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
$168.00 $110.00
This one comes from the beautiful town of Abruzzo in Central Italy, nicknamed ‘the green region of Europe’ thanks to its three national parks, 38 protected areas and the numerous lakes and mountains scattered through the landscape. What used to be an overlooked area, is having a big resurgence, thanks in large part to wine lovers who view Abruzzo like the holy grail: big, juicy red wines at sensational prices.
Vinous’ recent article on the region reported the wines in Abruzzo “have never been better.” Certainly the same can be said about Umani Ronchi, a winery who for nearly 80 years has been dazzling the region with their Montelpulciano and Verdicchios, but lately has been making wines that most consider to be their finest to date.
Their 2019 Podere Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the latest installment in what has been a barrage of great wines that I’ve tried from the winery. Great Montepulciano is two things- it’s pure and it’s fresh. That’s what you have here. Spending only 4 months in stainless steel undergoing malolactic fermentation, this one comes out roaring with ripe, juicy fruit and a strong acid backbone. There’s nothing I wouldn’t pair it with – other than my morning Wheaties. It’s an easy case buy.
Out of stock
89 Points, Vinous
It’s hard to pull away from the glass, as the 2019 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Podere wafts up notes of crushed violets, sweet spice, blackberries and wet stone. It’s soft and round, further soothing the senses with a pure display of ripe red berries as cooling acids maintain freshness. Purple-tinged florals and salty minerals linger, making for a pleasant conclusion to such a satisfying glass of no-frills Montepulciano.
#75 Best Buy of the Year, Wine Enthusiast
This tasty red begins with intense aromas of blood orange, juiced red cherry, tobacco and thyme. There’s ample concentration to these tones on the medium bodied palate, with fresh acidity and soothing tannins framing it all. This is a solid weekday red to enjoy solo or alongside pizza, pasta and other casual fare
91-93pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2015 Edmond de Rothschild “Chateau des Laurets” St. Emilion is something special and even after a barrage of fabulous Bordeaux offers this year, I’m still calling it the Bordeaux of the year. It absolutely dazzles, displaying all the silky, elegant tannins and harmonious nature characteristic of the vintage. Lay some down in a dark cellar for the long haul but don’t be afraid to enjoy some right now.
98 Points, James Suckling #36 Top US Wine of the Year – 97 Points, Decanter
In 2015, the last of four consecutive drought years and one of Napa’s great vintages over the past few decades, it’sno surprise that one of Napa’s all-time great wineries turned in a flawless bottling from the legendary Martha’s Vineyard. Decanter absolutely gushed, giving it 97 points and declaring, “no Cabernet has the aromatic profile of Martha’s. They would even go so far to say, “There isn’t a more definitive Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, at any price.” James Suckling would go a step further in the points department giving the wine a 98, but if Wine Enthusiast had got their hands on it, this would be a 100-point wine yet again. Just 30 bottles of Napa winemaking history up for grabs today.
In the excellent 2016 vintage in Napa, winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val) had little work to do. With ideal weather conditions throughout harvest, clusters came in dark and juicy from both the Coombsville and Rutherford Vineyards where this delicious Napa Valley Cab was crafted from. 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. This is a steal for the price.
The 2019 North Coast vintage in Napa and Sonoma for Cabernet Sauvignon is outrageously good. The big three wine critics have already come in calling it one of the best of the last few decades. Of course, Chad Alexander finds himself in the right place at the right time. If there’s someone who can churn out full-bodied, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that can compete with the big boys at a fraction of the price, it’s Chad. Cherry cola, blackberries, fig jam and a hint of sage on the palate with plenty of depth and complexity. This has a solid, juicy core and a smooth, lingering finish. This baby should drink well for two decades at least.
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