Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve Exclusive (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Epernay, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right." Mark Twain While lovers of fine Champagne don’t need an excuse to indulge, this exceptional offer featuring the 92 pt. Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut N/V will make it especially easy to “pop a cork” and enjoy some bubbly deliciousness at a price worth celebrating (see how we did that?) . Crafted in a style that “above all expresses elegance” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson, the Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut offers creamy, fresh fruit on a fine beaded, satiny mousse, one of Champagne’s top values now specially bargain priced for stocking up ahead of the holiday season. Based in Chouilly about 10 minutes from Epernay, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is perched on a hill overlooking rolling vineyards, a modern chic welcome center and tasting salon fronting high tech winemaking facilities so large that it also serves as a secondary production and storage site for Moet & Chandon. Known as a flamboyant socialite whose inner circle of high profile friends included the glamourous Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall, entrepreneur Nicolas Feuillatte established the Champagne brand bearing his name in 1976 in partnership with Henri Macquart, founder of the Centre Vinicole de la Champagne, the largest cooperative of growers in the region. Sourced from over 2,100 hectares of vineyards farmed by over 5,000 growers across the appellation, the Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut is a balanced blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, with aging on the lees for 36 months before bottling yielding a well-balanced Champagne that’s “bright and pillowy” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, revealing “a fleshy core of fruit and tangy acids” hinting of brioche on an impressive silky finish. Boasting a pleasing “upfront charm” according to Decanter’s Simon Field, the 92 pt. Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut is drinking beautifully now, its subtle flavors and delicate bubbles making it the perfect choice as an aperitif and an “easy to reach for” house champagne at bargain pricing. | ||
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2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1L) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Welcome to Round Two of our exceptional offer from the Wagner Family of Wines, a terrific opportunity to stock up on the limited 2020 Caymus liters along with some outstanding big, bold reds from Caymus-Suisun and a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot crafted by the Caymus team, all at specially negotiated pricing while they last. Backed by the quality legacy of Caymus founder Chuck Wagner, here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Sourced from cooler coastal vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chuck Wagner’s richly styled 2021 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve offers opulent, buttery tropical fruit. Crafted by Chuck’s daughter Jenny Wagner, the crisp and refreshing 2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus fruit flavors with bright acidity, and the full-bodied 2020 Emmolo Merlot boasts ripe and rich dark fruit hinting of oak and vanilla with smooth supple tannins. Produced at the Wagner Family’s new state of the art winery located in Solana County’s Suisun Valley (pronounced su-soon), the outstanding 2020 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a blend highlighting bold, luscious dark Petit Sirah with hints of toasted herbs and spice layered with plush tannins while the lush 2021 Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool boasts the earthy, spiced flavors of Zinfandel with tantalizing acidity on a smooth finish. Declared “an American classic,” by Decanter’s Stephen Brook, the newly released 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from top quality ripe Napa fruit and aged in mostly new French oak for 16 months before bottling, its rich texture layered with luscious vanilla and toasted oak, finishing long with integrated, velvety tannins that promise longevity. As the first to introduce Caymus to Florida, B-21 Caymus fans are reaping the rewards of our long standing relationship with special pricing on one liter bottles of 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1000 ml.), available while they last at the same price as the standard 750 ml. With the Caymus reputation for quality behind each label, this unique opportunity to stock up on one liter bottles of 2020 Caymus or mix a case or two from the Wagner's wide ranging portfolio at special bargain pricing is offered for a limited time, all immensely enjoyable wines that will have Caymus fans wishing they’d bought more. | ||
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2021 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati (750ml) | ||
Turbiana from Lugana, Lombardy, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Equally appealing to Italian wine lovers seeking value and anyone looking for a deliciously crisp, well-crafted white wine at bargain pricing, the beautifully aromatic 2021 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati offers rich, ripe fruit and zesty mineral-driven acidity, reflecting its glacial origins overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of Italy’s Lake Garda and “always an excellent value” according to Robert M. Parker Jr., now bargain priced to easily become your new house Italian white. Recognizing the area’s potential for cultivating grapes for wine, Ca dei Frati founder Felice Dal Cero took over the run-down 18th century Frati farm on the southern shore of Lake Garda in 1939 and set about improving viticulture and modernizing winemaking over the next three decades alongside his son Pietro, who was instrumental in the creation of the Lugana DOC in 1969 and responsible for their first official bottling. Now run by third generation siblings Gian Franco, Anna Maria and winemaker Igino Dal Cero, the family-run Ca' dei Frati winery is based in Lake Garda’s historic village of Lugana di Sirmione, surrounded by estate vineyards planted with the indigenous Turbiana, a distinct varietal previously called Trebbiano di Lugana from which the Lugana white wine is made. Ranging up to 40 years of age on glacial calcareous and clay soils that limit yields and contribute minerality, the Turbiana vines enjoy the lakeside’s unique microclimate of warm days and ever present drying breezes, enhancing even ripening while preserving freshness and keeping the well ventilated grapes free of mold. Crafted from 100% Turbiana and fermented in stainless steel, the crisp and appealing 2021 Lugana I Frati was aged on the lees in stainless for 6 months with another 2 months in bottle before release, yielding fresh, alluring aromas and richly textured fruit hinting of saline-tinged minerality and finishing with tantalizing acidity that begs for another sip. Formerly a coveted discovery of tourists who flock to the shores of Lake Garda each summer, the secret is out on the bright and elegant 2021 Ca dei Frati Lugana I Frati, an easy to love and affordably priced Italian white wine crafted by one of the region's top producers that you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. | ||
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2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by the renowned 100 pt. winemaker known for putting vineyard-driven Rioja on the map, the rich and elegant 94 pt. 2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain is a Rioja lovers' dream, a beautifully crafted Tempranillo offering lush aromas and vivid, pure flavors with a velvety, uplifted finish, incredibly bargain priced for stocking up to enjoy often. Founded as a local coop in Rioja Alavesa, Artadi has been transformed since the early 1990’s under the groundbreaking leadership of fourth generation winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, crafting the Bodegas’ first 100 pt. Rioja in 2004 and eventually leaving the Rioja DOC in 2015 to focus on its vineyard-expressive wines. Exhibiting the characteristic vibrant red fruit and dusty minerality that reflects its Alavesa terroir, the 2019 Vinas de Gain is sourced from Tempranillo vines ranging from 20 to 30 years of age, planted at altitudes between 450 and 700 meters in clay and limestone soils and all farmed organically. After overseeing the hand harvesting of grapes with strict selection, Juan Carlos aged the 2019 Vinas de Gain for 9 months in French barriques, yielding “a fresh, fruit-driven and juicy red” according to the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez with smooth, silky tannins on a backbone of well-integrated oak. From a Rioja vintage called “a perfect year” by Decanter’s Amaya Cervera, the outstanding 94 pt. 2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain reflects an undeniable pedigree, a pure expression of its unique Rioja Alavesa terroir meticulously crafted by one of Spain’s most acclaimed winemakers, an incomparable value for Rioja lovers and anyone looking for a deliciously satisfying red wine to reach for again and again. | ||
