Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'UNDER OUR PILLOWS' HOTSHEET
Brunello & Rhone Specials both under-4
93-Point Austrian Red, Pinot Noir
Albarino, Two under-15 Reds
93-Point Austrian Red, Pinot Noir
Albarino, Two under-15 Reds
2020 MARCOUX LIRAC 'LE LORENTINE'
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
SPECIAL - $29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
Perhaps the title for this wine ought to be 'Wrong Side of the Tracks' or in this case, 'Wrong Side of the River' due to its location on the right bank of the Rhone River across from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It could also be 'Location, Location, Location', but here it really should be 'Terroir, Terroir, Terroir' due to many similarities to its more famous neighbor. Well, the quote, 'wrong side' is certainly gentrifying its location due to its similar terroirs to CDP and most importantly is the many famed growers who have purchased land in this region.
Domaine de Marcoux is an incredibly famous Chateauneuf producer who has been farming their vines biodynamically since 1990. The 2020 is blended with 40% Grenache 30% Mourvèdre & 30% Syrah from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roulé stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, blackberry, rosemary, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a broad, dry, structured and energetic beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing red wine that can be savored over the next 10-12 years with anything from grilled steaks or braised lamb shanks...and did I mention that it is about forty-bucks less than Marcoux's Chateauneuf!?!
Domaine de Marcoux is an incredibly famous Chateauneuf producer who has been farming their vines biodynamically since 1990. The 2020 is blended with 40% Grenache 30% Mourvèdre & 30% Syrah from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roulé stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, blackberry, rosemary, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a broad, dry, structured and energetic beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing red wine that can be savored over the next 10-12 years with anything from grilled steaks or braised lamb shanks...and did I mention that it is about forty-bucks less than Marcoux's Chateauneuf!?!
2022 GRANBAZAN ALBARINO
'ETICHETA VERDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'ETICHETA VERDE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Exciting news, Rob Reiner and the Spinal Tap crew are filming a sequel. Can't wait to see the results but for now we go old school... "Springtime is on my mind...Smell the roses, smell the grass, Old Man Winter can kiss my arse!" - a line from the immortal, fictitious rock band, Spinal Tap. What better to cure (or enhance) a case of Spring Fever than a bottle of bracing, dry Albarino.
Granbazan is one of Galicia's oldest and finest producers. Solely Val do Salnes fruit, there is remarkably complex scents that somersault straight from the glass. A kaleidoscope of Albarino delight, stone fruit mingles with white flowers, hints of balsamic notes and pronounced marine scents. Tasty, broad, alive and with a long persistence in the mouth, this is the ultimate magnet for seafood whether it be fried, grilled or raw.
Granbazan is one of Galicia's oldest and finest producers. Solely Val do Salnes fruit, there is remarkably complex scents that somersault straight from the glass. A kaleidoscope of Albarino delight, stone fruit mingles with white flowers, hints of balsamic notes and pronounced marine scents. Tasty, broad, alive and with a long persistence in the mouth, this is the ultimate magnet for seafood whether it be fried, grilled or raw.
2022 HEIDI SCHROCK BLAUFRANKISCH
RIED 'KEIM'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
RIED 'KEIM'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
93 Points - Vinous...The first question asked once you see the name of this engaging Austrian red wine will undoubtedly be: What the bloody-hell is Blaufrankisch? Keine angst!! It is time to get over your fear of the German language because this a damn tasty version from a top Southern Austrian producer. Heide Schrock and now alongside her sons has been making prominent wines since 1983 and this offering has a super-fine accolade and review.
'The 2022 Blaufränkisch Ried Kulm was planted in 1955 and is grown in loamy sand. Twenty-four percent of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches, and the rest was destemmed and slightly crushed. Extraction was by remontage only. Rich blueberry and a smattering of pepper have a wet stone lift. The palate is more fine-boned than the nose suggests, with red fruit peeping through and fine, ripe, smooth tannins that are elastic and smooth, all backed up by superb freshness. It is only on the finish that the tannins show their structure. The 2022 is an honest, fresh-faced Blaufränkisch with a floral overtone. Beautifully balanced. - 93 POINTS - VINOUS. Drink with sausages, pork tenderloin with a paprika rub or barbecue chicken with a tangy sauce.
