2023 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
|
2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a wine that embodies the long history of Rioja” by Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous, the 95-point 2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza hits the mark as one of the region’s finest classically styled reds, offering fragrant, juicy dark fruit impeccably balanced by refined, polished tannins on a lingering finish. Named one of the Top 100 Wines of Spain in 2023 by James Suckling, it's an alluring Rioja ready to enjoy over the next decade at an unbeatable price. La Rioja Alta is renowned for releasing its wines late with extended aging, its massive cellars filled with “the equivalent of eight years in stock” according to Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez. Produced only in top vintages, the 2017 Reserva Vina Ardanza came from vines over 30 years of age in the Rioja Alta sub-region, along with Garnacha from the hotter and drier 40-hectare La Pedriza vineyard, a Rioja Oriental parcel considered prime terroir for optimal ripening. Employing traditional techniques including manual racking by candlelight and fermenting with indigenous yeasts, the refined 2017 Reserva Vina Ardanza aged separately in a mix of 20% new and three-year-old American oak barrels for up to three years, with the final blend spending three more years in bottle before release, yielding “a vibrant red wine with harmonious balance” according to Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo. Critic Tim Atkin calls the elegant, 95-point 2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza “a delicious release” reflecting the iconic estate’s reputation “for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle.” It's a winning combination for Rioja lovers of all stripes. | ||
|
2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
|
2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Powerful, with the finesse of Tondonia” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate Declared “the poster child for traditional Rioja winemaking” by Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, Rioja lovers and collectors know Lopez de Heredia as one of the region’s top producers of age worthy Rioja, the powerful 95 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva offering dark, ripe spiced fruit and muscular, well integrated tannins released ready to enjoy over the next decade or more, reaffirming the Bodega's reign as the top producer of traditionally styled Rioja and incredibly priced to over deliver value. Located in the town of Haro in a region defined by its historic estates, the tradition-bound Lopez de Heredia has remained relatively unchanged for the nearly 150 years since its founding, releasing their Riojas only when deemed ready after a decade or longer of aging in their legendary vaulted cellars. Accessed through a labyrinth of underground corridors and staircases, some dating back over a century, the massive mold and cobweb-laced cellars of Lopez de Heredia stretch over the length of two football fields, home to well-aged oak vats ranging from 60 up to 640 hectoliters (nearly 17,000 gallons) that are the "secret sauce" of their wines. Pioneering the single vineyard wine in the region, the traditions of Lopez de Heredia are continued by fourth generation Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, the estate manager described as “a force of nature” by the Wine Spectator’s Gillian Sciaretta, and her sister Mercedes who leads the winemaking. A rarity in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate bottled fruit from their own vineyards, sourcing the 2011 Vina Tondonia Reserva from the spectacular 100 plus hectare vineyard of the same name, situated in a shell-like depression next to the river Ebro along the border of Rioja Alavesa and planted with Tempranillo vines averaging over 40 years of age with some over 100 years. After co-fermenting the blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha and small amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo, the robust 2011 Tondonia Reserva was aged for six years in custom crafted American oak barrels, half of which were seasoned for over 10 years, exerting a nuanced, integrated influence of oak before being bottled unfiltered and undergoing the extended aging that is key to their signature style, enhancing aromas and smoothing tannins. Described as “one of Rioja’s most proudly traditional wines” by critic Tim Atkin and epitomizing “timeless, artisan winemaking” according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, Rioja lovers and collectors of age worthy Spanish reds know to stock up on the classically styled 95 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva and enjoy this expertly crafted Rioja over the next decade and beyond, a worthy testament to the timeless practices of this renowned estate and an equally impressive value. | ||
|
2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
|
2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Reflecting its owner's commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines, this dynamic duo from Raymond Vineyards are two of Napa Valley’s top values, the enticing 92 pt. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant 93 pt. 2021 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection both sourced from exceptional Napa fruit at an outstanding price for stocking up. Known for his larger-than-life personality and flamboyant velvet jacket attire, Burgundy-born Jean-Charles Boisset is a true believer that great wines are made in the vineyard, and his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 was to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years ago by long-time Beringer winemaker Roy Raymond, Raymond Vineyards now spans over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena, the vineyards and winemaking managed under the direction of 100 pt. consulting winemaker Phillipe Melka since 2009. In addition to gaining organic and biodynamic certification for the vineyards and building one of Napa's largest solar panel projects to generate electricity for the winery, Boisset hired former Far Niente winemaker Stephanie Putnam to work alongside Melka to refine the blends, consistently garnering 90-plus points throughout her tenure. Expertly crafted from outstanding Napa fruit, this duo of top scoring Raymond Reserve Selections boast a winning combination of quality and value, both ready to enjoy now and promising pleasurable drinking for years ahead at an easy to reach for price. | ||
