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| 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Reserva (750ml) | ||
| From Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Spanish wine fans searching for a steal of a deal on great Rioja need look no further than the outstanding, 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Reserva. Offering deep, mouth-coating flavors of dark, earthy fruit and spiced vanilla with powerful, satiny tannins, it's structured to age while remaining an incredible value. While Voche is a relatively new project from Bodegas Manzanos, the Manzanos family has been making wine along the Ebro River in Rioja for five generations, founding the oldest winery in Haro in 1801. Based mostly on old-vine fruit, the Voche Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo and the lesser-known Graciano, an inherently spicy, dark-skinned grape that enhances aromas and adds structure and freshness. Representing three distinct terroirs, the vineyards for the 2016 Voche Reserva include the oldest Graciano parcel in Rioja called El Barranco, its 70-year-old vines planted on sandy soil at around 400 meters of elevation. After fermenting in stainless steel, the powerful 2016 Voche Reserva aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% second-use French oak, then 24 months longer in bottle, finishing "long and compact" according to Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson and built to evolve over the next decade. From an exceptional vintage described by Decanter's Michael Schachner as "a benchmark year against which future stellar vintages will be measured," the muscular, opulent, 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Reserva delivers layers of bold flavors with smoky, earthy undertones that will have Rioja fans reaching for it again and again over the next decade, which is easy to do at this unbeatable price. | ||
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| 2024 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati (750ml) | ||
| Turbiana from Lugana, Lombardy, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Equally appealing to Italian wine lovers seeking value and anyone looking for a deliciously crisp, well-crafted white wine at bargain pricing, the beautifully aromatic 2021 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati offers rich, ripe fruit and zesty mineral-driven acidity, reflecting its glacial origins overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of Italy's Lake Garda and "always an excellent value" according to Robert Parker Jr., now bargain priced to easily become your new house Italian white. Recognizing the area's potential for cultivating grapes for wine, Ca dei Frati founder Felice Dal Cero took over the rundown 18th century Frati farm on the southern shore of Lake Garda in 1939 and set about improving viticulture and modernizing winemaking over the next three decades alongside his son Pietro, who was instrumental in the creation of the Lugana DOC in 1969 and responsible for their first official bottling. Now run by third generation siblings Gian Franco, Anna Maria and winemaker Igino Dal Cero, the family run Ca' dei Frati winery is based in Lake Garda's historic village of Lugana di Sirmione, surrounded by estate vineyards planted with the indigenous Turbiana, a distinct varietal previously called Trebbiano di Lugana from which the Lugana white wine is made. Ranging up to 40 years of age on glacial calcareous and clay soils that limit yields and contribute minerality, the Turbiana vines enjoy the lakeside's unique microclimate of warm days and ever present drying breezes, enhancing even ripening while preserving freshness and keeping the well ventilated grapes free of mold. Crafted from 100% Turbiana and fermented in stainless steel, the crisp and appealing 2024 Lugana I Frati was aged on the lees in stainless for 6 months with another 2 months in bottle before release, yielding fresh, alluring aromas and richly textured fruit hinting of saline-tinged minerality and finishing with tantalizing acidity that begs for another sip. Formerly a coveted discovery of tourists who flock to the shores of Lake Garda each summer, the secret is out on the bright and elegant 2021 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati, an easy to love and affordably priced Italian white wine crafted by one of the region's top producers that you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. | ||