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2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a textbook example of the cool Awatere Valley style” by Decanter’s Bob Campbell, the crisp and zesty 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc boasts Marlborough's fresh enticing aromas of citrusy, tropical fruit finishing with a hint of tangy minerality, a refreshingly delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc unbeatably priced to pour and enjoy freely. Located on the Rapaura Road just below the Wairau River, winemaker Simon Waghorn established his small family-owned winery on New Zealand’s South Island in 1996, naming it Astrolabe after the astronomical instrument used by the pioneering navigators who first explored the Marlborough Sounds in the 19th century. Described as “a consistently delicious label” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Pickard, Astrolabe sources top quality Sauvignon Blanc from long term contracts with a small group of growers in the Awatere Valley as well as parcels in Wairau, the Southern Valleys and the Kekerengu Coast, the sustainably farmed vineyards boasting a cooler climate with a diverse range of soils and growing conditions that contribute layers of complexity. After harvesting the grapes during the coolest part of the day, Simon preserved the freshness of the grapes for the 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc throughout fermentation and aging, yielding elegantly balanced ripe citrus flavors with subtle notes of tropical fruit balanced by Marlborough's signature herbaceous minerality and a refreshing savory, dry finish that draws you back for another sip. Celebrating its 25th vintage in 2022, the bright and crisp 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the year’s top rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and an appealing choice for an everyday white, named a Wine Spectator Value Pick that's ready to enjoy often over the next few years at an equally appealing bargain price. | ||
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2021 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Dopp Creek (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Blended from across their estate parcels in northern Willamette Valley, the elegant 94 pt. 2021 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Dopp Creek balances juicy, bright red fruit hinting of toasty spice with refined, smooth tannins on an earthy finish, a remarkably consistent entry level offering from “a stellar vintage” according to Jeb Dunnuck that over delivers value for fans of Oregon Pinot Noir. Located in the Chehalem Mountains northwest of Newberg, Colene Clemens Vineyards was established by Joe and Vicki Stark in 2005 and named for Vicki’s mother Colene, its expansive hilltop verandas boasting spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Bald Peak to the north and the Coast Range to the west. Managed by longtime winemaker and Beaux Freres alumnus Steve Goff, the estate’s 62 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards are situated on a south-facing aspect at the edge of Ribbon Ridge. Reflecting the estate’s varied terroir, the 2021 Dopp Creek is a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir planted in a mix of sedimentary and volcanic soils with rocky terrain that limits yields at altitudes ranging from 350 to 650 feet. After fermenting the destemmed grapes with indigenous yeast, winemaker Goff aged the vibrant 2021 Dopp Creek for 11 months in a mix of 32% new French oak as well as one, two and three year-old barrels and stainless steel tank, yielding fresh and richly aromatic fruit with pleasing notes of spice and minerality on a smooth lingering finish. From a vintage producing “fantastic freshness, layered depth of fruit, and elegant, spice-driven aromas and flavors” according to Jeb Dunnuck, the appealing 94 pt. 2021 Colene Clemens Vineyards Pinot Noir Dopp Creek is a benchmark value out scoring its higher priced peers and a brilliant bargain for lovers of Oregon Pinot. | ||
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2021 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From “one of the best ever” vintages in Paso Robles according to James Suckling, the lush and alluring 93 pt. 2021 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon boasts rich, aromatic dark fruit with notes of spice and earthy garrigue balanced by bright acidity on a smooth, velvety finish, a bargain priced Cab certain to thrill Paso Robles fans and any California Cab lover seeking an outstanding value to enjoy often. Located three miles east of downtown Paso Robles, Vina Robles was established by Swiss-born Hans Nef and his longtime friend and business associate Hans–R. Michel in the mid-1990’s, planting the first of what would later become six vineyards in Paso Robles and releasing their first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999. Now managed by Hans’ daughters Michele and Nicole, Vina Robles is renowned as one of Paso’s top growers with over 1,800 acres of vineyards, sourcing the 2021 Vina Robles Cab from two sustainably farmed estate vineyards in distinctly different areas of the AVA. Located in the hilly terrain southeast of Santa Barbara, temperatures at the Huerhuero Vineyard are moderated by Pacific breezes coursing through the Templeton Gap that retain the grapes’ natural acidity, while the high-altitude Creston Valley Vineyard boasts shallow soils with granulated limestone that naturally limits yields and a southern exposure that guarantees even ripening, the blocks picked at optimal ripeness and sorted in the early morning to preserve the quality of the berries. After aging the parcels for 8 months in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels, winemaker Kevin Willenborg conducted extensive blending trials before selecting the final lots and blending in a little Petit Verdot to add structure, then aged the appealing 2021 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon for 12 months longer in barrel to yield the combination of plush texture, juicy, opulent fruit, and ripe tannins that will have Paso Robles Cab lovers reaching for another pour. Summed up by the Wine Enthusiast’s Matt Kettman as a “solidly satisfying style of Paso Robles Cab” that “will please many palates,” the enticing, full-bodied 93 pt. 2021 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the goods at an outstanding bargain price, among the top-rated Paso Cabs from an outstanding vintage and without a doubt one of the region’s top values. | ||
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2016 Chateau Cambon la Pelouse (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2016 Cambon la Pelouse is fabulous. Once again Cambon la Pelouse overdelivers. A wine of real depth, power and flavor... It should drink well for the next decade plus." Earning the #16 spot on the Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 of 2019, the highest ranked Bordeaux on the list, the 93pt 2016 Cambon la Pelouse is a sleeper of the vintage, boasting dense, ripe fruit and lush complexity with a beautifully polished finish, ready to enjoy and poised to overperform for another decade, offering astounding quality at an equally astounding bargain price under $20. Located along the Routes des Chateaux heading towards Margaux and Pauillac, Château Cambon la Pelouse is one of the oldest Medoc estates, nestled on the edge of the Garonne River on exceptional terroir between Chateaux Giscours and Cantemerle. Experiencing a dramatic rebirth since it was acquired by Jean-Pierre Marie in 1996, the estate spans over 60 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards divided into 27 distinct plots with vines averaging around 35 years planted on light sandy soils with large pebbles. Blending mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and a small amount of Petit Verdot under the direction of renowned consultant Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus, the 2016 Cambon la Pelouse was aged for 12 to 15 months on the lees in 35% new French oak barrels and 50% one-year old barrels, yielding a balanced and opulent Left Bank blend with excellent concentration and seamless, ultra-fine tannins. Praised by Robert Parker as one of his "favorite estates from the southern part of the Medoc," the top rated 2016 Chateau Cambon la Pelouse punches well above its class, "the best for years" according to Bordeaux expert Jane Anson, from an outstanding vintage, already drinking beautifully and continuing to evolve, delivered in original wooden cases of 6 ex-Chateau. This one is an easy call. | ||
