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2018 Bodegas Beronia Reserva (750ml)

From Rioja, Spain

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

A duo of delicious, highly rated Riojas delivering exceptional value, the fresh, fruit-driven 92 pt. 2018 Bodegas Beronia Reserva and the richly textured 94 pt. 2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva balance juicy red Tempranillo fruit with vibrant acidity, two outstanding selections expertly aged for Spanish wine lovers seeking bargain priced Riojas to enjoy without hesitation.

Established in Rioja Alta in 1973, Bodegas Beronia was created by a group of friends from the Basque region seeking to produce well priced Riojas to enjoy at their gastronomic get-togethers, naming it for the area’s ancient Celtic settlers called “berones.” Producing the Reserva and Gran Reserva as their first releases, Beronia sources its Rioja from 20 hectares of estate vineyards as well as 870 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards within a 10-kilometer radius of the winery, managed by the winery team to ensure quality. enabling them to exercise optimum control over the quality. Described as “an outstanding Rioja Reserva here to enjoy now or in the next five years” by James Suckling, longtime Beronia winemaker Matias Calleja blended mostly Tempranillo with a little Graciana and Mazuelo to enhance freshness in the 2018 Beronia Reserva, aging it for 18 months in specially designed barrels crafted with American oak staves and French oak lids and cellaring it 18 months longer in bottle to reveal richly layered fruit with notes of toasted vanilla and smooth, integrated tannins. Crafted from old vine Tempranillo ranging to over 70 years of age, the rich and decadent 94 pt. 2013 Beronia Gran Reserva was aged 27 months in French oak barrels followed by another three years in bottle prior to release, yielding a "fresh and enticing" Rioja according to the Wine Spectator's Alison Napjus with “fine-grained, creamy tannins" and layers of complexity that will continue to evolve over the next decade.

92WE 92JS 90WS

Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.

92 points, Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2023)

Attractive nose with a hint of walnut husk and dark earth to the black cherries and sweet tobacco. A hint of truffle and sous-bois, too. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that grow and extend in a long, succulent finish. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo. An outstanding Rioja Reserva here to enjoy now or in the next five years.

92 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Jul 2023)

A classy red, fresh and fragrant, with notes of bay leaf, pepper and tar-tinged mineral accenting crushed cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Shows good focus, with lightly chalky tannins in a medium-bodied frame. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 50,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

90 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Jul 2023)

$16.98

Compare At: $18.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2022 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml)

Chardonnay from Carneros, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready to enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their elegant Carneros Chardonnay to a top scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and all delivering exceptional value.

Located near a crossroad connecting Highway 128 to the Silverado Trail, Frank Family Vineyards occupies a historic stone building built in 1884 that housed the original Larkmead Winery, the landmark property acquired by former Disney executive Rich Frank and legendary Napa winemaker Koerner Rombauer in the 1990’s. After purchasing a home on the hills overlooking Rutherford with a small vineyard, Rich Frank partnered with his friend Rombauer to produce wine at the facility, but after a catastrophic fire spared only the historic building in 2000, Rich became the sole owner and rebuilt the damaged portion of the winery, renaming it Frank Family Vineyards. Sourced from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the Napa Collection, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third in once-used barrels and one-third in twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the richly aromatic 92 pt. 2021 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. From “a beautifully classic vintage” that showcases “balance, energy and tension” according to Decanter, the rich 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford while the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts “plenty of fruit, silky tannins, and lots of character” according to Jeb Dunnuck with well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity.

A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that overdeliver value, these Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, a mix of well-crafted Napa wines guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank.

$27.98

Compare At: $34.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva (750ml)

Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

A duo of delicious, highly rated Riojas delivering exceptional value, the fresh, fruit-driven 92 pt. 2018 Bodegas Beronia Reserva and the richly textured 94 pt. 2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva balance juicy red Tempranillo fruit with vibrant acidity, two outstanding selections expertly aged for Spanish wine lovers seeking bargain priced Riojas to enjoy without hesitation.

Established in Rioja Alta in 1973, Bodegas Beronia was created by a group of friends from the Basque region seeking to produce well priced Riojas to enjoy at their gastronomic get-togethers, naming it for the area’s ancient Celtic settlers called “berones.” Producing the Reserva and Gran Reserva as their first releases, Beronia sources its Rioja from 20 hectares of estate vineyards as well as 870 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards within a 10-kilometer radius of the winery, managed by the winery team to ensure quality. enabling them to exercise optimum control over the quality. Described as “an outstanding Rioja Reserva here to enjoy now or in the next five years” by James Suckling, longtime Beronia winemaker Matias Calleja blended mostly Tempranillo with a little Graciana and Mazuelo to enhance freshness in the 2018 Beronia Reserva, aging it for 18 months in specially designed barrels crafted with American oak staves and French oak lids and cellaring it 18 months longer in bottle to reveal richly layered fruit with notes of toasted vanilla and smooth, integrated tannins. Crafted from old vine Tempranillo ranging to over 70 years of age, the rich and decadent 94 pt. 2013 Beronia Gran Reserva was aged 27 months in French oak barrels followed by another three years in bottle prior to release, yielding a "fresh and enticing" Rioja according to the Wine Spectator's Alison Napjus with “fine-grained, creamy tannins" and layers of complexity that will continue to evolve over the next decade.

94WE 92WS

This garnet-colored wine has a bouquet of black currant, purple plums and saddle leather. It is juicy in the mouth, offering flavors of black-cherry, pomegranate, milk chocolate, fennel and orange blossom. Velvety tannins fade into a Valencia orange and violet splashed finish.

94 points, Mike DeSimone, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2022)

A fresh and enticing red that layers both savory and sweet character in a well-balanced, medium- to full-bodied frame. Features fine-grained, creamy tannins that define flavors of cassis, black olive, loamy earth and hints of mocha, dried dill and graphite, which linger on the finish. Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

92 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Oct 2022)

$29.98

Compare At: $34.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2018 Labegorce (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“A dark, sumptuous beauty”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Topping out with the same score as some of Margaux’s highest profile estates, the elegant 94 pt. 2020 Labegorce Margaux is a stunning under the radar gem, revealing aromatic, opulently textured dark fruit and rich, integrated tannins described as “classic, easy to drink and to recommend” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson that’s built to evolve for over a decade and a top value in Left Bank Bordeaux.

Located along the D2 Route des Chateaux north of the village of Margaux, the elegant neoclassical Chateau Labegorce is situated northwest of First Growth Chateau Margaux, acquired by entrepreneur Hubert Perrodo in 1989 who renovated the magnificent 19^th century Chateau and embarked on a decades’ long effort to successfully reunite the estate’s original vineyards that had been divided following the French Revolution. Now owned by his daughter Nathalie Perrodo and managed by winemaker Marjolaine de Coninck, the 250-hectare Labegorce estate boasts 70 hectares of vineyards, with parcels across from Chateau Lascombes planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon in deep gravel soils along with Merlot and smaller plots of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in a mix of gravel, sand and clay, the vines averaging 30 years of age with some up to 100 years old. Matured in 40% new French oak for 15 months, the powerful 2020 Labegorce boasts beautifully pure concentrated fruit and refined silky tannins, described as “a forward, textured, already delicious wine” by Jeb Dunnuck that promises pleasurable drinking for over a decade.

From a 2020 vintage that “delivers the goods” according to Neal Martin of Vinous, the plush and structured 94 pt. 2020 Labegorce reflects resurgence of the estate under winemaker Marjolaine de Coninck, “playing with the top in the appellation” according to Jeb Dunnuck and a must buy for collectors seeking an everyday Bordeaux that over delivers and anyone looking to enjoy a beautifully crafted, classic Margaux more often.

94JD 93WA 93V 92WS

The 2018 Château Labegorce is a perfumed, already complex Margaux based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its medium ruby hue gives way to lovely notes of blueberries, raspberries, flowers, sandalwood, and assorted baking spice cabinet-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with beautifully pure fruit and silky tannins, it's a wine that grows on you with time in the glass. It's not a blockbuster, but it exudes elegance and class as well as balance. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20-25 years or more.

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Labégorce is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with a beautiful perfume of kirsch, black cherry compote and cassis, plus hints of licorice, lilacs and baking spices. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with soft tannins and compelling freshness supporting the fragrant red and black fruits, finishing on a spicy note.

93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Labégorce is a plump, juicy Margaux that will drink well right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, licorice, chocolate and new French oak are all kicked up in this decidedly opulent, heady Margaux. Soft curves and pliant fruit add to its raciness. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)

Silky and refined in feel, with perfumy black currant paste, plum reduction and blackberry compote notes forming the core while sandalwood, black tea and cedar accents drape the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2034. 9,000 cases made.

92 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)

$37.88

Compare At: $43.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 9/5/2024. 60+ bottles available.

