Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'SPIDERS & SAXOPHONES' HOTSHEET
Cameron Wines, Rioja & Bordeaux for under 20, Graillot Redux & more
2010 VINA BUJANDA
RIOJA CRIANZA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
RIOJA CRIANZA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
At 14 bucks, this Rioja can help one to be committed to such Spanish traditions like dinner at 11 PM, bullhorn impalings and hangovers on Sundays. However, in order to obtain a good hangover, one needs good libations and for red wine value, it does not get much better than this!
Founded in 1889, Bujanda is a long-time Rioja stalwart. The 2010 is an elegant and updated version of traditional Rioja and offers focus of fruit, detail and complexity at the same time. Berry and cherry tones with plenty of mocha aspects as well as luscious mouth-coating character that extends to the refined, lively, spicy finish. Drink this delicious Spanish red over the next 4-5 years, especially with pork dishes. If you like accolades, this has 90 points from The Wine Advocate.
Founded in 1889, Bujanda is a long-time Rioja stalwart. The 2010 is an elegant and updated version of traditional Rioja and offers focus of fruit, detail and complexity at the same time. Berry and cherry tones with plenty of mocha aspects as well as luscious mouth-coating character that extends to the refined, lively, spicy finish. Drink this delicious Spanish red over the next 4-5 years, especially with pork dishes. If you like accolades, this has 90 points from The Wine Advocate.
2014 CAMERON GIULIANO BIANCO
DUNDEE HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
DUNDEE HILLS
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
As usual, there are limited amounts of the electrifying Cameron Giuliano available. A very exciting classic Northern Italian-influenced blend of 5 different white grape varieties (Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Auxerrois and Moscato), this is scintillating white wine and year in and year out, one of Oregon's finest.
Upon smelling, it's difficult not to believe that it would be from NE Italy and not the Dundee Hills. Soaring scents of tangerine, white flowers and enhanced by forthright minerality. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with flavors kept in perfect balance by briskness and minerality derived from Dundee Hills vines planted in basalt-driven soils. This wine screams for seafood, in particular simple preparations of crab, shrimp, and even halibut. Nothing brings a bit of sunshine quite like a little Cameron Giuliano.
Upon smelling, it's difficult not to believe that it would be from NE Italy and not the Dundee Hills. Soaring scents of tangerine, white flowers and enhanced by forthright minerality. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with flavors kept in perfect balance by briskness and minerality derived from Dundee Hills vines planted in basalt-driven soils. This wine screams for seafood, in particular simple preparations of crab, shrimp, and even halibut. Nothing brings a bit of sunshine quite like a little Cameron Giuliano.
2011 MASI VALPOLICELLA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE
From one of Amarone and Italy's most important addresses, Masi's Valpolicella is a non-ripasso Valpolicella meaning that it is all about exuberance and is the type of excellent quality quaffer that the locals drink at their neighborhood osteria.
A young, vibrant red teeming with bright bing cherry, savory herbs and pretty violet aromas. A texture full of juicy cherry and red raspberry with a great maintenance of finesse allow this vastly underrated wine to go beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna.
A young, vibrant red teeming with bright bing cherry, savory herbs and pretty violet aromas. A texture full of juicy cherry and red raspberry with a great maintenance of finesse allow this vastly underrated wine to go beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna.
2012 CHATEAU LAFOND
CANON FRONSAC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
CANON FRONSAC
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
Canon-Fronsac is a hidden gem that lies within lands of greatness. Just southwest of St-Emilion, 5 kilometers from the Pomerol plain this is an area where many small producers excel. The 2nd label of Chateau Mazeris, these wines have been terrific finds. The Chateau epitomizes the term "boutique winery" with a mere 8,300 case production. Across the board, these are definitive Bordeaux wines that are very comfortable in their own skin.
2012 has turned into a vastly underrated vintage, especially on the Right Bank. Tantalizing fragrances of blueberry, floral, mineral, earth and attractive, intertwined, smoky oak notes build from the glass. Mouth-filling, supple, and classic Bordeaux with a nicely balanced finish and typical earthy tones that are dressed up nicely with subtle vanilla and cedar box notes from a gentle smattering of oak. Pound for pound, this wine is one formidable offering for its under 20-buck price. Drink over the next 4-6 years with a cheeseburger smothered with blue cheese or rare roast beef.
2012 has turned into a vastly underrated vintage, especially on the Right Bank. Tantalizing fragrances of blueberry, floral, mineral, earth and attractive, intertwined, smoky oak notes build from the glass. Mouth-filling, supple, and classic Bordeaux with a nicely balanced finish and typical earthy tones that are dressed up nicely with subtle vanilla and cedar box notes from a gentle smattering of oak. Pound for pound, this wine is one formidable offering for its under 20-buck price. Drink over the next 4-6 years with a cheeseburger smothered with blue cheese or rare roast beef.
2012 GRAILLOT CROZES-HERMITAGE
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
After returning home from France and visiting at Domaine Graillot, I was stunned to learn that we are able to offer a very rare, second go-round of this very special French Syrah!
Alain Graillot is the King of all Crozes-Hermitage producers and a Syrah icon whose colleagues include the likes of Chave, Clape and Jamet. We lovingly refer to Alain as a frustrated Cote-Rotie producer particularly because his holdings are in the humble Crozes-Hermitage appellation that smell and taste as though they come from the Northern Rhone's territories that are more regal.
