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| 2021 Produttori del Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco ... this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus. While we eagerly await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas from the monumental 2021 vintage, we're now getting a glimpse of just how special these wines will be in the 2021 Barbaresco. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 2021 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from every critic of note, it's a "classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine" according to Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe in her 96-point review. More praise to the tune of 95+ points from Larner and several 94-point reviews confirms it as a stunning, must-have expression of a beloved Piedmont favorite. Best of all, our private clients have an opportunity to load the cellar at razor-sharp introductory pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Meyney (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've all seen the general rise in quality in Bordeaux over the past two decades, and now even the Cru Bourgeois (or Cru Classé) estates are gaining some serious recognition while still remaining top-tier QPR buys that you can stash away in the cellar. At the head of that pack is St-Éstephe's Château Meyney, always a savvy choice to overdeliver, and we've got a must-see mini-vertical on offer today, Since 2013 under the consulting direction of Château Angélus' Hubert de Bouard, Meyney is on a real tear, with mounting critical accolades that are far outpacing the estate's cru bourgeois classification. Each of the vintages below is a gem, but the undisputed highlights are the benchmark 2020 and 2022. "The 2020 Meyney turned out beautifully. Fresh, vibrant and full of character, the 2020 impresses with its energy and delineation," notes Antonio Galloni. The warm, dry 2022 vintage produced a profound, long-haul thoroughbred that offers extreme bang for your collectible buck, with widespread acclaim for all corners of the professional press. "A serious overachiever" according to Galloni, "this appears to be the best Meyney produced for quite some time, and it's well worth seeking out," notes Wine Advocate's William Kelley. In short, these acclaimed gems are some of the smartest bets for your cellar that you'll find, with tons of upside potential and case-buy pricing. | ||
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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 status as an all-time Rioja reference-point is reaffirmed with this sterling trio of releases at razor-sharp pricing, highlighted by the newly arrived 2021 Torre Muga. "...one of the finest vintages for Torre Muga, along with 2016 and 2010." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate The 2021 Rioja vintage is already garnering rave reviews in the press, and the JD98 Torre Muga reflects that praise, "a gorgeous wine from a gorgeous vintage that’s worth the price." Concentrated and robust yet also polished and refined, the 2021 expresses the character of its old-vine plots in Villalba de Rioja, Brinas, and Labastida. A host of impressive reviews from James Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Advocate further confirm the 2021 Torre Muga as a special achievement, worthy of the wine's loft reputation among collectors. The Selección Especial Reserva is always a crowd and collectible favorite in the range and always priced well for a broad audience yet offering the kind of cellar-worthy appeal that serious collectors are looking for. The 2020 rendtion ramps up the collectible appeal thanks to a particular feature of the vintage itself – no Prado Enea was made in 2020, so all the fruit and juice that would normally comprise that flagship icon has instead gone into the Selección Especial. So, it's no surprise that the 2020 picks up right where the 2019 leaves off, led by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review that highlights its "medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and silky tannins," which makes it "already hard to resist." Finally, the 2021 Reserva Rioja continues to be one of the sharpest values in Spanish wine, "a textbook example of [Muga's] style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness" perGutiérrez' 94-point review in Wine Advocate.It's a perfect candidate to stack by the case, since it will not only cruise for several years in the cellar, but it will quench your thirst for Muga excellence anytime over the next decade while the you wait for the big boys to reach their prime drinking windows. For fans of Spanish wine and of Rioja in particular, this is a spectacular opportunity to load up on proven performers that will put many smiles on your face for countless years to come, at market-best pricing. | ||
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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 Ridge Three Valleys (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Suffice it to say, Ridge is firing on all cylinders." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this set of new arrivals. One of the most beloved wines in the Ridge stable, the Geyserville is a classic California old-vine field blend, based on ZInfandel that has come to set the standard for the style over decades of uninterrupted success. From Ridge's estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "pure, expressive" 2021 is the perfect counterpoint to the "take-no-prisoners" 2022, each wine boasted 95 points among a host great accolades. Of course, Ridge is also renowned for delivering serious bang for the buck throughout their extensive range, and two perennial favorites are the 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and the 2023 Three Valleys. The former is a 95-point powerhouse that Antonio Galloni calls "superb ... deep and resonant." The sub-$25, double 93-point Three Valleys is a true QPR star, "generous and robust yet retaining a sense of polish." It's a no-brainer choice for an everyday red, because it delivers a level or two above that tier, yet it can be easily stacked by the case at a bargain price. Finally, the double 93-point 2022 Paso Robles Zinfandel is "brambly and dynamic" with a big personality defined by its "terrific core of sweet fruit, supple tannins and outstanding length." In other words, it's a quintessential California Zin that delivers the all the features that Ridge fans crave. With outstanding value offerings like these, as well as monumental collectibles, and everything in between, Ridge is still a California icon that deserves its place in the pantheon of great names. | ||