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2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Declared “one of the headline wineries in Montepulciano” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, B-21 fans and collectors of rich Tuscan reds won’t need convincing to stock up on the enticing 93 pt. 2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a powerful Sangiovese revealing bright, aromatic red fruit hinting of wild herbs and earthy spice with a smooth, enduring finish, earning a coveted spot on this year's Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023 and an outstanding value promising pleasurable drinking for years to come. Situated in the spectacular countryside southeast of Siena in Tuscany’s oldest appellation, Cantine Dei produces terroir-driven Sangiovese from the vineyards surrounding the medieval town of Montepulciano, its 2019 Vino Nobile awarded the top rating of Tre Bicchieri or “three glasses” by Italy’s most prestigious wine publication Gambero Rosso, known by insiders as the “Wine Bible of Italy.” Producing its first wines in 1985 and run by third generation Caterina Dei since 1991, the Cantine Dei estate extends over 100 hectares in the rolling hills of the historic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, its 60 hectares of organically farmed vineyards located throughout the region and reflecting its diverse terroir. Sourced from the estate’s Martiena, La Ciarliana and Cervognano vineyards, the Sangiovese vines for the 2019 Vino Nobile are planted in a mix of tuff, limestone and sandy clay soils at 250 to 350 meters above sea level, the high-altitude vineyards producing richly concentrated fruit with well balanced acidity. A blend of mostly Sangiovese fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, the lush 2019 Dei Vino di Montepulciano was aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks followed by over 8 months in bottle, yielding “a skillful interpretation of terroir and vintage” according to Decanter’s Michaela Morris with richly textured fruit and layers of well-integrated tannins promising longevity. Ranked among an elite group of 2019’s top scoring Vino Nobiles from a region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, the rich and elegant 93 pt. 2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “continues to be one of the benchmarks in its category and an amazing value as well” according to Vinous critic Eric Guido, matching in quality to its higher profile Tuscan neighbors at a bargain price and a sure bet for lovers of bold Sangiovese wines seeking an outstanding value to enjoy whenever a taste of Tuscany calls. | ||
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2021 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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 92 pt. 2021 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant 92 pt. 2020 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection 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, his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years 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 pt. consulting winemaker Phillipe 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 point ratings throughout her tenure. Grown in cooler vineyards in south Napa and Carneros, the elegant 92 pt. 2021 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection comes from “a classic vintage in the making” according to James Suckling, barrel fermented in 18% new French oak without malolactic fermentation and sur lie aged for 10 months before being bottled and yielding aromatic fresh fruit hinting of toasty spice with vibrant acidity. 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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2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a veritable Cabernet Sauvignon tour de force” by the Wine Spectator’s James Laube, the lush and concentrated 2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley lives up to the hype, revealing fresh aromatic fruit hinting of spiced vanilla and rustic herbs with supple, velvet tannins and a signature silky smooth finish, delivering Silver Oak’s consistently exceptional quality and sheer drinkability at a best on the market price. Located just north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County’s warmest appellation, the Silver Oak Alexander Valley winery features a modern barn-inspired tasting room with floor to ceiling glass walls framing panoramic vineyard views, the surrounding 75 acres planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Alexander Valley AVA. Founded as a partnership in 1972 to produce a single wine from Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak was established by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyers on a 258-acre dairy property on the Oakville Cross Road, the dairy barn’s location halfway between the Silverado Trail and Oakville inspiring its name. Brought in by Duncan to craft the wine, founder and former co-owner Justin Meyer was driven to create an American version of Chateau Latour, but instead using American oak to age the Cabernet Sauvignon in barrels first purchased from Beaulieu Vineyards. Now completely family-owned and run by Ray’s sons David and Tim Duncan, Silver Oak produced the 2019 Alexander Valley with 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, always a higher percentage than its Napa bottling, blending it from the Alexander Estate and the Miraval and Red Tail Vineyards at the southern end of the AVA close to the Russian River as well as Crazy Creek a few miles north of the winery, the diverse growing conditions and rocky volcanic soils adding rich complexity to the final blend. Sourced from “a brilliant vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon” according to Jeb Dunnuck, winemaker David Weiss, formerly at Patz and Hall and Antinori’s Antica Napa Valley, crafted the final blend of the 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley prior to aging, a signature of the harmonious Silver Oak style, transferring it to American oak barrels from Silver Oak’s own cooperage and aging it for 24 months, yielding a lush, concentrated Cab with well-integrated tannins that’s ready to drink upon release and built to cellar for decades. Gaining “a legion of cult-like fans for nearly 40 years with a consistent, drinkable style” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Laube, Silver Oak collectors and lovers of smooth, age worthy California Cabs won’t need convincing to stock up on the smooth and satisfying 2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting its 50 year quality legacy and promising pleasurable drinking at value pricing that makes it easy to pull the cork more often. | ||
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2021 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage producing “elegant, balanced wines” according to the Wine Spectator, Zinfandel lovers will have a hard time deciding among these top-rated selections from the region’s Zinfandel experts, all offering exceptional value whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Established in 2007, Bedrock’s founder and winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson is dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating old vineyards around California, sourcing his old vine Zinfandel from vines averaging around 80 years old. Crafted mainly from Sonoma grown fruit, the fresh and aromatic 94 pt. 2021 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine offers ripe spiced fruit “with good structure, fresh acidity and fine tannins” according to Jeb Dunnuck who calls it “an outstanding value” that’s ready to enjoy over the next few years. Situated on 53 acres in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley, Limerick Lane Cellars is a renowned Zinfandel specialist, its oldest vines dating back to 1910. Called “an absolute winner” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel is a blend of estate-grown fruit and a handful of old vine sites from around the region, while the richly textured 95 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel 1910 Block comes from the estate’s original century old parcel, called “a gutsy version, built in an old-school style” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish with enticing briary fruit and layered tannins promising to age for another decade. Named for founder Lee Martinelli’s grandparents who first planted grapes there in the 1880’s, Martinelli’s Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard is located in the Russian River AVA on the steepest non-terraced hillside in Sonoma County, aptly named Jackass Hill because of its challenging terrain and still home to his grandfather’s original vines. Aged in a mix of 40% new French oak and 60% neutral French Oak for 11 months, the rich and elegant 97 pt. 2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard offers alluring aromatic fruit layered with spice and fresh juicy acidity, its deep, firm tannins promising over a decade of evolution. Described by Decanter as a vintage of “powerfully-constructed, brambly, spicy reds,” these highly rated, site-expressive 2021 California Zinfandels offer an appealing range of styles and age-ability from some of the region’s top old vine sites, crafted by Zinfandel specialists and all built to deliver pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A superb value for fans of rich and age worthy Napa Cabs, the lush 93 pt. 