Top Quality Store
| 2021 Produttori del Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco ... this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus. While we eagerly await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas from the monumental 2021 vintage, we're now getting a glimpse of just how special these wines will be in the 2021 Barbaresco. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 2021 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from every critic of note, it's a "classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine" according to Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe in her 96-point review. More praise to the tune of 95+ points from Larner and several 94-point reviews confirms it as a stunning, must-have expression of a beloved Piedmont favorite. Best of all, our private clients have an opportunity to load the cellar at razor-sharp introductory pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Christo (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a California vintage described as "amazing" by James Suckling, these highly rated 2021 Marietta Cellars selection are crafted in a "deliciously drinkable style" according to Jeb Dunnuck, a wide range of vineyard-focused cuvees sourced exclusively from estate fruit and affordably priced for stocking up by the case. Established by third generation Sonoma native Chris Bilbro over four decades ago, Marietta Cellars has continued its founder's legacy of producing exceptional, reasonably priced California wines under his son Scot since 2012, sourcing the portfolio from over 400 acres of organically farmed estate vineyards. Crafted from mostly old vine Syrah dating back to the late 1800's, the sumptuous 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Christo boasts ripe, succulent dark fruit hinting of peppery herbs with zesty acidity, a silky Rhone blend with integrated tannins promising to evolve over the next decade. The powerful 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Arme is an impressive Bordeaux style blend dominated by rich California Cabernet Sauvignon described as "incredibly elegant" by the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks. Sourced from the 35-acre Angeli Vineyard first planted in the late 1880's, the 96 pt. 2021 Marietta Angeli is a blend of old vine Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Syrah aged in neutral barrels, offering bright, spiced fruit with a seamless, silky texture and harmonious tannins built to satisfy a Zinfandel craving over the next decade and called "absolutely delicious" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni.. Sourced from old vine Syrah planted over a century ago, the powerful 95 pt. 2021 Marietta Gibson Block Syrah is "intensely bold and savory" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, revealing richly concentrated fruit hinting of graphite with refined, integrated tannins and vibrant acidity, summed up as "absolutely delicious" by critic Galloni and promising to mature gracefully in the cellar for another ten years or more. Living up to Marietta's long-time reputation for over delivering value, Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared "Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range," these unbeatably priced 2021 Marietta selections an opportunity for Marietta fans to stock up on their favorites and for newbies to mix a case and enjoy Marietta's combination of exceptional quality and outstanding bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2022 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Credited with helping to "put Oregon on the wine map" by the Wine Enthusiast, Ponzi's 50-year legacy of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir in Oregon's Willamette Valley lives on in the elegant 94 pt. 2022 Ponzi Point Noir Laurelwood, beautifully balancing alluring aromatic spiced, earthy fruit with layered velvety tannins and punching "well above its weight class" according to Decanter's Clive Pursehouse at an unbeatable price. Relocating from California in the 1960's, founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi were among a small group of pioneering winemakers who rejected the advice of UC Davis experts that the region was too cold for growing Pinot Noir, purchasing a 20-acre farm in Beaverton southwest of Portland and releasing the first Ponzi Vineyard Pinot in 1974. Expanding to over 130 acres of sustainably certified vineyards over the last decades and now owned by the legendary Champagne house Bollinger, the 2022 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood was sourced primarily from estate vineyards along with grower partners exclusively from the newly established Laurelwood AVA in the Chehalem Mountains, its distinctive soil of windblown loess over ancient basalt bedrock adding abundant spice notes to the Pinot Noir as well as a backbone of dark, brambly tannins. Named "one of the brightest stars among the new generation in Oregon," Burgundy-trained winemaker Luisa Ponzi fermented the hand sorted grapes in small lots with native yeasts before aging the richly textured 2022 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood in 30% new French oak for 10 months, yielding "a tension filled core of tart red berry fruit and spice elevated by juicy acidity" according to Vinous critic Eric Guido ready to enjoy over the next five or more years. From the legendary producer Robert Parker called "a reference point for American Pinot Noir," the lush and refined 94 pt. 2022 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood "shows elegance and a polished structure" according to the Wine Spectator's Tim Fish, checking all