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| 2024 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru Disgorgement July 2025 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is a wine of pedigree and class. Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Now under the third generation of the Bianchi family, Castello di Monsanto is one of the most forward-looking yet traditional estates in Chianti Classico. After all, founder Aldo Bianchi was the visionary who first choose to bottle a single-vineyard wine from their prized Il Poggio parcel, and now his granddaughter, Laura, runs the estate with the same view toward the future that her father and grandfather did, and they now produce some of the most acclaimed, traditionally styled wines in the region. Another "sublime effort" from an epic vintage, the 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is the estate's flagship expression of its philosophy and terroir, an ideal Tuscan microclimate that, along with the estate's use of Slavonian oak, produces Sangiovese wines of artisanal finesse and refinement. With a mountain of sterling critical praise, including several 95-point reviews, the 2021 Riserva stacks up as an all-time great value buy from Italy at well under $30, so you can (and should) consider stacking it by the case. | ||
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| NV Agrapart 7 Crus Extra Brut Disgorgement July 2025 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Henri Giraud's artfully crafted Champagnes are mainstays at B-21, with a thrilling line-up anchored by the overwhelming fan-favorite Esprit Brut Nature. We've always considered it an overperforming value, and now we've secured special pricing, under $50 for a limited time. "Medium-bodied, round and sappy, it's slightly creamy, with an elegant, fresh mid-palate that segues into an ethereal, long finish..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Add to our must-see pricing some new, impressive reviews, and you have a can't-miss Champagne proposition that any devoted bubbles fan would be wise to jump at. An already glowing 95-point review from James Suckling earlier in the summer is complemented by Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing, who recently tagged the Esprit with his own solid 93-point review on his way to declaring "the Champagnes from this house to be among the finest, most elegant and most precise that I tasted on my last trip." This latest release is another notch of success in the estate's transition to a much more elegant, refined style in recent years, and it shows the kind of tremendous upward trajectory that makes today's opportunity to stock up at a steal all the more compelling. | ||
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| 2023 Method Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There are few things we love more than a great California value Cabernet, and today we have three, each one a serious performer with at least one 93-point score and an unbelievably affordable price. We'll start with the "balanced and elegant" 2023 Method California Cabernet, made entirely from declassified Lake County fruit. "This selection does not disappoint," notes Wine Enthusiast, while James Suckling calls it "so delicious." Josh Phelps (no relation to Joseph) has cultivated a reputation for himself as arguably the best source of ultra-value Cabernet Sauvignon in California. ""Having become a rock-steady value over recent vintages," it was no surprise to his 2023 Grounded Cabernet land on Wine Spectator's list of the Top 10 Value Wines of 2025. "A wine of pure pleasure" according to Decanter's 93-point review, showing "textbook, succulent Cabernet flavors with an immediately accessible profile." Finally, the 2023 Vina Robles Paso Robles Cabernet shows why Paso Cabernet is very much its own thing, not just another half-hearted attempt at copying the Napa profile. "Rich, spicy and well-structured in tannins, this full-bodied wine tastes bold, deep and intense." James Suckling's 93-point review neatly sums up what Paso Cab is all about, and the 2023 Vina Robles offers a prime example for an easy price. We're betting you didn't think your next go-to house red would be a California Cabernet at under $20, but here they are. Now all you have to do is make room for a couple cases (of each). | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Despite his abrupt death in a crocodile-infested river in the jungles of Nicaragua in 1869, the legacy of the infamously colorful Count Haraszthy prospers today at the historic Buena Vista Winery he founded in 1857. Recently acquired by the equally colorful bon vivant and vin extraordinaire Jean-Claude Boisset, Buena Vista has enjoyed significant investment and masterful vineyard management. Notable is this addition of Napa Valley Cabernet bottling to the Buena Vista line up beginning with the 2016 vintage. The Napa Cab fruit is sourced from sites in Oak Knoll, St. Helena and Atlas Peak, with 24 months in French oak of which 30% is new. The oversized, heavy bottle harkens to bottles of the 19th century – matching the classism of wine. The Count is still considered California's most acclaimed and flamboyant vinicultural pioneer, but some would contend Jean Claude Boisset might just be his match! The powerful, full bodied Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon shows Boisset's exceptional winemaking prowess, a well-balanced beauty offering bold fruit, fine tannins and lingering intensity.. | ||
