July 28th 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

July 28th 2020 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 93
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI
Chianti Classico Tenuta Perano Riserva 2015

Cherry, raspberry, leather and earth flavors pick up wild herb accents as this develops from beginning to end. Closed today, but all the components are in the right place. Best from 2023 through 2038. 250 cases imported. — BS $30

Wine Spectator 95
PADELLETTI Brunello di Montalcino 2013

Fragrant and impeccably balanced, this elegant, haunting red evokes cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and white pepper aromas and flavors. A solid spine of tannins and vibrant acidity keeps this well-defined, allowing for a fine evolution over the next two decades. Drink now through 2042. From Italy. —B.S 125 cases imported $65 Our Price $59.95

Wine Spectator 94
CAIAROSSA Toscana Pergolaia 2016

Tasting Note: Fresh, deep and intense. Flavors of black cherry and blackberry stand up to the dense tannins, but this is equally about the vibrant acidity driving the fruit, wild herb nuances and spice-infused aftertaste. Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S. 1,200 cases imported $28 (Arrives 8/7/20)

Wine Spectator 90
LAGAR DA CONDESA Albariño Rias Baixas O Fillo da Condesa 2018

This white shows richness, with honeyed orange and ginger notes deepening the pear and guava flavors. Briny and mineral elements add interest, while firm acidity keeps this focused. Drink now through 2022. 5,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported. — TM $12 Our Price $8.99

James Suckling 97 Points
2018 Eisele Vineyard
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold. $100 (Arrives 7/31/20)

Thread Feathers 2018
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes from Winemaker Neil M Koch: This wine offers full-bodied intensity within a classic framework of red and black currant, cherry and cassis. Robustly built in tannin and well-integrated oak, it has earthy elements of cedar, sage and graphite, with a lasting note of mocha. Sourced from grapes from the Ashe Vineyard located just south of Oakville Crossroads. 275 cases produced. $75 Our Price $29.95 (Delicious)

2018 Zenato Pinot Grigio

Winemaker Notes: Lemon-green in color, aromas of Key limes and white peaches complement undertones of green apples and grains of paradise. On the palate, it is smooth and refreshing with a long, pleasant finish. $12 Our Price $9.99

Wine Advocate 94+
2017 Ilaria Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and spice cake with hints of licorice, tobacco and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling black tea note. 560 cases made. $50

Wine Spectator 93
HUDSON VINEYARDS Chardonnay
Napa Valley Carneros 2018

Big and rich, featuring a plush texture to the concentrated pear tart, apple pastry and dried apricot flavors. Viscous midpalate, with savory snap to the finish, which delivers minerally and toasty notes. Drink now through 2025. 1,500 cases made. — KM $65

Vinous Media 90 Points
Tormaresca Calafuria Rose 2019

It washes across the senses with tremendous energy, motivated by vibrant acidity, as a mix of ripe red fruits are further accentuated with hints of lime and saline-minerality. The finish is long, resonating on a buzz of spicy acids with a lime-inspired citrus thrust. $15 Our Price $12.35

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 Advocate 94
2013 Eisele Vineyard Altagracia
Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 2013s are clearly the finest Eisele wines made under the administration of François Pinault and his top lieutenant, Frédéric Engerer, who also runs the show at Château Latour. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia is a beauty. Dense, opaque purple, a big sweet kiss of blueberry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with forest floor and violets is followed by a lush, medium to full-bodied wine with terrific concentration, light tannin and an approachable style even for a 2013. It should drink well for 15 or more years. $135 (Arrives 7/31/20)

Our door is open and a mask is required while in the store. Social distancing maintained.
If you prefer, orders can still be placed as follows:
Email stan@grapetray.com or call 559-226-6828
~Local orders: Email or call with your order and we will contact you when the order is ready for curbside pick-up
~Or, place your order using our website: grapetray.com
The Grape Tray 559-226-6828
www.grapetray.com


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