Top Quality Store
| 2022 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
 12 B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2015 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More With such shockingly delicious cuvees as his 2007 Anonyme – Vignon's debut wine under his own label – you and I came to know the genius behind so many of the Rhone’s greatest bottlings (that was my first offer to you, way back in 2014). As sole winemaker for Xavier Vins, Vignon also consults for such luminaries as Raymond Usseglio, Marcoux, Grand Veneur and a host of others. Alas, as with so many upstarts, Xavier Vins' huge notoriety (Parker & Dunnuck scores through the roof) hindered supply. Complicating matters, Xavier has quite a unique winemaking style; vinification periods, combined with bottle aging can lead to wines being held back five or six years before reaching the market. Other than Henri Bonneau – with his Cuvee Celestins – no other winemaker in the Valley – that I know of – produces wines in this manner. The wines, however, are worth the minor headaches; patience pays big dividends when it comes to Xavier's wines. Moreover, because he doesn't actually own an estate – playing dual roles as oenologist and negociant – his overhead is nominal. So the wines we're enjoying are doubly impressive; powerful, deeply complex, aged to perfection – and insanely underpriced. | ||
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| NV Xavier Vignon La Reserve XV XVI XVII (750ml) | ||
| From Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Durieu has been one of our most successful and enduring direct-import relationships over the past several years, with the flagship Cuvée Lucile Avril reaching all-time best seller status at B-21. We recently tasted the 2022 with François Durieu earlier this year, and it more than met our expectations. Now, a brand new, glowing 97-point review from James Suckling's senior Rhône critic puts the exclamation point on another stunning rendition that picks up right where Durieu's previous showstoppers left off. "A great masterpiece of elegance and finesse." - Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com "With medium to full body, a beautifully textured mouthfeel, and ripe tannins ... [it] brings a more classic, broad, textured profile," according to Jeb Dunnuck. In other words, the 2022 Lucile Avril is a crystal clear expression of Durieu's signature winemaking style, with an emphasis on balance and freshness (he uses no oak on any of his cuvées). It bears repeating, this wine is always one of our top-selling items in the category, so our legions of Durieu fans are in for a true classic that is, once again, one of the sharpest buys of the vintage at our domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2017 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; their thrilling depth of sappy Grenache fruit a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. While Grenache remains their focus, they have slightly elevated their attention to Syrah and Mourvedre over the last few vintages; my notes indicate ever improved character. 2017 will prove this to be true; the final blend to be 45% Grenache, 40 Mourvedre, balanced off with Syrah. Paul-Vincent has bottled yet another in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Tradition (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud's estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with "relatively simple, unadorned winemaking" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn't produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage "producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache" according to Decanter's Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region's higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau Beaucastel Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... yet another outstanding red Beaucastel with the potential to match or even outperform the delicious 2022." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous One of the most anticipated Rhône releases in any vintage is Beaucastel's reference-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the 97-point 2023 delivers everything we expect from this iconic estate. The warm, dry growing season provided optimal conditions for all the estate's varietals to excel and the finished wine is classic Beaucastel in all respects. Jeb Dunnuck notes, "It has the purity, medium to full-bodied richness, and ripe, yet still fresh and lively style of the vintage and brings plenty of mid-palate depth, sweet tannins, and a great finish." The year saw a higher-than-usual Mourvedre content in the blend, so you can count on this rendition to cruise in the cellar, but the freshness and vibrancy of the Grenache components (with help of the highly aromatic Terret Nori, Vaccarese, and Muscardin) make it a true charmer right out of the gate. James Suckling's Rhône critic Stuart Pigott declares it "full-bodied but with a lightness of touch. Then the power and stony intensity pour over you in a giant wave. The freshness is extraordinary for this hot and dry vintage." In other words, one of France's leading wine estates hit another home run, and collectors can add this superb rendition to their cellars for a razor-sharp price. While you wait for the Châteauneuf to come around, you can also stock up on the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel. Reflecting its well-earned reputation as "the Baby Beaucastel," the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a solidly built, age-worthy Côtes-du-Rhône that takes the category a step up in terms of quality, character, and pedigree – the Coudoulet vines lie just on the "wrong side" of the road from Beaucastel's official