Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'MOSES MALONE' HOTSHEET
Seminal Chianti, Syrah Special, Impactful French White for 9, Oregon Pinot & more
2014 DOMAINE CASSAGNOLES
GROS MANSENG
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
GROS MANSENG
$8.99 BTL./$107.88 CASE
Way back in 1998, Bryan introduced Karen to this Southwestern French wine made from the native Gros Manseng grape. She gave a quick curious look and then tasted the wine and it immediately became one of her favorite ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) wines. Fast forward to 2015 and we are still enthusiastically selling and drinking this salacious white wine. Whether you are serving grilled prawns, roasted chicken or cheetos, this obscenely delicious white wine will satisfy everyone!
Normally we have consistently sold this at 12 bucks but for a short time, it is at its lowest price ever! Clean, dry and very explosive, this Reserve Selection is from one of the best producers in Southwestern France’s Gascogne region. Passionfruit and lemon dominate the nose, while intriguing melon and pink grapefruit notes seemingly detonate in the mouth and liven up the whole food and wine experience. If Gros Manseng as a grape isn't familiar to you, we'll put it in simpler terms - Lovers of Sauvignon, Albariño or any other familiar, aromatic and palate-blitzing white wine will go gaga over this incredibly delicious wine.
Normally we have consistently sold this at 12 bucks but for a short time, it is at its lowest price ever! Clean, dry and very explosive, this Reserve Selection is from one of the best producers in Southwestern France’s Gascogne region. Passionfruit and lemon dominate the nose, while intriguing melon and pink grapefruit notes seemingly detonate in the mouth and liven up the whole food and wine experience. If Gros Manseng as a grape isn't familiar to you, we'll put it in simpler terms - Lovers of Sauvignon, Albariño or any other familiar, aromatic and palate-blitzing white wine will go gaga over this incredibly delicious wine.
2014 WALTER SCOTT PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$22.50 BTL./$270.00 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$22.50 BTL./$270.00 CASE
Walter Scott is the production of husband and wife team Ken Pahlow (formerly at St. Innocent for 13 years as well as Evening Land) and Erica Landon (long-time Portland Sommelier and wine educator), two of the good eggs in the Oregon Wine Industry. As we have always said, it is a thrill to sell fantastic wines, but it is a bigger thrill when it is one from super-nice people. Since their inception, excellent wines have emerged from these Eola-Amity based cellars and they are now really being discovered as one of the emerging superstars of Oregon.
Walter Scott's entry Willamette Valley Pinot Noir doesn't exactly open the door with its terrific quality, it kicks the door in! Primarily from Eola Springs Vineyard along with selected barrels from Bieze, Temperance Hill, Ingram Lane which are all from the Eola-Amity appellation plus one famed Willamette Valley site (Freedom Hill), this number walks the line between red and black. Sensuous aromatics with an impressive core of poised fruit, engaging smoke and spice all follows through to a silky texture that expands nicely and maintains vibrancy throughout. Having utilizing his experience with such a dry, warm vintage, Ken created a Pinot of balance, breed, detail, sophistication that has no shortage of depth and intensity. Given the quality of fruit that was cascaded down into this wine, there is no doubting this will age well for 5-7 years but damn, it drinks beautifully now. A seriously delectable Pinot that at $22.50 is an unmitigated heist.
Walter Scott's entry Willamette Valley Pinot Noir doesn't exactly open the door with its terrific quality, it kicks the door in! Primarily from Eola Springs Vineyard along with selected barrels from Bieze, Temperance Hill, Ingram Lane which are all from the Eola-Amity appellation plus one famed Willamette Valley site (Freedom Hill), this number walks the line between red and black. Sensuous aromatics with an impressive core of poised fruit, engaging smoke and spice all follows through to a silky texture that expands nicely and maintains vibrancy throughout. Having utilizing his experience with such a dry, warm vintage, Ken created a Pinot of balance, breed, detail, sophistication that has no shortage of depth and intensity. Given the quality of fruit that was cascaded down into this wine, there is no doubting this will age well for 5-7 years but damn, it drinks beautifully now. A seriously delectable Pinot that at $22.50 is an unmitigated heist.
