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
$85.00 $69.00
What a few months it’s been for Hunneus Wines. First, a few weeks back we offered Leviathan. Then, we had a rare allocation of Quintessa. Both at exceptional prices. But those offers pale in comparison to today’s final act, a two-for-one offer of “Baby Quintessa”, from project Faust, priced to be scooped up by the case. Don’t miss it.
The winemaking team at Faust is ridiculous. Similar to the team at Quintessa (Michel Rolland/Andy Erickson) minus Rebekah Wineburg but with Charles Thomas (Opus One) and David Jelinek (Copain/Prisoner/Groth). The vineyard source out of this world – a little slice of heaven on the foothills of Atlas Peak in Coombsville. The wine is aged and bottled at Quintessa’s state-of-the-art winemaking facility.
Both have all the vineyard pedigree and winemaking prowess of Quintessa. They receive the big scores (Faust- 94pts, The Pact 96/95pts) and all the press of their big name brother, but at prices that Napa almost never sees anymore for wines of this caliber. And the best part, I’m able to offer these at the best prices anywhere – for as long as they last.
Out of stock
96 Points, James Suckling
This is very layered and beautiful with tannins that unfold horizontally and melt into the wine. So much subtle and complex currant and green-olive character with a hint of fresh tobacco.
95 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact is made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 19 months in 50% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals bold red and black currants scents with touches of crushed rocks, new leather, fried herbs, rose hip tea and wood smoke plus a hint of incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers and rock-solid structure of firm, ripe, grainy tannins framing the muscular fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced.
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.
93 Points, James Suckling – 92 Points, Wine Spectator – 92 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate
San Giorgio Ugolforte is the sister winery of Poggio di Sotto. Their 2017 presents a dark core of red and black berry fruit layered with earth, leather, smoke, and herbs. It’s a complex and elegant expression, that presents a full mouthfeel that is firm in tannin structure. The refreshing acidity frames a graceful finish. Just a classic Brunello di Montalcino.
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.
Soon to be Rated
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 now or be left in the cold. Waiting for the scores to roll in is a luxury that we know longer have with Fabre Montmayou. Good for the winery, but not so good for us. Rest assured though, the 2020 Cabernet Franc Herve sent me is fantastic, and will surely be minted with the same kind of high-flying praise as the vintage before it. But by that time, you’ll only have a bottle or two left in the cellar.
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