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon balances ripe velvety dark fruit with bright acidity and silky tannins, produced in a "fabulous" Napa vintage according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and ready to reward Cab lovers and collectors who secure their stash years of pleasurable drinking to come. Situated between two vineyard-covered hillsides with clusters of pine trees topping the slopes, Pine Ridge Vineyards has produced its outstanding Napa Cabernet Sauvignon just off the Silverado Trail for over 40 years, “a pleasure-bent beauty” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck that has consistently garnered 90 plus pt. ratings over the last decade. Spanning 160 acres within five AVA’s, the grapes were hand harvested from the estate’s sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Napa Valley including Stags Leap, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros, the outstanding 2021 vintage producing below average yields of small, intensely flavored berries. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petite Sirah and Malbec, winemaker Michael Beaulac aged the 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon in a combination of 35% new French oak, 15% new American oak and the remaining 50% in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months, yielding alluring fresh fruit hinting of vanilla and forest with lush, integrated tannins promising longevity. Layering the unique qualities of each AVA into a seamless, harmonious blend, Napa Cab lovers won’t need convincing to stock up on the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, continuing the estate's 40 year quality legacy in Napa Valley and exclusively offered at an unbeatable price to enjoy over the next decade. | ||
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2019 Fattoria la Massa Toscana (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “one of the most electric wineries in Italy” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, it’s easy to love the elegant 96 pt. 2019 Fattoria la Massa Toscana, a meticulously balanced Super Tuscan style red revealing lush, juicy fresh fruit with enticing minerality on a precise, savory finish and a superb value for Italian wine lovers and fans of bold Sangiovese blends seeking a bargain priced red to enjoy often. Considered both a visionary and renegade in the region, the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner calls winemaker Giampaolo Motta “the secret sauce” of La Massa, his decision to produce a declassified red in lieu of a Chianti Classico inspired by his time spent in Bordeaux. Located in the spectacular Conca d’Oro or “Golden Basin” of Panzano amphitheater also home to top Chianti producers including Fontodi and Castello di Rampolla, Giampaolo purchased the 45 hectare La Massa property in the early 1990’s, implementing a lengthy restoration of the historic estate’s 27 hectares of sustainably farmed hillside vineyards and building a new state of the art winery designed by the same architects responsible for facilities at Chateaux Latour, Petrus and Mouton Rothschild. Initially working under the direction of famed enologist and friend Carlo Ferrini, Giampaolo has relied on renowned French consultant Stephane Derenoncourt since 2008 to refine the entry level Toscana along with his flagship Giorgio Primo blend, leaning “strongly towards Bordeaux for inspiration” according to critic Antonio Galloni while reflecting its vineyard origins in Panzano, the estate more recently energized by an investment from the Tommasi Family Estates of Valpolicella. Situated northwest of the town of Panzano, La Massa’s vines are planted with a southern facing exposure at elevations from 315 to 460 meters above sea level in mostly clay mixed with schistous galestro, the soil enhancing graphite aromas and adding distinct minerality to the 2019 Toscana. Blending 50% Sangiovese with Merlot, Petit Verdot and a small amount of Alicante Bousquet that darkens the color, Giampaolo aged the harmonious and refined 2019 Fattoria la Massa Toscana in mostly stainless steel with 20% in barrique, around 10% of the barrels from new French oak, yielding fresh, fragrant fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins, summed up as “a little masterpiece” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Describing it as “both a fabulous expression of the estate and a ridiculous value,” the enticing 96 pt. 2019 Fattoria la Massa Toscana “delivers the goods" according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, a delicious and well-crafted Super Tuscan blend bargain priced for less than many of its high profile neighbors' Chianti Classicos that’s not only one of the region’s top values but one of the best red wine values in all of Italy. | ||
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2015 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Lopez de Heredia is the apotheosis of traditional, classic wines: taut, fresh, bucolic, utterly charming and amazingly long-lived.” Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Aged for nearly as long as many Gran Reserva Riojas at a fraction of the price, the remarkable 93 pt. 2015 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza is without a doubt one of the region's top values in classically styled Rioja, its fresh, bright red fruit balanced by juicy, tantalizing acidity and finishing long with smooth tannins, crafted by the historic estate described as the “Rioja standard-bearer” by the Wine Spectator’s Gillian Sciaretta and over delivering in a big way for fans and collectors of age worthy Spanish reds. Accessed through a labyrinth of vaulted underground corridors and staircases, visitors to the massive cobweb-laced cellars of Lopez de Heredia find themselves in a setting reminiscent of a Hitchcock film, but make no mistake - these damp, moldy cellars are the present day ground zero for the region's most classically styled and meticulously aged Riojas and essential to Lopez de Heredia’s iconic wine making legacy. Stretched over the length of two football fields below their bodega in Haro’s famed Barrio de la Estacion, the Lopez de Heredia cellars boast over 13,000 225-liter American oak barrels of varied ages, the winery continuously family owned and operated since 1877 and now run by fourth generation Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia and her sister Mercedes. Described as “the most traditional among Rioja traditionalists” by the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez, Lopez de Heredia sources its wines from estate vineyards spanning over 124 hectares, crafting the 2015 Vina Cubillo from a blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha grown in a mix of alluvial clay and limestone in the estate’s sustainably farmed Vina Cubillo vineyard located a few kilometers from the winery at over 400 meters above sea level. Fermented spontaneously in a mix of neutral wooden casks some dating back over a century, the fresh and long-lived 2015 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza was aged for 3 years in well-seasoned American oak barrels then transferred to larger neutral casks before further extended aging in bottle, released only when ready to enjoy and displaying exceptional “depth and capacity to please” according to Decanter’s Simon Field. Summing up its rich potential to continue to evolve, critic Neal Martin declared, "a bottle of Lopez de Heredia is an individual and each time you meet, you may see a different side to its personality," the deliciously satisfying 93 pt. 2015 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza an elegant, classically styled Rioja with underlying intensity that promises a fabulous ride for Rioja lovers seeking a bargain priced red to reach for again and again. | ||
