Two wine tastings today:

Tuesday, June 25th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

#1. Taste 2022 Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay, 2022 Sokol Blosser Estate Pinot Gris and 2023 Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.

2022 Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Along with a lovely pale color, this wine has an expressive nose of medium intensity green apple, pear and crushed stone with floral notes. The palate brings forth bright, fresh, citrus fruits with slight tropical notes of apricots and pineapples. Expect balanced, fresh acidity and stony minerality that stems from its sunny southern birthplace. $18

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
2022 Sokol Blosser Estate Pinot Gris

The wine's pear tart and lemon curd aromas do an energetic tango with a tangy bit of lychee fruit. Acidity and a mouthfeel so brisk your teeth vibrate are perfect matches for tart green apple and a citrus flavor that will conjure memories of the iconic Squirt soft drink. Maybe Fresca. This wine is pure fun. $30

Wine Advocate 91 Points
2023 Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho

Soalheiro's Alvarinho is a classical wine that made them famous and was first produced at the property in 1982. The 2023 Alvarinho was varietal, as it tends to be the first five years of its life: aromatic, clean and fresh, with moderate ripeness, 12.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.26 and 6.2 grams of acidity—parameters of freshness and balance. It's a bit shy, floral and insinuating, feeling a little reductive at first. This comes from vines up to 200 meters above sea level, on richer soils. The full clusters were pressed, the must fermented in stainless steel without malolactic fermentation and kept with lees for two months. 300,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2024. $26

#2. Taste 2019 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Realm The Bard Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $35 per person. (Limited: We will open one bottle of each wine for this tasting).

Wine Advocate 96+ Points
2019 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

I tasted the soon-to-be-released 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from two bottles, one freshly opened and one that had been opened the day before. Both were clearly outstanding, with the freshly opened bottle being just a bit tighter and less luxuriously textured but obviously packed with potential. Mixed currants and cherries appear on the nose, joined by hints of dark chocolate, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, rich, expansive and velvety, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish. $225

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
2021 Realm The Bard Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Lastly, the 2021 The Bard checks in as 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. This beauty has a killer bouquet of cassis, spring flowers, graphite, chalky minerality, and violets. This carries to a full-bodied, seamless, silky, flawlessly balanced effort revealing fine tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a thrilling finish. $160

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Taste 2023 Château du Seuil COTEAUX D’AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ La Chapelle, 2023 Tempier Bandol Rose and 2021 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Wednesday, June 26th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

2023 Château du Seuil COTEAUX D’AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ La Chapelle

Winemaker Notes: This is a lacy and silky rosé with fresh-picked red berry and orange zest notes. Lively redcurrant, raspberry and nectarine add complexity, leading to a juicy and zippy sea spray finish. $18

2023 Tempier Bandol Rose

Winemaker Notes: The Bandol Tempier Rosé offers a unique blend of complexity and freshness. It has a fine structure, with no tannin. The high-quality care given to the vines and the diversity of the terroirs produce a flavorful intensity and a strong typicity. $60

2021 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot

Winemaker Notes: Each year, the goal for Southing is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. The ever-changing nose of the Southing exhibits Montmorency cherry, sage, hibiscus and subtle baking spices. The fine tannins and minerality are enhanced by our estate vineyard’s characteristic cool climate acidity. $125

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Taste 2021 Quilt Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Quilt Fabric of the Land Proprietary Napa Red and 2017 Quilt Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Thursday, June 27th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

The Tasting Panel 94 Points
2021 Quilt Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Ripe boysenberry preserves are amplified by a wash of milk chocolate and almond brittle. Sumptuously textured, with sleek tannins enveloped in sandalwood. $45

2022 Quilt Fabric of the Land Proprietary Napa Red

Winemaker Notes: Deep garnet with scarlet red highlights in the glass. Rich notes of plum, dark cherry, leather, black pepper and cocoa nibs greet the nose. A full bodied blend with rich flavors of blackberry, dried cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate with subtle hints of clove dance on the palate. Full yet elegant on the palate, with strong acidity and a long, smooth finish accompanied by velvety tannins. $35

