| 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These wines compete with the best of Napa" Jeb Dunnuck Building on its well-earned reputation for producing some of the best value, highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon blends from California, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve delivers the goods, revealing intensely aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of graphite, cedar and earthy spice with lush tannins on a long, velvety finish, an elegantly crafted Paso Bordeaux blend affordably priced to enjoy often. Set at the highest point overlooking Paso Robles at the same altitude of Napa's Howell Mountain, the opulent Daou Vineyards tasting room offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the hills beyond, surrounded by meticulously manicured grounds at 2,200 feet above sea level on the steep slopes of the Adelaida District. Once described by legendary consulting winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff as "a jewel of ecological elements," the sustainably farmed Daou vineyard is situated on a western hilltop close to the Pacific Ocean above the coastal fog and away from the heat of eastern Paso Robles, its unique combination of high altitude, calcareous limestone soils and a cooler climate allowing the grapes to attain full ripeness while balancing acidity. Produced in a hot and dry Paso vintage yielding smaller clusters and greater concentration, the refined 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Daou estate and top vineyards across Paso blended with 23% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, yielding rich, silky dark fruit layered with herbal and mineral notes and smooth, balanced tannins from a vintage producing "early drinking, accessible wines built on elegance and ripe fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous. Earning 90 plus point ratings for over a decade and counted among "the greatest Bordeaux blends I've tasted from Paso Robles" according to Jeb Dunnuck, the rich and robust 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reflects the Daou legacy for exceptional quality and consistency from the first taste, a delicious and beautifully balanced Paso Cab ready to enjoy at a price that makes it easy to pull the cork. |
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| 2024 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon 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 2024 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 JD91 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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| 2022 Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy (750ml) | ||
| Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Juicy and seamless, this is impressive for its generosity and plush texture..." - MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator Mollydooker's legions of fans are already well-familiar with the unmistakable style of the estate, and none of their wines is more widely loved and admired for that style than the iconic Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz. A blend of four top-notch McLaren Vale vineyards, including Mollydooker's own estate, plus a touch of Langhorne Creek fruit, the 2022 was barrel-fermented and aged entirely in American oak, half new, giving it the customary spicy complexity that accents the luxurious fruit for which Mollydooker is so famous. At our razor-sharp pricing, all you need to do is load up and enjoy! |
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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 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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| 2016 Purlieu Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frenchman Julien Fayard is the winemaker at Purlieu. He grew up working at his uncle’s Chateau in Provence where his interest in wine was set for life. Leaving Provence he traveled to Bordeaux working at both Chateau Lafite-Rothschild in Pauillac and Smith Haut Laffite in Pessac-Leognan – a most serious foundation in Cabernet and the understanding the great wine is made in the vineyard. Before Purlieu, Julien worked at Quintessa and then five years as director of Atelier Melka gaining an intimate understanding of Napa Valley while connecting with top growers dedicated to quality – Andy Beckstoffer being one of those. Beckstoffer provides Purlieu fruit for three of their top bottlings; Georges III, To Kalon, and Missouri Hopper. Collectables indeed. |
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| Heaven Hill 7yr Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Bardstown, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A vivacious, rich, and nicely layered Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon that delivers everything you want in a fine Whiskey for sipping and mixing high-end cocktails." - Beverage Testing Institute No introduction needed here, for the distillery or the whiskey. The 7 Year Old Bottle-in-Bond Straight Bourbon from Kentucky's most iconic distillery has been a workhorse thoroughbred in the stable since its first release in 2019, when it was named Whisky Advocate's #4 Whisky of the Year. All these years later, it's still going strong, now boasting a devoted following for its "explosive, bold, and buttery" profile that offers "pure bourbon bliss" to its legions of fans. Now we harken back to those halcyon days of 2019 with a limited-time, razor-sharp price under $40 and less than the original debut SRP. Whether it's already your go-to favorite Kentucky dram or you're looking to experience what Heaven Hill is all about for the first time, don't miss this opportunity to load up. |
