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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2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as competing “with the best of Napa” at a fraction of the price, these top scoring Paso Robles reds from DAOU represent some of the portfolio’s top values, from the rich and satisfying 92 pt. 2022 Pessimist Red Blend to the bright and silky 91 pt. 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and stellar, age worthy 95 pt. 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, all impeccably crafted to over deliver value at a bargain price. Perched at the highest point overlooking Paso Robles at the same altitude of Napa’s Howell Mountain, the spectacular DAOU Vineyards was founded by Georges and Daniel Daou over a decade ago, the brothers becoming known for pioneering Paso Robles as a top region for growing Bordeaux varietals and steadily building a reputation for “a massive lineup of stellar wines” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Composed of 59% Petite Sirah, 20% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah and 7% Lagrein aged for 10 months in 60% new French oak, the plush 92 pt. 2022 Pessimist is “an easy drinking blend” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, offering fresh aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of peppery spice with a soft texture and impressive, lengthy finish. A blend of 77.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.6% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Merlot and 0.4% Cabernet Franc aged for 8 months in 50% new French oak, the richly aromatic 91 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is “a formidable Cab” according to critic Matt Kettmann already drinking beautifully and earning a spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2023, a harmonious blend of silky dark fruit balanced by bright acidity described as “impossible to ignore” by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks. Produced in a hot and dry Paso vintage yielding smaller clusters and greater concentration, the refined 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 23% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, yielding intensely aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of graphite, cedar and earthy spice with smooth, balanced tannins on a long, velvety finish “with an underlying elegance that suggests it will age for years to come” according to James Suckling. A range of “gorgeous wines that continue to show what's possible with Bordeaux varieties from Paso Robles” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, these top scoring 2022 Daou reds are “profoundly colorful and powerful wines with an intense core of tannins and masses of rich fruit that nearly mask their hulking structures” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, reflecting the Daou legacy for delivering exceptional quality and tremendous value at a price that doesn’t break the bank. | ||
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2022 Daou Pessimist Red (750ml) | ||
Durif from Paso Robles, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as competing “with the best of Napa” at a fraction of the price, these top scoring Paso Robles reds from DAOU represent some of the portfolio’s top values, from the rich and satisfying 92 pt. 2022 Pessimist Red Blend to the bright and silky 91 pt. 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and stellar, age worthy 95 pt. 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, all impeccably crafted to over deliver value at a bargain price. Perched at the highest point overlooking Paso Robles at the same altitude of Napa’s Howell Mountain, the spectacular DAOU Vineyards was founded by Georges and Daniel Daou over a decade ago, the brothers becoming known for pioneering Paso Robles as a top region for growing Bordeaux varietals and steadily building a reputation for “a massive lineup of stellar wines” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Composed of 59% Petite Sirah, 20% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah and 7% Lagrein aged for 10 months in 60% new French oak, the plush 92 pt. 2022 Pessimist is “an easy drinking blend” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, offering fresh aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of peppery spice with a soft texture and impressive, lengthy finish. A blend of 77.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.6% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Merlot and 0.4% Cabernet Franc aged for 8 months in 50% new French oak, the richly aromatic 91 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is “a formidable Cab” according to critic Matt Kettmann already drinking beautifully and earning a spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2023, a harmonious blend of silky dark fruit balanced by bright acidity described as “impossible to ignore” by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks. Produced in a hot and dry Paso vintage yielding smaller clusters and greater concentration, the refined 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 23% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, yielding intensely aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of graphite, cedar and earthy spice with smooth, balanced tannins on a long, velvety finish “with an underlying elegance that suggests it will age for years to come” according to James Suckling. A range of “gorgeous wines that continue to show what's possible with Bordeaux varieties from Paso Robles” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, these top scoring 2022 Daou reds are “profoundly colorful and powerful wines with an intense core of tannins and masses of rich fruit that nearly mask their hulking structures” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, reflecting the Daou legacy for delivering exceptional quality and tremendous value at a price that doesn’t break the bank. | ||
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2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “A very strong, if not truly exceptional vintage for Napa Valley” Jeb Dunnuck A benchmark Napa Cab from a “classic vintage in the making” according to James Suckling, there’s much to like about the powerful and luxurious 95 pt. 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon, its layers of fresh, juicy dark fruit well balanced by bright, vibrant acidity with a long and complex finish, continuing the legacy of Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus Sr. as one of Coombsville’s pioneering vintners and a top value among Napa Cabs that’s ready to enjoy over the next decade. Painted in somber black and topped with an ominous, gothic style steeple, the striking 1870’s Victorian mansion called the Faust Haus is located 25 miles north of Coombsville near St. Helena on a hillside overlooking the lush valley floor, its modern decorator-designed tasting rooms and expansive outdoor verandas reflecting the signature luxurious style of the Faust Cabernet Sauvignon. Renowned as the CEO who transformed Concha y Toro into a global brand before becoming a leader in the California wine industry, longtime vintner Agustin Huneeus recognized the potential of the lesser known Coombsville long before it became an AVA and purchased the 113-acre Lewis Dairy Farm east of the town of Napa in 1998 to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, Faust now one of the appellation’s oldest vineyards and joined over the last two decades by some of the Napa’s top winemakers including Andy Erickson and Paul Hobbs. Located in one of Napa’s coolest subzones with temperatures nearly 10 degrees lower than most of the region, the 128-acre hillside Faust