May 10th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

May 10th 2019 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 90
ALBERT BICHOT Chablis 2016

This is lush, featuring ample flavors of white peach and lemon verbena, with a hint of stone. Balanced, leaving a piquant citrus note on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 12,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. –BS $26 Our Price $19.99

Wine Spectator 93
BODEGAS ARTEVINO Rioja Orben 2014

This red shows depth and density, with black cherry and blackberry flavors supported by firm, well-integrated tannins and juicy acidity. Notes of smoke, licorice and mineral emerge on the finish. Harmonious. Drink now through 2028. 2,080 cases made. –TM $35 Our Price $26.99

Wine Spectator 90
2017 LOUIS JADOT Pouilly-Fuissé

This is supple and infused with peach, apple, vanilla and wet stone flavors. Beautifully balanced, offering powerful apple notes on the extended finish. Drink now through 2023. 53,000 cases imported.—B.S. $28 Our Price $23.95

Wine Spectator 92
AURÉLIEN VERDET Morey-St.-Denis Burgundy 2015

Broad and spicy, displaying sandalwood overlaying cherry, vanilla and toast notes. Dense, with a firm, dusty grip on the meaty finish. Best from 2020 through 2032. 180 cases imported. –BS $90 Our Price $73.95

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 92-95 Points
2017 Carlisle Papa's Block Russian River Valley Syrah

The 2017 Syrah Papa's Block is dense, powerful and explosive. Blackberry jam, lavender, spice, menthol and game infuse the 2017 with tremendous character. The 20% whole stems add aromatic nuance, but are not especially apparent. Inky and deep, yet also quite nuanced, the Papa's is wonderfully complete, not to mention one of the highlights in this vast range of 2017s from Carlisle and Mike Officer. $47

James Suckling 90 Points
2017 Raeburn Russian River Chardonnay

Bright and very primary on the nose with attractive, poached pears. The palate has a very neat and fresh array of pears and melon with a subtly chalky edge. $17 Our Price $13.95

2018 Domaine de Figueirasse
Vin des Sables Gris de Gris ROSE

Winemaker Notes: Wine typical of the "Vin des Sables" appellation, with a pale salmon colour, great aromatic finesse, supple and round on the palate. It can accompany any summer meal, but very much appreciates exotic cuisine with spicy flavours. We also recommend serving as an aperitif with a selection of tapas. Varieties : Grenaches Gris, Noirs and Blancs, Cinsault. Aromas : Citrus, floral. $14 Our Price $10.99

Wine Spectator 93
CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Solid, with a ripe core of raspberry and plum pâte de fruit flavors that sparkles with detailed anise, apple wood and sweet tobacco notes. Has weight and depth, but the acidity is fresh, allowing this to stretch out through the finish. Best from 2019 through 2030. 900 cases made, 500 cases imported. –JM $43 Our Price $39.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

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 Our Price $50.99 (Back in stock)

2018 Fontsainte Gris de Gris Rose

Notes from Anthony Lynch: The Corbières Gris de Gris is back in stock—that’s why we’re here. It has a delicate, pale salmon color, tantalizing as ever, and it is succulently fruity on the nose and palate. “Succulent” in the sense of biting into a ripe fruit—or, rather, a cornucopia of ripe fruits—and feeling them burst under your teeth, spattering your taste buds with delectable flavors of fresh citrus and berries. And then, the finish: crisp, dry, lip-smacking as ever. Rosé season lasts 365 days, my friends, and the calendar has just renewed! $17 Our Price $12.99

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

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media 90-93 Points
2017 Carlisle Sonoma County Zinfandel

The 2017 Zinfandel (Sonoma County) is pliant and super-expressive, not to mention incredibly delicious. A beam of bright acids gives the wine energy and a surprising amount of vitality as well. Medium in body and supremely gracious, the Sonoma Zinfandel over-delivers big time. The Sonoma County is built on a core of fruit from the Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley, plus touches of Rossi, Du Pratt and Dry Creek Zinfandels and s of Two Acres Petite Sirah. More importantly, the 2017 is an absolutely gorgeous wine. It's as simple as that. $30

Wine Spectator 95
POGGIO AL TESORO Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia 2015

Black currant, plum, herb, thyme and sweet spice aromas and flavors mesh seamlessly with the tight matrix of tannins in this expressive, complex red. Shows harmony, depth and length, but needs time to integrate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2036. 1,000 cases imported. –BS $85 Our Price $64.99

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

Wine Spectator 97
SAN FILIPPO Brunello di Montalcino
Le Lucére Riserva 2013

A lush, velvety texture signals this fruity red, featuring compelling cherry, strawberry and violet flavors. Lively and fresh, with dusty tannins melding with the vivid acidity and rich fruit on the lingering aftertaste. Very pure and alluring, this is enjoyable now with decanting. Drink now through 2038. 300 cases made, 150 cases imported. –BS $175 Our Price $158.95 (Arrives 5/17/19) Limited

Wine Spectator 94
ROAR Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
 Sierra Mar Vineyard 2017

Rich and plush, revealing a sinewy power to the dried cherry, macerated plum and red currant flavors. Luxuriantly spiced, with a long, creamy finish of cardamom, dried ginger and chocolate hints. Well-crafted and elegantly styled. 686 cases made. Drink now through 2025.—K.M. $58 (Arrives 5/15/19)

Wine Advocate 95-97
2017 Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay Belle Cote

A barrel sample (Rued clone and Old Wente), the 2017 Chardonnay Belle Cote has a simply gorgeous perfume of honeysuckle, spiced peaches, lychees and roses with touches of lime blossoms, mandarin peel and beeswax plus a hint of croissant. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich, bold and seductive in the mouth with many aromatic layers and an epically long, vibrant finish. 2,320 cases are expected to be produced, to be released in February 2019. Market Price $100-$180. (3 bottles available at $139.99/bottle)



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