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
$27.50
When you talk about modern American wine pioneers, Josh Jensen’s name belongs near the top of the list. Perhaps no single person did more to elevate an entire region, than Jensen’s work in the Central Coast. His purchase of the Calera in 1975 was first met with confusion when he chose such a high spot in the remote Gavilan Mountains. “Would the grapes even ripen?”
But the vineyard he planted, Mt. Harlan would go on to have its own AVA, become the reference point for cool-climate Pinot Noir In the U.S. and would forever change the minds of foreign consumers who previously were convinced Americans could only make Cabs and oaky Chardonnay.
But Jensen was always playing with an ace up his sleeve. Having worked harvests at both DRC and Dujac – he believed he knew the secret for making the world’s best cool climate Pinot – precious limestone soils. His 324 acre purchase at 1800ft elevation in San Benito for just $18,000 was like striking gold, only it wasn’t gold he struck, it was limestone.
The remote location certainly came with a handful of operations headaches (running power and water through a neighbors property as the only access point for one), but for a determined man who knew what he was sitting on, nothing was going to stop Jensen from recreating DRC in California.
The gamble has obviously paid off. In addition to all the amazing wines that have come off the property over the last 40 years, Calera has also received some of the highest praise in the industry. San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the year. Cover of Wine Spectator. Four times named to Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries in the World & perhaps the highest praise of all for Josh – Robert Parker calling Calera “California’s Romanée-Conti.”
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93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This blend from sites across the Central Coast carries all the expert hallmarks of the brand, from ripe fruit to earthy spice. Tightly wound aromas of pomegranate, berry, soil and star anise lead into a crisp yet savory palate of raspberry and deep cherry. Pinches of dried sage and thyme linger on the finish.
93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir Central Coast comes from multiple vineyards throughout the Central Coast and has a touch of the elegance and purity found in the top cuvées. Impressive black raspberry fruits, white flowers, spice, and a subtle salty minerality all emerge from the glass, and it’s beautifully textured, balanced, and just a joy to drink. It’s well worth its going rate and should be snatched up by readers.
92 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Aged 10 months in 10% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Central Coast has a pale to medium ruby color and open, inviting aromas of wild blackberries, oolong tea leaves, dried cranberries and cherries with touches of underbrush, charcuterie, dried flowers and earth. The palate is light to medium-bodied with a firm, finely grained frame and earth-laced fruits, finishing with lovely freshness and spice.
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95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points, Lisa Perotti-Brown
The oft 100-point winemaker, Jayson Woodbridge had this to say when tasting his 2021 ‘Stargazing’ Sonoma Pinot: “The wine is vibrant and complex with subtle dark fruits and berries, grandmother’s cherry pie, minerals, and a slight touch of rain-soaked earth, intertwined with a balance and very pleasing easy-going luxury. Should have been priced higher but what the hell.” I have no doubt this clerical error will be addressed in the vintages moving forward. But for now, this is a cult Pinot for under $100/bottle.
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Aleramici hits all the right notes. It has a nice medium weight to it with easy drinking cherry, creme de cassis and purple fruits. It’s multi-dimensional with waves of some dark plum and blackberry with more sage and spice components as well that compliment it perfectly.
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.”
This one comes from very old vines in eight different lieux-dits, with the largest portion coming from Le Fourneau. Harvest is all by hand, and this wine sees 18 months in barrels with only 10% new oak. Clement (rightfully) believes that keeping the oak primarily neutral here brings out the most authentic and intense expression of his Pinot Noirs. Take a sip or two of this and you will know exactly what I mean.
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