1

2020 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Despite his abrupt death in a crocodile-infested river in the jungles of Nicaragua in 1869, the legacy of the infamously colorful Count Haraszthy prospers today at the historic Buena Vista Winery he founded in 1857. Recently acquired by the equally colorful bon vivant and vin extraordinaire Jean-Claude Boisset, Buena Vista has enjoyed significant investment and masterful vineyard management. Notable is this addition of Napa Valley Cabernet bottling to the Buena Vista line up beginning with the 2016 vintage. The Napa Cab fruit is sourced from sites in Oak Knoll, St. Helena and Atlas Peak, with 24 months in French oak of which 30% is new. The oversized, heavy bottle harkens to bottles of the 19th century – matching the classism of wine. The Count is still considered California's most acclaimed and flamboyant vinicultural pioneer, but some would contend Jean Claude Boisset might just be his match! The powerful, full bodied Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon shows Boisset's exceptional winemaking prowess, a well-balanced beauty offering bold fruit, fine tannins and lingering intensity..

94JS 92WI

Expressive and lush nose of creamy berries, dark cherries, vanilla, cassis and sweet oak spices. Full body with fine, creamy tannins. Rich and full of generous creamy berries and an equally demonstrative and dense finish with excellent length. Better from 2025.

94 points, James Suckling (Jan 2024)

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley gives up notes of stewed black plums, boysenberry preserves, and warm cassis plus hints of dusty soil, potpourri, and spice box. The full-bodied palate delivers plump, juicy black fruits with spicy accents and a plush texture, finishing with a minty lift.

92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Oct 2023)

$34.98

Compare At: $37.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2020 Domaine de la Charbonniere Rouge (750ml)

Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“Harmonious and well made”

James Suckling

From a “charming, forward vintage” producing “a sea of beautifully textured” wines according to Jeb Dunnuck, the elegant 94 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge offers fresh aromatic garrigue-laden fruit perfectly balanced by vibrant, velvety tannins on a lingering, graphite-scented finish, a deliciously silky CDP ready to enjoy for years to come at a terrific value price.

Founded by the Maret family in 1914, third generation Michel Maret inherited Domaine de la Charbonniere from his father in 1973 and has worked alongside his talented daughters Caroline and Veronique since 2004, producing an array of CDP’s that have steadily risen in quality over the last two decades. Sourced from across 19.5 hectares of vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape, the estate’s holding include 50 year old vines in the Charbonniere lieu-dit as well as a parcel in Le Crau adjacent to Vieux Telegraphe with vines averaging 75 years of age, planted in clay sandy soils strewn with the region’s renowned rounded stones called galets roules. Hand harvesting with selective sorting and employing minimal intervention in the cellar, winemaker Veronique Maret vinified the 70% Grenache and 15% Syrah together and the 15% Mourvedre separately before aging the refined 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape mainly in wooden vats with small amounts in foudre, tank and used barrels, yielding a smooth, traditionally styled CDP with fresh acidity and well-integrated tannins built to “age gracefully” according to Jeb Dunnuck.

Described by Vinous critic Nicolas Greinacher as offering “divine drinking pleasure,” the fresh and appealing 94 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Charbonniere Rouge ranks among the top-scoring Chateauneuf du Pape's of the vintage for far less than the region's higher profile estates, a top value CDP for Southern Rhone collectors to savor over the next decade.

94JD 94JS 93V 93WS

Looking at the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, it's a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre from all the estate's holdings. Ruby/plum-hued, with a great nose of black raspberries, new saddle leather, Provençal herbs, and Asian spices, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant, layered mouthfeel, perfect balance, and a great finish. It might be one of the finest examples of the base cuvée I've tasted.

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2022)

A harmonious and well-made Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Notes of red berries, dried thyme, bay leaves, mild spices and hints of black olives. Full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Well-balanced and layered with a velvety touch on the palate and a generous and focused long finish. Best after 2027.

94 points, James Suckling (May 2023)

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is composed of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. The 2020 displays fragrant aromas of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, crème de cassis and dried herbs. Tightly structured, full-bodied and layered, the ripe tannins are very well integrated into the wine, as is the 15.5% alcohol.

93 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous (Jun 2023)

Ripe yet energetic, showing bitter cherry and mulled plum flavors backed up by zesty spices, citrus peel acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a lot of graphite power coursing through the round palate. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035. 2,600 cases made, 900 cases imported.

93 points, Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator (Nov 2023)

$34.98

Compare At: $39.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

95JS

A juicy and flavorful Champagne with phenolics and a brightness and energy. Full with lots of flavors like sliced pineapple, dried peach and stone, yet it is fresh and vibrant. New label and bottle. Henri Giraud DNA in this. About 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Drink now.

95 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)

$59.98

Compare At: $64.99

29 bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“Another highly successful vintage for one of La Morra's leading estates.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

From an “exemplary” vintage according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson that “will reward patient Nebbiolo fans,” the enticing 95 pt. 2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto delivers richly aromatic, luscious fruit with layered, silky tannins crafted to be enjoyed over the next few decades, an elegant Barolo from one of the region’s most iconic estates and a fantastic value.

Traveling the winding drive to the historic Cordero di Montezemolo winery in the Piedmont, visitors pass the gated path to the legendary hilltop 165 yr. old Cedar of Lebanon, a marker of the family’s centuries’ long history in La Morra that has become such a popular attraction that it’s kept under lock and key. Rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view upon reaching the top, the historic 28-hectare single vineyard extends over all sides of the hill, its contiguous planting a rarity in Barolo and managed by 19th generation winemaker Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo since 2007. Sourcing most of its fruit for the Monfaletto from the Gattera cru with some from Annunziata, the organically grown Nebbiolo vines ranging up to 50 years of age are planted at 300 meters above sea level on sandy clay and calcareous soils, situated in an amphitheater with a southerly exposure that promotes even ripening. Employing a mix of different types of French and Slovenian wood, Alberto aged the parcels for the luxurious 2019 Monfaletto separately for 18 to 24 months before bottling with another year in the cellar before release, yielding a deeply textured Barolo that finishes “balanced and long” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson “with a swath of solid tannins” that predict pleasurable drinking for several decades to come.

Declared “a very fine Barolo” by Antonio Galloni that “will thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety and structure of Nebbiolo,” the 95 pt. 2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto delivers the goods for Barolo collectors, impeccably balancing fresh opulent fruit with polished silky tannins on a lengthy mineral-tinged finish, an unbeatable value worthy of making room in the cellar to enjoy over the next decades.

95WA 94WS 94JS

The 2019 Barolo Monfalletto (made with organic fruit selection from across the vineyards that surround the winery in La Morra) shows grit, density and rich texture. The house style prizes muscle and brawn in this vintage that lends itself handily to these qualities. Pressed cherry and blackberry cede to licorice, cured tobacco and iron ore. With 53,000 bottles released, this is the estate's most representative Barolo.

95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)

A plump, cherry-, raspberry- and tar-flavored red, showing accents of mineral, tobacco and eucalyptus, with a swath of solid tannins guarding the finish. Balanced and long, this should come around soon. Best from 2026 through 2045. 4,000 cases made.

94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (2023)

Attractive aromas of black cherry with strawberry and hints of vanilla and cedar. Some sandalwood. Medium body. Ultra-fine tannins integrate beautifully into the wine. Plenty of fruit flavors and length. Juicy. Drink in 2026 and onwards.

94 points, James Suckling (Jul 2023)

$47.98

Compare At: $56.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2021 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready to enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their elegant Carneros Chardonnay to a top scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and all delivering exceptional value.

Located near a crossroad connecting Highway 128 to the Silverado Trail, Frank Family Vineyards occupies a historic stone building built in 1884 that housed the original Larkmead Winery, the landmark property acquired by former Disney executive Rich Frank and legendary Napa winemaker Koerner Rombauer in the 1990’s. After purchasing a home on the hills overlooking Rutherford with a small vineyard, Rich Frank partnered with his friend Rombauer to produce wine at the facility, but after a catastrophic fire spared only the historic building in 2000, Rich became the sole owner and rebuilt the damaged portion of the winery, renaming it Frank Family Vineyards. Sourced from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the Napa Collection, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third in once-used barrels and one-third in twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the richly aromatic 92 pt. 2021 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. From “a beautifully classic vintage” that showcases “balance, energy and tension” according to Decanter, the rich 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford while the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts “plenty of fruit, silky tannins, and lots of character” according to Jeb Dunnuck with well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity.

A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that overdeliver value, these Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, a mix of well-crafted Napa wines guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank.

93JS

The most widely available Frank Family cab is firm and structured in this drought vintage, wrapping moderate to full tannins around a mix of bright red cherries, black cherries, mint and cassis accents. No hurry to drink it. Best from 2026.

