April 26th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

April 26th 2019 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 90
FITZ-RITTER Riesling Pfalz Dürkheim 2017

This fruity Riesling is textured, with crunchy acidity and savory mineral details underscoring notes of yellow apple, lemon oil and coriander. Very open, with nice concentration, but shows good balance and complexity. Drink now through 2025. 250 cases made, 28 cases imported. –AZ $17 Our Price $13.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 95
SAN FILIPPO Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucére 2013

As much savory as fruity, this offers a fine balance between cherry, leather, spice and carob aromas and flavors. Rich yet lively, leaving a mouthwatering impression on the long, saline aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,000 cases made. –BS $90 Our Price $84.95 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Advocate 92
2017 Diatom Katherine’s Chardonnay

While Diatom was formerly wedded to sites in the Sta. Rita Hills, Brewer-Clifton produced a Chardonnay from Katherine's Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley (neighboring Bien Nacido) in the 1999 vintage, so in a sense this cuvée represents a return to old haunts. At 445 cases, the 2017 Chardonnay Katherine's is also by some margin Diatom's largest bottling this vintage. Notes of peach, grapefruit, pastry cream and lime cordial precede a medium-bodied, glossy, saline, acid-driven wine with beautiful purity and concentration. $36 Our Price $25.99

Wine Spectator 92
HERÈNCIA ALTÉS Terra Alta L'Estel 2016

This firm red delivers mineral and sanguine notes that frame a core of plum and licorice flavors, revealing a balance of savory and fruity character. Shows depth, with well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Drink now through 2026. 672 cases imported.—T.M. $20 Our Price $16.99 (Arrives 5/1/19)

2017 Bellenda San Fermo Prosecco Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Winemaker Notes: This delicate and slightly aromatic prosecco, obtained from the natural fermentation of the Glera grapes of the Conegliano hills. With a strong and fruity taste, compact foam, very fine and persistent bubbles. As an aperitif, it combines fish-based appetizer dishes, tuna carpaccio, swordfish carpaccio. Considered among the best sparkling wines in Italy $22 Our Price $18.99

Wine Spectator 92
TAMBER BEY Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Deux Chevaux Vineyard 2016

Fleshy and dark in profile, with warmed fig and black currant compote flavors leading the way. Offers ample toast and cocoa notes on the finish, but delivers abundant fruit and solid drive. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,500 cases made. –JM $60 (Arrives 5/1/19) Delicious!

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
Carlisle 2016 The Integral Sonoma County

Checking in as a blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Mourvèdre, the 2016 The Integral has a touch of Cornas-like meatiness to go with sensational notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, bacon fat, and game. It's rich, full-bodied, thrillingly textured and beautifully balanced. In short, don't miss it! Winemakers Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have hit pay dirt with these latest 2016s and across the board, they’re the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from this estate. $45

2013 Frank Family Blanc de Blancs

Winemaker Notes: The 2013 Blanc de Blancs is pale straw in color with a continuous thread of persistent bubbles. A beautiful bouquet marked by delicate aromas of floral lemon, brioche and green applesauce with hints of toasted almond, wet stone, and crème brûlée.e palate is fresh and vibrant, with a rich structure and creaminess that brings balance and intensity to the flavors.

The mid-palate is luscious and creamy with flavors of freshly-baked bread and tart ripe pear. The finish shows remarkable length with an excellent minerality as notes of effervescent citrus and fresh white fruit linger. $55 Our Price $48.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 92
TAMBER BEY Chardonnay
Yountville Sans Chêne 2017

Aromas of fresh Key lime give this a zesty persona, along with a vibrant core of lively flavors that dance on the palate. Drink now. 1,500 cases made. –JL $36 (Arrives 5/1/19)

Wine Spectator 94
TURNBULL Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Reserve 2016

Solidly built, with layers of warm cassis, cherry puree and raspberry coulis stretching out over long, fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity. The plushness of the sweet fruit marries wonderfully with the grippy underlay on the lengthy finish. Best from 2022 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.—J.M $85

Wine Spectator 93
FITZ-RITTER Riesling Pfalz Ungstein Herrenberg GG 2017

A beautifully crafted example, with a minty aroma and lush, creamy flavors of baked pear, apple tart and dried pineapple, all connected by juicy acidity that acts as a backbone. Savory mineral and chamomile notes mark the long, echoing finish. Youthful, but with multiple layers that will unravel with aging. Best from 2021 through 2032. 75 cases made, 28 cases imported. –AZ $47 Our Price $36.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Advocate 96+
2017 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay
Richard Dinner Vineyard

The 2017 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard charges forth with notes of spiced apples, pear tart and brioche with touches of butterscotch, lime blossoms and coriander seed plus a waft of mandarin peel. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still very tightly wound, with a compelling backbone of freshness cutting through the intense citrus and savory layers, finishing long and mineral laced. 597 cases produced, to be released in March 2019. $90 Our Price $79.99



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