December 1st 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

December 1st 2020 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 92
MCINTYRE Pinot Noir Santa Lucia
Highlands 2017

Very svelte and well-structured, with loads of rich minerality to the dried cherry, berry and Asian spice flavors. Intense underbrush notes midpalate lead to cedar and sandalwood accents on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 1,078 cases made. — KM $38 Our Price $32.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

James Suckling 94 Points
2018 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Half Bottle

Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold. $30/375ml. Our Price $25.95/375ml

Wine Spectator 95
TOLAINI Cabernet Sauvignon
 Toscana Legit 2016

An impressive red of breadth and depth, featuring black cherry, plum, leather, earth, iron and cedar aromas and flavors. This is solidly built and well-balanced, with finely honed tannins and lively acidity providing backbone. Best from 2021 through 2040. 15,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported. — BS $45 Our Price $36.99 (Arrives 12/2/20)

Wine Spectator 90
TABLAS CREEK Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2018

Lively and approachable yet elegantly structured, with floral raspberry, smoky bay leaf and black pepper flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Terret. Drink now through 2027. 2,400 cases made.—Tim Fish. $25 Our Price $19.99 (Back in stock)

2017 William Harrison Rutherford Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: From the largest section of Bill’s vineyard, the “old” (1991) and “young” (1997) blocks of Clone 7 produce the estate’s best grapes. Aged for 20 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak, this wine is a classic example of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense aromas of blackberry and blueberry, with subtler notes of dark chocolate, leather, and fennel pollen. The palate is full-bodied, with dense black cherry flavors and smooth, well-integrated tannins. 500 cases produced. Internet Price $60

Wine Advocate 92 Points
2018 Secret Indulgence Chronology Red Blend

The 2018 Chronology Red is a blend of predominately Petite Sirah with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Mission, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to reveal scents of crushed red and black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of Sichuan pepper, sandalwood, iron ore and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate has bags of freshness and energy, supported by firm yet plush, incredibly well-tamed tannins and loads of black fruit and exotic spice layers, finishing long and peppery. This is truly an exercise in masterful blending—delicious! $30 Our Price $19.29

2017 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: Capturing the rustic elegance of the Anderson Valley, this wine begins with lively aromas of fresh-picked wild strawberry, dusty earth and sweet tobacco leaf. The dynamic strawberry aromas are echoed on the palate, where they are supported by supple tannins and a bright underlying acidity that adds energy and zest to a long, nuanced finish. $50 Our Price $42.99. Half Bottles $21.99 (Back in stock 12/2/20)

James Suckling 93 Points
2018 Domaine Faiveley Clos des Myglands Mercurey Premier Cru Burgundy

This is always beautiful with dried strawberries, flowers and hints of rosebush. Medium-to full-bodied with a round yet poignant tannin background and fresh acidity. Lively Mercurey. Drink or hold. $55 Our Price $47.99

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 92 Points
2016 Arrowood Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley) is very pretty. Bright, punchy and full of life, the 2016 has too much to offer. A rush of red berry fruit, flowers, savory herbs and crushed rocks runs through this super-expressive, delineated Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a gorgeous Knights Valley Cabernet. The mid-weight, energetic style is quite appealing. Drinking window: 2020 – 2031. $38 Our Price $29.99

2016 Joullian Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Brilliant, pale green straw-gold color. Perfumy mango, white peach, pineapple and citrus rind aromas jump out of the glass. These same tropical characteristics are reflected in a rich, fruit driven flavor profile that finishes with refreshing acidity and hints of minerality and roasted grain. $25 Our Price $17.99

2019 Hartford Court Russian River Pinot

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, black currant, allspice and loam are followed by flavors of wild raspberries, dark berries and a crushed rock minerality. The dense entry is followed by a sweet and juicy mouth feel, supported by acidity, silky tannins and a subtle earthy finish. $35 Our Price 28.99

Wine Advocate 97 Points
2017 Spottswoode Estate Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon

Made of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color and prances out of the glass with vivacious blackberries, crushed black cherries, warm black currants and red currant jelly scents plus exotic hints of cassia, cardamom, fenugreek and star anise with a waft of underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic energy and beautiful poise, with bags of bright, crunchy black and red fruit plus a firm, fine-grained texture, finishing long and spicy. $225 (Back in stock 12/2/20)

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