October 27th 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

October 27th 2020 Newsletter

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
Cattleya Wines Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir 2018

A blend of sites and clones, all from Sonoma County, the 2018 Pinot Noir was destemmed and brought up in neutral French oak. There were 2,000 cases made. Revealing a medium ruby/translucent purple hue to go with a beautiful nose of spiced strawberries, raspberries, crushed flowers, and violets, it's beautifully textured and medium-bodied, with good acidity and outstanding length. You're going to be hard pressed to find a better Sonoma County Pinot Noir at the price, and it's going to drink brilliantly for 2-4 years. $28 (Arrives 10/28/20)

Wine Advocate 92 Points
NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier, Magnum

Based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by 25% reserve wines, the latest rendition of Laurent Roederer's NV Brut Premier is showing nicely, opening in the glass with aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, Anjou pear, white peach, pastry cream and subtle hints of freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with a delicate pinpoint mousse, ripe but racy acids and exquisite balance, this is a beautiful Brut Premier that will age in style; indeed, it will be even better with some bottle age. This is among the finest examples in its category and comes warmly recommended. $120 Our Price $89.99/magnum

Wine Advocate 92 Points
2018 Secret Indulgence Chronology Red Blend

The 2018 Chronology Red is a blend of predominately Petite Sirah with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Mission, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls to reveal scents of crushed red and black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of Sichuan pepper, sandalwood, iron ore and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate has bags of freshness and energy, supported by firm yet plush, incredibly well-tamed tannins and loads of black fruit and exotic spice layers, finishing long and peppery. This is truly an exercise in masterful blending—delicious! $30 Our Price $19.29 (Arrives 10/29/20)

Wine Spectator 92
COLENE CLEMENS Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Margo 2016

Expressive violet, raspberry and crushed stone accents open with a plush and rich mouthfeel, then slowly build to firm tannins on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2025. 958 cases made. — TF $36

2018 Lewis Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Our 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet is deliciously well-dressed with black currants, Godiva chocolate, kidskin gloves, and plenty of gravitas. Plush fruits and fresh character are deftly woven with mocha, cedar and tobacco spices all stitched with a supple hand and topped with tidy coat-tails. $100 Our Price $89.99

Wine Advocate 93-95 Points
2018 Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay

A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced. $115 (Limited) Arrives 10/29/20)

2019 Lewis Russian River Sonoma Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Key lime pie, orange blossom, pineapple and lemon meringue our 2019 Sonoma Chardonnay swells with tropical delights. Super-fresh, shimmery and expansive, with secondary citrus fruit and caramel crunch flavors, the wine loops back with form-fitting structure, mineral and brine. $55 Our Price $49.99

Wine Spectator 94

LUCIEN LE MOINE Echézeaux 2013

Sleek and stylish, this red features wild cherry, strawberry, floral, spice and mineral flavors etched into the firm, lean frame. Balanced and youthfully exuberant, finishing long. Best from 2019 through 2033. 12 cases imported. — BS $335 Our Price $266.99

Wine Advocate 100 Points
2016 Dominus Estate Proprietary Red Wine

A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would. To be released in May 2019. $300

2017 HUNDRED ACRE KAYLI MORGAN VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Winemaker Notes: THE 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON KAYLI MORGAN VINEYARD GIVES UP CLEAN DISTINCT AROMAS OF CEDAR PENCIL, CASSIS, BLACK CURRANT, AFRICAN VIOLETS, ESPRESSO, AND MADURO TOBACCO, it rolls over your tongue with a deeply sensual, seamless texture BACKED MICRO FINE TANNINS, REMARKABLE PURITY OF FRUIT, SUBTLE OAK, AND A LONG BUILDING FINISH. $680 Our Price TBD (Arrives 10/28/20)

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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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