October 23rd 2018 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

October 23rd 2018 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 93
BOLLINGER Brut Champagne Spécial Cuvée NV

Lovely aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry and currant fruit, graphite, toast and candied Meyer lemon zest are set in this racy Champagne, with a refined, finely detailed mousse. The mouthwatering finish is long and spicy. Drink now through 2022. 11,500 cases imported. –AN Issue Nov 30, 2017. $79 Our Price $54.95

SLH Pinot for $16.95! Wow!
2014 Cru Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: The unique nose of cherry-cola, cedar and forest floor makes a great first impression. On the palate, this wine shows complexity and depth with flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, cranberry, and infused tea that is nicely balanced with hints of toasted oak. 100% Pinot Noir. $24 Our Price $16.95 (Arrives 10/24/18)

In Stock!
2016 Orin Swift Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: The wine is introduced with rich primary aromatics of cassis, blueberry and black cherry, complemented with hints of lavender, chaparral and sandalwood. The entry is brawny with ripe blackberry and boysenberry that transitions to a nuanced mid-palate of dark toffee and espresso bean. Integrated tannins that will soften over time lead a finish of soft rhubarb and licorice. 100% Cabernet. $134

2016 Faust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: The 2016 Faust Cabernet is a blend of our estate vineyards in Coombsville and Rutherford and mountain sourcing in Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. Intense yet fresh with juicy blue and black notes. Notes of dark chocolate and dried herbs seduce the palate while silky tannins and lifting acidity leads to a layered and lingering finish. $60 Our Price $49.95

Wine Advocate 93
2014 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard has a gregarious nose of ripe Bing cherries, cranberry sauce and rhubarb pie with hints of mossy bark, lavender and cumin seed. Medium-bodied, the palate has wonderful restraint and a quiet intensity, with chewy tannins and seamless freshness framing the savory flavors, finishing on an appealing dried herb note. $90 Our Price $79.99

2016 Justin Paso Cabernet Sauvignon, Magnum

Winemaker Notes: Dry, moderate plus bodied, with ripe red and black cherry, and blackcurrant fruit joined by vanilla and cinnamon spice notes on the entry. The mid-palate is fresh with sustained ripe fruit, toasty oak notes, and softly textured tannins. The finish is moderately long with notes of cherry candy and blackcurrant fruit matched with subtle classic Cabernet savory elements. $65/magnum. Our Price $54.95/magnum

2015 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: The 2015 J. Lohr Hilltop is a great example of the J. Lohr house style of dense but soft Cabernet Sauvignon. Effusive blackberry and currant aromas are integrated with a bouquet of toasted hazelnut and cocoa powder from 18 months of French oak barrel age. Bright fruit on the mid-palate finishes clean and invigorates the appetite for an array of rich menu items. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot. $34 Our Price $26.75 (Back in stock)

Wine Spectator 93
ANTHEM Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard 2012

A classically styled Cabernet that's firm in structure and taut in focus and flavor, with a direct core of gravel and cedary oak—scented dark berry, licorice and savory herb flavors. Ends with drying, gripping tannins but also dense fruit and oak flavors. Drink now through 2028. 400 cases made. –JL $95 (Back in stock 10/25/18)

2017 Cakebread Napa Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: Surpassingly fresh, vivid aromas of white flowers, ripe melon and citrus fruit introduce rich, zesty flavors of pink grapefruit, melon and guava, leading to a long, crisp finish buoyed by bright acidity and refreshing citrus and mineral tones. Irresistible now, this classic Napa Valley sauvignon blanc will age gracefully for the next 3-5 years and beautifully accompany seafood, poultry, vegetable and salad dishes. $30 Our Price $26.95

J Vineyards Cuvee 20

Winemaker Notes: This J non-vintage Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle, and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes follow through to a mix of Fuji apple and grapefruit interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors on the mid-palate. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish. Demonstrating an illustrious combination of yesterday and today, its fresh exuberance showcases layers of depth and complexity. $38 Our Price $27.99

Wine Advocate 96
2016 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay
Richard Dinner Vineyard

The 2016 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard comes charging out of the glass with super intense grapefruit, green mango, lime leaves and lemon curd scents plus touches of baking bread, coriander seed, crushed rocks and nutmeg. Full-bodied and laden with citrus and tropical fruit layers in the mouth, the palate has wonderful tension and a compelling oiliness to the texture, finishing very long with a mineral kick. 535 cases were made. $80 (Back in stock 10/24/18)

Wine Advocate 95-97
2016 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon
Panek Vineyard

Very deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (a barrel sample) is fragrantly scented of Indian spices, roses and dried herbs over a core of mulberries, warm blackberries and cassis plus a waft of black soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular, strutting seriously spicy characters among the tightly packed black fruit notions, finishing with great length. $110



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