vineyard is planted in well-draining rocky, volcanic soils influenced by fog and marine breezes from nearby San Pablo Bay, the extended growing season allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors while preserving acidity. Sourced from a low yielding vintage that produced smaller concentrated grapes, winemaker David Jelinek blended mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville estate along with smaller lots from mountain and valley terroirs throughout Napa and aged the 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon for 20 months in 25% new French oak, yielding a deliciously smooth Cab that’s already drinking beautifully and built for years of enjoyment. From the legendary founder of Quintessa and a pioneer of Napa’s Coombsville AVA, the rich and satisfying 95 pt. 2021 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon offers a harmonious balance of luscious ripe fruit and tantalizing acidity from a superb vintage, an affordable luxury for Napa Cab fans seeking an outstanding value that promises pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2022 Hartford Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Full-bodied, with a ripe, classic feel, it has a nice, rounded mouthfeel and offers a lovely sense of place." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com From the Sonoma estate renowned for crafting Chardonnay from exceptional vineyard sites, the 92-point 2022 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay offers luscious, creamy fruit with bright acidity on an elegant finish with lingering notes of honey and spice, a beautifully balanced expression sourced from AVAs throughout the Russian River Valley. Located in the town of Forestville about 15 miles from the Pacific Coast, the Hartford Family Winery was founded by Don and Jenny Hartford in 1994, specializing in single vineyard releases from a range of small vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley. Veteran winemaker Jeff Stewart employs the same meticulous artisan techniques for the Russian River Valley blend as the vineyard-designated cuvées, hand-harvesting the grapes at night and early morning, fermenting with indigenous yeasts and bottling without fining and minimal filtration. Employing regular lees stirring to add layered complexity, Stewart and winemaker Tiann Lordan aged the 2022 for 10 months in 28% new French oak, yielding intense, lush fruit with subtle minerality and a supple texture, finishing with refreshing, well-integrated acidity. Summing up Hartford Family Winery’s reputation for quality and consistency, Wine Enthusiast’s Virginie Boone declared “there may be no better bang for your buck in Russian River Valley Chardonnay.” In other words, it's an unbeatable value for lovers of California Chard seeking a great deal. | ||
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2022 Flowers Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A "mixed bouquet” of fresh 2022 Flowers Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, these elegantly crafted 2022 Flowers selections express their cool climate Sonoma coast origins with pure, bright flavors and refined acidity, reflecting the estate’s continued “upwards shift in quality” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown and affordably priced for mixing a case. Considered pioneering producers of the rugged Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, expert growers Joan and Walt Flowers believed the region’s maritime-influenced climate and pervasive fog would allow grapes to develop complex flavors by ripening slowly and evenly, ignoring the common wisdom that the steep, mountainous terrain was inhospitable for viticulture and planting their Camp Meeting vineyard in 1990. Attracting an influx of elite winemakers including Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Peter Michael and Williams Selyem over the next decades, Flowers has fine-tuned their vineyard-focused approach over the last 15 years in partnership with Quintessa owner Augustin Huneeus, which along with consulting support from top Burgundy winemaker Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac has driven the quality of the Flowers’ wines “to a whole new level” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown. . Blending Chardonnay from Camp Meeting and other coastal vineyards and aged in 18% new French oak for 10 months, the elegant 95 pt. 2022 Flowers Chardonnay was crafted in a style described by Jeb Dunnuck as “classic, elegant Sonoma Coast,” offering fresh, aromatic fruit with lithe minerality and well-balanced acidity. Sourced from an excellent Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegantly aromatic 93 pt. 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir comes from the Flower’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate as well as select family-owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and was aged in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding a fresh and delicious Pinot with enticing dark berry fruit hinting of spice and earthy forest on a backbone of flinty, mineral-driven acidity, built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade. Credited with “helping to set a new standard of quality” in the region according to the Wine Spectator’s Kim Marcus, these outstanding 2022 Flowers selections continue the estate’s legacy of producing “impeccably made and high quality” wines according to Jeb Dunnuck, certain to thrill lovers of Flowers’ classically styled wines and all delicious choices for fans of California cool climate wines seeking a great deal. | ||
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2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Reserva (750ml) | ||
From Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Spanish wine fans searching for a "steal of a deal" on great Rioja need look no further than the outstanding, 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voché Reserva, offering deep, mouth-coating flavors of dark, earthy fruit and spiced vanilla with powerful, satiny tannins structured to age at an incredible value price. While Voché is a relatively new project from Bodegas Manzanos, the Manzanos family has been making wine along the Ebro River in Rioja for five generations, founding the oldest winery in Haro in 1801. Focusing on old-vine fruit, the Voché Reserva is a blend of mostly Tempranillo and the lesser-known Graciano, an inherently spicy, dark-skinned grape that enhances aromas and adds structure and freshness. The vineyards for the 2016 Voché Reserva include the oldest Graciano parcel in Rioja called El Barranco, its 70-year-old vines planted on sandy soil with pebbles at around 400 meters. After fermenting in stainless steel, the 2016 was aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% second year French oak, then 24 months longer in bottle, finishing “long and compact” according to Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson and built to evolve over the next decade. From an exceptional vintage, one of Spain’s “all-time greats” according to Decanter’s Michael Schachner, the muscular and opulent 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voché Reserva delivers layers of bold flavors with smoky, earthy undertones that will have Rioja fans reaching for it again and again over the next decade, easy to do at this price. | ||
