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
$45.00 $40.00
One of the newest and strictest Italian wine laws comes in Chianti, where Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Reservas now have a new leader to chase with the classification of Gran Selezione that represents the best of the best. Literally translating to “the greatest selection”, Gran Selezione is above Riserva, and made using grapes harvested only from the winery’s own vineyards, with upgraded requirements for alcohol, extract, and aging.
It has to contain at least 80% Sangiovese – all estate grown, at least 13% abv, aged for at least 30 months with 3 of those having to come in a bottle. It’s a bear– but the wines that do meet these requirements, are excellent– especially the ones that come from the beloved commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga. That’s exactly what I have today from Costello di Bossi.
Since taking over the Castello di Bossi in 1998, famous winemaker and entrepreneur Marco Bacci (Renieri) has helped overhaul the massive Castelnuovo Berardenga property into one of the region’s best once again. Having the help of superstar consultant Alberto Antonini doesn’t hurt either.
Together, the two have done amazing things, but their brand new release of Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is easily at the top of the list. A 97-point firecracker, the wine has great dark cherry, blueberry, and blackberry components, with a mixture of tea leaves, baking spices and a hint of cigar box on the nose. These are the muscular, chewy Chiantis that usually fetch a pretty penny– but Castello di Bossi’s GS is easily the highest scored, most reasonably priced of the bunch.
Out of stock
97 Points, James Suckling
A stunning Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that shows pure lavender and violets, in addition to riper dark cherries, tea leaves, olives, eucalyptus and spice box. Very structured and muscular on the palate, which encompasses layers of dark fruit and plenty of driving acidity to take this through to a long, chewy finish.
94 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Castello di Bossi (Renieri) is one of the headline estates from the Castelnuovo Berardenga commune of Chianti Classico. The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a terrific wine that unfolds to reveal pretty fruit intensity, deep layers of cherry and blackberry and a soft texture. The wine is elegant and fresh with steady fruit weight that drives the quality and length of the finish. A well-marbled steak will do nicely here.
Obviously, I can’t tell you all the details of the vineyard source but I can let you in on a few of the details. Crafted using fruit from 1000-1500 ft in elevation, Chad’s 2019 is cool climate Pinot at its best– especially given the price tag. While similar wines (very similar wines) will fetch a $45 price tag, you can snag it today just less than half off that price on bottle one. There’s no surprise this is the #1 wine of the year in 2020.
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 second year of this elegant, silky smooth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir crafted by Bertrand de Villane of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fame. Again it comes from the gorgeous Winter’s Hill Estate about 700 feet above sea level in the Dundee Hills. All indications are that the 2019 is going to be one of the best for Pinot Noir since 1991. A flawless summer that benefited from very little rain mixed with cool, breezy summer nights. With a round, supple mouthfeel and a sturdy backbone this will age gracefully for a decade plus. Bertrand’s wines just have a signature stamp that is unmistakably his. This is phenomenal.
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The 2019 Wentworth Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is a beauty. Made with 100% Estate Grown, organically farmed fruit from Wentworth’s noteworthy Anderson Valley vineyard. It’s made from a variety of different clones: Dijon 115, 667 and Pommard 5, that seamlessly blend to make an exciting, full-bodied Pinot. You can taste the extra flair courtesy of the 1/4 wholecluster fermentation. This is fresh and juicy and fantastic to pair with food.
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