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
$125.00 $99.00
Gianluca Grasso calls the vineyards Gavarini and Ginestra his “brothers”. Even though these vineyards are within a stones throw of each other, Gianluca’s “brothers” are far from twins. They are incredibly different and every year manage to show off the entire spectrum of complexity and flavors possible in Barolo. In my tasting experience, 2016 is Gianluca’s finest.
The only way to get a sense of these Grand Crus is to lace up your hiking boots. It’s a million dollar view from the top of Gavarini, The medieval castle of Castiglione Falletto to the left, Conterno’s Cascina Francia to the right and the ever present Alps always in the distance. One handful of Gavarini’s chalky sand speaks volumes about the incredible tension and crackling minerality in the finished wine. A quick walk through Ginestraloads your boots up with the calcareous clay the lend power and length that wine has become famous for.
The 2016 Grasso Baroli perfectly balance the fine line between fleshy, layered fruit and mineral, stony structure that will allow these wines to age gracefully for decades. 2016 was just about as perfect growing season as any Piemontese can remember, early bud break, a long, even growing season which extended maturation well into November. These are wildly complex, aromatic wines, with intense fruit and perfectly resolved tannins that give the prodigious length these wines will become legendary for. The critics agree showering Gianluca with giant scores that will just about guarantee these wines will disappear from the marketplace in a flash. Don’t miss them.
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97 Points, Antonio Galloni- Vinous
Ample and creamy on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2016 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè is super impressive, even in the early going. Next to the Gavarini Chiniera, the Ginestra Casa Matè is a Barolo of textural resonance and volume. Black cherry, plum and a range of balsamic notes infuse the 2016 with tons of character. The is one of the real standouts of the year.
The second year of this elegant, silky smooth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir crafted by Bertrand de Villane of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fame. Again it comes from the gorgeous Winter’s Hill Estate about 700 feet above sea level in the Dundee Hills. All indications are that the 2019 is going to be one of the best for Pinot Noir since 1991. A flawless summer that benefited from very little rain mixed with cool, breezy summer nights. With a round, supple mouthfeel and a sturdy backbone this will age gracefully for a decade plus. Bertrand’s wines just have a signature stamp that is unmistakably his. This is phenomenal.
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.
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!
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points, Decanter
Arguably their best quality to price wine is the Chianti Classico. It’s a bold and incredibly expressive Sangiovese that blends together a number of different parcels from around the estate. It’s got a beautiful silky smooth center with bright red fruits and even a tad of rusticity. A wine like this was just made to be enjoyed at the dinner table. With already a 90-point review from both Decanter and Wine Enthusiast, I’m assuming Antonio Galloni and company will come in with similar high praise, but I couldn’t wait around.
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