March 19th, 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

March 19th, 2019 Newsletter

Wine Advocate 92
2016 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc Estate

The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Estate delivers intense passion fruit, white peach and grapefruit notes with touches of musk perfume, wet slate and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate offers bags of stone fruit and citrus flavors, with a racy backbone and long mineral-tinged finish. 7,500 cases produced. $33 Our Price $19.45

James Suckling 90
Château Brondelle Graves 2015

Surprisingly firm and linear with a focused berry and cherry character, as well as hints of chocolate and spices. Medium to full body, bright acidity and a chewy finish. Give it one or two years to round out the tannins. Try in 2020. $22 Liquidation Price $14.95 (Limited to stock on hand)

Wine Spectator 90
PALI WINE CO. Pinot Noir
 Sonoma Coast Riviera 2017

Ripe, with mocha and espresso accents to the concentrated dark fruit and Asian spice flavors. Dark chocolate notes lengthen out nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 7,366 cases made.—K.M. $25 Our Price $19.99

Wine Spectator 95
DOMAINE DES BAUMARD
Savennières Clos du Papillon 2015

This is very alluring, with salted butter, blanched almond and tarragon highlights amid the core of creamed pear, green plum and white ginger flavors. The distinctive mouthfeel combines creamy and zesty elements, while racy minerality extends the finish. Drink now through 2035. 400 cases imported. –JM $50 Our Price $46.99 (Delicious)

Wine Spectator 91
SMITH & HOOK Proprietary Red Wine Blend Central Coast 2015

A big, strapping red, with ripe dark fruit flavors that are filled with Asian spice accents. Features hot stone notes mid-palate and a complex finish that shows dark chocolate and forest floor details. Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2023. 13,000 cases made.—K.M. $25 Our Price $17.99 (Arrives 3/20/19)

2017 Roar Garys’ SLH Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: Combines classic leather, dark fruit, and earth with cherry cream, cola, and sage-like chaparral. The herb and leather elements bring balance to a palate full of dense berry and jam. Toasty oak notes extend through the finish, and as it opens up, this wine continues to reward the palate with a seamless, complex expression of Garys’ Vineyard and the cooler end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Clones: Calera and Pisoni. $60 (Arrives 3/20/19)

Vinous 94 Points
Casanova di Neri 2013 Brunello di Montalcino

Luminous deep red. Captivating aromas of sweet red berries, cinnamon, violet and licorice. Then also very fruity in the mouth; refined, juicy red plum and raspberry flavors linger brightly on the fresh back end. Has a delightful red fruit cocktail quality that makes it practically impossible to put the glass back down. And though it is simply bursting at the seams with early appeal, this truly lovely Brunello will also age well. Unless my memory fails me, this may well be the best entry-level wine from Casanova di Neri that I have ever tasted. $67 Our Price $57.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

2016 FAMILLE BRUNIER Le Pigeoulet Vaucluse

Winemaker Notes: The Bruniers’ vineyards in the La Crau cru of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are the most pedigreed of the appellation, producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity. Since purchasing Domaine La Roquète in 1986, the family has complemented their portfolio with additional wines, offering more affordable cuvées that showcase the diversity of terroirs within their holdings. The “Pigeoulet” and “Mégaphone” are fresh, rich in fruit, pleasantly representative of their terroir, and easy to appreciate young. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5 $19 Our Price $15.95

Wine Advocate 95
2015 Hartford Court Pinot Noir
Land’s Edge Vineyards

One of the brilliant efforts from Hartford Court is the 2015 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards. From a site located only four miles from the Pacific Ocean, this wine has a saturated ruby/purple color and a beautiful concentration of blueberry, black raspberry and black cherry, some crushed rock and spring flowers. The terrific fruit on the attack and mid-palate, the full-bodied finish and intensity are all promising in this brilliant effort. Drink it over the next decade. $50 Our Price $42.99

2016 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Fresh aromatics and a focused mouthfeel. Weather conditions and stressed vines allowed for harvesting of lower brix, which in turn provides a vibrant, uplifting quality. Floral aromas are matched with undertones of blood orange and stone fruit. A juicy, slightly weighted mid-palate from the neutral oak barrels transitions seamlessly to minerality and mouthwatering acidity. $20 Our Price $17.99

Wine Spectator 94
GRAHAM Tawny Port Single Harvest The Apprentice 1994

Toasted sesame, caramel, hazelnut and cinnamon notes lead the way, backed by a caressing feel on the finish, as sandalwood, golden raisin and bergamot accents chime in. Shows refinement throughout. Drink now. 200 cases made. –JM $150 Our Price $125.99 Limited (Arrives this afternoon)



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