January 8th 2021 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

January 8th 2021 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 95 Points
MICHEL NIELLON Chassagne-Montrachet Les Champgains 2017

Opening with enticing aromas of citronella, peach, lime blossom and stone, this white is supple and intense, with persistent flavors through the long, stony, spicy aftertaste. Balanced and sophisticated, with fine length. Best from 2022 through 2032. 120 cases imported. — BS $140 Our Price $115.99 (Available GT and VRW)

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92 Points - SF Int'l Wine Competition
2017 Roth Alexander Valley
 Cabernet, Half Bottles

Winemaker Notes: Bold, full-bodied and rich. Mighty aromas of black cherry, cassis, wet stone and sweet oak. Rich, layered flavors of red currant, blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla complement the firm tannins. Structured and powerful, this Cab lingers on the finish. $18/375ml. Our Price $13.75/375ml (Available GT)

James Suckling 94 Points
2019 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Kabinett Riesling Nahe

Super sleek and super minerally with lovely, lemony freshness. Yet, this is neither sweet nor tart, rather elegant and very filigree. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. $30 Our Price $26.69 (Available GT and VRW)

2016 Auros Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: This deeply concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark fruit aromas of cassis, blackberry, and dried blueberry, underscored by notes of violet and graphite. The rich, full-bodied palate unveils opulent layers of black currant jam, roasted coffee, tobacco, dried fig, and vanilla bean. Soft, supple tannins frame a plush, velvety finish. $45 Internet Price $37.95 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 90
TABLAS CREEK Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2018

Lively and approachable yet elegantly structured, with floral raspberry, smoky bay leaf and black pepper flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Terret. Drink now through 2027. 2,400 cases made.—Tim Fish. $25 Our Price $19.99 (Back in stock) Available GT and VRW

2016 Joullian Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Brilliant, pale green straw-gold color. Perfumy mango, white peach, pineapple and citrus rind aromas jump out of the glass. These same tropical characteristics are reflected in a rich, fruit driven flavor profile that finishes with refreshing acidity and hints of minerality and roasted grain. $25 Our Price $17.99 (Available GT and VRW)

James Suckling 94 Points
2018 Schrader Double Diamond
 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

An elegant, fruit-driven cabernet sauvignon with notes of red fruit and spices. Fresh herbs, such as thyme. It’s full-bodied and well balanced. The texture is pleasant and smooth with elegant tannins. The finish is long and flavorful. $75 (Available GT and VRW)

Great Value at 51% off of retail!
Wine Advocate 92 Points
2016 Carmel Road Panorama Pinot Noir

The 2016 Pinot Noir Panorama Vineyard was aged in 28% new French oak for 16 months. It has a pale to medium ruby color with scents of crushed cranberries, red and black cherries, rhubarb, warm earth, black tea leaves, rose petals, dried citrus peel and tree bark—a pretty interplay of ripe fruits and perfumed earthy character. Light to medium-bodied, it's elegant and silky textured in the mouth, with a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and great juicy freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 305 cases produced. $35 Our Price $16.99 (Back in stock 1/14/21) Delicious!

Wine Spectator 92
GREEN & RED Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Catacula Vineyard 2017

Striking, vibrant and expressive, offering a powerful mouthful of peach, mango and orange sherbet flavors that reveal a honeyed edge. Crisp, vibrant acidity and honeysuckle details show on the finish. Drink now. 325 cases made. — MW $24 Our Price $18.99 (Back in stock 1/13/21)

2018 Bernardus Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Our 2018 Monterey Chardonnay is an outstanding example of Chardonnay from Monterey County. 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. $28 Our Price $20.49 (Available GT)

Wine Advocate 93+
2013 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut

The 2013 L'Ermitage Brut is the current release of L'Ermitage and was disgorged in June of 2019. 2013 was the beginning of a long period of drought, and winemaker Arnaud Weyrich feels that it brings this vintage "concentration, phenolics and texture—this wine has body." The nose is open and inviting, golden apples mingling with toast, mushrooms, honey and crushed stone. The medium-bodied palate, with eight grams per liter dosage, has pure fruits tactfully accented by earthy, toasty notes. It's energetic but rounded, supported by a finely beaded mousse, and it finishes long and layered. 3,500 cases were made. $60 Internet Price $49.95 (Available GT and VRW)


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