the boxes for fans seeking a Burgundy styled Oregon Pinot at a bargain price and continuing the Ponzi's long legacy of over delivering value. | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Driving up California's Highway 1 from Bodega Bay with stunning Pacific Ocean vistas in view, it may be easy to see why Joan and Walt Flowers fell in love with the rugged landscape of Camp Meeting Ridge, but it's hard to imagine how they ever thought the steep, high altitude terrain would become a prime site for growing Chardonnay. Despite the advice of UC Davis that the area was inhospitable for growing grapes, the Flowers' hands-on experience as nursery owners led them to establish Flowers Vineyard and Winery on the property in 1998, producing Burgundy style Chardonnay boasting "elegance and intensity with great balance" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Melanie Wynne and attracting an influx of elite winemakers including Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Peter Michael and Williams. Credited with "helping to set a new standard of quality" in the region according to the Wine Spectator's Kim Marcus, the Flowers' partnership with Quintessa owner Agustin Huneeus since 2009 has taken Flowers "to a whole new level" according to the Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the strategic investments including hiring top Burgundy winemaker and consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac to work alongside winemaker Chantal Forthum since 2016. Sourced from the estate's organically farmed Sea View Ridge as well as several coastal partner vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, winemaker Forthum aged the enticing 2023 Flowers Chardonnay in 18% new French oak for 10 months, yielding a beautifully balanced Chard boasting savory fresh fruit with vibrant acidity and chalky minerality that promises pleasurable drinking over the next 5 or more years. From an exceptional Sonoma vintage producing vibrant acidity and remarkable balance, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reflects Flowers' long standing reputation for"capturing the pedigree" of its coastal terroir according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, an easy call for fans of cool climate California Chard to stock the cooler with a Top 100 wine at a bargain price.Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing "a classic elegant Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that does everything right," the elegant 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast lives up to the winery's reputation as the standard bearer for cool climate Chardonnay from the windswept Pacific coastal region, a delicious, refreshing Chardonnay offering lush, aromatic stone and citrus fruit with a creamy texture and bright acidity on a long, minerally finish and one of the top values on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024. Sourced from an excellent Sonoma vintage where "Pinot Noir leads the way" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegantly aromatic 93 pt. 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir comes from the Flower's organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate as well as select family-owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and was aged in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding a fresh and delicious Pinot with enticing dark berry fruit hinting of spice and earthy forest on a backbone of flinty, mineral-driven acidity, built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade. | ||
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| NV Xavier Vignon Cotes du Rhone SM2 (750ml) | ||
| From Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a favorite producer of B-21 Southern Rhone fans, this selection of expertly crafted Xavier Vignon cuvees represents some of the region's top values, a range of terroir expressive blends from a stellar, instinct-driven winemaker unbeatably priced for stocking up by the case.Describing his winemaking skills as "impeccable," Jeb Dunnuck notes these pure and terroir-expressive Xavier Vignon selections offer "superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters," calling them "a treasure trove for the savvy buyer" and a sure thing for lovers of Southern Rhone wines. | ||
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| 2014 Landiras Graves Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Graves, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More For those who've read these pages for some time now, you'll no doubt recall this smashing value, first airing with the 2010 vintage, a classic "sleeper" which many of you continue to seek. That was our inaugural adventure with this stellar property located on the outskirts of southern Graves. A location so unique, in fact, that with a mere five mile drive further south, you've arrived at Chateau d'Yquem. Enter vintage 2014. With its stratospheric rating from the most conservative Bordeaux critics I know, Landiras caught the attention of the guys in charge of the cellars at Cheval Blanc. Word has it they were quite interested in hearing about these 21st century Tronconique vats being utilized chez Landiras. First installed just after the 2010 vintage – a major factor contributing to the success of their 2014 – these vats, coupled with draconian selection processes in the vineyards are returning wines of unparalleled complexity. And now that we've established a direct relationship with the Chateau and their exclusive representatives, your price for the best wine they've yet bottled is as stunning as the wine. Stock up, friends – this is what we call a barn-burner! | ||
