2021 Bodegas Beronia Crianza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned for producing "classical, reliable wines" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Beronia is a household name in overachieving Rioja value. Vintage after vintage, the estate delivers some of the best bang for the buck in all of Spain, attracting legions of fans who have made these wines into best-selling benchmarks over the years. The 2019 Beronia Reserva is another well-crafted edition of this fan-favorite to add to its consistent track record of reliability. The profile is everything long-time fans know and love, immediately accessible and charming, "balanced, with polished tannins, berry character and a pleasant, longish finish," as James Suckling describes it. Made from Beronia's oldest vines, the 2016 Beronia Gran Reserva also brings home the goods and then some. Aged over 28 months in French oak followed by three years in bottle prior to release to develop its trademark complexity and depth, the 2016 is a "lively red, with well-meshed, sculpted tannins" according to Wine Spectator. It's a perfect pair to stock up on - the 2021 Crianza will stand out as your next go-to everyday winner, while the 2016 Gran Reserva will shine as an ultimate age-worthy value in your cellar for the next 15 years, all for some of the sharpest price in the market. | ||
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2020 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Rich, fruity and expressive ... Weighty yet well-balanced with texture." - Decanter As dominant as Rioja is in the Spanish collectible space, its penchant for delivering outstanding everyday values is also unmatched. The latest entry proving the point is Ramirez de la Piscina's charming 2020 Crianza, a rock-solid performer for an easy case-buy price. Two of the characteristics that make Crianza Rioja such a powerhouse category in the everyday price is tier are the reliably enjoyable, approachable fruit profile and the bright, refreshing balance, both of which this 2020 displays in spades. Whether you're a fan of Rioja or just looking for a new candidate to add to your everyday/crowd-pleaser rotations, you can rest assured you've found it in this artfully crafted rendition. | ||
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2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as masterful expressions of their Tuscan terroir, these top rated Avignonesi selections range from two 100% Sangiovese wines to a highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, an array of deliciously savory Tuscan reds crafted near the medieval town of Montepulciano at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. After purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate's holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade, becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Located in Italy's first and oldest red wine appellation at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the estate's rolling vineyards in western Tuscany are planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study and vinified separately in Avignonesi's state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 6 months in oak barrels, the fresh and juicy 91 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montalcino is described as "a pure expression of the Tuscan grape" by the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner boasting fragrant, lightly spiced fruit layered with silky tannins on a refined, mineral finish and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. While many wineries in the region adhere to the minimum 70%, the enticing 94 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, revealing bright fruit "with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity" according to the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson that will continue to evolve for another 10 years or more. Described as "long, fresh and juicy" by James Suckling, the elegant 94 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing robust, luscious fruit and harmonious acidity with layers of tannins promising nearly a decade of enjoyment. From the Tuscan estate Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls a "reference point in Montepulciano," these delicious and age worthy Avignonesi selections all offer "a terrific value proposition" according to the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, an array of top scoring Tuscan gems unbeatably priced for stocking the cellar. | ||
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2023 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2023 Invivo X, SJP Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Garnering a steady string of 90 plus pt. ratings vintage over vintage, the appealing 93 pt. 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker is the real deal, offering classic Marlborough flavors of fresh aromatic passionfruit, peach and grapefruit with bright acidity on a smooth and juicy finish, appearing multiple times on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 since its first release in 2019 and a solid choice for fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc seeking outstanding value. Gaining global stardom with her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series Sex and the City (yes, THAT Sarah Jessica Parker), seasoned TV and film actor "SJP" was approached by Invivo co-founders and fellow New Zealanders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron to partner in a quality portfolio of wines that overdeliver value, attracted by the pair's down to earth approach to wine and signing on with the caveat that she would have a key role in determining the final blend of each cuvee. Featuring Parker in live-streamed blending sessions and tastings, Invivo's social media presence may capitalize on her celebrity status, but much of the critical acclaim for the Sauvignon Blanc has been earned outside of it through completely blind tastings including a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. A