|
Gosset Grande Reserve Brut (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a fine introduction to the house style ... This vibrant, mid-weight Champagne is a charmer." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous As the oldest house in Champagne, Gosset has legions of fans that fall head over heels for their signature style built on electric acidity and vibrant, racy personality. In the high-end Gosset wines, these characteristics can sometimes be "too much of a good thing" for the casual Champagne lover, but the Grand Reserve offers up just the right combination of hallmark Gosset finesse and accessible charm to provide something for literally every fan of the world's best bubbles. As Wine Spectator describes it in their 93-point review, "There's linear drive to this focused, harmonious Champagne, yet racy acidity is effortlessly integrated with the finely detailed mousse." Our latest parcel is a limited-time opportunity to stock up big at a jaw-dropping price. Your new go-to, house Champagne has arrived. All you have to do is make room in the cellar. | ||
|
2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “an absolute delight” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the alluring 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine reveals fresh, aromatic brambly red fruit layered with juicy acidity and integrated, firm tannins, sourced from some of California’s most iconic old vine vineyards and a top value bargain-priced for Zinfandel lovers to enjoy often. Established in 2007 by the son of Ravenswood founding winemaker Joel Peterson, Bedrock Wine Company’s Morgan Twain-Peterson and long-time business partner Chris Cottrell craft their wines from a who’s who list of the region’s most historic vineyards, sourcing the old vine Zinfandel from centuries’ old sites throughout Sonoma and Contra Costa counties including the Peterson’s own Bedrock Vineyard. Described by Antonio Galloni as “among the most pedigreed vineyard sites anywhere in the world,” Bedrock was the first California vineyard to be replanted in 1888 following the devastation of phylloxera, boasting a Zinfandel-dominated field mix planted in volcanic rocks and cobbly loam soil and farmed organically by the Petersons without irrigation. Blending 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and small amounts of other varieties averaging 80 years of age and fermenting with native yeasts, Morgan aged the lush 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine in a combination of French oak and Austrian oak puncheons and foudres with about 10% new, yielding a fresh and delicately spiced Zinfandel with layered fine tannins that’s ready to enjoy and will continue to mature gracefully over the next few years. Crafted by “one of the most talented winemakers of his generation” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the impressive 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine is blended from many of the iconic sites that go into Bedrock’s single vineyard Zins at a fraction of their price, delivering a transparent expression of rich, old vine Zinfandel at an unbeatable value price. | ||
|
2022 Ferrari-Carano Siena (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
|
2021 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "One of the more affordable, classic valley-wide blends that will age for several years." - James Suckling The iconic Mount Veeder Winery has been at the forefront of the "mountain Cabernet" style in Napa Valley for decades, and their fan-favorite appellation blend is consistently one of the vintage's smartest buys for those who want to enjoy quintessential Napa Cab without breaking the bank. "Well structured, deep in red and black fruit and rather big in style," according to James Suckilng, the 2021 tremendous value in the category for Napa fans of all stripes. The superb vintage yielded a hallmark Mount Veeder expression that is plenty approachable today but also has the substance for cellaring, so you can stock up with our confidence at our market-best price under $40. | ||
|
2023 Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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. | ||
|
2022 Frank Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
|
2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's status as an all-time Rioja reference-point is reaffirmed with this sterling foursome of releases that we just secured at razor-sharp pricing. Leading off we have a Prado Enea for the ages. "The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making ... with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Muga's flagship bottling is always a coveted item, and this WA97+ rendition is already showing legendary pedigree that will thrill collectors and connoisseurs of Spain's finest. A universally lauded expression of this classic Rioja Gran Reserva, the 2016 boasts towering press including no fewer than four 97-point scores, putting it in rarified air among the greatest vintages of this Spanish icon in the 21st century. "A brilliant wine with a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it" per Jeb Dunnuck, this is collectible Rioja class at its very best, and it's now available to our private clients at a must-see price that you won't find anywhere else. 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 double 95-point 2019 "has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine ... a powerful vintage with balance and freshness" according to Gutiérrez. Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo likewise declares, "This red stands out for its crystal-clear expression, showcasing a range of Rioja's virtures." 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 newly released 2021 Reserva Rioja is 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. | ||
