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
$33.00
When I first got word of Britt Nichols’ debut vintage of Napa Valley Cabernet in the winter of 2014, I almost didn’t have to taste the wine. Her resume spoke volumes about what her wine should be….a trained enologist with stints at Chappellet, Jordan, Peter Michael and Philippe Melka, showed she learned from the finest.
She turned out to be an excellent student and in my opinion (judging by the reorders, by many of you too), she is a rising star in Napa Valley Cabernet.
Winemaker Britt Nichols says the key to sourcing the best grapes in 2017 was to choose the earlier ripening sites. She chose 2 sources in ’17, the first, a vineyard on the eastern ridge of Napa at the base of Atlas Peak and the second, a valley floor site, in the northwestern corner of the appellation. Both vineyards are rocky, the one at the base of Atlas Peak, like the landscape of the moon. Although each are early ripening, these rocky soils hold no water and vines struggle for sure. Not a great setting to make a lot of wine but perfect for creating tiny berries of intense concentration. This is the source of the wow-factor in Nichols Cabernet; the fruit is intense, berried-up and juicy, with a touch of dark chocolate and coffee. But this is what makes it special…the wine is elegant. It’s got a great nose, better on day 2 and has fresh, juicy fruit, just a delicious Cabernet.
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The raw materials of Nichols Cab, the crazy vineyard fruit, the barrels, the education, add up to a $60 wine – easy. But, this is a passion project for Britt and we appreciate being part of it.
Weight | 2 lbs |
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An incredibly food friendly wine that is great for anything from salads, to poultry to dried meats.
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.
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.
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.
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