93 points, James Suckling (Jan 2024)

$44.98

Compare At: $49.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel (750ml)

Zinfandel from Napa, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready to enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their elegant Carneros Chardonnay to a top scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and all delivering exceptional value.

Located near a crossroad connecting Highway 128 to the Silverado Trail, Frank Family Vineyards occupies a historic stone building built in 1884 that housed the original Larkmead Winery, the landmark property acquired by former Disney executive Rich Frank and legendary Napa winemaker Koerner Rombauer in the 1990’s. After purchasing a home on the hills overlooking Rutherford with a small vineyard, Rich Frank partnered with his friend Rombauer to produce wine at the facility, but after a catastrophic fire spared only the historic building in 2000, Rich became the sole owner and rebuilt the damaged portion of the winery, renaming it Frank Family Vineyards. Sourced from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the Napa Collection, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third in once-used barrels and one-third in twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the richly aromatic 92 pt. 2021 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. From “a beautifully classic vintage” that showcases “balance, energy and tension” according to Decanter, the rich 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford while the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts “plenty of fruit, silky tannins, and lots of character” according to Jeb Dunnuck with well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity.

A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that overdeliver value, these Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, a mix of well-crafted Napa wines guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank.

93D

Arresting aromatics of clove, five spice and blackberries are followed on by wild fennel and violets. Undeniably ripe, this Zinfandel has loads of freshness, spiced berry flavours, and tangy blackberry notes alongside cocoa powder and sweet plum.

93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Aug 2023)

$29.98

Compare At: $34.99

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1

NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

95JS 93WI

Beginning with the striking, pale copper color, this is very unconventional rosé champagne. Wonderful fruit aromas that range from cherry and wild strawberry to persimmon and candied orange with a touch of sushi ginger. Then comes the mouth-filling and well-structured palate that has an amazing grainy-chalky feel to it, unlike anything else in this category. Very long, saline finish. A cuvée of pinot noir with a small amount of chardonnay that was vinified in amphoras. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

95 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

Vinified entirely in amphora, the Dame Jane NV is a Pinot Noir rosé that includes a portion of perpetual reserve Pinot Noir, plus a small percentage of Chardonnay added with still Pinot Noir in the final blend. Bursting with aromas of juicy red fruit, spice, anise, orange peel and toast, the medium-bodied, creamy palate has a savory red fruit, spice and honey core enlivened by a precise line of acidity. It is a refreshing, gastronomic rosé that finishes long with a tannic hint of red apple peel.

93 points, Sarah Mayo, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)

$89.98

Compare At: $99.99

24 bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Ay, Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

95JS 94WS

This is so precise and tight with sharp acidity and very fine, tiny bubbles. Yet, it’s rich in flavors with a broad array of hazelnuts, salted lemons, crushed chalk and hints of wild herbs and flowers. White grapefruit, too. Textured and sleek, almost creamy, while remaining mouthwateringly fresh. Drink or hold.

95 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

A vivid Champagne, with lime blossom, graphite and ground cardamom notes serving as a fragrant thread that winds through flavors of baked white peach and pineapple fruit, coffee liqueur, candied mandarin orange peel and fleur de sel. The mousse is fine and creamy, a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity. Drink now through 2027. 2,000 cases made, 120 cases imported.

94 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Nov 2022)

$169.98

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1

2022 Frank Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Carneros, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready to enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their elegant Carneros Chardonnay to a top scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and all delivering exceptional value.

Located near a crossroad connecting Highway 128 to the Silverado Trail, Frank Family Vineyards occupies a historic stone building built in 1884 that housed the original Larkmead Winery, the landmark property acquired by former Disney executive Rich Frank and legendary Napa winemaker Koerner Rombauer in the 1990’s. After purchasing a home on the hills overlooking Rutherford with a small vineyard, Rich Frank partnered with his friend Rombauer to produce wine at the facility, but after a catastrophic fire spared only the historic building in 2000, Rich became the sole owner and rebuilt the damaged portion of the winery, renaming it Frank Family Vineyards. Sourced from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the Napa Collection, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third in once-used barrels and one-third in twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the richly aromatic 92 pt. 2021 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. From “a beautifully classic vintage” that showcases “balance, energy and tension” according to Decanter, the rich 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford while the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2019 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts “plenty of fruit, silky tannins, and lots of character” according to Jeb Dunnuck with well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity.

A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that overdeliver value, these Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, a mix of well-crafted Napa wines guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank.

$27.98

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1

2020 J. Bookwalter Conflict (750ml)

Merlot from Columbia, Washington State

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “one of the best places to find value in Washington State” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Sean Sullivan, Columbia Valley’s rich and powerful 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Conflict and 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist rank among the region’s highest scoring red wines, a duo of exceptional Bordeaux style reds priced at a fraction of their higher profile peers and both outstanding values to reach for over the next decade.

Moving to eastern Washington from California wine country in the early 1970’s, founder Jerry Bookwalter managed the state’s first large-scale wine grape vineyard named Sagemoor, growing Cabernet Sauvignon on the southwest-facing slopes of the steep Columbia River Gorge and planting the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards nearby in the White Bluffs AVA, the high-altitude parcels supplying grapes for some of the Valley’s longtime iconic producers including DeLille. While managing the renowned Conner Lee Vineyard in Columbia Valley, Jerry took notice of the success of the elite wineries they were selling grapes to including Leonetti Cellar and established his own label in Pasco in 1983, the Richland winery now run by his son John. Sourced from the Dionysus and Conner Lee vineyards, the rich and aromatic 94 pt. J. Bookwalter Conflict is a blend of 56% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new French oak for 18 months, yielding “luxuriously ripe wild berry fruits motivated by juicy acidity” according to Eric Guido of Vinous with substantial tannins promising longevity. Described as “brooding at the core but generous and expressive” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, the powerful 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from Conner Lee with small amounts of Syrah and Petit Verdot offering rich, earthy dark fruit hinting of graphite with “silky tannins and crisp acidity” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty, its lush and lingering finish layered with tannins built to evolve over the next decade and beyond.

From a warmer, low-yielding 2020 vintage creating structured red wines “balancing elegance and power” according to Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, the impressive 94 pt. duo of 2020 J. Bookwalter Conflict and 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist are top picks for collectors of robust Washington state wines and fans of bold reds seeking a great deal, two delicious and impeccably crafted wines from the region’s top vineyards priced to over deliver value for years to come.

94WA

Bursting with a gorgeous, seductive nose of fresh, spiced red and black fruit, the 2020 Conflict is a blend of 56% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Beyond the fresh fruit aromas, elegant oak essences vibrantly dance out of the glass. Full-bodied, lively and expressive, the palate is plummy, with elegant baking spices uncoiling before ending with an ever-evolving, lingering, spicy finish. I'm going back for a second sip. Just over 18,000 bottles were produced from grapes that grew at Dionysus and Connor-Lee vineyards.

94+ points, Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (Mar 2024)

$49.98

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55 bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere (750ml)

Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Declared “an estate to watch” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the rich and vibrant 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere and 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere boast fresh aromatic fruit with refined minerality and ripe, silky tannins promising to mature gracefully over the next few decades, sourced from two outstanding vintages that “deliver the goods” according to Neal Martin of Vinous and affordably priced for stocking the cellar.

Owned by the Malet-Roquefort family for three centuries, Chateau La Gaffeliere has undergone a complete renovation including extensive replanting of its vineyards since 2004 under the direction of legendary consultant Stephane Derenoncourt, its steady rise in quality over the last decade described as a “sleeping giant” awakening by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley. Boasting an exceptional terroir known as the golden triangle between the hills of Chateaux Pavie and Ausone, the Grand Vin of La Gaffeliere is sourced from the estate’s classified 22 hectares of the 38 hectare vineyard planted to 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the vineyard team employing rigorous selection with at least a third of the hand harvested grapes not making the cut for the Grand Vin. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months, the elegant 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere is “a stunning, riveting wine in every way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous with a rich core of vibrant fruit and layers of silky tannins described as “worth cellaring for sure” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, earning a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2022. Named one of the Wine Independent’s Top 50 Value Wines of 2023 and earning a spot on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of France 2023, the 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere is called “sleek, silky and excellent quality” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and declared “a thrilling Saint-Emilion readers should snatch up” by Jeb Dunnuck, promising “great things as it develops” over the next decades according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss.

Described as “striking an expert balance between power and finesse” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the impressive 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere and 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere are expertly crafted to express their exceptional terroir, this offer a welcome opportunity for Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value to acquire two age worthy Right Bank blends that seriously overdeliver.

98V 98WI 97JS 96WE

The 2020 La Gaffelière is superb. Rich, dense and explosive. Black cherry, gravel, licorice, grilled herbs and menthol race out of the glass. Deep, pliant and explosive, the 2020 is magnificent. At this stage, the 2020 is an infant, but that won't be a problem in a few years. This vivid, statuesque Saint-Émilion is nothing short of thrilling.

