"RICHARD SHERMAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH" HOTSHEET
THE CELLAR DOOR'S "RICHARD SHERMAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH" HOTSHEET
Last Call for 2012 Cristom Vineyard-Designated Pinots, French Syrah Special, Sancerre, Italian Values, 92 point Spain & more
2012 JIM BARRY CABERNET SAUVIGNON "COVER DRIVE"
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
I wanted to offer up a Sonoma or Napa Cab at this price point to lead this week's musings. However, after perusing price lists and only coming up with gimmick wines or something created in a laboratory that may have 20% of appellation fruit I had to admit defeat and go elsewhere to find a delicious value Cab for you all.
The late Jim Barry gained notoriety for producing one of Australia's iconoclast wines, The Armaugh Shiraz and his children have kept the flag flying. There is good news and bad news regarding Jim Barry's wines. The bad news is that The Armaugh will set you back about $200 per bottle if you could find one. The good news is that Jim Barry produces a number of outstanding values including this scrumptious Cabernet from the Coonawara region of South Australia. The smooth and distinct Coonawara qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that is ripe and layered along with plenty of freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 5-6 years.
The late Jim Barry gained notoriety for producing one of Australia's iconoclast wines, The Armaugh Shiraz and his children have kept the flag flying. There is good news and bad news regarding Jim Barry's wines. The bad news is that The Armaugh will set you back about $200 per bottle if you could find one. The good news is that Jim Barry produces a number of outstanding values including this scrumptious Cabernet from the Coonawara region of South Australia. The smooth and distinct Coonawara qualities of this flavorful 100% Cabernet jump from the glass immediately. Intense cassis, herbs, vanilla and toffee get it started, but after about 20 minutes of aeration, more peppermint, milk chocolate and cigar box permeate through. Penetrating and dense texture that is ripe and layered along with plenty of freshness, especially on the impressively lengthy and dry finish. Drink this succulent Cabernet over the next 5-6 years.
2011 EMILIO MORO RIBERA DEL DUERO
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
Not only is Emilio Moro one of the finest addresses in the upscale Ribera Del Duero region, this estate is also regarded as one of the best in all of Spain. Consistently this full-on red at this level represents outstanding value for under 25 bucks. The 2011 is no exception and we are thrilled to offer it to you.
"The 2011 Emilio Moro is pure Tempranillo from different vineyards on different soils (clay, chalk and stone) fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats and aged for one year in barrels, 50% French and 50% American. It's dark, almost opaque, a little closed, displaying a serious, concentrated profile with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and fine spices from the barrel. Somehow it has aromas that bring me back to the Riberas of yesteryear, notes of candied orange peel and good quality American oak. The palate is full-bodied with extremely fine tannins, big-sized but balanced and with acidity and stuffing to age magnificently in bottle...Drink now-2019. – 92 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"
"The 2011 Emilio Moro is pure Tempranillo from different vineyards on different soils (clay, chalk and stone) fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats and aged for one year in barrels, 50% French and 50% American. It's dark, almost opaque, a little closed, displaying a serious, concentrated profile with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and fine spices from the barrel. Somehow it has aromas that bring me back to the Riberas of yesteryear, notes of candied orange peel and good quality American oak. The palate is full-bodied with extremely fine tannins, big-sized but balanced and with acidity and stuffing to age magnificently in bottle...Drink now-2019. – 92 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"
2010 MONIER-PERREOL SAINT-JOSEPH
[reg. $37.50] SPECIAL PRICE - $24.99 BTL./$299.88, 4 cases available!!
[reg. $37.50] SPECIAL PRICE - $24.99 BTL./$299.88, 4 cases available!!
Located about halfway between Hermitage/Cornas and Cote-Rotie in the St-Jo village of St-Desirat, Jean-Pierre Monier is on a quick ascent to becoming one of the real darlings of the Northern Rhone. We happen to have 4 cases of the grand-scale 2010 vintage that are being closed out due to the distributor losing the line so let's take advantage!
You've all heard just how special the 2010 vintage is throughout the Rhone and France, this ravishing 100% Syrah doesn't disappoint! Exciting, fragrant textbook cool French Syrah characteristics of plum, olive, engaging toffee/graham and nicely enhanced by an undercurrent of sanguine and mineral. Ample power here from the vintage but is light on its feet with lively high-tones that hold it together very well. Sneaky backbone and a presence of burst and compactness on the persistent but youthful finish indicates that this can age. If you wish to uncork now, do decant but for best results wait until the end of the year and drink through 2023.
