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
$18.00 $14.00
Donnachiara is a family owned and operated winery just outside the boundaries of Montefalcione in Avellino. The origins date back to the turn of the 20th century when Chiara Mazzarelli and the noble surgeon, Antonio Petitto got married and started a new project. Five generations of winemaking later, their legacy lives on stronger than ever thanks to one of the most progressive, state of the art winemaking facilities and arguably the best winemaker in Italy.
Riccardo Cotarella is a winemaking superstar and the most famous and well respected consultant in Italy. Robert Parker Jr. himself heaped perhaps the highest praise possible, referring to him as “one of the most influential personalities in the world of wine in the last 20 years.”
Cotarella makes a number of wines at Donnachiara including today’s Aglianico Campagnia IGT that end up on James Suckling’s “$15 wines that Taste like $50”. It shouldn’t be a surprise. A 93-point score isn’t usually slapped on wines that can be had for less than $15/btl like today’s wine. But given the pedigree of the winery, the winemaking prowess and the wine’s accolades, there’s not much that needs to be thought over. If you’re going to try an Aglianico, it should probably be this one.
Out of stock
93 Points, James Suckling
Layers of ripe plums, orange peel, sweet tobacco and licorice on the nose. Smoke, ash, some tar and cedar, too. It’s full-bodied with firm but smooth tannins. Drink now-2025.
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
Now some of the best Pinot Noir in the world comes from the Yamhill-Carlton District (this small neck of the woods has earned its own AVA) and specifically from Shea Vineyards. Big name wineries clamor for fruit: Antica Terra, Beaux Freres, Bergstrom, Penner-Ash, & Sine Qua Non, to name a few. This Pinot is lights out and even given the pedigree, drinks several echelons higher. Blueberry, Blackberry, Blue Cheese (?!?), chanterelle mushrooms, lavender, mint – I could go on. It’s literally got it all, but I won’t spoil it for you.
95 Points, Decanter
On the nose, herbs and lavender dominate, as notes of meat stew swish in the background. As it continues to open up, various black fruits continue to emerge. The palate is marked by bright acids (perfect for fatty cuisine), black cherry and touch of leather. This is a perfect candidate for the cellar and will be a stellar pull over the next decade.
This is a sensational single-vineyard Merlot made from incredibly tiny clusters, full of some of the most elegant, intensely structured fruit from high atop Sonoma Mountain. Beautiful weight and balance with aromas of blueberries, black currants, sage and a hint of cocoa. It’s got a full, plush mouthfeel, pristine and vibrant fruit and a wonderful smooth finish. Thanks to Chad’s big bet on himself, he was able to make a knockout Sonoma Mountain beauty, without the need for any middleman, helping us to enjoy one of his best creations at an outstanding price.
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