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| 2022 Vina Almaviva (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile | ||
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6 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 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "No deal with the devil required - the Huneeus family was ahead of the game when they staked a Cabernet claim in Coombsville with Faust." James Molesworth, Wine Spectator A decadent, age-worthy Napa Cab from the team behind Quintessa, the powerful 97-point 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact impeccably balances rich dark fruit, tantalizing minerality and layered, refined tannins,sourced from an exceptional Napa vintage described as "fabulous" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and promising over a decade of enjoyment at an unbeatable price. One of the first to recognize the potential for growing Cabernet Sauvignon in the remote southeastern corner of Napa Valley, visionary Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus established the Faust winery in Coombsville in 1998 three years before it was recognized as an AVA, the region's growing reputation for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon attracting some of Napa's top winemakers over the last two decades including Andy Erickson and Paul Hobbs. Known for developing Mondavi's Opus One and rebuilding Cardinale and Rudd, then Faust winemaker Charles Thomas recognized the unique attributes of the estate's lower yielding, higher altitude parcels and began to separate those plots of Coombsville fruit for a new bottling in 2007, naming it "The Pact" after Goethe's classic Faustian bargain of making "a deal with the devil." Located on a 128-acre hillside estate in well-draining rocky, volcanic soils, the elevated, low yielding parcels for the Pact are influenced by a unique 'cup and saucer' like ridge called the 'caldera' funneling winds from the San Pablo Bay and creating conditions for extended, gradual ripening, while overnight fog lingering late into the morning lowers temperatures and enhances the Cabernet's natural acidity. A Napa Valley veteran who produced top scoring Cabs at Harlan, Joseph Phelps and Groth, winemaker David Jelinek vinified each parcel for The Pact separately and aged the final blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot for 22 months in 45% new French oak before bottling, yielding a seductively smooth Cab described by James Suckling as "really complex and flavor intensive" promising to age beautifully and declaring "I can't wait." The richly textured 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact was among a handful of the highest rated Coombsville Cabs of the vintage yet priced at a fraction of the region's higher profile producers, delivering one the best values in Napa Cab and an exceptional pour to enjoy over the next and beyond. |
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| 2023 Chateau Beaucastel Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More 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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| 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 Sarmassa (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 96 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 96 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, at an unbeatable value. |
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| 2021 Sullivan Estate Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a fan of Napa Cabernet or simply just a casual consumer and observer of the market, you've no doubt noticed that the category has seen an explosion of prices in recent years, to the point where it's hard to imagine the words value and Napa Cabernet in the same universe, let alone the same sentence. Well, think again, because today's selection brings us a quartet of overperforming standouts that are still priced well within reach of a broad audience of wine lovers and collectors. Leading off, the 2021 Whitehall Lane Cabernet boasts a slew of solid accolades across the board. This sub-$40 gem from a long-time standard bearer of QPR excellence is "an outstanding Cabernet" according Jeb Dunnuck, "silky and supple, easy to drink, yet with enough structure." Joining Whitehall in the sub-$40 category is Turnbull's "positively stellar" 2023 Estate Cab. This wine has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." The 2021 Sullivan Coeur de Vignes is a true classic from a historic Napa property at a smashing bargain price. "Ripe and structured but fresh in feel ... Very Rutherford" according to Wine Spectator's 94-point review. While their flagship bottlings carry price tags well into the triple digits, the 2021 Coeur de Vigne offers a chance to experience top-class Napa style and character for a small fraction of the price. Finally, the iconic Chappellet estate has hit a homerun with their 2021 Signature Cabernet, a 96-point "marvellously compact and coiled-up wine with a towering structure" that Jeb Dunnuck calls "brilliant" and for about one-fifth the price of the 99-point Pritchard Hill bottling. With the quality and value on offer in this quartet, now is the perfect chance to rediscover these treasured wines without breaking the bank. |
