Top Quality Store
. Click on your Sundae above to reactivate last month's offers, always available in-store too. Even sweeter: these prices will be good tomorrow too, while supplies last.
| 2022 Chateau Marjosse Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
|
||
| 2025 La Cana Albarińo (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 Albarińo 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 Cańa has long been a benchmark producer of this one-of-a-kind varietal, working with top-notch sites in the Salnčs 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 Albarińo 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 Ordońez, 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. | ||
|
||
| 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. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Brassfield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from High Valley, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's understandable if you thought the days of true value in California Cabernet were well behind us, but the gorgeous score from Brassfield reminds us that the good times are still rolling, if you keep a sharp eye for bargains. Next door neighbor to Napa but world's apart in nearly every way, Lake County boasts some classic California Cabernet features - volcanic soils, long-growing seasons, marked by big diurnal temperature swings, ideally situated mountain slopes. It's all here, without the dramatic Napa price tags. Brassfield estate sits on the edge of Clear Lake in High Valley, and it can only be described as one of the most picturesque vineyards in California. The 2021 Estate Cabernet takes advantage of an excellent growing season, with 94 points from Wine Enthusiast confirming that you don't need to pay a king's ransom for great Cabernet real estate or a great Cabernet wine for that matter. If you're looking for a regular house red or a perfect candidate to host a crowd for the holidays, the 2021 Brassfield Estate Cab is your go-to. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Chateau Puygueraud Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Francs, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2021 La Horra Corimbo (500ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A structured, flavorful Ribera from a warm, powerful yet balanced vintage." - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Bodegas Roda's skyrocketing trajectory to Rioja cult status is now well-known, and while the Roda wines command a hefty price tag, you can still find all that hallmark, cult-caliber excellence in their Ribera project, Bodegas La Horra. The estate's Corimbo red, bottled in 500ml format, is made of 100% Tinta del Pais, from their younger parcels between 25 and 30 years of age. These dry-farmed bush vines produce uncommon concentration and depth, and the 2021 vintage did the rest. The style at La Horra is founded on three basic tenets: modest wood use, balanced ripeness, and gentle extractions. In other words, the estate eschews the prevailing Ribera trends of power, weight, and high-octane ripeness. Even though it's from a warm vintage, the 2021 Corimbo displays "pure fruit expression ... light chalky grip and a lightly tannic finish, filling the mouth with flavor." In the tradition of the best Spanish reds in this price tier, the 2021 Corimbo is an easy case-buy contender that would cost twice as much if it were from France or California, given the inherent quality and pedigree. | ||
|
||
| 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. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Tolaini Al Passo (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The latest vintages of perennial best-selling value Super Tuscans are now in stock and ready to impress anyone seeking outstanding bang for the buck. The 94-point 2021 Tolaini Al Passo and the 95-point 2021 Tolaini Valdisanti are emblematic of the unabashedly modern-style that makes them some of the sharpest case-buy contenders in Italian wine, year in and year out. After 40 years of running a successful business in Canada, entrepreneur Pier Luigi Tolaini returned to his native Tuscany with the goal of producing top-quality wines from Sangiovese, purchasing 25 hectares in the hills of the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Chianti in 1998. Undertaking massive replanting of the vines and rebalancing of the soils, Pier Luigi hired famed enologist Michel Rolland and Tuscan agronomist Andrea Paoletti to manage the vineyards and construct a state-of-the-art winery, releasing the first Al Passo in 2007 and expanding the estate to over 100 hectares over the next decade. The estate is now firing on all cylinders as the vineyards come to maturity, and Pier Luigi's vision is in full form. The 2021 Al Passo, based on Sangiovese, is "a very beautiful and expressive wine" per Galloni, while in the 50/50 blend Valdisanti, "Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc speak with a decidedly Tuscan accent in this vibrant, mid-weight offering." Like previous vintages, the 2021s offer immediate enjoyment but certainly display the stuffing to cruise in the cellar for a decade, making a mixed case purchase (or a case of each!) an easy choice at our market-best pricing. | ||
|
||
| 2025 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a superb wine in any vintage." - Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate You many not know the name Kevin Judd, but you certainly know his contribution to the wine world. As the long-time winemaker at Cloudy Bay, he's done more than anyone to put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the world wine map. Having long since moved on from that New Zealand icon, he's spent the past two decades or so making his absolutely brilliant Greywacke wines, which have become all-time Kiwi best-sellers in their own right. Year in, year out, the flagship Marlborough Sauv Blanc is a tremendous effort that puts the very best qualities of the category on display, and the newly arrived 2025 rendition does not disappoint, led by a resounding 94-point score from Wine Advocate. James Suckling also chimes in, calling it "A flavorful, focused and textural sauvignon blanc ... Lively and succulent, with a precise palate and a long finish." Judd's no-nonsense approach and unwavering commitment to his craft make this not only an excellent value but also a benchmark expression capable of performing at the highest level for many years to come. In other words, don't think twice and just stack it by the case. You'll be glad you did! | ||
