On deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

Wine Spectator 94 Points
RAMEY Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022

Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036. —M.W. $50

2022 Chappellet Mt Cuvee

Winemaker Notes: This beautifully aromatic wine leaps out of the glass with concentrated notes of red currant, boysenberry, cassis, roasted coffee and dark chocolate, along with savory undertones and notions of sweet oak. On the palate it is rich and mouthcoating, with a seamless texture and supple tannins framing luxurious layers of dark berry fruit, barrel spice and fresh herbs. $50

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Taste 2020 Morgan Cotes du Crow's, 2021 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah and 2021 Andremily No 10 Syrah at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $20 per person.
Thursday, May 2nd. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

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

 2021 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah

Winemaker Notes: Sporting richly hued shades of dark ruby and near purple, the 2021 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah is a hidden gem crafted from a notoriously difficult vintage in this prestigious California appellation. Each swirl in the glass brings new life to this savory and spicy offering, with notes of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, new leather, and spiced plum filling setting the stage. As this deliciously pure Syrah coats the palate, waves of blackberry crumble, red cherry, and black pepper pair with hints of dried herbs de Provence and subtle meaty undertones to create a complex mélange of flavors. Approachable to its core, this wine still possesses structured tannin and remarkable acidity which suggests it will continue to age for years to come. $25

Jeb Dunnuck 97-100 Points
2021 Andremily No 10 Syrah

Lastly, the Syrah-dominated 2021 No 10 reveals a dense purple hue as well as a wild bouquet of blueberries, wild strawberries, ground pepper, game, iron, and assorted floral, meaty nuances. Stunningly complex even at this young age, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ample tannins and underlying structure, and a finish that won’t quit. It will clearly be a match for the 2020, and this puppy is going to flirt with perfection at maturity. $155

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Wine Spectator 93 Points
Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco 2020

A fresh, juicy red highlighted by cherry, plum, tar, grass and eucalyptus flavors. Gains support from vibrant acidity and pliable tannins as this cruises to a long aftertaste of fruit, vegetal and mineral notes. Best from 2026 through 2040. 850 cases made, 500 cases imported. $40 Our Price $34.95 (Arrives GT this afternoon)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
DIATOM Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2023

This stunning wine leaps out of the glass, with concentrated flavors and aromas of white peach, quince and pineapple, plus floral accents of orange blossoms and lemon curd. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality and a whiff of lemon verbena. Drink now. —M.W. $25 Our Price $21.99

2023 Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhone Blanc

Winemaker Notes: This wine is a blend of three varietals. The Clairette brings the freshness and zest of citrus, the Viognier the aromatic depth and roundness, and the Grenache the notes of white flowers. The grapes are harvested early in the morning and completely destemmed. The fermentation in stainless-steel vats preserves the full aromatic freshness. The wine has a nose of citrus and apricots, a round and generous mouthfeel, and a fresh and flavorful finish. $19 Our Price $14.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
PAHLMEYER Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Jayson 2021

Frankly ripe, offering an enticing gush of açaí, blackberry and black currant compote notes that roll through, carried by warm humus, licorice root and singed alder notes. A muscular style, this is defined, with subtle, latent energy through the finish. Best from 2025 through 2037. —J.M. $100 Our Price $94.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
2019 Laird Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

A juicy, ripe and packed style, with a core of dark currant and boysenberry preserves flanked by singed vanilla and black licorice. Ends with toasty oomph, but with good underlying energy as well. Drink now through 2034. $70 Our Price $54.99 (Back in stock GT)

Wine Advocate 97+
2019 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet

A bit further west than the Dr. Crane Vineyard, with more slope, bigger rocks and a bit more protection from the afternoon sun, this vineyard has yielded a stunning 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard. It leads off with scents of cedar and baking spices, then backs those up with notes of black cherries and cassis. Full-bodied, richly textured and tannic but ripe, this finishes long, with mouthwatering fruit balanced against silky tannins. Give it a few years in the cellar and drink it over the next couple of decades. $310 (Available GT and VRW)

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Taste 2020 Chateau Clos de l'Oratoire Saint Emilion, 2021 Iconoclast Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Laird Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, May 3rd. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
Chateau Clos de l'Oratoire Saint Emilion 2020

Another head-turningly good Right Bank is the 2020 Clos De L'Oratoire, which comes from the team of Stephan von Neipperg. This medium to full-bodied, focused, elegant 2020 has good concentration, the vintage's pure, layered profile, classic aromas of black raspberry, cassis, graphite, and flowers, and plenty of chalky minerality on the finish. A quintessential 2020, give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or so. $45

2021 Iconoclast Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: COLOR: Deep red with purple hue. AROMA: Ripe plums, cherry, powdered cocoa and a hint of mint and tobacco leaf. TASTE: On the palate it is medium bodied with rich fruit on the front palate and lots freshness, bright acidity and a smooth and long finish Produced and cellared by Chimney Rock $30

Wine Spectator 93 Points
2019 Laird Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

A juicy, ripe and packed style, with a core of dark currant and boysenberry preserves flanked by singed vanilla and black licorice. Ends with toasty oomph, but with good underlying energy as well. Drink now through 2034. $70

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Taste 2022 THE CALLING Chardonnay Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch, 2021 Wayfarer Fort Ross Seaview Pinot Noir and 2021 MAURITSON Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, May 4th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

Wine Spectator 93 Points
THE CALLING Chardonnay Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch 2022

An expressive version, with generous notes of ripe tropical fruit, including papaya, grilled pineapple and mango. There's also a wonderful sense of restraint in the way the acidity and supple texture play with the flavors. Touches of vanilla shortbread, candied ginger and orange blossoms add fragrant grace notes. Drink now. —M.W. $35

James Suckling 96 Points
2021 Wayfarer Fort Ross Seaview Pinot Noir

Very floral with hints of rose stems and hibiscus to the fresh ripe strawberry and citrus character. Medium to full body. Dried peach and orange peel flavors. Very long and intense. Lively at the end with lovely purity of fruit. Drink or hold. $90

Wine Spectator 94 Points
MAURITSON Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2021

This handsome and refined Zin retains a lively sense of briar patch, plus vibrant cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that zip along the sleek finish. Drink now through 2033. —T.F. $45

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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