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| 2022 Domaine du Cayron Gigondas (750ml) | ||
| From Gigondas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a medium to full-bodied, gamey, exotic, balanced Gigondas that's just about overflowing with character." - Jeb Dunnuck A favorite producer of B-21 Rhône fans and collectors offering incredible quality at an unbeatable value, Domaine du Cayron has hits the mark once again with their 2022 Gigondas. Fifth-generation sisters Roseline, Cendrine, and Delphine source their family’s single cuvée from old vines planted at some of the appellation’s highest altitudes, the domain's name Cayron referring to the crest of the Dentelles. Spanning nearly 17 hectares on 20 different parcels, the domaine’s vineyards are planted with mostly Grenache and smaller amounts of Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre on a mix of clay, marl and limestones soils. Employing traditional methods that are “old school all the way” according to Jeb Dunnuck, the Faraud sisters have produced "a killer effort offering beautiful darker fruits supported by some meaty, garrigue, and iron-like nuances" in their 2022 Gigondas. Along with Dunnuck, Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher declares "it’s an outstanding Gigondas worth seeking out" that will captivate fans of bold Southern Rhône reds on the first sip, while providing consistent pleasure for the next decade. | ||
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| 2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More No introduction needed here. The iconic Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet is a smash hit in the outstanding 2021 vintage, with 96 points from Decanter making it one of the highest-rated vintages in years for this all-time fan favorite. "...beautifully layered and highly fragrant, with remarkable precision and focus in this vintage." - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter We just negotiated a spectacular price that we're passing on exclusively to our private clients, so you can load up just in time for the holidays with a perfect performer for gifts and lavish celebrations. "So full-bodied, ripe and robust" according James Suckling's California critic, Jim Gordon, the 2021 is redolent of profound, dark fruit and spicy oak character, but the winemaking team executed everything to pinpoint precision, so nothing is overdone or out of place. It's pure Silver Oak all the way, exactly how the wine's legions of fans like it. | ||
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| 2022 Etude Pinot Noir Estate Grace Benoist Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Pinot Noir is a big deal in California, and while places like Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are at the front of everyone's minds, Carneros is the original cool climate AVA in California. Situated at the very south of Napa Valley, it's completely exposed to the influence of nearby San Pablo bay, and the potential for great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has been established here for decades. One of the long-time, mainstay benchmarks for top-tier Carneros Pinot Noir is Etude, whose home estate of Grace Benoist ranch is one of the most historic vineyard properties in California. Originally founded and put on the map by the legendary Tony Soter, Etude has been under the direction of the equally skilled Jon Priest since 2005. He has continued the legacy of Etude as a Carneros standard-bearer, and the 2022 Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Pinot Noir is ample proof. With 96 points from James Suckling, it's a top-flight value contender in California Pinot at an outrageous $25 price for our private clients. This "floral and impressively complex" expression is premium California Pinot Noir all the way at a case-buy price that allows you to take house red roster up a level or two. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Durieu has been one of our most successful and enduring direct-import relationships over the past several years, with the flagship Cuvée Lucile Avril reaching all-time best seller status at B-21. We recently tasted the 2022 with François Durieu earlier this year, and it more than met our expectations. Now, a brand new, glowing 97-point review from James Suckling's senior Rhône critic puts the exclamation point on another stunning rendition that picks up right where Durieu's previous showstoppers left off. "A great masterpiece of elegance and finesse." - Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com "With medium to full body, a beautifully textured mouthfeel, and ripe tannins ... [it] brings a more classic, broad, textured profile," according to Jeb Dunnuck. In other words, the 2022 Lucile Avril is a crystal clear expression of Durieu's signature winemaking style, with an emphasis on balance and freshness (he uses no oak on any of his cuvées). It bears repeating, this wine is always one of our top-selling items in the category, so our legions of Durieu fans are in for a true classic that is, once again, one of the sharpest buys of the vintage at our domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2015 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2015 vintage is a historical year for Brunello di Montalcino that nobody should miss. The wines show impressive precision of vivid fruit, fine tannins and freshness in acidity despite their ripeness and richness which makes them some of the most exciting in years. Winemakers in Montalcino were never better prepared to produce outstanding wines in a year like 2015 with their exactness in their vineyards and cellars from fine-tuned canopy management and crop thinning to optical sorting and soft fermentations. So many wine producers in Montalcino made excellent wines in 2015." | ||
