On deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

Jeb Dunnuck 94+
2019 Groth Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

The deeper purple-hued 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a terrific Oakville effort loaded with pure cassis fruit as well as notes of spicy oak, scorched earth, and tobacco. Classic Napa Cabernet in every way, it’s medium to full-bodied, has ripe, polished tannins, a terrific spine of acidity, and the balance and purity to evolve for 20-25 years if well stored. $170

Wine Spectator 93 Points
Ruinart Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV (2022)

This graceful blanc de blancs is light on its feet and bright on the palate, yet the creamy mousse carries a concentrated range of honeyed apricot, Meyer lemon peel, white blossoms and almond pastry. Reveals hints of chalk, smoke and spices on the finish. Drink now. $92

Wine Spectator 94 Points
Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne NV (2022)

A gorgeous rosé in a rich, vinous style, this shows a satiny mousse and well-honed acidity, which buoy a detailed range of macerated raspberry fruit, dried apricot, grated ginger, graphite and chopped roasted almond flavors. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2025. $92

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Taste 2020 Pali Santa Barbara/Sonoma Pinot, 2019 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve and Opus One Overture at VRW for $15 per person.
Thursday, June 15th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Pali Wine Co. 2020 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County-Sonoma County)

This blend of grapes from the winery's estates in Santa Barbara and Sonoma shows of how distinct sides of the state can contribute to a complex wine. Aromas of dark plum, herb and light peppercorn on the nose lead into pomegranate, black raspberry, red rose and lavender flavors on the palate. MATT KETTMANN . $25

Wine Spectator 92 Points
Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve Napa Valley 2019

A nice, plush style, with cassis and cherry compote notes rolling through, laced with singed vanilla and licorice. Reveals good underlying freshness, with an echo of violet through the finish as the fruit plays out. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 20,877 cases made. $65

Opus One Overture (2022 release)

Winemaker Notes: A timeless expression of our estate vineyards, Overture is full bodied but approachable in its youth. Overture shows generous dark fruit aromas and flavors with a soft, supple mid-palate. $150

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WOW – 51% Off!
Tasting Panel 91 Points
2018 B Side North Coast Chardonnay

Opulent aromas of chamomile, buttered pecan, and lemon chiffon make an outstanding first impression. The palate does not disappoint: Rich with honeyed pear tart and bright lime, its plump body is balanced out by its fine acid structure. Aged 12 months in French oak. $20 Our Price $9.75 (Arrives GT this afternoon)

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 (Back in stock GT and VRW this afternoon)

2022 Turnbull Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: This aromatic and refreshing wines shows delicate aromas of white stone fruit blossoms, passion fruit, and a hint of wet flint. On the palate, the wine displays a soft entry with crisp acidity, adding structure and lift. Flavors of fresh white peaches couple with lemon zest and mineral notes to add complexity. $29 Our Price $24.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
Result of a Crush Syrah Walla Walla Valley The Unnamed Series 2019

Dynamic and sleekly styled, with expressive black olive, wild game and blueberry flavors that build richness toward refined, mineral-tinged tannins. Drink now through 2030. 330 cases made. $28 Our Price $25.49 (Arrives GT 6/16/23)

James Suckling 94 Points
2019 Chateau Buena Vista Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Lovely nose of blueberries, currants, hazelnuts and mint chocolate. I like the texture of the tannins, which are plush and smooth, melting into the wine. Full-bodied, creamy and already delicious. Drink from 2023. $45 Our Price $38.99 (Available GT and VRW)

2022 Alban Central Coast Viognier

Winemaker Notes: Something I hope you’ll enjoy sharing with your customers is our 2022 Central Coast Viognier: Medium straw color, deep rich nose of apricot, peach, and mango with ginger and exotic spices. Round and dense entry with classic Viognier oiliness, mouth coating while maintaining freshness with lush fruit, spice, creaminess, long with a surprising, gentle and bright upturn of acidity at the very end. The ’22 CCV cries out for some crab or shellfish but it will pair nicely with a wide array of cheeses or chicken dishes. $30

Hand harvested at night all from our estate vineyard: fermented 80% in stainless, 10% in used 300L barrels, and 10% in Clay Amphora. The finished wine was bottled in May of 2023. 500 cases produced. (Available GT 6/22/23)

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Taste 2022 Groth Napa Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Beringer Knight’s Valley Reserve Cabernet and 2019 Etude Napa Cabernet at (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, June 16th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 92 Points
GROTH Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2022

Effusive and intense, with a mouthwatering quality to the lingering notes of lemon blossoms, pomelo, fresh-cut Honeycrisp apple and candied ginger preserved in honey. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.—M.W. $30

James Suckling 95 Points
2019 Beringer Knight’s Valley Reserve Cabernet

Aromas of black tea, blackberry and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied with velvety, slightly tense tannins. Lovely black-fruited palate with dried-flower and herb character. Roses, violets and sage. Nicely balanced and long. Lovely density in the center-palate. $50

James Suckling 96 Points
2019 Etude Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Lots of blackcurrant and crushed stone on the nose, as well as some dustiness. Full-bodied, very velvety and restrained. Beautiful energy at the end. This comes mostly from Coombsville, Rutherford and Oakville vineyards. Two or three years will bring this into the right space, but already so enjoyable to taste. $100

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Taste 2022 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Provence Rose, 2019 Jax Napa Cabernet and 2018 Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Napa Cabernet at (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, June 17th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

James Suckling 91 Points
Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Provence Rose 2022

Pale apricot color with aromas of pomegranates, grapefruit, rosemary, lavender and peaches. Fresh and delicate, yet fragrant and flavorful, with a medium body and bright acidity. Lovely fresh pink fruit. Drink and enjoy. $25

James Suckling 92 Points
2019 JAX Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, dried thyme and baking spices. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and lively acidity. Creamy, with a flavorful, fresh finish. Drink or hold. $50

Wine Spectator 93 Points
SPOTTSWOODE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Lyndenhurst 2018

There's a well-endowed core of warmed cassis and steeped plum fruit here, splashed with a sassafras note and backed by roasted applewood and melted black licorice on the finish. Rich in feel throughout. Best from 2022 through 2034. —J.M. $85

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Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW)
1552 E. Champlain Drive, Ste 109 Fresno, CA 93720
Via Montana Center (NE Corner Shepherd and Champlain-Two doors south of Big 5) www.vintagereserve.biz 559-878-3953
Tuesday-Friday 12:00 Noon-6:00 PM
Saturday 12 Noon-4:00 PM

The Grape Tray (GT)
6023 N. Palm Avenue Fresno, CA 93704
Opus One Center (NW Corner Bullard and Palm)
www.grapetray.com 559-226-6828
Tuesday-Friday 10:30 AM-5:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM-4:00 PM