna or fried calamari.
2019 HERENCIA ALTES TERRA ALTA
'L'ESTEL' ROUGE
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'L'ESTEL' ROUGE
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Located in the southern portion of Spain’s Catalonia, Terra Alta is an off the grid region that is aided by cool Mediterranean breezes and 1500 foot elevation that allows for the grapes to make deep wines that maintain piquancy and liveliness, these are unique expressions made with grapes that you know very well.
Previously only the lower-end wines have been available but now we have a couple of higher-end offerings and this one is on an outstanding special. 60% Garnacha, 35% Carinena & 5% Syrah, think of this as a high-elevation Catalan Chateauneuf. Penetrating classic steely Catalan nose with cassis and black berry abound; builds more grenadine, lavender and especially violet as it sits in the glass. In the mouth, it is dense and opaque with underlying hot-rock scents with excellent movement. Lavish, complete and mouth filling, the vibrancy is plentiful for a large wine and maintains its handsome poise. The structure and grip are submerged but are present...Full, fresh and engaging, especially on the ever-lasting, long, exotic-spice tinged finish. A great red for grilled steak and hearty, slow-cooked tomato-based stews with olives and eggplant. Drink through 2029+.
Previously only the lower-end wines have been available but now we have a couple of higher-end offerings and this one is on an outstanding special. 60% Garnacha, 35% Carinena & 5% Syrah, think of this as a high-elevation Catalan Chateauneuf. Penetrating classic steely Catalan nose with cassis and black berry abound; builds more grenadine, lavender and especially violet as it sits in the glass. In the mouth, it is dense and opaque with underlying hot-rock scents with excellent movement. Lavish, complete and mouth filling, the vibrancy is plentiful for a large wine and maintains its handsome poise. The structure and grip are submerged but are present...Full, fresh and engaging, especially on the ever-lasting, long, exotic-spice tinged finish. A great red for grilled steak and hearty, slow-cooked tomato-based stews with olives and eggplant. Drink through 2029+.
2019 AUCTIONEER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
A month ago we featured Architects Cabernet from Alexander Valley that was a tribute from Bartholomew Broadbent to his father Michael Broadbent, the 24th ever Master of Wine. Michael Broadbent was highly influential to all of us in the wine world with his constant study of Bordeaux in which we all learned along from him.
Appropriately named 'Auctioneer', Broadbent was founder of Christie’s Wine Auction in 1965 as well as the Napa Wine Auction alongside Robert Mondavi. Regal, upscale aromas sneak in a Bordeaux influence or two, but Napa's terroir and warmth highlight this Cab'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 spicy earth. The philosophy of Bartholomew Broadbent is present especially on the fine, smooth finish. A wine papa Michael would be proud to drink in good company. Drink this knockout through 2029.
Appropriately named 'Auctioneer', Broadbent was founder of Christie’s Wine Auction in 1965 as well as the Napa Wine Auction alongside Robert Mondavi. Regal, upscale aromas sneak in a Bordeaux influence or two, but Napa's terroir and warmth highlight this Cab'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 spicy earth. The philosophy of Bartholomew Broadbent is present especially on the fine, smooth finish. A wine papa Michael would be proud to drink in good company. Drink this knockout through 2029.
2019 PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Run by sisters Enrica and Elisa Scavino and once known as an ultra-modernist utilizing a swath of shiny new oak, the estate of Paolo Scavino has done a complete 360 and now makes wines that are very classic using what modernity has provided. Their entry Barolo is way more than mere entry because it comes from a selection of the best casks from 7 single vineyards in the villages of Castiglione Falletto (Rocche Moriondino, Vignolo and Pernanno vineyards), Barolo (Albarella, Terlo & Vignane vineyards) and Serralunga d’Alba (San Bernardo vineyard), each fermented separately.
The sisters’ 2019 Barolo is sublime and at forty-bucks is a big steal with stellar quality. In faster terms, this will sell out. Full and youthful Barolo with lofty aromas of cigarbox, camphor, spun sugar, mushroom, dried flowers, and although generous with an underlying plushness, the fruit is red and very detailed in the mouth. Each flavor is beautifully delineated and there is great harmony in the mouth, which makes this Barolo very lovable and ageworthy. If you want to test-drive one with a meat and mushroom dish, it will not clobber you but do decant. For best results, drink end 2025 – 2034.
The sisters’ 2019 Barolo is sublime and at forty-bucks is a big steal with stellar quality. In faster terms, this will sell out. Full and youthful Barolo with lofty aromas of cigarbox, camphor, spun sugar, mushroom, dried flowers, and although generous with an underlying plushness, the fruit is red and very detailed in the mouth. Each flavor is beautifully delineated and there is great harmony in the mouth, which makes this Barolo very lovable and ageworthy. If you want to test-drive one with a meat and mushroom dish, it will not clobber you but do decant. For best results, drink end 2025 – 2034.
2021 BERGER GRUNER VELTLINER
$14.99 LITER BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 LITER BTL./$179.88 CASE
Berger for all, and all for Berger! That’s right, we love Berger’s Gruner Veltliner. In case you were wondering, Berger is a tavern Gruner that is a toothsome every day (including breakfast) white wine that not only comes in a liter bottle, is also a mere fifteen-bucks!
A radiating palate-grabber that possesses shifting scents starting with honeysuckle and white pepper and then on to nectarine and crisp granny smith apple. Echoing natural briskness makes this a white wine of surprising complexity. Maintaining blazing freshness and a beautifully textured mouth-feel, it rolls into the finish that has an abundance of range and lingering aspects. Pair with an array of seafood, but have fun with this wine because it will compliment many different types of food and will admirably hold up to spicy dishes.
