On deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
2021 Cattleya Wines Pinot Noir Cuvee Number Eight Sonoma Coast

A semi-opaque, deep ruby with a purple hint, the 2021 Pinot Noir Cuvee Number Eight takes on a darker profile, with wet stone, blackberry, pepper, and grilled rosemary. Full-bodied, it brings more structure, with ripe tannins, iron-rich earth, and kirsch as well as fresh lift on the finish. Drink 2025-2035. $65

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Taste 2022 Terras Gauda Abadia de San Campio Albarino, 2021 Raúl Pérez La Vizcaína La Poulosa and 2021 La Vizcaina by Raul Perez Las Gundinas Tinto at Vintage Reserve Wine for $15 per person.
Tuesday, March 5th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

2022 Terras Gauda Abadia de San Campio Albarino

Winemaker Notes: The 2022 Abadia de San Campio clearly displays the unique characteristics of the Galician terroir. Clean aromas of ripe pineapple and tropical fruit are accompanied by delicate hints of pear and golden apples. Perfectly balanced on the palate, well-integrated acidity and a soft creaminess provide by the sur lie aging make this a wine luscious and highly appetizing. Albariño’s characteristic tropical aromas are especially vibrant with this vintage and culminate nicely in a long, lingering finish. $18

Wine Advocate 93 Points
2021 Raúl Pérez La Vizcaína La Poulosa

The grapes from the 2021 La Vizcaína La Poulosa were the first to be picked, and they lowered the alcohol and compensated for the tendency to produce ripe wines. They pick no more than 12,000 kilograms of grapes from the 2.6 hectares of vines in the plot, one of the oldest vineyards in Valtuille and one of the ripest too, especially given the low yields they get here. Despite the 13% alcohol, the sensation is riper than the other La Vizcaína wines, with prunes and a sensation of sweet fruit (despite being dry). It's from a vineyard on compact clay with stones, planted in the 1940s. $50

Wine Advocate 94 Points
2021 La Vizcaina by Raul Perez Las Gundinas Tinto

The 2021 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas has a slightly earthy touch and is a variable wine that feels quite harmonious and clean, as it's from a plot that sometimes suffers in cooler years. They are going to change the vinification of this plot to achieve more precision. They used 100% full clusters and matured it in well-seasoned, neutral 500-liter oak vats. It is cleaner and more precise this year. 5,500 bottles were filled in May 2020. $50

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Taste 2018 Brunello di Montalcino: Altesino, Romitorio and Argiano at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $25 per person.
Wednesday, March 6th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Advocate 93 Points
2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino

The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is an especially graceful wine with tart fruit, clean mineral lines and a mid-weight approach. Like other wines from this vintage, the 2018s are more accessible than, say, the 2016s or the 2013s. You can drink the wine soon or choose to cellar it a bit longer. The young tannins are nearly fully approachable, and the wine ends with dryness and ample freshness. $75

Wine Spectator 94 Points
CASTELLO ROMITORIO Brunello di Montalcino 2018

A graceful red hallmarked by cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and Mediterranean herbs. Lacy and succulent yet firm, ending on the minerally side. Vibrant and long. Best from 2025 through 2042. —B.S. $77

Wine Spectator 95 Points, Top 100 #1
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Rose, strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors are the main themes in this red, along with wild herb, mineral and cut hay accents. Racy and full of energy, with a long, saturated finish. Best from 2025 through 2042. $90

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Taste 2022 Margerum M5 Santa Barbara County, 2021 Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas and 2021 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Thursday, March 7th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 93 Points
2022 Margerum M5 Santa Barbara County

Offering polished cherry and cinnamon flavors accented by garrigue and cracked pepper, this sleek red finishes with refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 3,486 cases made. $32

Wine Spectator 94 Points
2021 Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas

Powerful, with steeped plum and cherry coulis merging with potpourri and charred garrigue on a ripe, lush palate. Packs a wall of iron that provides a ballast for the ripe fruit, while refined tannins build in intensity. Long and complex, with a gorgeous expression of place. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2040. 930 cases imported. $65

Wine Spectator 94 Points
2021 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Toasty, meaty and inviting, this fresh red shows an understated, savory side, with notes of singed spices, mesquite, wet earth and fresh tobacco leaf flanking a silky range of plum and warm cherry compote flavors. This channels its terroir, with a round feel held in check by refined tannins, while the finish is lined with cool minerality and heavy iron. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret Blanc, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul de Pinet, Bourboulenc, Picardan and Roussanne. Drink now through 2030. 3,470 cases made. $102

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WOW-46% Off!
2022 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Rose

Winemaker Notes: Very aromatic! The aromas of rose petals and fresh strawberries are followed by flavors of strawberry and watermelon with a touch of spice. Nicely balanced between crisp acidity and refreshing fruit flavors. Our Rosé is made to be enjoyed upon release. $22 Liquidation Price $11.95 (Limited to stock on hand at GT)