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| Hibiki 21yr Blended Whisky (750ml) | ||
| From Shimamoto, Osaka, Japan | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An original favorite in cult Japanese whisky, Hibiki is still a major score for fans and collectors of the category, especially the brand's 21 Year Old expression. Although it's a blend, the source material is top-notch, pure Japanese pedigree. As connoisseurs well know, the big controversy in Japanese whisky the last several years was firms buying up global stock, distilled elsewhere, bringing it to Japan, where it was then aged and bottled. Is that really Japanese whisky? We all know the answer. With Hibiki, Suntory only uses distillate made and aged in their Japanese facilities, with single malt juice from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and grain whisky from the Chita distillery. The result is the suave, elegant, delicate Hibiki profile taken to an incredibly refined state. If you watch the market, you've no doubt seen prices on the 21 Year Old shoot through the roof and enter orbit, so we were stunned to be able to secure a healthy stock at this price, one of the best in the country. However, it's only for a limited time, so whether you're in need a of "wow" gift for the upcoming holidays or you just want to add a cornerstone gem to your collection at an unbeatable price, now is the time to stock up. |
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| 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Trois Sources (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An impressive, limited production CDP lauded by critics and coveted by Rhone enthusiasts, the richly textured 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux reveals powerful, mineral-tinged aromas and fresh layered fruit matched by fine acidity, its firm, muscular tannins built to evolve over the next decade - simply a brilliant Chateauneuf du Pape that collectors will want to reserve a spot for in their cellars. Located at the northeastern corner of the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has been owned by the Daumen family since 1905, its highly rated Southern Rhone blends crafted by talented fifth generation winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen for the last three decades. One of the first estates in the region to convert to biodynamic practices under Jean-Paul, the domain farms 15 hectares in the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, a single contiguous north-facing vineyard sheltered from the extreme heat and planted with mostly Grenache in a mosaic of limestone and quartz soils in the Mont Redon lieu-dit. While some of the estate's Grenache are over 100 years of age, winemaker Daumen focuses his cuvees on specific terroirs rather than the age of the vines, the Les Hauts Lieux cuvee a field blend of hand harvested grapes grown at the highest elevation, blended together parcel by parcel from vines averaging 70 years of age. Employing what he calls "severe" selection while dramatically limiting yields, Daumen co-fermented the blended grapes with natural yeasts in cement tanks, then aged the 2020 Les Hauts Lieux CDP in large oak foudres for 18 months, bottling without fining or filtering with additional time in the cellar to yield rich concentration and superb depth. Consistently garnering critical praise including a spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2020, the Wine Advocate declared, "Jean-Paul Daumen continues to fashion some of the top wines of the vintage, in just about every vintage" - the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux offering an outstanding opportunity for collectors and fans of the finest Chateauneuf du Pape rouge to stock the cellar with this meticulously crafted, hard to acquire gem at an unheard of price. |
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| 2016 Xavier Vignon Arcane La Papesse (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More ARCANE/är'kan/: secret; understood by few. No secret to B-21 Southern Rhone fans and collectors, this selection of stunning Arcane wines from the masterful Xavier Vignon offers a range of one of a kind, impeccably crafted cuvees sourced from the Southern Rhone's top terroirs and representing some of the region's best values, now offered at unbeatable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Arriving in the Rhone Valley in the mid-1990's and consulting for such luminaries as Marcoux, Raymond Usseglio and La Nerthe, the combination of Xavier Vignon's insider access to some of the oldest vines across the valley and creative passion for the region's varied terroirs and grapes inspired him to create the series of Arcane wines, naming each unique release after a card in the Tarot deck with matching illustrations on the labels. Xavier's meticulous winemaking requires some detailed descriptions for full appreciation, so let's dive in.