'The 2022 Blaufränkisch Ried Kulm was planted in 1955 and is grown in loamy sand. Twenty-four percent of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches, and the rest was destemmed and slightly crushed. Extraction was by remontage only. Rich blueberry and a smattering of pepper have a wet stone lift. The palate is more fine-boned than the nose suggests, with red fruit peeping through and fine, ripe, smooth tannins that are elastic and smooth, all backed up by superb freshness. It is only on the finish that the tannins show their structure. The 2022 is an honest, fresh-faced Blaufränkisch with a floral overtone. Beautifully balanced. - 93 POINTS - VINOUS. Drink with sausages, pork tenderloin with a paprika rub or barbecue chicken with a tangy sauce.
2022 BRANKO FRIULANO BIANCO
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
$23.99 BTL./$143.94 - SIX PACK
The Friuli region is an Italian white wine lover's playground. Think about it, the region's Pinot Grigio could be regarded as the merry-go-round, Pinot Bianco as the slide and the fun Friulano grape is certainly the monkey bars, preferably unsupervised! Branko's version is always top notch and one of the benchmarks of the varietal.
Friulano (the grape formerly known as Tocai Friulano) is a white grape native to the Northern reaches of Italy believed to originate in the Veneto region, a neighbor of Friuli. However, it is in Friuli where this grape thrives beautifully. Scents of cassis leaf, peach pit, apple, lime, perfumed mineral from the sandstone in the soil and saline step forward at various times as this complex white opens in the glass. Combining succulence with concentration, ample structure and vibrancy falls forward and becomes very linear and food friendly on the long, drawn-out finish. Truly a grand scale Italian white wine it pairs beautifully with cured ham, Prosciutto San Daniele in particular. It will also marry up nicely with grilled prawns as well as grilled eggplant or asparagus dishes.
Friulano (the grape formerly known as Tocai Friulano) is a white grape native to the Northern reaches of Italy believed to originate in the Veneto region, a neighbor of Friuli. However, it is in Friuli where this grape thrives beautifully. Scents of cassis leaf, peach pit, apple, lime, perfumed mineral from the sandstone in the soil and saline step forward at various times as this complex white opens in the glass. Combining succulence with concentration, ample structure and vibrancy falls forward and becomes very linear and food friendly on the long, drawn-out finish. Truly a grand scale Italian white wine it pairs beautifully with cured ham, Prosciutto San Daniele in particular. It will also marry up nicely with grilled prawns as well as grilled eggplant or asparagus dishes.
2021 TANNERIE CARCASSONE ROUGE
GRENACHE-MERLOT-CAB FRANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
GRENACHE-MERLOT-CAB FRANC
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
From vines just outside the medieval city of Carcassone in Languedoc, this blend (25% Grenache with Cabernet Franc and Merlot) is all about pleasure.
Generous nose of black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint, embellished with rosemary, thyme and peppery notes. Both the South of France and the grape varietals show off very well in this great everyday drink. Flavorful and supple palate, supported by nice structure and persisting with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including Chinese chicken dishes, sloppy joes, hearty soups, nachos and chicken wings during basketball and much more.
Generous nose of black fruits, cocoa and subtle mint, embellished with rosemary, thyme and peppery notes. Both the South of France and the grape varietals show off very well in this great everyday drink. Flavorful and supple palate, supported by nice structure and persisting with spice, earth and raspberry aspects. A great go-to wine to enjoy as a weeknight wine with an array of cuisines including Chinese chicken dishes, sloppy joes, hearty soups, nachos and chicken wings during basketball and much more.
2020 BEDROCK 'SHEBANG RED'
16TH CUVEE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
16TH CUVEE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
Many know of our affinity for Bedrock and their wines. Across the board they are fine values but their 'Whole Shebang' red blends are crazy delicious for every evening consumption.
