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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
$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.
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.
92 Points, James Suckling
It’s hard to imagine a wine that delivers more bang for your buck and consistency than what Herve Fabre is able to produce from his 100+ year old vines each vintage. Last year, his Malbec Reserva landed on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Buys of the Year. I called a big score form this one and it has just arrived. It’s a big, full-bodied Malbec from the heart of Mendoza and has great tannic structure and primary fruit, giving it similar characteristics to a Napa Valley Cab. Inviting aromas of raspberry pie, sage, herbs and roasted mushrooms.
97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship from Xavier is the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Anonyme, and in 2019 it’s 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and the balance a mix of permitted varieties. Partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of demi-muids and tank, it offers a beautifully pure, vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, white and black pepper, candied orange, and violets. Complex, layered, and nuanced, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless texture, and a great finish. It has both elegance and richness, and will keep for 15+ years.
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.
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