98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2023)

The 2020 La Gaffeliere is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with expressive notes of redcurrant jelly, plum preserves, and kirsch, plus nuances of dark chocolate, violets, pencil lead, and fragrant soil with a waft of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is so tightly wound, featuring very fine layers of red and black fruit intertwined with floral and mineral nuances, supported by highly pixilated, super-ripe tannins and amazing tension, finishing very long and with the energy of an atomic bomb. This is stunning!

98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Jun 2023)

Deep and intense notes of plums and blackberries with dark chocolate, toasted spices, walnut, crushed graphite and wet stones. Full-bodied with layers of ripe, velvety tannins that flow in a firm stream throughout the palate. Very structured. Delicious chocolate-wrapped black and blue fruit with spiced character and a really long finish. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Drink from 2028.

97 points, James Suckling (May 2023)

This wine's ripe tannins and fine perfumes come from the 40% Cabernet Franc in the blend. The structure is powerful even if masked by the generous black fruits. The wine has great potential. Drink from 2027.

96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2023)

$74.88

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60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

1

2020 Labegorce (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“A dark, sumptuous beauty”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Topping out with the same score as some of Margaux’s highest profile estates, the elegant 94 pt. 2020 Labegorce Margaux is a stunning under the radar gem, revealing aromatic, opulently textured dark fruit and rich, integrated tannins described as “classic, easy to drink and to recommend” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson that’s built to evolve for over a decade and a top value in Left Bank Bordeaux.

Located along the D2 Route des Chateaux north of the village of Margaux, the elegant neoclassical Chateau Labegorce is situated northwest of First Growth Chateau Margaux, acquired by entrepreneur Hubert Perrodo in 1989 who renovated the magnificent 19^th century Chateau and embarked on a decades’ long effort to successfully reunite the estate’s original vineyards that had been divided following the French Revolution. Now owned by his daughter Nathalie Perrodo and managed by winemaker Marjolaine de Coninck, the 250-hectare Labegorce estate boasts 70 hectares of vineyards, with parcels across from Chateau Lascombes planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon in deep gravel soils along with Merlot and smaller plots of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in a mix of gravel, sand and clay, the vines averaging 30 years of age with some up to 100 years old. Matured in 40% new French oak for 15 months, the powerful 2020 Labegorce boasts beautifully pure concentrated fruit and refined silky tannins, described as “a forward, textured, already delicious wine” by Jeb Dunnuck that promises pleasurable drinking for over a decade.

From a 2020 vintage that “delivers the goods” according to Neal Martin of Vinous, the plush and structured 94 pt. 2020 Labegorce reflects resurgence of the estate under winemaker Marjolaine de Coninck, “playing with the top in the appellation” according to Jeb Dunnuck and a must buy for collectors seeking an everyday Bordeaux that over delivers and anyone looking to enjoy a beautifully crafted, classic Margaux more often.

94JA 93JD 93V 93WI

Clear depth to the cassis fruits, studded with fennel, anis, cut herbs, raspberry leaf and smoked earth, delivering complexity and pleasure. A brilliant wine, and a great value pick. 33% new oak. Harvest September 16 to October 1, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.

94 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023)

A forward, textured, already delicious wine, the 2020 Château Labégorce offers lots of red and black fruit as well as notes of cedar, smoke tobacco, and chocolate. Based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged in 40% new barrels, it has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, fine-grained tannins, and outstanding overall balance. Give bottles just a year or three and enjoy over the following 10-15 years or more.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)

The 2020 Labegorce, matured in 40% new oak, has a fragrant, floral bouquet with wilted rose petals infusing the lively red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit. There is something "airy" about the aromatics here. The palate is slightly honeyed in texture, saturated tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit commingling with white pepper and iodine. Great persistence and salinity on the finish - an excellent, quite substantial Margaux for long-term ageing.

93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2023)

Deep garnet-purple in colored, the 2020 Labegorce tumbles out of the glass with fragrant notions of kirsch, red roses, and stewed plums, leading to suggestions of damp soil and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy and plush with a sense of gravitas coming through on the long, layered finish.

93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)

$31.88

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1

2016 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

A well-guarded secret of savvy California collectors, Morlet Family Vineyards produces small quantities of exceptional, vineyard-driven wines that until now have been exclusively available to their mailing list and the world’s top restaurants, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these highly-rated Morlet selections from top vintages at best on the market pricing.

Born in Epernay, talented winemaker Luc Morlet’s roots stretch back five generations at his family’s estate in the Champagne region, mentored by legendary wine consultant Jacques Boissenot after attending viticultural school in France before moving to the US over two decades ago and working with top Napa winemakers like John Kongsgaard at Newton Vineyard. Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing wines with “terrific richness and depth while remaining weightless and elegant,” Luc served as winemaker for some of the region’s most elite estates including Newton, Peter Michael and Staglin, crafting some of their top scoring wines before establishing his own label in 2006 with his California-born wife Jodie. Highlighting “the more sumptuous, extroverted side of top vineyard sites in both Napa Valley and Sonoma” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, Luc sources his grapes from the region’s most iconic vineyards like To Kalon for Cab and Ritchie for Chard in addition to establishing his own estate vineyards near Morlet’s St. Helena winery. Starting off with his elegant Bordeaux-styled white, the lush and aromatic 99 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards La Proportion Doree is a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with a little Muscadelle, boasting a “lively backbone and epic length” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Jeb Dunnuck calls the 97 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Ma Princesse from Russian River’s Ritchie Vineyard “terrific” and poised to “deliver the goods through 2033,” while he describes the 100 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Coup de Coeur as an “uber barrel-selection blend” of Morlet’s Chardonnay vineyards that “does everything right,” balancing full-bodied richness and enticing minerality with “one heck of a long finish.” The 98 pt. 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles features “a plush texture and bags of freshness,” according to Lisa Perrotti-Brown, while the 96 pt. 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir En Famille boasts luscious fresh and energetic fruit, labeled “a Pinot of real distinction” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni. From two top vintages in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, both scoring 98 pts., the fresh-fruited 2018 and 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Joli Coeur offer rich, vibrant berry flavors with smooth tannins and tantalizing minerality, summed up as “super appealing” by critic Galloni and built to enjoy over the next decade. And finally Luc’s stunning Cabernet Sauvignons from the exceptional 2016 vintage – the 98 pt. 2016 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee, his To Kalon release that’s “a thrill a minute” according to Jeb Dunnuck and “as seamless and elegant as they come” – the 96 pt. 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier from Morlet’s Knights Valley vineyard that’s “already terrific yet will keep for 20-25 years or more” according to Dunnuck – and the “fabulous” 97 pt. 2016 Morlet Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possessing “tremendous class and pedigree to burn” according to critic Antonio Galloni, composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux cuttings planted in Morlet’s St. Helena vineyard.

An array of stunning, elegant wines balancing richly textured fruit with powerfully structured depth, these stellar Morlet selections rank “at the top end of the qualitative hierarchy” from “one of northern California’s most talented wine producers” according to Robert Parker Jr., all cellar worthy additions to any collection and a rare opportunity to acquire and enjoy Morlet’s beautifully crafted wines at an outstanding value.

98WI 97WA 97JD 96JA

Deep garnet colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee needs considerable swirling before it erupts with powerful black and blue berry notes - cassis, blueberries, and blackberry preserves - giving way to hints of mocha, licorice, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, rich, velvety, and so, so concentrated, it has beautiful freshness, leading to a long, long, long finish on this beautiful wine. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc coming from Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard.

98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Aug 2022)

This is the last vintage when this wine will come exclusively from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard. In the future it will come (more and more) from Morlet’s own new vineyard in Oakville—just across from To Kalon. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee has a very deep purple-black color and reveals compelling notes of minted blackcurrants, black cherries and wild blueberries with touches of sage, cigar box, tilled black soil and Indian spices with a suggestion of cardamom. Full-bodied and laden with densely packed, muscular fruit, it has a rock-solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with those To Kalon spices lingering with fantastic persistence. 250 cases produced, to be released in the fall of 2019.

97 points, Wine Advocate (Oct 2018)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallée comes all from Beckstoffer’s portion of the To Kalon Vineyard and it’s a thrill a minute, offering awesome notes of blue fruits, chocolate, incense, candied violets, and high-class cigar tobacco. As seamless and elegant as they come, yet also opulent and sexy, this remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon could come from nowhere else in the world. Drink it over the coming 2-3 decades.

