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
$26.00 $19.00
It must be nice when you really, really, don’t need the money.
That was certainly the case when Austrian Billionaire Gernot Langes-Swarovski decided to purchase Bodega Norton – one of Mendoza’s oldest properties and the region’s only traditional winery surrounded by its own vines. But this was no idle investment, Gernot spared no expense in perfecting a world-class winemaking facility and team – even installing his son to oversee the entire operation.
The accolades began almost immediately, but they’ve grown even more spectacular since up-and-coming winemaker, David Bonomi joined the team in 2002. David made several ‘up and comer’/’winemakers to watch’ lists before landing on “Decanter’s South America’s Top 10 Winemakers” list in 2017. But this year – Bodega Norton’s 125th anniversary – brought the young man the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year’ from Decanter’s preeminent South American wine writer, Tim Atkins.
The ascent in recognition was spearheaded by almost universal record high ratings from the press. But one wine quietly existed for decades without a single rating or review. Because when you don’t need the money … you can set aside the estate’s most mature parcels for a single Bordeaux-styled cuvee each year, reserved just for family and friends.
Known just as ‘Privada Family Blend’, this has been slowly released to the general public over the last several years. Consequently the press has caught up. Five publications raved about this under $20 gem, each rewarding it with 91 points or more. You’d be smart to snag a few bottles before it’s too late!
Out of stock
95 Points, James Suckling
Enticing roasted spices, peppermint and cocoa powder oozing from the glass, knitting the ripe, lustrous black fruit. Rich and full-bodied, but not jammy. Good density of flavors to chew on with a solid, velvety tannin structure. Lots of verve. Lengthy finish. Serious stuff. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
92 Points, Vinous
If prizes are being given out for the great blends of Argentina, Privada certainly makes the podium. A mixture of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Luján de Cuyo, this is a mature, fragrant red with a nose of plum jam, pepper and blueberry. Substantial and expressive on the palate, its flow is slow, sweet and voluminous, managing to create a sensation that is both delicate and intense at the same time. The aftertaste is fruity and impactful. A jewel among Bordeaux-style Argentine wines.
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
A black color backed by smoky aromas of blackberry, cassis, black olive and raw oak open this burly Bordeaux-style blend. Oak-based tannins make for a palate with resiny grab, while this is packed with toasty blackberry and herbal flavors. On the finish, this simmers with heat and oak before slipping away.
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 2019 North Coast vintage in Napa and Sonoma for Cabernet Sauvignon is outrageously good. The big three wine critics have already come in calling it one of the best of the last few decades. Of course, Chad Alexander finds himself in the right place at the right time. If there’s someone who can churn out full-bodied, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that can compete with the big boys at a fraction of the price, it’s Chad. Cherry cola, blackberries, fig jam and a hint of sage on the palate with plenty of depth and complexity. This has a solid, juicy core and a smooth, lingering finish. This baby should drink well for two decades at least.
From two New Jersey natives comes something special from Napa Valley. First the Faustini’s bought grapes from the historic Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard for their first test batch. Next they brought in Opus One & Clos du Val alum Kian Tavakoli to head up the winemaking. Throw in an outrageously good 2016 vintage in Napa and what you have is the recipe for a knockout wine that is starting to come into its own and will be great for the next 10-20 years!
Soon to be Rated
With Herve and Fabre Montmayou wracking up NYT features, huge scores, gold medals and lifetime achievement awards, I’m left with one choice: get in now or be left in the cold. Waiting for the scores to roll in is a luxury that we know longer have with Fabre Montmayou. Good for the winery, but not so good for us. Rest assured though, the 2020 Cabernet Franc Herve sent me is fantastic, and will surely be minted with the same kind of high-flying praise as the vintage before it. But by that time, you’ll only have a bottle or two left in the cellar.
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