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
$24.00 $19.99
Perfectly situated in the famous hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, arguably Chianti’s top commune, Fattoria di Valiano has a distinct advantage over just about every other winery in the Chianti Classico area.
They’re situated in the southern part of the province of Siena on an estate that dates back more than 2,000 years. Even better, the vineyards are all between 350-400 meters above sea level with southwest exposure, giving them the perfect setup to make age-worthy, memorable Sangiovese.
In what was a hot and consistent 2019 vintage in Tuscany, Valiano turned out one of the best Chianti Classicos of the year, a sleek, energetic Sangiovese that hits with red and black fruits and some notes of dark chocolate with a silky smooth finish.
It’s safe to say, like most CC producers, Valiano is having their day. The high altitude hills of galestro and limestone soils may have made for austere and unforgiving wines twenty years ago, but with the new normal in Tuscany of super dry and hot summers, these wines now show better than ever before. This is arguably the best one made since the Piccini family took over in 1995!
92 Points (Editors’ Choice), Wine Enthusiast
Cedar, mature black-skinned fruit and pipe tobacco aromas mingle together in the glass along with a whiff of iris. Smooth and savory, the palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and hints of espresso framed in polished, fine-grained tannins.
91 Points, James Suckling
A fresh, juicy red with aromas of mushrooms, cranberries, sour cherries and dried tobacco. Firm, fine tannins and crunchy acidity. From organically grown grapes. Delicious now.
Winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val) continues to excel even while others struggle. In 2017, he still managed to deliver a beautiful and opulent Napa Valley Cabernet that’s both dark and juicy. The wine hails from both Coombsville and Rutherford, giving it distinct characteristics and a lot of drive. 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. Fantastic Napa value.
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.
97 Points (Best in Show), 2022 Decanter Wine Awards
Once again, Decanter hosted the biggest international wine awards show. There are bronze medals, silver, gold and then platinum. Lastly, the true creme de la creme are awarded Best in Show, and that is where you’ll find the stellar 2019 Trefethen Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet from the beloved Oak Knoll district. The wine is an absolute show stopper– dark and brooding with aromas of violets, black fruits and figs with notes of black cherry, raspberry, plum and chocolate mousse on the palate. At today’s price, it’s one of the best deals in all of Napa.
94 Pts, Wine Enthusiast – 94 Pts, Jeb Dunnuck – 93 Pts, James Suckling – 93 Pts, Parker’s Wine Advocate
“From the team of Nicolas Glumineau at Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, the 2018 Château De Pez is a gorgeous 2018 that should be on every Bordeaux lover’s radar (and should be a great value as well). Notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, candied violets, and graphite define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, rockingly polished tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish. It’s terrific and is going to have 15-20 years or more of longevity.” -Jeb Dunnuck
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