| 2023 Invivo X, SJP Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
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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 Familia Zuccardi Cabernet Franc Q (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Regardless of price point, the unifying factor throughout the roster is unwavering clarity, focus and precision." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The Zuccardi renaissance has been one of the most intriguing stories of the last decade in Argentine wine, with third-generation winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi continuing the visionary quest of his grandfather to produce Argentine wines reflective of place, down the most minute of parcels. Taking inspiration from Burgundy, the family has undertaken an intimate, painfully detailed survey of all their vineyards and identified their parcels according to a quality hierarchy much like one finds in the Burgundian cru system. The single-vineyard parcels have naturally received their fair share of attention and acclaim, but much of Zuccardi's brilliance can be seen in their spectacularly overachieving "village" wines of the Serie Q range. The 2023 Malbec Q is "aptly summarizes the profile readers can expect throughout the Zuccardi portfolio: poise, balance and precision, regardless of price point." As good as the Malbec Q is, the estate is no one-trick pony. Instead, they prioritze and excel with all Bordeaux varietals, which is especially evident in the 92-point 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Q, "an amazing value and a solid snapshot of contemporary Argentine winemaking." Finally, the JS93 Cabernet Franc Q offers a "pitch-perfect" varietal expression that's "a high-fidelity rendering of Uco Valley and a standout in the Zuccardi Q range." Argentine wine has had quite a roller coaster ride over the last 20 years, with some dizzying highs paired with real "down to earth" spans that have left the country's wine scene seeking a firm identity. Through it all, Zuccardi has remained steadfast in establishing themselves as a leading light, doing as much to define modern Argentine wine as anyone else.
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| 2023 Familia Zuccardi Cabernet Sauvignon Q (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Regardless of price point, the unifying factor throughout the roster is unwavering clarity, focus and precision." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The Zuccardi renaissance has been one of the most intriguing stories of the last decade in Argentine wine, with third-generation winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi continuing the visionary quest of his grandfather to produce Argentine wines reflective of place, down the most minute of parcels. Taking inspiration from Burgundy, the family has undertaken an intimate, painfully detailed survey of all their vineyards and identified their parcels according to a quality hierarchy much like one finds in the Burgundian cru system. The single-vineyard parcels have naturally received their fair share of attention and acclaim, but much of Zuccardi's brilliance can be seen in their spectacularly overachieving "village" wines of the Serie Q range. The 2023 Malbec Q is "aptly summarizes the profile readers can expect throughout the Zuccardi portfolio: poise, balance and precision, regardless of price point." As good as the Malbec Q is, the estate is no one-trick pony. Instead, they prioritze and excel with all Bordeaux varietals, which is especially evident in the 92-point 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Q, "an amazing value and a solid snapshot of contemporary Argentine winemaking." Finally, the JS93 Cabernet Franc Q offers a "pitch-perfect" varietal expression that's "a high-fidelity rendering of Uco Valley and a standout in the Zuccardi Q range." Argentine wine has had quite a roller coaster ride over the last 20 years, with some dizzying highs paired with real "down to earth" spans that have left the country's wine scene seeking a firm identity. Through it all, Zuccardi has remained steadfast in establishing themselves as a leading light, doing as much to define modern Argentine wine as anyone else.
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| 2023 Familia Zuccardi Malbec Q (750ml) | ||
| Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Regardless of price point, the unifying factor throughout the roster is unwavering clarity, focus and precision." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The Zuccardi renaissance has been one of the most intriguing stories of the last decade in Argentine wine, with third-generation winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi continuing the visionary quest of his grandfather to produce Argentine wines reflective of place, down the most minute of parcels. Taking inspiration from Burgundy, the family has undertaken an intimate, painfully detailed survey of all their vineyards and identified their parcels according to a quality hierarchy much like one finds in the Burgundian cru system. The single-vineyard parcels have naturally received their fair share of attention and acclaim, but much of Zuccardi's brilliance can be seen in their spectacularly overachieving "village" wines of the Serie Q range. The 2023 Malbec Q is "aptly summarizes the profile readers can expect throughout the Zuccardi portfolio: poise, balance and precision, regardless of price point." As good as the Malbec Q is, the estate is no one-trick pony. Instead, they prioritze and excel with all Bordeaux varietals, which is especially evident in the 92-point 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Q, "an amazing value and a solid snapshot of contemporary Argentine winemaking." Finally, the JS93 Cabernet Franc Q offers a "pitch-perfect" varietal expression that's "a high-fidelity rendering of Uco Valley and a standout in the Zuccardi Q range." Argentine wine has had quite a roller coaster ride over the last 20 years, with some dizzying highs paired with real "down to earth" spans that have left the country's wine scene seeking a firm identity. Through it all, Zuccardi has remained steadfast in establishing themselves as a leading light, doing as much to define modern Argentine wine as anyone else.