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2021 Dominio de Pingus Psi (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Incredibly elegant” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate From the producer of one of Spain's most highly collectible wines, the rich and polished 96 pt. 2021 Dominio de Pingus Psi offers fresh and juicy aromatic fruit hinting of spice with zesty acidity and layered, silky tannins, a refined and age worthy Ribera del Duero priced well below the estate’s flagship cuvee and an unbeatable value for fans of bold Tempranillo blends to enjoy often over the next decade. Awarded the highest Wine Advocate score ever for a Spanish wine at the time, Danish-born and Bordeaux trained winemaker Peter Sisseck released the first vintage of Pingus in 1995, but the boat transporting the first 75 cases to the USA was shipwrecked in the Azores, fueling its already soaring demand and rocketing Pingus to cult status with premium pricing to match. Thankfully for Ribera del Duero fans, Sisseck soon had another idea to craft an affordable wine from old vine fruit mirroring the quality legacy of Pingus, raising the standards among the region’s independent growers by incentivizing them to improve viticultural practices and naming it Psi for the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet. Formed as a coop from established growers in 2006, the Psi project has supplied technical expertise to preserve many of the region’s century-old, head-pruned vines while reducing yields and implementing biodynamic and organic farming practices to improve overall vineyard health, producing exceptional fruit by paying the independent growers a premium for quality instead of quantity. Sourced from over 700 high-altitude parcels in eastern Castilla y Leon, the 2021 Dominio de Pingus Psi is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 18 months mainly in used oak vats and a small amount of new oak barrels, yielding “a distinctive Ribero del Duero with excellent nuance and agility” according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo with the structure to age for another decade and beyond. Garnering the same score as the estate’s prestigious second label Flor de Pingus in 2021 and crafted with the meticulous standards of the flagship cuvee, the alluring 96 pt. 2021 Dominio de Pingus Psi continues its run as one of Ribera del Duero’s top-rated values, quietly creating its own cult-like following among savvy Spanish wine lovers and collectors seeking an exceptional deal. | ||
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2023 Diatom Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fans of winemaker Greg Brewer’s pure and precise Santa Barbara County Chardonnays won’t need convincing to stock up on the new vintage of the elegant 94 pt. 2023 Diatom Chardonnay, transparently expressing the essence of fragrant Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay with shimmering minerality on a vibrant, saline finish and a “screaming value” according to Jeb Dunnuck that over delivers. Described as “the purest possible expression of Chardonnay from this region” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, veteran winemaker Greg Brewer established Diatom in 2005 in the Central Coast’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA to capture Chardonnay in its “most pure and unadulterated state,” naming it for the region’s distinctive marine sedimentary soils of fossilized plankton among the largest deposits in the world. Sourced from the Mission Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos, the low yielding Chardonnay vines produce smaller clusters and tiny berries that enhance concentration and depth, while cooling breezes funneling off the Pacific allow for longer ripening and flavor development and preserve the grapes’ natural acidity. Renowned as the co-founder of Brewer-Clifton and Melville with over three decades of winemaking experience, Brewer employed a non-interventionist approach to craft the 2023 Diatom, forgoing the use of oak and malolactic fermentation, an often-employed technique known for producing a softer, more buttery style of Chardonnay and instead producing a crisp, clean Chardonnay in a style reminiscent of Chablis. Fermented and matured in 100% stainless steel, the refined 2023 Diatom Chardonnay beautifully balances bright, lively fruit with refreshing, mineral-tinged acidity, reflecting Brewer’s signature style of “vibrant purity and freshness, with plenty of textural richness on the palate” according to Jeb Dunnuck and a mouthwatering finish that begs for another sip. From a unique terroir described as producing “natural tight acidity, tension, and an ocean-kissed salinity” by Decanter’s Jessica Dupuy, Greg Brewer’s impeccably balanced 94 pt. 2023 Diatom Chardonnay is richly layered with nuanced complexity and refreshing acidity, crafted by a masterful winemaker to transparently reflect its Sta. Rita Hills origins and an incredible value bargain priced for savvy Chard lovers to scoop up by the case. | ||
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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 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you missed any of these outstanding selections the first time around or simply need to restock, here's a chance to acquire some top rated Bordeaux blends from the exceptional 2019 vintage at bargain prices, all scoring 92 pts. and above in a range of styles, perfect for mixing a case or two or choosing a few favorites and all impressive values under $35. Described as “superb” by Neal Martin of Vinous, Bernard Magrez's 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the producer of Chateau Pape Clement, this Cru Bourgeois estate “making some of the best value wines of the Medoc” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Sourced from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 92 pt. Chateau Senejac offers “great energy and brightness” that’s ready to enjoy now according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted of even parts Cab Franc and Merlot by superstar Stephane Derenoncourt, Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel “impeccable,” and “especially fine for Lussac where the wines are rarely this polished,” while the Delon’s family 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail as their iconic Grand Vin from Chateau Leoville Las Cases and “showing beautifully” according to Jeb Dunnuck, calling it a “wine to buy in multiples or a case.” Named a Cellar Selection by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, the stunning 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Laffitte Carcasset “packs a ton of punch” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, while the 93 pt. 2019 Clos Marsalette is “impeccable from start to finish.” Calling it “a consistently successful Neipperg wine in Pessac,” from the owner of Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux notes the muscular 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney has “plenty of texture and swagger” promising over a decade of evolution ahead. Boasting ageworthy structure promising years of enjoyment, these highly rated 2019 Bordeaux bargains offer Bordeaux lovers and collectors an opportunity to stock up and enjoy top scording Bordeaux often without breaking the bank, delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market prices. | ||
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2020 Vieux Chateau Saint Andre (750ml) | ||
