July 7th 2020 Newsletter
2018 Francois Crochet Sancerre Rosé
Importer Notes: It’s never easy to pick a favorite wine, especially if you’ve made it a habit to drink your way around Europe. We couldn’t say which rosé in our collection tops our list, but if we were to choose the most complex, it might be François Crochet’s Sancerre rosé made of Pinot Noir.
A textbook example of finely wrought Sancerre rosé, François’ are hard to keep your hands off, but age effortlessly. (Tip: Don’t believe what people say about the ageability of rosé—Pinot Noir rosés, especially those from northern France, are even better the following year, and it'd be wise to plan for your future summer rosé parties by putting a few of these away till next year!) A short maceration on the skins laces this wine’s charming but deeply layered nose with the essence of elegant green citrus, dark pink rose, passionfruit, and a sweet green herbs. On the palate, mineral and acidic freshness are gifted from this great wine land of the north, making it a pleasant, electric experience. $30 Our Price $26.95 (Back in stock 7/8/20)
2017 Virginia Marie Lambrix (VML)
Russian River Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: Incredibly pretty, floral, fruit-centric, and slightly spicy. Oak inspires hints of graham cracker and vanilla, and the finish finds pert acidity, bing cherries, and rose petals. $44 Our Price $21.95
James Suckling 90 Points
2018 Raeburn Russian River Chardonnay
This has a very rich and fleshy feel with intense, ripe peaches that pervade the nose and palate. There’s a really concentrated feel here. Ripe, too. Drink now. $17 Our Price $12.35
92 Points - SF Int'l Wine Competition
2017 Roth Alexander Valley Cabernet
Winemaker Notes: Bold, full-bodied and rich. Mighty aromas of black cherry, cassis, wet stone and sweet oak. Rich, layered flavors of red currant, blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla complement the firm tannins. Structured and powerful, this Cab lingers on the finish. $28 Our Price $20.99 (Back in stock 7/8/20)
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
Wine Advocate 92
2015 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple and gives very pretty notes of crushed red currants, black cherries and black currants with touches of camphor, pencil shavings, lilacs and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a taut structure of grainy tannins and great freshness supporting the muscular red and black fruits, finishing with a lingering minty lift. 2,500 cases produced. $35 Our Price $30.55
Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
2017 Venge Silencieux Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
This hearty wine is blended with 4% Petit Verdot. Grippy, rich and viscous, it has intense fruit flavors of plum and cassis, with supple, integrated tannins. The whole is a testament to good grapes and great winemaking, blending together seven sites across the valley. $50 Our Price $38.99 (Back in stock 7/8/20)
2017 J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes: Light straw in color, this 2017 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay exhibits intriguing aromas of Meyer lemon cream, yellow flowers, baked pear, crème brûlée and toasted hazelnuts. The rich palate texture is derived from the use of classic Burgundian techniques, such as primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring of the lees during aging. The texture is balanced by fresh flavors of apple, pear, and citrus, with a long, sweet oak finish. $25 Our Price $19.45
2015 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Notes: Pure elegance in a glass. Aromas of black cherries, pomegranate, dried cranberries and a hint of graphite channel classic Bordeaux. Its lovely, silky texture coats the palate with layers of black cherries and a touch of cedar from French oak’s fine tannins. From beginning to end, the balance carries all the way through. Enjoy now after decanting for 60 minutes or cellar through 2029-2034. $62 Our Price $55.99
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
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 (Back in stock 7/10/20)
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Email stan@grapetray.com or call 559-226-6828
~Local orders: Email or call with your order and we will contact you when the order is ready for curbside pick-up
~Or, place your order using our website: grapetray.com
The Grape Tray 559-226-6828
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