Wine Advocate 91-93 Points
2020 Faiveley Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Écu Monopole

Aromas of raspberries, cherries, sweet spices, raw cocoa and peonies preface the 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Écu Monopole, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant wine with tangy acids, melting tannins and a long, saline finish. This is very promising. $125 Our Price $59.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 90 Points
Faiveley Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne 2020

This sleek, taut red is penetrated with a beam of cherry and strawberry fruit flavors supported by vibrant acidity and refined, chalky tannins. Elegant, showing fine balance and length. Drink now through 2027. 3,300 cases imported. $43 Our Price $24.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
2021 Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

This beautiful expression of Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley emits immediate aromas of bright red cherry, raspberry and red plum complemented by earthy tones of roses, violets, damp forest floor, fresh mountain air and river-rock minerality. This depth and complexity follows through onto the palate, where fine-grained tannins create a silky texture. Elevated acidity maintains a sense of freshness from start to lingering finish. $32 Our Price $28.99 (Available GT and VRW)

2016 Burgess Cellars CONTADINA Napa CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Winemaker Notes: A dense and concentrated cabernet with aromas and flavors of confectionary blackberry and stewed cassis. The lush fruit is brought into balance by high tone herbal aromatics of mint, sage, and sweet tobacco. The distinctively thick-skinned Cabernet grapes provide a long velvety finish. $52 Our Price $44.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Vinous 97 Points
2019 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another stellar wine from Robert Craig. Bright and incisive, with tons of energy, the Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers the goods, big time. A rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, menthol, spice and crushed rocks build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors that dazzles. This deep, vivid Cabernet hits all the right notes. Superb. $125 Our Price $103.99 (Available GT and vRW)

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Taste 2021 Exit West Proprietary Red Blend Estate Red Hills, 2019 Saddleback Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, March 8th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

San Francisco Wine Panel 93 Points
2021 Exit West Proprietary Red Blend Estate Red Hills

This is a delightfully successful Bordeaux-esque blend that goes down with the polish of a much more expensive wine. The aromas are elegantly focused, and the scents of black raspberry, dark sour cherry, blueberry and boysenberry fruit rise above others of sweet baking spice, cedar, vanilla and an emerging hint of star anise. It is beautifully polished on the palate, where the tannins are notable yet never intrusive, and the pretty oak spice notes seem quietly luxurious. The finish is long and satisfying, and if this wine lacks the depth of great Napa Cabernet it is a pure pleasure to drink, especially with food. Expect another twelve to eighteen months of positive evolution. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot and 7 Petite Verdot. 672 cases produced. $35

2019 Saddleback Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: On the nose, pleasing aromas of cassis, blackberry, bay leaf, cocoa, light oak and Earl Grey leaves. On the palate, it approaches with a velvety, silky tannins with a full mouthfeel. The well balanced minerality ends with a highly structured, but soft, strawberry, pomegranate and coffee finish. The tannins smoothly grip you on the first taste, but pleasantly soften into a gracefully spectacular wine. $80

Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points
2021 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature

Leading off the Cabernet Sauvignon releases, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is a larger production release and is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and nearly equal portions of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot. Smoky black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, and tobacco notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, powerful 2021 offering ample mid-palate depth, a layered, textured, balanced mouthfeel, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's a brilliant bottle of wine that will benefit from short-term cellaring and have over two decades of longevity. $85

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Taste 2021 LEMELSON Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Thea's Selection, 2021 Loring Wine Company Cortada Alta Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir and 2019 Ramey Claret Red at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, March 9th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

Wine Spectator 92
LEMELSON Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Thea's Selection 2021

Brisk and generous, with snappy cherry and pomegranate flavors highlighted by oolong tea and savory spices. Concludes with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 10,000 cases made. From Oregon.—Tim Fish $40

2021 Loring Wine Company Cortada Alta Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: The most structured of our 2021 Pinots, the Cortada Alta still manages to be as approachable as a puppy wagging its tail. Soaring dark berry aromas with just a touch of earthiness. The dark berries are echoed in the palate, with nice hints of loamy earth and some savory herbs and spices. This is a wine that screams to be paired with grilled meats. Like a really firm hug, you’ll feel comforted by this wine. $60

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2019 Ramey Claret Red

The 2019 Claret North Coast Red Wine is a killer value, with great lift and freshness throughout. Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the majority of the fruit was sourced from Jericho Canyon. Pouring a youthful purple/red, it is lifted with aromas of graphite, fresh black cherry, cedar, and pine needles. Full-bodied but lifted, it offers ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and notes of fresh red and black fruit, pressed flowers, and turned soil earthiness on the finish. It's drinking well now but is certainly worth cellaring over the next 10 or more years. It’s a great value. $50

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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