From Montagne Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More High scoring Bordeaux under $20? How sweet it is! B-21 Bordeaux bargain hunters will want to make room in the cellar for our delectable deals on exceptional Bordeaux blends that are hard to resist, these top scoring “two lollipop” selections all priced under $20 and hitting the sweet spot for Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value whether choosing a favorite or two or mixing a case. Named one of the Top 20 Bordeaux Values of 2020 by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the impressive and age worthy 94 pt. 2020 Vieux Chateau Saint Andre was produced under “Master of Merlot” Jean-Claude Berrouet, the legendary winemaker at Petrus for 44 vintages, revealing fresh aromatic earthy fruit “with loads of mineral accents and a soft, plush texture” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown built to evolve for another decade, while Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the powerful 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue as “extremely sleek, elegant and well made,” the beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend offering rich aromatic spiced fruit with velvety ripe tannins promising “to be a gem of a wine” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes the “gorgeous” 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “rich and yet vibrant,” the beautifully fragrant blend of mostly Merlot with Cab Franc boasting deep, sumptuous fruit and a smooth, velvety texture, while the 92 pt. 2019 Moulin de Chateau La Lagune is crafted from mostly lush, dark Cabernet Sauvignon, revealing “a lovely refinement to the fruit” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle with integrated, polished tannins. Described as “a total delight” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the 93 pt. 2018 Chateau Lanessan is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a gravel terroir matching its Second-Growth neighbor Chateau Gruaud Larose and solidly built to age well according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, while the elegant 92 pt. 2019 Chateau Senejac reveals bright aromatic dark fruit with velvety tannins on “a saline, mouthwatering finish” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, recommending it as a “fine effort.” A range of top rated Bordeaux certain to please both Left and Right Bank fans, these “two lollipop” under $20 selections are the first in a series of irresistible deals for Bordeaux aficionados to stock the cellar, a delicious selection of value priced blends that hits the sweet spot for bargain hunters seeking to pull the cork more often. | ||
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2022 Schug Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Produced from the cool and windswept vineyards of the Sonoma Coast AVA, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir offers aromatic juicy red fruit hinting of cedar and spice with bright acidity on a smooth and supple finish, sourced from a fabulous Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and over delivering value at an outstanding bargain price. Growing up in his family’s vineyards of Germany’s Rhine River Valley, celebrated winemaker Walter Schug brought his passion for Pinot to California in the 1950’s, becoming renowned as the founding winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa where he created the iconic Insignia blend before leaving to pioneer the production of cool climate Pinot Noir on a 42-acre property in Carneros in 1980. Remaining family-owned and now run by Walter’s children, the 2022 Schug Pinot Noir was crafted by young German-born winemaker Johannes Scheid who is credited with employing a terroir-driven approach with limited intervention in the cellar and moving the winery towards greater sustainability. Perched above Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco Bay, the Schug estate vineyards enjoy a long, sunny growing season with cool Pacific fog and winds coursing through the Petaluma Gap, the longer hangtime and lower yields enhancing complexity while preserving freshness in the Pinot Noir grapes. Sourced from the Schug estate vineyards as well as some of Sonoma’s County’s premier coastal growers including Sangiacomo Vineyard, winemaker Scheid aged the elegant 2022 Schug Pinot Noir in a mix of large neutral oak casks and older French barrels as well as stainless steel tanks, balancing fresh aromatic fruit with vibrant, silky tannins and yielding a harmonious and layered Pinot Noir that’s equally delicious for sipping or when paired with food. Crafted by the region’s pioneer of cool climate Pinot Noir, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir reflects the quality legacy of its founder and its Sonoma Coast pedigree, a top rated, top value California Pinot Noir that’s bargain priced for everyday indulgence. | ||
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2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More While fans of rich California Chardonnay know Sonoma’s iconic Dutton Ranch as the source for some of the region’s top producers, the lush 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard is a welcome departure from their equally high prices, offering ripe aromatic tropical fruit hinting of crisp apple and citrus peel with bright acidity on a plush finish and delivering a classic expression of sumptuous Russian River Chard for a fraction of its similarly pedigreed peers. Co-founded by legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and entrepreneur Peter Deutsch, The Calling was established in 2012 to craft wines sourced from existing family growers, forming its first partnership with the Russian River Valley’s acclaimed Dutton Ranch and becoming the largest buyer of Dutton Chardonnay fruit over the last decade. Founded on a 35-acre ranch outside of Graton in Sonoma County in 1964, the Dutton family planted their first 20 acres of Chardonnay in 1967, expanding their holdings to over 1,100 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and becoming one of the region’s most prestigious vineyard designations, featured on the labels of an array of high-profile Chardonnay producers including Kistler and Patz and Hall. Employing what he refers to as a “berry to bottle” approach with minimal intervention, acclaimed winemaker James MacPhail barrel-fermented the impressive 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard in French oak with wild yeasts before aging it in 35% new French oak for nine months, employing regular lees stirring to create richness and texture and yielding classic Russian River opulence with beautifully textured fruit and bright acidity, ready to enjoy over the next few years. Crafted by a relative newcomer among Sonoma’s Chardonnay producers, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard continues the winery’s rising trajectory in the Russian River appellation, an opportunity to reap the rewards of exceptional sourcing and highly skilled winemaking while enjoying a terrific deal on an impressive and easy to love Chardonnay. | ||
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2020 Avignonesi Grifi (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Excellent purity and ripeness ... I like the texture here on the palate with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cooling finish." - James Suckling Crafted by “one of the reference points in Montepulciano” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the 93-point 2020 Avignonesi Grifi is a top Super Tuscan value. A classic blend of 50/50 Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon offering fragrant dark fruit, wild herbs, and spices with dense, layered tannins on a fresh, lingering finish, it's bargain-priced to stock up and enjoy often over the next decade. Now the largest biodynamic wine estate in Italy and the fifth largest in the world spanning 175 hectares, Avignonesi produced the terroir-expressive 2020 Grifi from vines located in the rolling hills near the medieval town of Montepulciano as well as a plot in nearby Cortona, the parcels planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay, and sand at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters elevation. Vinified with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats, the "intense and firmly built" 2020 Grifi was aged for 24 months in a mix of oak casks and barriques, yielding dark, lightly spiced fruit with "a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish," suggesting upwards of a decade of cellar potential. Eric Guido of Vinous recently declared, “For a lesson on Montepulciano’s terroir, one needs to look no further than Avignonesi," and the 2020 Grifi is a prime example that reflects the estate’s meticulous attention to detail at an unbeatable sub-$20 price. | ||