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| Russell's Reserve B-21 Private Selection Warehouse Tyrone-M Floor 4 Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Lawrenceburg, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Our latest B-21 single-barrel bourbon makes a big impression, and it’s now easily my favorite of our private selections." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Our Russell's Reserve private barrel selections are always a major hit, and the latest hand-picked selection just might be the best yet. We selected this barrel on location at the Wild Turkey distillery, and once you try it, you'll know immediately why this one stood out among an array of truly compelling options. Wild Turkey's Tyrone warehouse complex is known for producing a decadent, unctuous style (as opposed to Camp Nelson's more rustic, earthy style), and this barrel from the 4th floor of the Tyrone M warehouse is a classic example. Thanks to the warmer location in the warehouse, our barrel has evolved beautifully already and drinks with the ease and poise of an older expression. As Andrew explains, it's "a large-scaled, confectionary profile that comes on in wave after wave of complexity and drive ... simultaneously full, luxurious, and amazingly well balanced, especially for an 8-year-old at 110 proof." Loads of highly detailed aromatics lead into an irresistibly pleasing palate with both weight and vigor, and almost no heat. Time in the glass unfolds layers of charm, so don't be surprised if your bottle goes quicker than you expected. This is one is the epitome of "I'll have another." "From first whiff to finish, it’s full of distinct personality in the way that every great single barrel expression is," notes Andrew. If you're looking for a surefire bet for holiday celebrating or gifting, this is just a spectacular overachiever that gives a solid run for the money to many bourbons in the triple-digit price range.
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| 2023 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There are few things we love more than a great California value Cabernet, and today we have three, each one a serious performer with at least one 93-point score and an unbelievably affordable price. We'll start with the "balanced and elegant" 2023 Method California Cabernet, made entirely from declassified Lake County fruit. "This selection does not disappoint," notes Wine Enthusiast, while James Suckling calls it "so delicious." Josh Phelps (no relation to Joseph) has cultivated a reputation for himself as arguably the best source of ultra-value Cabernet Sauvignon in California. ""Having become a rock-steady value over recent vintages," it was no surprise to his 2023 Grounded Cabernet land on Wine Spectator's list of the Top 10 Value Wines of 2025. "A wine of pure pleasure" according to Decanter's 93-point review, showing "textbook, succulent Cabernet flavors with an immediately accessible profile." Finally, the 2023 Vina Robles Paso Robles Cabernet shows why Paso Cabernet is very much its own thing, not just another half-hearted attempt at copying the Napa profile. "Rich, spicy and well-structured in tannins, this full-bodied wine tastes bold, deep and intense." James Suckling's 93-point review neatly sums up what Paso Cab is all about, and the 2023 Vina Robles offers a prime example for an easy price. We're betting you didn't think your next go-to house red would be a California Cabernet at under $20, but here they are. Now all you have to do is make room for a couple cases (of each). | ||
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| 2019 Caiarossa (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or "rossa" gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa's 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone's Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany's native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This set of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing "impressive depth and textural richness" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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| 2023 Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There are few things we love more than a great California value Cabernet, and today we have three, each one a serious performer with at least one 93-point score and an unbelievably affordable price. We'll start with the "balanced and elegant" 2023 Method California Cabernet, made entirely from declassified Lake County fruit. "This selection does not disappoint," notes Wine Enthusiast, while James Suckling calls it "so delicious." Josh Phelps (no relation to Joseph) has cultivated a reputation for himself as arguably the best source of ultra-value Cabernet Sauvignon in California. ""Having become a rock-steady value over recent vintages," it was no surprise to his 2023 Grounded Cabernet land on Wine Spectator's list of the Top 10 Value Wines of 2025. "A wine of pure pleasure" according to Decanter's 93-point review, showing "textbook, succulent Cabernet flavors with an immediately accessible profile." Finally, the 2023 Vina Robles Paso Robles Cabernet shows why Paso Cabernet is very much its own thing, not just another half-hearted attempt at copying the Napa profile. "Rich, spicy and well-structured in tannins, this full-bodied wine tastes bold, deep and intense." James Suckling's 93-point review neatly sums up what Paso Cab is all about, and the 2023 Vina Robles offers a prime example for an easy price. We're betting you didn't think your next go-to house red would be a California Cabernet at under $20, but here they are. Now all you have to do is make room for a couple cases (of each). | ||
