February 9th 2021 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 9th 2021 Newsletter

Try before you buy at VRW this Friday from 2PM-5PM $5
2016 Silver Oak Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Our 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with a magenta rim. It has an enticing nose of cassis, blackberry, vanilla, sage and spearmint. Upon entry, this wine builds from potpourri and bramble to a bright pop of raspberry on the mid-palate. A juicy finish with chewy tannins and a medium length, it will provide drinking pleasure through 2042 with proper cellaring. $90

2017 Ovid Experiment 2.7 Proprietary Red

Winemaker Notes: Winemaker Notes: The 2017 Experiment N2.7 is the second vintage from this series. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with small, nearly equal amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine intrigues with notes of blackberry, cola, cocoa nibs, licorice and pencil shavings. Richness and purity of expression grace the palate in this neighborly adventure that should delight for years to come. 70% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 7% Cab Franc. $190

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


WOW-Discounted 50%
Wine Advocate 92 Points
2016 Siduri Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot

Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Van Der Kamp Vineyard is scented of violets, chocolate covered cherries and black raspberries with notions of tilled soil and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied and packed with fragrant black and red fruits, it has a solid frame of fine-grained tannins and great freshness, finishing long and layered. 5,880 cases were made. $50 Internet Price $39.99. Email subscriber price $25 (Arrives GT and VRW 2/11/21)

Wine Spectator 93
CARLISLE Zinfandel Russian River Valley Piner-Olivet Ranches 2018

A briary and zesty red, with a core of vibrant acidity wrapped in red plum and cherry flavors, accented by grilled anise and pepper notes. Builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 470 cases made. — TF $40 (Available GT)

Wine Spectator 91
LAFOND Syrah Sta. Rita Hills SRH 2016

This sleek red is compelling, with fresh black raspberry flavors that show a whiff of smoky meat and cracked pepper. Drink now through 2026. 2,000 cases made. — TF $24 Our Price $21.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Advocate 96 Points
2018 Ridge Geyserville

The 2018 Geyserville is a blend of 68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. It's incredibly alluring, offering up layers of warm, tricolored fruits and loads of spicy accents on the nose, with a dusty, mineral-tinged undercurrent that adds to its appeal. In the mouth, it's generously fruited and fantastically juicy, its silt-like tannins providing just enough support, and it finishes very long and layered. 9,900 cases produced. $45 Our Price $39.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Advocate 91-93 Points
2018 De Sales Pomerol

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 De Sales rocks up with expressive blackberries and black cherries notes with an undercurrent of tilled soil, truffles and mossy bark. Medium to full-bodied, it has a solid structure of ripe, rounded tannins and impressive freshness, finishing with bright black fruit layers. $36 (Available GT)

Vinotheque wine storage unit for sale
Capacity: 544 bottles. Wood racking will accommodate 60 large bottles and there is space above the rack for magnums and 3 liter bottles. Dimensions: 84” x W 52” x D 28”
Contact: Maureen 559-760-6541
(Cooling unit needs to be serviced) $500 or best offer.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93+
2018 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot

The 2018 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce is bright, floral and super-finessed. This mid-weight, focused Pinot has so much to offer. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, lavender and spice are all finely-knit Pinot from Hansel. Time in the glass brings out the wine's textural depth and resonance. I would give the 2018 at least a year or two in the bottle. $48 (Available GT)

2019 Paco and Lola Albarino

Winemaker Notes: Attractive straw color with hints of green in the rim. Clean and brilliant. Very expressive and harmonious nose. Fine notes of white fruit (green apples, pear) and lemony aromas. Hints of herbs (basil) and flower blossom base notes. Surprising aromatic intensity. Clean and textured. Seductive exotic palate of pineapple and mango intermingled with refreshing citrus flavors amplified by minerally accents. Silky but yet full bodied, with long lingering finish. Round and very tasty. $20 Our Price $16.99 (Available GT)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 96 Points
2016 Keenan Spring Mountain
 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is dense, powerful and incredibly inviting. The 2016 brings together dense, unctuous fruit and terrific freshness. A classically built medium-bodied wine of the style that are seldom found in Napa Valley today. Hints of sage, lavender, espresso and menthol add aromatic intrigue, but it is the wine's balance and sense of proportion that I find most alluring today. This is a fabulous showing from Robert Keenan. Drinking window: 2022 - 2036 $120 (Arrives GT 2/11/21)



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