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
$25.50
Bob MacDonnell’s Round Pond Estate in Rutherford is a sight to behold if you’ve never been. The tasting room is stunning but work your way through to the rooftop deck area. It provides an unbelievable view of the valley floor unlike any other. You can look out over the 250-acre property and even check out the neighbors on each side, Beckstoffer’s Georges III on one side and Caymus on the other.
Of course, on my last visit there I was perfectly content sitting there looking out at the vista and feeling the light warmth from the fireplace when Thomas Rivers Brown grabbed me and hurriedly rushed me into the back. Was the 25 time 100-point score juggernaut going to give me an exclusive taste of his next perfect Cabernet?
No – that was old hat. His latest obsession centered around a small adjacent parcel of Chardonnay he had been working with for a couple of years and hoped to officially release in a future year. For now, much like the “Tractor Shed Red” from so long ago, this would remain a clandestine project just for friends and family or Kith and Kin, if you will.
This is the culmination of that tiny project, finally ready for its inaugural release. Having already received a gushing 93 point review from the Tasting Panel, the Thomas Rivers Brown 2020 Round Pound Kith and Kin Chardonnay is simply delightful.
In stock
93 Points, Tasting Panel
“A debut variety for this label. Stainless steel fermented and aged for five months, it was pressed whole cluster, crémant style which resulted in fine acidity and an inner sunshine. Its just-sliced lemon- fresh nose sends one to a perfectly balanced palate. Melon, guava, and banana are glossy and clean. The stony mid-to-finish leaves a trace of terroir on the tongue.”
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 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.
Following the super quick sell out of the remaining 2019 vintage, we’re onto the brand new vintage and to a Chardonnay that is already drinking beautifully. An inviting nose opens with fresh citrus and lemon notes. So juicy, bright and well-balanced – it’s classic Caymus, rich and hedonistic with a wonderful creaminess. This is the very first of the 2020 vintage and not many folks have this yet. Don’t wait too long to get your hands on these.
96 Points, James Suckling
“The nose is quite reserved, showing some melon, pear and lavender. Then, on the palate, the expansion starts on a base of silky almond cream and builds up slowly and steadily through the long, long finish. Aftertaste of lemon cream. Never ebullient, but medium-bodied, layered and silky, this is quiet refinement flexing its muscles. Total balance. Beautifully done. All in place. Best ever.”
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