November 22nd 2019 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

November 22nd 2019 Newsletter

Holiday Hours
Thursday, 11/28/19 Thanksgiving
Friday, 11/29/19 Closed
Saturday, 11/30/19 10:30 AM-4:00 PM


James Suckling 92 Points
Colomé Malbec Salta Estate 2017

Attractively concentrated style here with aromas and flavors deep in the plum and blackberry zone. Full and firm palate. Really flavorful and bold style. Drink or hold. $27 Our Price $20.99 (Arrives 11/25/19)

Vinous 93 Points
2017 Saumaize-Michelin
Pouilly Fuisse Vignes Blanches

The 2017 Pouilly-Fuissé Vignes Blanches has a very seductive, generous bouquet of precise, intense white peach and white chocolate aromas. The taut, linear palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and a vibrant, energetic finish that shimmers with nervosité. What’s not to like here? Nothing. $40 Our Price $34.99 (Arrives this afternoon)

Wine Advocate 96
2017 Hartford Court Chardonnay
Four Hearts Vineyard

The 2017 Hartford Court Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyard has a drop-dead gorgeous floral nose with notes of orange blossoms, honeysuckle and jasmine with a core of preserved lemons, candied ginger, peach cobbler and applesauce. Medium to full-bodied, it has a racy line of freshness and a wonderfully satiny texture, finishing long and citrusy. 1,739 cases produced. $50 Our Price $39.95 (Back in stock this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 91
LUJON Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2015

Refined and structured, with expressive crushed stone, blackberry and licorice flavors that take on richness and big but polished tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 474 cases made. — TF $25 Our Price $18.29 (Delicious)

Wine Spectator 96
BEAUX FRÈRES Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge The Upper Terrace 2017

Seduces you immediately, with expressive violet and dark raspberry aromas that open to polished and brilliantly structured blueberry, savory anise and tea flavors that take on richness on a long finish. Drink now through 2026. 1,850 cases made. — TF $110

Wine Advocate 95
2014 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Gallina

Of Cantina del Pino's three single-vineyard expressions, the 2014 Barbaresco Gallina is the most muscular and powerful. This is a terrific effort with dark fruit nuances, followed by spice, balsam herb and very evident mineral notes of flint and crushed granite. Those mineral notes give a salty side to this wine that is already heavily identified by its rich, fruit-forward personality. I cannot imagine a better pairing partner to the traditional foods and meat dishes of Piedmont. Only 2,000 bottles were produced. $60 Our Price $54.95

2016 J. Lohr Hilltop Paso Robles Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: 2016 Hilltop Cabernet shows dark fruit, chocolate, graphite and anise on the nose. The palate is dense and soft at once with layers of mineral, sweet oak barrel and fresh savory notes. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. $33 Our Price $26.75

Wine Advocate 94
2015 Seghesio Family Vineyards
 Zinfandel Old Vine

Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2015 Zinfandel Old Vine offers a beguiling nose of crushed blueberries, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of dried roses, licorice, incense and tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and with wonderful purity, it has an amazing frame of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 8,000 cases produced. $40 Our Price $29.99 (Arrives 11/25/19)

Wine Spectator 92
D.R. STEPHENS Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2013

Shows lots of seductive appeal, from the mocha and toasty oak introduction to the dense yet supple core of dark berry. The prominent fruit enhances the oak, while the firm tannins are caressing. An easy-drinking and pleasant young Cabernet. Drink now through 2025. 318 cases made. — JL $85 Limited

2017 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Vibrant and lively. Luli Chardonnay is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a cool-climate appellation that ensures bright acidity. The vinification captures this energy. The fruit is fermented in both neutral barrels (older cooperage that no longer imparts wood flavor) and tanks. While the barrels provide texture and lees contact, the tanks provide vibrancy and freshness. $20 Our Price $17.99

James Suckling 97 Points
2016 Larkmead Dr. Olmo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Impressive aromas of dried flowers, crushed blackberries and plums. Some sweet-tobacco undertones. Full-bodied, dusty and juicy with chewy tannins that are supple and savory, combining with the fruit. Flavorful and intense. So structured. $160 (Arrives this afternoon)

James Suckling 98 Points
Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007

This is a step up from the linear and fresh 2006. It shows subtle depth and power with a dense block of vivid fruit that's highlighted with lemon zest, green apples and hints of white peaches. Just the right amount of praline and nuts on the nose. Fine and tight bead give the Champagne a luxurious mouthfeel. One for now or the cellar. Drink or hold. $200 Our Price $131.95 (Arrives 11/25/19)


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