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
$15.00 $13.50
As we saw time and time again last year, great Tuscan bargains can be found if you know where to look– and right now, there’s no hotter neighborhood in Tuscany than its third largest DOC, Maremma.
There in the warm sun drenched vineyards along the Southern Tuscan Coast the wine regulations are a bit looser, attracting some of the country’s best winemakers to experiment with different varietals and combinations, hell bent on making the best wines possible.
In the miracle 2015 vintage in Tuscany, one that Italy’s most famous wine consultant, Carlo Ferrini called, “the greatest vintage of my career” both the tiny finds and the big usual “Aaia” suspects all produced some of their best work ever. The enologist has been a big part of the Maremma movement, consulting for as many as a dozen wineries in a single vintage! in the new region that was compared in the early 2000’s to the California gold rush of the 1840’s.
Millions of dollars have been pumped into the region with wines ranging anywhere from $10 to $300/bottle in the region. But if you’re looking for the top rated under $25 Maremma from the 2015 vintage in Tuscany, look no further than today’s 92pt La Mora Toscana from Cecci, which won’t cost you a penny over $13/btl today (not a misprint!).
The Cabernet blend, cut off of mediterranean quartz soils, provides a wonderful dark fruited, chocolatey mix that Wine Spectator’s former Italian Editor in Chief, James Suckling called “serious richness”. It’s a crazy food friendly wine, but I wouldn’t waste my time pairing this with a salad, this has pizza wine written all over it.
At today’s price, it shouldn’t need convincing, just some space cleared in the wine fridge.
92 Points, James Suckling
Plenty of chocolate and berry character with hints of walnut. Medium body, integrated tannins and a flavorful finish. Serious richness. Drink or hold.
91 Pts, Decanter Wine Awards
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. Tasted last week, I expect similar accolades will roll in soon for this one. It’s a big, full-bodied Malbec with The 2018 Reserve Malbec from the heart of Mendoza is garnet in color with inviting aromas of raspberry pie, sage, herbs and roasted mushrooms. This is a wine that pairs perfectly with some cooler weather.
If you’re a fan hedonistic Howell Mountain Cabernet, then this should be missed. Packed with immense fruit, this is a Napa Valley powerhouse. Ruby-garnet in color this bold wine presents bright cherry flavors with nuanced undertones of chocolate and clove. Beautiful tannins prop up a sophisticated and persistent finish that just goes on for days.
94 Points, Vinous Media
“The 2018 Syrah Estate is a fabulous example of both the estate and everything Ballard Canyon is about. Fabulously deep and expansive, the Estate captures tremendous character. The flavors are dark, brooding and so rich. Black cherry, plum, leather, spice and dried herbs abound. The 50% whole clusters are nicely integrated, but the tannins are equally imposing, so a measure of patience is critical. All of the other Syrahs in this range are compelling, but to me the Estate is the most complete. It’s a reference-point wine for the appellation.” -Antonio Galloni
Complex Oregon Pinot Noir sourced from the Hyland Vineyard, a high elevation site whose climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Slow development on the vine is what brings both concentration and complexity to winemaker, Anne Sery’s brilliant 2018 Hyland Pinot. The wine features bright, fresh berry fruit touched with just a bit of savory spice. The finish is long and stony making it delicious tonight and every night for the next decade. Pair with roasted poultry or salmon, lentil and mushroom preparations.
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