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2019 Chateau Senejac (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you missed any of these outstanding selections the first time around or simply need to restock, here's a chance to acquire some top rated Bordeaux blends from the exceptional 2019 vintage at bargain prices, all scoring 92 pts. and above in a range of styles, perfect for mixing a case or two or choosing a few favorites and all impressive values under $35. Described as “superb” by Neal Martin of Vinous, Bernard Magrez's 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the producer of Chateau Pape Clement, this Cru Bourgeois estate “making some of the best value wines of the Medoc” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Sourced from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 92 pt. Chateau Senejac offers “great energy and brightness” that’s ready to enjoy now according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted of even parts Cab Franc and Merlot by superstar Stephane Derenoncourt, Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel “impeccable,” and “especially fine for Lussac where the wines are rarely this polished,” while the Delon’s family 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail as their iconic Grand Vin from Chateau Leoville Las Cases and “showing beautifully” according to Jeb Dunnuck, calling it a “wine to buy in multiples or a case.” Named a Cellar Selection by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, the stunning 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Laffitte Carcasset “packs a ton of punch” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, while the 93 pt. 2019 Clos Marsalette is “impeccable from start to finish.” Calling it “a consistently successful Neipperg wine in Pessac,” from the owner of Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux notes the muscular 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney has “plenty of texture and swagger” promising over a decade of evolution ahead. Boasting ageworthy structure promising years of enjoyment, these highly rated 2019 Bordeaux bargains offer Bordeaux lovers and collectors an opportunity to stock up and enjoy top scording Bordeaux often without breaking the bank, delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market prices. | ||
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2021 Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz (750ml) | ||
Shiraz from Barossa, Australia | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From the iconic Barossa winery ranked among the “upper level of all Australian producers” according to Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, the rich and powerful 96 pt. 2021 Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz boasts a core of juicy, dark fruit with layers of structured, savory tannins on a long finish, a go-to Shiraz for savvy Aussie fans seeking outstanding value to enjoy over the next decade at a bargain price. Founded by veteran Barossa winemaker David Powell three decades ago, Torbreck has remained a leader in the region since its purchase by Pete Kight, rising to “its best form yet” according to Angus Hughson of Vinous under former Peter Lehmann winemaker Ian Hongell who has been crafting the estate's wines including the Woodcutter's Shiraz since 2017. Called “one of the most exciting regions on earth for Shiraz” by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Larson, Torbreck has been a key player in Barossa’s evolution to a lower intervention, vineyard driven approach over the last decade, employing a greater understanding of the diversity within the region and producing “sleeker, age-worthy wines with subtle balance and sophistication” according to critic Angus Hughson. Considered its entry level Shiraz, the impressive 2021 Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz is sourced from younger vines in Barossa’s cooler Eden Valley blended with hand harvested old vine fruit from the warmer Barossa valley floor, open fermented and aged in well-seasoned hogsheads and French oak foudres for 12 months to reveal luxurious fruit hinting of pepper and spice expertly balanced by refined acidity with seamlessly integrated oak, the cooler 2021 vintage creating “wines with power and grace that should age very well” according to Vinous critic Angus Hughson. Described as offering “a taste of the Torbreck style at a reasonable price” by the Wine Advocate’s Joe Czerwinski, the richly textured 96 pt. 2021 Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz is meticulously crafted to reflect Barossa’s exceptional terroir, promising lovers of Aussie Shiraz a decade of pleasurable drinking at an unbeatably affordable price. | ||
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Roederer Estate Brut Rose (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Anderson Valley, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is really quite good and worth checking out ... could also be aged to good effect if desired." - Allen Meadows, Burghound From the iconic Champagne house of Louis Roederer, the impressive, DC94 Roederer Estate Brut Rosé is a lush and complex California sparkler revealing aromatic, fresh, juicy fruit with bright acidity and fine, creamy, pinpoint mousse, a stellar sparkling rose bargain that brings "the excellence of Champagne to California" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks. Convinced the terroir was perfect for Louis Roederer’s sparkling wine project in California, fifth generation owner Jean-Claude Rouzard established Roederer Estate in the foggy Anderson Valley over four decades ago, pioneering the production of sparkling wine in Mendocino when most French producers were setting up shop in Napa Valley. Now run by his son Frederic, Roederer Estate sources its grapes exclusively from 620 hectares of estate-owned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, the sustainably farmed vineyards enjoying warm daytime temperatures and evenings cooled by Pacific Ocean fog that allow the grapes to develop rich complexity and preserve acidity. Reflecting the family-run Champagne house’s approach to crafting a multi-vintage cuvée, Roederer Estate reserves a portion of the best wines each vintage for aging in large French oak casks for an average of four years. These reserve wines enhance body and depth of flavor in the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé. Blending 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay including around 12% reserve wines, French-born winemaker Arnaud Weyrich prepares a portion of still Pinot Noir with extended maceration and adds a small amount to the blend before secondary fermentation, imbuing the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé with its elegant salmon color and rich texture. Crafted using only the first pressing and fermented in stainless steel, the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé was aged for over two years on the lees, yielding bright, fresh fruit with zesty orange and toasty notes on a silky bead of fine bubbles, equally delicious on its own or when paired with food. Described by Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish as “vivacious and generous" among a host of additional stellar accolades from the likes of Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and Burghound, the exquisite Roederer Estate Brut Rosé is a lush, terroir-driven sparkler reasonably priced to enjoy as a spontaneous grab from the cooler or when raising a celebratory glass during the upcoming holiday season, a compelling reflection of the Champagne Louis Roederer legacy at an exceptional value. | ||
