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
$50.00 $40.00
This wine is liquid gold. Well, better than gold according to the 2021 Decanter Wine Awards who showered this wine with a ‘Best in Show’ designation, a 97-point review and the highest spot for any Pinot in the world.
How did this small family winery manage quite a feat? Call it a perfect storm. A special 2018 vintage in California with hot, dry weather and a perfectly even harvest. Santa Lucia Highlands especially enjoyed an ideal summer with lots of sunshine and breeze and temperatures remaining cool. Then, you have winemaker Paul Clifton at the helm, whose work in SLH with Bernardus helped put the winery and the region on the map, and he’s been running the show in the Highlands every since.
With the St. Lucienne wines, Hahn Family showcases their premium single-vineyard wines. Four of them every year. But I’ll save you the time and energy– in 2018, the Smith Vineyard, the oldest estate at the highest elevation performed the best, with the resulting Pinot perfectly ripe, yet high-toned, well balanced and vibrant– a key to delicious Pinot Noir.
The rave 93-point review that this wine received from Josh Raynolds of the Vinous, or the 94-point Wine Enthusiast review would’ve been plenty of accolades for this wine to fly out the door. But given last week’s “Best in Show, 97-Point Showstopping review, today’s price simply doesn’t match today’s lightning in the bottle.
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97 (Best in Show), Decanter Wine Awards
This year’s exceptional Pinot Noir quartet is completed by this striking wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands — a long and scenically beautiful fillet of land lying on the landward side of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range next to the chill waters of Monterey Bay, and alternately fog-chilled and breeze-freshened during summer. The Pinot is dark and sweet-scented, with discreet spice and refined black cherry; there’s a peony allure to give it lift, too. It’s vivid and mouth-filling yet structured, poised and fresh, too: a Pinot that proves that the natural wealth which derives from California’s light and soils can work superbly in delivering Pinot of both nuance and sensual charm.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Rich, opulent aromas of black-cherry cordial and caramel are thick but delicious on the nose of this bottling. Sandy tannins frame the creamy cherry and blackberry flavors, which are lifted by star anise and licorice accents and lead into an oaky finish.
93 Points, Josh Raynolds – Vinous
Vivid red. Vibrant red and blue fruit, candied rose and baking spice qualities on the incisive nose, which picks up a hint of smokiness with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry and boysenberry flavors and allspice and cola topnotes. Shows excellent clarity and spicy thrust on the clinging finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.
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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.
This is a sensational single-vineyard Merlot made from incredibly tiny clusters, full of some of the most elegant, intensely structured fruit from high atop Sonoma Mountain. Beautiful weight and balance with aromas of blueberries, black currants, sage and a hint of cocoa. It’s got a full, plush mouthfeel, pristine and vibrant fruit and a wonderful smooth finish. Thanks to Chad’s big bet on himself, he was able to make a knockout Sonoma Mountain beauty, without the need for any middleman, helping us to enjoy one of his best creations at an outstanding price.
90-92 Pts, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 91 Pts (Editors’ Choice), Wine Enthusiast – 91 Pts, Decanter
The wines get consistent high praise but 2018 is truly something special. 90-92 from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. 91 points and an Editor’s Choice designation from Wine Enthusiast. 91 more from Decanter who provides “There is so much to enjoy in the smaller appellations this year. Drinking Window 2022 – 2031” and another 90 point score from James Suckling. This is a home run value – especially for the price.
92 Points, Vinous – 92 Points, James Suckling – 91 Points, Wine & Spirits
“The 2021 Malbec Reserva, from Vistalba, Lujan de Cuyo, was 60% aged in barrels for 12 months. Purple in color. The nose presents notes of fresh plum and violets, white pepper, strawberry, hints of spice and aromas from the aging process. It’s initially indulgent in the mouth, with good fat, and volume and a velvety texture. The flavors are bold and full-bodied. This 2021 overdelivers at the price.” -Vinous
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