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
$39.50
The husband and wife team of Tyler and Rachel Eck are a force to be reckoned with in the Central Coast. Though the 2021 vintage represents only their 7th making wine under their brand Dunites, the pair are far from newcomers on the scene.
Instead, they launched a side project as a couple in 2015 to create a brand focused on making “risky wines” – pure, unadulterated juice with whole cluster fermentation, minimal or no sulfur usage, light extraction by foot stomping, bottling without filtering and aging in neutral barrels to put forth the truest expressions.
None of which would be possible if their focus was anywhere other than the San Luis Obispo Coast. This wind-battered appellation at the very edge of where grapes can ripen, contains vineyards precariously perched on the first ridge of mountains off the pacific, allowing for super clean fruit with remarkable purity, low pH and crackling acidity.
Even though they’re both young, Tyler and Rachel account for over a dozen wine positions throughout multiple countries. Rachel, after a stint in NZ is a vineyard manager who works with some of the top wineries in California (Paul Lato/Stephen Ross) and Tyler’s the current associate winemaker at Fess Parker, after working at Peay Vineyards.
Dunites is only in its infancy, but the writing is already on the wall. They’re a smashing hit. Every vintage, they’re treated to a hit parade of big scores and lavish praise from some of the most respected wine critics in the world. Antonio Galloni has called their wines “stunning” and “simply brilliant” and literally couldn’t find enough positive things to say about today’s bottle.
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95 Points, Vinous
The 2021 Syrah-Grenache is another fabulous wine from Tyler and Rachel Eck. Bright, savory, and vibrant, the 2021 bristles with energy from the get go. Lively acids run through a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves and menthol. The 2021 is deep and full of flavor yet also light on its feet. Today, it is positively stellar.
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In the 2020 vintage in Gevrey-Chambertin, yields were super low and temperatures were hotter than most Burgundian winemakers are accustomed. Many picked too late when the sugars were high and the fruit really ripe, but that was not the play. Still, Ann remained as cool in those hot temps as she did so many years ago in Napa, concentrating more on acid levels than sugars and picking at just the right time. This wine is absolutely singing – it’s an age-worthy beauty that should be even better in 4-7 years.
90 Points, James Suckling
Damien has crafted a delicious Médoc, full of character with dense black currant and cherry fruit, cedar, tobacco and wonderful complexity. It’s silky complexion is what pushes it over the edge (and, of course, the price!) It doesn’t hurt that it comes from a 95-point Left Bank vintage that the Wine Advocate declared, “outstanding.”
It’s no surprise the Wine Advocate has called the Ventoux a “screaming bargain.” Carved off the left bank of the Rhone River, the 2020 Delas Ventoux is a gorgeous medium-bodied wine with wonderful crushed red fruits, a silky mouthfeel, tremendous structure and that signature Rhone spice on the finish. I haven’t had this wine available for a few vintages, but I figure it’s the perfect springtime Red to bring back in the fold!
100 Pts, International Wine Report – 98 Pts, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 98 Pts, James Suckling
“The 2020 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is truly sensational. It begins with striking aromas of fresh blackberries, blueberries and dark plums that are laced with fresh spring florals, mocha, sweet exotic spices, graphite and gravel nuances all taking shape. The palate is full-bodied and displays a remarkable combination of power and elegance throughout. This is beautifully structured and extremely expressive, as it possesses outstanding depth and concentration all they way through the long, finessed finish. Year after year, the Columbia Valley Cabernet is one of the most impressive wines, and there is no exception here, as it combines all the wonderful qualities of the 2020 vintage from Quilceda Creek into one expression. This is fantastic already and readers will be in for a real treat, as this simply marvelous wine will continue to deliver the goods for years to come.”
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