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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
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
$180.00 $120.00
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 new 2021 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. Vinous called this one “a silky yet energetic effort that impresses with its purity and finesse. This is 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
90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Xavier Vignon’s brand spanking new CDR 100% is a thing of beauty. It’s already got a blessing from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate who described this wine as, “Full-bodied, concentrated and supple”. This is a gorgeous and intricate blend that features all of the Southern Rhone appellations. This year, the blend was 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, 7% Cinsault, 7% Marselan, 6% Terret Noir. Nobody can do it like the mad scientist, Xavier Vignon.
The second year of this elegant, silky smooth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir crafted by Bertrand de Villane of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fame. Again it comes from the gorgeous Winter’s Hill Estate about 700 feet above sea level in the Dundee Hills. All indications are that the 2019 is going to be one of the best for Pinot Noir since 1991. A flawless summer that benefited from very little rain mixed with cool, breezy summer nights. With a round, supple mouthfeel and a sturdy backbone this will age gracefully for a decade plus. Bertrand’s wines just have a signature stamp that is unmistakably his. This is phenomenal.
94 Points, Decanter – 93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 93 Points, James Suckling
Massolino’s inaugural effort is superb. Typical of the very finest Nebbiolo, floral elements dominate the nose, here violets & rose with a touch of dark candy sweetness. The tannins are obvious but supple and refined, making this wine a much more approachable in its youth than you might expect. The 94 point Decanter review is worth reading below. Like most other Barbarescos from top vineyard sites, I expect these wines to reach firmly into the three figures in no time.
99 Points, James Suckling – 96 Points (Cellar Selection), Wine Enthusiast
“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all hitting 13.7% alcohol. As usual, it was aged in new American oak. It shows the higher Cabernet component and is deep purple-hued and tight and closed, with a primordial vibe to its dark blue and black fruit, smoked tobacco, vanilla bean, graphite, and cedarwood aromatics. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, building, ripe tannins, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length. It reminds me slightly of the 2018 with its more elegant, streamlined profile, but I expect this to build with bottle age, and it should have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.” – Jeb Dunnuck
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