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.
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90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Xavier Vignon’s brand spanking new CDR 100% is a thing of beauty. It’s already got a blessing from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate who described this wine as, “Full-bodied, concentrated and supple”. This is a gorgeous and intricate blend that features all of the Southern Rhone appellations. This year, the blend was 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, 7% Cinsault, 7% Marselan, 6% Terret Noir. Nobody can do it like the mad scientist, Xavier Vignon.
In the 2020 vintage in Gevrey-Chambertin, yields were super low and temperatures were hotter than most Burgundian winemakers are accustomed. Many picked too late when the sugars were high and the fruit really ripe, but that was not the play. Still, Ann remained as cool in those hot temps as she did so many years ago in Napa, concentrating more on acid levels than sugars and picking at just the right time. This wine is absolutely singing – it’s an age-worthy beauty that should be even better in 4-7 years.
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Always the one with the most personality of the bunch, this is what Wine Enthusiast had to say about the 2021 release: “This extremely ripe and bold style of Pinot Noir will please those seeking such lushness. Dark in the glass, it begins with black cherry, toasty caramel and cola milk shake aromas.” The cool, coastal days and abundance of sunshine lines up perfectly for a wine that has a good natural acidic backbone, with bold fruit-forward flavors. In an easy 2021 vintage, Joe Wagner had a field day with this single-vineyard beauty.
100 Pts, International Wine Report – 98 Pts, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 98 Pts, James Suckling
“The 2020 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is truly sensational. It begins with striking aromas of fresh blackberries, blueberries and dark plums that are laced with fresh spring florals, mocha, sweet exotic spices, graphite and gravel nuances all taking shape. The palate is full-bodied and displays a remarkable combination of power and elegance throughout. This is beautifully structured and extremely expressive, as it possesses outstanding depth and concentration all they way through the long, finessed finish. Year after year, the Columbia Valley Cabernet is one of the most impressive wines, and there is no exception here, as it combines all the wonderful qualities of the 2020 vintage from Quilceda Creek into one expression. This is fantastic already and readers will be in for a real treat, as this simply marvelous wine will continue to deliver the goods for years to come.”
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