July 26th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

July 26th 2019 Newsletter

2017 Mason Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: Our Mason 2017 Sauvignon Blanc has lovely grapefruit, gooseberry and fig overtones and a very pleasing mouthfeel. Medium bodied and well-balanced with a round, juicy texture, the palate presents pear, peach and fresh, tart apple flavors, complemented by a lingering, bright finish. We are very excited about this vintage and delicious wine. $16 Liquidation Price $12.95 (Limited to stock on hand)

Wine Spectator 94
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE Chianti Classico
Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva 2015

A dark version, featuring intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry, spice and tar up against a wall of tannins. All the elements are here, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Terrific length. Best from 2023 through 2040. 25,000 cases made. –BS $26 Our Price $22.95 (Delicious)

Wine Spectator 90
MERRY EDWARDS Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2017

Peach cobbler, ripe melon and marmalade notes are elegant, supple and detailed in this white, with spice and black tea accents. A refreshing thread of acidity keeps the flavors fresh without interfering with the elegance. Drink now. 10,500 cases made. — MW $36

Wine Spectator 92
J. LASSALLE Brut Champagne Cachet Or NV

There's an open-knit, almost airy feel to this vibrant Champagne, which carries a concentrated range of juicy pear and black raspberry fruit, with hints of crystallized honey. Shows gingersnap biscuit and verbena flavors on the chalky texture, gaining momentum on the racy, zesty finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,945 cases imported. — AN $39 Our Price $31.99

Wine Spectator 93
XAVIER MONNOT Volnay Clos des Chênes 2016

Intense aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and tamarind mark this juicy red. Smooth, with well-integrated tannins lending a dusty feel as the finish plays out. Already harmonious, this should develop well over the next two decades. Best from 2022 through 2036. 375 cases made, 175 cases imported. — BS $105 Our Price $84.99

2018 Elizabeth Spencer Special Cuvee Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: Pale straw yellow, very clear. The aromas in this wine are very complex with white peach and apricot, yellow grapefruit, and lemon blossoms erupting from the glass. The fruit aromatics carry through on the entry and lend a dry frutiness to the mineral driven palate. The wine has very appealing ripeness and great balancing acidity. This is a medium to light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, where the complexity of stone fruit and green apples, yield to a very citrusy, crisp finish. $22 Our Price $14.99

Wine Spectator 94
DOG POINT Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Section 94 2016

Impressively deep, with whiffs of smoke, white pepper, honeycomb and orange blossom that melt into apricot, dried mango and lemon curd flavors. Matcha green tea and nutmeg details linger on the long, expressive finish, with a delicate thread of acidity weaving in and out, keeping the flavors fresh. Drink now.—M.W. $38 Our Price $27.95

Vinous 94 pts
2017 Fattoria La Rivolta
Greco (Sannio, Taburno)

Bright golden yellow. Chewy, rich and dense, featuring nicely focused apricot and peach flavors. Finishes long, ripe and tactile, with a polished mouthfeel and noteworthy complexity. One of the three best Greco wines of the year. Drinking window: 2018 – 2024. Our Price $19.45 (Arrives 7/30/19)

2016 Rombauer El Dorado Zinfandel

Winemaker Notes: This wine is ruby red with a bright hue, and aromas of red berries and mountain berries mixed with brown sugar, tobacco and a hint of violet. On the palate, it’s expansive and dense with flavors of plums, raspberry, blackberry jam, vanilla and dried florals. The finish builds and lingers on and on. $42

Wine Spectator 93
K Syrah Walla Walla Valley
Rockgarden Vineyard 2016

Expressive river stone and blueberry aromas open to silky and refined raspberry, licorice and black olive flavors that build on the dynamic finish. 598 cases. Drink now through 2026.—T.F. $55 Our Price $47.99

Wine Spectator 91
NEYERS Zinfandel California Vista Luna 2017

Refined and well-structured, yet showing a briary streak, with appealing black cherry, sweet anise and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2025. 1,172 cases made.—T.F. $30 Our Price $19.75 (Limited)

Last Call! Only 3.5 cases in left
2014 VLM Russian River Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: A distinct Russian River Chardonnay with layers of citrus, spice and floral notes. The nose opens up with Mandarin blossoms, Bartlett pear and Fuji apple. The aromatics continue with toasted pine nuts, floral hints of jasmine, gardenia and geranium. The palate is vibrant, juicy and lingering. Full and round with hints of almond, creamy lemon custard, baked pear and vanilla. The finish is long and refreshing. $27 Our Price $7.95

Wine Advocate 93
2016 Theorize Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Made of 100% Cabernet, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with suggestions of red currant jelly, black cherries, mulberries and crushed black currants with touches of cigar box, fragrant soil, black pepper and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy textured, it delivers tons of muscular black fruit and a long, mineral-laced finish. 600 cases produced. $80 Internet Price $44.99. Our Price $39.99 (Back in stock 7/31/19)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 pts
Martinelli 2017 Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Dark cherry, plum, cola, spice, menthol and leather all race through the 2017 Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch. Juicy and supple, with striking fruit depth, the 2017 will be easy to drink and enjoy young. This is another gorgeous, highly pleasing wine from the Martinelli family, and also one of the more overt wines in the range. $68


2017 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Oakville Proprietary Red

Winemaker Notes: In 2017, we used more Tench and Sugarloaf than ever before to make sure that Ontogeny had the richness and depth that it has become known for. Sugarloaf Mountain Cabernet Franc was perfect for this, lending a beautiful blueberry and tobacco base. From there, we used Tench Cabernet Sauvignon for power, a kiss of Wildfoote for exuberance and a barrel of Sentinel Ridge for a little mountain tannin. $100 (Arrives 8/9/19)


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