February 5th 2021 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 5th 2021 Newsletter

Taste Before you Buy at VRW 1PM-5PM
Today’s featured wine:
2018 Thread Feathers
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

VWR Notes: The 2018 Thread Feathers Rutherford Cabernet has just been released and again the fruit source is Staglin Estate who’s flagship Cabernet captures a price just south of $300. The 2017 Thread Feathers Rutherford Cabernet was a hit and the 2018 is a much stronger vintage, so we can’t wait to experience the flavors of the 2018! Winery Price $75 Internet Price $34.99

Vintage Reserve Wine Hours
Tuesday-Friday 12 Noon-6:00 PM
Saturday 12 Noon-4:00 PM
Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW)
1552 E. Champlain Drive, Ste 109 Fresno, CA 93720
Via Montana Center (NE Corner Shepherd and Champlain-Two doors south of Big 5) vintagereserve.biz. 559-878-3953

Wine Spectator 92
BREWER-CLIFTON Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017

Zesty and well-sculpted, with forest floor notes to the dried fruit and spice flavors. Dried orange peel and clove accents show on the supple finish, revealing hints of tar and paprika. Drink now through 2023. 2,000 cases made. — KM $40 Our Price $34.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 96
Bollinger Brut Rosé Champagne
La Grande Année 2012

Enticing aromas and flavors of wild strawberry, apricot and Macadamia nut are woven with accents of saffron, ground ginger, honey and orange peel in this seamlessly knit rosé in a vinous style. Satiny in texure, with an overall grace that belies the powerful tension and focus throughout, driving the lasting finish. Drink now through 2035. From France. —A.N. $205 Our Price $179.95 (Available GT and VRW) Limited

Wine Spectator 93
FRÉDÉRIC ESMONIN
Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur 2018

Expressive, revealing purity to its cherry, strawberry and currant fruit. It's all about finesse, the silky texture and harmony. Floral, mineral and tobacco elements chime in as it plays out on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 100 cases imported —B.S. $45 Our Price $40.95 (Arrives GT this afternoon)

2019 Blackbird AERENA Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Not afraid to show its true cabernet core, the AERENA Cabernet Sauvignon has enticing aromas of blackberry with hints of black licorice and graphite. Rich, concentrated notes of plum and black cherry on the mid palate leading to layers of dark chocolate with soft tannins that finish with cocoa and vanilla. $25 Our Price $16.99 (Available GT)

Decanter 92 Points
Joao Portugal Ramos Alentejo
Ramos Reserva 2018

Bright plums and dried figs with a tobacco edge; lovely and fresh on the palate with a lingering finish. $13 Our Price $10.99 (Available GT)

Additional Review:

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points: While it is rich, this wine is also elegant. Ripe tannins are effortlessly integrated with the blackberry fruits, maturing structure and juicy aftertaste. Drink from 2021

Wine Advocate 100 Points
2015 Screaming Eagle
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the very deep purple-black colored 2015 Screaming Eagle leaps from the glass with notes of freshly crushed black currants, black cherries and blackberries with suggestions of cigar box, black raspberries, red currants, chocolates, pencil lead and cast-iron pan plus a touch of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, it features the most incredible black and red fruit layers and finishes with incredible vibrancy and depth. Market Price $2790-$4800 (One bottle available @ $3500)

Wine Advocate 97 Points
2016 Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Cabernet

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate is profoundly scented of Black Forest cake, blackcurrant cordial and blueberry compote with touches of baking spices, fragrant earth, tobacco leaf and wild thyme. The medium to full-bodied palate is so vibrant and energetic with a firm, ripe, grainy frame and oodles of freshness, finishing long and mineral tinged. 500 cases produced. $450 Our Price $TBD (Arrives GT 2/11/21)

WOW-Discounted 50%
2018 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Notes of grilled peach, pear, buttered croissant, and vanilla set the stage for a rich, and full-bodied Chardonnay. The aromas expand on the palate with mouthwatering flavors of pear, apple crisp, honeysuckle, toasted coconut, and vanilla wafer. This wine’s balance and structure coupled with its bright acidity makes it an age-worthy wine to be enjoyed for several years. $25 Our Price $12.45 (Available GT and VRW)

Back in stock this afternoon!
2016 Joseph Carr Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford AVA. Located in the center of Napa, Rutherford is bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains on the west and the Vaca Range on the east. The wine was aged in French Oak for 18 months and features notes of black currant, tobacco, coffee, black cherry, and toffee. Full bodied, plush tannins and integrated acidity lead to a persistent finish. $39 Our Price $21.95 (Delicious) Available GT

Wine Spectator 94
CHÂTEAU KIRWAN Margaux 2018

This drapes wonderfully, with its range of warmed cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserve flavors displaying a cashmere feel while warmed anise, alder, juniper and bay details peek in throughout. Rich yet defined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 7,500 cases made. — JM $55 (Delicious)

Wine Spectator 95
FRÉDÉRIC ESMONIN Mazy-Chambertin 2018

Bright cherry and berry fruit introduces this elegant red, along with floral, mineral and a hint of earth notes. It's sleek and tensile, with superb balance and poise. The cherry and strawberry theme continues through the long finish. 75 cases imported. Best from 2024 through 2045. —B.S. $185 (Arrives GT 2/10/21)

Wine Advocate 95+
2016 Chateau Saint Jean Cinq Cepages Proprietary Red

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cinq Cepages Proprietary Red Wine is deep garnet-purple in color. It rocks up with expressive notions of cassis, warm plums and black raspberries plus hints of pencil shavings, lilacs, oolong tea, unsmoked cigars and charcuterie. Full-bodied, the palate explodes with youthful black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and layered. 6,497 cases were made. $90 Our Price $79.99 (Available GT)


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