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
$14.99
Whenever I’m looking for the very best in Spanish wine, my first check is always Jorge Ordonez. Perhaps no single person in the wine industry has done more to further their countries’ indegenious varietals than Jorge Ordonez has. Since the 1980’s Ordonez has unapologetically brought wines that are uniquely Spanish to the world stage rather than try to make wines native to others.
His off-the-beaten path discoveries are almost universally delicious and extremely affordable. His wines have lit up the restaurant scene and the critical press for years like last year’s offer of Bodegas Avancia Godello – a Parker 96-point white wine made from the oldest Godello vines in the world.
So I called the Ordonez importer and asked them to send me the very best Cava in their portfolio regardless of price. Imagine my surprise when it wasn’t bubbly. Instead it was an absolutely delicious stunner of a summer white – very high toned, super crisp, really just a pretty wine all around. I was blown away.
Even I have to admit that today’s Xarel-lo is a discovery even to me (I’m happy I get to type it instead of pronounce it!). Produced by a four family operation in the heart of Penedes, Vines el Cep, the wines are all certified organic, and all the fruit estate grown, one of the first and only wineries in the region to have that distinction.
As Josh Raynolds reported in his 90 point review: “Fresh pear and honeydew melon on the fragrant nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors….”
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90 Points – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Pale yellow. Fresh pear and honeydew melon on the fragrant nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The melon note comes back on a smooth, persistent finish that features a refreshing bitter orange zest flourish.
Just in time, we got back Vincent Ricard’s all-time great white wine bargain. This is a crisp, clean and flat out delicious Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The protege to the Silex-style of Dagueneau – who over the last 15 years has produced flawless and beloved white wines that at last count were on the wine lists of over 36 Michelin-starred restaurants. This is a great house white and one that can surely hold its own with just about everything on the table.
Our all-time favorite Chardonnay is back just as the summer heat wave is starting to wind down! The Wagner Family’s Santa Lucia Highlands slam dunk. This is one that Nicholas Wines readers can’t get enough of – it always delivers. It leads with an inviting nose with fresh citrus and lemon notes. It’s always juicy, bright and well-balanced – it’s classic Caymus, rich and hedonistic with a wonderful creaminess. This is quintessential California Chardonnay.
Every year, Pierre Sparr’s Alsacian Riesling is one of the top scoring wines in the under $20 category. There’s a consistency there and consumers know they can count on a Riesling that is aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are extremely food-friendly especially in the widely praised 2021 vintage where quality rose to an all-time high. It’s a bone-dry beauty with layers of citrus fruits, framed by wet stone and mineral character that adds dimension.
The 2020 vintage is textbook. Bright gold in color. Hints of minerality layered with citrus notes of lemon peel. Nervy, racy and lively. It’s going to be stunning with shellfish, seafood, cheese or just on its own.
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