97 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jun 2019)

Powerful dark chocolate, cocoa bean, espresso, liquorice, cassis and smoked earth, rosemary, turmeric spice, wonderfully expressive and just now softening up the tannins enough to really let out the fruit. Beckstoffer To Kalon fruit. 85% new oak, native yeast fermentation, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

96 points, Jane Anson (Nov 2022)

2020 Giodo Alberelli di Giodo Nerello Mascalese (750ml)

Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“A very genuine and classic expression from the Sicilian volcano”

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Crafted by celebrated 100 pt. winemaker Carlo Ferrini, the lush and powerful 96 pt. 2020 Giodo Alberelli di Giodo Nerello Mascalese offers fresh, energetic fruit hinting of crushed stone on a silky, smooth finish, an elegant, cellar worthy expression of Nerello Mascalese for collectors of Italian wines to enjoy for the next decade and a small production gem destined to sell out quickly at this unbeatable price.

Described as “the Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” Nerello Mascalese conveys its varied terroirs much like Pinot Noir grown in the Cote de Beaune, the influence of its varied soils and elevations created by Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption and masterfully reflected in Carlo Ferrini’s 2020 Alberelli di Giodo. Renowned for his legendary 100 pt. Giodo Brunellos, Ferrini has a decades long history of success consulting for some of Sicily’s most renowned estates including Tasca D’Almerita, Pietradolce and Le Casematte, inspiring him to purchase some small north-facing parcels on Etna in 2010 and releasing his first vintage in 2016. Boasting 80 to 100 year old, low yielding, pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese, Ferrini’s 1.5 hectare parcel is divided into eight tiny plots, planted with vines trained to the traditional low-bush goblet method called “albarello” in Italian meaning “little tree” and located on terraced black lava slopes above the official Etna appellation at 950 meters above sea level in the Sicilia DOC. Fermenting the hand-picked grapes in stainless steel, Ferrini aged the enticing 2020 Alberelli di Giodo Nerello Mascalese in large oak casks for 18 months with additional time in concrete and another 12 months in bottle, yielding pure red earthy fruit with subtle integrated tannins on “a long, vibrant, fresh finish” according to Decanter’s James Button who sums it up simply as “beautiful.”

Called “Italy’s most dynamic wine scene” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, collectors already familiar with Carlo Ferrini and newcomers to Etna’s top vineyard-driven red wines will find the elegant 96 pt. 2020 Giodo Alberelli di Giodo Nerello Mascalese a pure and refined expression of Nerello Mascalese mirroring its volcanic roots, an exciting addition to any Italian collection and an outstanding value.

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Carlo Ferrini's 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese opens to a beautiful ruby hue and an elegantly lean appearance. The wine delivers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flower, iron ore and orange peel. These various layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows enormous elegance and tannins that melt onto the palate slowly and with lasting flavors. This bottle offers a very genuine and classic expression from the Sicilian volcano.

96+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2023)

A medium-bodied, very tight and precise red with focused, firm tannins framing sleek layers of cranberries, blackberries, stones, slate and tobacco. Hints of dried fruit. too. Mineral and stony. Old-vine character here, with lots of bark and spice at the end. Lightly austere. Try this from 2024.

94 points, James Suckling (Aug 2022)

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2021 Vina Almaviva (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Among “the elite producers that have put Chile on the world stage” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, the silky and seductive 98 pt. 2021 Vina Almaviva continues its decades’ long reign as a benchmark of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, offering rich dark fruit hinting of spice with a velvety smooth finish and declared a “a stunning example of Almaviva” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson’s that’s built to evolve for another decade or more.

Producing its first vintage in Chile’s Central Valley in 1996, Vina Almaviva was established as a joint venture between Bordeaux’s Mouton Rothschild and Concha y Toro to marry “classic Bordeaux expertise with New World vitality” according to James Suckling and sourced from grapes grown in exceptional Chilean terroir. Located at the highest point in the Maipo Valley, Almaviva’s 60-hectare Puente Alto vineyard is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, a large parcel of it originally part of Concha Y Toro's iconic Don Melchor vineyard and considered optimal for growing Cab, planted along with smaller amounts of Carmenere and Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in layers of loamy clay, gravel and rocks and cooled by breezes coming off the towering Andes. Employing a mix of new technology and traditional techniques, the winemaking team utilizes an underground drip system programmed to deliver precise amounts of water to each vine, while the grapes are hand sorted and gravity-fed into tanks to preserve the quality of the fruit. Described by Vinous critic Joaquim Hidalgo as the “French perfectionist” who is key to Almaviva’s bright and nuanced style, winemaker Michel Friou aged the powerful 2021 Vina Almaviva in 71% new French oak barrels for 20 months, the cooler vintage producing a blend characterized by “finesse, precision and elegance” according to the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez and revealing a seamless core of luscious dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit hinting of Carmenere’s peppery spice, its smooth, harmonious tannins and notable depth promising longevity.

Gaining “cult status through consistency” according to James Suckling, the enticing 98 pt. 2021 Almaviva continues to raise the bar for Chilean wines, earning a place among the world’s best and most age worthy Cabs and an incredible value to make room for in the cellar and savor its brilliant evolution for years to come.

98JS #94 Top 100 97JA 96WA 96V

A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity.

98 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Apr 2023)

#94 - James Suckling Top 100 of 2023

A stunning example of Almaviva, shot through with the generosity and restrained spice of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmanère in Puente Alto. Coffee bean, liquorice and cocoa set the tone on the opening beats, showing the restrained glamour that the partnership of SA Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha Y Toro do so well. Plenty of fruit here, majoring on blackcurrant and damson, with just enough brambled blackberry buds and autumn hedgerow adding a welcome note of both bitterness and fragrance, cutting through the sleek ripeness of the palate, excellent reflection of the balanced weather in the 2021 vintage, with no challenging heat spikes. Winemaker Michel Friou. 75% new oak.

97 points, Jane Anson (Aug 2023)

2021 was an overall cooler year than 2020, with more elegant wines with more finesse and less angular tannins. The sleek 2021 Almaviva is a good example of that, still very young and still marked by the élevage in oak after spending 20 months in French oak barrels, 71% of them new and the rest only second use. The final blend was 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carmenere (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, a variety that might gain in percentage, as they have even planted some more with the idea to possibly replace Merlot in the medium or long term. It's not a shy wine, hitting the scale at 15% alcohol and with mellow acidity, 4.65 grams (tartaric) and a pH of 3.81 The fruit is dark, ripe and spicy, nothing green about it; it's a little shy, less expressive than the warmer years are early on and a little more discreet but with potential to develop in bottle. The tannins are still present, and it should benefit from some more time in bottle. The 2019 had more volume than the 2018, and the 2020 is closer to the 2019 than the 2018. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled between late January and early February 2023. I tasted it next to the 2020 and 2018, and it's closer to the latter; but this 2021 is more elegant, and 2018 is a little more austere and herbal.

96+ points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)

The 2021 Almaviva is a blend primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, but not limited to these, and was aged for up to 18 months in French barrels. Its color is garnet with a purple sheen. The enticing nose showcases blackberry, cassis marmalade, black and green pepper, ashes, camphor and cigar box aromas. Indulgent and rich on the palate, it carries taut, fine-grained tannins, velvet texture and balanced acidity, leading to a long, ripe finish. This bold and layered red wine reveals nuanced depth and richness on the palate, promising further development as it matures in the bottle.

96 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Jun 2023)

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2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
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A well-guarded secret of savvy California collectors, Morlet Family Vineyards produces small quantities of exceptional, vineyard-driven wines that until now have been exclusively available to their mailing list and the world’s top restaurants, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these highly-rated Morlet selections from top vintages at best on the market pricing.

Born in Epernay, talented winemaker Luc Morlet’s roots stretch back five generations at his family’s estate in the Champagne region, mentored by legendary wine consultant Jacques Boissenot after attending viticultural school in France before moving to the US over two decades ago and working with top Napa winemakers like John Kongsgaard at Newton Vineyard. Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing wines with “terrific richness and depth while remaining weightless and elegant,” Luc served as winemaker for some of the region’s most elite estates including Newton, Peter Michael and Staglin, crafting some of their top scoring wines before establishing his own label in 2006 with his California-born wife Jodie. Highlighting “the more sumptuous, extroverted side of top vineyard sites in both Napa Valley and Sonoma” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, Luc sources his grapes from the region’s most iconic vineyards like To Kalon for Cab and Ritchie for Chard in addition to establishing his own estate vineyards near Morlet’s St. Helena winery. Starting off with his elegant Bordeaux-styled white, the lush and aromatic 99 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards La Proportion Doree is a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with a little Muscadelle, boasting a “lively backbone and epic length” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Jeb Dunnuck calls the 97 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Ma Princesse from Russian River’s Ritchie Vineyard “terrific” and poised to “deliver the goods through 2033,” while he describes the 100 pt. 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Coup de Coeur as an “uber barrel-selection blend” of Morlet’s Chardonnay vineyards that “does everything right,” balancing full-bodied richness and enticing minerality with “one heck of a long finish.” The 98 pt. 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles features “a plush texture and bags of freshness,” according to Lisa Perrotti-Brown, while the 96 pt. 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir En Famille boasts luscious fresh and energetic fruit, labeled “a Pinot of real distinction” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni. From two top vintages in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, both scoring 98 pts., the fresh-fruited 2018 and 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Joli Coeur offer rich, vibrant berry flavors with smooth tannins and tantalizing minerality, summed up as “super appealing” by critic Galloni and built to enjoy over the next decade. And finally Luc’s stunning Cabernet Sauvignons from the exceptional 2016 vintage – the 98 pt. 2016 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee, his To Kalon release that’s “a thrill a minute” according to Jeb Dunnuck and “as seamless and elegant as they come” – the 96 pt. 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier from Morlet’s Knights Valley vineyard that’s “already terrific yet will keep for 20-25 years or more” according to Dunnuck – and the “fabulous” 97 pt. 2016 Morlet Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possessing “tremendous class and pedigree to burn” according to critic Antonio Galloni, composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux cuttings planted in Morlet’s St. Helena vineyard.