Crafted as singular releases with the goal of capturing the perfect intersection of time and place in the vineyard, these one of a kind wines from Xavier Vignon represent a range of truly exceptional Southern Rhone gems at incredible value prices, and while their tarot namesakes may not reliably predict the future, Xavier Vignon's Arcane label guarantees Southern Rhone fans some seriously enjoyable drinking every time a cork is pulled. |
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| 2023 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis (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 to Napa Valley Cabernet fans. As the flagship offering from one of Napa's most iconic estates, the 2023 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis is yet another must-have rendition of this renowned California benchmark. "The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is fabulous." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Year after year, the flagship Artemis Cabernet is a category best seller, recognized by Napa Cab fans everywhere as a consistent choice for classic character and expression. The 2023 Artemis is an ideal introduction to the vintage at Stag's Leap, as well as a perfect choice for anyone looking for an accessible Napa Cab that still offers that extra level of class and distinction. The 95-point 2023 is a "boisterous, hugely delicious Cabernet Sauvignon" showcasing "excellent density and poise, framed by polished tannins" that lend it easy approachability and broad appeal. We just secured our parcel at a remarkable price that puts it under $50 and well below any other price on the market. |
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| Glenglassaugh Sandend Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Portsoy, Highlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It’s gentle yet complex, but above all it’s an easy sipper you can just sit back and enjoy." - David Fleming, Whisky Advocate Highland's Glenglassaugh has always been under the radar of most single malt drinkers and whisky fans, as the distillery itself has sat dormant for long stretches of its 150-year history, but since being revived in 2008 and purchased in 2016 by spirits giant Brown-Forman, and after years of gearing up production, reinvestment, and stockpiling juice, the brand's trajectory has taken off, culminating their Sanded bottling's shock win for Whisky Advocate's #1 Whisky of 2023. As David Fleming puts it, "now Glenglassaugh is ready to roll, and judging by this stellar release, patience is being rewarded in spades." The distillery bills its whiskies as "coastal malts," and that moniker is pretty much a perfect fit for this stylish, approachable, yet eminently intriguing profile. Aged in ex-bourbon, manzanilla, and sherry casks and blended by Rachel Barrie (the masterful hand behind the malts of BenRiach), the Sandend is "bright and delicate" on the nose, leading to "a luscious palate ... [with] an explosive and long-lasting finish." The WOTY honors for Sanded may have been your first introduction to Glenglassaugh, but it's safe to say they're on everyone's radar now. Best of all, our new, limited-time, razor-sharp pricing on the Sandend makes it easy to get fully on board with this single malt rising star.
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| 2017 Georges Vernay Maison Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Georges Vernay, founded by Francis Vernay in 1937, is a third-generation, venerable wine producer, located in the heart of Condrieu, France. The efforts of Francis Vernay were instrumental in the creation of the official Condrieu appellation in 1940. In later years, Francis was succeeded by his son Georges, who played a key role in restricting the geographical boundaries of Condrieu, preserving the character of the appellation and ensuring its future greatness. In 1996, Christine Vernay, Georges' daughter, took over as winemaker and General Manager of the Estate. Recognized as one of the great winemakers in France, several of her wines have recently been awarded the coveted 100 points in the world’s top wine publications; remarkable - since the 2011 vintage, not a score below 96 from Jeb Dunnuck for the Coteau de Vernon. Among the top two or three Condrieu in any vintage, the Coteau de Vernon comes from very old vines planted in 1936 and 1960, on the steep granite slopes just behind the Vernay estate. |
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| Casa Dragones Joven Tequila (750ml) | ||
| From Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Estate Grown Tequila? You bet! Hey, Tequila comes from a specific place and the agave plant is treated with as much reverence as vines in Burgundy, Bordeaux or Napa Valley. Jalisco is the Mexican state where Tequila comes from, and the agave plant thirsts for the trinity of soil, climate and altitude found here. Casa Dragones takes the pureness of flavor a blanco has and adds a small amount of extra añejo to round out the palate, producing what the Robb Report called "the greatest single sipping tequila," this crystal clear potion they call "Joven." Drinkers of fine whiskey the world over should take notice here, tequila delivers some of the world's most flavorful and palate-pleasing spirits. |
