On deck for wine tasting next week at VRW:

Wine Spectator 93 Points
Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023

A fresh and zippy white, offering a vibrant mouthful of green papaya, passion fruit and Key lime flavors that are generous and concentrated on a smooth and mouthwatering frame. Hints of green tea, lemongrass and pink peppercorn add more dimensions on the long, expressive finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases imported. $22

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
2021 Roar Rosella’s Pinot Noir

The 2021 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard brings a more concentrated, serious feel and offers ripe mulberry and cherry fruit as well as scorched earth, graphite, and minerality, with nicely integrated oak. It's medium-bodied, concentrated, and focused, with a beautiful mouthfeel. It needs 2-3 years in the cellar (you'd be forgiven for enjoying a bottle today) and will evolve nicely over the following decade. $80

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2022 Merry Edwards Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Boasting a rich magenta/ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is classic and very much in the style lovers of this estate have come to expect. It’s ripe with notes of fresh black cherries, scorched earth, violets, and dark forest earth. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with sweet tannins and is generous without feeling heavy. Long on the finish and fully dry. It’s a very well-styled Pinot Noir from this challenging vintage that’s going to drink well over the next 6-8 years. $60

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Taste 2021 Beckmen Cuvée Le Bec Red, 2023 Margerum M5 Rouge and 2019 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Tuesday, August 13th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
2021 Beckmen Cuvée Le Bec Red

This wine always over delivers, and this vintage's blend of 50% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre and 5% Counoise continues the tradition. Aromas of baked berry, cinnamon, mace and wood on the nose land with lively energy on the palate. The brisk plum and cinnamon flavors are undercut by clay, dust and fine tannins. A very versatile wine for the table. $30

2023 Margerum M5 Rouge

Winemaker Notes: M5 is Margerum's Flagship wine. It is modeled after top wines from southern Rhône – Châteauneuf-du-Pape . The M is for Margerum and the 5 is for 5 grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise. M5 is a Grenache-based blend and has elegance and layers making it a versatile table and food wine. The overlying presence of Grenache flavors initially impacts the palate, followed by a finish complete with hints of jam, cocoa, and dark berry contributions of Syrah and earthy Mourvèdre. It’s a “go-to” wine since it drinks well with every occasion and almost every type of cuisine. Syrah adds richness and power, Mourvèdre adds earthy, old world, Counoise adds aromatics of watermelon and Cinsault adds a spice component. $32

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
2019 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah

The 100% Syrah 2019 Fracture comes all from the Booker Estate Vineyard and is another pure, balanced, incredibly classy wine from this estate. Loads of darker fruits, ground black pepper, crushed stone, and scorched earth give way to a medium to full-bodied, powerful, concentrated Syrah that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 10-15 years. $105

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Taste Rombauer: 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 and 2023 Carneros Chardonnay at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Wednesday, August 14th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

2023 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes: Lifted and concentrated aromas of passion fruit, green melon, and hints of fresh-cut grass all dance on the nose. The palate is linear and intense, with similar flavors that are joined by notes of kiwi and Key lime. Each sip is framed with mouthwatering acidity and a burst of grapefruit that lifts the long finish. $29

Wine Spectator 91 Points
2022 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay

Supple and juicy, this opens with flavors of toasted brioche and graham cracker, along with creamy vanilla nougat grace notes, complementing the core of plump peach, melon, candied orange peel and apricot preserves, backed by accents of clove and toasted cardamom. Drink now. 261,000 cases made. $42

2023 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes: Pale yellow with a green tinge to the hue. Aromas of yellow peach, mango with a slight citrus note intertwine seamlessly with vanilla and spice. The palate is rich and round, with the mango and vanilla fighting for the lime light, while the cream texture, vanilla and slight butter combine seamlessly. The balanced acidity closes out the finish bringing the multiple components into balance. $42

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Taste Pinot Noir: 2021 Kanzler Russian River Valley, 2022 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Machado and 2021 Hartford Court Jennifer's Vineyard at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $20 per person.
Thursday, August 15th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

Wine Spectator 94 Points
2021 Kanzler Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Ripe, with deliciously succulent waves of plum, boysenberry and mulberry fruit rolling through, laced with iris and hibiscus notes and ending with light anise and apple wood hints on the finish. Packs a nice finishing kick of fruit at the end, too, while keeping a racy edge. Best from 2024 through 2032. 1,050 cases made. $64

Wine Spectator 96 Points
2022 Brewer-CliftonPinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Machado

Offers a beautiful, steady stream of blood orange, bitter cherry and raspberry coulis notes stitched finely with subtle rooibos tea, singed sandalwood, dried anise and savory details. Feels pinpoint in focus, with serious length on the finish thanks to the nicely buried mineral tension. Drink now through 2038. 586 cases made. $85

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points
2021 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Jennifer's

A deep but transparent red, the 2021 Pinot Noir Jennifer's is a bit more reserved initially but opens to reveal raspberry liqueur, pine sap, and a bit of classic cola spice. Full-bodied, it offers juicy fruit throughout, with fine tannins and fresh acidity that lifts it cleanly off the palate, with fresh berries as well as fresh forest herbs. It’s attractive and charming now, with a lovely floral finish. Drink 2024-2036. $85

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2023 La Vieille Ferme Rosé, Rhone Valley

Winemaker Notes: Pretty pale powder-pink colour with shiny reflections. Fresh, fruity and delicious, the nose reveals seductive notes of strawberries, peaches and lychees. Lively and fresh, the palate shows a beautiful balance with gorgeous aromas of crunchy red fruit, combined with a fine bitterness on the finish which gives this wine a lot of flavour. Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah $12 Liquidation Price $7.45 (Limited to stock on hand at GT)