You've all heard just how special the 2010 vintage is throughout the Rhone and France, this ravishing 100% Syrah doesn't disappoint! Exciting, fragrant textbook cool French Syrah characteristics of plum, olive, engaging toffee/graham and nicely enhanced by an undercurrent of sanguine and mineral. Ample power here from the vintage but is light on its feet with lively high-tones that hold it together very well. Sneaky backbone and a presence of burst and compactness on the persistent but youthful finish indicates that this can age. If you wish to uncork now, do decant but for best results wait until the end of the year and drink through 2023.
2013 STATTI LAMEZIA ROSSO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
About a year ago, we were turned on to the values of this Calabrian operation, specifically their Gaglioppo. Recently I was presented with two wines from the DOC region of Lamezia, one that is very Mediterranean-influenced with its terroir.
Both the reds and whites produced in this area utilize native grapes. Blended with 40% Gaglioppo, 40% Greco Nero & 20% Nerello Cappuccio, this unoaked, palate-coating red has remarkable character and flavor for not a whole lot of money. Aromatic scents of dark plum, Indian spices, saline and dark chocolate follow through to a most engaging texture that balances fruit and depth with briskness and detail. Plenty of distinction throughout, this flavor-laden Southern Italian red will pair well with meatballs, eggplant parmesan and pizza.
Both the reds and whites produced in this area utilize native grapes. Blended with 40% Gaglioppo, 40% Greco Nero & 20% Nerello Cappuccio, this unoaked, palate-coating red has remarkable character and flavor for not a whole lot of money. Aromatic scents of dark plum, Indian spices, saline and dark chocolate follow through to a most engaging texture that balances fruit and depth with briskness and detail. Plenty of distinction throughout, this flavor-laden Southern Italian red will pair well with meatballs, eggplant parmesan and pizza.
2013 STATTI LAMEZIA BIANCO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
Equally good from Statti is their very attractive white wine from the Lamezia region. As is the same with the red wine no international varietals are featured, just 2 native varietals, 50% Greco and 50% Malvasia. No oak at all on this wine, the aromas soar from the glass from the get-go. Lime, acacia, melon and an underlay of mineral aspects are highlighted nicely; in the mouth this white parallels its fragrances with vibrancy, lift and balance all careening to a finish that is engaging, dry and calls you back for another glass. A perfect way to start a meal or to pair with vegetable appetizers or mussels.
2012 JEAN-MAX ROGER SANCERRE "LES CAILLOTTES"
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
In Sancerre, the Roger name stretches back to the 17th century so there is some level of experience in working these magical Sauvignon Blanc vines in this famed region. Led by Jean-Max since the early 70s and with his sons Etienne and Thibault coming on board in 2004, the wines continue to be prolific.
The Les Caillottes Cuvee takes its name from the stony, limestone-rich soils from where the wine is sourced, specifically the villages of Bue and Amigny within the Sancerre zone. When I slugged back a bottle of this yummy Sancerre last week, it certainly put me in an excellent mood! Pure, finesseful, classic Sancerre aromas of peat, seashore, pronounced mineral and subtle lemon scents bring about pleasure and contemplation. Linear, electric and focused in the mouth with plenty of intensity in a restrained package; the finish is extreme mineral. Perfect fodder with just about any seafood ranging from freshly shucked oysters to sole bathed in a tarragon-cream sauce.
The Les Caillottes Cuvee takes its name from the stony, limestone-rich soils from where the wine is sourced, specifically the villages of Bue and Amigny within the Sancerre zone. When I slugged back a bottle of this yummy Sancerre last week, it certainly put me in an excellent mood! Pure, finesseful, classic Sancerre aromas of peat, seashore, pronounced mineral and subtle lemon scents bring about pleasure and contemplation. Linear, electric and focused in the mouth with plenty of intensity in a restrained package; the finish is extreme mineral. Perfect fodder with just about any seafood ranging from freshly shucked oysters to sole bathed in a tarragon-cream sauce.
2013 MANTLERHOF RIESLING ZEHETNERIN KREMSTAL
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
I Guess that it's just my commitment to this noble grape but I often wonder why I continually have to explain this. Stereotypically, people believe Austrian white wine to be sweet. Except for dessert wines, which make up 3% of the country's entire production, this couldn't be further from the truth. While the majority of Germany's white wines are made from Riesling carrying various levels of sweetness ranging from fully dry all the way to the thickest eiswein, the bulk of those that come from Austria are bone dry.
Mantlerhof is a fine estate from the Kremstal region and their 2013 Riesling Zehetnerin is aromatic with perfumed and precise aromas of gunflint, apricot, lively nectarine and insatiable minerality. Amply textured and fully dry, yet completely electric. Hell, it could light up all of Vienna with its vibrancy! Superb, linear, saline/tangerine finish that goes on for minutes after the wine is swallowed. It is very approachable now, but also has a nice future ahead of it. Drink it with fresh halibut or goat cheese and will age impeccably through 2020. Not too shabby for 20 bucks!