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| 2018 Enzo Boglietti Barolo Arione (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by the Wine Advocate as crafting "some of the richest, most deeply flavored Barolos in Piedmont,", this selection of highly rated Cru Barolos from Enzo Boglietti rank among the Piedmont's top bargains, each sourced from small family-owned parcels spread across Barolo's top Cru's and all promising to age over the next decade or more at an incredible value price. Ending his family's decades' long practice of selling grapes to the local coop, Enzo Boglietti established his La Morra winery with 3 hectares of vineyards in 1991, counted among the group of rebellious young winemakers at the time producing a more modern style Barolo crafted to be immediately accessible. Over the years Enzo has moderated his approach, limiting the use of new French oak barriques and reducing extraction times during fermentation to produce elegantly styled, site expressive Barolos from some of the region's top Crus, his vineyards now spanning 20 hectares across the Langhe. Described by James Suckling as "clean and fresh", the appealing 92 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Boiolo is sourced from a 1.95 hectare parcel at 300-350 meters above sea level on the northern border of Rocche dell'Annunziata, while the aromatic 94 pt. 2016 Enzo Boglietti Fossati expresses the typical character of the Fossati cru with floral aromatics and balsamic nuances, summed up by the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson as "graceful yet packs a punch." From the warmer, protected Cru situated between the upper portion of Fossati and Cerequio, James Suckling calls the 96 pt. 2015 Enzo Boglietti Case Nere "impressively refined" while describing the 95 pt. 2016 Enzo Boglietti Brunate as "fullbodied" and finishing "tight, dense and long," sourced from a tiny half hectare Brunate parcel known for producing elegant, silky Barolo with deep complexity. From the southernmost Cru in Serralunga that exhibits a "distinctly wild, feral quality strong on iron and mineral" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the refined 95 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Barolo Arione is his most "pinot-like" Barolo according to Enzo, while the 94 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Brunate delivers Brunate's legendary combination of elegance and power "balanced by juicy, acidity" according to the Wine Independent's Susan Hulme with "a lovely fresh finish." Described as "a young producer on the rise" crafting "sumptuous Barolos" by critic Antonio Galloni over a decade ago, these elegantly crafted Cru Barolo selections from Enzo Boglietti overdeliver in a big way, priced at a mere fraction of his competitors and offering a terrific opportunity to mix a case and enjoy Boglietti's full range of top scoring Cru Barolo reflecting the region's diverse terroirs for years to come. |
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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Galimardes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud's estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with "relatively simple, unadorned winemaking" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn't produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage "producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache" according to Decanter's Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region's higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. |
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| 2022 Andremily White Cuvee (750ml) | ||
| Roussanne from Santa Barbara, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Jim Binns continues to expand in impressive fashion ... As always, the wines are done in a rich, unctuous style, with extended maceration and tons of depth. With the right sites, that style can be incredibly exciting." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous After achieving a staggering twenty-seven 100-point scores during his tenure with winemaker Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non, Jim Binns established Andremily in 2012 on the outskirts of Ventura County, just south of Santa Barbara, naming it after his two children, Andrew and Emily. Sourcing grapes from top Santa Barbara vineyards including the legendary Bien Nacido and White Hawk, Jim has also expanded his use of estate-grown fruit since his recent purchase of the 39-acre Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley, a move that has had "a profound impact on the wine" according to Galloni. "This roster delivers a comparable style [to SQN] in its density and opulence, albeit with even more chocolate-tinged richness and, somewhat paradoxically, more finesse." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate We've just received our first allocation of the 2022 reds – a "brilliant" Mourvèdre and a #11 Syrah that's "heavenly stuff" – and if they're any indication, this vintage is shaping up to be another gangusters set, with both wines coming in at 96-98 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Needless to say, fans of Andremily, or full-throttle, luxury California reds in general, will not want to miss these. And if you need to reload on previous vintages, be sure to lock in on the highly acclaimed 2021s, as well as a handful or rare magnums from 2019 and 2020! |
