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
$16.00
The truth is, Herve Fabre’s Cabernet Franc – for years – has been my secret weapon. While his Malbec steals all the glory, it’s long been Herve’s belief that Cabernet Franc is one of the grapes of the future that will continue Argentina’s ascend on the world stage. His own Cabernet Franc in particular proves his point.
Hand harvested in small trays to avoid bruising any of the fruit, the results are amazing. More than half the Cabernet Franc that comes in is rejected, prioritizing only the best grapes. This makes for a super energetic Cabernet with juicy red and black fruits, and the signature dash of a mint on the finish. It’s insanely good.
But with Herve and Fabre Montmayou wracking up NYT features, huge scores, gold medals and lifetime achievement awards, I’m left with one choice: get in as soon as possible or get left in the dust. Especially, when you have a wine that is as ridiculously highly decorated as this one.
The expert reviews on this little number are insane. 90 points and a ‘Best Buy’ designate from Wine Enthusiast, 90 more from Suckling. Ditto from Vinous who called this “young, firm, with well-worked tannins and good structure”. But in a crowded see of nearly 20,000 wines at the Decanter Wine Awards in 2022 – this stole the show. The only 95-point, Gold medal Cabernet that you can get for under $20/bottle, its second straight year in the most rarified air.
95 Points (Gold Medal), Decanter Magazine
Dark and brooding, with plush aromas of dark fruit and black spice, while the palate is laced with earthy fruit and graceful rolling tannins.
90 Points (Best Buy), Wine Enthusiast
A nose of berries and herbs guide the senses to a savory palate, delivering flavors of green bell pepper and strawberry intertwined. Barrel-driven spice notes are well integrated. A good structure and balancing acidity provide a pleasant mouthfeel.
90 Points, Vinous
From Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, the 2021 Cabernet Franc Reserva was 60% aged in barrels. Garnet red in hue. The nose presents ash and red pepper notes with elegant hints of redcurrant. In the mouth, it’s compact with a taut texture and young, firm, well-worked tannins and good structure. Will improve in the bottle.
90 Points, James Suckling
Blackberries, black raspberries, cocoa powder, walnuts and dried herbs on the nose. Fragrant and gently herbal, with a full body and firm, fine tannins. Best in 2024.
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94 Points, Decanter – 93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 93 Points, James Suckling
Massolino’s inaugural effort is superb. Typical of the very finest Nebbiolo, floral elements dominate the nose, here violets & rose with a touch of dark candy sweetness. The tannins are obvious but supple and refined, making this wine a much more approachable in its youth than you might expect. The 94 point Decanter review is worth reading below. Like most other Barbarescos from top vineyard sites, I expect these wines to reach firmly into the three figures in no time.
97 Points, Vinous – 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Ric’s 2019 Cab from the outrageously good vintage in Napa is in my mind nearly perfect. It’s an incredible feat. It’s attached to two super high scores, but that’s not surprising given that Ric is a winemaking legend and has been called, “Napa’s first superstar winemaker.” Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave it a 97 and said the wine “possesses remarkable textural intensity”. Dunnuck chipped in with a 96 and predicted the wine, “should continue drinking brilliantly for another two decades”. Pure class.
#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021
96 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 95 Points, Wine Spectator
We are one of the very few folks who have Wine Spectator’s #3 Wine of the Year. This is definitely not one to miss. The 2016 vintage showcases this prized vineyard in all its glory; notes of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay are lifted and enjoyed with the polished tannin and mouthwatering freshness of this wine. Regarded as one of the best vintages in the last few decades, the 2016 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release and will continue to reward for the next 20+ years.
The Adaptation Cabernet allows superstar winemaker Jeff Owens to make a Cabernet with other Bordeaux varietals from a collection of the top vineyards from across the valley. This is PlumpJack’s “Quilt” so to speak. It features Cabernet along the Silverado Trail in Stag’s Leap from their own Odette Vineyards as well as Heitz’s Trailside Vineyard, to go with fruit from St. Helena, Chaix’s vineyard in Rutherford, Merlot form mountainous terrain of Howell Mountain, along with fruit from Oak Knoll, and Carneros. Together, this blend comes together effortlessly Owens, who has woven a particularly juicy, dark-fruited Cab that will knock peoples’ socks off.
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