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
$36.00
Perhaps no wine region has done more to boost its profile in the past 25 years than the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. Once under the radar, the tirade of enormous scores, movie references (remember Paul Giamatti AKA Miles from Sideways), and critical praise have confirmed it as one of the best regions in the world for Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay for that matter).
The reason is actually pretty simple. It’s got a completely unique weather ecosystem unlike pretty much anywhere else in the world that allows for perfect ripening of Pinot Noir. The hot California sun provides the heat, but each afternoon – just as vineyards elsewhere in the state start to overheat and raisin the berries – cool Pacific breezes are drawn in from between the Purisima and Santa Rosa Hills. Some say the region is breathing.
Some of the nation’s very best vineyards are planted here. Sea Smoke, Sanford and Benedict, and Rita’s Crown to name a few. Tucked right in the middle are the pioneering vineyards of the Melville.
Founded by Ron Melville and winemaker Greg Brewer (Clifton-Brewer), the two built a little dynasty in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills. Year in year out, the duo produced wines consistently scored in the mid-90s by EVERY wine publication. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate wrote that they are “continually blown away by what Melville Winery puts in a bottle”. Wine & Spirits Magazine has included them on their list of Top 100 wineries… in the World!
Now with Ron’s son, Chad, as head winemaker, the wines may be hitting an even higher level of excellence. The 2016 Melville Estate Pinot (Chad’s first vintage at the helm) is an absolutely stunning bottle of wine that shames Pinots at twice the price. Drawn from micro-lots of some of their most famous single-vineyards, Chad approaches this wine like he’s conducting the philharmonic. Super bright with vibrant cherry fruit and the deep earthy overtones that you find in only the very best Pinots.
Antonio Galloni was duly impressed – giving it 95 points and a gushing review. Galloni said the Estate Pinot had “beguiling aromatic complexity and nuance” and a “sense of translucent beauty.” This one’s a case buy.
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95 Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate is a blend of the seventeen clones on the property. Freshly cut flowers, spice, mint, blood orange and dried flowers give the Estate beguiling aromatic complexity and nuance. There is a sense of translucent beauty in the 2016 that is fabulous, while the 40% whole clusters are very nicely integrated. This is such a tremendous wine.
92 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
I’m the most proud of this wine,” Chad Melville says. “This includes all 16 clones, around 130 different lots. It’s like an orchestra, using what’s left from the single-vineyard blends. To be able to pull aside those other sweet vineyard spots to bottle separately and still have this wine keep kicking ass—I’m becoming a better farmer and learning the land.” Medium ruby in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Estate has a very bright, sunny nose of tangerine peel, ripe red cherries, spiced cranberries and rhubarb with hints of tree bark, dried earth, oolong tea and crushed strawberries plus a white pepper hint. It’s light to medium-bodied with a silky texture, intense, juicy earth-accented red fruits, softly grainy tannins and a long finish.
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#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021
96 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 95 Points, Wine Spectator
We are one of the very few folks who have Wine Spectator’s #3 Wine of the Year. This is definitely not one to miss. The 2016 vintage showcases this prized vineyard in all its glory; notes of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay are lifted and enjoyed with the polished tannin and mouthwatering freshness of this wine. Regarded as one of the best vintages in the last few decades, the 2016 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release and will continue to reward for the next 20+ years.
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.
It’s no surprise the Wine Advocate has called the Ventoux a “screaming bargain.” Carved off the left bank of the Rhone River, the 2020 Delas Ventoux is a gorgeous medium-bodied wine with wonderful crushed red fruits, a silky mouthfeel, tremendous structure and that signature Rhone spice on the finish. I haven’t had this wine available for a few vintages, but I figure it’s the perfect springtime Red to bring back in the fold!
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.
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