An array of stunning, elegant wines balancing richly textured fruit with powerfully structured depth, these stellar Morlet selections rank “at the top end of the qualitative hierarchy” from “one of northern California’s most talented wine producers” according to Robert Parker Jr., all cellar worthy additions to any collection and a rare opportunity to acquire and enjoy Morlet’s beautifully crafted wines at an outstanding value.

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The 2019 Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles comes from the Nobles Ranch Vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview region and is another perfumed, complex wine from Morlet. Offering Côte de Nuits-like dark cherry and strawberry fruits as well as forest floor, flowers, orange tea, and spice, it's a rich, full-bodied effort with good acids, a more firm, focused texture, and outstanding length. Give bottles a year or two, and it should drink nicely through 2031.

95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2021)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Côteaux Nobles is gorgeous. Crushed raspberry, kirsch, spicecake, new leather and orange peel give the 2019 striking aromatic presence. Silky and gracious in feel, the 2019 is an absolute delight from the very first taste. Today, the 2019 is all sensuality.

95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2022)

2022 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet (750ml)

Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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“Clearly an estate to watch”

William Kelley, Wine Advocate

B-21 Chablis fans already have a keen eye on Domaine des Malandes as one of the region’s rising star producers, the elegant and age worthy 93 pt. 2022 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet revealing aromatic, citrusy fruit with racy minerality and salinity-tinged acidity, described as a top choice for “Chablis purists” by Neal Martin of Vinous and an unbeatable White Burgundy value bargain priced for stocking the cellar to enjoy over the next decade.

Boasting a family history as grape growers in the region since 1949, Lyne Marchive established Domaine des Malandes in the rolling hills outside the medieval village of Chablis in 1972, the Domaine’s rise in quality driven by oenologist and winemaker Guenole Breteaudeau since 2006 along with Lyne’s son Richard Rottiers, an up-and-coming winemaker in Beaujolais who took the reins in 2017. Located in top sites throughout the region including many 1er and Grand Crus, Domaine des Malandes’ 29 hectares of organically farmed vineyards include 1.43 hectares of Chardonnay vines in the Cote de Lechet, a steep 1er Cru parcel on the western side of the Serein River situated on a southeast-facing slope just above the small village of Milly and known for its naturally low yields. Averaging around 40 years of age, the Chardonnay vines are planted in well-draining, stony Kimmeridgian soils that are worked by horse, the rich concentration and depth of the fruit balanced by intense minerality and above average acidity that's a signature of the 1er Cru's terroir. Crafted in large stainless steel tanks that enable lees contact without oxygen and oak, the classically styled 2022 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet offers concentrated, vibrant fruit with bright acidity on a lengthy, flinty finish, a delicious and beautifully textured Chablis layered with depth and complexity to evolve for another decade.

From a “very fine” vintage and “a year to snap up” according to Decanter’s Andy Howard, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet was impeccably crafted as a transparent expression of its terroir, reflecting the estate’s ever rising quality while delivering one of the top values in White Burgundy built to savor for years to come.

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The 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet is a standout in the range this year, unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, lime zest, buttery pasty and oyster shell, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated palate that's taut and saline, retaining a strong Chablisien signature despite the warm vintage. It's produced from a heavily virused parcel that always delivers low yields.

93 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Sep 2023)

$39.98

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2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Aÿ Grand Cru (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Ay, Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

98JS 96V

Beautiful interplay of vivacity and silkiness. Vibrant and phenolic, yet also supple with long, caressing layers of crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate and hints of sage. Really opens up. Fantastic integration. 100% new barrels from selected parcels of the Argonne forest. Drink or hold.

98 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

The 2014 Argonne was much more open when I tasted it last year, which is probably a good sign for its long-term aging prospects. Tangerine oil, white flowers, spice, brioche and a kick of sweet oak all run through the 2014. More than anything else, I am struck by the wine's linear intensity and drive. Argonne is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done in 100% new oak.

96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2023)

2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “one of the best places to find value in Washington State” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Sean Sullivan, Columbia Valley’s rich and powerful 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Conflict and 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist rank among the region’s highest scoring red wines, a duo of exceptional Bordeaux style reds priced at a fraction of their higher profile peers and both outstanding values to reach for over the next decade.

Moving to eastern Washington from California wine country in the early 1970’s, founder Jerry Bookwalter managed the state’s first large-scale wine grape vineyard named Sagemoor, growing Cabernet Sauvignon on the southwest-facing slopes of the steep Columbia River Gorge and planting the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards nearby in the White Bluffs AVA, the high-altitude parcels supplying grapes for some of the Valley’s longtime iconic producers including DeLille. While managing the renowned Conner Lee Vineyard in Columbia Valley, Jerry took notice of the success of the elite wineries they were selling grapes to including Leonetti Cellar and established his own label in Pasco in 1983, the Richland winery now run by his son John. Sourced from the Dionysus and Conner Lee vineyards, the rich and aromatic 94 pt. J. Bookwalter Conflict is a blend of 56% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new French oak for 18 months, yielding “luxuriously ripe wild berry fruits motivated by juicy acidity” according to Eric Guido of Vinous with substantial tannins promising longevity. Described as “brooding at the core but generous and expressive” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, the powerful 94 pt. 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from Conner Lee with small amounts of Syrah and Petit Verdot offering rich, earthy dark fruit hinting of graphite with “silky tannins and crisp acidity” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty, its lush and lingering finish layered with tannins built to evolve over the next decade and beyond.

From a warmer, low-yielding 2020 vintage creating structured red wines “balancing elegance and power” according to Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, the impressive 94 pt. duo of 2020 J. Bookwalter Conflict and 2020 J. Bookwalter Protagonist are top picks for collectors of robust Washington state wines and fans of bold reds seeking a great deal, two delicious and impeccably crafted wines from the region’s top vineyards priced to over deliver value for years to come.

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Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2020 Protagonist Conner Lee Vineyard bursts from the glass with a plushy frame of fresh plums, oak and freshly opened flowers. Full-bodied, the wine achieves a beautiful harmony, exhibiting freshness and juiciness within a structured and balanced framework. Concluding with elegance and power, this gorgeous wine glides to a beautiful and succulent finish that has me craving flame-kissed chops and steaks from the grill. Just under 25,000 bottles were produced.

94 points, Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (Mar 2024)

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2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere (750ml)

Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Declared “an estate to watch” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the rich and vibrant 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere and 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere boast fresh aromatic fruit with refined minerality and ripe, silky tannins promising to mature gracefully over the next few decades, sourced from two outstanding vintages that “deliver the goods” according to Neal Martin of Vinous and affordably priced for stocking the cellar.

Owned by the Malet-Roquefort family for three centuries, Chateau La Gaffeliere has undergone a complete renovation including extensive replanting of its vineyards since 2004 under the direction of legendary consultant Stephane Derenoncourt, its steady rise in quality over the last decade described as a “sleeping giant” awakening by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley. Boasting an exceptional terroir known as the golden triangle between the hills of Chateaux Pavie and Ausone, the Grand Vin of La Gaffeliere is sourced from the estate’s classified 22 hectares of the 38 hectare vineyard planted to 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the vineyard team employing rigorous selection with at least a third of the hand harvested grapes not making the cut for the Grand Vin. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months, the elegant 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere is “a stunning, riveting wine in every way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous with a rich core of vibrant fruit and layers of silky tannins described as “worth cellaring for sure” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, earning a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2022. Named one of the Wine Independent’s Top 50 Value Wines of 2023 and earning a spot on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of France 2023, the 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere is called “sleek, silky and excellent quality” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and declared “a thrilling Saint-Emilion readers should snatch up” by Jeb Dunnuck, promising “great things as it develops” over the next decades according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss.

