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
$75.00 $65.00
The wines that come off their vineyards high atop Pritchard Hill have long been prized by collectors – due in no small part to the enormous praise that’s been heaped upon them. Robert Parker declared “Old timers have long known that one of the most compelling, riveting, world-class Cabernet Sauvignons ever made in California was Chappellet’s 1969.”
The Wine Spectator – tasting the wine nearly 40 years later gave it perhaps the highest praise possible – proclaiming it “could have easily passed as a timeless Latour.”
But despite all the praise, the winery has remained an intensely family affair – and the feel up on Pritchard Hill is much more like a neighborhood with winding streets and handmade signs indicating the neighbors: Colgin, Bryant, Ovid, Continuum.
All are Johnny-come-latelies compared to when Donn and Molly Chappellet came to settle here in 1967. Few people thought quality grape growth was even possible up at these heights, but the couple relied on the advice of the infamous André Tchelistcheff and not only planted their vines but also made the mountain top their home.
As you can tell from the quotes above about their 1969 release, success came very quickly and obviously the gamble paid off. Phil Titus – now a legend in his own right – has continued the record of success. Phil first came to the winery in 1981 and since 1990 has been at the helm – producing his own tirade of high flying ratings in the press.
2018 was a monster vintage high atop the mountain and produced wines of immense character. Throughout the valley – vineyards managers had to show immense restraint to not pick too early, atop Pritchard Hill – harvesting took dozens of passes with the last not being completed until Halloween!
This bottle embodies everything you’ve grown to love about mountain Cabernet – bold flavor, thought-provoking aromatics and a finish that goes on for days. Dark purple in the glass with notes of plums, currants and black cherries – and a touch of dark chocolate.
Out of stock
93+ Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. It was harvested from September 18 to October 30, and the alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, exuberant notes of warm plums, ripe black and red currants and black cherries come bounding out of the glass with suggestions of cedar chest, unsmoked cigars and beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is simply singing with juicy black fruits and velvety tannins, finishing long with some baking spice hints coming through. Open for business now, this wine can easily be cellared for 20 years or more.
93 Points, James Suckling
Lots of blackcurrant and blueberry with violet and boysenberry. Some chocolate, too. Full-bodied with lightly dusty tannins that give a special texture and beauty to the wine. Flavorful and intense at the finish.
The 2019 North Coast vintage in Napa and Sonoma for Cabernet Sauvignon is outrageously good. The big three wine critics have already come in calling it one of the best of the last few decades. Of course, Chad Alexander finds himself in the right place at the right time. If there’s someone who can churn out full-bodied, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that can compete with the big boys at a fraction of the price, it’s Chad. Cherry cola, blackberries, fig jam and a hint of sage on the palate with plenty of depth and complexity. This has a solid, juicy core and a smooth, lingering finish. This baby should drink well for two decades at least.
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.
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.
95 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Once again, Fabio Motta knocks it out of the ballpark. The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Le Gonnare is another super rich and densely concentrated Tuscan blended wine from this classic vintage. This blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Syrah is soft and velvety. In fact, the wine plays its best cards in terms of the supple and soft nature of the mouthfeel and tannins. The wine is partially aged (only 20%) in new oak. Only 6,600 bottles were made total.”
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