blend of five estates located across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, the appealing 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc SJP balances fresh tropical fruit flavors with lithe acidity and a subtle hint of oak, yielding a fresh and vibrant Sauv Blanc described as "young" and "zippy" by the Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard and crafted in a style that's "seriously drinkable" by the Wine Spectator's MaryAnn Worobiec. From an excellent Marlborough vintage producing Sauvignon Blancs that are "pure, juicy and fresh, with zesty acidity," according to Rebecca Gibb of Vinous, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker boasts an appeal that goes far beyond celebrity and loyal SJP fans, a terrific choice for anyone seeking a delicious, easy drinking white as well as lovers of New Zealand Sauv Blanc looking for an affordable, everyday pour and an unbeatable bargain for stocking up by the case. | ||
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2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From the New Zealand region with "a towering reputation in the world of Sauvignon Blanc" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin, the bright and refreshing 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve offers layers of vibrant citrus and lush tropical fruit hinting of freshly cut herbs with crisp acidity on a lengthy mineral finish, an outstanding value for fans of Marlborough Sauv Blanc and anyone seeking a refreshingly delicious white bargain priced for stocking the cooler. With family roots in New Zealand dating back to 1867, third generation John Neylon planted his first parcel of commercial vines in the lower Wairau Valley in the early 2000's, releasing his first vintage of Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc in 2007 and expanding vineyard holdings over the next decades to become one of the largest family-owned wineries in New Zealand. Fed by pure melting snow from the peaks of the Southern Alps, Rapaura's sustainably farmed vineyards are located on the South Island's Wairau Plains, the Sauvignon Blanc vines planted in well-drained soils over a deep underground aquifer that eliminates the need for irrigation. Preserving the freshness of the grapes by immediately pressing after harvest and employing cool fermentation in stainless steel, the alluring 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve was sourced from vineyards in the Dillons Point and Wairau sub-regions, yielding an "elegant" Sauv Blanc boasting "fresh acidity with good intensity and texture" according to Decanter and revealing intensely aromatic passion fruit and lemon peel flavors on a lively, mouthwatering finish. Expressing its pristine origins with an intensity that "few places on earth can deliver" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin, the refreshing 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve expertly balances bright fruit flavors, heady aromatics and brisk acidity, a deliciously drinkable, textbook New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that begs for another taste at an unbeatable price. | ||
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2022 Ferrari-Carano Siena (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2019 Bodegas Beronia Reserva (750ml) | ||
From Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned for producing "classical, reliable wines" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Beronia is a household name in overachieving Rioja value. Vintage after vintage, the estate delivers some of the best bang for the buck in all of Spain, attracting legions of fans who have made these wines into best-selling benchmarks over the years. The 2019 Beronia Reserva is another well-crafted edition of this fan-favorite to add to its consistent track record of reliability. The profile is everything long-time fans know and love, immediately accessible and charming, "balanced, with polished tannins, berry character and a pleasant, longish finish," as James Suckling describes it. Made from Beronia's oldest vines, the 2016 Beronia Gran Reserva also brings home the goods and then some. Aged over 28 months in French oak followed by three years in bottle prior to release to develop its trademark complexity and depth, the 2016 is a "lively red, with well-meshed, sculpted tannins" according to Wine Spectator. It's a perfect pair to stock up on - the 2021 Crianza will stand out as your next go-to everyday winner, while the 2016 Gran Reserva will shine as an ultimate age-worthy value in your cellar for the next 15 years, all for some of the sharpest price in the market. | ||
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2024 La Cana Albariño (750ml) | ||
Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you've been a fan of Spanish wine over the past ten years or so, you've probably been waiting for Albariño to get the attention it deserves on the world stage, and while it still takes a back seat to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the like, the best examples are still shining brightly and only getting better with each passing vintage. La Caña has long been a benchmark producer of this one-of-a-kind varietal, working with top-notch sites in the Salnès sub-zone of Rías Baixas, widely considered ground zero for the most quintessential expressions. Year after year, their entry-level bottling far outperforms its price point in the critical press, with all the customary bright citrus and tropical fruit, vibrant acidity, and textured charm that Albariño aficionados have come to know and love. While the 2024 has yet to be reviewed professionally, we recently got a chance to try it with importer Jorge Ordoñez, and we can confidently say this rendition picks up right where previous vintages have left off, with more glowing praise no doubt in store in the near future. Meanwhile, you have a great opportunity to stock up on a fan-favorite crowd pleaser that seems tailor-made for summer soirées and warm days by the pool, so don't hesitate to lock in at our market-best price. | ||