|
2020 Stags' Leap Winery The Investor (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Napa, California | ||
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. | ||
|
2022 Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The team [at Lingua Franca] led by winemaker Thomas Savre is producing a portfolio of wines that show the power and complexity possible to obtain in Oregon." - Eric Guido, Vinous Renowned for crafting top-scoring Burgundy for his family’s Côte-de-Beaune estate, master winemaker Dominique Lafon worked as a consultant to Oregon’s Evening Land Vineyards before collaborating with master sommelier and Evening Land general manager Larry Stone to co-found Lingua Franca in Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills in 2015. Lafon's expertise at crafting exceptional Burgundy was credited with driving Evening Land’s rising reputation early on. Purchasing the 140-acre Janzen Farm, a prime parcel situated next to Evening Land’s Seven Springs site and adjacent to Domaine Serene’s Jerusalem Hill Vineyard, Stone and Lafon then worked with renowned Willamette viticulturist Mimi Casteel to determine the precise mix of clones to plant based on the site’s varied soils, utilizing organic and biodynamic viticulture throughout the estate’s 66-acre vineyard and hiring Evening Land’s former assistant winemaker and Lafon protege Thomas Savre to craft its vineyard-driven wines. Boasting experience at legendary Burgundy estates including Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Domaine Dujac, and Maison Nicolas Potel, Savre employs a transparent, minimal-intervention approach in the cellar, resulting in wines that now boast an impressive track record of world-class quality and glowing acclaim from the critical press. The 2022 vintage continues this upward trajectory in spades, showing why Lingua Franca remains one of Oregon's most exciting producers. | ||
|
2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don’t miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won’t need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate’s epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on “an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson who declares it “a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era,” offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as “gorgeous from the start” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle give “no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades.” Embodying the terroir of Pauillac with magnificent aging potential, the long-lived, benchmark 100 pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages is “a true classic from this estate” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, among only a handful of perfectly rated 2019 Bordeaux standing shoulder to shoulder with the First Growths at a fraction of the price. As British wine critic Oz Clarke famously declared, "Lynch Bages is impressive at five, beautiful at ten, and irresistible at twenty" - secure yours while they last and prepare to enjoy the remarkable odyssey ahead. | ||
|
N.V. Patrick Bottex Bugey Cerdon Rose la Cueille (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a fan of sparkling rosé and you want to branch out from your regular rotation of Cremants, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more charming and expressive offering for the summer than Patrick Bottex's artfully crafted gem from Bugey-Cerdon. Despite being well off the beaten path, this appellation is an insider's favorite for value, and Bottex is the undisputed standard bearer. He and his wife Caroline farm approximately 6 hectares on the steep limestone slopes, where the crossroads of Burgundy, the Rhône, Jura, and Savoie all meet at the feet of the French Alps. Named for the hamlet where they live and work, the La Cuielle bottling is a perennial fan-favorite, transcending its relatively unknown regional origins to achieve a substantial following. Made almost entirely of Gamay with a dash of Poulsard for good measure, the La Cuielle is done in methode ancestral, which predates the more famous methode Champenois style. The result is a delightfully fruity, palate-pleasing sparkler of modest alcohol, crisp freshness, and touch of residual sweetness, characteristics that all lend themselves to incredible versatility. As the weather warms up and summer soirées kick into full swing, you'll need a surefire winner for all your pink sparkling needs, and Bottex's La Cuielle is ready to check all the boxes. | ||
|
2021 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Reflecting its owner's commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines, this dynamic duo from Raymond Vineyards are two of Napa Valley’s top values, the enticing 92 pt. 2022 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant 93 pt. 2021 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection both sourced from exceptional Napa fruit at an outstanding price for stocking up. Known for his larger-than-life personality and flamboyant velvet jacket attire, Burgundy-born Jean-Charles Boisset is a true believer that great wines are made in the vineyard, and his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 was to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years ago by long-time Beringer winemaker Roy Raymond, Raymond Vineyards now spans over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena, the vineyards and winemaking managed under the direction of 100 pt. consulting winemaker Phillipe Melka since 2009. In addition to gaining organic and biodynamic certification for the vineyards and building one of Napa's largest solar panel projects to generate electricity for the winery, Boisset hired former Far Niente winemaker Stephanie Putnam to work alongside Melka to refine the blends, consistently garnering 90-plus points throughout her tenure. Expertly crafted from outstanding Napa fruit, this duo of top scoring Raymond Reserve Selections boast a winning combination of quality and value, both ready to enjoy now and promising pleasurable drinking for years ahead at an easy to reach for price. | ||