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| 2021 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A serious wine in the making." Jeb Dunnuck From the pioneering winery on Napa's iconic Pritchard Hill, the bold and luscious 96 pt. 2021 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature features rich, aromatic dark fruit hinting of graphite and cedar layered with velvety tannins on a smooth and lasting finish, its age worthy complexity reflecting Chappellet's decades' long legacy as Cabernet Sauvignon experts and "a smoking good value" according to Jeb Dunnuck at a best on the market price. Climbing the rocky slope above the intersection of the Silverado Trail and the Oakville Cross Road, the narrow drive winding up Pritchard Hill leads to the original pyramid shaped Chappellet winery built in 1968, surrounded by rustic gardens and meticulous vineyards with panoramic views of the valley and St. Helena off in the distance. Moving to Napa in the mid-1960's, Molly and Donn Chappellet heeded the advice of legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff and purchased 320 acres in the rugged hills east of Oakville instead of the valley floor, establishing the first winery to plant at higher elevations in the region just a year after Robert Mondavi Winery opened its doors. Remaining one of the few family-owned wineries in Napa and now run by the second generation, Chappellet's estate vineyards are located above the fog line at elevations from 800 to 1800 feet, planted in well drained, rocky volcanic soils with low yielding vines that produce smaller, thick skinned berries with enhanced flavors and depth. Blending mostly mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot, longtime winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus aged the elegant 2021 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature in French oak for about 20 months, yielding richly concentrated, vibrant fruit and integrated polished tannins poised to gain complexity over the next few decades. Now home to a bevy of some of Napa's most exclusive producers including Bryant Family, Continuum, Ovid and Colgin, the sensational 96 pt. 2021 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature remains an incredible value, "a big overachiever" according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni and a top rated Napa Cab boasting the pedigree of Pritchard Hill at a fraction of the price of its high profile neighbors and promising Napa Cab lovers years of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2024 Invivo X, SJP Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Garnering a steady string of 90-point-plus ratings vintage over vintage, the appealing 92-point 2024 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker is the real deal, offering classic Marlborough flavors of fresh, aromatic passion fruit, peach, and grapefruit with bright acidity on a smooth and juicy finish, appearing multiple times on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Values since its first release in 2019 and a solid choice for fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc seeking outstanding value. From an excellent Marlborough vintage producing Sauvignon Blancs that are "pure, juicy and fresh, with zesty acidity," according to Rebecca Gibb of Vinous, the refreshing 92-point 2024 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker boasts an appeal that goes far beyond celebrity and loyal SJP fans, a terrific choice for anyone seeking a delicious, easy drinking white as well as lovers of New Zealand Sauv Blanc looking for an affordable, everyday pour and an unbeatable bargain for stocking up by the case. | ||
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| 2023 Turnbull Wine Cellars Napa Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
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| 2023 Hourglass HG III (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Extremely sleek, elegant and well made." Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (93 pt. Decanter review) From a top Haut-Medoc chateau classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the impressive 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue offers rich aromatic spiced fruit with velvety ripe tannins, a beautifully balanced and age worthy Left Bank blend promising "to be a gem of a wine" according to Jeb Dunnuck and bargain priced for everyday enjoyment. Located along the D2 just west of Macau, Chateau Belle-Vue is visible from the roadside just south of the massive iron gates of Margaux's Chateau Giscours and barely two kilometers from the Gironde. Releasing its first vintage in 1996, Chateau Belle-Vue is a relatively young estate situated near one of Bordeaux's original drainage canals that separates it from Giscours, sharing a similar name but not to be confused with St. Emilion's Chateau Bellevue. Planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon, the 15-hectare vineyard has deep rough gravelly soil considered the region's best terroir near the Garonne tributary and bordered by woodland to the east, the vines averaging around 39 years of age with some planted nearly a century ago. Boasting an unusually high percentage of Petit Verdot that adds a distinctly aromatically spiced component to the Grand Vin, the deeply structured 2019 Belle-Vue was aged for 14 months in 30% new French oak to reveal fresh, earthy fruit balanced by savory acidity, yielding "a gorgeous bottle of wine that will keep for over a decade" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Describing it as "powerful and burly," Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue "an ideal wine for the dinner table" its appealing spiced flavors and fresh dense tannins promising a decade of drinking pleasure at a superb value. | ||