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2022 Bodegas Muga Anden (750ml) | ||
From Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As a bastion of collectible Rioja, Bodegas Muga produces many of the region's most acclaimed and sought-after collectibles, but their extensive history of reference-point quality extends throughout their line-up, all the way into their entry-level, everyday value standouts. The 2022 Muga Andén de la Estanción, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, is a classic bang-for-the-buck Spanish red. "Serious despite being approachable," as Wine Advocate's Luis Gutiérrez describes it, the 2022 Andén is a hallmark representaiton of what Rioja does best at the value end of the spectrum. With the vibrant, fresh red fruit character of Tempranillo, touches of spice from the Garnacha, and a pliant, tensile structural base, it's tailor-made for versatility and pleasure, a food-friendly performer and crowd-pleaser par excellence that's easy on the palate and the wallet. | ||
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2023 Forge Cellars Classique Seneca Lake Dry Riesling (750ml) | ||
Riesling from Finger Lakes, New York | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These are high-quality wines that appear to do an excellent job representing their various terroirs." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate As New York's Finger Lakes region has gained spotlight on the world stage in recent years, a handful of producers have emerged as the clear leaders setting the bar, and Louis Barruol's Forge Cellars is certainly one of the top names to know here. The owner of Château Saint-Cosme in Gigondas (Rhone Valley, France) has an uncompromising approach to his craft, and the same meticulous attention and rigorous standard that make the Saint-Cosme wines so highly acclaimed is brought to bear on the Forge line-up. While the single-vineyard expressions are certainly standard bearers for the Finger Lakes' unique terroirs, the 2023 Classique Riesling offers all the characteristics that have garnered Finger Lakes Rieslings the attention they now deserve. Ripe fruit, taut, tensile structure, and scintillating aromatics all come out in a wine that easily lives up to its 93-point press, and best of all, a case-buy price offers the perfect incentive to branch out and dive into one of the country's most dynamic, rising-star wine regions. | ||
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2022 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Wines like this one are what make it fun to be a wine drinker. Not a wine collector, not a wine connoisseur, but a wine drinker. Sure, the 2022 Roth Alexander Valley Cabernet boasts some serious quality for its price point, but at its core, this one is all about pure enjoyment for fans of Cali Cab. First off, the 2022 is a classic showcase of what sets Alexander Valley apart from the rest of California when it comes to Cabernet. Plush, red fruits form the wine's identity, while the dusty but gentle tannins, a signature of the AVA, offer a pleasantly balanced foundation that makes this overachieving value star a perfect match for any weeknight occasion or crowded get-together. With rock-solid press, including a 93-point review from Decanter, and a must-see, case-buy price, you can stock up with confidence, knowing you've found a new surefire performer to add to your go-to rotation. | ||
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2021 Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec (750ml) | ||
Malbec from Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An expression of terroir in a glass..." - Decanter Described as "an Argentine winemaker with rock star appeal" by the Wine Enthusiast's Michael Schachner, the remarkably talented 100 pt. winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti is at the forefront of crafting vineyard-driven Malbec in the Uco Valley, his blockbuster 96 pt. 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage revealing fragrant, concentrated dark fruit with refined, silky tannins on a long, mineral finish, boasting the complexity of old vine Malbec to enjoy over the next decade at a remarkable value price. Located southwest of the City of Mendoza, Argentina's Uco Valley has enjoyed a rise in popularity among wine travelers over the last two decades, its stunning scenery framed by the snowcapped Andes Mountains home to a new wave of high-end luxury wine resorts earning it the title "Argentina's Napa Valley" from critic Tim Atkin. Boasting a diverse range of high altitude terroirs inspiring a new movement towards "wines with an authentic sense of place" according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo, Uco Valley native Marcelo Pelleriti has been a pioneer of vineyard driven wines in the region for nearly two decades, gaining international recognition as the first Argentinian-born winemaker to garner a perfect Parker score for his 100 pt. 2010 Chateau La Violette Bordeaux and establishing his personal label Mendoza winery on his family's 110-year-old farm in La Consulta in 2007. Forming a collaborative partnership with Miguel Priore to craft terroir expressive Grand Cru wines from the region's old vine Malbec, Marcelo sourced the 2021 Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage cuvee from the Altamira vineyard situated at 1,100 meters above sea level, planted with pre-phylloxera Malbec vines over 60 years of age in a rugged terrain of rocky alluvial soils that produce intensely concentrated, tiny thick-skinned berries and naming the cuvee for being "held hostage" by the vineyard's alluring old vine Malbec. Fermenting the hand harvested grapes with native yeasts in stainless steel, the refined 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and 12 months longer in bottle, revealing a harmonious, beautifully balanced Malbec described as "supple, smooth and polished" by critic Tim Atkin with a fresh solid core of fruit boasting distinct minerality on a backbone of ripe, polished tannins. Among "the most dynamic winemakers in Argentina" according to James Suckling, the impressive 96 pt. 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec showcases Marcelo's remarkable expertise for transparently expressing the distinctive Uco Valley terroir, a thrilling old vine Malbec at an unheard of price worthy of stocking the cellar to enjoy over the next decade. | ||
