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
$95.00 $77.50
The last time I saw Philippe Billard, I was lucky. It was the summer of 2015 and I sent him an email at the last minute when another appointment was cancelled. Amazingly, he answered right away confirming our appointment. I had no idea at that point how lucky I was because after returning home, it took another 25 emails and one very awkward phone conversation (as neither of us really speaks the other’s language!) to finally get some wine sent.
He apologized profusely for the delay but he explained that he is a one man show, farming the vines, making the wines, seeing guys like me in the cellar….for a 60-something year old guy, it’s an absolutely insane work ethic.
That dedication was pretty clear at our tasting, a whirlwind exploration of the best vineyards of Pommard. Like that work ethic, Philippe’s wines are old-school, structured wines, built for the long-haul. Needless to say, I left there a huge fan.
His latest library release, direct from the domaine, is the 1er cru Pezerolles The total production was nuts, 3 barrels max, a casualty of hail at flowering. Despite that setback from Mother Nature, what she left on the vine was pretty special. Of all wines I tasted with Philippe that fateful day, this one was most elegant, a high-toned Pommard with great aromatic complexity, fine texture and great length.
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94 Points, Tasting Panel
This is a really exciting new release in the collection of single-vineyards from the Wagner Family, and arguably the most interesting one of the bunch. This is the only Pinot Noir in the Caymus collection that has the advantage of being from a natural Pinot Noir haven in the Russian River Valley. Dairyman Vineyard’s proximity to the pacific ocean, with its morning fog and afternoon coastal breezes allows for an even and elongated growing season, with super concentrated and expressive grape clusters that help make this Dijon clone Pinot Noir one that you need.
The 2021 Napa Valley East side Cuvee is an instant classic. From the first whiff to the moment it hits the lips, its clear that this is a fabulously concentrated, serious wine: black in color, and featuring aromas of cassis, cedar and chocolate-tinged purple fruit. The mouthfeel is plush and voluptuous with a firm, solid finish that speaks to its potential for considerable aging.
The secret to Philippe’s tightly wound, complex Pinot Noir is a combo of ancient vines, natural farming techniques, and low yields. The wines are built to age, with incredible tension and length. And the secret to me securing his other-wordly 2017 old-vine Gevry-Chambertin can be chalked up to a great relationship and over a decade supporting superior Burgundian winemaking. The wine is scary good. The nose is wild, filled with spiced dark raspberries, red flowers, and baking spices. The palate is elegant and racy, with a dynamic tension that runs right through its minute-long finish. This is a high-toned, wound-up Pinot, that is starting to hit its prime and is really turning out to be a ‘must-have’ for true Burgundy lovers.
92 Points, Vinous – 92 Points, James Suckling – 91 Points, Wine & Spirits
“The 2021 Malbec Reserva, from Vistalba, Lujan de Cuyo, was 60% aged in barrels for 12 months. Purple in color. The nose presents notes of fresh plum and violets, white pepper, strawberry, hints of spice and aromas from the aging process. It’s initially indulgent in the mouth, with good fat, and volume and a velvety texture. The flavors are bold and full-bodied. This 2021 overdelivers at the price.” -Vinous
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