Châteauneuf parcels, so the moniker isn't just a trope. Soils, micro-climates, and vine heritage are all similar, so the Coudoulet wine always offers glimpses of its world-class terroir. This JS93 "solid, focused, juicy and poised wine" is picture-perfect introduction to the vintage at Beaucastel. Finally, as icing on the cake, serious collectors shouldn't miss a chance to add a monumental vintage of the legendary Hommage à Jacques Perrin to their cellars at unbeatable pricing. The 2022 Hommage is a triple 98-point masterpiece and collectible cornerstone that sets the bar for the appellation and the vintage. "Combining mind-boggling intensity with impressive verticality, the full-bodied 2022 is one of the wines of the vintage," notes Nicolas Greinacher of Vinous. Yohan Castaing's own 98-point Wine Advocate review likewise calls it "a spectacular and immense wine ... [and] a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts." With the amply seductive style of the vintage, it's also likely to give off serious fireworks right now if you're the impatient type. Either way, this is a no-brainer opportunity for anyone who's serious about the world's greatest collectible wines. At every stage of the hierarchy and every price tier, Beaucastel proves its mettle time and time again, and these latest releases are unequivocal gems for any fan of Southern Rhône's best wines. | ||
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| 2023 Famille Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2022 Famille Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf-du-Pape (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2016 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Bosquet des Papes Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines from Bosquet des Papes span the full spectrum ... Regardless of the style, the quality is brilliant, and these are beautiful wines." - Jeb Dunnuck Bosquet des Papes' stellar 2022s prove once again that this rising-star estate is a favorite among Châteauneuf insiders and aficionados. The Chante le Merle is made in the staunchly traditional method, resulting in "another brilliant wine from this estate ... age-worthy, classic, incredibly satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape" per Jeb Dunnuck. The 2022 Chante le Merle is almost entirely Grenache, with 7% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, from a handful of top-flight sites including Les Brusquières, Mont-Redon, and Pignan. Winemaker Nicolas Boiron gives this cuvée a mix of large oak and concrete for the most old-school profile in his range. "A seductive, smoky red, with real depth to its savory character," the 2022 Chante le Merle is emblematic of the illustrious, time-honored style of classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, expertly crafted by one of its most dynamic estates and winemakers. | ||
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| 2023 Clos des Papes Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2020 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a favorite producer of B-21 Southern Rhone fans, this selection of expertly crafted Xavier Vignon cuvees represents some of the region's top values, a range of terroir expressive blends from a stellar, instinct-driven winemaker unbeatably priced for stocking up by the case.Describing his winemaking skills as "impeccable," Jeb Dunnuck notes these pure and terroir-expressive Xavier Vignon selections offer "superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters," calling them "a treasure trove for the savvy buyer" and a sure thing for lovers of Southern Rhone wines. | ||
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| 2019 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de mon Aieul (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stephan Usseglio has propelled this certified organic and biodynamic estate, named for his father, to among the top ranks of the region." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate The name Usseglio is no secret to lovers of top-flight Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it's typically PIerre that comes to mind for many. However, that's all changing in recent years, as Domaine Raymond Usseglio is stepping into the limelight under the hand of the highly talented Stephan Usseglio. Having been in charge here since 1999 at the ripe age of 22, Stephan straddles that wonderful line between youthful vision, something he's held onto even as his career has entered a new stage of accomplishment and accolades, and respect for his family's traditions, including their exceptional vine holdings. The 2022 reds from Usseglio offer a crystal clear picture of a domaine firing on all cylinders and moving up in the quality heirarchy to the very top echelons, highlighted by the JS95 Cuvée Girard, a "dark and powerful" rendition that "makes a bold statement." Taking Grenache purity to the next level is the 2022 Cuvée Imperiale. "With ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck, "it's a gem in the vintage." This in-stock duo is further proof that the domaine should be on any serious Rhône enthusiasts short list, as these expressions are some of the most polished and artfully crafted offerings you'll find in the region. | ||
