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
$14.00 $12.50
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
Made by Bo and Heidi Barrett’s rising superstar daughter, Chelsea, this Right Bank ode is a gorgeous Bordeaux blend that leads with dark fruits like black cherry and plum with clove, hints of vanilla and hint of nutmeg. It’s a very round, plush mouthfeel with smooth, silky tannins that expertly support the wine along with a rich, dark-fruited finish that steals the show.
96 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 96 Points, Vinous – 96 Points,
“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is sublime. Bright and savory, with tons of energy, the 2019 captures all the personality of this tiny vineyard on Diamond Mountain. Dried rose petal, lavender, red plum, graphite and crushed rocks add layers of nuance to this mid-weight, classically built Cabernet from Dyer. In a word; superb.”
Fresh off its feature as one of Wine Spectator’s ‘Exciting California Values Under $25’, winemaker Matt Cline looks to stay hot with his release of the 2019 Contra Costa Zinfandel. This one is a beauty crafted off old-vines that are now between 110-140 years in age. There’s a ton of darker fruits that drive this one with a dusting of baking spice. The fruit is pure, fresh and long making it both delicious on its own or terrific with a burger, BBQ ribs, or grilled leg of lamb. Crazy cheap for what is in the bottle, load up!
100 Points (Bordeaux of the Vintage), Decanter
99 Points, James Suckling – 98 Points (Cellar Selection), Wine Enthusiast – 98 Points, Vinous
Here it is – the perfect 100-point Troplong Mondot. It was one of only 5 wines(!) in the 2020 vintage to receive a perfect score from Decanter – joining the likes of Mouton Rothschild, Petrus, Chateau LC Haut-Brion and Trotanoy as the only 100-pointers. They weren’t alone in their lavish praise for this incredible bottling. Galloni called it “wonderfully exuberant right out the gate” and with “tremendous breadth and power” in his 98-point review. Wine Enthusiast also gave it a 98 with a ‘Cellar Selection’ designate and called the wine, “powerful and dense”.
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