Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S MARTEDI HOTSHEET
Kelley Fox Pinot, St-Emilion, White Burgundy & more
I've had to extend my trip, Cellar Door is closed until Friday April 26, 9:30 AM.
I will be answering emails and wine questions while I am away.
I've had to extend my trip, Cellar Door is closed until Friday April 26, 9:30 AM.
I will be answering emails and wine questions while I am away.
2018 CHATEAU VIEUX PLAISANCE
MONTAGNE SAINT-EMILION
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MONTAGNE SAINT-EMILION
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The four satellite growing regions that sit just outside of famed St-Emilion can produce remarkable wines and in fact, they are also tremendous values. This offering is one that doesn't reinvent the wheel and is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux blend.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Teeming with earth, limestone, red cherry, some violet and kisses of olive and tobacco on the nose, it follows through to a texture that is mouth coating and having substance and vivacity that one expects in a dry red wine from Bordeaux. Excellent length and a wine that will outclass a number of higher-priced neighbors to the south this wine can be consumed over the next 6-8 years with seared beef or any duck dish.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Teeming with earth, limestone, red cherry, some violet and kisses of olive and tobacco on the nose, it follows through to a texture that is mouth coating and having substance and vivacity that one expects in a dry red wine from Bordeaux. Excellent length and a wine that will outclass a number of higher-priced neighbors to the south this wine can be consumed over the next 6-8 years with seared beef or any duck dish.
2022 POET'S LEAP RIESLING
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./119.94 - SIX PACK
COLUMBIA VALLEY
$19.99 BTL./119.94 - SIX PACK
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine...From the famed Long Shadows project in Walla Walla which has given us such terrific red wines like Feather Cabernet Sauvignon, Pedestal Merlot and Pirouette Red comes what is one of the finest Rieslings in the Northwest.
Don't snicker, because like Chablis and Rosé, Riesling is widely misunderstood due to a generation of Northwest wine lovers being served sickeningly sweet, unbalanced wines that were reminiscent of Pine-Sol hopped up with cane-sugar. These days, and especially due to the old vines, Riesling is on a tear in our area. Like the other wines in the Long Shadows portfolio that are made by international producers, Poet's Leap is made by a legendary German producer, Armin Diel of the Nahe and in 2022 is really damn dry. Trademark gorgeous aromatics of peach, melon, and mineral are there. In the mouth this is packed with fine fruit and nervy acidity and is as seamless as an Anthony Edwards crossover dribble. Drink with white sausages, shrimp, salmon or other seafood preparations.
Don't snicker, because like Chablis and Rosé, Riesling is widely misunderstood due to a generation of Northwest wine lovers being served sickeningly sweet, unbalanced wines that were reminiscent of Pine-Sol hopped up with cane-sugar. These days, and especially due to the old vines, Riesling is on a tear in our area. Like the other wines in the Long Shadows portfolio that are made by international producers, Poet's Leap is made by a legendary German producer, Armin Diel of the Nahe and in 2022 is really damn dry. Trademark gorgeous aromatics of peach, melon, and mineral are there. In the mouth this is packed with fine fruit and nervy acidity and is as seamless as an Anthony Edwards crossover dribble. Drink with white sausages, shrimp, salmon or other seafood preparations.
2020 CANTINE MONTFORT
LAGREIN TRENTO D.O.C.
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
LAGREIN TRENTO D.O.C.
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
The Dolomites in Northern Italy, both in the regions of Alto Adige and Trentino provide a plethora of native grapes that are used in their wines, both white and adventurous reds. Hailing from Trentino, the Simoni family at Cantine Montfort have been in operation and producing superb reds, whites and sparkling wines from the Trento region since 1945.
More famous in Alto Adige, Lagrein is also very present in neighboring Trentino and is always sanguine in quality. Don't let it frighten you, its alluring and mouth-coating qualities prove to be one of Italy's most versatile wines. Gnarly nuances of wild raspberry, roasted coffee, and smoked meat highlight the classic food-friendly texture that is dry but with penetrating fruit. This wine really requires a dish where cheese is involved yet versatile enough to match with grilled or smoked meats, rustic stews, schnitzel, haggis or roadkill. All kidding aside, this is one of my favorite lasagna wines.
More famous in Alto Adige, Lagrein is also very present in neighboring Trentino and is always sanguine in quality. Don't let it frighten you, its alluring and mouth-coating qualities prove to be one of Italy's most versatile wines. Gnarly nuances of wild raspberry, roasted coffee, and smoked meat highlight the classic food-friendly texture that is dry but with penetrating fruit. This wine really requires a dish where cheese is involved yet versatile enough to match with grilled or smoked meats, rustic stews, schnitzel, haggis or roadkill. All kidding aside, this is one of my favorite lasagna wines.
2020 PARAZA MINERVOIS
CUVEE SPECIAL
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
CUVEE SPECIAL
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Languedoc-based Chateau Paraza's Best Buy Minervois is comprised of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre and is 100% yummy.
