On Deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

2022 Miner Napa Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Sourced from select low-yielding vineyards in Napa Valley, Miner Family Chardonnay is characterized by crisp apple, ripe melon and citrus flavors, gently balanced with toasty French oak. Their winemaker uses malolactic fermentation in moderation to retain the wine's bright acidity. More than a decade after this Chardonnay put Miner on the map, this wine remains a classic. $44

Wine Advocate 94 Points
2020 Bookwalter Protagonist Conner Lee Vineyard

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2020 Protagonist Conner Lee Vineyard bursts from the glass with a plushy frame of fresh plums, oak and freshly opened flowers. Full-bodied, the wine achieves a beautiful harmony, exhibiting freshness and juiciness within a structured and balanced framework. Concluding with elegance and power, this gorgeous wine glides to a beautiful and succulent finish that has me craving flame-kissed chops and steaks from the grill. Just under 25,000 bottles were produced. $68

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Taste five new releases from Fait Main and Teeter Totter at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $25 per person. (Limited: We will open one bottle of each wine for this tasting).
Tuesday May 14th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points
2021 Teeter-Totter California Cabernet Sauvignon

From sites throughout California, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific, with juicy black and subtle blue fruits, subtle tobacco and underbrush, medium body, a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's a smoking value in impeccably made Cabernet Sauvignon that readers will love drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more. $30

2021 TEETER-TOTTER PASO ROBLES PROPRIETARY RED WINE

Winemaker Notes: The quality of wine coming out of Paso Robles has interested Benoit for years, to the point that we bought our first vineyard property in the respected Willow Creek District AVA. This region benefits from limestone soils, plenty of daytime sunshine, and cooling ocean breezes and fog – a recipe for reds with both elegance and power. An unorthodox and mouthwatering mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, the nose offers up a seductive swirl of bright, crunchy red fruits, black cherries, dark chocolate, tobacco, and violets. Ripe, polished tannins build a full-bodied mid-palate with juicy acidity and a long, layered finish you can take to the bank. $45

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
2021 Teeter-Totter Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes mostly from Rutherford and is an interesting blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Charbono, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah that was brought up in 65% new French oak. It's a terrific wine offering classic currant fruits, some baking chocolate and spicy nuances, medium to full-bodied, ripe tannins, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. California needs more wines like this. Drink this beauty over the coming decade. $65

2022 FAIT-MAIN NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Winemaker Notes: The 2022 Fait-Main Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is our second release of this hedonistic blue label Cab. Assembled with fruit from all of Fait-Main’s acclaimed single-vineyard sources, plus some exciting up-and-coming vineyards mostly from Calistoga, this wine exhibits aromas of savory black fruits, cassis, chocolate, and espresso that jump out of the glass. The palate delivers an opulent abundance of fruit and intricate complexity, with classic minerality surrounded by velvet tannins. It delivers a delicious and approachable value proposition I couldn’t be prouder to offer today. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon $115

2022 Fait Main Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet

Winemaker Notes: Located west of Highway 29, this site has deep gravel soils ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. We source from two blocks located in the southwestern portion near Vine Hill Ranch, where soils are especially deep and well-draining. Prized for their ultra-silky tannins and luminous fruit, Missouri Hopper wines deliver opulence and energy in equal measure. $172

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 Taste Pinot Noir: 2022 Occidental Freestone-Occidental and 2019 Cirq Russian River at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $30 per person. (Limited: We will open one bottle of each wine for this tasting).
Wednesday, May 15th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

2022 Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: The 2022 Freestone-Occidental wine shares the same winemaking techniques as our vineyard designated pinot noirs. Crystalline, bright, mouthwatering, and a bit salty with a saline mineral finish, the 2022 Freestone-Occidental evokes juicy red berries and a near perfect balance of finesse and energy – of bright, primary red fruits and saline elements. It conveys outstanding precision and lift in the mouth and finishes vibrant and long with beautifully sculpted tannins. Its modest alcohol (13.3%) makes this wine a perfect complement to any meal. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle. $75

Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points
2019 Cirq Russian River Pinot

The 2019 Pinot Noir is a jeweled ruby hue and has layered aromas of pristine cherry, cardamom, rose petal, and sweet herbs. It has incredible clarity and focus, with a silky texture in its notes of raspberry liqueur and violets, and somehow seems to have more depth after the wine is gone. It offers fantastic balance and a sunny feel, with great refinement that lasts for ages. This wine is outstanding. Drink 2023-2032. $225

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Taste 2023 Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhone Blanc, 2022 Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse and 2021 LOUIS JADOT Meursault Charmes Domaine Louis Jadot at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $20 per person.
Thursday, May 16th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

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

2022 Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse

Winemaker Notes: This wine has aromas of fresh red apples, honey and white flowers with elegant and rich flavors of toasted nuts and citrus. One of the purest expressions of this typical Burgundian grape. Drink with roasted salmon, shellfish or creamy cheeses. $30

Wine Spectator 93 Points
LOUIS JADOT Meursault 1er Cru Charmes Domaine Louis Jadot 2021