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2021 Raventos i Blanc de Nit Rosado Brut Rose (750ml) | ||
Macabeo from Catalonia, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More For more than 500 years, the Raventos family has been involved with winemaking in the Catalonia region, growing grapes on their historic, family-owned estate west of Barcelona since 1497. Inspired by his belief that the fossilized marine limestone soils in the windswept Anoia River Valley would yield a complex sparkling wine, Josep Raventos Fatjo was the first to apply the traditional Champagne method to classic Penedes grape varietals in the late 1800s, his son Manuel later pioneering the blend of the three indigenous grapes - Xarel.lo, Macabeu, and Parellada - that would become the standard for Cava. Witnessing the decline in the quality and reputation of Cava over the next century, the Raventos family separated itself in the 1980s from the Codorniu winery it had founded to focus on making vineyard-driven sparkling wines from their 90-hectare estate, officially withdrawing from the Cava DO classification in 2012 and championing the creation of a new DO with higher standards in the Conca del Riu Anoia area. Crafting the blend of native grapes from biodynamically farmed vines averaging 40 years of age, 21st-generation winemaker Pepe Raventos vinified each varietal in stainless steel tanks before blending and bottling it for the secondary fermentation, then aged the 2021 Blanc de Blancs on the lees for a minimum of 18 months (twice the requirement for Cava) yielding fresh, layered fruit with tantalizing minerality balanced by mouthwatering acidity on a creamy mousse. The 2021 de Nit Rosado is likewise an expertly crafted specimen with the addition of old-vine Monastrell giving the wines its striking pink hue and depth of fruit. Included among "Spain’s finest and most complex sparkling wines” and “the greatest bubbly values in the world" by Vinous' Josh Raynolds, this 93-point duo offers the pure, quintessential character of their mineral-rich terroir, impeccably crafted in the Champagne style and certain to appeal to lovers of the world’s finest sparkling wines looking for a fantastic value. | ||
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2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A duo of delicious, highly rated Riojas delivering exceptional value, the fresh, fruit-driven 91 pt. 2019 Bodegas Beronia Reserva and the richly textured 94 pt. 2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva balance juicy red Tempranillo fruit with vibrant acidity, two outstanding selections expertly aged for Spanish wine lovers seeking bargain priced Riojas to enjoy without hesitation. Established in Rioja Alta in 1973, Bodegas Beronia was created by a group of friends from the Basque region seeking to produce well priced Riojas to enjoy at their gastronomic get-togethers, naming it for the area’s ancient Celtic settlers called “berones.” Producing the Reserva and Gran Reserva as their first releases, Beronia sources its Rioja from 20 hectares of estate vineyards as well as 870 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards within a 10-kilometer radius of the winery, managed by the winery team to ensure quality. enabling them to exercise optimum control over the quality. Described as “an outstanding Rioja Reserva here to enjoy now or in the next five years” by James Suckling, longtime Beronia winemaker Matias Calleja blended mostly Tempranillo with a little Graciana and Mazuelo to enhance freshness in the 2018 Beronia Reserva, aging it for 18 months in specially designed barrels crafted with American oak staves and French oak lids and cellaring it 18 months longer in bottle to reveal richly layered fruit with notes of toasted vanilla and smooth, integrated tannins. Crafted from old vine Tempranillo ranging to over 70 years of age, the rich and decadent 94 pt. 2013 Beronia Gran Reserva was aged 27 months in French oak barrels followed by another three years in bottle prior to release, yielding a "fresh and enticing" Rioja according to the Wine Spectator's Alison Napjus with “fine-grained, creamy tannins" and layers of complexity that will continue to evolve over the next decade. | ||
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2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned among collectors as one of Rioja’s most traditional and iconic producers, the richly layered 95 pt. 2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia reveals fresh and aromatic spiced fruit with refined acidity and smooth, velvety tannins polished to perfection by extended aging, released ready to enjoy over the next decade or longer and an incredible value. Established by Don Rafael Lopez in 1877, Lopez de Heredia is Rioja’s only remaining family-run Bodegas, adhering to the winemaking doctrine of its founder for over a century by crafting its wines from estate grown fruit and aging them in its original subterranean cellars near the Haro train station in La Rioja Alta. Home to a combination of old, well-worn barrels, ambient yeasts, mold, and cobwebs, the estate’s labyrinth of underground cellars are considered key to its signature style, resulting in wines that “would be impossible to replicate outside the walls of this Rioja standard-bearer” according to the Wine Spectator’s Gillian Sciaretta. Planted mostly to Tempranillo in clay and limestone soils, the 2012 Bosconia was sourced from the 12-hectare El Bosque vineyard situated in the foothills of the towering Sierra de Cantabria near the Ebro River at 465 meters of altitude, its low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age and ranging to over 100 years. A blend of mostly Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha and small amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo, the multi-faceted 2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia was co-fermented in 144-year-old oak vats before undergoing its lengthy aging regimen, spending five years in well-seasoned oak barrels crafted from hand-selected American oak timbers in the estate’s onsite cooperage, then bottled unfiltered and cellared for another five years, yielding rich, plump fruit and polished dusty tannins that will continue to evolve. Calling it the pinnacle of traditional, classic wines, Neal Martin of Vinous sums up the Lopez de Heredia Riojas as “distinguished, individual, long-lived and above all, delicious,” the rich and refined 95 pt. 2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia exquisitely crafted to deliver years of pleasurable drinking for Rioja lovers at an exceptional value. | ||
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2019 Bodegas Beronia Reserva (750ml) | ||
From Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A duo of delicious, highly rated Riojas delivering exceptional value, the fresh, fruit-driven 91 pt. 2019 Bodegas Beronia Reserva and the richly textured 94 pt. 2013 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva balance juicy red Tempranillo fruit with vibrant acidity, two outstanding selections expertly aged for Spanish wine lovers seeking bargain priced Riojas to enjoy without hesitation. Established in Rioja Alta in 1973, Bodegas Beronia was created by a group of friends from the Basque region seeking to produce well priced Riojas to enjoy at their gastronomic get-togethers, naming it for the area’s ancient Celtic settlers called “berones.” Producing the Reserva and Gran Reserva as their first releases, Beronia sources its Rioja from 20 hectares of estate vineyards as well as 870 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards within a 10-kilometer radius of the winery, managed by the winery team to ensure quality. enabling them to exercise optimum control over the quality. Described as “an outstanding Rioja Reserva here to enjoy now or in the next five years” by James Suckling, longtime Beronia winemaker Matias Calleja blended mostly Tempranillo with a little Graciana and Mazuelo to enhance freshness in the 2018 Beronia Reserva, aging it for 18 months in specially designed barrels crafted with American oak staves and French oak lids and cellaring it 18 months longer in bottle to reveal richly layered fruit with notes of toasted vanilla and smooth, integrated tannins. Crafted from old vine Tempranillo ranging to over 70 years of age, the rich and decadent 94 pt. 2013 Beronia Gran Reserva was aged 27 months in French oak barrels followed by another three years in bottle prior to release, yielding a "fresh and enticing" Rioja according to the Wine Spectator's Alison Napjus with “fine-grained, creamy tannins" and layers of complexity that will continue to evolve over the next decade. | ||
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2021 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Old Vines (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... more than fabulous. Bright, vibrant, and full of life, the 2021 is an absolute delight." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous A knockout value for fans of powerful old-vine Zin, the 93-point 2021 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Old Vines boasts fresh vibrant, spiced fruit and energetic acidity that will have Zin fans reaching for another pour, a thrilling expression of California’s oldest vines from a top vintage and bargain-priced for stocking up. After co-founding Frog’s Leap Winery in Napa in the 1980s, Larry Turley’s passion to produce an artisan, old-vine Zin led him to sell his partnership share in Frog’s Leap and establish Turley Wine Cellars in 1993 with 5 acres of the original frog farm and winery, focusing on the recovery of California’s historic vineyards and expanding to over 75 acres of organically farmed vineyards. Crafted as a harmonious blend of California old-vine Zin from diverse terroirs, the 2021 Zinfandel Old Vines was sourced from over 20 small parcels planted with vines ranging from 50 to 130 years of age from diverse locations including Napa and Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles. A field blend of mostly Zinfandel fermented with native yeasts, veteran winemaker Tegan Passalacqua aged the 2021 Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Old Vines in a mix of 80% French oak and 20% American oak barrels consisting of 10% new and 90% used for 12 months, yielding a full-bodied, richly aromatic Zin with “generous berry fruit and a long, spicy finish” according to Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, with a smooth, luscious texture that makes it “easy to drink" and an unequivocal recommendation for California Zin fans seeking outstanding value at an unbeatable price. | ||
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2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A top value offered at a fraction of the price of similarly rated Napa Chards, the enticing 92 pt. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection offers aromatic ripe stone fruit hinting of citrus with refreshing acidity on a lingering finish, an easy to love Napa Chard reflecting the estate’s uncompromising dedication to quality for over 40 years and bargain priced for filling the cooler to enjoy often. Boasting a rich legacy of over five generations under the Raymond family, Raymond Vineyard was purchased by visionary Jean-Charles Boisset in 2009, transitioning existing vineyards to organic and biodynamic viticulture and expanding to over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena under the direction of 100 pt. consulting winemaker Phillipe Melka. Crafted by former Far Niente winemaker Stephanie Putnam, the 2022 Chardonnay Reserve Selection was sourced from cooler vineyards in southern Napa Valley including parcels in Carneros in a vintage described as “exemplary for white wines” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown that produced Chardonnays of “impressive intensity and vibrancy.” Barrel fermented in 22% new French oak without malolactic fermentation, the elegant 92 pt. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection was aged on the lees for 10 months before being bottled, yielding vibrant, creamy-textured fruit with nuances of vanilla and spice on a fresh, lifted finish, its bright and zesty acidity calling for another taste. Described by the Wine Spectator as a winery that “seldom seems to get its due,” Raymond Vineyard’s under the radar status is a boon for lovers of Cali Chard seeking a terrific bargain, the rich and balanced 92 pt. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection offering an unbeatable combination of quality and value at an easy to reach for 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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2019 La Dame de Montrose (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you missed any of these outstanding selections the first time around or simply need to restock, here's a chance to acquire some top rated Bordeaux blends from the exceptional 2019 vintage at bargain prices, all scoring 92 pts. and above in a range of styles, perfect for mixing a case or two or choosing a few favorites and all impressive values under $35. Described as “superb” by Neal Martin of Vinous, Bernard Magrez's 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the producer of Chateau Pape Clement, this Cru Bourgeois estate “making some of the best value wines of the Medoc” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Sourced from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 92 pt. Chateau Senejac offers “great energy and brightness” that’s ready to enjoy now according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted of even parts Cab Franc and Merlot by superstar Stephane Derenoncourt, Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel “impeccable,” and “especially fine for Lussac where the wines are rarely this polished,” while the Delon’s family 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail as their iconic Grand Vin from Chateau Leoville Las Cases and “showing beautifully” according to Jeb Dunnuck, calling it a “wine to buy in multiples or a case.” Named a Cellar Selection by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, the stunning 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Laffitte Carcasset “packs a ton of punch” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, while the 93 pt. 2019 Clos Marsalette is “impeccable from start to finish.” Calling it “a consistently successful Neipperg wine in Pessac,” from the owner of Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux notes the muscular 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney has “plenty of texture and swagger” promising over a decade of evolution ahead. Boasting ageworthy structure promising years of enjoyment, these highly rated 2019 Bordeaux bargains offer Bordeaux lovers and collectors an opportunity to stock up and enjoy top scording Bordeaux often without breaking the bank, delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market prices. | ||
