May 14th 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

May 14th 2019 Newsletter

Wine Spectator 92
LUJON Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley 2016

Broad-shouldered yet agile, with expressive blackberry and cherry flavors accented by bay leaf and espresso notes, building richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2027. 602 cases made. — TF $25 (Arrives 5/24/19)

2018 Alban Central Coast Viognier

Alban’s Central Coast and it’s a serious winner in 2018. Possessing an elegant, medium to full-bodied, ultrapure profile as well as classic notes of caramelized citrus, white flowers, and hints of orange marmalade with a lush oily texture, it’s well worth a multi-bottle purchase and will keep for 2-3 years. Jeb Dunnuck. $26 (Arrives 5/15/19)

Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 Points
2016 Alban Patrina Estate Syrah

The 2016 Patrina is another beautiful, elegant wine that has classic Alban depth and richness as well as notes of crème de cassis, smoked meats, iodine, and hints of bacon fat. Unfortunately, quantities are down 50% due to berry shrivel, yet the wine is a stunning, full-bodied, silky Syrah that will drink beautifully for a decade. Patrina is bacon, smoked meats, and deep fruit, all framed with what one can reasonably call the ‘Alban Style’. It’s dense, concentrated, dark, and long with restraint. 60% new French oak, 26 months program 100% Estate Syrah. $48 (Arrives 5/15/19)

Wine Spectator 92
FLOWERS Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017

Big and rich, with flavors of plum tart, dried strawberry and red currant, supported by crunchy acidity. Cedar and hot stone notes emerge on the pure-tasting, minerally finish. Drink now through 2024. 23,000 cases made.—K.M. $50 Our Price $40.99

Wine Spectator 92
TAMBER BEY Chardonnay
Yountville Sans Chêne 2017

Aromas of fresh Key lime give this a zesty persona, along with a vibrant core of lively flavors that dance on the palate. Drink now. 1,500 cases made. –JL $36 Our Price $30.99 (Back in stock) Delicious

Wine Spectator 93
ROAR Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Garys’ Vineyard 2017

Refined and precise, with good cut to the dried red currant and raspberry flavors, backed by firm acidity and silky tannins. Savory and underbrush notes emerge on the powerful finish. 756 cases made. Drink now through 2024.—K.M $62 (Back in stock 5/15/19)

Wine Spectator 95
PAHLMEYER Chardonnay Napa Valley 2017

Unctuous, featuring succulent flavors of pear tart, dried tropical fruits, quince jelly and apple pastry, loaded with cream and spice details. The long finish is filled with light buttery accents and hints of hazelnut. Drink now through 2025. From California.—K.M. $80 (We received another 6 pack)

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
L’Ecole No. 41 Old Vine Chenin Blanc

Old-vine Chenin Blanc is becoming increasingly rare in the state as vines are pulled out to replant more profitable varieties. What a shame. The aromas here offer notes of freshly sliced pear, cantaloupe, banana, melon rind and papaya. The bone-dry palate brings an abundant tropical-fruit flavor and a strong sense of acidity. It lingers on the finish. $15 Our Price $13.95

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

2017 San Simeon Monterey Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: San Simeon Pinot Noir is a rich, fruit-driven wine with ripe flavors of strawberry and raspberry. The mouth is soft and round with a lingering finish. Aromas of bright red fruit, cinnamon, and oak spice are revealed on the fragrant nose. $25 Our Price $19.95

Wine Spectator 90
FITZ-RITTER Riesling Pfalz Dürkheim 2017

This fruity Riesling is textured, with crunchy acidity and savory mineral details underscoring notes of yellow apple, lemon oil and coriander. Very open, with nice concentration, but shows good balance and complexity. Drink now through 2025. 250 cases made, 28 cases imported. –AZ $17 Our Price $13.99

Wine Spectator 92
TURLEY Zinfandel California Juvenile 2017

Vibrant and zesty, with lively cherry and raspberry flavors, accented by smoky sage and peppery licorice notes. Drink now through 2026. 15,000 cases made. — TF $20 Our Price $22.99 (Back in stock 5/15/19)

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
2015 Torrin The Banshee
Paso Robles Rhone Blend

Leading off the Paso Robles Torrin releases, the 2015 The Banshee checks in as a blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 25% Mourvèdre that spent 22 months in a combination of 300- and 400-liter barrels, 35% being new. Rocking levels of black and blue fruit as well as subtle violets, spring flowers, and classic Paso Robles minerality all emerge from this layered, medium to full-bodied effort that shines both for its richness and elegance. Drink it any time over the coming decade. $75

Wine Spectator 97
ANTINORI Toscana Tignanello 2016

A big, lush style, this red delivers pure aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry, violet, flint, tobacco and baking spices. This is supple, yet backed by a firm, dense matrix of tannins, so all the components are there, but this needs time to integrate. Lovely sweet, ripe finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2040. From Italy.—B.S. $130 Our Price $119.95 (Back in stock)


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