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2020 Ramirez de la Piscina Seleccion Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...there's a compact feel to this firm red but also a sense of balance and integration." - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator As dominant as Rioja is in the Spanish collectible space, its penchant for delivering outstanding everyday values is also unmatched. The latest entry proving the point is Ramirez de la Piscina's charming 92-point 2020 Selección Reserva, a rock-solid performer for the cellar or the table at an easy case-buy price. The estate's style is purely reflective of the terroir in Ábalos and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, yielding wines of chalky finesse, refined tannins, and old-school complexity. For the Reserva, however, they take a decidedly New World approach in the oak regimen and fruit profile. James Suckling sums it up as "A dense and full-bodied Rioja ... Chewy and firm, with wood-soaked tannins, yet it doesn't overpower the rich dark berry and plum fruit." If you're a fan of Rioja, this is a razor-sharp buy to add to the cellar for future enjoyment, but it can also occupy a starring role in your regular rotation thanks to our must-see, sub-$20 price. | ||
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2021 Avignonesi Grifi (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as masterful expressions of their Tuscan terroir, these top rated Avignonesi selections range from two 100% Sangiovese wines to a highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, an array of deliciously savory Tuscan reds crafted near the medieval town of Montepulciano at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. After purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate's holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade, becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Located in Italy's first and oldest red wine appellation at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the estate's rolling vineyards in western Tuscany are planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study and vinified separately in Avignonesi's state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 6 months in oak barrels, the fresh and juicy 91 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montalcino is described as "a pure expression of the Tuscan grape" by the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner boasting fragrant, lightly spiced fruit layered with silky tannins on a refined, mineral finish and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. While many wineries in the region adhere to the minimum 70%, the enticing 94 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, revealing bright fruit "with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity" according to the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson that will continue to evolve for another 10 years or more. Described as "long, fresh and juicy" by James Suckling, the elegant 94 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing robust, luscious fruit and harmonious acidity with layers of tannins promising nearly a decade of enjoyment. From the Tuscan estate Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls a "reference point in Montepulciano," these delicious and age worthy Avignonesi selections all offer "a terrific value proposition" according to the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, an array of top scoring Tuscan gems unbeatably priced for stocking the cellar. | ||
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2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as masterful expressions of their Tuscan terroir, these top rated Avignonesi selections range from two 100% Sangiovese wines to a highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, an array of deliciously savory Tuscan reds crafted near the medieval town of Montepulciano at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. After purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate's holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade, becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Located in Italy's first and oldest red wine appellation at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the estate's rolling vineyards in western Tuscany are planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study and vinified separately in Avignonesi's state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 6 months in oak barrels, the fresh and juicy 91 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montalcino is described as "a pure expression of the Tuscan grape" by the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner boasting fragrant, lightly spiced fruit layered with silky tannins on a refined, mineral finish and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. While many wineries in the region adhere to the minimum 70%, the enticing 94 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, revealing bright fruit "with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity" according to the Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson that will continue to evolve for another 10 years or more. Described as "long, fresh and juicy" by James Suckling, the elegant 94 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing robust, luscious fruit and harmonious acidity with layers of tannins promising nearly a decade of enjoyment. From the Tuscan estate Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls a "reference point in Montepulciano," these delicious and age worthy Avignonesi selections all offer "a terrific value proposition" according to the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, an array of top scoring Tuscan gems unbeatably priced for stocking the cellar. | ||
