8/18/25 THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'LAST STAND IN JERSEY' WINESHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'LAST STAND IN JERSEY' WINESHEET
9-Year-Old Bordeaux Value
Santa Barbara Chardonnay
Sauv Blanc & Cote-Rotie
Santa Barbara Chardonnay
Sauv Blanc & Cote-Rotie
Chris and Andrea Mullineux are apex producers in South Africa and arbiters of what is hip in this longtime wine producing nation.
The Swartland Red is made from six parcels in the Swartland region, and the blend changes every year. For vintage 2021 the grape composition is 57% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 7% Tinta Barroca grown on shale, schist and granite. Aged in used barrels, this hearty blend reveals a myriad of aromas, plum and cassis notes mingle with meaty, mineral and earth nuances. The palate delivers all of this in a multi-layered silky package. It is certainly a full wine, but with focus and poise, designed to seduce rather than assault the senses. A food friendly offering, use it with a range of cuisine from more traditional meat dishes through to an Italian-inspired tomato sauce or a plate of nice cheeses.
The Swartland Red is made from six parcels in the Swartland region, and the blend changes every year. For vintage 2021 the grape composition is 57% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 7% Tinta Barroca grown on shale, schist and granite. Aged in used barrels, this hearty blend reveals a myriad of aromas, plum and cassis notes mingle with meaty, mineral and earth nuances. The palate delivers all of this in a multi-layered silky package. It is certainly a full wine, but with focus and poise, designed to seduce rather than assault the senses. A food friendly offering, use it with a range of cuisine from more traditional meat dishes through to an Italian-inspired tomato sauce or a plate of nice cheeses.
When it comes to Santa Barbara, Chardonnay styles and trends have come and gone but one has always remained true to its form and that is Au Bon Climat. Since 1982 the Clendenen family has produced beautiful wines respected around the world by peers and wine lovers alike.
Aged in neutral oak, hence no boat plank aromas. This fleet-footed sweetheart shows a solid nose of tropical citrus, sea breeze, fine spice and yes, subtle buttery charm without the grease. The refined texture is plentiful, but very energetic throughout balancing the whole package. Overall, this is a Chardonnay of equilibrium that pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, jamon, tuna and chorizo.
Aged in neutral oak, hence no boat plank aromas. This fleet-footed sweetheart shows a solid nose of tropical citrus, sea breeze, fine spice and yes, subtle buttery charm without the grease. The refined texture is plentiful, but very energetic throughout balancing the whole package. Overall, this is a Chardonnay of equilibrium that pairs beautifully with fettuccini Alfredo, jamon, tuna and chorizo.
Marchesi di Gresy was a member of the Produttori del Barbaresco until 1973 when Alberto Di Gresy wished to highlight his single cru, Martinenga, thus making his own statement in the bottle. Over the last fifty years he has succeeded with his superb Barbaresco and Barbera and more. To quote Alberto di Gresy, ‘A grape growing, wine producing Piemontese Estate couldn't, without doubt, not produce a good Barbera!’
Made from fruit from a vineyard in northern Asti, this sumptuous Barbera d'Asti is ruby red in color with intense violet hues sharing a bouquet that is strong and rich. Typical aromas of roses, red berry fruit and no shortage of ripe cherries. This is a hearty, textural Barbera of elegant character with excellent balance. An ideal companion to salami, prosciutto, meat-sauce-topped polenta and most pasta. It is also perfect with dry cheeses.
Made from fruit from a vineyard in northern Asti, this sumptuous Barbera d'Asti is ruby red in color with intense violet hues sharing a bouquet that is strong and rich. Typical aromas of roses, red berry fruit and no shortage of ripe cherries. This is a hearty, textural Barbera of elegant character with excellent balance. An ideal companion to salami, prosciutto, meat-sauce-topped polenta and most pasta. It is also perfect with dry cheeses.
It is always thrilling to offer a nine-year-old wine from a top vintage that may be popped and poured. Chateau Fourcas-Borie was created when Bruno Borie (owner of 2nd Growth Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou) purchased Fourcas-Dumont in late 2008. The property originated from the union of the estates of Clos du Fourcas and Moulin du Bourg, which are among the oldest vineyards of the village located on the north end of Listrac-Medoc.
The multifaceted scents change like a slinky as the wine unfolds in the glass. Aged Bordeaux (as well as any aged wine) is not about becoming bigger and fruitier, they are about gaining more elegance, smoothness and dimension. This wine absolutely brings it with dried cherry, tealeaf, earth, cassis and fennel spice. Very resolved with expansive yet understated flavors that move nicely as the wine flows towards the classy, very traditional finish. One to drink confidently over the next 5-6 years, serve it with a Sunday roast beef, duck, beef bourguignon or mild, soft ripened cheeses.