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2015 Torre de Ona Finca Martelo Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A vineyard-driven Rioja crafted by the team of La Rioja Alta, the elegant 94 pt. 2015 Torre de Ona Martelo Reserva layers fragrant juicy fruit with lush, chalky tannins on a long, silky finish, expressing its distinctive Rioja Alavesa terroir in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria and delivering outstanding value. Seeking to produce a more modern Rioja in contrast with its traditionally styled reds, La Rioja Alta purchased Torre de Ona in 1995 to craft a terroir-driven Rioja from estate grown fruit, its stately manor house in Paganos-La Guardia surrounded by vines reminiscent of a Bordeaux chateau. Spread across 50 hectares surrounding the manor, the Tempranillo vines in the south facing Torre de Ona vineyard are planted in shallow clay and limestone-rich soils at over 575 meters above sea level and protected from the humid north winds by the imposing mountains, the milder temperatures allowing for complete ripening of the grapes. Divided into 50 individual parcels by soil type, the hand harvested grapes undergo strict selection to determine if the quality is suitable to produce the Reserva and each parcel is then vinified separately in stainless steel tanks. Blending in a small amount of other varietals, La Rioja Alta winemaker Julio Saez aged the enticing 2015 Torre de Ona Martelo Reserva in a mix of new American oak and used French oak barrels and racked the wine in a traditional method by candlelight to remove sediment, yielding pure, elegant red fruit with soft silky tannins on a long spicy finish. Produced in a manner described by James Suckling as “a mix of Riojan craftsmanship and Burgundy style,” the beautifully balanced 94 pt. 2015 Torre de Ona Reserva expertly combines exceptional Tempranillo reflecting its vineyard origins with extended oak aging, a delicious Rioja narrowing the gap between the classic and modern styles that’s ready for Rioja fans to enjoy often at a terrific price. | ||
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2019 Marques de Murrieta Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Marqués de Murrieta is one of the most classical names in Rioja, and they have managed to keep the classical style of the wines but are also completely relevant and up to date with what is happening in the world today. " - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Declared “one of Rioja's most iconic labels” by Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, Marques de Murrieta is a bastion of classically styled Rioja. These top-scoring flagship Reserva, the signature Gran Reserva, and the highly coveted Castillo Ygay are all emblematic of the estate's reputation for benchmark Rioja expressions with top-tier cellar potential. A standard bearer for value every vintage, the 96-point 2019 Rioja Reserva was aged for 24 months in American oak and spent an additional 14 months in bottle before release, yielding “a harmonious blend” according to Vinous, revealing fresh spiced fruit and balsamic with refined, integrated tannins that allow it to be enjoyed tonight or cellared for several years. | ||
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2020 Castello di Bossi Berardo Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This will compete with top Brunellos." - James Suckling Described by Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as “one of the headline estates” of southern Chianti’s Castelnuovo Berardenga region, Castello di Bossi is an undisputed reference point for the Chianti category. So it's surprise that their remarkable, 97-point 2020 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva overdelivers in a big way. Sourced from an outstanding vintage of “rich, sumptuous wines” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, it's a stunning value for lovers of terroir-expressive Sangiovese wines. Founded in 1984 by entrepreneur Marco Bacci in the hills east of Siena, the 800-hectare Castello di Bossi estate dates back to the ninth century, its renovated, centuries-old castle overlooking verdant hillside vineyards. Crafted under the direction of superstar, Tuscan-born consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini from 100% Sangiovese, the voluptuous 2020 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva was fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and aged for 24 months in new French oak barriques and casks with an additional six months in bottle, yielding intriguing spiced fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and reflecting the “terrific depth, gorgeous purity of fruit and fully ripe tannins” that are hallmarks of the vintage according to Galloni. "Very perfumed ... Medium- to full-bodied with very fine tannins that are so long and intense," as noted in James Suckling's 97-point review, this stunning 2020 Riserva ranks among the vintage's top-rated wines as well as one its most exceptional values, ready for Chianti lovers and collectors to stash away and enjoy over the next decade and beyond, whenever a taste of Tuscany beckons. | ||
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2020 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “A reference point for pure Sangiovese wines” Antonio Galloni, Vinous Renowned for crafting wines of “distinction and elegance” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the rich and sumptuous 94 pt. 2020 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva offers vibrant, aromatic fruit hinting of minerality and savory spice with lively acidity and smooth, supple tannins, a beautifully crafted 100% Sangiovese rivaling the complexity and longevity of many top-rated Brunellos delivering superb value at a fraction of the price. Perched high in the rolling hills northwest of Siena, Fattoria di Felsina is located in the enchanting verdant countryside of Castelnuovo Berardenga on the southernmost border of Chianti Classico, situated among medieval stone buildings on a hilltop piazza boasting expansive views stretching as far as Monte Amiata. Rising to the top of the appellation under Giuseppe Mazzocolin for over four decades and now run by his son Giovanni Poggiali, the massive 500-hectare Felsina estate boasts 95 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards on the border of Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi at altitudes ranging from 320 to 420 meters above sea level planted mainly to Sangiovese, the higher parcels consisting of rocky quartz and calcareous alberese soils while the lower altitude vines closer to Colli Senesi are planted in sandy loam mixed with silt and marine deposits. Crafted only in top vintages, the best quality clusters from across the vineyards were selected for the 2020 Riserva, the diverse terrain and extended aging contributing to its layered complexity and depth. Crafted under the direction of legendary consulting enologist Franco Bernabei, the plush 2020 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva was aged in a mix of medium sized Slavonian oak and smaller used French oak barrels for 12 to 16 months with the final blend then aged in bottle for another 3 to 6 months before release, revealing “a solidly built red” that “cruises to the long finish” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson, ranking #22 on the Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023 and promising to age well over the next few decades. Boasting an “extraordinary ability to convey the essence of variety, place and vintage” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegant 94 pt. 2020 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva reflects the estate’s rich legacy as standard bearers in Chianti Classico, delivering an unbeatable value in cellar worthy Tuscan reds and affordably priced for Sangiovese lovers and collectors to savor its thrilling evolution. | ||
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