|
||
| 2023 Daou Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Paso Robles, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Sweetly spiced and creamy yet with a vibrant core..." - James Suckling Few producers in California display such consistent quality up and down their range as Paso Robles' Daou Vineyards. Their top-end collectibles routinely pull in massive scores, but at the same time, their entry-level offerings are some of the best in the game, as we see in today's sub-$20, 94-point gem of a Chardonnay. Sourced exclusively from old-vine parcels in Edna Valley, the 2023 Reserve is a pure example of the best features of California Chardonnay, marrying ripeness with balance, which results in a profile with serious appeal to a wide audience. Sure, there are plenty of sub-$20 Chardonnay options out there, but only a select few can match the pedigree and style of this must-try beauty from a true Paso Robles icon. | ||
|
||
| 2024 Hartford Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. The 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 94-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, don't miss the trio of top-flight, single-vineyard Zinfandels, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
|
||
| 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, Mourvčdre 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. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 is such a classy offering ...What an absolute delight." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 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 century-old sites throughout Sonoma and Contra Costa counties, including 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 2023 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 Galloni, the impressive, 93-point 2023 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 for an unbeatable value. | ||
|
||
| 2019 La Rose Perriere (750ml) | ||
| From Lussac-St-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2020 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It is approachable, elegant and ticks all the boxes for this style of wine at an affordable price." - Decanter La Rioja Alta's Vina Alberdi needs little to no introduction here at B-21. It's been a perennial best-seller for years on end and one of the most consistent values in Spanish wine during that entire span of time. The 93-point 2020 vintage continues the sterling track record of this benchmark overachiever and this reference-point estate. Forty-year-old vines, expert and precise aging in American oak (a La Rioja Alta specialty), and extended bottle aging before release all contribute to a "lively, harmonious, focused red" that bears the classic Rioja profile while remaining eminently approachable today. Even better the price tag offers the kind of versatility that makes it easy to stack some away in the cellar for a few years or pop the cork tonight – or both. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Elena Fucci SCEG Aglianico del Vulture (750ml) | ||
| Aglianico from Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Elena Fucci is a force." - Eric Guido, Vinous It's been a slow, grinding but steady ascent for Italy's premier southern denominacions, and Aglianico del Vulture is at the head of the pack. Several producers are forging the region's modern path, but arguably none are as dynamic as Elena Fucci. Having taken over her family's estate in 2000 at a very young age, she has risen as the most prolific voice and advocates of Vulture, as well as one of its most talented winemakers. Her style has evolved over the years, blending forward-looking vision and rooted tradition. In short, it straddles a fine line between Old World and New World. Her latest set of releases further confirm her as a must-know for any true Italian insider. Centered around the 7.5-hectare family vineyard of Titolo, these Aglianico wines are full of distinctive personality, reflecting in part her objectively great winemaking and in part the amazing volcanic terroir of the DOCG. The 2022 SCEG is a classic introduction to the varietal, made in an accessible style, which for Aglianico still means a few years in the cellar to show all its cards. Even today though, it's "savory yet cool-toned, with depths of dark red fruits and tactile minerality" that will offer loads of enjoyment. The Titolo bottlings are the crown jewels, conveying the family estate and the varietal in its purest form. The 2021 flagship Titolo is "impossible to ignore," boasting a seamless, balanced, measured profile that earned 94 points from both Eric Guido and Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, who writes, "the 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo is classic Elena Fucci and is the wine you should buy if you love her signature style." Elena's stylistic evolution is also fully evident in the 2021 Titolo by Amphora, which as one might induce, is done entirely in clay amphorae, which means it is pure varietal expression to the max. This double 94-point, "precious and limited release" is a fascinating counterpoint to the flagship Titolo, with "wonderfully soft contours and vivid fruit" that showcase the full potential of this fantastic estate. Best of all, these wines are all tailor-made for the cellar, with potential lifespans that rival the finest red wines of Tuscany and Piedmont, for a fraction of their prices. If you're on the hunt for your next great discovery from the Boot, Elena Fucci should be top of your list. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Madame de Beaucaillou (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