Described as “striking an expert balance between power and finesse” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the impressive 96+ pt. 2019 Chateau La Gaffeliere and 98 pt. 2020 Chateau La Gaffeliere are expertly crafted to express their exceptional terroir, this offer a welcome opportunity for Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value to acquire two age worthy Right Bank blends that seriously overdeliver.

96WI 96V 96JS 95WA 94WS #67 Top 100

The 2019 La Gaffeliere is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it spills from the glass with alluring notions of black raspberries, boysenberry preserves, Morello cherries, and roses, plus suggestions of Ceylon tea, dried mint, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly crafted and refreshing, bursting with bright, lively fruit, finishing long and achingly floral. This is an effortlessly gorgeous Saint-Emilion, not to be missed.

96+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Apr 2022)

The 2019 La Gaffelière is just as impressive as it was en primeur. Bright and tightly wound, La Gaffelière sizzles with energy. Dark red fruit, mocha, blood orange, mint and dried flowers lend striking aromatic presence. There is some youthful austerity here, but nothing time in bottle won't take care of. The 2019 doesn't quite match the stratospheric grandeur of the magical 2018, but it comes close.

96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

A vibrant, fragrant red with aromas of blackberries, currants, walnuts and mint chocolate. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Pretty walnut notes on the polished finish. Fantastic length. Driven acidity and focus. Try in 2025.

96 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)

The 2019 La Gaffelière wafts from the glass with a rich bouquet of blackberries and cherries mingled with subtle hints of burning embers and loamy soil that's framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, it's a concentrated, vibrant wine built around bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. Its vivid fruit tones and classical balance make this Cabernet Franc-rich blend a promising candidate for sustained bottle age. Anyone who has tasted the great wines this estate produced in the 1950s and 1960s knows how great this site can be; and with stricter selection as well as the elimination of fruit from vines growing on the plain from the blend, that potential appears to be being unleashed at last.

95 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)

This rolls out dense fig, boysenberry and red currant paste flavors laced with pronounced chalky minerality and notes of tobacco, dried anise and juniper. The serious tannic drive on the finish puts this in the 'classically austere' camp. Worth cellaring for sure, but patience is required. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2040. 7,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.

94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2022)

#67 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

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NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

96JS

There’s no turning back once the enveloping nose of fresh nuts, raw brown sugar, chocolate and saffron has you in its grasp! Rich to the point of slight oiliness on the dense mid-palate, this unique champagne is very concentrated, but the incredible texture, which reaches a climax in the full, silky finish, is every bit as impressive. A cuvée based on the 2016 vintage with a generous dose of perpetual reserve (solera system), founded in 1990. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

96 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie (750ml)

Chardonnay from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of” by the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. and garnering 95 plus pt. ratings across the board, these richly textured Champagnes from cult producer Domaine Henri Giraud are crafted in “a rich, hedonistic style that will appeal most to readers who enjoy lush, opulent Champagnes” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these rarely available selections offered at best on the market pricing and a must for Champagne aficionados and collectors.

Boasting a family history dating back in the region to 1625, Champagne Henri Giraud is located west of Epernay in Ay at the foot of the Reims Mountains, established in 1975 and now run by 12^th generation Chef de Cave Claude Giraud. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning 10 hectares mainly planted to Pinot Noir as well as purchased grapes grown in top sites including Grand Crus, Claude is an outlier in the region, renowned for fermenting and aging many of the cuvees in barrels sourced from the Argonne forest, once a tradition in Champagne, the rough terrain inhibiting growth and yielding densely grained oak barrel staves that limit the Champagne’s contact with oxygen while still allowing it to breathe. Blended by Claude into the non-vintage cuvees to add further complexity, the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 1990 is stored in steel-lined concrete tanks in cellars beneath the Marne River and replenished each year with about 20% of the current vintage. Crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the entry level 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut was vinified and matured in oak barrels and blended with 50% of reserve wine before aging another 2 years on the lees, revealing fresh, richly textured fruit reflecting the house style with precise acidity and a fine beaded mousse. Described as a “thought provoking and sensual” Blanc de Blancs by James Suckling, the 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie was crafted from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 3 years on the lees while the 100% Pinot Noir 96 pt. NV Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months on the lees to yield a richly concentrated and silky Blanc de Noirs cuvee. Crafted entirely in amphora, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud Dame-Jane Brut Rose is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir including 6% still wine with 30% Chardonnay, described as a “gastronomic Rose” by the Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo offering lush, mouth filling fruit and a long, chalky finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the 95 pt. NV Henri Giraud MV 17 Grand Cru Fut de Chene mixes the 2017 vintage brought up in new oak with a third from the perpetual reserve, undergoing at least 4 years of lees aging to yield a “fine and creamy” Champagne according to the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus with “a luxurious layer wrapping the racy spine of acidity” that’s built for long-term enjoyment. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay and compared to powerhouse cuvees Clos des Goisses and Billecart Salmon's Clos Saint Hilaire by Decanter, the alluringly complex 98 pt. 2014 Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Grand Cru is the house’s impressive vintage flagship cuvee rested for 12 months in new Argonne oak barriques and 7 years longer on the lees in the bottle, each individually numbered and presented in an ornate box designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban that’s certain to be a focal point in any collection.

Continuing to make “some of the most exciting wines in Champagne” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these selections from Champagne Henri Giraud are meticulously crafted by “a modern legend in the making” according to Decanter, the exciting cuvees of Claude Giraud among Champagne’s most innovative and exclusive and now value priced for Champagne lovers to discover one of the region’s best kept secrets.

96D 94JS

Restrained, subtle, amazingly elegant 100% Chardonnay, with the complexity that only an aged Champagne can offer. Notes of fresh apples with marzipan notes and freshly cooked biscuits. Sublime delicacy on the palate, with as firm an architecture as roses carved in stone. The finish is impressively slow and complex.

96 points, Decanter (Nov 2022)

Thought-provoking and sensual Blanc de Blancs with aromas of chalk, lemon pith, blanched almonds and sourdough, as well as pine nuts and sea salt. Starts tight, then opens up with a vinous and creamy, yet sharp and bright palate with focused bubbles. Exciting spicy hints on the finish. 60% perpetual reserve from 1990. Drink or hold.

94 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

$79.98

Compare At: $89.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 5/17/2024. 23 bottles available.

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2021 Vina Almaviva (375ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Among “the elite producers that have put Chile on the world stage” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, the silky and seductive 98 pt. 2021 Vina Almaviva continues its decades’ long reign as a benchmark of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, offering rich dark fruit hinting of spice with a velvety smooth finish and declared a “a stunning example of Almaviva” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson’s that’s built to evolve for another decade or more.

Producing its first vintage in Chile’s Central Valley in 1996, Vina Almaviva was established as a joint venture between Bordeaux’s Mouton Rothschild and Concha y Toro to marry “classic Bordeaux expertise with New World vitality” according to James Suckling and sourced from grapes grown in exceptional Chilean terroir. Located at the highest point in the Maipo Valley, Almaviva’s 60-hectare Puente Alto vineyard is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, a large parcel of it originally part of Concha Y Toro's iconic Don Melchor vineyard and considered optimal for growing Cab, planted along with smaller amounts of Carmenere and Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in layers of loamy clay, gravel and rocks and cooled by breezes coming off the towering Andes. Employing a mix of new technology and traditional techniques, the winemaking team utilizes an underground drip system programmed to deliver precise amounts of water to each vine, while the grapes are hand sorted and gravity-fed into tanks to preserve the quality of the fruit. Described by Vinous critic Joaquim Hidalgo as the “French perfectionist” who is key to Almaviva’s bright and nuanced style, winemaker Michel Friou aged the powerful 2021 Vina Almaviva in 71% new French oak barrels for 20 months, the cooler vintage producing a blend characterized by “finesse, precision and elegance” according to the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez and revealing a seamless core of luscious dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit hinting of Carmenere’s peppery spice, its smooth, harmonious tannins and notable depth promising longevity.

Gaining “cult status through consistency” according to James Suckling, the enticing 98 pt. 2021 Almaviva continues to raise the bar for Chilean wines, earning a place among the world’s best and most age worthy Cabs and an incredible value to make room for in the cellar and savor its brilliant evolution for years to come.

98JS #94 Top 100 97JA 96WA 96V

A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity.

98 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Apr 2023)

#94 - James Suckling Top 100 of 2023

A stunning example of Almaviva, shot through with the generosity and restrained spice of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmanère in Puente Alto. Coffee bean, liquorice and cocoa set the tone on the opening beats, showing the restrained glamour that the partnership of SA Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha Y Toro do so well. Plenty of fruit here, majoring on blackcurrant and damson, with just enough brambled blackberry buds and autumn hedgerow adding a welcome note of both bitterness and fragrance, cutting through the sleek ripeness of the palate, excellent reflection of the balanced weather in the 2021 vintage, with no challenging heat spikes. Winemaker Michel Friou. 75% new oak.