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2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A rich and age worthy Sangiovese blend from on outstanding vintage, the elegant aromatic 95 pt. 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva offers bright, earthy fruit balanced by juicy acidity and smooth, refined tannins, a top scoring red from the lesser-known Tuscany region producing “lively, refreshing, engaging wines” according to the Wine Independent’s Susan Hulme that rivals the reds of neighboring Tuscan regions at a fraction of the cost. Spanning over 500 hectares of land, Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo founded Carpineto in Chianti Classico in 1967, expanding their portfolio to produce Vino Nobile from vineyards southeast of the hilltop town of Montepulciano in the late 1990’s. With a history dating back over five centuries in Tuscany and among the first regions in Italy approved for DOCG status in 1980, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has experienced a steady rise in quality over the last decade, crafting polished, terroir-driven Sangiovese “of real character that also offer tremendous quality for the money” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinou from the lesser-known Tuscany region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, s. Set in the rolling hills at around 250 meters above sea level, Carpineto’s sustainably farmed 84.5 hectares of vineyards are planted mainly to Sangiovese in a mix of sand and “tufa” clay soil, surrounded by a biodiverse area that includes a small natural lake and a 12-hectare olive grove. Blending mostly Sangiovese with the indigenous Canaiolo, winemaker Caterina Sacchet aged the opulent 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva in a mix of used Slavonian and French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months before bottling, extending the aging for an additional year beyond the minimal three year requirement for a Riserva and yielding a beautifully balanced Sangiovese with lively acidity and “enough tannins to age another decade or longer” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson. A pure and transparent expression of Sangiovese from the lesser-known Tuscany region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, the alluring and age worthy 95 pt. 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is among the top rated Vino Nobile’s of the vintage and an outstanding value, ready for Sangiovese fans and anyone seeking a taste of Tuscany to enjoy freely for years to come at an exceptional bargain price. | ||
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2021 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage producing “elegant, balanced wines” according to the Wine Spectator, Zinfandel lovers will have a hard time deciding among these top-rated selections from the region’s Zinfandel experts, all offering exceptional value whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Established in 2007, Bedrock’s founder and winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson is dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating old vineyards around California, sourcing his old vine Zinfandel from vines averaging around 80 years old. Crafted mainly from Sonoma grown fruit, the fresh and aromatic 94 pt. 2021 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine offers ripe spiced fruit “with good structure, fresh acidity and fine tannins” according to Jeb Dunnuck who calls it “an outstanding value” that’s ready to enjoy over the next few years. Situated on 53 acres in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley, Limerick Lane Cellars is a renowned Zinfandel specialist, its oldest vines dating back to 1910. Called “an absolute winner” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel is a blend of estate-grown fruit and a handful of old vine sites from around the region, while the richly textured 95 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel 1910 Block comes from the estate’s original century old parcel, called “a gutsy version, built in an old-school style” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish with enticing briary fruit and layered tannins promising to age for another decade. Named for founder Lee Martinelli’s grandparents who first planted grapes there in the 1880’s, Martinelli’s Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard is located in the Russian River AVA on the steepest non-terraced hillside in Sonoma County, aptly named Jackass Hill because of its challenging terrain and still home to his grandfather’s original vines. Aged in a mix of 40% new French oak and 60% neutral French Oak for 11 months, the rich and elegant 97 pt. 2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard offers alluring aromatic fruit layered with spice and fresh juicy acidity, its deep, firm tannins promising over a decade of evolution. Described by Decanter as a vintage of “powerfully-constructed, brambly, spicy reds,” these highly rated, site-expressive 2021 California Zinfandels offer an appealing range of styles and age-ability from some of the region’s top old vine sites, crafted by Zinfandel specialists and all built to deliver pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2021 Caymus-Suisun The Walking Fool (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from North Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Welcome to Round Two of our exceptional offer from the Wagner Family of Wines, a terrific opportunity to stock up on the limited 2020 Caymus liters along with some outstanding big, bold reds from Caymus-Suisun and a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot crafted by the Caymus team, all at specially negotiated pricing while they last. Backed by the quality legacy of Caymus founder Chuck Wagner, here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Sourced from cooler coastal vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chuck Wagner’s richly styled 2021 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve offers opulent, buttery tropical fruit. Crafted by Chuck’s daughter Jenny Wagner, the crisp and refreshing 2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus fruit flavors with bright acidity, and the full-bodied 2020 Emmolo Merlot boasts ripe and rich dark fruit hinting of oak and vanilla with smooth supple tannins. Produced at the Wagner Family’s new state of the art winery located in Solana County’s Suisun Valley (pronounced su-soon), the outstanding 2020 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a blend highlighting bold, luscious dark Petit Sirah with hints of toasted herbs and spice layered with plush tannins while the lush 2021 Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool boasts the earthy, spiced flavors of Zinfandel with tantalizing acidity on a smooth finish. Declared “an American classic,” by Decanter’s Stephen Brook, the newly released 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from top quality ripe Napa fruit and aged in mostly new French oak for 16 months before bottling, its rich texture layered with luscious vanilla and toasted oak, finishing long with integrated, velvety tannins that promise longevity. As the first to introduce Caymus to Florida, B-21 Caymus fans are reaping the rewards of our long standing relationship with special pricing on one liter bottles of 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1000 ml.), available while they last at the same price as the standard 750 ml. With the Caymus reputation for quality behind each label, this unique opportunity to stock up on one liter bottles of 2020 Caymus or mix a case or two from the Wagner's wide ranging portfolio at special bargain pricing is offered for a limited time, all immensely enjoyable wines that will have Caymus fans wishing they’d bought more. | ||
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2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “wine of pure class” by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Larkin, the enticing 96 pt. 2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc offers ripe, juicy stone fruit and citrusy grapefruit flavors with lively, mineral-tinged acidity on a richly textured finish, a pure, vineyard-driven New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc crafted with the expertise of one of Sancerre’s most esteemed estates to transparently express Marlborough’s unique glacial terroir priced for Sauv Blanc aficionados to stock the cooler. With a family history as growers in the Loire Valley spanning ten generations, Domaine Henri Bourgeois has been producing terroir-driven expressions of Sauvignon Blanc in the heart of the Sancerre region for over 70 years, expanding its reach south to New Zealand and now ranked among Marlborough's top Sauv Blanc producers. After a twelve year worldwide search for land similar to their property in Sancerre, the family purchased 98 hectares of pastureland nestled in the southern foothills of the South Island's Wairau Valley, attracted by the region’s optimal combination of soil and climate for growing Sauvignon Blanc and establishing Clos Henri in 2000. Implementing organic and biodynamic viticulture in their new endeavor, the 100 hectares of vineyards lie at the convergence of two distinct geological ages split by the Wairau fault line, boasting distinctive glacial soils and enjoying long, dry growing seasons with cool nighttime temperatures. Now over 20 years old, the vines for the 2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc were planted in an abundance of ancient river stones deposited during the Otiran glacial period, the well-draining rocky soils and sunny, dry climate yielding elegant, balanced wines with mineral-driven acidity. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, French born winemaker Damien Yvon aged the elegant 2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc on the lees for 8 months in a mix of stainless steel, older French oak barrels and Austrian casks with six months longer in tank and barrel before bottling, yielding a core of intense fruit flavors elegantly balanced by fresh acidity and stony minerality on a lengthy, mouthwatering finish, summed up by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Larkin as “sensational.” One of the estate’s new single-vineyard bottlings showing “a layer of complexity above your everyday Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Packard, the rich and refined 96 pt. 2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc is one of the top rated Sauv Blancs from the 2022 harvest, a masterful expression of Marlborough terroir boasting Sancerre-like elegance and depth that will have Sauvignon Blanc lovers reaching for another pour. | ||