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| Mumm Cuvee Napa Brut Prestige (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our avid bubbles fans are always on the lookout for a sparkling wine with that perfect combination of deliciousness and value. Fortunately, a California original is still going strong with a trio of sub-$15 offerings that deliver the goods for your holiday parties. Mumm Napa's "rich and lively" Brut Prestige is the ultimate value sparkler with 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, but don't miss the "vibrant and steely" Brut Rosé or the Cuvée M, which offers a "semi-sweet yet balanced" profile for those who like a little "dessert" in their bubbles. If you're looking tor a new house sparkler, why not stock up on all three and give yourself a variety options at the maximum bang for your buck. | ||
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| Mumm Cuvee Napa Brut Rose (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our avid bubbles fans are always on the lookout for a sparkling wine with that perfect combination of deliciousness and value. Fortunately, a California original is still going strong with a trio of sub-$15 offerings that deliver the goods for your holiday parties. Mumm Napa's "rich and lively" Brut Prestige is the ultimate value sparkler with 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, but don't miss the "vibrant and steely" Brut Rosé or the Cuvée M, which offers a "semi-sweet yet balanced" profile for those who like a little "dessert" in their bubbles. If you're looking tor a new house sparkler, why not stock up on all three and give yourself a variety options at the maximum bang for your buck. | ||
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| Mumm Cuvee Napa Cuvee M (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our avid bubbles fans are always on the lookout for a sparkling wine with that perfect combination of deliciousness and value. Fortunately, a California original is still going strong with a trio of sub-$15 offerings that deliver the goods for your holiday parties. Mumm Napa's "rich and lively" Brut Prestige is the ultimate value sparkler with 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, but don't miss the "vibrant and steely" Brut Rosé or the Cuvée M, which offers a "semi-sweet yet balanced" profile for those who like a little "dessert" in their bubbles. If you're looking tor a new house sparkler, why not stock up on all three and give yourself a variety options at the maximum bang for your buck. | ||
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| 2021 La Horra Corimbo (500ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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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. | ||
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| 2020 Ramirez de la Piscina Seleccion Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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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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| 2024 Capichera Vermentino Lintori (750ml) | ||
| Vermentino from Sardinia, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Full-bodied, precise and pristine, with a silky texture and zesty acidity." - James Suckling It seems Italy's white wine scene is getting better and better with each vintage, and you can now add the 95-point 2024 Capichera Vermentino Lintori to the list of the country's benchmark, native-grape expressions. Arguably the finest estate in Sardinia's Gallura DOCG. The recent acquisition of the estate by Italian wine entrepreneur Carlo Campanini Bonomi has ensured that this iconic property not only remains a standard-bearer for the island, but that it takes its game to next level by staying true to its singular terroir. Bonomi considers the property to be one of great heritage, and it's his responsibility to carry that heritage forward. To that end, his extensive investments since his purchase are now paying off big time, as we clearly see in this riveting value performer. Harvested entirely from estate vineyards, the Lintori is quintessential Vermentino, with an intense mineral backbone balanced by full weight and texture. The original vision of Capichera's founder is on full display in this latest rendition under the estate's new ownership - to produce the finest expressions of an Italian winemaking tradition that dates back a thousand years, and to position the estate as its global ambassador. Based on the 2024 Lintori, we'd say they're succeeding with flying colors. | ||
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| 2023 Massolino Dolcetto d'Alba (750ml) | ||
| Dolcetto from Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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| 2021 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Tan Label (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous There you have it. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. This epic Tuscan vintage keeps delivering the goods in every denominacion across the region, but it truly seems like Chianti Classico hit the highest heights of all with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation." We've seen countless head-turning standouts come through already (with more to come soon), and today we're showcasing the some of the region's best buys. Leading off, our direct-import star Le Cinciole has, to no one's surprise, delivered incredible bang for the buck in their "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star. Ruffino, perhaps Chianti's most well-known estate, turned out a Wine Spectator Top 20 Riserva with their 2021 Ducale, and Fonterutoli's 2021 delivers a double-93-point powerhouse expression, "darker, more powerful and concentrated than your standard entry-level Chianti Classico" according to Monica Larner. The double 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva stacks up as an all-time great value buy from Italy at under $30. "Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year," writes Antonio Galloni. Finally, we are thrilled to present the 2021s from our direct-import secret weapon, Caparsa. "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers," notes Galloni, "These new releases are nothing short of captivating." The DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino finishes everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." No matter your style preference, Chianti Classico's extraordinary 2021 vintage has the perfect fit at prices that make it easy to stock up big. | ||
