The Grape Tray will be open on Monday during the month of December

Grape Tray
Monday, 12/11 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, 12/12 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, 12/13 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, 12/14 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday, 12/15 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday, 12/16 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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Vintage Reserve Wine
Tuesday, 12/12 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 12/13 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
Thursday, 12/14 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
Friday, 12/15 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
Saturday, 12/16 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM

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On Deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 #1 Wine of the year 2023
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
2021 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Estate

A deep transparent ruby, the elegant 2021 Pinot Noir Estate displays a refined, classic appeal in its notes of wild raspberry, fresh roses, and forest herbs. Medium-bodied, it reveals fine tannins and remarkable purity throughout its fresh, well-balanced layers of orange peel, ripe red cherry, and floral, spicy notes that continue long on the palate. A beautiful Pinot with a lot of immediate appeal, it will continue to drink well over the next 6-8 years. This stunning wine far exceeds its entry-level status. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

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Taste Gaston Chiquet Brut Rosé Champagne NV and 2013 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Rare at Vintage Reserve Wine for $25 per person.
Tuesday, December 12th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 91 Points
Gaston Chiquet Brut Rosé Champagne NV (2023 Review)

Boasts bright acidity and a zesty mousse, which create a vivacious frame for flavors of crushed blackberry and boysenberry, whole-grain toast and crystallized honey. Well-balanced and integrated, with a spiced finish. Disgorged March 2022. Drink now. 450 boxes imported. $60

Wine Spectator 95 Points
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Rare 2013

An elegant, finessed Champagne, with the creamy mousse carrying a finely meshed yet concentrated range of blackberry puree and poached apricot flavors, plus blood orange peel, salted pistachio and aromatic accents of verbena, chalk and oyster shell. Shows mouthwatering acidity that carries the complex profile on the long finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2038. 500 cases imported. $260

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Taste 2019 Dehlinger Altamont Russian River Pinot Noir and 2021 Aubert CIX Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $25 per person.
Wednesday, December 13th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

ANTONIO GALLONI 93 POINTS
2019 Dehlinger Altamont Russian River Pinot Noir

The 2019 Pinot Noir Altamont is a gorgeous wine. At present, the Altamont is quite closed, as if all of its energy is focused inward. Wild red cherry, lavender, rose petal, kirsch, mint and blood orange all run through the 2019. There's lovely depth and density here. $65

Wine Advocate 95 Points
2021 Aubert CIX Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

The Pinot Noir portions of the CIX Estate vineyard were planted to selections from Calera and Vosne-Romanée in 2008, with the first vintage produced in 2011. There are 500 cases of the 2021 Pinot Noir CIX Estate, made in a surprisingly delicate and leaner style. Raspberry fruit predominates, accented by attractive sous-bois complexity in this bright, spicy effort. Medium-bodied, silky and crisp, it finishes long and softly dusty, with great length. CA Market Price $190-$215

Producer Notes: Our first ever Estate Pinot Noir, the CIX is Grand Cru Aubert. This Pinot is our most reminiscent of red Burgundy. This cooler site in Forestville creates an ethereal, delicate, and elegant wine.

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Taste 2022 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge, 2020 Morgan Cotes du Crow's and 2021 Melville Donna’s Syrah at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Thursday, December 14th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

James Suckling 91 Points
2022 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge

Raspberries, fresh cherries, redcurrants and bay leaves on the nose follow through to a medium body with finely grained tannins. Suave and playful with bright acidity, crunchy fruit and a fresh, fruity finish. 54% syrah, 29% grenache, 13% mourvedre, 3% counoise and 1% terret noir. $22

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
Morgan Cotes du Crow's 2020

This is a smashing deal every vintage, and this year's blend of 58% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 3% Tempranillo doesn't disappoint. Fresh but savory aromas of roasted red fruit and baking spice drop into a tightly wound palate of snappy red currant and light pepper that rides a zippy acidity through the finish. $22

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
2021 Melville Donna’s Syrah

The 2021 Syrah Donna's is all varietal and comes from the Melville Vineyard. Its vivid ruby/plum hue is followed by classic Syrah notes of ripe blackberries, mulberries, pepper, violets, and gamey meats. These carry to a full-bodied Syrah with ultra-fine tannins, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and a gorgeous finish. This absolutely captivating Syrah is already impossible to resist yet is going to evolve for 15-20 years with ease. It's up with the finest vintages of this cuvée produced. Hats off to Chad Melville for a brilliant, world class Syrah! $60

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Wine Spectator 92 Points
Sobon Estate Zinfandel Amador County Rocky Top 2021