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2019 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a gorgeous and sumptuous wine” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and among the “upper echelons of Tuscan wine” according to Gambero Rosso, Petrolo’s Galatrona is a standout even among its famed Super Tuscan peers, earning its well-deserved reputation vintage over vintage as “Tuscany’s answer to Petrus” according to the Wine Spectator, this offer for three stunning vintages among the best values in the region and simply not to be missed by lovers and collectors of Italy’s best red wines. Located on a winding hillside road in northwest of Arezzo just outside the Chianti Classico zone, the strikingly beautiful Petrolo estate spans 672 acres of woodlands, olive groves and pristine hillside vineyards, the highest point dominated by the rustic centuries’ old sandstone watchtower for which Galatrona is named. Leaving his career as a successful painter to run his family’s estate 30 years ago, vintner Luca Sanjust had a passion for the great Merlots of Pomerol, fueling the idea of producing a pure Merlot in Tuscany from the low yielding Bordeaux vines that his mother Lucia had first planted on the estate in the late 1980’s and releasing the first Galatrona in 1994 to unanimous critical acclaim. Fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, the Petrolo Galatrona is aged for 18 to 20 months in a mix of large French oak barrels and barriques about a third new, expertly balancing elegance and immense power in an opulent style reminiscent of Le Pin according to James Suckling who calls it “the Merlot bombshell from Tuscany.” Crafted under legendary consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner describes the 99 pt. 2019 Petrolo Galatrona as “soft and luscious, spreading evenly over the palate with elegance and sweeping intensity,” while the 97 pt. 2020 Petrolo Galatrona is “stunning”with all the elements “so impeccably woven together,” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, summing it up as “magnificent.” Declared “a tremendous wine by any measure” by critic Galloni, the 98 pt. 2021 Petrolo Galatrona is “totally unputdownable” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle “with lots of potential for improvement over ageing” and a lifespan of several decades. Describing Petrolo as “a jewel of an estate” crafting “some of the most beautiful wines in Tuscany,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the Petrolo Galatrona a “stunning value for the money” priced at a fraction of other highly rated Super Tuscan blends, these recent exceptional vintages already drinking beautifully and promising collectors who stash some away the opportunity to enjoy Petrolo’s elegantly complex and truly gorgeous expression of Tuscan Merlot for years to come. | ||
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2022 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi (750ml) | ||
Cortese from Gavi, Piedmont, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A jewel of a Piedmont white wine delivering remarkable value, the crisp and elegant 91 pt. 2022 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi balances fresh, aromatic citrus and stone fruit flavors with racy, mineral-driven acidity, a delicious, top rated Gavi for Italian wine lovers and anyone seeking a beautifully crafted dry white wine that’s bargain priced for stocking the cooler. Perched on a hilltop in the southern end of Piedmont, the winding drive up to Villa Sparina welcomes guests with all the trappings of a luxury resort and spa, its chic hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant set above a magnificent labyrinth of cellars where Villa Sparina crafts its consistently top scoring Gavi di Gavi from the local grape Cortese. Earning the title of “European Winery of the Year” in 2021 from the Wine Enthusiast, the estate spans 100 hectares in the middle of the Gavi DOCG, surrounded by gardens and meadows with 70 hectares of vines and run by second generation siblings Stefano, Tiziana and Massimo Moccagatta. Planted mainly to Cortese in clay and marl soils, Villa Sparina’s organically farmed vineyards are located at altitudes between 250 to 300 meters above sea level on a mostly south and southwest aspect that promotes even ripening, enjoying the moderating maritime influence of the nearby Ligurian Sea to the south. Sourced from Cortese vines averaging 30 years of age, the hand-harvested grapes for the 2022 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi were fermented in stainless steel for three weeks and immediately bottled in its striking amphora-shaped bottles to preserve freshness, the unique bottle design inspired by the discovery of an ancient Roman vase during the estate’s restoration. Reflecting the estate’s long-standing reputation for producing “serious Gavi as always” according to James Suckling, the fresh and vibrant 91 pt. 2022 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi boasts lush aromatic fruit hinting of Ligurian sea breezes on a refreshing, crisp finish, a crowd pleasing Italian white wine equally delicious for sipping or when paired with food at an unbeatable wallet-friendly price | ||
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2020 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Excellent” Neal Martin, Vinous An unbeatable value for lovers of classically styled Chablis, the vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Jean Marc Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire offers fresh aromatic fruit hinting of honey and salt air with crisp, bright acidity, an elegant, refreshing white from northern Burgundy crafted from old vine Chardonnay that’s bargain priced to stock the cooler and enjoy often. Located in Prehy near the village of Chablis, the winding drive to Domaine Jean Marc Brocard leads through meticulous vineyards past the 15th century Church of Saint Claire, the estate’s original parcel of 1.5 hectares near the Church gifted to Brocard as a wedding present from his wife’s family nearly 50 years ago. Now spanning over 200 hectares, Brocard’s vineyards were the first to be organically and biodynamically farmed in the region, a particularly challenging approach in an area where grapes are prone to mildew and one that has paid quality dividends under the management of his son Julien since 1997. Planted 70 years ago at the end of World War II, the roots of the low yielding Sainte Claire vines reach down 25 meters deep into Kimmeridgian soil that imparts a signature chalky minerality to the cuvee, the warmer 2022 growing season described by Decanter as an “overwhelmingly positive” vintage producing healthy, high-quality fruit. Fermented parcel by parcel with indigenous yeasts, the vibrant 2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire was aged on the lees in stainless steel imparting a creamy texture to the intensely concentrated old vine Chardonnay fruit, elegantly balancing the vintage’s ripeness with steely, bright acidity on a fresh, polished finish. Garnering scores that exceed many 1er and Grand Crus from the vintage, the overachieving 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire delivers the elegant rich flavors and tantalizing acidity that will have Chablis lovers reaching for another pour, its decidedly reasonable price a bonus for white Burgundy fans and anyone seeking a delicious everyday white at an outstanding value. | ||