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| Bourbon 1792 Full Proof Bourbon B-21 Single Barrel Select (750ml) | ||
| From Bardstown, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This almost 9-year-old single barrel is a picture-perfect showcase of the Barton style and master distiller Ken Pierce’s skill with high-rye mashbills." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Sazerac's Barton distillery may not have nearly the cachet of its sister facility, Buffalo Trace, but it's nonetheless the source of some stellar, powerhouse expressions under the 1792 label. We selected barrel #927 for its unabashedly spicy, full-proof character, as we felt it delivered all the hallmark features that make 1792 such a savvy choice among connoisseurs of the high-rye style. As mentioned, it starts off with a huge, spice-driven personality but there's no shortage of luxury here either. Bombastic, dark fruits take center stage with a little air and water, with the rye notes playing a fabulous counterpart to all that opulence. At almost nine years old, the whiskey carries its massive 125 proof with incredible ease and sophistication, hardly showing any heat and rough edges you might expect at that level. Best of all, it's an absolute steal and a true testament to the razor-sharp value available under the 1792 label, especially in a category that has seen other single-barrel bottlings shoot through the roof in terms of pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a magical property. Of late, the wines have been pretty magical too." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous While Tignanello gets all (or almost all) the attention in the Marchesi Antinori stable, the Guado al Tasso wines have started to gain some serious traction of their own among Italian fans, and they now stand apart from their more famous sibling in all the right ways. Indeed, recent vintages have seen the estate hit new benchmarks in quality and acclaim, something that continues in this trio of new releases. The 2023 Il Bruciato stands out as one of the Tuscany's leading value buys once again, capturing the power of the warm vintage while retaining ample freshness to make it accessible even today. This JD93 blend of Bordeaux varietals plus Syrah offers up a thoroughly modern profile with tons of broad, crowd-pleasing appeal and a price to match. The Super Tuscan blends are the attention-getters in the Antinori portfolio, but the 2022 Cont' Ugo Merlot is an insider's savvy buy. We know, we know ... Merlot? Yes, Merlot. It's one of the most intriguing and dynamic varietals in Tuscany today. The coastal climate and soils are ideally suited to this Bordeaux transplant, but the result is never just an imitation of the Right Bank style. Instead, Merlot takes on its own singular Tuscan character that lends a new and vibrant perspective to the grape and the category as a whole, and the 94-point 2022 Cont' Ugo is a prime example. Finally, the latest vintage of Guado al Tasso shows the unmatched pedigree of Antinori, from the sterling quality of the fruit, to the clear terroir signatures, to the precise and meticulous winemaking, which really was deciding factor in the 2022 vintage. As Monica Larner of Wine Advocate declares in her 96-point review, "The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness." Everything about the 2022 is expertly composed and in its proper place, earning it three rock-solid, 96-point reviews from Italy's leading critics. For those who follow the Italian collectible scene, especially the Super Tuscan category, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for this exceptional expression from one of Italy's most iconic estates. | ||
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| 2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2020 Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial Sardon de Duero (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A bold New World-style wine in the Spanish context." - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Stunning, awe-inspiring, eye-popping in every sense – just plain nuts ... Abadia de Retuerta is beautiful. Restoration began on the buildings as well as the Abbey in the 1990s. The current owners are heirs to this place and they did it right. A majestic spa, a Michelin starred restaurant, a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel, guided tours via helicopter.... Quoting Maître de Maison, Andrés Araya, "Every architectural detail has been immaculately preserved. The monks' cells are now guestrooms, the chapter house is the lounge bar, and the refectory is now a sumptuous restaurant." As for the vineyards, they are planted to the north-facing slopes, on the south side of the River Duero. As with their famous neighbors – Vega Sicilia – these hillside vineyards on the south side of the river gradually ascend, topping out at 2,500 feet from their base near the river of 2,100 feet elevation. Working with world-renowned winemaker Pascal Delbeck (Chateau Petrus), the team here isolated the best parcels (pagos – 54 in all), planting 510 acres to a combination of soils ranging from clay and gravel near the river to limestone mixed with boulders and stones on the upper reaches of the hillside. Mostly Tempranillo, along with varying percentages of Cabernet and Syrah gives us Retuerta's fascinating, classically unique flavor profile. Planted in the 1990s (with Petrus' winemaker as their guide), the only major difference between the vineyards here and Vega Sicilia is vine age... the bang for the buck is unbelievable! The cooler 2020 vintage did nothing to diminish the Seleccion Especial's bold personality, but instead only endowed it with an extra level of detail and precision, something we can all appreciate. With another round of strong accolades from the usual suspects, the 2020 is a worthy follow-up to the smash-hit 2019, and once again we still have the best price in the country. | ||
