June 9th 2017 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

June 9th 2017 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 90
MOHUA Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015

All the pieces fall into place, with lime, mango and green apple flavors that are bright and juicy, revealing a touch of pineapple on the vivid, bright finish. Drink now. 47,000 cases imported. –MW $14 Our Price $8.49 (Arrives 6/13/17)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 90 pts
2014 Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is plump and juicy, not to mention a terrific introduction to the vintage. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather are some of the signatures. Medium in body and expressive, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a terrific value within the context of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drinking window: 2016 – 2022. $29 Our Price $18.95 (Back in stock)

2014 Annabella Carneros Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: The 2014 Annabella Carneros Pinot Noir shimmers a bright ruby color in the glass, with youthful purple undertones. Fragrant from the minute you pop the cork, the evocative nose is layered with flavors of golden raspberry and nectarine, orange peel, rose petal, and a slight forest-floor earthiness that makes this wine characteristically Carneros. The mouth is dense and supple, with smooth, creamy tannins that give the wine a deliciously delicate weight. Flavors of clove and vanilla resonate in the mouth, and the lengthy finish is reminiscent of richly roasted coffee. $18 Our Price $14.99 (Great Value!)

Nuclear Red Wine in a CAN

Winemaker Notes: A bold, full bodied red wine with raspberry and blackberry fruit on the nose, followed with dark cherry and chocolate. Drink now preferably on a beach or mountaintop. $9 Our Price $6.99

Wine Advocate 90
2013 Catena Zapata Catena Cabernet Sauvignon

I found the 2013 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon superior to the 2012. It is fresher and has more focused, clean aromas and a livelier palate even though the fruit seems to have reached a better ripeness despite being a colder vintage. There are spicy aromas and a touch of ink. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very good acidity and balance. You can drink it now but it will hold a few years in bottle. Some 280,000 bottles were produced. $20 Our Price $13.49 Liquidation Price $10.99 (Limited to stock on hand)

J Cuvee 20 Russian River Brut

Winemaker Notes: Our J Cuvée 20 Brut gracefully opens up with the crisp, clean allure of toasted almonds and Meyer lemon aromas. Upon entry, you notice a delicate tickle of fresh mousse on the nose and palate. Bright acidity adds to the liveliness, while flavors of lemon and lime zest lead to an Asian pear finish. This versatile sparkler is the perfect wine to drink anytime, from enjoying a relaxing evening at home to celebrating life’s memorable moments. I suggest serving it with classic Eggs Benedict or lemon-scented risotto with caramelized sunchokes. It’s also great with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and air-popped popcorn sprinkled with parmesan cheese. $38 Our Price $28.95

Wine Spectator 90
RODÁNO Chianti Classico 2013

Fresh and aromatic, delivering black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors, allied to a juicy texture. Balanced, this echoes fruit and spice details on the aftertaste. Drink now. 7,300 cases made.-B.S. $20 Our Price $17.39

2014 Foley Estates Rancho Santa Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: Aromatics of juicy cherry cola, raspberry sorbet, and faint notes of black pepper awaken your senses. The aromas are accented by flavors of red cranberry, soft oak and vanilla bean with angular tannin and a bright acidity. Notes of toasted graham cracker, sweet cigar, and black tea come through on the finish. This 2014 embodies the classic, yet distinctive attributes for which Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is known. $40 Our Price $28.99

Wine Spectator 92
ROEDERER ESTATE Brut Anderson Valley NV, Magnum

A voluptuous and expressive sparkler, with floral red apple, brioche and cinnamon spice aromas and rich, vibrant flavors that finish on a luxurious note. Drink now through 2018.—T.F $55/magnum Our Price $43.99/magnum

Vinous 92 pts
Talley Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir Arroyo Grande Estate

(aged for 14 months in French oak, 26 percent of it new): Brilliant ruby-red. Highly fragrant, spice-accented aromas of red and dark berry preserves and floral pastilles; a hint of vanilla emerges with air. Expansive raspberry and cherry-cola flavors are energized and lifted by juicy acidity and a late jolt of white pepper. Packs a solid punch but comes off lithe, finishing with excellent focus, well-knit tannins and strong persistence. $36 Our Price $30.79 Half bottles $16.39


2014 Robert Hall Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker's Notes: The intense dark ruby red color of the Cabernet Sauvignon is reflective of this full-bodied, flavorful wine. The core of black currant and hints of cedar and spice along with cocoa aromas echoed by rich persistent flavors of plush ripe fruit, dark chocolate and anise are all supported by balanced rich velvety tannins. $20 Liquidation Price $11.99 (Limited to stock on hand)

Wine Enthusiast 93
J. Lohr 2014 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon

This appealing wine is widely available. Blueberry, vanilla cream and gingerbread make for an inviting nose. The palate packs layers of intriguing, ripe and easily lovable flavors: baked strawberries, vanilla ice cream, blueberry sauce and baking spice. $35 Our Price $25.95 (Back in stock)

Wine Spectator 94
LANCASTER Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014

Big and rich, with firm, structured tannins that are powerful and edgy, framing the core of blackberry, black cherry, plum and espresso flavors. An impressive effort. Best from 2019 through 2029.—J.L $75 Our Price $59.99

Wine Spectator 92
LOUIS ROEDERER Brut Champagne Premier NV

This vibrant version is finely knit and elegant, with floral, toast and smoke aromas on the nose and flavors of crème de cassis and lemon curd riding the lacy mousse. Drink now through 2019. 4,000 cases imported. –AN $54 Our Price $42.99

James Suckling 94 Points
2014 Faust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

This is very intense with blackberries, dark chocolate, fresh mushrooms and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, fine and fruity yet complex and intense. Structured and lightly austere. Beautiful. Drink in 2020. $55 Our Price $44.49 (Arrives this afternoon)

Back in stock! Wine Spectator 95
K Vintners Syrah Walla Walla Valley Powerline Estate

2014 A knockout Syrah, precise and impeccably built but explosive with personality. Smoky roasted meat and floral blackberry aromas combine with bold, supple flavors of dark plum, pepper and licorice. The tannins are big but polished. Drink now through 2024. From Washington.—T.F. $45 (Grape Tray email subscribers receive a $6 instant rebate for a net bottle price of $39)

2016 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: Layers of flavor and beauty—juicy and inviting, with a mélange of white peach, guava, and nectarine. A wine of great complexity—there is a sense of creaminess (lemon meringue comes to mind) juxtaposed with a bright freshness that offers lift and vivacity. This is a beautifully crafted wine—expressive, balanced, and sophisticated—displaying all that is best in Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc. A mouth-filling wine of great presence and breeding. $38 Half Bottles $19. (Arrives 6/13/17)


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