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2019 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located in Italy’s first and oldest red wine appellation near the medieval town of Montepulciano, Avignonesi produces exceptional, terroir expressive Tuscan wines ranging from thrilling 100% Sangiovese selections as well as highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from meticulously managed, sustainably farmed vineyards, all superb values priced well below the red wines of neighboring regions perfect for mixing a case. Purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards under the direction of renowned agronomer Adriano Zago, fully converting to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate’s holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade and becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, the rolling vineyards are situated at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the qualities of each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study with each parcel vinified separately in Avignonesi’s state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese, the entry level 91 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Rosso offers fresh juicy red fruit that’s “vivid and delicious” according to James Suckling, aged for 6 months in oak barrels to yield soft tannins on a smooth, balanced finish. Crafting their Vino Nobile from 100% Sangiovese despite the minimum requirement of 70% adhered to by many wineries in the region, the enticing 92 pt. 2019 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers bright fruit balanced by vibrant acidity on a silky, saline-tinged finish, while the single vineyard 94 pt. 2018 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poggetto di Sopra is sourced from 40-year-old Sangiovese vines and aged for 24 months in oak barrels and tonneaux yielding elegant spiced dark fruit with silky tannins, both Vino Nobiles promising to evolve for another decade. Crafting two distinct cuvees from international varietals, the 93 pt. 2019 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 18 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing rich dark fruit hinting of graphite with robust tannins while the 100% Merlot 93 pt. 2019 Avignonesi Desiderio offers juicy rich fruit with silky, refined tannins, both from an outstanding 2019 vintage according to Decanter’s Michaela Morris that promises “loads of enjoyment over the next seven to ten years.” Offering a range of exceptional vineyard-driven wines that overdeliver value, Eric Guido of Vinous declared “for a lesson on Montepulciano’s terroir, one needs to look no further than Avignonesi,” these enticing selections promising to transport fans of Tuscan wines to the rolling hills of Montepulciano at a bargain price whenever a cork is pulled. | ||
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2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Santa Barbara, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Consistently garnering 90 plus pt. ratings and called “an amazing value” by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla offers luscious, layered fruit hinting of earthy spice with smooth, supple tannins, a delicious, top-scoring red blend from one of the Central’s Coast’s pioneering producers bargain priced to enjoy often over the next few years. Searching for limestone-rich soils near the Pacific Ocean, founder Tom Stolman was among the first to cultivate wine grapes in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley on California’s Central Coast, planting his initial vines in what is now the Ballard County AVA nearly 50 years ago and establishing Stolpman Vineyards in 1990. Spanning 153 acres and now under the direction of Tom’s son Peter, Stolpman’s sustainably farmed vineyards are situated on three distinct limestone ridges, sustainably farmed without irrigation under the direction of legendary vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano and his full-time vineyard crew known as “La Cuadrilla.” Originally established as a training opportunity for vineyard workers to manage a small block (or “cuadra” in Spanish) and give them stable, year-round employment, the La Cuadrilla blend has grown to over 10% of the estate’s total production, the profits used by Stolpman to reward their dedicated full-time vineyard crew with weekly and year-end bonuses. Blending 60% Syrah with 30% Grenache and small amounts of Mourvedre and Sangiovese from estate vineyards and Ruben’s parcels throughout the County, winemaker Kyle Knapp aged the 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla in large 100% neutral French oak casks for 6 months, preserving its appealing fresh red fruit flavors and bright acidity with satiny, fine-grained tannins on a savory, polished finish. Crafted “with notable freshness and verve” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla boasts easy drinkability in a bold, lush style that makes it an outstanding choice for an everyday pour, its value pricing part of the Stolpman legacy of over delivering value for savvy wine lovers seeking a great deal. | ||
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2021 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The classically styled, age worthy Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, the 96 pt. 2021 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood offer the combination of aromatic, vibrant earthy fruit and smooth, silky tannins that beckons Oregon Pinot fans to pour another glass, meticulously crafted by one of the region’s pioneering Pinot Noir producers at a terrific value price to enjoy often. Relocating from California in the 1960’s, founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi were among the first to reject the advice of UC Davis experts that the Willamette Valley was unsuitable for growing Pinot Noir, purchasing a 20-acre farm southwest of Portland in Beaverton and releasing their first vintage of Ponzi Vineyard Pinot Noir in 1974. Expanding over the last five decades to encompass 130 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards, Ponzi was one of the key players encouraging the establishment of the new Laurelwood AVA, situated on the north and east facing slopes of the Chehalem Mountains at one of Willamette's highest elevations and marked by its unique ancient basalt layered over the silty soil called loess that is known for contributing earthy, spiced nuances to Pinot Noir. From a cooler vintage that produced “epic Pinot Noirs of noteworthy elegance and energy” according to Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, second generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi sourced the 2019 Ponzi Pinot Noir Tavola from Ponzi’s 25-acre Avellana Vineyard in the newly established Laurelwood District AVA along with other sustainably grown plots in the Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton, and Eola-Amity Hills AVA’s, fermenting the parcels with native yeasts and aging it in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding plush, mouth coating fruit with balanced acidity and integrated fine tannins. Sourced from Ponzi’s most established vineyards throughout the Laurelwood District AVA, the elegant 96 pt. Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood boasts aromatic, spiced brambly fruit with juicy acidity and sleek tannins, from an outstanding vintage the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish describes as “a return to form for those who love classic Oregon Pinot Noir.” Among the greatest values in Oregon Pinot Noir, the 96 pt. 2021 Ponzi Pinot Noir Laurelwood continue Ponzi’s legacy as “a reference point for American Pinot Noir” according to the Wine Advocate, expressing their unique Willamette Valley origins and unbeatably priced to mix a case to enjoy over the next decade. | ||
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2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Welcome to Round Two of our exceptional offer from the Wagner Family of Wines, a terrific opportunity to stock up on the limited 2020 Caymus liters along with some outstanding big, bold reds from Caymus-Suisun and a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot crafted by the Caymus team, all at specially negotiated pricing while they last. Backed by the quality legacy of Caymus founder Chuck Wagner, here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Sourced from cooler coastal vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chuck Wagner’s richly styled 2021 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve offers opulent, buttery tropical fruit. Crafted by Chuck’s daughter Jenny Wagner, the crisp and refreshing 2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus fruit flavors with bright acidity, and the full-bodied 2020 Emmolo Merlot boasts ripe and rich dark fruit hinting of oak and vanilla with smooth supple tannins. Produced at the Wagner Family’s new state of the art winery located in Solana County’s Suisun Valley (pronounced su-soon), the outstanding 2020 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a blend highlighting bold, luscious dark Petit Sirah with hints of toasted herbs and spice layered with plush tannins while the lush 2021 Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool boasts the earthy, spiced flavors of Zinfandel with tantalizing acidity on a smooth finish. Declared “an American classic,” by Decanter’s Stephen Brook, the newly released 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from top quality ripe Napa fruit and aged in mostly new French oak for 16 months before bottling, its rich texture layered with luscious vanilla and toasted oak, finishing long with integrated, velvety tannins that promise longevity. As the first to introduce Caymus to Florida, B-21 Caymus fans are reaping the rewards of our long standing relationship with special pricing on one liter bottles of 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1000 ml.), available while they last at the same price as the standard 750 ml. With the Caymus reputation for quality behind each label, this unique opportunity to stock up on one liter bottles of 2020 Caymus or mix a case or two from the Wagner's wide ranging portfolio at special bargain pricing is offered for a limited time, all immensely enjoyable wines that will have Caymus fans wishing they’d bought more. | ||
