February 17th 2021 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 17th 2021 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 93 Points
TABLAS CREEK Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles 2019

Aromatic and complex, with a refreshing thread of acidity weaving in and out among orange blossom, almond cake and Fuji apple notes. Lemon zest and ruby grapefruit details linger on the long, expressive finish. Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Clairette Blanche. Drink now. 2,380 cases made.—M.W. $25 Internet Price $19.99 (Arrives GT 2/18/21)

Wine Advocate 94 Points
2016 Ellena Giuseppe Barolo Ascheri

This is a small release, with only 2,500 bottles hitting the market now. The Ellena Giuseppe 2016 Barolo Ascheri shows an attractive ruby color and aromas of wild berry, licorice, blood orange and earth that are folded neatly into the mid-weight intensity of the wine. These results are linear and direct, with the soft, silky tannins that are a hallmark of Nebbiolo from La Morra. This comes from a small parcel (measuring under one hectare) planted to 50-year-old vines. $60 Our Price $52.99 (Available GT)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
CLOUDY BAY Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2020

Tasting Note: Vibrant and intense, a mouthwatering mix of lemon meringue, ruby grapefruit, lime sherbet and dried pineapple notes that leap out the glass with equally intense aromatics. A hint of lemon verbena and dried ginger linger on the finish. Drink now. —M.W. $32 Internet Price $28.99 (Available VRW 2/18/21)

Wine Spectator 94 Points
DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2017

A silky, perfumy style, with long, refined threads of raspberry, red currant and plum coulis providing form, while flashes of anise, black tea and mineral add range and nuance throughout. Very fresh in the end too. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2022 through 2036. 90 cases imported —J.M. $73 Our Price $59.99 (Arrives GT 2/19/21)

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
2014 Joseph Carr Revelist Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine has a classic nose of pencil shavings, cedar and ripe black plum, following through on the palate in similar fashion. Full bodied and highly concentrated, it layers in flavors of cherry compote and dark chocolate. $60 Our Price $24.35 (Available GT and VRW) This wine displays characteristics of a mature Napa Cab and requires decanting.

Wine Spectator 94 Points
DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hautes Brusquières Cuvée Spéciale 2017

Sleek and still tightly coiled, this has ample reserves of raspberry, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, along with enticing black tea, anise and apple wood accents. A suave wine, with latent minerality underscoring the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. Best from 2023 through 2038. 100 cases imported —J.M. $73 Our Price $59.99 (Arrives GT 2/19/21)

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points
2018 Lail Blueprint Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

From a range of sites and expertly blended by Philippe Melka and his team, this wine has 5% Petit Verdot and spent 18 months in French oak, half of it new. Black olive, pencil shaving, sage and cedar provide a savory context against which concentrated black cherry and plum play. Coffee makes an appearance on the finish. Enjoy 2028-2035. Internet Price $75 (Arrives GT 2/18/21)

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 GT 2/18/21)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 Points
2017 Keenan Winery Cabernet Franc
Upper Bowl Spring Mountain

The 2017 Cabernet Franc Upper Bowl Vineyard is a gorgeous wine that brings together all the best of the Keenan house style. Deep and fleshy in the glass, with lovely aromatic top notes, the 2017 is wonderfully deep and expressive, always in the mid-weight style that is such a house signature. 2020 - 2032 $72 Our Price $62.99

James Suckling 92 Points
Castello Monterinaldi Chianti Classico 2016

A compressed Chianti Classico with plum and cherry character on the nose and palate with citrus undertones. It’s medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a medium fruity finish. Drink or hold. $23 Our Price $19.99

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
2018 Caterwaul Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon

Coming from the Stags Leap region, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Regusci has a deep, opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with ample dark chocolate, Christmas spice, candied violets, and flowery incense. This rich, powerful Stags Leap Cabernet has full-bodied richness, wonderful purity of fruit, and a concentrated yet also lively, juicy style that stays light and weightless on the palate. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years. $96 (Arrives GT 2/18/21) Limited

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 Points
2018 Caterwaul Napa Cemetery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cemetery Vineyard is a new wine from this range, emerges from a parcel in St. Helena, you guessed it, right by the cemetery. Inky, rich and explosive, the Cemetery captures all the exuberance that makes wines from St. Helena so appealing, especially Cabernets from this central part of town. Rich red fruit, sweet floral notes, spice and crushed rocks abound. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this gem. What a wine! $130 (Arrives GT 2/18/21) Limited

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
2018 Mending Wall Tournahu
 Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Mending Wall Tournahu jumps out of the glass upon first swirl, with a substantial amount of pure fruit. This wine brings depth and complexity through the begging middle and end stages of the pallet. This 2018 shows as a full-bodied red with great Tobacco and herbal undertones, which complement the natural tannin and minerality in this wine. A wine that is ready to drink now, with the backbone to carry it through bottle aging. Single Vineyard Cabernet. $126 (Available GT) Limited


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