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| 2019 Michel Arnould & Fils Heuristique Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Côte des Blancs seems to get the majority of attention in Champagne's Grand Cru sphere, but you're short-changing yourself in a big way if you're not famiiiar with Verzenay, a Pinot Noir-centric village in the northeast side of the Montagne de Reims. And in Verzenay, one of the undisputed names to know is Michel Arnould. Now run by Michel's son Patrick, his son-in-law Thierry, and grandson Thomas, this is a true family operation that does everything with an eye to the future, in an innovative style that stays pure and true to their Verzenay roots. Their deep range is full of must-try gems, but the 2019 Heuristique was the standout hit during our visit in April. "What a fine introduction to this marvelous, hidden-gem domaine!" - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Champagne Buyer A 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it shows the wide-ranging skill-set and top-notch vineyard pedigree that goes into these wines. It's "an enchanting combination of vivid freshness and depth" as Andrew describes it, the Chardonnay providing almost endlessly bright, charming aromatics and flavors and the Pinot Noir offering luxurious weight and a robust foundation. Despite the challenges of the growing season, the quality in the end was undoubtedly high, especially for Chardonnay, and you can see that clearly in the Heurisitique's superb interplay of "concentrated vinosity" and lasting energy. In a market where vintage grower Champagnes, especially from Grand Cru terroir, are shooting upward in price, to find one under $50 is an absolute steal. | ||
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| 2022 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras Les Restanques de Cabassole (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
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| 2023 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
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| 2023 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
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| 2021 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo's 2021 Barolos are terrific ... I found the wines super-impressive." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous In a region like Piedmont, where nearly every estate has deep historical roots, Cordero Montezemolo still stands out, with 19 generations of the same family tending this prized property on La Morra's Monfalletto hill. To get sense of how special the property is, you only need to experience the 95-point 2021 Monfalletto Barolo and its utterly transparent, pure terroir personality. "A beautiful, highly pleasing Barolo," it's a unbelievable value, especially in the modern classic 2021 vintage. While the estate is nearly contiguous around La Morra, it boasts one particular anomaly – a pristine parcel in Castiglione Falletto's Villero cru. The 97-point 2021 Enrico VI is emblematic of the Villero cru's iron-rich soils, limestone substrate, and southwest exposure, and the resulting wine "transmits a sense of electricity and tension that is always unique to this site," according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Interestingly, the estate gives its single-cru wines shorter elevage than the village-level Monfalletto, so the site transparency is amplified even more, a certain advantage in an incredible vintage like 2021. "A deep, statuesque Barolo with tons of Villero personality ... This is impressive," notes Galloni, for its "notable presence and structure." For ultra-classic, singular Barolo terroir, avid collectors and fans can't do much better than this stunning pair at market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2016 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Hirtzberger Riesling Ried Steinporz Smaragd (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hirtzberger estate is in many ways the definitive Wachau standard bearer. After all, it was the original Franz Hirtzberger who founded the Vinea Wachau classification which now sets the standards for the region's three-tier hierarchy of Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Franz the second has now served as president of the organization for going on three decades, so the family practically is Wachau in a way. And that's before we even get to their unparalleled stable of vineyard sites, all of which are simply some of the best in all of Austria. The 2024 vintage was not without its challenges, but the ever-meticulous Hirtzberger made another set of truly outstanding wines, highlighted by a double 100-point expression of the legendary Riesling Ried Singerriedl, which "shows perfect harmony" in its "incredibly vivid and bold" personality. The 2024 Gruner Veltliner Honivogl is itself another sterling rendition flirting with perfection in its "powerful, elegant, silky texture, fine fruit sweetness, [and] finesse-rich structure." Finally, don't miss the 98-point Riesling Ried Steinporz from a sheltered site set off the Danube, which produces a wine of "direction, freshness, and structure" with "lots of energy." Of course, these are just the highlights, but every wine in the roster below is a top performer in the category. We're seriously impressed so far with what we've seen in Austria's 2024 vintage, and Hirtzberger's offerings stand unequivocally among the very elite of the campaign. However, quantities are limited, so collectors will want to take decisive action to secure these gems at the best pricing in the market. | ||