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| 2022 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py Javernieres (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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| 2021 Andremily EABA (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Jim Binns continues to expand in impressive fashion ... As always, the wines are done in a rich, unctuous style, with extended maceration and tons of depth. With the right sites, that style can be incredibly exciting." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous After achieving a staggering twenty-seven 100-point scores during his tenure with winemaker Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non, Jim Binns established Andremily in 2012 on the outskirts of Ventura County, just south of Santa Barbara, naming it after his two children, Andrew and Emily. Sourcing grapes from top Santa Barbara vineyards including the legendary Bien Nacido and White Hawk, Jim has also expanded his use of estate-grown fruit since his recent purchase of the 39-acre Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley, a move that has had "a profound impact on the wine" according to Galloni. "This roster delivers a comparable style [to SQN] in its density and opulence, albeit with even more chocolate-tinged richness and, somewhat paradoxically, more finesse." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate We've just received our first allocation of the 2022 reds – a "brilliant" Mourvèdre and a #11 Syrah that's "heavenly stuff" – and if they're any indication, this vintage is shaping up to be another gangusters set, with both wines coming in at 96-98 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Needless to say, fans of Andremily, or full-throttle, luxury California reds in general, will not want to miss these. And if you need to reload on previous vintages, be sure to lock in on the highly acclaimed 2021s, as well as a handful or rare magnums from 2019 and 2020! |
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| 2022 Andremily Mourvedre (750ml) | ||
| Mourvedre from Central Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Jim Binns continues to expand in impressive fashion ... As always, the wines are done in a rich, unctuous style, with extended maceration and tons of depth. With the right sites, that style can be incredibly exciting." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous After achieving a staggering twenty-seven 100-point scores during his tenure with winemaker Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non, Jim Binns established Andremily in 2012 on the outskirts of Ventura County, just south of Santa Barbara, naming it after his two children, Andrew and Emily. Sourcing grapes from top Santa Barbara vineyards including the legendary Bien Nacido and White Hawk, Jim has also expanded his use of estate-grown fruit since his recent purchase of the 39-acre Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley, a move that has had "a profound impact on the wine" according to Galloni. "This roster delivers a comparable style [to SQN] in its density and opulence, albeit with even more chocolate-tinged richness and, somewhat paradoxically, more finesse." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate We've just received our first allocation of the 2022 reds – a "brilliant" Mourvèdre and a #11 Syrah that's "heavenly stuff" – and if they're any indication, this vintage is shaping up to be another gangusters set, with both wines coming in at 96-98 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Needless to say, fans of Andremily, or full-throttle, luxury California reds in general, will not want to miss these. And if you need to reload on previous vintages, be sure to lock in on the highly acclaimed 2021s, as well as a handful or rare magnums from 2019 and 2020! |
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| 2021 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira (750ml) | ||
| Malbec from La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Achaval-Ferrer has had a long, established history as a source of some Mendoza's best value Malbecs and blends, but the excellent quality standards run all the way up to their outstanding single-vineyard wines as well. We just sourced a must-see trio from the benchmark 2021 vintage at unbelievable pricing. "...an impressive array of single-parcel Malbecs ... Each wine accurately represents its origins while embracing luxurious textures." