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.
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.
Winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val) continues to excel even while others struggle. In 2017, he still managed to deliver a beautiful and opulent Napa Valley Cabernet that’s both dark and juicy. The wine hails from both Coombsville and Rutherford, giving it distinct characteristics and a lot of drive. Deep ruby to the rim with excellent concentration, notes of Bing cherries, raspberry pie and hints of vanilla. On the palate, big wonderfully jammy fruit with young but impressive tannins and great length. The finish leaves notes of black cherry, and baked blueberry pie. Fantastic Napa value.
Chad’s 2020 McKinley Springs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is drop dead gorgeous and actually makes zero sense at all at this price. Dark purple to the rim with aromas of black fruits, violets, creme de cassis and a hint of spice. On the palate, full-bodied, round and juicy with elegance and the gorgeous, pure fruit– red and black currants, blackberries and a touch of sweet tobacco. It’s a delicious bottle of Cab.
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