February 14th, 2020 Newsletter - The Grape Tray

February 14th, 2020 Newsletter

Presidents’ Day Holiday
We will be closed on Monday, 2/17/20

Wine Spectator 94
BUCKLIN Ancient Field Blend Old Hill Ranch Sonoma Valley 2016

Loaded with personality and appealingly exotic, this offers a structured core, wrapped in wild berry, cracked pepper, forest floor and black licorice flavors, building richness toward refined tannins. Zinfandel, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grand Noir, Syrah and Carignane. Drink now through 2030. —T.F. 456 cases made $36 Our Price $32.99

Wine Spectator 91
BUCKLIN Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Bambino Field Blend Old Hill Ranch 2017

Lively and briary, with expressive raspberry, smoky tarragon and cracked pepper flavors that pick up speed toward well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2028. 569 cases made. — TF $24 Our Price $21.99

Discounted 70% off of the retail price!
2015 Paraiso Monterey Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of peach, lemon-lime and green apple with flavors of toasted nuts, nectarine and apple. A rich mouth feel with a long full flavored finish. $25 Our Price $7.45 (Our initial price of $6.45 was incorrect and the actual discounted price is $7.45)

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

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
2017 Sobon Estate Rocky Top
Amador County Zinfandel

Dried fruit aromas, deep flavors, full body and moderate tannins add up to a robust, berry-drenched wine that packs a big punch. Blackberries, dried figs and light spicy accents fill out the palate and linger a bit on the finish. $17 Our Price $11.99 (Arrives 2/18/20)

Wine Spectator 96
E. GUIGAL Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2015

Dark and winey, this is youthfully tight, with a core of intense black cherry and black currant preserves, encased within layers of olive, singed alder, juniper and iron. Very focused and driven through the finish. Cellar for maximum effect. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 23,333 cases made, 700 cases imported. — JM $75 Our Price $63.99 Limited (Arrives this afternoon)

Fonseca Siroco White Port

Winemaker Notes: Pale straw gold in color, the wine is lightly sweet with a vibrant acidity and round, velvety texture. White fruit aromas and flavors are offset by light oak notes. Customarily served chilled as an aperitif, on the rocks or with tonic or sparkling water. $17 Our Price $14.25 (Back in stock this afternoon)

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
2017 Shafer One Point Five
Stag’s Leap Cabernet

Cut from the same cloth, yet with a touch of rusticity in its tannins, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five offers a full-bodied, rounded, structured style as well as loads of sweet red and black fruits, toasted spice, and herbed de Provence like notes. It’s a powerful, concentrated wine, has loads of fruit, and is going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. $100

Wine Spectator 92
SHAFER TD-9 Napa Valley 2017

Rich and full of dense and spicy dark plum, dried blackberry and mocha flavors. Dark chocolate and smoky notes show on the ripe finish, with dried savory herbal accents. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2023. 8,000 cases made. — KM $60

2017 Lewis Napa
 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Very short yields in 2017 from a small collection of hillside and bench-land vineyards in Calistoga, Rutherford and Oak Knoll created a wine of Napoleonic stature – compact and powerful with a winning character. A battalion of ripe black fruit and blueberry compote is infused with sultry spices, charcuterie, clove and dark chocolate aromas. Expansive on entry, the broad-reaching palate develops a tailing regiment with crushed rock, toffee and polished tannins. $175 Our Price $159.99 (Arrives 2/19/20)

Jeb Dunnuck 97+ Points
2016 Crown Point Happy Canyon Cabernet

The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated cuvée is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (92% Cabernet Sauvignon with tiny amounts of the other varieties on the property). It’s cut from the same cloth as the Estate Selection, yet with just a touch more classic Cabernet blue fruits, purity, and precision. Blackcurrants, cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and lead pencil notes all give way to a powerful, concentrated, beautifully pure Cabernet that has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless texture, building tannins, and a great, great finish. It's another magical wine from this team that's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. $150 Delicious!

About The Winemaker: Born and raised in France, Simon Faury earned his Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Bordeaux and has since worked in some of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, including Barolo, Bordeaux, Yarra Valley, Mendoza and Napa Valley. Armed with an impressive resume that includes such esteemed names as Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, Domaine de Chevalier, Cantina Rizzi, Robert Mondavi Winery, Bodega Michel Rolland, Harlan Estate and Merryvale Vineyards. Simon brings a depth of experience to his role at Crown Point, ever driven by his passion, focus and commitment to excellence.


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