A delightful taste of California, this Zin, Carignan, Mataro, Petite Sirah, Syrah and others, black raspberry, red earth, some briar and plenty of sweet/hot spices roar from the glass. Outgoing, fleshy and engaging with plenty of depth and charm as well as a lively peppery/nutmeg finish. If you like hearty red wines for not a lot of money, then you must have some. Drink with pizza (meat or sans meat), meat loaf or brisket.
A delightful taste of California, this Zin, Carignan, Mataro, Petite Sirah, Syrah and others, black raspberry, red earth, some briar and plenty of sweet/hot spices roar from the glass. Outgoing, fleshy and engaging with plenty of depth and charm as well as a lively peppery/nutmeg finish. If you like hearty red wines for not a lot of money, then you must have some. Drink with pizza (meat or sans meat), meat loaf or brisket.
20221 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
DURANT VINEYARD
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
DURANT VINEYARD
$46.99 BTL./$281.94 - SIX PACK
Marcus Goodfellow is a cool cat and with the retirement of Cristom's Steve Doerner, he has grabbed the whole cluster crown and is sitting upon the non-destem throne. Marcus's high-end single vineyard wines are uncompromising, stacked, packed and built to age. He does make an excellent range and with virtually no production in the smoke-filled 2020 vintage, it is cool to see him roar back with some killer new releases.
First planted in 1973, the Durant vineyard is one of Oregon’s pioneer vineyards and the 2021 is a hitman dressed in Armani. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shine through, although there is so much story to unfold. Creamy, layered and chock full of character, this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Enjoy early along with watching its development through 2035.
First planted in 1973, the Durant vineyard is one of Oregon’s pioneer vineyards and the 2021 is a hitman dressed in Armani. Compact aromas of lavender, pepper, violet, rose, cherry and underlying herbs show nicely on the nose. In the mouth, the vinous aspects of the older vines shine through, although there is so much story to unfold. Creamy, layered and chock full of character, this will undoubtedly unfold into something very special in time. Enjoy early along with watching its development through 2035.
2017 CANALICCHIO DI FRANCO PACENTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $36.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PK
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
[reg. $51.99]
SPECIAL - $36.99 BTL./$209.94 - SIX PK
More and more Brunello di Montalcino prices are hitting the stratosphere but for a short time, we are running a special on a longtime favorite producer. The provocative question for this wine is, when was the last time you had a chance to score a Brunello at this price!
One of my go-to Brunello producers, and with good reason, Franco Pacenti is somewhat of a Leonardo Da Vinci of Montalcino - the man knows how to cram beautiful density in his wines as well as obtaining optimum finesse as well. 2017 is fast becoming more than just a sleeper vintage for Montalcino, it is has ample upside and is enjoyable while you are waiting for the 2016s to come to fruition. As the wine opens, it reveals complex, alluring scents of dark cherry, raspberry, violet powder, lavender, rosemary, sage and licorice. This beautiful expression of Sangiovese Grosso still displays youthful exuberance spine and structure with underlying concentration of fruit that hits the palate with richness and concentration of flavor yet calls you back with its smoothness and moving finish. Drink this superbly priced Brunello (and I am offering a little discount on full six pack orders) through 2030+.
One of my go-to Brunello producers, and with good reason, Franco Pacenti is somewhat of a Leonardo Da Vinci of Montalcino - the man knows how to cram beautiful density in his wines as well as obtaining optimum finesse as well. 2017 is fast becoming more than just a sleeper vintage for Montalcino, it is has ample upside and is enjoyable while you are waiting for the 2016s to come to fruition. As the wine opens, it reveals complex, alluring scents of dark cherry, raspberry, violet powder, lavender, rosemary, sage and licorice. This beautiful expression of Sangiovese Grosso still displays youthful exuberance spine and structure with underlying concentration of fruit that hits the palate with richness and concentration of flavor yet calls you back with its smoothness and moving finish. Drink this superbly priced Brunello (and I am offering a little discount on full six pack orders) through 2030+.