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The estate's claim to fame (and the bedrock of their quality) are their fabulous, own-rooted, old-vine parcels on their various fincas dotted across Mendoza and Uco, each location offering a singular personality to its resulting wine. Leading off, the 98-point 2021 Finca Altamira was sourced from a 1950 planting on rich volcanic loam and sand, making for "a textbook expression of contemporary Malbec from the Uco Valley" in the 2021 vintage. This highest-elevation site in the Achaval stable has produced "a fine, structured Malbec, with great sense of place and potential to develop in bottle," as noted by Decanter. The 95-point 2021 Finca Bella Vista comes from vines well over 100 years old on sandy soil, which has obviously allowed these own-rooted beauties to thrive without the threat of phylloxera. The site's 990m elevation puts the perfect check on an otherwise ripe, concentrated wine. "It's a beautiful and seductive expression of Malbec from Luján de Cuyo," according to Wine Advocate. Finally, the 2021 Finca Mirador is "a full-bodied, rich and plush wine, but fresh and balanced," the vineyard's 105-year-old vines and clay soils on pebbly bedrock contributing to a solid tannic backbone and immense concentration, while the relatively lower elevation ("only" 700m here) ensures warmer ripening conditions that endow the wine with its massive fruit profile. Whether your collection is focused on South America or you just like to stash away benchmark expressions from all the world's great wine regions, these are sure cellar bets that will deliver top quality for your collectible dollar, especially at our 25%-below-market pricing. |
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| Bruichladdich 18yr Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) | ||
| From Islay, Islay, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Like it or not (we love it), the Holiday season is pretty much here, and the diligent among us are already thinking about gift lists and the like. If someone on your list (or you yourself) are a whisky fan/collector, you're in luck, because your buying just got a lot easier with this roster of outstanding single-malt Scotch collector's gems that won't break the bank. Aberlour's 95-point 16 Year Old is a unanimous hit once again, showing all the fan-favorite depth and intensity that have made this one of the most successful single malt brands of the past decade among ardent enthusiasts. Kilchoman's limited-edition Loch Gorm is back and better than ever with the newly released 2025 version, "a complex rollercoaster of a whisky" as noted by Whisky Advocate. A "stunningly well-integrated and seamless whisky," it’s the first Loch Gorm to be aged a full ten years in Oloroso sherry butts, 20 of the 23 barrels being first-fill. From boutique bottler phenom Compass Box, Secrets of Smoke is their ode to the incredible nuance and detail of peated whisky, a special concoction that essentially takes their beloved Peat Monster blend (predominantly Caol Ila and Laphroig) to the next level. Among hardcore single malt aficionados, Linkwood's cult status seems to be growing with each passing year, and our single-cask stunner from SMoS shows "pure, elegant, and utterly mesmerizing Linkwood character in every way" according to B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz. As any savvy buyer knows, when you get a shot at such "a beautifully classic, unpeated Speysider that hits every note clear as a bell," you take it. For the peat fanatics out there, few names hold a candle to Ardbeg, their 14 Year Old Unicorn's Tale takes a unique twist with a Maderia cask finish that brings head-turning opulence and depth to the distillery's famed peat-heavy profile. Finally, Highlands icon Bruichladdich is an undisputed favorite among collectors, and their 18 Year Old shot to the top of the list last year when it was ranked #2 on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2024. It's a sure bet that no fan of Highland malt will disappointed with this one. These are just a handful of the countless thrilling options in our single malt inventory, proving once again there's never been a better time to be a lover (or a giver) of great Scotch. |
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| 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of the most undervalued AOC's in Southern France, legendary Saint Emilion winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin and Roussillon-born grower Jean-Roger Calvet have crafted a selection of powerful blends from old vine fruit that Southern Rhone fans won't want to miss, an exciting range of delicious, age worthy reds among the Languedoc's finest values at affordable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Hiking in the French Pyrenees past the magnificent centuries' old fortresses perched above the Roussillon plain, a chance meeting two decades ago along the Route de Cathar trail became a windfall for wine lovers, resulting in a partnership between local Cotes du Roussillon grower Jean-Roger Calvet and Bordeaux vigneron Jean-Luc Thunevin of Chateau Valandraud, the superstar Saint Emilion winemaker called "a major force in the global wine world" by the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss. Intrigued by the magnificent black schist soils and rugged terroir around the Roussillon village of Maury, Thunevin invested in a small parcel of vines to supplement Jean-Roger's existing vineyards in the region, crafting their first vintage in a makeshift winery in 2001 and expanding the estate to 65 hectares to produce small amounts of terroir-focused wines from sustainably farmed Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. A blend of 60% Mourvedre and 40% Grenache from vines averaging 30 years of age, the entry level 93 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages l'Amourette was aged 16 months in concrete vats, its rich spiced and peppery fruit balancing earthy minerality and finishing long and fresh with smooth tannins built for years of enjoyment. A blend of mostly Grenache with about a third Syrah from vines ranging from 40 to more than 100 years old, the "formidable" 94 pt 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Hugo is "a joy to drink" according to Jeb Dunnuck, offering bright dark fruit hinting of graphite and toasted spices while the rich and muscular 2019 95 pt. Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divaea has a "balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length," the blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache sourced from vines averaging 40 years and aged in new French oak for 18 months. Crafted from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah ranging from 80 to 120 years old, the powerful and elegant 97 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie is the estate's top cuvee aged for 18 months in large oak foudres, layering concentrated dark fruit with impeccably balanced, plush tannins and promising another decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. From a region remaining decidedly off the beaten track much like the Route de Cathar trail itself, Antonio Galloni of Vinous called the best of the Cotes du Roussillon reds "the world's sexiest, most inexpensive wines," these top rated 2019 Thunevin-Calvet cuvees offering a terrific introduction for newbies to the Languedoc's most exceptional terroir-expressive reds as well as a great deal for savvy Southern Rhone fans seeking delicious, age worthy blends that deliver outstanding value. |
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| 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divae (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of the most undervalued AOC's in Southern France, legendary Saint Emilion winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin and Roussillon-born grower Jean-Roger Calvet have crafted a selection of powerful blends from old vine fruit that Southern Rhone fans won't want to miss, an exciting range of delicious, age worthy reds among the Languedoc's finest values at affordable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Hiking in the French Pyrenees past the magnificent centuries' old fortresses perched above the Roussillon plain, a chance meeting two decades ago along the Route de Cathar trail became a windfall for wine lovers, resulting in a partnership between local Cotes du Roussillon grower Jean-Roger Calvet and Bordeaux vigneron Jean-Luc Thunevin of Chateau Valandraud, the superstar Saint Emilion winemaker called "a major force in the global wine world" by the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss. Intrigued by the magnificent black schist soils and rugged terroir around the Roussillon village of Maury, Thunevin invested in a small parcel of vines to supplement Jean-Roger's existing vineyards in the region, crafting their first vintage in a makeshift winery in 2001 and expanding the estate to 65 hectares to produce small amounts of terroir-focused wines from sustainably farmed Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. A blend of 60% Mourvedre and 40% Grenache from vines averaging 30 years of age, the entry level 93 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages l'Amourette was aged 16 months in concrete vats, its rich spiced and peppery fruit balancing earthy minerality and finishing long and fresh with smooth tannins built for years of enjoyment. A blend of mostly Grenache with about a third Syrah from vines ranging from 40 to more than 100 years old, the "formidable" 94 pt 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Hugo is "a joy to drink" according to Jeb Dunnuck, offering bright dark fruit hinting of graphite and toasted spices while the rich and muscular 2019 95 pt. Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divaea has a "balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length," the blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache sourced from vines averaging 40 years and aged in new French oak for 18 months. Crafted from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah ranging from 80 to 120 years old, the powerful and elegant 97 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie is the estate's top cuvee aged for 18 months in large oak foudres, layering concentrated dark fruit with impeccably balanced, plush tannins and promising another decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. From a region remaining decidedly off the beaten track much like the Route de Cathar trail itself, Antonio Galloni of Vinous called the best of the Cotes du Roussillon reds "the world's sexiest, most inexpensive wines," these top rated 2019 Thunevin-Calvet cuvees offering a terrific introduction for newbies to the Languedoc's most exceptional terroir-expressive reds as well as a great deal for savvy Southern Rhone fans seeking delicious, age worthy blends that deliver outstanding value. |
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