Hot Sheets

THE CELLAR DOOR'S "PUNCH DRUNK" HOTSHEET
- 91 point Malbec Special, Vietti Barbera Special,
Champagne & three 12 buck Economic Retorts

2010 ACHAVAL-FERRER MALBEC
[reg. $31.99]
NEW RELEASE SPECIAL - $19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

"The 2010 Malbec was sourced from three vineyards, two of which are 66 and 86 years of age, with the wine aged for 9 months in French oak. It is a super-fragrant offering featuring racy red fruits, spice box, incense, and floral notes. Pure, sweetly-fruited, and elegant in the glass, this intense, lengthy Malbec can be approached now and over the next 6-8 years."

"Achaval-Ferrer, under the direction of CEO Santiago Achaval and winemaker Roberto Cipresso, stands at the summit of Argentina wine producers. The benchmark Finca bottlings are limited (under 1000 cases produced of each) so the best way to discover the pleasures of Achaval-Ferrer are through the entry-level Malbec... – 91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE"

2010 TALLEY CHARDONNAY ESTATE
ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Over the past few years we have seen a trend in the California Chardonnay market with consumers drinking less and less of the big thick ooey-gooey, over-oaked monsters. While the style is one that many still like, it is difficult to enjoy more than one glass of anything with the viscosity of maple syrup. Sensing this trend, excellent Chardonnay producers such as Talley Vineyards have maintained the "California profile" while at the same time reducing the extraction, thus making a wine that will keep you coming back for another glass. The 2010 Talley Chardonnay has all the succulent, juicy qualities that we look for in wine with tropical notes of pineapple, mango, and a hint of apple, spice, vanilla, and plenty of length. Lovely on its own, or even better with simple roasted chicken, it is a wine to enjoy over the next couple years. Another successful vintage for Talley, but then again what else do you expect from such a terrific producer.

2010 SEAN MINOR "FOUR BEARS"
CABERNET SAUVIGNON PASO ROBLES
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

A veteran of the wine industry in both California and Oregon, Sean Minor set about in 1995 to produce wines that fill the mouth with character and not make you gasp when you receive the invoice! On all levels, whether it be the Four Bears or the Sean Minor labels, these wines deliver and then some!!

This already dense number is augmented by the addition of 20 percent of Petite Sirah to give it an extra layer of chewiness and dimension. Violet, cassis, blackberry and cocoa powder all meld together nicely and form a flavorful thing that tastes good and makes one feel even better given its price point…although if you drink enough in one sitting, it can make you not feel so good the next morning!

CHAMPAGNE JOEL FALMET BRUT TRADITION
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE

Farmer Fizz is a very viable category when it comes to Champagne. Soils can take precedence and the aspect of the grower's relationship to the vineyard takes precedence to bubbles formed by marketing morons. There is room for all producers right now, especially when you think of top growers such as this and houses who care like Roederer, Bollinger and Gosset. Joel Falmet is from the Aube in the Champage region. Some 70 miles from the heart of Champagne, these soils of this area are vastly different than the normal chalk. Kimmeridgian soil is prominent here – same as in Chablis and Sancerre but in the Bar-sur-Aube, it is the Pinot Noir that is prized. 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 10% Chardonnay, this is typical of the fizz done in the area with its full-bodied character. Rich, and caressing, very finely placed bubbles seduce the palate; lots of follow-through and poise…one can see lots of love went into this Champagne of which only 1200 cases were produced!

2009 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA "SCARRONE"
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL PRICE- $37.50 BTL./$225.00 SIX PACK CASE

No need to go into the over-told story about Luca and Vietti, just about all of our friends know Luca Currado's prowess with both his single vineyard Barbera and Barolo wines - profundity best describes them year in and year out. From the a single vineyard within the village of Castiglione Falletto, Vietti's Scarrone Barbera is one of Piedmont's real prizes. From prime Barolo land, this particular Barbera is always rich and always seductive and discreet, the 2009 follows true to the terroir's form. Exquisitely detailed and stylish with alluring, cool aromas of red plums, nutmeg, mineral, vanilla and pepper. Mouthfilling juice whose polished and refined flavors cut through the deep layers of intense fruit then saddle up to carry on to a finish that is handsome and mysterious. Really fantastic as usual, enjoy the latest Scarrone through 2019.

THREE UNDER $12 ECONOMIC RETORTS


2010 VIÑA GORMAZ RIBERA DEL DUERO
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

Bryan has now been at The Cellar Door for 14 years and has written about the various wine counties who have hosted 4 different Olympic Games during his tenure. For the current London Olympiad, we're going to take a pass on presenting you with any English wines, mainly because we prefer not to have a result that gives us (or any of you) a hole in our stomachs! Instead we'll remember the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona by featuring a kickass red from Spain. 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo) from Spain's normally high-rent Ribera del Duero district, this perennial best buy is forward, expressive and crowd pleasing with ample raspberry, licorice, subtle herbs and cinnamon aspects that are featured on the nose and particularly the sneaky, mouth-coating texture. Plenty of impact, but also plenty of freshness, this is a red wine to have with a simple meat and cheese plate and several friends.

2010 DOMAINE ROMY BEAUJOLAIS ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

We've already shown you the Beaujolais Blanc and Beaujolais Rosé from this upstart small estate in the Pierre D'Orées portion of the region so it's only fitting that we complete the tricolore with their equally sensory-enticing red. Of course this wine can be drunk the year round, there is something superb about it in summer. Drop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes and marvel at its sass and extroverted personality. Vibrant cherry around perfumed earth, supple with nice luminosity, classy yet never losing its down-to-earth spirit. Drink with grilled white sausage or a fleshy fish dish.

2011 ANTONELLI GRECHETTO COLLI MARTANI
UMBRIA BIANCO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

A grape of Greek origin that thrives in Central Italy, Grechetto is often utilized in the blend for the other famous Umbrian wine region, Orvieto, but in the DOC of Colli Martani, it thrives nicely on its own. Antonelli is a producer who makes wines that are an alternative to the great wines of Caprai. Fillipo Antonelli strives to make wines that are both full of character and flavor while retaining the freshness and balance to carry over to the table. The 2011 Grechetto is an Italian slip~n~slide that possesses summery, fresh, leaping aromas of nectarine and stony minerality. Delightful in the mouth with a rich clean middle that is loaded with nervous energy on the back end, it's the perfect wine for lounging by the pool or as an accompaniment for light seafood dishes. Antonelli's Grechetto has a very high "chug factor" that is a must-try for those who like 'em unoaked, blazing and alive.