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
$26.00 $18.00
Outside of Burgundy, nowhere in the world consistently produces better Pinot Noir and Chardonnay than California’s Russian River Valley. All the big California names have now bought in: Kendall Jackson, Rodney Strong and Paul Hobbs. But the very best wines, now and always have been made by small operations – like the guys from L’Oliveto.
The two winemakers behind L’Oliveto’s boutique operation bring a truckload of experience (Williams-Selyem, Robert Sinskey), but instead of laying all their cash into a single vineyard, they use their relationships to cherry pick the best vineyards each vintage without all the overhead. That means great wines every year and phenomenal prices.
2017 was the year they held all the aces. As wildfires raged, RRV was luckily spared but nonetheless, buyers were scarce. The long, hot 2017 vintage gave a few precious wineries the raw ingredients for truly exceptional wines. My favorite RRVs in 2017 came courtesy of Gary Farrell, Paul Hobbs and Merry Edwards. Just one problem, all three of those bottles will set you back a pretty penny. But for the quality to price ratio, L’Oliveto’s Pinot puts all three to shame.
The 2017 L’Oliveto is excellent and I don’t say that lightly. Well balanced, with super fresh, dark-berried fruit, a touch of earth and spice and a wonderful lingering finish. Even at its $26 release price this would be a phenomenal wine, easily worth twice the price. At today’s $18 a bottle – this is a no brainer. You’ll be enjoying this absolutely delicious Pinot Noir on Tuesday and Saturday nights alike all summer long.
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90 Points (Editors’ Choice), Wine Enthusiast
This is an attractively priced red made at high quality, aged entirely in French oak, 30% new, for nearly a year. Dark brooding fruit is accented in baking spice within a succulent palate that’s soft with earthy edges. The finish offers plenty of acidity and brightness.
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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.”
The 2021 Napa Valley East side Cuvee is an instant classic. From the first whiff to the moment it hits the lips, its clear that this is a fabulously concentrated, serious wine: black in color, and featuring aromas of cassis, cedar and chocolate-tinged purple fruit. The mouthfeel is plush and voluptuous with a firm, solid finish that speaks to its potential for considerable aging.
95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points, Lisa Perotti-Brown
The oft 100-point winemaker, Jayson Woodbridge had this to say when tasting his 2021 ‘Stargazing’ Sonoma Pinot: “The wine is vibrant and complex with subtle dark fruits and berries, grandmother’s cherry pie, minerals, and a slight touch of rain-soaked earth, intertwined with a balance and very pleasing easy-going luxury. Should have been priced higher but what the hell.” I have no doubt this clerical error will be addressed in the vintages moving forward. But for now, this is a cult Pinot for under $100/bottle.
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.
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