|
||
| 2025 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vivid, round and juicy ... Lively and succulent, with a delicious finish." - James Suckling Today's offer needs no introduction. Just arrived in stock is the latest vintage of the number one, all-time best-selling New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay. The wine that put the entire category on the map is as good as ever with 93 points from Wine Spectator and 92 points from James Suckling. Best of all, we have it at a market-best, sub-$25 price, so you can load the wine fridge, get ready for warm weather, and enjoy a timeless classic again and again throughout the summer and beyond. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Napa, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as "superb" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family's trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won't break the bank. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Vieux Chateau Saint Andre (750ml) | ||
| From Montagne Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Chateau D'Aiguilhe (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Marques de Murrieta Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It's very Rioja, with clout, elegance and freshness and the elegant tannins that are the signature of 2021 ... Bravo!" - 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 double 96-point 2021 Rioja Reserva seems to have hit a new benchmark for this flagship cuvée in "one one of the finest vintages in recent times," as Luis Gutiérrez describes the 2021 campaign in Rioja. "Even more outstanding than the 2020" (which garnered big press in its own right), this rendition is the epitome of an overachiever. For under $30, you can enjoy a world-class Rioja tonight or you can stack the cellar. "Elegant yet perfectly structured ... It offers immediate appeal but will age gracefully for many years to come," declares Decanter. Simply put, wine lovers of all stripes will be hard pressed to find better bang for their buck. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... yet another outstanding red Beaucastel with the potential to match or even outperform the delicious 2022." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous One of the most anticipated Rhône releases in any vintage is Beaucastel's reference-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the 97-point 2023 delivers everything we expect from this iconic estate. The warm, dry growing season provided optimal conditions for all the estate's varietals to excel and the finished wine is classic Beaucastel in all respects. Jeb Dunnuck notes, "It has the purity, medium to full-bodied richness, and ripe, yet still fresh and lively style of the vintage and brings plenty of mid-palate depth, sweet tannins, and a great finish." The year saw a higher-than-usual Mourvedre content in the blend, so you can count on this rendition to cruise in the cellar, but the freshness and vibrancy of the Grenache components (with help of the highly aromatic Terret Nori, Vaccarese, and Muscardin) make it a true charmer right out of the gate. James Suckling's Rhône critic Stuart Pigott declares it "full-bodied but with a lightness of touch. Then the power and stony intensity pour over you in a giant wave. The freshness is extraordinary for this hot and dry vintage." In other words, one of France's leading wine estates hit another home run, and collectors can add this superb rendition to their cellars for a razor-sharp price. While you wait for the Châteauneuf to come around, you can also stock up on the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel. Reflecting its well-earned reputation as "the Baby Beaucastel," the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a solidly built, age-worthy Côtes-du-Rhône that takes the category a step up in terms of quality, character, and pedigree – the Coudoulet vines lie just on the "wrong side" of the road from Beaucastel's official Châteauneuf parcels, so the moniker isn't just a trope. Soils, micro-climates, and vine heritage are all similar, so the Coudoulet wine always offers glimpses of its world-class terroir. This JS93 "solid, focused, juicy and poised wine" is picture-perfect introduction to the vintage at Beaucastel. Finally, as icing on the cake, serious collectors shouldn't miss a chance to add a monumental vintage of the legendary Hommage ŕ Jacques Perrin to their cellars at unbeatable pricing. The 2022 Hommage is a triple 98-point masterpiece and collectible cornerstone that sets the bar for the appellation and the vintage. "Combining mind-boggling intensity with impressive verticality, the full-bodied 2022 is one of the wines of the vintage," notes Nicolas Greinacher of Vinous. Yohan Castaing's own 98-point Wine Advocate review likewise calls it "a spectacular and immense wine ... [and] a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts." With the amply seductive style of the vintage, it's also likely to give off serious fireworks right now if you're the impatient type. Either way, this is a no-brainer opportunity for anyone who's serious about the world's greatest collectible wines. At every stage of the hierarchy and every price tier, Beaucastel proves its mettle time and time again, and these latest releases are unequivocal gems for any fan of Southern Rhône's best wines. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Etude Pinot Noir Estate Grace Benoist Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Pinot Noir is a big deal in California, and while places like Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are at the front of everyone's minds, Carneros is the original cool climate AVA in California. Situated at the very south of Napa Valley, it's completely exposed to the influence of nearby San Pablo bay, and the potential for great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has been established here for decades. One of the long-time, mainstay benchmarks for top-tier Carneros Pinot Noir is Etude, whose home estate of Grace Benoist ranch is one of the most historic vineyard properties in California. Originally founded and put on the map by the legendary Tony Soter, Etude has been under the direction of the equally skilled Jon Priest since 2005. He has continued the legacy of Etude as a Carneros standard-bearer, and the 2022 Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Pinot Noir is ample proof. With 96 points from James Suckling, it's a top-flight value contender in California Pinot at an outrageous $25 price for our private clients. This "floral and impressively complex" expression is premium California Pinot Noir all the way at a case-buy price that allows you to take house red roster up a level or two. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Rudi Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Wachau (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the [2024s] have beautiful concentration and real tension. Well done." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Arguably one of the top three estate in the Wachau, Rudi Pichler is a unanimous reference-point for the region, and there are few, if any, estates that have the same wherewithal to spin absolute gold out of a difficult vintage. Old vines, steep slopes, and Rudi's uncompromising, meticulous skills turned out a range of stunning expressions that are easily among the best in the category. From the beautifully balanced, 94-point Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen to the towering excellence of the 98-point Riesling and Grüner Smaragds from the Achleiten site, the entire range is comprised of must-have benchmarks for serious Austrian fans. Savvy buyers will not overlook the "exquisite purity and expression" of the double 96-point Riesling Smaragd Kirchweg or the equally "stunning" Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kollmutz. These are just a few of the highlights in an entire line-up that sets the bar for the vintage, and to top it all off, don't miss the very last stocks of the equally prodigious 2023s, still available at remarkable pricing. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as "superb" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family's trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won't break the bank. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as "superb" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family's trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won't break the bank. | ||
|
||
| 2024 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a magical property. Of late, the wines have been pretty magical too." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous While Tignanello gets all (or almost all) the attention in the Marchesi Antinori stable, the Guado al Tasso wines have started to gain some serious traction of their own among Italian fans, and they now stand apart from their more famous sibling in all the right ways. Indeed, recent vintages have seen the estate hit new benchmarks in quality and acclaim, something that continues in this trio of new releases. The 2024 Il Bruciato stands out as one of the Tuscany's leading value buys once again, capturing the power of the warm vintage while retaining ample freshness to make it accessible even today. This JD91 blend of Bordeaux varietals plus Syrah offers up a thoroughly modern profile with tons of broad, crowd-pleasing appeal and a price to match. The Super Tuscan blends are the attention-getters in the Antinori portfolio, but the 2022 Cont' Ugo Merlot is an insider's savvy buy. We know, we know ... Merlot? Yes, Merlot. It's one of the most intriguing and dynamic varietals in Tuscany today. The coastal climate and soils are ideally suited to this Bordeaux transplant, but the result is never just an imitation of the Right Bank style. Instead, Merlot takes on its own singular Tuscan character that lends a new and vibrant perspective to the grape and the category as a whole, and the 94-point 2022 Cont' Ugo is a prime example. Finally, the latest vintage of Guado al Tasso shows the unmatched pedigree of Antinori, from the sterling quality of the fruit, to the clear terroir signatures, to the precise and meticulous winemaking, which really was deciding factor in the 2022 vintage. As Monica Larner of Wine Advocate declares in her 96-point review, "The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness." Everything about the 2022 is expertly composed and in its proper place, earning it three rock-solid, 96-point reviews from Italy's leading critics. For those who follow the Italian collectible scene, especially the Super Tuscan category, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for this exceptional expression from one of Italy's most iconic estates. | ||
|
||
| 2024 Rudi Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Wachau (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the [2024s] have beautiful concentration and real tension. Well done." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Arguably one of the top three estate in the Wachau, Rudi Pichler is a unanimous reference-point for the region, and there are few, if any, estates that have the same wherewithal to spin absolute gold out of a difficult vintage. Old vines, steep slopes, and Rudi's uncompromising, meticulous skills turned out a range of stunning expressions that are easily among the best in the category. From the beautifully balanced, 94-point Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen to the towering excellence of the 98-point Riesling and Grüner Smaragds from the Achleiten site, the entire range is comprised of must-have benchmarks for serious Austrian fans. Savvy buyers will not overlook the "exquisite purity and expression" of the double 96-point Riesling Smaragd Kirchweg or the equally "stunning" Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kollmutz. These are just a few of the highlights in an entire line-up that sets the bar for the vintage, and to top it all off, don't miss the very last stocks of the equally prodigious 2023s, still available at remarkable pricing. | ||
|
||
