December 14th 2018 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

December 14th 2018 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 92
BODEGAS ALTO MONCAYO Garnacha
Campo de Borja Veraton 2015

Round and juicy, this lively red shows ripe flavors of kirsch and mulled plum, with chocolate and licorice accents. Heady but not heavy, with bright acidity and spicy and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made. –TM $30 Our Price $23.95 (Back in stock)


Wine Spectator 93
CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU St.-Julien 2014, Half Bottles

Very pure and expressive, featuring lovely violet and cassis aromas and flavors that stream forth, backed by light anise and graphite hints. Maintains a fresh feel through the finish, with light minerality engaging with the fruit. Best from 2019 through 2028. 13,335 cases made.-JM $43/750ml. Our Price $26.95/375ml (Great stocking stuffer)

James Suckling 92 Points
2016 Louis Latour La Grande Roche Montagny Premier Cru, Burgundy

This is very chalk and salty with minerality and ripe fruit at the same time. Plenty of lemon and green pineapple character. Medium to full body and a fresh finish. Drink now. $25 Our Price $18.95

James Suckling 91
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey 1er Cru Clos des Myglands Monopole 2016

Deep black plums on the nose with some spices and licorice. Serious concentration for this appellation. There is a nice freshness lifting the firm body and giving the long, spice and licorice finish a light touch. If you can't afford a top Côte de Nuits wine, this is a very good alternative. Drink or hold. $50 Our Price $40.95

2016 Rombauer Zinfandel, Magnum

Winemaker Notes: Our classic California Zinfandel is dark purple-ruby, with a bright crimson hue. On the nose, concentrated aromas of blackberry and raspberry meld with clove and spice. Lush flavors of raspberry, blackberry jam, plums and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of white pepper in the background. Plush and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish. $71/Magnum. Our Price $64.99/magnum

2016 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Fresh aromatics and a focused mouthfeel. Weather conditions and stressed vines allowed for harvesting of lower brix, which in turn provides a vibrant, uplifting quality. Floral aromas are matched with undertones of blood orange and stone fruit. A juicy, slightly weighted mid-palate from the neutral oak barrels transitions seamlessly to minerality and mouthwatering acidity. $20 Our Price $17.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Graham Beck Brut Rose

Winemaker Notes: Pale silver-pink. Aromas of raspberries, cherries and a fewsecondary whiffs of minerality. A lively mousse but fine in themouth, with subtle red berry flavors enlivened by bright acids.Brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and freshlavender. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it'sperfect for all seasons and settings. $19 Our Price $13.95

The Grape Tray 559-226-6828

Wine Spectator 93
LEWIS Syrah Napa Valley 2016

Red Plump and rich, yet balanced, with a vibrant core of complexity, offering expressive dark berry, smoky anise and mocha espresso flavors that persist toward firm tannins. Best from 2020 through 2026.—T.F 200 cases made $75 Our Price $67.99

2014 Twomey Cellars
 Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Merlot

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of black cherry, roasted meat, wet soil, raspberry jam, mocha, loose pipe tobacco, dried blueberry and brioche. Velvet entry on the palate with a structured mid-palate, mouthwatering, bright cherry, blackberry, vanilla flavors and an enticing texture. Finishes with integrated tannins, elegant, juicy with a long finish and return. $65 Our Price $59.99 (Back in stock)

2016 Austerity Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: This creamy, layered Chardonnay features aromas of crème brulee, golden apples and toasted marshmallows. The palate reveals tropical fruit and pineapple flavors complemented by a velvety texture and rich, buttery finish. $17 Our Price $13.99

Sommariva Prosecco Superiore di Conegliano-Valdobbiane Brut DOCG NV

Winemaker Notes: Fragrant floral tones and drying mineral notes characterize this luminous Prosecco Brut. The sparkling wine delivers frothy peach, herbal accents and a steady dose of citrus zest. $15 Our Price $12.99 (Back in stock 12/18/18)

Wine Spectator 97
ANTINORI Toscana Tignanello 2015

Red Dense and intensely flavored, with violet, black currant, blackberry, graphite, wild herb and spice aromas and flavors, this is concentrated and solidly built, yet also harmonious, vibrant and pure. Approachable now, but should be better in a few years. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2035. 5,000 cases imported. From Italy.—B.S. $135 Our Price $109.75 (Limited)

Back in stock! 96 points Jeb Dunnuck
2016 Paul Hobbs Russian River Pinot

Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a classic wine from this region as well as a great example of the style of this estate. Ripe black cherries, currants, flowers, and earthy notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated 2016 that has a beautiful sense of purity and elegance. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. $70 Our Price $54.99 (Delicious)

Wine Spectator 94
LEWIS Syrah Napa Valley Ethan’s 2016

Plush yet but well structured, with luxurious blackberry, mocha and smoky spice flavors that build richness toward refined tannins. 350 cases made. Drink now through 2025.—T.F $45 (Arrives this afternoon) Limited

Wine Advocate 98
2016 Bevan Cellars Proprietary Red
EE Tench Vineyard

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard is scented of pure plums and ripe blueberries with redcurrants and touches of lavender, roses, bay leaves and dusty earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, fine-grained, vibrant and refreshing, finishing long and perfumed. 1,403 cases produced. $200


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