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
$42.00 $33.00
Last year when Wine Spectator gave them the highest rating a Chianti Classico has ever received, rating the wine even higher than the Castello di Ama’s with its’ $400+ price tag– let’s just say there wasn’t as much to go around.
Ever since then, securing quantities from the phenomenal Tuscan winery has proved a difficult task but I managed to secure a two-for-one deal with the tremendous value, 92-pt baseline Chianti Classico, as well as the crown-jewel, the 2017 Riserva.
Even before Wine Spectator weighs in, the 2017 CC Riserva already has three scores of 93+ points including James Suckling’s 94pt score as well as Wine Enthusiasts’ Editors’ Choice designate. Vinous called it, “an immensely rewarding, inviting wine” before adding that they wouldn’t be surprised to see it wind up to being a much better wine than their 93 suggests. Is that foreshadowing for what’s to come? Who’s to say?
The 2017 Castello di Volpaia’s Chianti Classico Riserva very much resembles the 2016. It’s big and juicy, with layers of dark fruit, bramble and an extremely long finish. It balances vibrant acidity against beautiful tannin and may have even more life ahead of it than the 2016. Buy some for now but make sure to sock a few away. Drink until 2045!
Out of stock
94 Points, James Suckling
A red with plenty of ripe fruit, such as berries and cherries with some fresh-herb and lemon undertones. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright fruit and fine tannins. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
93 Points (Editors’ Choice), Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of blue flower, spiced plum, new leather and sunbaked earth form the inviting nose on this pure Sangiovese. Made with organically farmed grapes, the smooth, savory palate doles out fleshy black cherry, baking spice and chopped mint alongside velvety tannins that give it a polished texture.
93 Points, Vinous
The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is an immensely rewarding, inviting wine. Juicy and racy, with no hard edges, the Riserva captures the allure of this warm, dry year. There is plenty to like in the 2017, starting with its depth and volume, I won’t be surprised if the Riserva turns out to be even better than this note suggests. Sweet red fruit, cedar and blood orange give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity and lift.
Roasted Leg of lamb or Grandma’s Sunday sauce are both a perfect match.
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.
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.”
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.
Every year since inception, Anne Sery’s Trousse Chemise wines have wowed folks from Coast to Coast (like Daniel Boulud who has an exclusive with her). But the newly released 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir really kicks things up a couple notches. It’s bursting with an intense, berried up fruitiness– when people compare Oregon as the closest thing to Burgundy in America, this is what they are talking about. Juicy and vibrant, with even more expressive floral, red fruit and sage aromatics.
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