Wine Spectator 90 Points
MCBRIDE SISTERS COLLECTION Chardonnay Central Coast 2021

Creamy and lush, with flavors of lemon meringue, lemon curd and crème anglaise that show accents of marmalade and apricot pastry, plus fresh grace notes of tangerine, candied ginger and toasted, buttery brioche. A fresh thread of acidity keeps all the flavors in focus. —M.W. $17 Liquidation Price $11.95 (Limited to stock on hand at GT)

Wine Spectator 95 Points
Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2022

A stunning white, this leaps out of the glass with aromatic mango, orange blossom and salted ripe melon flavors. Gains complexity from grilled peach, lemon oil, savory litsea oil and toasted herb elements, with a fleshy, creamy texture and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2029. 15,000 cases made.—M.W. $50 (Available GT and VRW)

2021 Rombauer California Zinfandel

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of raspberry, cherry, and cranberry mingle with notes of dried herbs and flowers. The palate is full of concentrated red berries, spice, and licorice flavors with a juicy mid palate framed by fine tannins. The finish is long, silky, and full of flavor. $48 Our Price $34.99 (Available GT)

Wine Spectator 91 Points
J. Lohr Chardonnay Arroyo Seco October Night 2022

A plump white, with notes of grilled pineapple, ripe peach, crème brûlée and poached pear making a rich, creamy core, backed by accents of wildflower honey and a fresh thread of acidity that give this length, depth and focus. Drink now. 3,400 cases made. $25 (Arrives GT 8/14/24)

Wine Advocate 94 Points
2022 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto

Made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tenuta San Guido 2022 Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it's offered in a more immediate style here (thanks to the addition of the Merlot). This warm vintage opens to medium-dark concentration and very plump aromas that take you immediately to blackberry and blackcurrant sitting out in the sun at your local farmers market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a pretty level of elegance transmitted through the fruit freshness and the light oak spice that is discernible here but delivered with grace. $76 Our Price $68.99 (Available GT and VRW)

Wine Spectator 93 Points
MASSOLINO Barolo 2019

This red straddles the line between power and elegance, featuring delicate flavors of strawberry, cherry and rose hip, plus notes of earth, tar and iron. Finishes with more power and the grip of refined tannins, offering terrific balance and length. Best from 2026 through 2043. 7,080 cases made, 2,400 cases imported. $56 Our Price $49.95 (Available GT and VRW)

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Taste 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon:
Roth Alexander Valley, Caymus Napa 50th Anniversary and Caterwaul Napa at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $15 per person.
Friday, August 16th. Available 12:00 noon -5:45 PM

2022 Roth Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Upon opening, dark fruit aromas of black cherry and blueberry are intertwined with notes of forest floor and vanilla spice. Deep, layered flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and black tea are present on the palate. Soft tannins and a hints of mocha linger on the finish. $36

2022 Caymus Napa 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: This vintage especially exhibits an expression of the style which Caymus is known for and I feel is as singular as our approach to making it. Rich and round on the palate, with tannins expressed in a textural manner that are non-bitter. Evidence of French oak, but not overplayed. Acidity enough for balance, but not tart to the palate. The Caymus style allows the consumer to face no hurdles in tasting and enjoying the delicious essence of the wine. $75

2022 Caterwaul Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes: Our 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon continues to deliver complexity and depth representative of fruit that is usually destined for single-vineyard bottlings. Inky dark purple in the glass, this wine lends aromatics of ripe cherry, dusky violets, and baking spice. The near-sweetness of roasted meats on the nose causes a mouthwatering reaction. Rich, opulent and full-bodied, the initial impact rewards the sip with a coating of dense marionberry compote, toasted oak and baking chocolate. Fine tannins frame and blend with a balanced acidity to create a lasting finish. This wine is clearly ready to shine out of the gate, and has the horsepower to drink well into the future if a bottle can be tucked away in the cellar. $55

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Taste Adami Garbel Brut Prosecco, 2015 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuveé and 2017 Michel Gonet Champagne Les Hautes Mottes Brut Nature at Vintage Reserve Wine (VRW) for $20 per person.
Saturday, August 17th. Available 12:00 noon -3:45 PM

Vinous 90 Points * Adami Garbel Brut Prosecco

The NV Brut Prosecco Garbel mixes savory and sweet with a bouquet of crushed rocks and dusty dried flowers complementing hints of green melon. This is silky in feel without a hard edge in sight, as juicy acidity enlivens its candied citrus fruits. The Garbel takes on a tropical flair through the finale, mixing hints of kiwi with vivid young mango. The final takeaway is how remarkably fresh and clean it leaves the palate. This is a total pleasure to taste. $20

Wine Spectator 93 Points
2015 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuveé Carneros

An opulent, decadent style, with raspberry, poached pear, roasted nut and yeast roll flavors that build richness on the spicy finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now. $60

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
2017 Michel Gonet Champagne Les Hautes Mottes Brut Nature

A collaboration with rockstar sommeliers Rajat Parr and Marco Pelletier, the 2017 Champagne Les Hautes Mottes Brut Nature lends a reflective straw appearance and is inflectedwith a fresh, floral perfume of fresh linen, candied lime, green apple, and shortbread. Linear and chalky, it has a pinpoint mousse that accents and complements its mineral-focused texture, with notes of crushed shells as well as a delicate floral and saline flourish. It’s long on the palate and very appealing. Drink 2024-2034. $150

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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