2017 Quilt Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Dark ruby red. Rich notes of chocolate, black currant, ripe blackberry, and marionberry intertwined with caramel and leather. A complex and bold assemblage of dark currant, blackberry, marionberry, and toasted hazelnut balanced with hints of cardamom and dry dark chocolate. A full-bodied, quintessential Quilt Reserve Napa Cabernet with layers of concentrated black fruit, bright acidity, and excellent balance. The wine's breadth and structure is complemented by a supple, velvety mouthfeel, with fine-grained tannins. The finish is long, smooth, and satisfying. $120

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James Suckling 95 Points
Trimbach Riesling Selection de Vieilles Vignes 2019

Rich, mouth-filling and highly structured, this has a touch of exotic aromas (mangosteen!), but isn’t a jot too ripe or weighty. In fact, it has wonderful silkiness, in spite of the considerable mineral power at the imposing finish. Drink or hold. Our Price $45.99 (Available GT)

James Suckling 92 Points
Rocca di Frassinello Le Sughere di Frassinello 2019

Aromas of plums, black cherries, blackberries, tomato leaf, dried herb and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Rich and fleshy on the palate with a lots of black fruit. Flavorful finish. Try from 2023. $26 (Available GT and VRW)

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 Our Price $27.99 (Back in stock GT and VRW)

2020 Alban Patrina Syrah

Notes from John Alban: This wine is among my favorites for this offering yet produced. It is dark, full of black and blue berries, coco powder, and immediately pleasing and pure. It is, in our opinion, a wonderful and delicious expression of our farm and farming. $60 (Back in stock GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 95 Points
San Giorgio Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte 2019

Vibrant acidity and refined tannins seep into the fabric of this round red, which is laced with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Mineral and underbrush accents add depth as this plays out on the long, dusty finish. Best from 2026 through 2043. 8,300 cases made, 2,000 cases imported. $70 Our Price $56.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 96 Points
2019 Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Mount Veeder wine loaded with strong savory and mineral accents. Black fruit, graphite menthol and licorice lend complexity to this huge, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are pretty fierce at this stage, so readers should plan on being patient. $150 Our Price $124.95 (Available GT and VRW)

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Taste 2022 DRY CREEK Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley, 2022 Roar Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir and 2021 Amici Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, June 28th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 92 Points
2022 DRY CREEK Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley

Fragrant, with notes of lemon basil and lemongrass up front, showing hints of celery seed that complement the generous core of pear, peach and lemon-lime flavors. Reveals hints of tropical fruit and fresh-grated ginger on the crisp finish, where the wine gains momentum. Drink now. —M.W. $16

2022 Roar Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes: Leather, tobacco, and cola in a dense, masculine cloak of ripe dark berries makes one imagine sipping this in an old 19th-century library. This wine has a refined richness that stands out, and ages beautifully. $80

James Suckling 94 Points
2021 Amici Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of blackcurrants, iodine, oyster shell, and dark chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with polished fine tannins that run the length of the wine with chocolate, hazelnut, and blueberries. Give it time to come together. Best after 2025. $50

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Taste 2022 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Summer Dreams Twilight Sonoma Coast Pinot and 2020 Chateau Buena Vista Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Saturday, June 29th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

2022 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: The 2022 AVETA Sauvignon Blanc oers fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, citrus, lychee and orange blossom. The wine is bright and lively on the palate with a thirst-quenching acidity and pure flavors of mandarin orange and honeysuckle that lead to a lasting aftertaste. Try pairing AVETA with fresh fish ceviche, crab cakes or grilled oysters with mignonette sauce. $39

2022 Summer Dreams Twilight Sonoma Coast Pinot

Winemaker Notes: The full-bodied palate beams with flavors of wild blueberries and licorice, white pepper and cloves that lead to an undercurrent of violet. Seductive, with a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long. $130

James Suckling 94 Points
2020 Chateau Buena Vista Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Expressive and lush nose of creamy berries, dark cherries, vanilla, cassis and sweet oak spices. Full body with fine, creamy tannins. Rich and full of generous creamy berries and an equally demonstrative and dense finish with excellent length. Better from 2025. $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