The 2012 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is magnificent, but it has a real problem. The conundrum in question is that the wine is almost TOO irresistible! Do not be fooled, this wine will age stupendously. Lavishly smoky with perfumy, aromatic black raspberry, smoked bacon, black olive and roasted coffee permeate from the glass. In the mouth, it is sensual, graceful with excellent richness that submerges the structure. Concentrated and never heavy, there is ample granitic-spice and elevated red tones on the mighty finish. Somehow, this is very accessible. I have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking these wines since the 1988 vintage and not only are they terrific values, but they age stupendously. Accessible at this point however, it will ultimately be in its finest form 2016 – 2025++. A Grand Vin from a very special producer in a very special vintage!
Alain Graillot is the King of all Crozes-Hermitage producers and a Syrah icon whose colleagues include the likes of Chave, Clape and Jamet. We lovingly refer to Alain as a frustrated Cote-Rotie producer particularly because his holdings are in the humble Crozes-Hermitage appellation that smell and taste as though they come from the Northern Rhone's territories that are more regal.
The 2012 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is magnificent, but it has a real problem. The conundrum in question is that the wine is almost TOO irresistible! Do not be fooled, this wine will age stupendously. Lavishly smoky with perfumy, aromatic black raspberry, smoked bacon, black olive and roasted coffee permeate from the glass. In the mouth, it is sensual, graceful with excellent richness that submerges the structure. Concentrated and never heavy, there is ample granitic-spice and elevated red tones on the mighty finish. Somehow, this is very accessible. I have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking these wines since the 1988 vintage and not only are they terrific values, but they age stupendously. Accessible at this point however, it will ultimately be in its finest form 2016 – 2025++. A Grand Vin from a very special producer in a very special vintage!
2013 CANTINA DEL PINO
BARBERA D'ALBA
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
BARBERA D'ALBA
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE
Cantina Del Pino and Renato Vacca have quietly ascended into the top ranks of Barbaresco producers and their deftness isn’t just relegated to Barbaresco, they also excel in Dolcetto and particularly this Barbera. The secret to the success of this hearty red is its vineyards, which are amidst all of the shiny Barbaresco sites.
Just like Renato’s beautifully graceful Barbaresco wines, his Barbera has alluring dimension. Suave smoked blackberry scents with underlying power qualities along with a heavenly black licorice aspect, this wine just keeps coming and coming as it opens. Creamy and very textured with refinement and grace beneath throughout. The finish is very poised and saturated leaving a pleasant and lengthy aftertaste. Drink now through 2021 with braised meats or full-bodied pasta dishes.
Just like Renato’s beautifully graceful Barbaresco wines, his Barbera has alluring dimension. Suave smoked blackberry scents with underlying power qualities along with a heavenly black licorice aspect, this wine just keeps coming and coming as it opens. Creamy and very textured with refinement and grace beneath throughout. The finish is very poised and saturated leaving a pleasant and lengthy aftertaste. Drink now through 2021 with braised meats or full-bodied pasta dishes.
2014 HONIG SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
NAPA VALLEY
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
In our wine utopia, all Napa Sauvignon Blanc would be at this price point, but alas, we don't live in a wine utopia. All in all, this is a Sauvignon steal and when it comes to the Napa Valley, we highly condone stealing!
Taking its own cue instead those from Bordeaux or the Loire, Honig has always produced a Sauvignon of purity, individuality and true Napa terroir. Aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% neutral barrel, orange, fig, classic mowed-grass and alluring mango-spice follow scents through to a palate that is mouth-watering, mouth coating and flat out yummy, especially with fish tacos or other Latin preparations.
Taking its own cue instead those from Bordeaux or the Loire, Honig has always produced a Sauvignon of purity, individuality and true Napa terroir. Aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% neutral barrel, orange, fig, classic mowed-grass and alluring mango-spice follow scents through to a palate that is mouth-watering, mouth coating and flat out yummy, especially with fish tacos or other Latin preparations.
2012 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
'CLOS ELECTRIQUE'
$69.99 BTL. - LIMITED!!
'CLOS ELECTRIQUE'
$69.99 BTL. - LIMITED!!
John Paul of Cameron has been working in Dundee for 30 years and his limited production single vineyard wines are epic every year but given a vintage like 2012, holy moly!!
The 2012 is youthfully packed and primary-toned with frontal lavender, violet, licorice and an underbelly of perfume and earth. Finely formed with a beautiful core of ripe-textured fruit upon entry. Plenty of cushion but this is very deceptive with the wine clamping down in mid palate revealing that it will age stupendously. Briny acidity present, ample spice, quite stuffed and very fluid throughout, especially on the driving finish. Young now, this wine is destined to be very special. Hold until 2017 and drink through 2028 and beyond.
The 2012 is youthfully packed and primary-toned with frontal lavender, violet, licorice and an underbelly of perfume and earth. Finely formed with a beautiful core of ripe-textured fruit upon entry. Plenty of cushion but this is very deceptive with the wine clamping down in mid palate revealing that it will age stupendously. Briny acidity present, ample spice, quite stuffed and very fluid throughout, especially on the driving finish. Young now, this wine is destined to be very special. Hold until 2017 and drink through 2028 and beyond.
