February 19th 2021 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 19th 2021 Newsletter

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 (Back in stock GT and VRW this afternoon)

Wine Tasting at VRW $5 per person
Try before you buy at VRW 2PM-5PM
On Deck for today: 2018 Schrader Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet
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. Internet Price $75

Next Tuesday, 2/23/21: 2018 Beaux Freres Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir
Wine Spectator 95, Top 100 #9
Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge The Beaux Frères Vineyard 2018

A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.—Tim Fish $95

Tasting Alerts: Instagram-Vintage Reserve Wine
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

2018 Vine Cliff Black Label Napa Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: The 2018 Vine Cliff Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a polished, yet brooding wine, with a deep garnet hue from layers of rich fruit. On the nose, aromatics of black cherry, briar, anise, sweet pipe tobacco, dark chocolate, and brined black olives; intermingle with hints of dried green herbs and sweet oak. On the palate, fine grained tannins give way to a silky and rich texture; balanced with dark black fruits of black cherry and cassis, blackberries, Satsuma plum, black tea, and mint. The wine finishes up with a bright ribbon of red rasberry. Internet Price $75 Email subscriber price $ (Delicious!)

James Suckling 93 Points: Aromas of blackberries and blueberries with hints of bark and black mushrooms, following through to a full body with dense, rich tannins and a savory finish.

Wine Advocate 92+
2015 Tolani Valdisante

This Tuscan blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc is all about richness and fullness, with 18 months in French oak affording it expansive notes of spice and tobacco. The 2015 Valdisanti is a very nice red to enjoy with a nice plate of your favorite grilled meats. $35 Our Price $26.99 (Back in stock GT and VRW)

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2017 Paul Hobbs Russian River Chardonnay

Leading off the Chardonnays from Hobbs, the 2017 Chardonnay Russian River Valley comes from multiple sites and spent ten months in 55% new French oak. Its medium gold color is followed by a rich, upfront bouquet of Caramelized pineapple, tangerine, honeysuckle, spice, and a touch of toasted nuts. It's rich, concentrated, has beautiful mid-palate heft, and nicely integrated acidity. It's a rocking wine as well as a great introduction into the wines of this great winemaker. $60 Our Price $49.99 (Back in stock GT and VRW this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 90
ST.-COSME Côtes du Rhône 2019

Ripe and friendly, with a blast of plum and boysenberry compote flavors laced with licorice and backed by a twinge of lavender on the plump finish. Drink now through 2022. 35,000 cases made, 20,000 cases imported.—James Molesworth. $18 Our Price $14.99 (Back in stock GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 90
VEUVE FOURNY & FILS Brut Champagne Grande Réserve NV

Firm and tangy, with a tight bead and kumquat and melon flavors married to a minerally base note and accents of toast, yellow plum, grated ginger and lemon zest. Drink now. 616 cases imported. — AN $47 Our Price $39.99 (Available GT and VRW)

WOW-Discounted 57%!
2017 Miner Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes: This crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel. With aromas of stone fruit and freshly cut herbs followed by grapefruit-melon flavors on the palate, this wine is best enjoyed in its youth. $23 Our Price $9.95 (Available GT and VRW)

2018 Pars Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Bold and balanced the 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibiting aromas of dark fruit, cassis, pepper, and smokiness accented with spice notes. A hint of forest, light cedar oak and dusty baking cocoa combine these aromatics to create this rich medium-bodied Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat dishes. $24 Liquidation Price $15.95 (Limited to stock on hand at GT)

2018 Thread Feathers
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

VWR Notes: The 2018 Thread Feathers Rutherford Cabernet has just been released and again the fruit source is a prominent Rutherford winery 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 (Back in stock GT and VRW)

2018 Austin Hope Reserve Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: This 2018 Reserve Cabernet’s depth of character is visible at first glance with an inky crimson color. On the nose, fresh muddled blueberries, burnt sugar, vanilla bean and a hint of wet leather evolve onto the palette with flavors of layered dark fruit, coco powder, grated clove and additional vanilla; a result from the extended New French Oak ageing. Firm, integrated tannins frame the structure of this Cabernet making it an exceptional example of Paso Robles terroir. $125 Our Price $108.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2017 Barnett Rattlesnake Cabernet Sauvignon

Easily the standout in the lineup, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate on Spring Mountain. It has a wonderful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, lead pencil, and damp earth. This gives way to a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has a terrific sense of purity, nicely integrated acidity, fine tannins, and beautiful balance. It will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age (it's far from unapproachable today) and keep for 15-20 years $200. Our Price $173.99 (Available GT and VRW) Delicious


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