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
$25.00 $21.00
Sometimes in life, it’s not about the money. At least that was the case when Austrian Billionaire Gernot Langes-Swarovski decided to purchase Bodega Norton – one of Mendoza’s oldest properties and the only one which sits among the vines in the traditional manner. 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 poured in 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. Then in 2020, Bodega Norton’s 125th anniversary, Bonomi earned the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year’ from Decanter’s preeminent South American wine writer, Tim Atkin.
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 an estate-grown 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. You may remember Suckling gave the last Privada that we offered (2017 vtg) a big 95-point score. That kind of praise is usually reserved for the big named wineries in Napa and beyond… not usually for Argentina. But now, the Privada has become one of the most decorated wines in the entire country.
In stock
93 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
There’s better integration of the oak and better balance, harmony and elegance in the 2021 Privada Family Blend. It was produced with 40% Malbec and 30% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. It feels very integrated, with each variety adding aromas and flavors and coming through as complex and powerful. This has to be one of the finest vintages for this bottling. Maybe they used less new barrels.
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!
Every year since inception, Anne Sery’s Trousse Chemise wines have wowed folks from Coast to Coast (like Daniel Boulud who has an exclusive with her). But the newly released 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir really kicks things up a couple notches. It’s bursting with an intense, berried up fruitiness– when people compare Oregon as the closest thing to Burgundy in America, this is what they are talking about. Juicy and vibrant, with even more expressive floral, red fruit and sage aromatics.
93 Points, James Suckling – 92 Points, Wine Spectator – 92 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate
San Giorgio Ugolforte is the sister winery of Poggio di Sotto. Their 2017 presents a dark core of red and black berry fruit layered with earth, leather, smoke, and herbs. It’s a complex and elegant expression, that presents a full mouthfeel that is firm in tannin structure. The refreshing acidity frames a graceful finish. Just a classic Brunello di Montalcino.
94 Points, Decanter – 93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 93 Points, James Suckling
Massolino’s inaugural effort is superb. Typical of the very finest Nebbiolo, floral elements dominate the nose, here violets & rose with a touch of dark candy sweetness. The tannins are obvious but supple and refined, making this wine a much more approachable in its youth than you might expect. The 94 point Decanter review is worth reading below. Like most other Barbarescos from top vineyard sites, I expect these wines to reach firmly into the three figures in no time.
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