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
$360.00 $300.00
This is no fly-by-night expansion into a neighboring region but instead a plan that took decades of planning. The major hurdle was that Massolino was unwilling to settle for anything other than the absolute best vineyards. If you remember, their Barolo empire is built off holding in three of the most desirable vineyards in Italy: Margheria, Parafada, and Vigna Rionda – the former is considered by most to be the crown jewel vineyard of Serralunga.
So despite years of hunting, it was during an encounter with Bernardino Gastaldi, a historical and ambitious Neive winemaker with parcels in three of Barbaresco’s most important vineyards: Albesani, Serraboella, and Starderi that finally kick started the project. Gastaldi’s approach in the vineyard was identical to those of Massolino team so he allowed them the opportunity to work with his astonishing crus.
Still – law dictates that a Barbaresco must not only be grown in the region but also made in the region so the Massolino team also built a brand new boutique state-of-the-art winery to handle production, an enormous investment.
Out of stock
94 Points, Decanter
The 2019 is the first vintage ever for Massolino with Barbaresco. A precise, even reductive style typical of the estate, it has an amazing definition of violet, rose and rhubarb melded with balsamic whiffs and savoury liquorice in depth. Firm acidity and tannins dominate the palate with elegance and integration; a woven structure which flows with dusty, ripe tannins and lifted freshness. More elegant than powerful, its quintessentially Barbaresco and not without sufficient concentration for ageing.
93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advcoate
The Massolino 2019 Barbaresco offers fine and delicate fiber with plenty of wild berry, blue flower, licorice and crushed stone. This wine remains a fresh and accessible taste of Nebbiolo from the gentle hills of Barbaresco.
93 Points, James Suckling
A pretty mineral nose showing blood orange, rust and a racy, dark raspberry and cranberry character. A hint of dry earth and vanilla as well. Very firm and sinewy with a medium-to full-bodied palate, showing impressive purity and fine grip. Very well-made.
92 Points (#1 2018 Cru Bourgeois), Vinous – 91 Points, James Suckling
Bordeaux expert Neil Martin at Vinous looked in-depth at the 2018 vintage and offered that it was “a wellspring of wines of exceptional quality and unbeatable prices at decent quantities.” He went on to name some of the Cru Bourgeois from the entire vintage and at the top of his list was the 2018 Chateau Prieure de Beyzac Haut-Medoc. With incredibly gravelly, clay limestone soil, the tiny, swanky producer is able to make some staggering Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Clearly the wine made an enormous impression with Martin, who lobbed a 92-point score on a wine he deemed, “absolutely superb.”
Robert Foley’s Shelter Cabernet Sauvignon is our most popular Cabernet and finally returns after a few year hiatus. Dark purple on the rim, with aromas of black fruits, smoked meats, baking spice and a touch of sweet oak. It’s a big, round full-bodied wine with a nice acid backbone and a long, smooth finish. You can definitely drink these now (at this point, they’re seven years old) but there’s still a life ahead of them so tuck several away for a few more years.
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.
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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.