April 5th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

April 5th 2019 Newsletter

Decanter Magazine 93 Points
Domaine Besson Givry Rouge ‘Le Haut Colombier’ 2016

Impressive, sappy and alluringly perfumed with plenty of summer pudding fruit, notes of rose petal and violet and subtle vanilla oak. The tannins are very fine here, complemented by chalky minerality. Textured, youthful and long on the palate, this would reward cellaring. $30 Our Price $26.49 (Arrives 4/9/19)

Wine Spectator 92
PETRA Toscana Zingari 2015

WS review: The bright, ripe cherry and plum fruit flavors offset the savory tobacco, earth and herb notes in this plump red. Balanced despite the exuberant tannins, while vivid acidity keeps the long aftertaste focused. Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2033. 6,000 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why it's of note: This Petra cuvée is a great choice for Italian wine lovers. A super Tuscan, it's made with equal parts Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Vittorio Moretti and his daughter Francesca, who run the winery, are experimenting with vinification techniques, including the use of a French micro-oxygenation machine that is said to help soften the structure and the more intense flavors in the wine. $15 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 93
THE FOUR GRACES Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017

Graceful and sleekly complex, with pretty cherry blossom aromas that open to poised raspberry, green tea and spice flavors that glide along the finish. Drink now through 2026.—T.F $30 Our Price $24.99

Wine Spectator 93
PATRICIA GREEN Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley Reserve 2017

Expressive and polished, with unfolding layers of blueberry, raspberry, green tea and orange peel, taking on complexity toward well-manicured tannins. Drink now through 2026.—T.F. $27 Our Price $22.99

Wine Spectator 94
VILMART Brut Champagne Coeur de Cuvée 2010

This elegant version offers seamless integration, draping a vivid frame of acidity with a fine, satiny texture and layered flavors of black currant, chopped almond, candied lemon zest and biscuit. Focused and graceful throughout, with a lasting, spiced finish. Disgorged January 2017. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases imported. –AN $151 Our Price $138.99

2017 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, Half Bottle

Winemaker Notes: Enticing aromas of vanilla, peach and mango are layered with apricots, crème brulee, butter and a slight minerality. Those scents are schoed as flavors on the creamy, rich palate, along with peach, pie crust and baking spices. The long smooth finish is marked by mouthwatering acidity. $20/375ml

Wine Spectator 92
VILMART Brut Champagne Grand Cellier d'Or 2013

With an intense spine of rapierlike acidity, this sleek Champagne is fleshed out by rich, up-front spice, lime blossom and minerally oyster shell accents and dried white cherry and candied kumquat flavors set on the creamy mousse. Disgorged June 2017. Drink now through 2028. 400 cases imported. –AN $91 Our Price $85.95

2016 Calera Mt. Harlan Jensen Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: The prized 1975 plantings of Jensen Vineyard have yielded a gorgeous Pinot Noir that strikes a seamless balance between lushness and finesse. On the nose, aromas of ripe red cherry, cedar and black raspberry rise from the glass, followed by hints clove and spice. The palate is silky and generous, with abundant layers of ripe fruit gliding to a vibrant and lingering finish. $95 (Arrives 4/9/19)

Wine Spectator 94
ANNE & HERVÉ SIGAUT Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers Vieilles Vignes 2016

Intense and smoky, with spicy oak wrapping around a core of black cherry and blackberry flavors. Shows a textural density and fluidity that plays out on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. 40 cases imported. –BS $110 Our Price $86.95 (Delicious!)

Wine Spectator 95
DOMAINE DES BAUMARD
Savennières Clos du Papillon 2015

This is very alluring, with salted butter, blanched almond and tarragon highlights amid the core of creamed pear, green plum and white ginger flavors. The distinctive mouthfeel combines creamy and zesty elements, while racy minerality extends the finish. Drink now through 2035. 400 cases imported. –JM $50 Our Price $46.99

Wine Spectator 93
DUMOL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley DuMol Estate Vineyard 2016

Firm, rich and savory, with notes of forest floor to the dried raspberry, cherry tart and dark plum flavors. Turns creamy midpalate, leading to a finish filled with cedar and sandalwood depths. Drink now through 2023. 650 cases made. –KM $100 Limited

Wine Spectator 94
PATRICIA GREEN Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Volcanic 2017

Vibrant yet graceful, featuring expressive raspberry and tart cherry aromas and spirited orange peel, spice box and dark tea accents that take on complexity toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2027.—T.F 266 cases made. $42 Our Price $36.99

Wine Spectator 90
FERRATON PÈRE & FILS Côtes du Rhône White Samorëns 2016

Bright and lively, with racy verbena and honeysuckle notes pulling a core of yellow apple and melon rind flavors along. Shows a flash of lemon curd on the finish. Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Marsanne. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made. –JM $15 Our Price $10.69

2018 Domaine Sorin Côtes de Provence Rose “Terra Amata”

Winemaker Notes: Grapes were hand-picked and selected. This is a very dry rose, strawberry and slightly under-ripe watermelon on the nose with more of that tart melon on the palate. Minerals show in the middle palate and the wine is so refreshing. 60% Grenache 30% Cinsault 10% Syrah. $15 Our Price $12.99

Wine Spectator 93
RED STITCH Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2014

Openly complex and charming, from the initial burst of zesty black cherry and raspberry flavors to the shades of loamy earth, gravel and cedar. Never loses sight of the fruit purity. Drink now through 2030. 250 cases made. –JL $105 (Back in stock)

Wine Advocate 94-96
2017 Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay La Carriere

A barrel sample (mainly from the Hyde clone), the 2017 Chardonnay la Carriere has a drop-dead gorgeous nose of dried apricots, warm pineapple, guava and pear tart with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and orange blossoms. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich and creamy with great freshness and some mineral accents coming through on the long finish. 2,560 cases are expected to be produced, to be released in February 2019. $120



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