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| 2023 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Reflecting its owner's commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines, this dynamic duo from Raymond Vineyards are two of Napa Valley's top values. The enticing 91-point 2023 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant, 93-point 2022 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection are both sourced from exceptional Napa fruit at an outstanding price for stocking up. Known for his larger-than-life personality and flamboyant, velvet-jacket attire, Burgundy-born Jean-Charles Boisset is a true believer that great wines are made in the vineyard, and his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 was to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years ago by long-time Beringer winemaker Roy Raymond, Raymond Vineyards now spans over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena, the vineyards and winemaking managed under the direction of 100-point consulting winemaker Phillippe Melka since 2009. In addition to gaining organic and biodynamic certification for the vineyards and building one of Napa's largest solar panel projects to generate electricity for the winery, Boisset hired former Far Niente winemaker Stephanie Putnam to work alongside Melka to refine the blends, consistently garnering 90-plus points throughout her tenure. Expertly crafted from outstanding Napa fruit, this duo of top scoring Raymond Reserve Selections boast a winning combination of quality and value, both ready to enjoy now and promising pleasurable drinking for years ahead at an easy to reach for price. | ||
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| 2022 Vina Almaviva (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "So complex and sophisticated ... It's all about elegance and class." - James Suckling Living up to Decanter's description as "a New World Grand Cru," the 99-point 2022 Viña Almaviva is another resounding triumph for this benchmark Bordeaux-style blend built on Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's top terroir. Château Mouton-Rothschild and Concha y Toro established Almaviva to craft a Bordeaux-style wine based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chile's emblematic Carmeñere. Centered around a large parcel of Cab that was originally part of Concha Y Toro's iconic Don Melchor vineyard, Almaviva's 60-hectare estate is located on the northern bank of the Maipo River at 650 meters above sea level, enjoying the cooling influence of the Andes and boasting unique, deep gravel and loam soils that contribute stony minerality to the signature cuvée. Described by Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo as "a powerful and energetic red," the blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmeñere, 4% Cab Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot was aged 70% new French oak for 20 months. The deeply textured Cabernet Sauvignon combines with the soft, velvety tannins of Carmeñere to produce a "lush, layered opulence" according to the Wine Advocate. A "sensational" effort that "will go the distance in terms of ageing potential" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, this rendition of Almaviva reaffirms the wine's status as a top-echelon, New World cult collectible. | ||
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| 2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Today's private offer needs little to no introduction. The 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu is another major milestone in one of the most legednary track records in Napa Valley history. "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour is outrageously beautiful. A wine of statuesque build and class, the 2021 represents another major step forward for BV." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous Following on the heels of star-studded vintages like 2018 and 2019, the 2021 is another example of how this iconic estate continues to evolve and refine even its flagship bottling, a wine that could rest on its laurels, if ever there were one. Antonio Galloni asserts "BV is arguably one of the most improved estates in Napa Valley over the last few years" under winemaker Trevor Durling, and the Georges de Latour is exhibit A. Shorter maceration times and fewer barrels used during vinification have tempered the wine's famously stern and tannic character, but this by no means indicates that its famous longevity is in question. Instead, the 2021 Georges de Latour offers collectors a level of sophistication and elegance that simply adds one more dimension to one of the world's great Cabernets. With three 98-point scores carrying the critical line, the 2021 "does everything right" according to Jeb Dunnuck, and avid collectors of this Napa legend will be thrilled to have it in their cellars. | ||
