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
$70.00 $60.00
If you haven’t noticed, there are 2014s and 2015s still on the market. Why? Because 2016 happened. Suddenly, despite the 2015 vintage being full of great, ageworthy Brunellos, most were passed up for the 2016 vintage, points or no points.
I offered everything I could possibly get my hands on, but almost as soon as the well was full, it was bone dry. The best of the vintage was simply not around any longer, all the top bottles had been gobbled up- many by international private collectors.
But luckily, I’ve known all along that help was on the way. One of my favorite Brunello producers also happens to be one of the region’s most strict. Val di Suga, who for years has remained one of Tuscany’s finest and most consistent producers usually releases their wines pretty late. We offered their 2013 vintage, back when 2015s were just hitting the market, but that’s all by design.
The Brunello di Montalcinos at Val di Suga spend 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels and 12 months in concrete tanks before spending at least 12 months in the bottle. Many times, they’ll spend even more than 12 months in bottle prior to release, meaning that by the time they hit the market, they have already aged a few years and are already hitting their stride.
Out of stock
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has aromatics of menthol and medicinal herbs, brushed leather, and black cherry. The palate is dark fruited without weight, marked with dried blackberry, black tea, dried herbs, and classically balanced structure. It is sourced from three different vineyard sites of various exposition on the hill of Montalcino. This will be ready to drink a touch earlier and be great to check in on over the next 15 years. Drink 2022-2036
94 Points, James Suckling
Dusty notes with crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are a prelude to aromas of fresh button mushrooms and hints of fennel. Savory mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied.
93 Points, Wine Spectator
Aromas of iron, blood and cherry lead off in this smooth and vibrant red, with a well of dark fruit—black cherry and blackberry—settling in on the palate. Offers a dusting of dark chocolaty tannins on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. 1,500 cases imported.
Grab a few bottles– one or two to enjoy now and one or two to lay down and check back on in 5-10 years time.
95 Points, Decanter
On the nose, herbs and lavender dominate, as notes of meat stew swish in the background. As it continues to open up, various black fruits continue to emerge. The palate is marked by bright acids (perfect for fatty cuisine), black cherry and touch of leather. This is a perfect candidate for the cellar and will be a stellar pull over the next decade.
98+ Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 97 Points, James Suckling
“Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate slowly reveals enticing notions of fresh blackberries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with emerging suggestions of cassis, tilled earth, tar and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, beautifully ripe tannins and tons of tightly wound, muscular black fruits with a whole myriad of savory accents and great tension, finishing with jaw-dropping purity and length. Consider broaching this sleeping giant in 4-5 years and drink it over the next 25 years+.”
Winemaker Marjorie Gallet’s Effet Papillon Rouge is a terrific blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane, harvested from the iron rich soil just outside of Rivesaltes at the base of Pyrenees. This one is a vibrant wine, with aromas of wild black raspberries and sweet spices. The mid palate is rich and velvety, with a core of sweet black fruit that finishes fresh, long and silky. At the price, it’s one of the easier no-brainer case buys we offer.
With seemingly infinite access to some of the absolute very best vineyards in the most choice AVAs in the valley, the Wagner’s set out to make Quilt– a Cabernet blend from a patchwork of the top sites in Napa (Oakville, St Helena, Atlas Peak, Coombsville, Calistoga, and Howell Mountain.) The brand new 2019 edition is a beauty – deeply concentrated, rich and a truly show stopping Cabernet. It’s a dark, hedonistic blend that combines elegance with power and pairs the two together effortlessly.
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