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| 2015 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de mon Aieul (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Long-time readers and Chateauneuf lovers will recall the glorious wines I offered during the 2007 CdP campaign. Those were the most succulent examples most of us had ever experienced – I called them mysterious – deep, dark black fruits and figs with espresso, smoke, cedar, roasted meat and hoisin; they were the most intense bottlings ever. Many have wished for a return of those mysteries, subsequent vintages missing the mark, if even by just a hair's breadth. Having tasted a cross section of the newly bottled 2015s, I'm here to say it's time to stop holding your breath. These are the real deal; 2007's fraternal twin. Our buddy Jeb, writing one of his most important articles for Wine Advocate, tells us, "As for the 2015 vintage... the region received more sunshine than in either 2010 or 2011... The reds are full-bodied and show beautiful purity of fruit... Moreover, the quality is incredibly high across all of the appellations, and even across all varieties, which is uncommon... Most vignerons I spoke with compared 2015 to a mix of 2007 and 2010... At the end of the day, 2015 is a beautiful vintage for Southern Rhône lovers that will be a treasure trove for the actual wine drinkers out there." You're gonna want that! | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Beaucastel Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2016 Xavier Vignon Arcane La Papesse (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More ARCANE/är'kan/: secret; understood by few. No secret to B-21 Southern Rhone fans and collectors, this selection of stunning Arcane wines from the masterful Xavier Vignon offers a range of one of a kind, impeccably crafted cuvees sourced from the Southern Rhone's top terroirs and representing some of the region's best values, now offered at unbeatable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Arriving in the Rhone Valley in the mid-1990's and consulting for such luminaries as Marcoux, Raymond Usseglio and La Nerthe, the combination of Xavier Vignon's insider access to some of the oldest vines across the valley and creative passion for the region's varied terroirs and grapes inspired him to create the series of Arcane wines, naming each unique release after a card in the Tarot deck with matching illustrations on the labels. Xavier's meticulous winemaking requires some detailed descriptions for full appreciation, so let's dive in.
Crafted as singular releases with the goal of capturing the perfect intersection of time and place in the vineyard, these one of a kind wines from Xavier Vignon represent a range of truly exceptional Southern Rhone gems at incredible value prices, and while their tarot namesakes may not reliably predict the future, Xavier Vignon's Arcane label guarantees Southern Rhone fans some seriously enjoyable drinking every time a cork is pulled. | ||
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| 2017 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Trois Sources (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An impressive, limited production CDP lauded by critics and coveted by Rhone enthusiasts, the richly textured 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux reveals powerful, mineral-tinged aromas and fresh layered fruit matched by fine acidity, its firm, muscular tannins built to evolve over the next decade - simply a brilliant Chateauneuf du Pape that collectors will want to reserve a spot for in their cellars. Located at the northeastern corner of the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has been owned by the Daumen family since 1905, its highly rated Southern Rhone blends crafted by talented fifth generation winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen for the last three decades. One of the first estates in the region to convert to biodynamic practices under Jean-Paul, the domain farms 15 hectares in the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, a single contiguous north-facing vineyard sheltered from the extreme heat and planted with mostly Grenache in a mosaic of limestone and quartz soils in the Mont Redon lieu-dit. While some of the estate's Grenache are over 100 years of age, winemaker Daumen focuses his cuvees on specific terroirs rather than the age of the vines, the Les Hauts Lieux cuvee a field blend of hand harvested grapes grown at the highest elevation, blended together parcel by parcel from vines averaging 70 years of age. Employing what he calls "severe" selection while dramatically limiting yields, Daumen co-fermented the blended grapes with natural yeasts in cement tanks, then aged the 2020 Les Hauts Lieux CDP in large oak foudres for 18 months, bottling without fining or filtering with additional time in the cellar to yield rich concentration and superb depth. Consistently garnering critical praise including a spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2020, the Wine Advocate declared, "Jean-Paul Daumen continues to fashion some of the top wines of the vintage, in just about every vintage" - the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux offering an outstanding opportunity for collectors and fans of the finest Chateauneuf du Pape rouge to stock the cellar with this meticulously crafted, hard to acquire gem at an unheard of price. | ||
