Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$65.00 $54.99
Alain Voge was referred to by his peers as “truly remarkable” and “the ultimate pioneer.” He was known for leading the way not only in Cornas but also for his St-Peray wines as well. It’s hard enough to be a star in one region, let alone another that’s completely different. Tragically, he passed away a few years ago.
One of the ‘grandfathers of Syrah,’ Voge had an illustrious wine career during his 81-year life. He somehow managed to greatly expand the already stellar reputation of his grandfather (same name) who founded the winery all those years ago.
I had a chance to taste some of the recent Alain Voge selections, which were unfortunately the last ever made by the iconic winemaker.
It’s amazing how powerful the wines are. It’s even more amazing how perfectly chiseled and representative they are to their unique Northern Rhone terroir.
The ‘Les Chailles’ is no slouch of its own, though, and has to be the very best bargain going in Cornas at the moment. The wine is gorgeous – super juicy and sappy, but still incredibly fresh and in no way overly ripe. It also has layers to unpack – a calling card of the late, great master of Syrah – with a little bit of spice and smokiness that comes in at the end as a result of some of the whole cluster maceration. What a beauty!
In stock
94 Points, Wine Spectator
Dark and alluring yet also pretty, with expressive violet, dried lavender and blackberry paste built atop an underlying freshness. Concentrated on the palate, with balsamic, black pepper and subtle iodine building on the meaty, plump character. A beam of iron and firming tannins dry out the finish, though this is drinking great now. Drink now through 2032.
94 Points, James Suckling
Deep, brilliant ruby. Vibrant, smoke-accented dark berries, candied flowers, licorice and olive are showcased on the perfumed nose. Sappy, penetrating and chewy in the mouth, offering gently sweet blackberry, cherry-cola and baking spice flavors that show sharp definition and mineral lift. Expressive and lively in style, with polished tannins building steadily on a very long, floral-accented finish. Roughly 20% whole clusters.
90 Points, James Suckling
Damien has crafted a delicious Médoc, full of character with dense black currant and cherry fruit, cedar, tobacco and wonderful complexity. It’s silky complexion is what pushes it over the edge (and, of course, the price!) It doesn’t hurt that it comes from a 95-point Left Bank vintage that the Wine Advocate declared, “outstanding.”
95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points, Lisa Perotti-Brown
The oft 100-point winemaker, Jayson Woodbridge had this to say when tasting his 2021 ‘Stargazing’ Sonoma Pinot: “The wine is vibrant and complex with subtle dark fruits and berries, grandmother’s cherry pie, minerals, and a slight touch of rain-soaked earth, intertwined with a balance and very pleasing easy-going luxury. Should have been priced higher but what the hell.” I have no doubt this clerical error will be addressed in the vintages moving forward. But for now, this is a cult Pinot for under $100/bottle.
#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021
96 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 95 Points, Wine Spectator
We are one of the very few folks who have Wine Spectator’s #3 Wine of the Year. This is definitely not one to miss. The 2016 vintage showcases this prized vineyard in all its glory; notes of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay are lifted and enjoyed with the polished tannin and mouthwatering freshness of this wine. Regarded as one of the best vintages in the last few decades, the 2016 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release and will continue to reward for the next 20+ years.
2019 WE CS #7
97 Points, James Suckling – 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Far Niente’s beloved Napa Valley Cabernet comes from a who’s who of the best vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley. It’s a seamless Cabernet blend sourced from Oakville, Stag’s Leap, Diamond Mountain, St. Helena, Calistoga, Oak Knoll and the winery’s estate fruit in Yountville. The 2021 vintage is a particular high note – it’s a must-have for Big Red, Napa and Cabernet lovers.