Mantlerhof is a fine estate from the Kremstal region and their 2013 Riesling Zehetnerin is aromatic with perfumed and precise aromas of gunflint, apricot, lively nectarine and insatiable minerality. Amply textured and fully dry, yet completely electric. Hell, it could light up all of Vienna with its vibrancy! Superb, linear, saline/tangerine finish that goes on for minutes after the wine is swallowed. It is very approachable now, but also has a nice future ahead of it. Drink it with fresh halibut or goat cheese and will age impeccably through 2020. Not too shabby for 20 bucks!
2012 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR "LOUISE VINEYARD"
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
It's last call on Cristom's soon-to-be-legendary 2012 Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs! If you haven't scored any or want some, speak now or forever hold your piece.
Time and time, we have mentioned that Steve Doerner is a deity when it comes to Oregon Pinot Noir. Consistently, this cat has delivered some of America's finest pinots throughout his distinguished career at both Calera before 1992 and Cristom since. Steve always constructs pinot for pinot lovers and has consistently my short list of top three Oregon producers. Truly one of Oregon's Grand Cru Vineyards, Louise is the spice queen and that unique quality is what sets this wine apart in every vintage and is what has set the stage for this wonderfully velvety 2012. Candied mushroom caps, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, cardamom and dried flowers echo from the glass and right on to the full, rich, round and velvety palate. The tannins are pretty soft and integrated but do give this wine a couple of years to come together and enjoy through 2027.
Time and time, we have mentioned that Steve Doerner is a deity when it comes to Oregon Pinot Noir. Consistently, this cat has delivered some of America's finest pinots throughout his distinguished career at both Calera before 1992 and Cristom since. Steve always constructs pinot for pinot lovers and has consistently my short list of top three Oregon producers. Truly one of Oregon's Grand Cru Vineyards, Louise is the spice queen and that unique quality is what sets this wine apart in every vintage and is what has set the stage for this wonderfully velvety 2012. Candied mushroom caps, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, cardamom and dried flowers echo from the glass and right on to the full, rich, round and velvety palate. The tannins are pretty soft and integrated but do give this wine a couple of years to come together and enjoy through 2027.
2012 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR "JESSIE VINEYARD"
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
The enchantment and seduction of Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir is very saintly when it comes to the finest in Oregon. This site always puts forth what Pinot Noir lovers' desire in the finest versions, aromatics, balance, harmony, grace and potential. The 2012 certainly allowed this wine to sing and there is little doubt that this will develop into one of the grandest wines that Cristom has ever released.
A thrilling Pinot Noir with ungodly potential, the 2012 Jessie puts forth very youthful, sensual blueberry, sage, raspberry and lavender scents along with the signature Cristom spice aspects. An unbridled smoky tone adds even more as the wine unfurls in the glass. Wonderfully layered and with just the right amount of sinister quality that is the kind that makes you want to pull for the bad guys in the movies. Don't be fooled by its initial charm, this is still a young wine and will do nothing but get better and better and better. Drink 2017 – 2027.
A thrilling Pinot Noir with ungodly potential, the 2012 Jessie puts forth very youthful, sensual blueberry, sage, raspberry and lavender scents along with the signature Cristom spice aspects. An unbridled smoky tone adds even more as the wine unfurls in the glass. Wonderfully layered and with just the right amount of sinister quality that is the kind that makes you want to pull for the bad guys in the movies. Don't be fooled by its initial charm, this is still a young wine and will do nothing but get better and better and better. Drink 2017 – 2027.
2012 CRISTOM PINOT NOIR "EILEEN VINEYARD"
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
$55.99 BTL./$671.88 CASE
Eileen is the youngest of the ladies and one whose vines are now approaching 15 years old. The potential of this site now being realized with superb quality that goes into the bottle.
The 2012 is a magical, brooding operatic wine that is a destined for greatness and undoubtedly will become a masterpiece. Concentrated scents wickedly reveal plenty of nutmeg, vanilla and smoke to go along with the vinous, opaque chocolate-covered cherry and spice flavors. Penetrating and impressive, there is major material here, although it needs time to all come together. A truly special bottle of Oregon Pinot that needs to be laid down until 2017 and drunk through 2025.
The 2012 is a magical, brooding operatic wine that is a destined for greatness and undoubtedly will become a masterpiece. Concentrated scents wickedly reveal plenty of nutmeg, vanilla and smoke to go along with the vinous, opaque chocolate-covered cherry and spice flavors. Penetrating and impressive, there is major material here, although it needs time to all come together. A truly special bottle of Oregon Pinot that needs to be laid down until 2017 and drunk through 2025.