97 points, Jane Anson (Aug 2023)

2021 was an overall cooler year than 2020, with more elegant wines with more finesse and less angular tannins. The sleek 2021 Almaviva is a good example of that, still very young and still marked by the élevage in oak after spending 20 months in French oak barrels, 71% of them new and the rest only second use. The final blend was 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carmenere (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, a variety that might gain in percentage, as they have even planted some more with the idea to possibly replace Merlot in the medium or long term. It's not a shy wine, hitting the scale at 15% alcohol and with mellow acidity, 4.65 grams (tartaric) and a pH of 3.81 The fruit is dark, ripe and spicy, nothing green about it; it's a little shy, less expressive than the warmer years are early on and a little more discreet but with potential to develop in bottle. The tannins are still present, and it should benefit from some more time in bottle. The 2019 had more volume than the 2018, and the 2020 is closer to the 2019 than the 2018. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled between late January and early February 2023. I tasted it next to the 2020 and 2018, and it's closer to the latter; but this 2021 is more elegant, and 2018 is a little more austere and herbal.

96+ points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)

The 2021 Almaviva is a blend primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, but not limited to these, and was aged for up to 18 months in French barrels. Its color is garnet with a purple sheen. The enticing nose showcases blackberry, cassis marmalade, black and green pepper, ashes, camphor and cigar box aromas. Indulgent and rich on the palate, it carries taut, fine-grained tannins, velvet texture and balanced acidity, leading to a long, ripe finish. This bold and layered red wine reveals nuanced depth and richness on the palate, promising further development as it matures in the bottle.

96 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Jun 2023)

2019 Labegorce (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar.

Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment.

Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades.

94JD 94V 94JA 92JS

Gorgeous notes of red, blue, and black fruits as well as sandalwood, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and spicy notes emerge from the 2019 Château Labégorce, one of the richer, more opulent, and straight-up sexy wines in the vintage. A blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all raised in 40% new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, has beautifully integrated oak, a stacked mid-palate, and one heck of a great finish. Drink this rich, sensationally textured Margaux any time over the coming two decades. It’s unquestionably in the same league as the 2015, 2016, and 2018.

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)

The 2019 Labégorce was the first vintage vinified in the new cellar and also the first to use Cabernet Franc from the north part of the appellation, on more limestone soils, a massal selection from an organic producer in the south of France. Matured in 40% new oak, this has a voluminous, multifaceted bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and perhaps more rose petal than violet at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well balanced, and a little spicier than I found from barrel, leading to a detailed, tensile finish.

94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2022)

A brilliant wine with heart and personality. This captures so much Left Bank signature, as is often the case with Labégorce. Slate texture, grippy tannins that tug through the palate, holding tight to the brambled blackberry and cassis fruits laced with hawthorn and raspberry leaf. Great quality. 33% new oak. Harvest September 19 to October 12, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck. 94 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023) Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, plums, espresso, orange chocolate and wet earth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Rich and creamy with generous ripe-berry and chocolate notes. Walnut and earth notes on the finish. Drink from 2024.

92 points, James Suckling (Apr 2022)

$34.88

Compare At: $39.99

46 bottles in stock and ready to ship.

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2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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“Another highly successful vintage for one of La Morra's leading estates.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

From an “exemplary” vintage according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson that “will reward patient Nebbiolo fans,” the enticing 95 pt. 2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto delivers richly aromatic, luscious fruit with layered, silky tannins crafted to be enjoyed over the next few decades, an elegant Barolo from one of the region’s most iconic estates and a fantastic value.

Traveling the winding drive to the historic Cordero di Montezemolo winery in the Piedmont, visitors pass the gated path to the legendary hilltop 165 yr. old Cedar of Lebanon, a marker of the family’s centuries’ long history in La Morra that has become such a popular attraction that it’s kept under lock and key. Rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view upon reaching the top, the historic 28-hectare single vineyard extends over all sides of the hill, its contiguous planting a rarity in Barolo and managed by 19th generation winemaker Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo since 2007. Sourcing most of its fruit for the Monfaletto from the Gattera cru with some from Annunziata, the organically grown Nebbiolo vines ranging up to 50 years of age are planted at 300 meters above sea level on sandy clay and calcareous soils, situated in an amphitheater with a southerly exposure that promotes even ripening. Employing a mix of different types of French and Slovenian wood, Alberto aged the parcels for the luxurious 2019 Monfaletto separately for 18 to 24 months before bottling with another year in the cellar before release, yielding a deeply textured Barolo that finishes “balanced and long” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson “with a swath of solid tannins” that predict pleasurable drinking for several decades to come.

Declared “a very fine Barolo” by Antonio Galloni that “will thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety and structure of Nebbiolo,” the 95 pt. 2019 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto delivers the goods for Barolo collectors, impeccably balancing fresh opulent fruit with polished silky tannins on a lengthy mineral-tinged finish, an unbeatable value worthy of making room in the cellar to enjoy over the next decades.

96WA 96JS 95V

The flagship wine from Cordero di Montezemolo is the 2019 Barolo Enrico VI (with 6,200 bottles hitting the market now). This organic wine is made from a special selection of fruit at 300 meters in elevation from the Villero cru in Castiglione Falletto. It reveals a slow and long presentation of aromas with blackcurrant, cassis, grilled herb and crushed rose. These delicate aromas are presented in the context of a concentrated, full-bodied Nebbiolo that is built for long cellar aging.

96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)

The rose flower, violet, dark berry and cedar aromas are impressive on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are powerful and muscular. Excellent length. Classic Barolo that needs at least four or five years to soften. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2027.

96 points, James Suckling (Jul 2023)

The 2019 Barolo Enrico VI is a super-classic wine from this site. Spice, menthol and a whole range of balsamic inflections open first, before the firm Villero tannins kick in. I imagine the 2019 is going to need a number of years to be at its best, but it is another stellar wine in this lineup up from Cordero di Montezemolo.

95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2023)

$109.99

60+ bottles in stock and ready to ship.

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2016 Elio Grasso Barolo Riserva Runcot (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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“One of the finest vineyards and wineries in the Langhe today”

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Ranked among “the most impressive Barolos of the vintage” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the powerful and elegant 97 pt. 2020 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera hits the mark as one of the vintage’s best among its higher profile peers, revealing a rich, concentrated core of brightly aromatic dark fruit with a seamless backbone of fresh acidity and a long, vibrant finish, a stunning Cru Barolo bargain priced for collectors to lay down and savor over the next several decades.

Descended from Piedmont grape growers dating back to the late 19th century, Elio Grasso was sent away by his family to escape what they deemed a common life as a “contadino” or farmer, returning home upon his father’s death to vinify the family’s grapes for the first time in 1979 and producing “some of the most fairly priced, age worthy wines on the planet” according to critic Antonio Galloni. Managing the 24-hectare estate including 18 hectares of vineyards throughout Monforte d’Alba, Elio’s son Gianluca sourced the 2020 Gavarini Chiniera from the amphitheater-shaped Vigna Chiniera parcel that is essentially a monopole of the Grasso family and widely regarded as the finest sub-cru in Monforte, the Nebbiolo vines planted in sandy chalk soils and protected on one end by a band of forested land purchased by the Grasso family to preserve the plot’s biodiversity. Fermented in stainless steel in the Grasso’s modern winery and cave tunneled below the vines, winemaker Gianluca aged the impressive 2020 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera in traditional large 15 to 22 year Slavonian oak barrels for four years with a further year in bottle, yielding “one of Grasso’s most easily recognized wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner with alluring fragrant dark fruit hinting of earthy truffle and crushed stone and firm, fine grained tannins promising a decades’ long lifespan in the cellar.

Producing Nebbiolo wines that “stand out for their exceptional finesse” according to Vinous critic Galloni, the enticing 97 pt. 2020 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera reflects Elio Grasso’s expertise of crafting classically styled Barolo perfectly balanced by refinement and finesse, a superb deal from an estate that despite its stellar reputation continues to over deliver value for fortunate Barolo collectors - as Galloni wrote over two decades ago, “When the comprehensive history of Piedmont is finally written, a very special place will need to be reserved for Elio Grasso.”

100

The 2016 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is quite possibly the single greatest wine I have tasted in more than twenty years I have been coming here, with the possible exception of the 1989s and 1990s. Deep and powerful, but not at all heavy, the 2016 dazzles from the very first taste. Dark cherry/plum fruit, menthol, lavender, licorice and mocha saturate the palate in a Barolo of extraordinary richness and intensity. The 2016 spent four years in 100% new oak, and yet there is no trace at all of wood. Magnificent!

100 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2023)

$229.98

Compare At: $249.99

37 bottles in stock and ready to ship.

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