March 8th, 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

March 8th, 2019 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 93
CAROL SHELTON Zinfandel Lodi Pizazz Zin Piazza Ranch Old Vine 2017

Plump yet vibrant, with expressive cherry, savory tarragon and smoked pepper flavors that take on polish and structure toward refined tannins. 271 cases made. Drink now through 2026.—T.F. $22 Our Price $19.49

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Wine Spectator 93
SPARKMAN Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Holler 2016

Deeply structured, yet rich and supple, with vibrant black cherry, espresso and dusky spice flavors that gain speed toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2026.—T.F. $32 Our Price $24.95

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

2016 J. Lohr Hilltop Paso Robles Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: 2016 Hilltop Cabernet shows dark fruit, chocolate, graphite and anise on the nose. The palate is dense and soft at once with layers of mineral, sweet oak barrel and fresh savory notes. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. $33 Our Price $26.75

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

Wine Spectator 94
SANS LIEGE The Offering Santa Barbara County 2016

Distinctive, refined and well-built, offering expressive black cherry, cigar box, green olive and cured meat accents that build richness on the long finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2026.—T.F $29 Our Price $26.99

Wine Advocate 90
2015 Frank Family Napa Cabernet

Blended of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of cassis, blackberries and black cherries, with cedar, Marmite toast and pencil shavings nuances. Medium to full-bodied and firm in the mouth, it has a decent core but is simple and a tad lacking in persistence. $58 Our Price $48.99

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

Wine Advocate 93
2016 Venge Vineyards Scout's Honor

The 2016 Scout's Honor is blended of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Charbono, 9% Petite Sirah and 7% Syrah. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it offers up baked raspberries, fruitcake, dusty soil and Chinese five spice scents with touches of tobacco and potpourri. Full-bodied with a velvety texture and loads of spice-laced berry preserves flavors, it finishes long and opulent. $38 Our Price $35.99

2017 Frank Family Carneros Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: Opens with aromas of cinnamon stick, cardamom, and fresh raspberries. The palate offers a soft, balanced structure framed by elegant tannins with flavors of cherry pie, violets, and baking spices followed by a long, decadent finish. $37 Our Price $31.99

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
2016 Fait Main Teeter Totter Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Readers looking for value in Napa Valley should snatch up the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon as it will easily compete with wine that costs 3-4 times its going rate. Made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from throughout the valley, this beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a classic bouquet of crème de cassis, licorice, toasted spices, and tobacco. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful, it still has the class and purity of the 2016 vintage front and center. It's a no-brainer to enjoy over the coming decade. $65 (Arrives 3/13/19)

Wine Spectator 94
MT. BRAVE Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder 2015

This is filled with lush cassis, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors, supported by dense, lush tannins. The finish is polished, with anise and roasted apple wood notes seamlessly integrated throughout, with a tarry echo at the very end keeping this grounded. A modern expression of mountain fruit. Best from 2020 through 2038. 2,960 cases made. –JM $85 Our Price $79.99

Wine Spectator 95
Top 100: 2018, Rank: 11
CARPINETO Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2013

The stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry, black currant, leather and woodsy spice notes is enticing, while the sweet fruit is a match for the dense structure. The lengthy finish lingers, with tobacco, eucalyptus and iron accents. Drink now through 2030. 12,200 cases made. –BS $30 Limited (Arrives this afternoon)


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