February 27th, 2018 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 27th, 2018 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 93
REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT Riesling Spätlese Mosel Josephshöfer 2013

Juicy and rich, with a tangerine tang to the apple, ripe pear and dried apricot flavors. Offers hints of honey and plenty of savory notes that extend on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2038. 300 cases made. –KM $34 Our Price $25.99 (Arrives 2/28/18)

2013 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Intense aromas of cassis, black currants, blackberries and ripe cherries with a lovely floral note. The palate is rich and seductive, with concentrated flavors of blackberries and cassis interwoven seamlessly with fine tannins from new French oak barrels. Its masculine structure is harnessed by a beautiful balance of acidity and dark fruits with a long, cassis-laced finish. A highly collectible vintage to be enjoyed now or cellared through 2032. $65 Our Price $49.95

Wine Spectator 93
DOMAINE FAIVELEY Mercurey Clos des Myglands 2015

Ripe and pure, featuring cherry, blackberry, raspberry, mineral and light toast notes. Balanced and intense, playing out on the long, mouthwatering finish. Best from 2019 through 2032. 1,400 cases imported. –BS $53 Our Price $43.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Advocate 90
2015 MacRostie Winery & Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

My personal go-to white at my local supermarket, the 2015 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is real Chardonnay class at a bargain price. It opens with notes of grapefruit, peaches and cream and honeyed toast with a touch of pineapple. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is purely fruited with a lovely suggestion of creaminess plus great intensity and length. With nearly 22,000 cases produced, I’m happy to report there should be loads of this to go around! $25 Our Price $18.99

Wine Spectator 92
LA GERLA Brunello di Montalcino 2012

The cherry, milk chocolate, olive, tobacco and earth flavors are backed by dense tannins. The long finish shows enough fruit and balance for the long term. Best from 2020 through 2035. 3,800 cases made. –BS $55 Our Price $44.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

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Antonio Galloni, Vinous 90 Points
2013 The Paring Red

The 2013 Red is bold and pungent to the core. Black cherry, mocha, black olives, spices, lavender and sage hit the palate in the 2013. This is an especially serious, structured wine for the money. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The Franc is felt in the wine's savory, expressive personality. This is a delicious wine for the money. $25 (Back in stock)

2015 Austerity Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Our robust Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon features ripe cherry aromas followed by licorice and sweet oak. The layered palate features bright red fruits with a bold framework of structured tannins. The depth of flavor is underscored by a long finish. $17 Our Price $13.99

Wine Advocate 94-96
2014 Bacio Divino Janzen Cloudy's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Even better is the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cloudy’s Vineyard, which ratchets up the level of concentration to something even beyond Beckstoffer with notes of graphite, crushed rock, white flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, camphor and subtle oak. It is deep, full-bodied and multidimensional with sweet tannin and low acidity. It should drink beautifully for the next 20-25 years. $125

2014 Sobon Pauls ReZerve Zinfandel

Winemaker Notes: From Paul Sobon's own hand-farmed sustainably grown 83 year-old vineyard come this classic Sierra Foothills Zin. Medium to full-bodied, bright garnet, with effusive, perfumey aromatics. This silky, well integrated wine has laser beam fruit that literally explodes on the pallet. The flavors are reminiscent of fresh blueberries, wild blackberries and ripe summer plums with hints of toasty vanilla, anise and white pepper and a rich, elegant finish. Proportion and balance define this limited release. This rich, zesty offering is best enjoyed with spicy, heartier fare such as Hunan style beef, Texas style baby back ribs and lamb burger sliders with melted Gruyere cheese. $25 Our Price $16.99

Wine Spectator 97
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015

A stunner from the get-go, with waves of thoroughly seductive boysenberry, plum, blueberry and raspberry reduction forming the core, while roasted apple wood, rooibos tea, bergamot, and anise notes flash throughout. Has plenty of bass, with a Turkish coffee accent and a hint of alder driving underneath. Everything moves in lockstep through the seriously long finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 12,500 cases made. –JM $99 Our Price $TBD (Back in stock 3/2/18)

Wine Advocate 93
2012 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec and a handful of other varietals, The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain exhibits an opaque purple color as well as abundant aromas of wet gravel, lead pencil shavings, blueberries and mulberries, a dense, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a terrific texture and finish. Drink this impressive effort over the next 15-20 years. CA Market $99-$109 (2 bottles available at $99/bottle)

James Suckling 97 Points
2014 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Onda Napa Valley

One of the most serious Ondas I have had. Medium to full body and firm and polished tannins. Very long and poised. Excellent length. Fabulous focus and beauty. This needs two or three years to soften, but it's already superb. Try in 2022. $215


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