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
$18.00 $14.99
Out of a line up of over two dozen Tuscan wines – many costing fifty to seventy-five bucks and two in the three figures – this tiny gem from Mazzei came out on top.
Now I often talk about historic estates – but this time, I need to slow down and reset the scale. For 26 generations, the Mazzei has been producing wine off their historic Castello di Fonterutoli estate and are intimately tied up in the entire history of Tuscany. It was their name that was found on the first ever official document mentioning Chianti – all the way back in 1398.
Several generations later, family patriarch Phillip Mazzei was a winemaker, philosopher, arms dealer, and most importantly for us a close confidant of Thomas Jefferson. He influenced the future direction of the United States with his political writings which were incorporated into the Declaration of Independence – and maybe even more so by supplying the State of Virginia with the necessary arms to fight the red coats.
Now to the wine. Look – this wine would be good at three times the price. It was going to be great at my normal Nicholas pricing but on today’s mea culpa, it’s just a ridiculous deal.
The vineyard is located at high elevation within the heart of Chianti Classico. Mazzei could have easily just thrown the merlot in the dirt and bottled the Sangiovese alone for a much bigger pay day. I’m certainly glad they didn’t.
This is deep, dark and luscious with intense aromas of red berry and cocoa. Fresh and lively on in the mouth – and will be an excellent companion to any red sauce – yes, even pizza – pot roast, etc …
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94 Points, Tasting Panel
This is a really exciting new release in the collection of single-vineyards from the Wagner Family, and arguably the most interesting one of the bunch. This is the only Pinot Noir in the Caymus collection that has the advantage of being from a natural Pinot Noir haven in the Russian River Valley. Dairyman Vineyard’s proximity to the pacific ocean, with its morning fog and afternoon coastal breezes allows for an even and elongated growing season, with super concentrated and expressive grape clusters that help make this Dijon clone Pinot Noir one that you need.
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.
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.
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.
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