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| 2023 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2022 Chapelle St Theodoric La Guigasse (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Chapelle St. Theodoric might not be a household name on the greater Châteauneuf scene, but insiders and savvy collectors have long prized these wines as reference-point classics, and the professional press always seems to be on board with what's going on at this under-the-radar address. "Chapelle St. Theodoric is turning out some of the most compelling wines from Châteauneuf du Pape ... These are wines worth seeking out..." - Joe Czerwinski,Wine Advocate We've just secured our allocation of the remarkable 2022s, and once again they hit the trifecta — top critical acclaim, pristine Southern Rhône class and sophistication, and unbeatable pricing that you likely won't see anywhere else. Sourced from a miniscule plot within the Les Pignan lieu-dit, the 2022 Le Grand Pin is the quintessential expression of the St. Theodoric profile. Notching 96-98 points from Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, it's full of classic garrigue character to go with pure, old-vine Grenache fruit and seamless structure. In short, "it's going to be brilliant," as Jeb Dunnuck declares. Likewise, its stablemate, the 2022 La Guigasse from sandy soils in the eponymous lieu-dit, comes in at a full 98 points from Decanter's Matt Walls, who dubs it "a very complete wine that's hard to fault, showing whole-bunch southern Rhône winemaking at its best." There's no denying the appeal of these two paragons of world-class, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An impressive, limited production CDP lauded by critics and coveted by Rhone enthusiasts, the richly textured 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux reveals powerful, mineral-tinged aromas and fresh layered fruit matched by fine acidity, its firm, muscular tannins built to evolve over the next decade - simply a brilliant Chateauneuf du Pape that collectors will want to reserve a spot for in their cellars. Located at the northeastern corner of the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has been owned by the Daumen family since 1905, its highly rated Southern Rhone blends crafted by talented fifth generation winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen for the last three decades. One of the first estates in the region to convert to biodynamic practices under Jean-Paul, the domain farms 15 hectares in the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, a single contiguous north-facing vineyard sheltered from the extreme heat and planted with mostly Grenache in a mosaic of limestone and quartz soils in the Mont Redon lieu-dit. While some of the estate's Grenache are over 100 years of age, winemaker Daumen focuses his cuvees on specific terroirs rather than the age of the vines, the Les Hauts Lieux cuvee a field blend of hand harvested grapes grown at the highest elevation, blended together parcel by parcel from vines averaging 70 years of age. Employing what he calls "severe" selection while dramatically limiting yields, Daumen co-fermented the blended grapes with natural yeasts in cement tanks, then aged the 2020 Les Hauts Lieux CDP in large oak foudres for 18 months, bottling without fining or filtering with additional time in the cellar to yield rich concentration and superb depth. Consistently garnering critical praise including a spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2020, the Wine Advocate declared, "Jean-Paul Daumen continues to fashion some of the top wines of the vintage, in just about every vintage" - the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux offering an outstanding opportunity for collectors and fans of the finest Chateauneuf du Pape rouge to stock the cellar with this meticulously crafted, hard to acquire gem at an unheard of price. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Galimardes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud's estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with "relatively simple, unadorned winemaking" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn't produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage "producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache" according to Decanter's Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region's higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2020 Andre Brunel Les Cailloux Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Bois de Boursan Cuvee des Felix (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2022 Chapelle St Theodoric Le Grand Pin (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Chapelle St. Theodoric might not be a household name on the greater Châteauneuf scene, but insiders and savvy collectors have long prized these wines as reference-point classics, and the professional press always seems to be on board with what's going on at this under-the-radar address. "Chapelle St. Theodoric is turning out some of the most compelling wines from Châteauneuf du Pape ... These are wines worth seeking out..." - Joe Czerwinski,Wine Advocate We've just secured our allocation of the remarkable 2022s, and once again they hit the trifecta — top critical acclaim, pristine Southern Rhône class and sophistication, and unbeatable pricing that you likely won't see anywhere else. Sourced from a miniscule plot within the Les Pignan lieu-dit, the 2022 Le Grand Pin is the quintessential expression of the St. Theodoric profile. Notching 96-98 points from Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, it's full of classic garrigue character to go with pure, old-vine Grenache fruit and seamless structure. In short, "it's going to be brilliant," as Jeb Dunnuck declares. Likewise, its stablemate, the 2022 La Guigasse from sandy soils in the eponymous lieu-dit, comes in at a full 98 points from Decanter's Matt Walls, who dubs it "a very complete wine that's hard to fault, showing whole-bunch southern Rhône winemaking at its best." There's no denying the appeal of these two paragons of world-class, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. | ||
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| 2024 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Pure Roussanne (750ml) | ||
| Roussanne from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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| 2021 Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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