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| 2013 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located 10 miles northeast of Siena, Ricasoli's Castello di Brolio is unquestionably THE most important landmark in the greater Chianti region. Staggering in every since of the word, the country castle of Brolio – with its gardens and historic palace – stands as a reminder of this family's importance to Chianti, Tuscany and the myriad wines of this region. It was on this site – destroyed and rebuilt over the ages as wars raged between Siena and Florence – where Baron Bettino Ricasoli, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy, created the Chianti recipe. His blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia Bianca was updated by Bettino Ricasoli – the "Iron Baron" – who, at the age of 20, began the first great revival for his family's wines and the entire region. His work is widely defined as a Risorgimento in Italian winemaking; by 1867 Italy earned its first gold medal at the Paris Exposition – earned by the Brolio Chianti. And in 1872, Chianti – the zone – was officially born. Barone Ricasoli's Castello di Brolio Chianti established the zone, subsequently setting the Classico borders; today, it's the standard-bearer for the Gran Selezione classification. The 2013 stopped me in my tracks. You're gonna want that. | ||
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| 2024 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In my mind, and according to my palate for that matter, Jean-Marc Burgaud is the don of Morgon. His wines achieve the highest levels and have an unerring propensity to repay cellaring." - Neal Martin, Vinous Earlier this year we solidified a domaine-direct relationship with a true Beaujolais icon, and now the "first fruits" of this new relationship have just landed in stock. Dubbed "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remain some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. The highlight of the range, Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit," notes Wine Advocate. Not as well-known but every bit as compelling is the 2022 Côte du Py Javernieres, a JS95 insider's favorite that isn't often seen in the U.S. market. We're also thrilled to present a trio of Burgaud's newly released 2024s, each one a superb expression of its Morgon terroir and a benchmark example of one the region's greatest winemaking talents. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the benchmark gems to us at jaw-dropping pricing that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
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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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| 2019 Brezza Barolo Cannubi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ranking among "the finest Barolos being made" by the Wine Enthusiast's Kerin O'Keefe, the elegant 95 pt. 2019 Brezza Barolo Cannubi boasts brightly perfumed aromas and silky, red spiced fruit with layered complexity that has made Cannubi one of Barolo's most famed and collectible Crus, bargain priced at a fraction of its better-known competitors and available in a variety of age worthy formats for stocking the cellar. Located just a few steps from the center of the town of Barolo, the historic Brezza winery is run by fourth generation Enzo and his nephew Francesco, continuing the family tradition of bottling wines from estate grown Nebbiolo fruit since 1910. Considered icons of traditional winemaking while employing sustainable practices including organic viticulture for over a decade, Brezza's vineyards span a total of 16.5 hectares surrounded by hazelnut groves, its 1.4-hectare parcel in Cannubi originally planted between 1993 and 2003. Situated where two of Barolo's most important geological formations meet (Cannubi coming from the Latin "connubio" or marriage), Brezza's Cannubi parcel is located on the prime central part of the hill, its Nebbiolo vines planted in a mix of silty sand, clay and limestone at 250 meters above sea level on a southeasterly orientation favorable for even ripening. Surrounded by the highest slopes of La Morra, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte that shelter it from the cold and wind, Enzo and Francesco cultivate their sloping Cannubi vineyard by hand, employing techniques like green harvesting and thinning to further lower yields. After fermenting the hand harvested grapes with native yeasts in stainless steel, the supple and sleek 2019 Brezza Barolo Cannubi was aged in a mix of large, used Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months before being bottled unfiltered and unfined and cellared for another year prior to release, maintaining its fresh acidity while integrating refined tannins that promise over a decade of longevity. From a "stellar vintage" that will "thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety and structure of Nebbiolo" according to Vinous critic Galloni, the powerful 95 pt. 2019 Brezza Cannubi is an elegantly crafted, finessed Barolo from a top Cru that's well-priced for savvy collectors to enjoy often without breaking the bank, available in 750ml and 1.5L ready for cellaring at an unbeatable value. | ||
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| 2021 Wayfarer Estate Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an exceptional 2021 vintage described as producing "stunning, compelling wines" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Jason Pahlmeyer's Wayfarer Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview has produced two top scoring, vineyard-driven gems, the opulent 98 pt. 2021 Wayfarer Estate Chardonnay and the impressive 96 pt. Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir, each showing layered complexity and exceptional finesse and both offered at best on the market pricing. Legendary for producing top notch Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay in Napa for over four decades, Jason Pahlmeyer turned his eye to producing Burgundian style wines in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA in the 1990's, purchasing Wayfarer on the advice of winemaker Helen Turley who believed it was destined to be "the La Tache of California." Named by its former off the grid owners who dreamed of travelling the world, the Wayfarer property is located high on the remote King Ridge of the Sonoma Coast at around 1,100 feet above sea level, bordered by a thick forest of redwoods to the east and fog-covered bluffs to the west and cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes. Now managed by Jayson's daughter Cleo, the organically farmed 30 acre Wayfarer vineyard is planted in Fort Ross-Seaview's unique Goldridge soil, a sandy loam over a deep layer of sandstone ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, and divided into 30 meticulously tended blocks, each planted with a carefully selected clone according to the aspect, elevation and slope of the parcel. From "unquestionably a special vintage for Chardonnay" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the rich and luxurious 98 pt. 2021 Wayfarer Estate Chardonnay was aged by winemaker Todd Kohn in 64% new French oak for 15 months, revealing richly aromatic layered fruit with fresh, impeccably balanced acidity on "an epically long finish" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks and built to evolve for another decade. After maturing for 15 months in 55% new French oak barrels, the vibrant 2021 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir reveals lush, site expressive fruit with "a decidedly sparkly energy throughout and a vivid, mineral-driven finish" according to the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth, its seamlessly woven tannins promising a pleasurable evolution for another 15 years or more. Released in limited amounts that she calls "well worth the hunt," the Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes the elegant 98 pt. 2021 Wayfarer Estate Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview and the plush 96 pt. 2021 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview as revealing "amazing grace without sacrificing structure and layers," reflecting the decades' long Pahlmeyer legacy of quality and well priced to deliver outstanding value. | ||
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| 2021 Quintessa Proprietary Red (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More What happens when you combine one of Napa's great modern vintages and one of its most beloved cult collectible icons? Pure perfection, also known as the 2021 Quintessa Proprietary Red. This towering expression of a Napa standard bearer has racked up one superlative after another in the critical sphere, led by a 100-point mark from Wine Enthusiast. "An exquisite wine ... refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy." - Wine Enthusiast Augustin Huneeus' superb estate just off the Silverado Trail in Rutherford is perfectly suited to spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and the Proprietary Red blend is always a ringing testament to the Rutherford AVA's singular style. Adding icing to the cake, the now benchmark 2021 vintage gave the winemaking team virtually perfect raw materials from which to craft this legend in the making. Backing up that triple-digit score, the 2021 also boasts near-perfect praise from James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, and Decanter, further affirming it as "another gorgeous wine" and one of the top cellar-worthy buys of the 2021 Napa campaign. As if you needed any more convincing, we've also sourced this parcel at an unheard-of price that you won't find anywhere else in the country, so best make room for a new centerpiece in the California section of your cellar, as you're going to want to stack this one in multiples. | ||
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| 2020 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The successful wines of 2020 are absolutely gorgeous." - Eric Guido, Vinous How does Brunello follow an act like the epic 2019 vintage? That's the million-dollar question surrounding Brunello's 2020 vintage, and to be sure, it doesn't boast the generation excellence or across the board consistency of 2010, 2016, or 2019, but as with any great wine region, the great producers certainly made great wines, and they're ripe for the picking if you know where to look. Today's offer distills our broad and deep selection of 2020 Brunellos into a quartet of favorites that we believe capture the vintage perfectly while offering exceptional quality-to-price ratio. The "harmonious and vibrant" 2020 Camigliano takes this estate's overachieving class to the next level with a glowing 95-point score from Wine Spectator, while the 2020 Caparzo "is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," as noted James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest qualities, its approachability in the near term. Fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." It should come as no surprise that Montosoli's most famous estate, Altesino, turned out some stellar wines yet again in this vintage. The 2020 Altesino is once again a razor-sharp buy with three of 95-point scores under its belt. "Offering both refined complexity and true drinking pleasure, with nothing heavy or weighted, it's fabulous all around," declares Dunnuck's Italy critic, Audrey Frick. Finally, the 2020 Casanova di Neri boasts an extra dimension this vintage, as that estate's legendary Cerretalto was not produced, the fruit going instead into this bottling, resulting in 96-point rendition that is "especially spicy, lifted and intense" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. As the 2020 Brunellos have come to market, it's becoming clear that this vintage is a more than worthy follow-up to the heralded 2019s, and best of all, performers like these show that they're among the smartest buys in Italian wine at the moment. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau Beaucastel Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most anticipated Rhone releases in any vintage is Beaucastel's reference-point Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the 97-point 2023 delivers everything we expect from this iconic estate. "... yet another outstanding red Beaucastel with the potential to match or even outperform the delicious 2022." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous The warm, dry growing season provided optimal conditions for all the estate's varietals to excel and the finished wine is classic Beaucastel in all respects. Jeb Dunnuck notes, "It has the purity, medium to full-bodied richness, and ripe, yet still fresh and lively style of the vintage and brings plenty of mid-palate depth, sweet tannins, and a great finish." The year saw a higher-than-usual Mourvedre content in the blend, so you can count on this rendition to cruise in the cellar, but the freshness and vibrancy of the Grenache components (with help of the highly aromatic Terret Nori, Vaccarese, and Muscardin) make it a true charmer right out of the gate. James Suckling's Rhone critic Stuart Pigott declares it "full-bodied but with a lightness of touch. Then the power and stony intensity pour over you in a giant wave. The freshness is extraordinary for this hot and dry vintage." In other words, one of France's leading wine estates hit another home run, and collectors can add this superb rendition to their cellars for a razor-sharp price. | ||
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| Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're looking for a new range of expertly crafted, boutique American whiskies to enjoy, look far to the west, all the way to the edge of the continent. There, in Sonoma County, you'll find Redwood Empire. This small-production distillery is a paragon of forward thinking and vision. Using a variety of mashbills and unconventional blends of different mashbills, Redwood Empire turns out thrilling releases, each named for an iconic California coastal redwood tree and each offering a highy distinctive profile, which gives the ardent whiskey fan a prime opportuntiy for exploration and discovery. From small production quotas (only four barrels a day) to innovative sustainability practices to their grain-to-glass ethos, they're initimately tied to their surroundings. The distillery's consistent upward trajectory is borne out in a bevy of excellent recent press puts the spotlight on a must-try line-up unlike any other in the category. Whether it's a classic bourbon profile you're looking for or a high-rye powerhouse, or a unique blend of the two different styles for that matter, you'll find it here. | ||
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| Glenfiddich 14yr Bourbon Barrel Reserve Single Malt Scotch (375ml) | ||
| From Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The closest Glenfiddich gets to producing a bourbon!" - Whisky Advocate This is one of those can't-miss opportunities that almost any spirits fan can get behind in a big way. Not only is Glenfiddich's 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve the ultimate category crossover star, it's also already an all-time B-21 best seller. And for a limited time, it's available at must-see pricing that makes it easy to stock the bar for the foreseeable future. Aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished heavily charred new American oak (the classic bourbon recipe) yet classically Glenfiddich in the style of the distillate, the 14 Year takes everything up a notch. Fully textured and balanced as a properly aged single malt should be, it also boasts all the layered flavors and aromas that come from the lengthy time in the casks. "The 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve shows exactly why Glenfiddich is a go-to name for so many Scotch lovers – plenty of charm, plenty of nuance, and an easy-going approachability that makes it accessible for a wide audience," notes B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz. Sure, we whiskey fans all have our preferred styles, and the best thing about the 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve is that it fits yours, no matter what style it is. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine de Montille Le Clos Chateau Bourgogne Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This too is very good, indeed it could pass for a lower-level villages wine." - Allen Meadows, Burghound Sharp Burgundy fans know that some of the smartest buys in the region are the Bourgogne AOC bottlings from top-tier producers. First and foremost, these wines typically carry the signature of the Burgundy's greatest winemaking talents, and ever more frequently, they're also made from single parcels, so they show the true terroir character and individual personality that we all love in a great Burgundy. Such is the case with Domaine de Montille's 2022 Clos du Chateau Bourgogne Blanc. Sourced from a single vineyard inside the Puligny-Montrachet village, it's a standout for its pedigree and a perfect example of a wine that punches well above the technical classification on its label. "Baby Puligny" all the way with its high-toned floral and mineral charm, it's also "rich, delicious, and beautifully textured" and can easily stand up to many lesser producers' village Puligny wines at a fraction of the price. | ||
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