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| 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2010 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Monte Branco Trincadeira (750ml) | ||
| Tinta Amarela from Alentejo, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Tinto (750ml) | ||
| Baga from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2024 Hirtzberger Honivogl Gruner Veltliner Smaragd (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hirtzberger estate is in many ways the definitive Wachau standard bearer. After all, it was the original Franz Hirtzberger who founded the Vinea Wachau classification which now sets the standards for the region's three-tier hierarchy of Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Franz the second has now served as president of the organization for going on three decades, so the family practically is Wachau in a way. And that's before we even get to their unparalleled stable of vineyard sites, all of which are simply some of the best in all of Austria. The 2024 vintage was not without its challenges, but the ever-meticulous Hirtzberger made another set of truly outstanding wines, highlighted by a double 100-point expression of the legendary Riesling Ried Singerriedl, which "shows perfect harmony" in its "incredibly vivid and bold" personality. The 2024 Gruner Veltliner Honivogl is itself another sterling rendition flirting with perfection in its "powerful, elegant, silky texture, fine fruit sweetness, [and] finesse-rich structure." Finally, don't miss the 98-point Riesling Ried Steinporz from a sheltered site set off the Danube, which produces a wine of "direction, freshness, and structure" with "lots of energy." Of course, these are just the highlights, but every wine in the roster below is a top performer in the category. We're seriously impressed so far with what we've seen in Austria's 2024 vintage, and Hirtzberger's offerings stand unequivocally among the very elite of the campaign. However, quantities are limited, so collectors will want to take decisive action to secure these gems at the best pricing in the market. | ||
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| 2010 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Italian collectible scene is one of most dynamic and exciting categories in today's wine market. With prices on other blue-chip regions climbing into the stratosphere (looking at you Napa and Burgundy), the Boot's most acclaimed estates continue to put out absolutely stellar, world-class offerings that are priced more than reasonably given the pedigree on offer, as is plainly evident in today's trio of sub-$100 must-haves for the cellar. The 2023 Petrolo Galatrona is another highlight-reel effort from this elite estate, with 98 points from James Suckling, as well as effusive praise from Antonio Galloni and Decanter. "The 2023 Galatrona,100% Merlot, is soft, plush and sensual ... not a huge Galatrona but is instead a wine that impresses with its finesse," writes Galloni. "Absolutely delicious" and "a gorgeous wine" are but a few of the pther accolades the 2023 has already racked up. The vintage gives us a refined and precise expression of Tuscan Merlot that is built to cruise on finesse rather than power. "One for the cellar," as James Suckling calls it. The 2023 Mazzei Siepi is a perennially stunning expression that simultaneously captures the signature Tuscan take on Merlot as well as all the hallmarks of Tuscany's heart and soul, the beloved Sangiovese grape. The double 97-point 2023 Siepi is "classy stuff" per Decanter. "Concentrated and opulent ... delicious," notes Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, this Sangioves-Merlot blend is a reference-point Super Tuscan collectible is every sense, with a critical track record that's one of the most impressive in its category. The 97-point 2021 Cordero Montezemolo Enrico VI Barolo is emblematic of the Villero cru's iron-rich soils, limestone substrate, and southwest exposure, and the resulting wine "transmits a sense of electricity and tension that is always unique to this site," according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. "A deep, statuesque Barolo with tons of Villero personality," echoes Galloni. Interestingly, the estate gives its single-cru wines shorter elevage than the village-level Monfalletto, so the site transparency is amplified even more, a certain advantage in an incredible vintage like 2021. "Rich and ample," notes Galloni, "the 2021 is endowed with notable presence and structure." For ultra-classic, singular Barolo terroir, avid collectors and fans can't do much better than this stunning rendition. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
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| 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
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| 2024 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Branco (750ml) | ||
| Bical from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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