The multifaceted scents change like a slinky as the wine unfolds in the glass. Aged Bordeaux (as well as any aged wine) is not about becoming bigger and fruitier, they are about gaining more elegance, smoothness and dimension. This wine absolutely brings it with dried cherry, tealeaf, earth, cassis and fennel spice. Very resolved with expansive yet understated flavors that move nicely as the wine flows towards the classy, very traditional finish. One to drink confidently over the next 5-6 years, serve it with a Sunday roast beef, duck, beef bourguignon or mild, soft ripened cheeses.
Always one of my favorite Italian red wines. After I heard the price, devious thoughts came about and made me dream of boarding a plane and heading off to take the oath and join the ‘Ndrangheta (Calabria's mafia)!
100% Gaglioppo grape, originally thought to be of Greek origin, recent DNA indicates its mention in 1240 and of Italian origins, possibly a relationship between Sangiovese and another unidentified varietal. It really is its own beast, acting most like warm climate Nebbiolo. From one of Calabria’s oldest and most noble vineyards, this hearty red is akin to a mafia gangster dressed in an expensive suit. Debonair but maintaining street credibility. Well crafted, licorice, almond, smoke, red plum pit and sea salt aspects. Earth-spice, broad, gripping texture and a lofty, chiseled finish. Pairs extremely well with tomatoes and can manage hot peppers.
100% Gaglioppo grape, originally thought to be of Greek origin, recent DNA indicates its mention in 1240 and of Italian origins, possibly a relationship between Sangiovese and another unidentified varietal. It really is its own beast, acting most like warm climate Nebbiolo. From one of Calabria’s oldest and most noble vineyards, this hearty red is akin to a mafia gangster dressed in an expensive suit. Debonair but maintaining street credibility. Well crafted, licorice, almond, smoke, red plum pit and sea salt aspects. Earth-spice, broad, gripping texture and a lofty, chiseled finish. Pairs extremely well with tomatoes and can manage hot peppers.
Located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand where sea-swept terroir combines with hillside sites make for individual yet still true to the New Zealand identity of Sauvignon Blanc, Te Pā’s is one that doesn't p!ss me off when I drink it, especially with Thai food.
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is clean, as it only sees stainless steel tanks and never the inside of a dreaded barrel. Extroverted and exuding confidence, this bright Sauvignon provides a bombardment of indulgence. Mango, lime, fresh mint and subtle herbs dominate and follow over to a texture that is bracing yet has nice fullness and vivacity. One to pair with Asian chicken or fish preparations and you can highlight it with a touch of spice.
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is clean, as it only sees stainless steel tanks and never the inside of a dreaded barrel. Extroverted and exuding confidence, this bright Sauvignon provides a bombardment of indulgence. Mango, lime, fresh mint and subtle herbs dominate and follow over to a texture that is bracing yet has nice fullness and vivacity. One to pair with Asian chicken or fish preparations and you can highlight it with a touch of spice.
Les Perles Cabernet Sauvignon from Languedoc is made by Minervois maestro Jerome Calmes and absolutely offers amazing quality for 12- bucks.
Teeming with smoke, pepper, cassis, thyme and underlying blackberry, this is vinous and overdelivers for its price point. Melted chocolate tones come from the glass adding to a texture that is silky with particularly good density with Southern French garrigue on the sneaky finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years with grilled burgers, pizza, pasta, grilled vegetables and much more!
Teeming with smoke, pepper, cassis, thyme and underlying blackberry, this is vinous and overdelivers for its price point. Melted chocolate tones come from the glass adding to a texture that is silky with particularly good density with Southern French garrigue on the sneaky finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years with grilled burgers, pizza, pasta, grilled vegetables and much more!
A longtime proponent of traditionally styled Cote-Rotie and always a top producer, Agnes Levet arrived in 2004 and has kept the family tradition alive yet with better farming practices leading this estate into the upper echelon which includes names like Rostaing and Jamet.
The 2022 Journaries is all Syrah and the majority coming from La Landonne and enhanced with Cote-Brune, Cote-Blonde and Cote Rozier lieus dits. Very traditionally produced and always having a calm, elegant demeanor, 2022 is very acculturated indeed. Youthfully tight right now with abundant perfume and movement, there are undercurrents of smoked meat, flowers and black olives wafting from the glass as well. The texture is compelling, suave and layered but very well structured and desiring cellar time. This is a resounding example of Cote-Rotie that will kick your ass if you open a bottle right now. Hold on to this traditional, non-destemmed wine until 2028 and continue to enjoy to its 25th birthday. Wowzah!
The 2022 Journaries is all Syrah and the majority coming from La Landonne and enhanced with Cote-Brune, Cote-Blonde and Cote Rozier lieus dits. Very traditionally produced and always having a calm, elegant demeanor, 2022 is very acculturated indeed. Youthfully tight right now with abundant perfume and movement, there are undercurrents of smoked meat, flowers and black olives wafting from the glass as well. The texture is compelling, suave and layered but very well structured and desiring cellar time. This is a resounding example of Cote-Rotie that will kick your ass if you open a bottle right now. Hold on to this traditional, non-destemmed wine until 2028 and continue to enjoy to its 25th birthday. Wowzah!