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2022 Mer Soleil Monterey Chardonnay Reserve (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Monterey, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Welcome to Round Two of our exceptional offer from the Wagner Family of Wines, a terrific opportunity to stock up on the limited 2020 Caymus liters along with some outstanding big, bold reds from Caymus-Suisun and a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot crafted by the Caymus team, all at specially negotiated pricing while they last. Backed by the quality legacy of Caymus founder Chuck Wagner, here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Sourced from cooler coastal vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chuck Wagner’s richly styled 2021 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve offers opulent, buttery tropical fruit. Crafted by Chuck’s daughter Jenny Wagner, the crisp and refreshing 2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus fruit flavors with bright acidity, and the full-bodied 2020 Emmolo Merlot boasts ripe and rich dark fruit hinting of oak and vanilla with smooth supple tannins. Produced at the Wagner Family’s new state of the art winery located in Solana County’s Suisun Valley (pronounced su-soon), the outstanding 2020 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a blend highlighting bold, luscious dark Petit Sirah with hints of toasted herbs and spice layered with plush tannins while the lush 2021 Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool boasts the earthy, spiced flavors of Zinfandel with tantalizing acidity on a smooth finish. Declared “an American classic,” by Decanter’s Stephen Brook, the newly released 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from top quality ripe Napa fruit and aged in mostly new French oak for 16 months before bottling, its rich texture layered with luscious vanilla and toasted oak, finishing long with integrated, velvety tannins that promise longevity. As the first to introduce Caymus to Florida, B-21 Caymus fans are reaping the rewards of our long standing relationship with special pricing on one liter bottles of 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1000 ml.), available while they last at the same price as the standard 750 ml. With the Caymus reputation for quality behind each label, this unique opportunity to stock up on one liter bottles of 2020 Caymus or mix a case or two from the Wagner's wide ranging portfolio at special bargain pricing is offered for a limited time, all immensely enjoyable wines that will have Caymus fans wishing they’d bought more. | ||
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2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage producing “elegant, balanced wines” according to the Wine Spectator, Zinfandel lovers will have a hard time deciding among these top-rated selections from the region’s Zinfandel experts, all offering exceptional value whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Established in 2007, Bedrock’s founder and winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson is dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating old vineyards around California, sourcing his old vine Zinfandel from vines averaging around 80 years old. Crafted mainly from Sonoma grown fruit, the fresh and aromatic 94 pt. 2021 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine offers ripe spiced fruit “with good structure, fresh acidity and fine tannins” according to Jeb Dunnuck who calls it “an outstanding value” that’s ready to enjoy over the next few years. Situated on 53 acres in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley, Limerick Lane Cellars is a renowned Zinfandel specialist, its oldest vines dating back to 1910. Called “an absolute winner” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel is a blend of estate-grown fruit and a handful of old vine sites from around the region, while the richly textured 95 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel 1910 Block comes from the estate’s original century old parcel, called “a gutsy version, built in an old-school style” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish with enticing briary fruit and layered tannins promising to age for another decade. Named for founder Lee Martinelli’s grandparents who first planted grapes there in the 1880’s, Martinelli’s Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard is located in the Russian River AVA on the steepest non-terraced hillside in Sonoma County, aptly named Jackass Hill because of its challenging terrain and still home to his grandfather’s original vines. Aged in a mix of 40% new French oak and 60% neutral French Oak for 11 months, the rich and elegant 97 pt. 2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard offers alluring aromatic fruit layered with spice and fresh juicy acidity, its deep, firm tannins promising over a decade of evolution. Described by Decanter as a vintage of “powerfully-constructed, brambly, spicy reds,” these highly rated, site-expressive 2021 California Zinfandels offer an appealing range of styles and age-ability from some of the region’s top old vine sites, crafted by Zinfandel specialists and all built to deliver pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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NV Xavier Vignon SM2 (750ml) | ||
From Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Easily one of the best winemakers in the Southern Rhone” Jeb Dunnuck B-21 Rhone lovers and collectors know to expect a powerful, deeply complex red that’s incredibly delicious as well as insanely underpriced from genius winemaker Xavier Vignon, and the thrilling 94 pt. NV Xavier Vignon SM2 does not disappoint, a 50/50 blend of Northern Rhone Syrah and Southern Rhone Grenache from two exceptional vintages offering pure, elegant fruit with seamless balance and stunning longevity unbeatably priced to savor again and again over the next decade. Arriving the Rhone Valley after honing his blending skills in Champagne and working in top wine regions around the world, winemaker Xavier Vignon quickly became an expert in coaxing the best qualities from the region’s varied terroirs, establishing an unmatched reputation consulting for such luminaries as Marcoux, Raymond Usseglio and La Nerthe and cultivating a network of growers of some of the region’s oldest vines to craft his visionary blends. Preferring to age wines up to three winters before bottling and two winters after bottling, Xavier’s unique winemaking style of extended vinification and bottle aging can lead to wines being held back five or six years before reaching the market, but with minimal overhead because he doesn’t own an estate, Xavier has maintained his exceptional value pricing since his first release nearly two decades ago, his portfolio representing “a treasure trove for the savvy buyer” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Blended from grapes harvested in 2015 and 2016, both exceptional vintages in the Rhone, “SM” stands for “Septentrional” (of the North) and “Meridional” (of the South) referring to the Northern Rhone Syrah and Southern Rhone Grenache that makeup the NV Xavier Vignon SM2. Selecting specific low yielding parcels with high minerality that produce outstanding concentration, the Syrah comes from 50 year old vines in 15 different plots located on sandy, granite and loess soils while the Grenache come from vines over 80 years of age grown on 21 different plots of varied terroirs consisting of sand, gravel and limestone pebble soils. Hand harvesting, destemming and sorting on the plot, Xaiver aged the Grenache in concrete tanks and the Syrah in a mix of mostly truncated wooden vats and single use barrels for 20 months, blending the two varietals with flawless instinct to yield a rich and powerful NV Xavier Vignon SM2 that’s “going to drink nicely for a decade” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Only the second time Xavier has crafted his unique multi-vintage North South blend, it's impossible to overstate the exceptional depth, complexity and sheer drinkability of the 94 pt. NV Xavier Vignon SM, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the top CDPs at a mere fraction of the price and crafted by a singularly brilliant winemaker who never fails to deliver the goods. | ||
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