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2022 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2024 La Marea Albarino Kristy Vineyard (750ml) | ||
Albarino from Monterey, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Ian Brand's] wines are charming, straightforward and texturally consistent..." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate Ian Brand has quietly built a reputation as one of California's most avant-garde winemakers in large part due to his preference for working with hidden-gem, old-vine sites outside the usual zip codes, mostly in Monterey County. His I. Brand label has seen hit after hit among insiders and the sommelier crowd, but for years his La Marea label, focused on Iberian varietals, has flown under the radar, which helps to explain why they remain some of the sharpest values in the Golden State. We recently tasted this pair and were pleasantly surprised by the world-class substance and quality in the bottle, all at prices that are just inexplicable. The 2021 Grenache was sourced from three old-vine sites for an altogether singular expression that offers fantastic varietal purity to stand with any example from France or Spain but still clearly communicates its granitic terroir with the utmost clarity, earning it 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic and long-time California wine authority, Virginie Boone. The 2024 Albariño from the Kristy Vineyard follows this same trend, boasting a ton of classic varietal charm that we all love in the best Spanish and Portuguese expressions while showcasing the vineyard's calcareous limestone soils. "Bright, vivid flavors" and "super-focused, lip-smacking texture" lead B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz to declare, "As a long-time fan of Albariño, this one more than clears my bar." If you're a seasoned connoisseur of California wine but you feel like you've been there and done that with the usual offerings from Sonoma, Napa, and the like, this pair will serve as "a fantastic reminder of just how much incredible variety is ripe for discovery in the Golden State." | ||
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2023 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Santa Barbara, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...one of the better values in all of California wine." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The long-awaited new release of this all-time B-21 best seller is here. Stolpman's La Cuadrilla has been a bona fide value champion for us for several vintages running, and it's basically cornered our market on sub-$20 California reds. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Sangiovese, this spectacular, "lights out" favorite has always brought its A-game big time, and that all continues apace in 2023. "Bright, punchy and full of character, the 2023 delivers superb quality and striking purity of fruit," notes Antonio Galloni. Made every year by the estate's vineyard workers, who then split the proceeds from sales, this is a true wine of community and collective effort and reward. There's not much else to say – if you're already fan, then make some room and stock up like you always do. The 2023 La Cuadrilla is ready to rock with stunning character and unbeatable value, just like it always has. | ||
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2022 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. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant 93 pt. 2021 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, and his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 was to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years ago by long-time Beringer winemaker Roy Raymond, Raymond Vineyards now spans over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena, the vineyards and winemaking managed under the direction of 100 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 points throughout her tenure. Expertly crafted from outstanding Napa fruit, this duo of top scoring Raymond Reserve Selections boast a winning combination of quality and value, both ready to enjoy now and promising pleasurable drinking for years ahead at an easy to reach for price. | ||
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2022 Domaine Charvin Le Poutet (750ml) | ||
From Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It is really like drinking a fine bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape at a fraction of the price!" - John Gilman, View From the Cellar There you have it. We'll get to the specifics momentarily, but Gilman sums up the 2022 Charvin Le Poutet as well as anything else we could possible say about it. When you consider that Charvin's 2022 Châteauneuf notched a whopping 98 points, it becomes clear that this "humble" Cotes-du-Rhone is anyhthing but. Sourced mainly from Grenache vines approaching 100 years old in a sandy plot just across the street from the Châteauneuf boundary line, the 2022 Le Poutet is a pristine example of Laurent Charvin's top-tier winemaking skills. "Try finding another Côtes-du-Rhône with this level of finesse, precision, and terroir signature," writes B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz, "You'll be looking for a long time." Jeb Dunnuck likewise declares, "I love its overall balance, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It will shine for a solid decade." We've already seen the 2022 Châteauneuf fly out the door, which tells us that Chavin is still a name with serious cachet among Rhône fans, so we won't be surprised to see the same response to this spectacular overachiever at a price that makes it all too easy to go in big. | ||
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2022 Schoffit Gewurztraminer Harth Cuvee Caroline (750ml) | ||
Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines are compelling in a rather quiet way, understated but so convincing." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous "They are of a consistently high quality and, in my opinion, still far too rarely on the radar of importers, retailers and sommeliers." - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Alsace as a whole is often considered an under-the-radar region, so when we come upon a domaine that is known as "under the radar," it's safe to say it's probably far under the radar. The shame is, as Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt notes above, that wines and domaines like these deserve far more attention. However, clued-in and savvy wine collectors can reap serious benefits in the form of world-class cellar contenders at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality and pedigree from Burgundy, Champagne, or virtually anywhere else in France. Domaine Schoffit's vineyard stable is loaded with prime sites, but the unquestioned jewel in the crown is the Clos St-Théobald in the Rangen de Thann Grand Cru, inarguably the finest vineyard in Alsace. At 6.5 hectares, the Clos is now a monopole since Bernard Schoffit completed his ambitious reclamation project to unite the entire site under his domaine. The super-steep slopes and volcanic soitls produce one of the world's most distinctive Rieslings, and the 97-point 2022 ranks among the greatest vintages ever made of this wine. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling is another singular standout, this from granitic soils that shine in the wine's stunning combination of aromatic purity and textural intensity. Finally, the 2022 Harth Gewürztraminer showcases Schoffit's great sites around Colmar with fantastic varietal precision, particularly "the glorious spice of Gewürztraminer" as Anne Krebiehl notes. It bears repeating – these wines belong on the short list of Alsace's finest names along side the Weinbachs, Trimbachs, and Zind-Humbrechts, so if you're a serious Alsace fan or collector of the world's best Rieslings, make room in the cellar. You'll be so glad you did. | ||
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2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as "an absolute delight" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the alluring 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine reveals fresh, aromatic brambly red fruit layered with juicy acidity and integrated, firm tannins, sourced from some of California's most iconic old vine vineyards and a top value bargain-priced for Zinfandel lovers to enjoy often. Established in 2007 by the son of Ravenswood founding winemaker Joel Peterson, Bedrock Wine Company's Morgan Twain-Peterson and long-time business partner Chris Cottrell craft their wines from a who's who list of the region's most historic vineyards, sourcing the old vine Zinfandel from centuries' old sites throughout Sonoma and Contra Costa counties including the Peterson's own Bedrock Vineyard. Described by Antonio Galloni as "among the most pedigreed vineyard sites anywhere in the world," Bedrock was the first California vineyard to be replanted in 1888 following the devastation of phylloxera, boasting a Zinfandel-dominated field mix planted in volcanic rocks and cobbly loam soil and farmed organically by the Petersons without irrigation. Blending 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and small amounts of other varieties averaging 80 years of age and fermenting with native yeasts, Morgan aged the lush 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine in a combination of French oak and Austrian oak puncheons and foudres with about 10% new, yielding a fresh and delicately spiced Zinfandel with layered fine tannins that's ready to enjoy and will continue to mature gracefully over the next few years. Crafted by "one of the most talented winemakers of his generation" according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the impressive 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine is blended from many of the iconic sites that go into Bedrock's single vineyard Zins at a fraction of their price, delivering a transparent expression of rich, old vine Zinfandel at an unbeatable value price. | ||
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2023 Ridge Three Valleys (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish..." - Wine Spectator Among the luminaries and reference points in California Zinfandel, Ridge Vineyards is always a sure bet when it comes to classic expressions of the varietal, at every point in the price spectrum. The 2023 Three Valleys continues this entry-level cuvées record and reputation as a superb bang-for-the-buck choice, thanks not only to Ridge's unparalleled vineyard sources in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley, but also to their commitment to the same meticulous winemaking that goes into their top bottlings. Notching a pair of 93-point scores from Wine Spectator and Jeb Dunnuck, it's "complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance." In a category that too often sees explosive fruit bombs with alcohol approaching jet fuel levels, you can always depend on Ridge to stay true to proper California Zin form – vivid varietal character, undeniable charm and approachability, and world-class value. | ||
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2016 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The López de Heredia new releases are always some of the anticipated of the year, and kicking off this round, we have the standard bearer for Crianza Rioja, from a stellar vintage to boot. "The 2016 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza was surprising, spectacular, elegant, clean and fresh like few vintages before." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Racking up three 94-point scores, the 2016 Cubillo is a jaw-dropping performer in its category. The vineyard itself is a true gem, capable of producing at the Gran Reserva level, but winemaker Mercedes López de Heredia insists on making the Crianza because it's just that important to their entire range. The lovely 2016 vintage gave the estate everything they were looking for – "quality, quantity and freshness" as Gutiérrez notes – and the resulting wine checks every box. "Firm and juicy with a vibrant core" according to Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous, the 2016 offers fans of the estate a prime example of LdH's traditional Rioja style, and our private client price, which is far too low to publish online, offers you the opportunity to stock up big, so you can enjoy this best-in-class stunner time and time again for years to come. | ||
