October 1st 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

October 1st 2019 Newsletter

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points
2017 Joseph Phelps Freestone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

The 2017 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards is a very pretty and also understated wine from Phelps. Yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all grace this expressive, pliant Chardonnay. Beams of supporting acidity support the nuanced finish. This is in a pretty restrained style for Phelps, and that is not a bad thing, as these wines have, at times, been a bit bombastic. $53 Our Price $42.95

2018 Duckhorn Napa Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc begins with enticing aromas of lemongrass, lychee, passionfruit, melon and pineapple, followed by hints of white nectarine and lime. On the juicy palate, a subtle viscosity is perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity that adds precision to the citrus and tropical fruit flavors, while driving the wine to a bright, zesty finish. Blend: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sémillon. $29 Our Price $23.99 (Arrives 10/2/19)

2017 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot

Winemaker Notes: Nose of forest floor, with blackberry, Bing cherry and bramble fruits. A hint of Rosemary. Thoughtful and focused on the palate. Intense dark fruits with notes of blackberry and blueberry Vineyards: Pratt-Sexton, Marshall, Burnside, Watertrough, Kanzler, Gap's Crown, Thorn Ridge, Freestone Clones: 667, Pommard 4, 115, 777, 828, Swan, 23, 114, 2A. $105 Our Price $99.99

Wine Spectator 93
DOMAINE FAIVELEY Mercurey Clos des Myglands 2017

A tangy, succulent style, this red exhibits cherry, raspberry, currant, spice and stony mineral aromas and flavors. Elegant and linear, extending on the long, fruit-stained aftertaste. Drink now through 2032. 2,000 cases imported. — BS $53 Our Price $41.95

2015 Bogle Phantom

Winemaker Notes: Enticing and enveloping, this mysterious apparition of ripe berry and relentless spice, returns to tantalize wine lovers. Emerging from the shadows with concentration and intensity, this wine will haunt you with every sip. Black pepper, juniper and cranberry spark your senses, while a rustic jamminess soothes your soul with its familiarity. Full bodied flavors of black plums and berries bewitch the palate. Touches of cedar boxes and spice surround the finish, as long tannins linger, languish and settle around you like a fog. 44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. $18 Our Price $13.95 (Two 3 Liter bottles available at $59.95/3L) Arrives this afternoon

2016 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: A classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, this wine combines beautiful complexity with rich intensity. Layers of blackberry, huckleberry and black currants are supported by firm, dusty tannins that frame the fruit. On the palate, it is juicy and bright, with luxurious cassis and dark berry flavors supported by notes of fig, cardamom, clove and cracked black pepper that linger on the long, well-structured finish. $75 Our Price $62.99 (Arrives 10/3/19)

Wine Spectator 90
CHATEAU ST. JEAN Sauvignon Blanc California 2017

A smooth version, offering a lip-smacking mix of lemongrass, pear, lime sherbet and orange blossom notes on a light and airy frame, with plenty of intensity and vivid acidity to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. Drink now. 8,132 cases made. $13 Our Price $10.95

Wine Advocate 94+
2017 Eisele Vineyard Napa Sauvignon Blanc

Bottled in late July, the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is a real step up from previous vintages, springing from the glass with vibrant lime cordial, orange blossom and grapefruit notes with touches of allspice, honeysuckle, ripe pears, white peaches and struck flint. Medium-bodied with a suggestion of satin to the texture and a fantastic intensity of exuberant citrus fruits and mineral notes, it delivers a very long, refreshing finish. This should age beautifully! $100

Back in stock! WOW-74% discount!
2014 Rosenblum Rockpile Zinfandel

Winemaker Notes: The power and grace of our Rockpile Road Zinfandel is a culmination of its unique climate, soil and pedigree. Bold, dark fruit, redolent with blueberries and boysenberry jam, shapes the core and establishes the masculine, mountain character of this high-elevation Zinfandel. Black pepper, cocoa and toasted oak spices weave through the multiple layers, joined by big, chewy tannins. Low yields in 2014 further enhanced concentrated flavors, delivering red fruit tones that lend elegance and promise good aging potential. From one of the great AVAs, our Rockpile Road Zinfandel packs a truckload of berries on the palate. Medium to full bodied, this a superb choice with barbecued pork ribs. $42 Our Price $10.95

Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva

Winemaker Notes: A noble and austere sparkling cava. Greenish yellow in colour with golden glints, it's clear and star bright. A persistent, elegant stream of bubbles rise to form a perfect rosary on the surface. Complex aromas of white fruits with hints of wood. Fresh, well-balanced and elegant on the palate with an excellent final sensation. $10 Our Price $7.95 (Great Value)

James Suckling 92 Points
2016 Beringer Luminus
Oak Knoll District Napa Valley Chardonnay

Attractive freshness and gently flinty citrus fruits. Aromas of melon and hazelnut nougat follow and lead to a palate with lemon, grapefruit, grilled peaches and nectarines. Layered and textural. Some pithy grip to close. This has attractive freshness and composure. Drink now. $39 Internet Price $19.99. In-Store Price $14.95

Wine Advocate 94
2016 Stags' Leap Winery Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 5% Rhône varieties aged in 37% new French oak for 20 months. Deep purple-black in color, it opens with crushed blueberries, black cherries and cassis with touches of yeast extract, beef dripping, bay leaves and cedar with a waft of lilacs. Medium-bodied and wonderfully elegant in the mouth, the palate reveals fantastic energy with a firm, grainy frame and long, mineral-laced finish. 60,500 cases produced. $60 Our Price $44.99

Wine Spectator 92
ALBERT BICHOT Puligny-Montrachet Les Perrières 2017

This is sumptuous, featuring peach and melon fruit wrapped in appealing toasty oak. This harmonious white starts out on the soft side, gaining structure as the long aftertaste extends. Drink now through 2023. 80 cases imported. — BS $137 Our Price $125.99 Limited

Wine Spectator 95
CAYMUS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection 2015

This delivers almost unbridled plum sauce, blackberry preserves and melted licorice flavors, but keeps a smoldering edge for form while picking up alluring black tea and incense notes on the broad finish. There's a long echo of chocolate adding to this hedonist's delight. Drink now through 2032. 23,165 cases made. — JM $180 Our Price $169.95



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