October 9th 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

October 9th 2020 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 97
BOLLINGER Brut Champagne
 La Grande Année 2012

This goes from zero to 60 right out of the gate, with an intense spine of acidity driving tightly meshed flavors of crushed black currant, ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel and toasted almond. The profile expands on the palate, carried by the fine, raw silk–like mousse. Richly aromatic and expressive from start to lasting, spiced finish. Disgorged July 2019. Drink now through 2037. 850 cases imported. From France. —A.N. $175 Our Price $121.95

Back in stock!
2018 CAMPO VIEJO ROSÉ

Winemaker Notes: Pale in colour, but vibrant in taste, Campo Viejo Rose expresses the lovely aromas of cherry, citrus, strawberries and rose petals. It is perfect for capturing the moments of the Spanish summer with friends over BBQ with Spanish style salmon with chorizo, roasted vegetable salad with manchego and chicken pinxto. $13 Our Price $4.95 (Discounted 62%)

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Diatom 2017 Santos Road Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills

From the 3D Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2017 Chardonnay Santos Road offers light gold color and a beautifully classic (almost reserved compared to the other releases here) perfume of stone fruits, salted citrus, tangerine, leafy herbs, and ample minerality. It’s a salty, medium-bodied effort that blossoms with time in the glass and has good acidity, impeccable balanced, and a great finish. Classic, balanced, and lengthy are the buzzwords here and it’s another rock star effort readers should snatch up. $38 Our Price $18.95 (Arrives 10/15/20)

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
Dr. Heyden 2018 Oppenheimer Sackträger Spätlese Estate Bottled Riesling (Rheinhessen)

Barely there whiffs of smoke and spice accent apricot on the nose of this medium-sweet Riesling. Cutting lemon and tangerine offset loads of mouthwatering white peach nectar on the palate. An elegant but easy-drinking Spätlese, it's an ideal summer quaffer or aperitif. Best enjoyed young. $18 Our Price $15.99 (Arrives 10/16/20)

Wine Advocate 91 Points
2016 Colene Clemens Margo Pinot Noir

The nose of the 2016 Pinot Noir Margo is slow to unfurl, with time revealing black cherries and blackberries, orange peel, tea leaves and fragrant earth with hints of charcuterie, pepper and roses. Medium-bodied, it's silky and fresh in the mouth with a long, nuanced finish. 948 cases produced. $36 (Arrives this afternoon)

2018 Georg Albrecht Schneider
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Spatlese

Producer Notes: Interesting flavors of lemon curd, white pepper, and red peach with candied herb notes emerge in this lithe spatlese with a luscious finish of mint, cream, and spice. $19 Our Price $14.95 (Arrives 10/16/20)

2018 Hollis Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: With a nose of brambleberry, spice, and tobacco, the 2018 Hollis Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and dark in aroma and structured on the palate. Flavors of chocolate, blackcurrant, and blueberry line the palate of this classic, full-bodied Napa Valley Cab. The smooth tannins lead into the long and full finish. 75% MAX Vineyard & 25% Stewart Estates Vineyard $40

2018 Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino

Winemaker Notes: Brilliant straw yellow color with greenish hints. The delicate nose is reminiscent of almond blossoms and marzipan. Good depth of fruit on the palate, nicely balanced by a zingy acidity that enhances its long length. $22 Our Price $16.99

2016 William Harrison
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: From the vineyard blocks of Clone 7 produce the estate’s best grapes. Aged for 20 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak, this wine is a classic example of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense aromas of blackberry and blueberry, with subtler notes of dark chocolate, leather, and fennel pollen. The palate is full-bodied, with dense black cherry flavors and smooth, well-integrated tannins. 500 cases produced. $60

Wine Spectator 91
GREEN & RED Zinfandel Napa Valley
Chiles Mill Vineyard 2016

An appealing claret style, featuring just enough briary nuances to stay zesty, with tarragon and white pepper flavors that build toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2025. 915 cases made. — TF $34 Our Price $26.99 (Arrives 10/15/20)

2014 The Mascot Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer Notes: The Mascot is a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards; specifically the younger vines of BOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory. It started out as a small project shared among the family, winemaking team, and close friends. Drawing fruit from blocks of recently replanted vineyards, The Mascot shares a glimpse into the evolution of its parent estates: a youthful snapshot of their future. With the 2008 vintage the family had enough wine - 500 cases - to introduce the endeavor to the outside world; releasing the first bottles in 2013. An athletic balance of energy and density, The Mascot is expressive and approachable early in its life with potential to evolve long into the future.

2014 Vintage Notes: An otherwise even growing season in 2014 was made memorable by an earthquake that struck the Napa Valley in the early-morning hours of August 24th. Dry conditions that normally prevail at that time of year were unexpectedly altered; the geologic event had shifted the water table to the extent that many seasonal streams began to flow once again. This unusual circumstance brought unaccustomed moisture from the depths and, with it, renewed energy to many of the soils throughout the valley. In the wake of this phenomenon, we noticed subtle changes to the younger vines of BOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory, which grew more vibrant as harvest approached. The resulting wine reflects this vibrance in its lift and flow across the palate, with its quality ringing true to the pedigree of its parent sites. Red fruit and baking spice intermingle on the nose, while on entry, the wine is soft, gently accelerating as it reveals athletic structure and shape, culminating in transparency and poise. $140 (Back in stock and delicious!)

2017 Opus One-In Stock $349.99

95 points James Suckling: Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Hints of mint and spice. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. Hints of citrus underneath. Bright, fresh and delicious. Drink or hold.

95 points Wine Advocate: Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful.

95 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous: A remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. Exotic, beautifully perfumed and impeccable in its balance, Opus One is one of the most complete wines of the vintage. In 2017, Opus One has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages.

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


Back to Our Blog

Are you 21 years old, or older?

No