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2021 La Marea Grenache (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Central Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Ian Brand's] wines are charming, straightforward and texturally consistent..." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate Ian Brand has quietly built a reputation as one of California's most avant-garde winemakers in large part due to his preference for working with hidden-gem, old-vine sites outside the usual zip codes, mostly in Monterey County. His I. Brand label has seen hit after hit among insiders and the sommelier crowd, but for years his La Marea label, focused on Iberian varietals, has flown under the radar, which helps to explain why they remain some of the sharpest values in the Golden State. We recently tasted this pair and were pleasantly surprised by the world-class substance and quality in the bottle, all at prices that are just inexplicable. The 2021 Grenache was sourced from three old-vine sites for an altogether singular expression that offers fantastic varietal purity to stand with any example from France or Spain but still clearly communicates its granitic terroir with the utmost clarity, earning it 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic and long-time California wine authority, Virginie Boone. The 2024 Albariño from the Kristy Vineyard follows this same trend, boasting a ton of classic varietal charm that we all love in the best Spanish and Portuguese expressions while showcasing the vineyard's calcareous limestone soils. "Bright, vivid flavors" and "super-focused, lip-smacking texture" lead B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz to declare, "As a long-time fan of Albariño, this one more than clears my bar." If you're a seasoned connoisseur of California wine but you feel like you've been there and done that with the usual offerings from Sonoma, Napa, and the like, this pair will serve as "a fantastic reminder of just how much incredible variety is ripe for discovery in the Golden State." | ||
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2023 Yohan Lardy Chenas Les Deschamps (750ml) | ||
Gamay from Chenas, Beaujolais, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Yohan Lardy's Beaujolais bona fides run deep. As the son of renowned winemaker Lucien Lardy, he has a profound understanding of the region's top terroirs and a firm commitment to seeing them shine on the world stage. Since his inaugural 2012 vintage, Lardy has gone from intriguing upstart to a standard-bearer of minimal intervention winemaking, his wines garnering more and more attention and accolades with each vintage. His ace in the hole? Prized plots of extraordinarily old vines in Beaujolais' most famed crus. This line-up of 2023s showcases Lardy's exceptional domaine holdings and the burgeoning superstar skills of one of the region's brightest young talents in jaw-dropping fashion. The "fabulous balance and precision" of the 97-point Moulin-à-Vent Les Michelons is a real highlight, while the "stunningly fresh" Fleurie Le Vivier and 96-point Chénas Les Deschamps offer best-in-class character from these two insider's crus. The crown-jewel of the domaine, however, is unquestionably the Vignes de 1903, a perennial stunner from a small sub-parcel of 120-year-old vines in the Les Michelons lieu-dit." A prime example of what modern Beaujolais does best with its "superb old-vine character and pure terroir definition from a winemaker reaching a new level of performance," as described by B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz, the astounding, JS98 Vignes de 1903 is no pop-and-pour charmer, though it is plenty captivating even in its youth. Instead, it's a serious expression of a singular terroir that collectors can truly appreciate after many years in cellar. As Stuart Pigott writes for James Suckling's recent report, "It's hard to wrap your head around this extraordinary Moulin-a-Vent, but give it time, and it will wrap itself around – and into – your head." In one of France's most dynamic wine region's, Lardy is a undoubtedly a name to know, especially considering the combination of world-class quality and must-see bargain pricing. | ||
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2023 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More By now, Seghesio's reference-point Old Vine Zinfandel needs little to no introduction, as it's long been a certified best-seller at B-21 for those seeking ultra-classic Sonoma Zin character for an absolute steal. Routinely one of the best bang-for-the-buck QPR stars in its category, the wine shines again in 2023 with a 92-point score from Wine Spectator. From select plots averaging 75 years of age, the 2023 Old Vine highlights everything we love about California Zinfandel in its bold yet balanced personality. "An old-school Zin that's loaded with zest and briar patch," as Spectator's Tim Fish describes it, this wine is a thrilling combination of exuberant fruit and spicy undertones that define all the best versions of this original California varietal. Fans of the estate shouldn't hesitate to stock up big yet again at our unbeatable market-best price. | ||
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2022 Felsina I Sistri Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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