Lime blossom, citronella and chalk dust aromas signal this elegant white, with enough viscosity to its texture to balance the live-wire acidity, while a smoky note infuses the aftertaste. Drink now through 2030. —130 cases imported B.S. $130

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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 (Available GT)

Wine Advocate 94 Points
2020 Bookwalter Protagonist Conner Lee Vineyard

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2020 Protagonist Conner Lee Vineyard bursts from the glass with a plushy frame of fresh plums, oak and freshly opened flowers. Full-bodied, the wine achieves a beautiful harmony, exhibiting freshness and juiciness within a structured and balanced framework. Concluding with elegance and power, this gorgeous wine glides to a beautiful and succulent finish that has me craving flame-kissed chops and steaks from the grill. Just under 25,000 bottles were produced. $68 Our Price $39.95 (Arrives GT 5/15/24)

Wine Spectator 95 Points
Lingua Franca Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Lingua Franca Estate 2021

A compelling, multilayered red, with lilting raspberry and cherry flavors that expand to reveal fresh violet and earthy mineral accents, which build tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,698 cases made. $60 (Available GT)

Wine Spectator 92 Points
SEAN MINOR Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Signature Series 2022

A nice streamlined, mineral-tinged version, with racy acidity running underneath blood orange and raspberry coulis flavors, while savory and hibiscus hints chime in on the finish, where the fruit lingers prettily. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases made. From California.—James Molesworth $28 Our Price $19.99 (Back in stock GT 5/16/24)

2022 Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: A rosé for all seasons - this organically farmed, whole cluster pressed Vin Gris of Pinot Noir deserves attention year ‘round. The glimmering salmon color provides a clue that this wine is a pure, vibrant, well-crafted beverage. Bright, spring strawberry leads into summer raspberry, guava and peach, contrasted by notes of juicy winter citrus like orange and Meyer lemon. High tone rose petal and lavender add to the allure. $39 Our Price $34.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
Aston Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021

This pumps out tasty mulberry and black cherry fruit paste flavors, which show drive and focus as singed anise, warm earth and black tea notes come into play. Reveals late savory and bramble notes, which inject a nice hint of wild energy into the well-structured finish. Best from 2024 through 2030. 1,500 cases made. $45 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
TURLEY Zinfandel California Juvenile 2022

A jammy bomb of fruit, offering cherry pie and ripe raspberry flavors accented with toasty spice and briar notes as this energetic Zin zips along the zesty finish. Drink now through 2032. —T.F. Our Price $26.99

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Taste 2019 Diora La Petite Grace Pinot Noir, 2021 Black Stallion North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, May 17th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
Diora La Petite Grace Pinot Noir 2019

This is a rich style of Pinot Noir, beginning with aromas of dark plum, black cherry, cola, root beer and nutmeg on the nose. It's quite opulent on the palate, with baked fig and fruitcake flavors, as polished tannins and fine acidity pump into the long, vanilla-fueled finish. $25

2021 Black Stallion North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: This rich and refined wine doesn't require years of further aging to achieve ideal balance and enjoy upon release. The full-bodied structure is a hallmark. The wine opens with stunning aromas of black cherry dried cranberry and toasty notes of cedar. The palate is concentrated with bold, velvety red flavors of cherry, raspberry and hints of spice. Intense, concentrated mature fruit and integrated tannins with beautifully balanced acidity extending to an elegant finish. $25

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points
2019 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an incredible wine, and it flirts with perfection. Full-bodied and concentrated, it has flawless balance and elegance as well as just textbook Howell Mountain notes of blue fruits, cassis, violets, graphite, and background oak. I love its tannins, it has remarkable purity of fruit, and a great, great finish. It has some appeal today yet deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and should have over two decades of longevity. $110

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Taste 2022 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, 2020 Chateau Barde-Haut Saint Emilion and 2018 Chateau Brane-Cantenac Margaux at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, May 18th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

2022 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

Winemaker Notes: This wine is close to the tip of the quality pyramid of Provençal rosé in most vintages, and the 2022 release is certainly no exception. Comprised mostly of Grenache, Cinsault, and Vermentino, it is both unusually concentrated though not remotely heavy-and atypically flavorful for the category while maintaining the sense of restraint and subtlety that has made Provence the global stylistic leader for wines of this type. The aromas and flavors are impressively pure and well defined. $22

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
2020 Chateau Barde-Haut

I always love this wine, and the 2020 Château Barde-Haut is a quintessential Saint-Emilion revealing a deep ruby/purple hue, awesome notes of red plum, cherries, tobacco leaf, and chalky earth, full-bodied richness, bright acidity, and fine tannins. A gorgeous wine, it will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. $45

Jeb Dunnuck 95+ Points
2018 Chateau Brane-Cantenac

A quintessential Margaux as well as one of the finest wines I've tasted from this estate, the 2018 Château Brane-Cantenac is based on 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all aged in 70% new French oak. Beautiful cassis and mulberry fruits as well as notes of leafy tobacco, spice, cedarwood, and spring flowers emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it has loads of fruit, a seamless texture, and a good spine of acidity. Give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 30 years or more. $89

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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