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| 2023 Hartford Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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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. | ||
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| 2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category. Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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| 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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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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| 2023 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Les Gras Moutons (750ml) | ||
| Melon de Bourgogne from Muscadet, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Today, Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix admirably run Domaine de la Pépière, keeping alive the same vision and commitment to exceptional quality that were the hallmarks of Marc Ollivier’s long career, and the estate remains one of the very finest in Muscadet." - John Gilman, View From the Cellar There's no disputing Domaine de la Pépière's place in the Muscadet hierarchy. These are always among the finest terroir-driven expressions of this category that you'll come across, and the fact that almost anyone can buy them by the case and enjoy them for up to two decades also makes them some of the smartest collectible buys in all of French wine. The latest releases have just landed in stock, boasting big scores from Gilman at some of the sharpest prices in the country. The domaine's flagship 2023 Les Gras Moutons is "refined, complex, and vibrant," and the 2023 Clos des Briords showcases this prized site of 90-year-old vines in all its glory, "a brilliant bottle in the making." Taking things up a notch, the "superb" 95-point 2022 Clisson "shows remarkable depth on the nose ... [with] a great core of fruit, superb mineral undertow, zesty acids and impeccable balance on the long, complex and very, very classy finish." From vines approaching the century mark, it boasts the complexity, detail, and long-term potential of many wines four times its price or more. For Loire enthusiasts, Muscadet is the hub of ultimate insider steals, and these releases from Pépière should be at the top of the list for anyone seeking the apex of this dynamic yet still under-the-radar region. | ||
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| 2021 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I was once again deeply impressed with Le Cinciole. Valeria Viganò and Luca Orsini have quietly turned Le Cinciole into one of the leading estates in all of Italy ... Readers should do everything they can to check out these new releases." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of the Italian jewels of our growing Direct Import portfolio, Le Cinciole is a name that fans of ultra-classic Tuscan reds need to know. Leading off, the 2021 Chianti Classico delivers incredible bang for the buck as a "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star, while the 2021 Aluigi Campo ai Peri Gran Selezione continues a recent run of stratospheric accolades that this cuvée has racked up from Antonio Galloni, who lauds it as "detailed and vibrant in the glass, with captivating energy." From a single parcel of vines on the region's famed galestro soils, the "terrific" 2021 is a quintessential Sangiovese expression, "balanced and bright with a pretty sense of fruit purity and focus" according to Monica Larner, which should be snatched up by savvy buyers. The estate plays mostly in the Sangiovese category with outstanding results, but that same exceptional vineyard [pedigree and winemaking talent come to bear in stunning fashion with Cabernet Sauvignon, as we clearly see in the 94-point 2020 Camalaione. A blend of 70% Cab, with the balance Syrah and Merlot, this is a powerhouse wine of real substance and layered intensity, with the signature characteristics that only Tuscany can bring to the native Bordeaux varietal. Finally, the 2021 Petresco, made of 100% Sangiovese from the estate's highest-elevation vineyard, is a paragon of age-worthy Sangiovese that can stand toe to toe with the most iconic renditions from Brunello and Chianti. The mineral- and -earth-driven profile will thrill fans of classic Tuscan reds, with the poise and refinement of a wine two or three times its price. Chianti's epic 2021 vintage produced "a restrained and complex wine with rare depth and vibrancy," as James Suckling describes it, denoting a level of class and sophistication that can stand with Italy's best collectibles. Fans of the estate won't want to miss these, and if you've never experienced Le Cinciole before, it's high time you got to know "one of the leading estates in all of Italy." | ||