Jammy and plump, this Zin shows dark cherry, licorice and cracked pepper flavors, ending with a rich, generous finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,897 cases made. $20 Our Price $12.99 (Arrives GT 12/13/23)

Tasting Panel 93 Points
2021 Raeburn Sonoma Chardonnay

We've long been fans of this 100% barrel-fermented wine aged in sur lie for nine months in French and Hungarian oak, but this vintage displays a surge of aromatics and flavors that is truly impressive. Ripe pear and lemon blossom perfume the air as the luxe mouthfeel of honeyed melon caresses the tongue. Intermingling notes of wet stone, charred caramel and yellow apple connect to an arch of bright acidity. The finish is juicy, with a twist of tangerine. $20 Our Price $14.99 (Back in stock GT this afternoon)

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2020 Peter Michael L'Esprit Des Pavots

Inky red with a purple tinge, the 2020 L'Esprit Des Pavots is brooding with spice, black cherry preserve, forest earth, and black licorice. It’s full-bodied, rounded, and gushing with boysenberry, with a balance of sweet fruit and savory Sonoma character in its notes of tea leaf, wildflowers, and lightly toasted spices. Long on the palate, with ripe tannins and a good finish, it’s attractive now and will drink well over the next 10 years. $150 Our Price $129.99 (Back in stock GT 12/14/23)

James Suckling 95 Points
2019 Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red

A pinpointed red with currants, cherries, plums, chocolate with walnut undertones. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins. Attractive length. Blend of 93% cabernet sauvignon and rest cabernet franc. Drink or hold. $300 (Back in stock GT 12/14/23)

Wine Spectator 94 Points
Louis Roederer Brut Champagne 2015

A bright, chalky Champagne, finely balanced and appealing, with a range of nectarine and strawberry fruit flavors, plus notes of almond biscotti, pink grapefruit pith and elderflower. Packs a vivacious mousse that dances a foxtrot on the palate, carrying the flavors on the racy, lingering finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2030. 741 cases. $110 Our Price $89.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 96 Points
2019 Mayacamas Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

Loaded with character and energy, this version reveals heavy notes of zesty sweet bay leaf and sassafras that infuse a core of steeped red currant and mulberry fruit, all carried by bright acidity and iron-laced tannins. The long finish pulls everything together, with the fruit, savory and mineral elements in harmony. Showing an old-school touch, this has a long life ahead. Best from 2025 through 2045.”—James Molesworth. $185 (Available GT and VRW)

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Taste 2021 Hudson Carneros Chardonnay, 2020 Iconoclast Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Hall Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, December 15th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 94 Points
Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros 2021

Impressive for the generous, plump flavors and the restraint and elegance of the candied ginger peel, briny preserved lemon, peppery white flower and buttery peach pastry flavors on a plush frame. Reveals a juicy thread of acidity. Drink now. 1,638 cases made. $75

2020 Iconoclast Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon is artisanally crafted with bold, bright dark fruit flavors and hints of baking spice from 20 months of French oak aging. The wine expresses a lush texture with a long, smooth finish. Iconoclast Cabernet is a wine that epitomizes Napa Valley Cabernets. Produced and cellared by Chimney Rock $30

2019 Hall Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: This 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet is expressive with aromas of dark cocoa, red berry, and dried herbs. The palate is lush and fruit-forward with hints of spice and leather. The tannin is polished-fully integrated and balanced through the lengthy finish. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. $60

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Taste 2019 Dehlinger Russian River Chardonnay, 2021 Colene Clemens Dopp Creek Pinot and 2019 Merus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, December 16th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points
2019 Dehlinger Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Impressive in salty pineapple and an underlying richness of crème brûlée, this wine remains balanced within its luxurious layers, with persistent freshness throughout. Unfiltered, it offers structure, graceful elegance and length, while being cohesive on the finish. $45

Wine Spectator 94 Points
Colene Clemens Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Dopp Creek 2021

This expressive red is dynamic, yet retains a sense of elegance and refinement, showing pomegranate and blueberry flavors underscored by river stone and dusky spice accents. Builds tension toward lively tannins. Drink now through 2032. 4,888 cases made. $32

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
2019 Merus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

A killer bottle of Napa Valley magic, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Merus is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. It’s a powerful, full-bodied, uber-ripe beauty that stays lively and balanced, with beautiful blue fruits, as well as smoked tobacco, chocolate, and scored earth-like aromas and flavors. A beast of a wine with a great mid-palate and velvety tannins, it should shed its considerable baby fat over the coming 4-6 years and have two decades of overall longevity. $180

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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