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 $27.00
The Pabiot vineyards sit directly on the bank opposite Sancerre. The vineyards are lovingly referred to as “Pauliacum super fluvium ligerim” which translates to “Paul’s estate on the banks of the Loire”. The family grows traditional Chasselas, but despite their modest means, their Sauvignon Blanc is what has traveled the world establishing the family name.
When Pauline finally took over (the fifth generation in her case) the family business from her grandfather, she had already seen countless vintages come and go. Lately, most had been pretty good, but she still remembered the struggles her grandfather went through during the 2011 to 2014 vintages, four tough back to back years that each required an intricate tightrope walk to navigate successfully.
But even through all that, I don’t think she expected a vintage quite like 2021. The Spring started per usual with the vines slowly springing back to life after the winter’s slumber. But as soon as they started to get settled in, a severe frost set in – causing the immediate loss of half the buds – a complete disaster.
Already facing a a potential financial collapse (imagine half your year’s income gone in a flash), it got even worse. A hailstorm came through in the final days before harvest and cut the crop in half again!
I’m sure it’s of little consolation to Pauline, but when harvests are thinned, grape quality improves. So despite having 75% less wine to sell – the quality is out of this world.
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The 2016 vintage in Napa was nearly perfect for winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val). With ideal weather all throughout harvest, he crafted the Faustini Money Road Chardonnay off the famous vineyard located in the coveted Oakville AVA. The picturesque vineyard off Oakville Crossroad is platinum rated, known for its ideal combination of soil & climate and the big A list names that routinely source fruit. Kian’s Money Road Chard is still youthful despite having a few years of age, probably as a result of its 18 months of slumber in 1/4 new Oak.
It’s hard to beat a great value white wine and this one is a at least a cut above the rest. One prominant industry insider called the 2020 edition, “the best white wine by any within $20/cs of this price.” It’s super crisp with a great mineral streak, and was carefully picked by hand when the temperature is coolest and is kept cool all the way into the press. From there, the effect of the mineral soil takes over, providing great finesse and freshness in every bottle. This white blend has great backbone and a lot of juicy fruit coming through behind aromas of flowers and stone fruits. At this price, it’s a no brainer.
Carneros is well-known as a cool-climate region, perfect for growing Chardonnay. The newly released 2020 version has a delightful energy in its youth, with a pale straw color with lime hues. The aromas are of honeysuckle, orange blossom and creme brulee with layers of vanilla and a hint of toffee. The palate is lively yet soft with flavors of lemon cream pie and merange.
The sandy soil of north Piemonte is home to the appellation Roero and the indigenous variety, Arneis. Stefano Almondo is a master of the rare variety, crafting aromatic and mineral wines that rival any of the best white wines in Italy. The newly released 2021 Vigne Sparse dazzles right out of the bottle; floral and fruity with juicy peaches and apricots yet with a chalky mineral streak as well. As always, it’s such a complex white and the kicker is its finish which goes on for a minute of pure joy.
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