January 22nd 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

January 22nd 2019 Newsletter

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 Liquidation Price $14.45 (Limited to stock on hand)

Wine Spectator 93
CAROL SHELTON Coquille Blanc
Paso Robles 2017

Fresh and spicy pear, lime and green apple flavors show details of matcha, peach blossom and honeysuckle in this white, which offers nice complexity and balance, with plenty of fresh acidity. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne. Drink now through 2024. 1,203 cases made.—M.W. $24 Our Price $19.95 (Arrives 1/24/19)

Wine Spectator 95
VEUVE CLICQUOT Brut Champagne
La Grande Dame 2008

An elegant Champagne, powered by a sculpted frame of acidity and minerality, this wears the refined, lacy mousse and well-meshed flavors of black currant, lemon curd, toast and marzipan like finely tailored clothing. Fresh and lasting, with hints of spice and smoke on the finish. Disgorged August 2016. Drink now through 2033.–AN $150 Our Price $124.95

Wine Spectator 91
MARGERUM M5 Santa Barbara County 2016

Sleek and precise, with raspberry and garrigue aromas and refined cherry, licorice and savory pepper flavors. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2026. 3,085 cases made. –TF $28 Our Price $20.99

Wine Advocate 93
2014 Galerie Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair

The 2014 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon called Pleinair is a blend of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is aged 20 months in 58% new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine has a similarity to a top-flight St.-Julien from Bordeaux. Loads of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, tobacco leaf, black currants and spice box all jump from the glass and from the flavors of this round, juicy, medium to full-bodied wine with silky tannins. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. $60 Our Price $49.99

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 (Back in stock)

Wine Spectator 94
CASTELLO ROMITORIO Toscana Il Toro 2015

A polished, sophisticated version, boasting violet, black currant, blackberry, graphite and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Impeccably balanced and approachable now, yet should develop for a decade or more. Petit Verdot and Syrah. Best from 2021 through 2035. 2,500 cases made. –BS $25 Our Price $19.99 (Arrives 1/25/19)

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

Wine Spectator 90
HENRIOT Brut Rosé Champagne NV, Magnum

A firm and creamy rosé Champagne, with rich pastry cream and sweet brioche notes followed by candied grapefruit peel, white peach and smoke accents. Offers a clean-cut, mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 1,200 cases imported. –AN $165/magnum. Our Price $140.99/magnum

Wine Advocate 96+
2016 Chappellet Signature Napa Cabernet

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature has a very deep garnet-purple color and opens with wonderfully expressive notes of warm cassis, baked plums, black raspberries and kirsch with suggestions of underbrush, lilacs and chocolate box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals layers of red and black berries with stunning freshness and an approachable, grainy texture, finishing long and earthy. $75 Our Price $64.99 (Arrives 1/23/19)

Wine Advocate 94+
2016 O'Shaughnessy
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% St. Macaire, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals notions of scorched earth, tar, tilled black soil and fungi over a core of blackcurrant cordial, aniseed, dark chocolate and espresso plus a waft of tobacco. Full-bodied, concentrated and very earthy in the mouth, the rich, black fruits are superbly framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. $80 Our Price $74.99


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