Luscious and exuberant with mountains of personality, dense red and black fruit, peppery spice, roasted earth and garrigue. Plenty of oomph on the palate but with a fun, full and easy-going mouthfeel that makes this a great under 15-dollar red to have around the house for everything from grilled lamb chop lollipops, cheeseburgers, charcuterie and even tuna tartar.
Luscious and exuberant with mountains of personality, dense red and black fruit, peppery spice, roasted earth and garrigue. Plenty of oomph on the palate but with a fun, full and easy-going mouthfeel that makes this a great under 15-dollar red to have around the house for everything from grilled lamb chop lollipops, cheeseburgers, charcuterie and even tuna tartar.
2022 CLERICO LANGHE NEBBIOLO
'CAPISME-E'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
'CAPISME-E'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
One of the very famous names, the late Domenico Clerico was one of the original Barolo Boys and a leader of the modernista movement. Up until recently, Clerico's wines were always slathered in French oak, frankly too much for my taste but these days, the estate has moved towards focusing less of small French barrels and utilizing larger woof vessels for the elevation of their wines.
No need to worry about oak here, this Nebbiolo is aged in stainless steel and clay amphora. Full of cherry, licorice, porcini mushroom and fresh earth dominate the nose. Elegant and beautifully balanced, this is a wine for the table. Although the warmth of the 2022 vintage has an added cushion of fruit, it is not a wine to drink on its own. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to have a wonderful experience for not a lot of money, try with Porcini risotto or pasta con fungi. The wine will also shine with braised tenderloin of beef, carrots and mushrooms. Enjoy now and over the next 4 to 6 years.
No need to worry about oak here, this Nebbiolo is aged in stainless steel and clay amphora. Full of cherry, licorice, porcini mushroom and fresh earth dominate the nose. Elegant and beautifully balanced, this is a wine for the table. Although the warmth of the 2022 vintage has an added cushion of fruit, it is not a wine to drink on its own. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to have a wonderful experience for not a lot of money, try with Porcini risotto or pasta con fungi. The wine will also shine with braised tenderloin of beef, carrots and mushrooms. Enjoy now and over the next 4 to 6 years.
2022 KELLEY FOX PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS 'MIRABAI'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS 'MIRABAI'
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
Kelley Fox’s influence from her time working alongside David Lett at Eyrie is very evident in her elegant, precise and very ageworthy Pinot Noirs that are consistently in Oregon's top echelon. Make no mistake, this is one of the finest producers in Oregon and her wines excel, especially as they age. Produced from two legendary vineyards and following Kelley’s credo of solely utilizing old vines for this wine, 74% is from the Weber Vineyard (planted in 1983) and 12% from Maresh (1988), 9% Durant (1973) and 5% Anderson (1992 planted).
No new oak and 30% whole clusters, the brand new 2022 is now available and it is one of the most exciting versions of this wine to date. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose, however, do not be fooled, while it is tasty now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shine through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Dundee Hills character. As mentioned, there is early charm here, but this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Hold for a couple of years and then enjoy through 2036.
No new oak and 30% whole clusters, the brand new 2022 is now available and it is one of the most exciting versions of this wine to date. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose, however, do not be fooled, while it is tasty now, a little bit of time will reveal even more. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shine through rolling into an ethereal texture that is chock full of Dundee Hills character. As mentioned, there is early charm here, but this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Hold for a couple of years and then enjoy through 2036.
2021 GIBOULET BOURGONE BLANC
HAUTES-COTES-DE-BEAUNE
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
HAUTES-COTES-DE-BEAUNE
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
When it comes to Burgundy, so many chase labels and forget the fact there are so many excellent wines that are not necessarily Premier or Grand Cru that are outstanding values.
From vineyards in the hills above Savigny-les-Beaune, this wine possesses both depth and delicacy as well as being cool as a cucumber and very well balanced. White Burgundies such as this are stealth wines because they always fly under the radar. A Chardonnay-purist’s chardonnay, this wine exudes detail and terroir. Refined, defined scents that exude place. Crushed rocks, lemon zest, peat and white flowers dominate the nose. The texture is very radiant and lively with sophistication and depth and almost a creaminess one would find perhaps in a southern Chassagne-Montrachet wine. Exciting from front to back and at this point, delivers its old vine depth and length. A delicious drink now through 2030 and perfect with pan-seared halibut, ling cod with a sauce or big honking grilled prawns.
From vineyards in the hills above Savigny-les-Beaune, this wine possesses both depth and delicacy as well as being cool as a cucumber and very well balanced. White Burgundies such as this are stealth wines because they always fly under the radar. A Chardonnay-purist’s chardonnay, this wine exudes detail and terroir. Refined, defined scents that exude place. Crushed rocks, lemon zest, peat and white flowers dominate the nose. The texture is very radiant and lively with sophistication and depth and almost a creaminess one would find perhaps in a southern Chassagne-Montrachet wine. Exciting from front to back and at this point, delivers its old vine depth and length. A delicious drink now through 2030 and perfect with pan-seared halibut, ling cod with a sauce or big honking grilled prawns.
