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
$85.00 $65.00
96-98 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
There is one top estate – still very much a small family affair that has continued to churn out wines of amazing dimension from their relatively modest means at reasonable prices. That’s according to me, Wine Spectator, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and most anybody who has had the privilege of seeing the Maret Family operation in motion.
The team is still pretty small. The family originally bought the estate in 1912 and have been farming it themselves, generation by generation. Michel Maret – the grandson of founder Eugene – has largely allowed the reins to pass to daughters Caroline and Veronique (though not if you ask them!)
Though – for those in the know – the estate was already firmly established with the wine press. Robert Parker, Jr. summarized it well: “This is one of the most well-run estates in Chateauneuf du Pape thanks to the meticulous and passionate efforts of proprietor Michel Maret”.
But the daughters have managed to take the estate to even greater heights, including the inclusion of their base CDP at number 30 on Wine Spectator’s 2019 Top 100 Wines of the Year list. And this edition of their ‘Cuvee Speciale’ Single-Vineyard CdP is the highest ever that the Wine Advocate has rated one of their wines. This is serious stuff. I just wish I had more than 48 bottles total to go round!
Out of stock
96-98 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Breathtaking aromas of garrigue, cracked pepper and ripe raspberries mark the nose of the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres, a 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah from the galets roulés of the les Brusquières lieu-dit. Aged in a small proportion of demi-muids, with 85% remaining in wooden vats, it’s full-bodied and velvety, with ample tannins and a long, concentrated finish that easily hides its 16% alcohol.”
Winemaker Pascal Sirat consistently puts out some of the best value Bordeaux in the region but he may have outdone himself in the 2018 vintage. Just south of Pomerol, the vines at Panchille borrow deep in the soil. The resulting wines are ripe but fresh, with an aromatic complexity and stony finish usually reserved for wine twice the price. Daniel Boulud tells me it’s been the hottest bottle of wine at Bar Boulud for over a month, so I figured I’d better hurry up and secure my allocation! Don’t miss it.
93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 93 Points, Wine Spectator
“Another sensational appellation release is the 2014 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands. Coming from an early vintage that was over two weeks ahead of average, it has tons of spice, black raspberry, currants and blackberry characteristics, medium to full-bodied richness, a great texture and no shortage of depth or length. Already impossible to resist, drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years.” -The Wine Advocate
Fresh off its feature as one of Wine Spectator’s ‘Exciting California Values Under $25’, winemaker Matt Cline looks to stay hot with his release of the 2019 Contra Costa Zinfandel. This one is a beauty crafted off old-vines that are now between 110-140 years in age. There’s a ton of darker fruits that drive this one with a dusting of baking spice. The fruit is pure, fresh and long making it both delicious on its own or terrific with a burger, BBQ ribs, or grilled leg of lamb. Crazy cheap for what is in the bottle, load up!
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.
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