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
$35.00 $30.00
There’s no denying that this is the best under $30 Napa Cab that’s come across my desk in months. And I almost didn’t even bother tasting it – yup, because of the name.
The hardest wine to source by far is affordable Cabernet. I taste hundreds every few months or so – and they can be absolutely dreadful. In several years of hunting, I’ve only come up with a handful. Chad – but that’s a story in and of itself. Postmark by Duckhorn or Carl Roy are all great options. Nichols provides enormous bang for the buck. But that’s just about it.
But today, I’m happy to say we can add another, a Cabernet that was made in the old-school California style that put the region on the map and named after a wine pioneer that helped do the same – Michael Broadbent.
Michael Broadbent set up Christie’s wine department in 1966, established Christie’s Wine Auctions, and with Robert Mondavi would hold the first ever Napa Valley Wine Auction is a champion of the region and of wine collecting in general.
So when his son, Bartholomew set out to make a wine in honor of his father, there was only one winemaker who got the call – kindred spirit, Trevor Sheehan. Trevor’s access to top vineyard sources is extremely impressive, especially for someone who didn’t grow up in the valley.
His very first wines were eight barrels of Chardonnay from the Beckstoffer Vineyard and a Howell Mountain Cabernet. Not bad. He’s since gone on to create a little powerhouse in Oakville that seems to defy logic in the QPR department.
Together the two crafted the 2018 Auctioneer to be a Napa Cabernet that sizzles at the price point, incredibly well built and food friendly, with impeccable balance and not overly alcoholic or ripe. It’s a wine that wins you over with finesse over strength but one that I’m certain will win you over nonetheless.
Out of stock
Poggio Al Sole’s high elevation vineyards bring out the Burgundy-side of Chianti Classico, producing lush wines with just a touch of earthy rusticity and great length. Their 2019 edition is sleek and elegant, with great aromatic complexity and length. The nose is really special, with soaring aromatics of black cherry, anise and peony. Give it time to unwind in the glass. It’s fresh and long on the palate, with the fine tannic structure that defines ever classic vintage, making it great at the table tonight and any night for the next decade.
The Adaptation Cabernet allows superstar winemaker Jeff Owens to make a Cabernet with other Bordeaux varietals from a collection of the top vineyards from across the valley. This is PlumpJack’s “Quilt” so to speak. It features Cabernet along the Silverado Trail in Stag’s Leap from their own Odette Vineyards as well as Heitz’s Trailside Vineyard, to go with fruit from St. Helena, Chaix’s vineyard in Rutherford, Merlot form mountainous terrain of Howell Mountain, along with fruit from Oak Knoll, and Carneros. Together, this blend comes together effortlessly Owens, who has woven a particularly juicy, dark-fruited Cab that will knock peoples’ socks off.
The Tonelli family are royalty in this region, with four generations of grape growers leading the way and even establishing the local D.O.C. Their 2020 Ponente is 100% Sangiovese and is an absolutely incredible wine for the price. Less than $20/bottle for fleshed out, high-toned, zipped up Sangiovese? Count me in. It screams for pizza or summer salads, squash or a charcuterie plate. It’s about to be one of your new favorites.
91-93pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2015 Edmond de Rothschild “Chateau des Laurets” St. Emilion is something special and even after a barrage of fabulous Bordeaux offers this year, I’m still calling it the Bordeaux of the year. It absolutely dazzles, displaying all the silky, elegant tannins and harmonious nature characteristic of the vintage. Lay some down in a dark cellar for the long haul but don’t be afraid to enjoy some right now.
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