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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
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
$125.00 $85.00
In 2000, Bibi Graetz burst onto the Super Tuscan scene almost out of nowhere. Sitting on a goldmine – now 85 year-old Sangiovese ‘gardens’ surrounding his home. He brought on (now rockstar) winemaker – Antinori Antonini.
The two set out to create the very best expression of these historic vineyards as they possibly could. The bottling would be called Testamatta and would be 100% garden Sangiovese – which was not allowed by the powers that be.
Consistently outperforming the biggest names in Tuscany at a relatively modest price point, the pundits are just starting to catch up. But Mr. Suckling went a step further and called Testamatta “one of my 12 Best Collectible Wines of Tuscany”. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate called it, “one of the most original and off-the-radar expressions of Sangiovese you will ever taste”.
The 2016 may be his best yet. James Suckling called the wine, “very beautiful”, “gorgeous” and “well-polished”… all in the same review. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate wrote nothing short of an essay in their review of the wine describing in length its “impeccable harmony, and “chiseled intensity.” Truly something special, this baby once again outpointing Tuscan greats Tignorello and Sassicaia
Out of stock
98 Points, James Suckling
A very beautiful and thoughtful Testamatta with aromas of earth, terra cotta, black tea, and lavender. Full-bodied, very layered and extremely polished with superb, soft tannins. Racy and very long. Muscular and formed but very, very balanced. Gorgeous richness and depth. Shows balance and wonder.
96 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2016 Testamatta represents a blend of fruit from old vines spread across the various vineyard holdings farmed by Bibi Graetz in both the Siena and Firenze provinces of Tuscany. These holdings include plots in Vincigliata (home base to Bibi Graetz and his family just outside of Florence), Lamole, Londa, Montefili and Siena. Many of the vines used here are 80 years old or more, and each site represents a cultural and enological patrimony that was specifically selected for its individual character or uniqueness. There is an unescapable metaphor in the many primary colors that blend or bleed into each other to form a single piece of art that is depicted on the front label of this handsome bottle. Testamatta reaches impeccable harmony in similar fashion. I tasted this wine on three separate occasions and was blown away each time. There is a seductively wild side to the wine that comes forth with chiseled intensity. Dark fruit, spice, tar, licorice and toasted spice make for a beautifully elegant bouquet. The mouthfeel remains mid-weight in approach, with polished tannins and a tightly knit texture that should relax and grow in volume as the wine evolves in the bottle.
To keep in the spirit of giving, I am once again offering up a four pack that is priced like a misprint. Two exceptional Faust Cabs from the illustrious 2019 vintage, for an absurd price that can’t be matched anywhere. Three bottles of the 95-pt 2019 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet and one bottle of the flagship 96-pointer, ‘The Pact’ Napa Valley 2019. From 2/3 of the winemaking team at Quintessa, using the same vineyard sources and the same state-of-the-art wine production facility. The last of the four offers in this series is definitely the sweetest. $330 is the retail price for the 4-pack. But for a short while (until sell out), 32% OFF that or just $225. If you’re after a Napa Valley Cab bargain, four super highly rated bottles at this price is just silly.
(1 btl) Faust ‘The Pact’ Napa Valley 2019 (96pts, James Suckling)
(3 btls) Faust Napa Valley Cabernet 2019 (95pts, James Suckling)
Fresh off its feature as one of Wine Spectator’s ‘Exciting California Values Under $25’, winemaker Matt Cline looks to stay hot with his release of the 2019 Contra Costa Zinfandel. This one is a beauty crafted off old-vines that are now between 110-140 years in age. There’s a ton of darker fruits that drive this one with a dusting of baking spice. The fruit is pure, fresh and long making it both delicious on its own or terrific with a burger, BBQ ribs, or grilled leg of lamb. Crazy cheap for what is in the bottle, load up!
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This is a beauty with some age to it in an outstanding year throughout California. From the vineyard brought to you by Marc Aubert and Peter Michael, this was made from three separate clones of Pinot Noir, that each bring a different element into play. Also, with a little whole cluster fermentation, this one has a bigger, juicier and earthier mouthfeel that offers new appeal each time you go back for another sip. This collector is in its drinking prime right now and should remain for the next 3-5 years. Enjoy it.
“The last of the appellation releases, the 2014 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was brought up in 55% new French oak, which is slightly more than the 2013. Deep, rich and earthy, with notes of bouquet garni, smoked earth, licorice and dark fruits, it has full-bodied richness, a big mid-palate and is packed with gorgeous amounts of fruit. It’s a big, rich wine from this cool climate appellation, yet I suspect it will show more classic Sonoma Coast characteristics with a year or two in bottle. It’s a beautiful wine.” -Jeb Dunnuck
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