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| 2023 Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a ripe and expressive Pinot Noir..." - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter In the realm of domestic Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley is still ground zero for unbeatable value, and Benton-Lane's 2023 Pinot Noir shows exactly why. This 86-acre estate at the southern end of Willamette Valley on the border of Benton County and Lane County (get it?) has been a source of outstanding overachievers for decades, despite being off the beaten path of Oregon's most famous AVAs. The warmer micro-climate at this end of the valley results in a wine of "generosity of fruit" and "impressive freshness," with solid critical praise and an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect addition to your go-to Pinot repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sometimes the best choice is one that's so familiar that you might forget it's even there, but these top scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deserve the full attention of Napa wine lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of seriously delicious white and red wines from prime Napa terroir available at bargain pricing whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Among the oldest growers in the Stags Leap District, the 240-acre property Stags' Leap Winery on the Silverado Trail has been continuously planted with vines since the late 1800's, the once abandoned estate undergoing a lengthy renovation beginning in the 1970's and becoming part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011. More than a nostalgic reminder of the days when great Napa wines didn't have to cost an arm and a leg, these high-scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deliver the goods, all well-crafted, delicious wines reasonably priced for stocking up to enjoy anytime a taste of Napa calls. | ||
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| 2023 Stags' Leap Winery Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sometimes the best choice is one that's so familiar that you might forget it's even there, but these top scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deserve the full attention of Napa wine lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of seriously delicious white and red wines from prime Napa terroir available at bargain pricing whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Among the oldest growers in the Stags Leap District, the 240-acre property Stags' Leap Winery on the Silverado Trail has been continuously planted with vines since the late 1800's, the once abandoned estate undergoing a lengthy renovation beginning in the 1970's and becoming part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011. More than a nostalgic reminder of the days when great Napa wines didn't have to cost an arm and a leg, these high-scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deliver the goods, all well-crafted, delicious wines reasonably priced for stocking up to enjoy anytime a taste of Napa calls. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Charvin Le Poutet (750ml) | ||
| From Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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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 anything 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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| Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (375ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Clos des Briords (750ml) | ||
| Melon de Bourgogne from Muscadet, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Today, Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix admirably run Domaine de la Pépière, keeping alive the same vision and commitment to exceptional quality that were the hallmarks of Marc Ollivier’s long career, and the estate remains one of the very finest in Muscadet." - John Gilman, View From the Cellar There's no disputing Domaine de la Pépière's place in the Muscadet hierarchy. These are always among the finest terroir-driven expressions of this category that you'll come across, and the fact that almost anyone can buy them by the case and enjoy them for up to two decades also makes them some of the smartest collectible buys in all of French wine. The latest releases have just landed in stock, boasting big scores from Gilman at some of the sharpest prices in the country. The domaine's flagship 2023 Les Gras Moutons is "refined, complex, and vibrant," and the 2023 Clos des Briords showcases this prized site of 90-year-old vines in all its glory, "a brilliant bottle in the making." Taking things up a notch, the "superb" 95-point 2022 Clisson "shows remarkable depth on the nose ... [with] a great core of fruit, superb mineral undertow, zesty acids and impeccable balance on the long, complex and very, very classy finish." From vines approaching the century mark, it boasts the complexity, detail, and long-term potential of many wines four times its price or more. For Loire enthusiasts, Muscadet is the hub of ultimate insider steals, and these releases from Pépière should be at the top of the list for anyone seeking the apex of this dynamic yet still under-the-radar region. | ||
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| 2022 Madame de Beaucaillou (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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. | ||
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| 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec (750ml) | ||
| Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An Argentine winemaker with rock star appeal..." - Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast From one of "the most dynamic winemakers in Argentina" according to James Suckling, the thrilling 96-point 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec boasts 100-point winemaker pedigree from the Uco Valley's oldest Malbec vines, revealing ripe, juicy dark fruit with bright acidity on a lasting, savory finish and layered with plush tannins promising longevity at a remarkable value price. Gaining international recognition as the first Argentinian-born winemaker to garner a perfect Parker score for his 100-point 2010 Chateau La Violette Pomerol, Uco Valley native Marcelo Pelleriti established his eponymous winery on his family's 110-year-old farm in La Consulta in 2007 and began a long-term collaboration with partner Miguel Priore in 2009, their shared vision to craft terroir-expressive Grand Cru wines encapsulating "the spirit of winemaking precision and creativity" in Uco Valley. Naming the estate for the year when the first Malbec vines arrived from France, Marcelo crafted the powerful 2019 Heritage Malbec from low-yielding, gnarled, pre-phylloxera Malbec vines aged over 100 years. The