2011 RENE ROSTAING
LES LEZARDES ROUGE
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 - 35 btls available
LES LEZARDES ROUGE
[reg. $39.99]
SPECIAL - $27.99 - 35 btls available
Les Lezardes comes from 2 hectares of old Syrah vines that Rene Rostaing purchased just outside the appellation's northern border. In the 1980s, Cote Rotie's quality and demand took off and in order to fight against overproduction in the vineyards and wineries, the French wine governing body decided to reduce the appellation's boundaries. At this point, some of the vineyards that were once part of the Cote Rotie appellation no longer were included and this drove down their value but not their exceptional terroirs. Like a hawk, Rostaing took advantage scored excellent parcels that possessed Cote Rotie-like terroir, and that is where this wine comes from. This is Cote-Rotie in all but name and is a spectacular wine from old vines.
A true and alluring expression of French Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoked bacon that surrounds cool-toned berry fruit. The mouth-feel is layered, silky and full of plum and pepper with fine, ripe, integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of ground pepper and black olive add to the mystique of this outstanding underdog red that happens to come from one of Cote-Rotie’s rock star producers. Drink through 2024.
A true and alluring expression of French Syrah, this wine presents fragrant aromas of spice, tar and a suggestion of smoked bacon that surrounds cool-toned berry fruit. The mouth-feel is layered, silky and full of plum and pepper with fine, ripe, integrated tannins. A layer of earth and savory meatiness as well as a lingering, drawn out finish of ground pepper and black olive add to the mystique of this outstanding underdog red that happens to come from one of Cote-Rotie’s rock star producers. Drink through 2024.
2013 LO BRUJO CAMPO DE BORJA
GARNACHA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
GARNACHA
$9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE
The Aragon region of Spain, specifically the region of Campo de Borja, is Spain's wine Thrift Store! Many gulpable treasures made with Garnacha are found here including this spirited value.
This is your favorite Wednesday evening burger wine - you just haven't tasted it yet! Lavishly toned wild strawberry jam scents play off savory herbs, spices and licorice following into a supple and mouth coating texture, but possesses plenty of the nice peppery tones that Garnacha brings. Drink this vivid Spanish red with just about anything from the grill.
This is your favorite Wednesday evening burger wine - you just haven't tasted it yet! Lavishly toned wild strawberry jam scents play off savory herbs, spices and licorice following into a supple and mouth coating texture, but possesses plenty of the nice peppery tones that Garnacha brings. Drink this vivid Spanish red with just about anything from the grill.
2013 TRAVIGLINI NEBBIOLO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
The region of Colli di Sesia is the West Virginia of Piedmont. Although ‘Deliverance’-type practices allegedly are no longer in use, the prime Piedmont grape of Nebbiolo is still the heart and soul of this obscure region. Tasted last week, this wine instantly made me proclaim this as Northern Piedmont 101.
For a great introduction to Nebbiolo from the upper reaches of Piedmont, this example from an influential Gattinara producer is a perfect choice. Laden with porcini mushroom scents which surround red berry and flowers, this wine is very detailed and will often bring about an epiphany to those who either have never understood, nor tried Nebbiolo. Primarily, this is a food wine, and with the perfect entree, it will become a revelation. We always have beautiful chanterelles available in our area in the fall, so why wait. Have a bottle of this with a risotto or pasta done with these marvelous funghi. Drink this wine now and over the next 2-3 years.
For a great introduction to Nebbiolo from the upper reaches of Piedmont, this example from an influential Gattinara producer is a perfect choice. Laden with porcini mushroom scents which surround red berry and flowers, this wine is very detailed and will often bring about an epiphany to those who either have never understood, nor tried Nebbiolo. Primarily, this is a food wine, and with the perfect entree, it will become a revelation. We always have beautiful chanterelles available in our area in the fall, so why wait. Have a bottle of this with a risotto or pasta done with these marvelous funghi. Drink this wine now and over the next 2-3 years.
2013 JULES TAYLOR
GRUNER VELTLINER
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
GRUNER VELTLINER
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
A tidal wave occurred within the wine world about 15 years ago with the Gruner Veltliner grape and Austrian wines in general. Sure enough, it spread throughout the world and we have been extremely fortunate to see some wonderful versions done in places other than German-speaking lands.
Jules Taylor is a small Marlborough, New Zealand producer and one in whose wines we will be featuring in upcoming episodes. First on the docket is this lovely, very expressive Gruner. At 13% alcohol, this radiating palate-grabber 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.
Jules Taylor is a small Marlborough, New Zealand producer and one in whose wines we will be featuring in upcoming episodes. First on the docket is this lovely, very expressive Gruner. At 13% alcohol, this radiating palate-grabber 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.
