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2015 Yann Chave (750ml)

Syrah from Hermitage, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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That 2015 is great vintage in the Rhone and particularly in the Northern Rhone is now well known and shrewd buyers have already taken positions. The classic estate of Yann Chave, with excellent but small holding in Hermitage with significant holding in Crozes-Hermitage representing great Chave value is no exception. Reference standard is his Crozes "Rouvre" from 60 year old vines and a stunning Hermitage. Yann loves his 1999s and feels 2015 is a repeat of that epic vintage.

94WA

The 2015 Hermitage, from the lieux-dits of Les Beaumes and Péleat, was aged entirely in new demi-muids. It's a full-bodied, rich wine that retains a sense of freshness with its mouthwatering flavors of cassis, blackberries and blueberries accented by hints of espresso, crushed stone and licorice. Nearly approachable now, it also shows some firm tannins on the finish, suggesting two decades of longevity.

94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Issue # 234 - Dec 2017)

1994 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate le Coste (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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My first visit with Beppe Rinaldi was in the early 1990s when the wines of Barolo were not so well known, and Beppe Rinaldi unknown. We rallied behind Beppe with a selection of 14 vintages, magnums too (recalling the spectacular 1988 from magnum). Remarkable that his wines were so recently discovered. The wines are much the same really, but tradition was giving way to a modern style of new oak and new ways... Retrograde, folks like Bartolo Mascarello, Giacomo Conterno and Beppe Rinaldi are back on top as the modern wave fades. History does repeat, and how well articulated by Rinaldi, with historic Barolo sites of Brunate, Cannubi, Le Coste and Tre Tine.

88V

Modestly saturated but fresh medium red. Slightly high toned aromas of plum, cherry, spice, marzipan, coffee and tobacco. A bit narrower than the '95, but sweet and vinous, with truffle and licorice flavors. Good extract and texture. Finishes with slightly dry tannins. Serve this Barolo with meat.

88 points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous (Nov 1998)

2013 Porseleinberg Syrah (750ml)

Syrah from Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa

B-21 Top Recommendation
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From super bargains to superstars, South Africa puts it all on the the table with an unmatched spectrum of diversity; terroir, varietals and winemaking. The biodynamic work of green thumb Johan Reyneke who is doing great work with old vine Chenin Blanc, and fortunately South Africa has extensive holdings of old-vine Chenin. Ernie Els is turning out winning wines, in particular the 2014s with intense, exceptional reds. Serious Cabernet sources are blessing this Proprietor's Blend from the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. What about a Syrah that favors the great wines of the northern Rhone? Cape Syrah! Stunning Porseleinberg Syrah is being hatched from concrete eggs in the Swartland. Winemaker Callie Louw is proving South Africa is a serious world stage contender. Organically farmed, whole bunch fermentation, native yeasts to grapes from severe schistous rock soils make a terroir-driven wine not to be missed. Buitenverwachting's Bayten Sauvignon Blanc is a serious Sauvignon Blanc as much as a serious bargain. Planted in the southwest corner of South Africa, a cooler growing region just eight miles from False Bay – well suited for Sauvignon – that is dry-farmed old vines planted on decomposed granite. These are just a sampling of cutting-edge, fun, dynamic wines from South Africa that you are sure to explore and enjoy.

95WA 94WS

The 2013 Porseleinberg uses whole bunch fruit and is matured 60% in foudre and 40% in concrete eggs. Winemaker Callie Louw has fashioned a wine that has a very composed, quite intense and voluminous bouquet - black cherries and iris, with less of the violets and more a brooding marine influence that with aeration takes control of the aromatics. The delineation here is very impressive. The palate is grippy on the entry, the terroir permeating this Syrah from start to finish. With a Cornas-like brutishness counterpoised with stunning delineation and focus, this is a serious Syrah for the Syrah Swartland afficionado. It has the presence to last 15-20 years and represents one of the region's best contributions to the vintage. Good luck finding a bottle!

95 points, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim - Nov 2015)

This has a core of raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit waiting to burst out, harnessed for now by graphite-edged grip. Loads of black tea, violet and anise details fill in the background, while the finish ripples with acidity. Youthfully coiled, showing superb energy throughout. Syrah. Best from 2018 through 2027. 420 cases made.

94 points, Wine Spectator (Sep 2016)

2015 Pignan Cuvee Coralie & Floriane (750ml)
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France