vineyard was vplanted in 1910 in rugged, silty loam and gravel soil at 1,050 meters above sea level, yielding tiny clusters of thick-skinned berries requiring the fruit of two vines to produce enough for a single bottle, imbuing his 1853 Malbec with rich concentration and staggering intensity. After fermenting the hand-harvested grapes with indigenous yeasts, Marcelo aged the impressive 2019 rendition for 24 months in French oak barrels with 12 months longer in bottle, yielding a "well-crafted and keenly priced" Malbec, revealing fresh, intensely concentrated fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins on a long and silky finish, the densely structured Malbec imbued with old vine complexity that guarantees longevity. From a region producing "Argentina's best and most modern wines" according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo, the remarkably talented Marcelo Pelleriti is at the forefront of crafting terroir expressive Malbec in the Uco Valley, his blockbuster 96-point 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec offering aficionados and collectors of the best South American wines an exciting opportunity to jump on board Pelleriti's ever-rising trajectory and enjoy one of Argentina's most extraordinary Malbec values. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Sebastien Dampt Chablis (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been working with the wines of Sébastien Dampt for a few vintages now, and the scion of one of Chablis' most prominent winemakers has found a strong following among our long-time Burgundy aficionados. After all, Sébastien is a staunch adherent to the "no oak" style, à la Louis Michel, and his wines reflect the kind of terroir purity that fetches a high premium from hardcore fans of classic, "old school" Chablis. These newly arrived 2023s are clearly reflective of Dampt's style, starting with the 92-point 2023 Vaillons 1er Cru. "Very disciplined though still with the generosity of the vintage," the 2023 is understated when it needs to be while giving up just the right level of approachability to be enjoyable right out of the gate. The Cote de Lechet likewise shows its 1er cru pedigree in spades, with "excellent volume and richness to the succulent and sappy middle weight flavors" as described by Burghound's Allen Meadows. Finally, the village level Chablis stands as an unbeatable value in its category, an "easy-going effort" with "cool and pretty aromas ... textured, even succulent, medium-bodied flavors." Working directly with the domaine, we were able to source this parcel at a by-far market-best pricing, so our private clients can jump on these true exponents of pure Chablis terroir for a downright steal. | ||
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| 2021 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous There you have it. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. This epic Tuscan vintage keeps delivering the goods in every denominacion across the region, but it truly seems like Chianti Classico hit the highest heights of all with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation." We've seen countless head-turning standouts come through already (with more to come soon), and today we're showcasing the some of the region's best buys. Leading off, our direct-import star Le Cinciole has, to no one's surprise, delivered incredible bang for the buck in their "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star. Ruffino, perhaps Chianti's most well-known estate, turned out a Wine Spectator Top 20 Riserva with their 2021 Ducale, and Fonterutoli's 2021 delivers a double-93-point powerhouse expression, "darker, more powerful and concentrated than your standard entry-level Chianti Classico" according to Monica Larner. The double 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva stacks up as an all-time great value buy from Italy at under $30. "Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year," writes Antonio Galloni. Finally, we are thrilled to present the 2021s from our direct-import secret weapon, Caparsa. "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers," notes Galloni, "These new releases are nothing short of captivating." The DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino finishes everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." No matter your style preference, Chianti Classico's extraordinary 2021 vintage has the perfect fit at prices that make it easy to stock up big. | ||
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| 2024 Massolino Barbera d'Alba (750ml) | ||
| Barbera from Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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| 2022 Vieux Chateau Saint Andre (750ml) | ||
| From Montagne Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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. | ||
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| 2021 Bodegas Muga Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's latest releases are nothing short of showstopping, as we recently found out during a tasting with importer Jorge Ordoñez. Of course, the flagship collectibles are their usual stunning selves, but it's truly at the entry-level where Muga's world-class character shines, as you can plainly see in the 2021 Reserva. "It's a textbook example of their style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate The 2021 Reserva checks all the boxes for supreme Rioja value and class. A 94-point score from Advocate, backed by additional strong press from Suckling and Wine Spectator; the pedigree of an excellent vintage; and the resources and expertise of one of Rioja's greatest names – it's all here in one ultra-charming, impressively constructed package. "A plush yet fresh Rioja," notes James Suckling, "Medium- to full-bodied and juicy, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, bright finish." Whether you're a hardcore Rioja fan or someone who just loves impeccably crafted wines for an absolute steal, the 2021 Muga Reserva fits the bill. | ||
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