January 14th 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

January 14th 2020 Newsletter

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
We will be closed on Monday, January 20th

Wine Advocate 91
2018 Reverchon Saar
Mineral Riesling Feinherb

The 2018 Saar Mineral Riesling Feinherb (AP 3 19) offers a fine and flinty nose of ripe and slatey fruits. On the palate, this is a dense and charming, fine and elegant, slightly crunchy Riesling with good grip and salty minerals. Fine tannins and a serious finish here. Tasted in March 2019. $15 Our Price $11.95 (Arrives 1/15/20)

2014 Gregory Graham Estate Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: The wine exhibits aromas of ripe plum and fig, with highlights of chaparral spice, clove and dried herbs. The lively, concentrated flavor bursts with ripe berries and sweet oak with a long finish. This structured wine calls for full throttle fare such as grilled meats and game. $30 Our Price $23.99 (Arrives 1/15/20)

2017 Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Our boldly blended California Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional complement to your favorite red meat, layered with hints of rich blackberry, luscious caramel, and smooth toasted oak $12. Our Price $9.69

2017 Ehlers Estate Napa Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: The 2017 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite Cabernets the past years from Ehlers! Deep garnet-purple layers show in this outstanding blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc. The wine is very intense in aromas, showing Asian spice mix, violets, dark berry jam, black olives, sweet cherries, sage, and a deep long minerality. 2017 shows a beautiful tannin structure with balanced acidity and an especially long finish, of minerals, cedar, dark chocolate, and wild berries jam. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding representation of the year and our unique site. Ready to drink now, but it will age extremely well for 10-15 more years. $60 Our Price $51.99

Wine Advocate 92
2017 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot

The 2017 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyard was made using about 20% whole cluster and aged for 13 months in 34% new French oak. Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, it has a very open, gregarious nose of dried rose petals, potpourri, tree bark, red licorice and ripe red and black fruits with pretty spicy notes of cinnamon stick and clove. Light to medium-bodied, it has good layers of spicy, perfumed fruit in the mouth, with soft, grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and spicy. $57 Our Price $45.95

Wine Spectator 92
STEWART Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016

This offers a wide swath of plum, boysenberry and blackberry puree flavors, laced with red licorice details and coated with sweet toast notes. A light bramble edge at the very end keeps this honest. Drink now through 2022. —J.M. $60

James Suckling 92 Points
Colomé Malbec Salta Estate 2017

Attractively concentrated style here with aromas and flavors deep in the plum and blackberry zone. Full and firm palate. Really flavorful and bold style. Drink or hold. $27 Our Price $20.99

Wine Spectator 92
YAO FAMILY Napa Crest Napa Valley Red 2016

A dark and brawny style, with an alder and espresso frame around a core of dark currant, blackberry and fig paste flavors, all of which meld together slowly through the finish, which picks up a notable loam edge. For fans of the hefty style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2030. —J.M. 1,800 cases. $52 Our Price $44.99

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
2017 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

A slightly bigger wine than the Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley offers tons of rich black fruits, cola, and smoked earth characteristics in its medium to full-bodied, rounded, textured profile. Coming from a mix of sites, mostly destemmed (there are 15% whole clusters), and brought up in 17% new French oak, it’s a rocking little wine that delivers loads of pleasure. $30 Liquidation Price $23.95 (Limited to stock on hand)

2017 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Vibrant and lively. Luli Chardonnay is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a cool-climate appellation that ensures bright acidity. The vinification captures this energy. The fruit is fermented in both neutral barrels (older cooperage that no longer imparts wood flavor) and tanks. While the barrels provide texture and lees contact, the tanks provide vibrancy and freshness. $20 Our Price $17.99

Wine Spectator 91
LUJON Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2015

Refined and structured, with expressive crushed stone, blackberry and licorice flavors that take on richness and big but polished tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 474 cases made. — TF $25 Our Price $18.29

Wine Spectator 96

PAUL HOBBS Chardonnay Russian River Valley Ross Station Estate 2017

Well-sculpted and elegant, featuring concentrated baked apple, pear tart and white berry flavors that are layered with richly spiced and toasty notes. The plush finish is pure, offering seductive sage cream and honeyed details. Drink now through 2025. 339 cases made. — KM $85

James Suckling 97 Points
2016 Larkmead Dr. Olmo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Impressive aromas of dried flowers, crushed blackberries and plums. Some sweet-tobacco undertones. Full-bodied, dusty and juicy with chewy tannins that are supple and savory, combining with the fruit. Flavorful and intense. So structured. $160 (Back in stock 1/15/20)



Back to Our Blog

Are you 21 years old, or older?

No