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
$35.00 $31.00
Perfectly nestled in Chianti between the two now-famous wineries Felsina and Castell’in Villa, it was Pagliarese who drew all the talk in Chianti throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. The historic estate was widely considered the best producer in all of Chianti – before some ill-timed investments and money problems in the late 80’s caused the winery to fall off and eventually forced the family to sell.
But according to Italian wine expert Antonio Galloni, tasting the 2018 CC Riserva “is like stepping back in time thirty years.” I guess that means they’re back.
Felsina had always pined after the unique wines crafted right next door – always failing to live up to their neighbor’s opulent expression of Sangiovese. So when Pagliarese came up for sale, they swooped in. It was then that they discovered the secret.
Even though it was just a stone’s throw away, the two soils couldn’t have been further apart. The rich sandy, volcanic soil deep beneath the vineyards of Pagliarese is the secret weapon in crafting rich, age-worthy Sangiovese. But Felsina didn’t become the toast of Chianti by sitting on their laurels.
For the last two decades, Pagliarese’s fruit was the unsung hero in Felsina’s wine program– their Chianti Classico helping propel the famous winery to even greater heights. But that changed in 2015, when the Poggialis decided to resurrect their neighbors’ signature wine under the Pagliarese name.
Pagliarese is firmly on the radar of all the top critics once again. Italian wine critic, Antonio Galloni bestowed a 93-point score on the wine, a full 3 points higher than he gave the Chianti Classico, raving that the wine is “dense, super expressive with tons of character.” Wine Spectator’s former Italian Chief Editor, James Suckling chimed in with a huge 93-pt score of his own.
Out of stock
93 Points, Antonio Galloni – Vinous
The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is another gorgeous old-school wine from Pagliarese. Black cherry, cloves, licorice, leather and woodsmoke give the 2018 its distinctive, somber feel. This dense, super-expressive Riserva certainly has tons of character. Tasting the 2018 is like stepping back in time thirty years.
93 Points, James Suckling
Cherry and berry character with plenty of vanilla and cedar as well. It’s medium-bodied with a tight center palate and firm, racy tannins. Extremely lively at the end.
Once again dialing up fruit from 1000-1500ft in elevation in the Dundee Hills, Chad’s 2021 is juicy, laser focused and roaring out of the gates. Chad tells me that similar wines (very similar wines) off this vineyard are raising their prices up to $55/bottle from $45 this year due to 2020’s lost year. But where most people are raising prices to recoup last year’s losses, the CHAD Pinot Noir price is somehow lower. A true gift from our favorite winemaker.
This is a very, very special library offer from our friends at Val di Suga and is also a very limited one. There are only a few of these amazing six-pack collector’s boxes for sale. Two bottles each from Val di Suga’s three single vineyard sites. Val di Suga is the only Brunello producer that controls three separate estate vineyards located in three specific climate zones in the appellation. Each vineyard site has its own unique exposure and geo-climatic features which expresses itself in every bottle. Not to be missed. *Original wooden boxes come included.*
100 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Paolo di Marchi’s leaving present to Tuscany is this delightful 2019 Isole e Olena Cepparello. Cepparello is a blend of Sangiovese from different vineyards, selected by Di Marchi on the basis of “the best exposure, elevation, soil, genetics and age. I feel this adds complexity.” The first vintage was in 1980 when 100% Sangiovese was not permitted under the Chianti Classico rules. Those rules have since changed but the wine remains an IGT Toscana. It has a supremely enticing nose with cream and exotic spice, reminding me of Arabian spice markets. With the 2019 there is an added precision to the aromas, less heavy oak, and no greenness on the palate. It is concentrated with a rich velvety texture but without any heaviness and with a gentle unforced quality. The tannins are fine and very well integrated, in fact finer and better integrated than even the excellent 2016 vintage. It is of course very young now but it’s almost too delicious not to drink! Supremely graceful, it just gets better and better.” – Lisa Perotti-Brown
94 Pts, Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy) – 93 Pts, Wine Spectator
This is an exceptional premier cru offering from one of the most famous, most collected Burgundy producers. Clos des Porrets is a monopole, purchased by the Gouges family in 1933. Grégory claims it produces wine with the best potential of long aging within his range of wines. It has old vines rooted in pink limestone and rich clay, producing dynamite Nuits Saint Georges. Aromatically complex, with violets, black cherries and a touch of Burgundian earth. This is truly extraordinary red Burgundy, an epic wine of power with finesse and just amazing potential.
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