October 23rd 2020 Newsletter
Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points
2018 Chapoutier Mathilde Côtes de Provence Rose (71% Off of retail)
Orange blossom, white peach, and spice notes all emerge from the 2018 Côtes De Provence Grand Ferrage Rose, a juicy, vibrant rosé that has a distinct sense of minerality. Based on Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle, it’s another smoking good rosé I’d be happy to drink. $27 Liquidation Price $7.95 (Limited to stock on hand)
Wine Spectator 95
PODERE POGGIO SCALETTE
Alta Valle della Greve Il Carbonaione 2017
An alluring array of blackberry, black cherry and violet aromas introduces this supple, elegant red. Spice, mineral and tobacco elements emerge, along with firm, refined tannins, but this is all about the pure fruit. Shows terrific harmony and length. Sangiovese. Best from 2022 through 2040. 2,200 cases made, 600 cases imported. — BS $67 Our Price $51.99
Wine Spectator 95
ST.-COSME Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017
Offers mulled plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit mixed in with steeped black tea, sandalwood and tobacco leaf notes. A mineral edge adds cut and drive to the finish, while the black tea note smolders seductively. Built for the cellar. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2022 through 2036. 665 cases imported —J.M. $62
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
The Wine Advocate 92-94 Points
2018 Montlandrie, Castillon côtes de Bordeaux
Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol and is currently aging in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features fragrant notes of lilacs, Morello cherries and blueberry compote over a core of plum preserves and woodsmoke plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is richly fruited with black and blue fruits, lifted by earthy accents and lovely freshness, finishing long and velvety textured. $33 Our Price $27.45
Wine Spectator 93
LILBERT FILS Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV
This graceful Champagne is like the finely tailored suit that somehow never goes out of style, with a lovely overtone of minerally chalk and brine enticing you into the glass, where flavors of apricot and Marcona almond, and hints of passionfruit coulis and pickled ginger, ride the fine, satinlike mousse. Disgorged autumn 2018. Drink now through 2028. 150 cases imported —A.N. $70 Our Price $59.99. Half bottles $36.99
2019 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, 3 Liter
Winemaker Notes: Pale yellow with a green tinge to the hue. Aromas of yellow peach, mango with a slight citrus note intertwine seamlessly with vanilla and spice. The palate is rich and round, with the mango and vanilla fighting for the lime light, while the cream texture, vanilla and slight butter combine seamlessly. The balanced acidity closes out the finish bringing the multiple components into balance. $173/3 Liter (Arrives this afternoon)
Wine Advocate 94 Points
2018 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Estate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate, aged in 60% new François Frères barrels, has a medium ruby color and aromas of cured meats, red and black cherries, graphite, dried earth and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied, satiny palate explodes with concentrated earth- and spice-laced fruits, gently grainy, super fresh and finishing very long and uplifted. 861 cases produced. $40 (Arrives this afternoon)
Wine Advocate 95
2018 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir
The North Slope
The 2018 Pinot Noir The North Slope has a medium ruby-purple color with deep aromas of cranberries, blackberries and rhubarb accented by blood orange, pipe tobacco and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied, both powerful and elegant, with concentrated, detailed flavors, a silky, fresh frame and long, lifted finish. 1,087 cases produced. $45 (Arrives this afternoon)
Wine Advocate 92
2016 Provenance Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Blended of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec and 0.5% Petit Verdot aged for 22 months in 35% new oak (95% French and 5% Hungarian), the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford sings of crushed red and blackcurrants, black berries and menthol with touches of fragrant earth, violets and black tea plus a waft of cigar box. Full, firm and grainy, the palate delivers plenty of harmony and depth with a long earthy finish. 16,525 cases produced. $60 Our Price $34.99
Wine Advocate 96 Points
2006 Dominus Estate Proprietary Red Wine
There are 6,500 cases of the superb 2006 Dominus (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot). Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by aromas and flavors of truffles, forest floor, black cherries, black currants, and Asian spices. One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005's. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years. Market Price $195-$252. Six bottles available at $195/bottle. (Stored in an off-site cellar, so please call in advance if you would like to order)
Our door is open and a mask is required while in the store. Social distancing maintained.
If you prefer, orders can still be placed as follows:
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
www.grapetray.com
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