A radiating palate-grabber that possesses shifting scents starting with honeysuckle and white pepper and then on to nectarine and crisp granny smith apple. Echoing natural briskness makes this a white wine of surprising complexity. Maintaining blazing freshness and a beautifully textured mouth-feel, it rolls into the finish that has an abundance of range and lingering aspects. Pair with an array of seafood, but have fun with this wine because it will compliment many different types of food and will admirably hold up to spicy dishes.
2020 STATTI GAGLIOPPO ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Something from Southern Italy that will be sure to please any adventurous Italian red wine lover. Made from 100% of the Gaglioppo grape which is originally of Greek origins and is thought to be introduced in Italy around the same time as Aglianico.
It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Statti's version is chock full of roasted red plum, forest-floor, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture that extends with lots of tangy, spicy qualities. Calabria is Italy’s only region that grows and utilizes hot chili peppers, do up a spaghetti arrabiata or a spicy pork dish. It also pairs surprisingly well with mole sauces too.
It is human nature to make comparisons and maybe the closest analogy that we come up with is that it may be likened to a warm climate Nebbiolo. Statti's version is chock full of roasted red plum, forest-floor, red licorice and rose petal aromas which follow into a warm, dry Italian texture that extends with lots of tangy, spicy qualities. Calabria is Italy’s only region that grows and utilizes hot chili peppers, do up a spaghetti arrabiata or a spicy pork dish. It also pairs surprisingly well with mole sauces too.
2013 ALAIN VOGE CORNAS
VIEILLES VIGNES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
VIEILLES VIGNES
$99.99 BTL./$599.94 - SIX PACK
Back in February we held a tasting of Voge wines when this small, but prodigal Cornas estate’s current partner/winemaker Lionel Frasse was in town. Along with names like Clape, Verset, Michel and Juge, this is one of the grand old and influential producers of this region. To put things into perspective and to show just how small the Cornas appellation truly is – the small Dundee Hills appellation in Oregon is just under 1200 acres. Cornas in its entirety is just under 400! Moreover, it is on some of the steepest slopes imaginable. Always tightly allocated, we did touchdown dances when Lionel offered us a library selection that we uncorked that evening.
When I visited the Northern Rhone back in 2015 and tasted the 2013 vintage that followed the warm 2011 and 2012s, I thought that even though these are tightly formed, they will emerge as classic, very fine, complex French Syrah wines. Whether it was Cote-Rotie, Cornas, Hermitage, my hunch was correct, they have really turned into spectacular wines that are essence of this famed region. Instantly one sees Grand Cru here. Monumental, very multi-dimensional, secondary aromas shine with aromatic black olive, black truffle, licorice, mineral, dark Valrhona choclate all surrounding sexy strawberry, smoke and black pepper. Slow building then expansive complex texture that has elegance and smoothness to go along with the fine backbone. Very long, very vivid and very fine indeed! At age ten, this is off the chain and as evidenced by a 1999 and 2000 uncorked that evening, it will easily age and develop further for another decade and beyond. Supplies are limited (30 bottles), so order soon.
When I visited the Northern Rhone back in 2015 and tasted the 2013 vintage that followed the warm 2011 and 2012s, I thought that even though these are tightly formed, they will emerge as classic, very fine, complex French Syrah wines. Whether it was Cote-Rotie, Cornas, Hermitage, my hunch was correct, they have really turned into spectacular wines that are essence of this famed region. Instantly one sees Grand Cru here. Monumental, very multi-dimensional, secondary aromas shine with aromatic black olive, black truffle, licorice, mineral, dark Valrhona choclate all surrounding sexy strawberry, smoke and black pepper. Slow building then expansive complex texture that has elegance and smoothness to go along with the fine backbone. Very long, very vivid and very fine indeed! At age ten, this is off the chain and as evidenced by a 1999 and 2000 uncorked that evening, it will easily age and develop further for another decade and beyond. Supplies are limited (30 bottles), so order soon.
2010 LOPEZ DE HEREDIA RIOJA
'VINA TONDONIA' RESERVA
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
'VINA TONDONIA' RESERVA
$59.99 BTL./$359.94 - SIX PACK
96 Points – The Wine Advocate… Lopez de Heredia is truly one of the most special wineries in the world and one that firmly remains committed to the traditional focus and style of Rioja that seemingly comes from yesteryear. Extended aging is the norm here; all their Reserva wines are released, at the minimum, six years after harvest. Two single vineyards are produced, one from the ‘Tondonia’ vineyard, and this from ‘Bosconia’ which has a different profile but is equally as superb. These wines when young can be ornery so it was quite thrilling when we were able to score 24 bottles of one that is just starting to enter its window of accessibility.
‘The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity. It was bottled in May 2017. - 96 Points, The wine Advocate’. Drink through 2034.
‘The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity. It was bottled in May 2017. - 96 Points, The wine Advocate’. Drink through 2034.
2020 ZUCCARDI MALBEC
'SERIE A'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
'SERIE A'
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Year in and year out, I consistently adore the wines from Zuccardi in Argentina’s Mendoza region, especially on the entry and middle tiers. These are true wines of the people aged partially in oak but mostly in stainless steel and play beautifully with an array of dishes.
Argentina is awash with under-15 dollar Malbecs, however a good many of them seemingly taste the same but this one does not fall into that trap. Smoked blackberry, tobacco, kisses of licorice and pepper follow through to a chewy, mouth-coating, spice driven texture that has good balance and freshness. Nicely done and perfect for a weeknight red wine experience.
Argentina is awash with under-15 dollar Malbecs, however a good many of them seemingly taste the same but this one does not fall into that trap. Smoked blackberry, tobacco, kisses of licorice and pepper follow through to a chewy, mouth-coating, spice driven texture that has good balance and freshness. Nicely done and perfect for a weeknight red wine experience.
