October 11th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

October 11th 2019 Newsletter

Columbus Day Holiday
We will be closed on Monday, 10/14/19

Wine Advocate 91
2017 Mas Donis Old Vines

The 2017 Mas Donis Old Vines is a blend of 50% Garnacha, 30% Cariñena and 20% Syrah fermented separately in stainless steel, and the Syrah and Cariñena matured in barrique until the components were blended before bottling in June 2019. It's a heady Mediterranean red blend—generous and round with a pretty floral nose and the aromatic power of the partial carbonic maceration. It has a juicy texture, clean, fruit-driven flavors and a textured mouthfeel. An incredible bargain. $15 Our Price $10.95 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
2016 Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Cotes Du Rhone

This buoyant red wine is marked by aromas of ripe blackberries, blueberries and anise. It's full bodied and plump but balanced by crisp acidity and a firm, tannic finish. An easy-drinking but classic Côtes du Rhône, it has just a hint of mineral intensity. Enjoy now–2021. $15 Our Price $11.95

Wine Spectator 93
VILMART Brut Rose Champagne Cuvée Rubis NV

Smoke and graphite notes underscore the ripe strawberry and cherry fruit in this lacy, finely meshed rosé Champagne, accented by ginger biscuit and ground clove notes. Fresh and mouthwatering, presenting a lasting, chalky finish. Drink now through 2021. –AN $97 Our Price $83.99

2018 Francois Crochet Sancerre

Producer Notes: Sauvignon Blanc is the white grape in Sancerre, and there is no mistaking it at Chez Crochet. For such a forceful and “minerally” white wine, it shows a tremendous amount of beauty and delicacy. There are aromas of kefir lime, lemon, lemon peel, ripe green melon, cucumber, freshly crushed limestone rocks and gunflint. $30

2017 Lucienne Pinot Noir Doctor's Vineyard

Winemaker Notes: A riper and more robust Pinot Noir, with layers of cherry and citrus fruits along with brown spice and tones of mushroom and earth. The wine’s balanced acidity and smooth tannins lead to a round, approachably soft mouthfeel and a lingering finish. $50 Our Price $39.99

Wine Spectator 90
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Chardonnay Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2016

Expressive and lively, with tropical fruit and toasted spice flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 137,000 cases made. –TF $17 Liquidation Price $12.95 (Limited to stock on hand)

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

Word on the street: This wine is a great value even if you don’t normally buy Zinfandel!
WOW-74% discount!
2014 Rosenblum Rockpile Zinfandel

Winemaker Notes: The power and grace of our Rockpile Road Zinfandel is a culmination of its unique climate, soil and pedigree. Bold, dark fruit, redolent with blueberries and boysenberry jam, shapes the core and establishes the masculine, mountain character of this high-elevation Zinfandel. Black pepper, cocoa and toasted oak spices weave through the multiple layers, joined by big, chewy tannins. Low yields in 2014 further enhanced concentrated flavors, delivering red fruit tones that lend elegance and promise good aging potential. From one of the great AVAs, our Rockpile Road Zinfandel packs a truckload of berries on the palate. Medium to full bodied, this a superb choice with barbecued pork ribs. $42 Our Price $10.95

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2017 Hartford Court Russian River Chardonnay

The largest production cuvée from Hartford Court is their 2017 Chardonnay Russian River Valley. Its medium gold color is followed by a rounded, supple, textured Chardonnay that has classic notes of pineapple, white flowers, honeysuckle, and toasted spice. Rounded, fleshy, and textured on the palate, with plenty of oomph, it shows the quality of this estate beautifully. $30 Our Price $24.99 (Back in stock this afternoon)

2017 Bernardus Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: The aromas exhibit scents of peach and lychee accented by caramel and toasty oak notes. The palate is very rich and highly focused with vibrant tropical fruit and citrus flavors supported by a crisp acidity. $24 Our Price $20.49

2017 Treana Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: An excellent display of Paso Roble Cabernet. At first glance, this dark crimson wine sets the stage for the beautiful aromas of warm chocolate, roasted coffee & toasty cedar. On the palate, intense dark fruit, sweet vanilla combine with smoky-oak to give a long rich mouth feel that finishes with balanced acidity and moderate, velvety tannins 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot, 3% Petite Sirah. $31 Our Price $25.95 (Arrives 10/15/19)

2017 Talbott KALI HART CHARDONNAY

Winemaker Notes: Kali Hart is our most fruit-forward expression in the Talbott portfolio of wines. In the winery, we let the grapes guide the way with minimal influence, resulting in a rich and bright wine. Aromas of vanilla and brioche lead to dense fruit characteristics of bosc pear, pineapple and melon, giving this wine a lush and inviting palate. This Chardonnay has a soft, clean finish with a hint of minerality and hard spice notes. $20 Our Price $14.99 (Back in stock this afternoon)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94+ Points
2016 Forman St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Ric Forman wine. Gracious and medium in body, with remarkable finesse, the 2016 is captivating from the very first taste. Sweet tobacco, menthol, licorice, lavender, rose petal and spice add striking layers of dimension to this translucent, super-expressive Cabernet. Today, the 2016 is more refined than it was as a barrel sample. I can't wait to see how it ages. Drink 2022 - 2036 $120 (Arrives 10/16/19)

2016 Lewis Napa CUVEE L Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Like Joan Jett’s rock ‘n roll cover of the classic Shondells tune our potent 2016 Cuvee L is crimson colored, black-hearted and loaded with clove and sweet oak spice. Densely constructed this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is youthful yet surprisingly accessible with polished tannins and a fine finish. $250 (Arrives 10/18/19) Limited

Wine Spectator 97
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2016

This is so vivid as it brims with pastis-soaked plum, blackberry, black currant and blueberry paste flavors, all carried by a perfectly integrated brambly spine. Tar and ganache notes give the finish an extra kick while everything stays within the mouthwatering roasted apple wood frame. Both regal and rambunctious, this is St.-Julien to a T. Best from 2025 through 2040. 11,667 cases made.—J.M. $98 Our Price $117.99


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