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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90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Xavier Vignon’s brand spanking new CDR 100% is a thing of beauty. It’s already got a blessing from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate who described this wine as, “Full-bodied, concentrated and supple”. This is a gorgeous and intricate blend that features all of the Southern Rhone appellations. This year, the blend was 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, 7% Cinsault, 7% Marselan, 6% Terret Noir. Nobody can do it like the mad scientist, Xavier Vignon.
Winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val) continues to excel even while others struggle. In 2017, he still managed to deliver a beautiful and opulent Napa Valley Cabernet that’s both dark and juicy. The wine hails from both Coombsville and Rutherford, giving it distinct characteristics and a lot of drive. Deep ruby to the rim with excellent concentration, notes of Bing cherries, raspberry pie and hints of vanilla. On the palate, big wonderfully jammy fruit with young but impressive tannins and great length. The finish leaves notes of black cherry, and baked blueberry pie. Fantastic Napa value.
The newly released Fiancetto Howell Mt. Cabernet is a dream – a gorgeous, elegant dark-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon that is it picks up time in the glass, unfurls its full signature of cedar laced cassis nose and mid palate of chocolate-covered cherries and savory spices. Only four palates of this (224 cases) were made off a gorgeous, sprawling high elevation spot 1500 feet above sea level. It’s full and plush and finishes fresh and oh so long. The price is crazy for Howell Mountain Cabernet but that’s what Ry Richards and Fiancetto is all about.
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Always the one with the most personality of the bunch, this is what Wine Enthusiast had to say about the 2021 release: “This extremely ripe and bold style of Pinot Noir will please those seeking such lushness. Dark in the glass, it begins with black cherry, toasty caramel and cola milk shake aromas.” The cool, coastal days and abundance of sunshine lines up perfectly for a wine that has a good natural acidic backbone, with bold fruit-forward flavors. In an easy 2021 vintage, Joe Wagner had a field day with this single-vineyard beauty.
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