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| 2023 Ferrari-Carano Siena (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These latest releases showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2013 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Anyone who knows Rioja knows that Lopez de Heredia is the standard-bearer for the classic soul of the region, turning out definitive renditions in a remarkable consistent style for over six decades. Part of their undeniable appeal is the estate's vast cellars, where they have enviable capacity to age wines to perfection before releasing them to market.Case in point is the newly arrived 2013 Vina Tondonia Reserva, just now hitting the market after over a decade at rest in the LdH cellars. "Medium-bodied with chalky grip and a layered, tertiary finish, this is a benchmark classic—refined, enduring and unmistakably Tondonia."- Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous From a cool, wet vintage, it's a stunning achievement of "canonical" style that shows this iconic Spanish estate at its very best. Modest alcohol, bright acidity and super-refined tannins give plenty of framing for the calcareous Tondonia soils to impart their personality on the wine, Like all Lopez new releases, it's showing its exceptional personality thanks to proper aging at the estate, but this is undoubtedly a classic Rioja cellar gem that should be stocked deep to enjoy time and time again over the next two decades, an easy proposition considering our flat-out ridiculous sub-$40 price. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More No introduction needed here. The iconic Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet is a smash hit in the outstanding 2021 vintage, with 96 points from Decanter making it one of the highest-rated vintages in years for this all-time fan favorite. "...beautifully layered and highly fragrant, with remarkable precision and focus in this vintage." - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter We just negotiated a spectacular price that we're passing on exclusively to our private clients, so you can load up just in time for the holidays with a perfect performer for gifts and lavish celebrations. "So full-bodied, ripe and robust" according James Suckling's California critic, Jim Gordon, the 2021 is redolent of profound, dark fruit and spicy oak character, but the winemaking team executed everything to pinpoint precision, so nothing is overdone or out of place. It's pure Silver Oak all the way, exactly how the wine's legions of fans like it. | ||
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| 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a great vintage for Coudoulet." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Reflecting its well-earned reputation as "the Baby Beaucastel," the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel is another terrific vintage from one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's iconic domaines, 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. "The 2023s are particularly successful, combining technical precision with the identity of the vintage. Cool-toned, precise and dense without excess weight, they rank among the most compelling wines of the appellation," according to Yohan Castaing's latest Wine Advocate report. We've always loved Coudoulet for its clear Beaucastel soul, which is on full display in 2023, but also because it's available for a fraction of the price of even many lesser Châteauneufs. | ||
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| 2022 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, the historic property that helped put Napa Valley Cabernet on the world wine map, is still going strong, now under the full ownership of the Antinori group, who have made significant strides at paring back quantity in the pursuit of elevated quality up and down the range. "No matter the vintage, this winery consistently delivers." - Decanter Year after year, the flagship Artemis Cabernet is a category best seller, recognized by Napa Cab fans everywhere as a consistent choice for classic character and expression. The 2022 Artemis is an ideal introduction to the vintage at Stag's Leap, as well as a perfect choice for anyone looking for an accessible Napa Cab that still offers that extra level of class and distinction. The 94-point 2022 is a "dark-fruited, well-balanced and savory wine" showcasing "precise, superfine tannins" that lend it easy approachability and broad appeal. We just secured our parcel at a remarkable price that puts it under $50 and well below any other price on the market. | ||
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| 2023 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There are few things we love more than a great California value Cabernet, and today we have three, each one a serious performer with at least one 93-point score and an unbelievably affordable price. We'll start with the "balanced and elegant" 2023 Method California Cabernet, made entirely from declassified Lake County fruit. "This selection does not disappoint," notes Wine Enthusiast, while James Suckling calls it "so delicious." Josh Phelps (no relation to Joseph) has cultivated a reputation for himself as arguably the best source of ultra-value Cabernet Sauvignon in California. ""Having become a rock-steady value over recent vintages," it was no surprise to his 2023 Grounded Cabernet land on Wine Spectator's list of the Top 10 Value Wines of 2025. "A wine of pure pleasure" according to Decanter's 93-point review, showing "textbook, succulent Cabernet flavors with an immediately accessible profile." Finally, the 2023 Vina Robles Paso Robles Cabernet shows why Paso Cabernet is very much its own thing, not just another half-hearted attempt at copying the Napa profile. "Rich, spicy and well-structured in tannins, this full-bodied wine tastes bold, deep and intense." James Suckling's 93-point review neatly sums up what Paso Cab is all about, and the 2023 Vina Robles offers a prime example for an easy price. We're betting you didn't think your next go-to house red would be a California Cabernet at under $20, but here they are. Now all you have to do is make room for a couple cases (of each). | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee St Vincent (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2015 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Montagny, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2016 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2023 Pascal Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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