2010 CASTELL'IN VILLA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$23.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$23.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
We offer and sell numerous wines from Tuscany’s Chianti zone but this and the following wines are some of the most prolific that we will offer this year. Probably the best way for me to describe the idiosyncratic, ultra-traditionalist current proprietor of this historic estate, Principessa Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, would be to tell you to listen to the refrain on the fade of the track "Roses" from Outkast's The Love Below album. Unfortunately, I can't quote it in the weekly features so you'll have to go find it out for yourselves, Karen insists that I keep it to PG-13.
Say what you will about her eccentricities, she delivers some of the greatest wines of Tuscany. These are not critical darling wines. Instead, they are wines that reflect the power and soul of the southernmost Classico village, Castelnuovo Berardenga. No small barrels used here, this wine exudes serious detail of origin and will flatten most producers' Riserva versions. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wild flowers, sage, black cherry, pekoe and tobacco will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany. The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up chewy, flavorful tones with superb spine as well as finishing dark, earth-laden and long. Stupendous now and through 2022+.
Say what you will about her eccentricities, she delivers some of the greatest wines of Tuscany. These are not critical darling wines. Instead, they are wines that reflect the power and soul of the southernmost Classico village, Castelnuovo Berardenga. No small barrels used here, this wine exudes serious detail of origin and will flatten most producers' Riserva versions. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wild flowers, sage, black cherry, pekoe and tobacco will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany. The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up chewy, flavorful tones with superb spine as well as finishing dark, earth-laden and long. Stupendous now and through 2022+.
2006 CASTELL'IN VILLA CHIANTI
CLASSICO RISERVA
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 - SIX PACK
CLASSICO RISERVA
$54.99 BTL./$329.94 - SIX PACK
Riserva truly means something special at Castell’In Villa and this wine must be included in the lofty levels of such prodigal versions as Felsina’s Vigna Rancia, Volpaia’s Coltassala and Monsanto’s Il Poggio, This is genius Chianti that is built to go and one where no compromises to cater to the whims and palates of the many flatulent wine critics.
Made from all Sangiovese, this wine doesn’t play around, it is that damn good and it ages like a beast! At age 9, this wine is still slightly young but with a good decanting, this wine really sings and yet there is so much more story to be told. Full-bodied and traditionally styled with autumnal scents of ripe berry, chestnut, roasted almond, mushroom and Tuscan spices. In the mouth, it is very youthful and profound with bold texture as well as exuberantly assertive structure. As mentioned, if you want to try a bottle now, definitely decant it 45 minutes before served, but for it to be at its best, drink it 2017 – 2030 and beyond. If you collect and love the greatest of Tuscan wines, this very individual icon is a absolute MUST for your cellar.
Made from all Sangiovese, this wine doesn’t play around, it is that damn good and it ages like a beast! At age 9, this wine is still slightly young but with a good decanting, this wine really sings and yet there is so much more story to be told. Full-bodied and traditionally styled with autumnal scents of ripe berry, chestnut, roasted almond, mushroom and Tuscan spices. In the mouth, it is very youthful and profound with bold texture as well as exuberantly assertive structure. As mentioned, if you want to try a bottle now, definitely decant it 45 minutes before served, but for it to be at its best, drink it 2017 – 2030 and beyond. If you collect and love the greatest of Tuscan wines, this very individual icon is a absolute MUST for your cellar.
THE CELLAR DOOR'S
SETTIMANA DI VINI ITALIANI
Italian Wine Week! Join us both Tuesday Sept. 29 and Friday Oct. 2 for a pair fabulous tastings in the ever-popular Friday Sips format
Italian Wine Week! Join us both Tuesday Sept. 29 and Friday Oct. 2 for a pair fabulous tastings in the ever-popular Friday Sips format
**Vietti with special guest Elena Penna Currado**
Tuesday September 29
Tuesday September 29
Drop by from 3:30 – 6:30 to meet our friend Elena Penna Currado, Luca’s wife, who will be in the house pouring and discussing a lineup of wines from Vietti. Barolo, Barbera and most of all, lots of informative fun will be had!
**Paolo Petrilli wines with Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon**
Friday October 2
Friday October 2
It’s been a long time! A few years back we featured these amazing wines from Northern Puglia and they became quite the darling red wines with many of our friends. Alas, they disappeared from our area. They are now back and brought in sans middleman so prices are even better! Drop by from 1:00 – 6:30 to taste through three Petrilli wines plus two other new, direct Italian wine arrivals that will knock your socks off!