|
2022 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso (750ml) | ||
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... Terre Nere continues to raise the bar with their Etna Rosso." - Eric Guido, Vinous Etna is arguably Italy's most dynamic wine region at present, and leading the way is a familiar name to Italian aficionados, Tenuta della Terre Nere. Winemaker Marco de Grazia has been a force in the region's rise to prominence, and his 2022s have already demonstrated a new level of excellence for this iconic estate. The inimitable single-vineyard bottlings are collectible gems in every way, but even the entry-level, 93-point Etna Rosso shows every bit of de Grazia's top-tier talent that the flagship bottlings do. Sourced from younger vines across the estate's prized vineyards on the north side of the volcano, the 2022 Etna Rosso is "incredibly spicy ... silky smooth" and "impossibly long" on the finish according to Eric Guido. We recently sourced this parcel at superb pricing that leads the market, so anyone from hardcore Italian aficionados to every day wine lovers can stock up on an artfully beauty that's "easily one of the best buys coming out of Etna today." | ||
|
2019 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2019s from Altesino are some of the best new releases I can remember tasting at this address." - Eric Guido, Vinous It should come as no surprise that Montalcino's stupendous 2019 vintage turned out some amazing wines at the storied Altesino estate. The Brunello normale is once again a razor-sharp buy, "among the denomination’s best values" according to Michaela Morris of Decanter, but the estate's flagship bottlings have truly reached epic heights in this soon-to-be-legendary vintage. Racking up an impressive 98-point score from Wine Spectator, the 2019 Altesino Riserva is a powerhouse in every sense. It was sourced almost entirely from the estate's southernmost Pianezzine vineyard, resulting in "a rousing interplay of dark earthy nuance ... with sweet, luscious fruits," as described by Decanter. The 2019 is a concentrated and robust cellar contender that will cruise along with the vintage's very best renditions thanks to a superbly crafted balance. As Spectator's Bruce Sanderson puts it, "The taut, driving structure, especially its bracing acidity, propels this red to the superlong aftertaste."Showing the incredible diversity of the estate, the 2019 Montosoli from the famous hill in the north of the appellation is no less impressive, with four 97-point scores on its card. As Eric Guido notes, "The 2019 is seamless and harmonious ... Montosoli terroir at its very best, and even at this early stage, it's impossible to resist pouring another glass." By now, the 2019 Brunello vintage is on everyone's radar, and as the Riservas and single-vineyard bottlings come to market and critics shower their accolades, collectors will surely be in frenzy to stock up on the top performers. So, when we found this benchmark bottlings at some of the market's best prices, we jumped in with both feet, and you'll surely want to do the same. | ||
|
2020 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A brilliant wine, and a great value pick." - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Bordeaux remains arguably the greatest hotbed of collectible value in the world of fine wine, and at the forefront of that trend the past decade has been Margaux's Chateau Labegorce. Since 2015, this dynamic estate has been outpacing its station in the quality and price heirarchies, delivering exceptional, cellar-worthy character and style at prices that allow Bordeaux collectors of all stripes to line their cellars. The 2020 has shaped up to be the proven performer that we've all been looking forwrad to since en primeur. The structure and tension of the vintage are readily apparent, providing the perfect foundation for all the classic Margaux charm and grace to come through and evolve in superb fashion. Neal Martin describes it as "an excellent, quite substantial Margaux for long-term ageing," and that about sums it up for any Bordeaux collector on the hunt for razor-sharp cellar buys. | ||
|
2023 Antinori Castello della Sala Bramito Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Umbria, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 is toasty and slightly tropical, with a mineral, stony quality which runs through the core, and lovely bright acidity." - Decanter Venturing off the beaten path in search of great value is a big part of the wine game, so imagine our surpise when we came upon the 2023 Bramito, a charming little sub-$20 number, not from France, not from California, but from Italy's Umbria region. Antinori's impeccably run Castello della Sala estate also produces the Cervaro della Sala, so it's no surprise that the same pedigree that makes arguably Italy's greatest Chardonnay and one of its greatest collectible white wines also produces this incredibly well-made value gem. Purely Mediterranean in character, the Bramito showcases "silken and round, with a core of zesty acidity ... [and] such wonderful balance within" according to Vinous. An easy case buy for a variety of occasions, you also won't regret hiding a few in the cellar to see how it develops over the next few years. | ||
|
Baker's 7yr Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml) | ||
From Clermont, Kentucky | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A sultry, oaky Bourbon for the connoisseur." - Beverage Testing Institute Everybody in the bourbon game knows Booker Noe, and when Booker goes out of his way to make a single-barrel bourbon, it's for good reason. The Baker's Single Barrel is an ode to Booker's favorite cousin, one Baker Beam, the long-time master distiller at, you guessed it, Jim Beam. Always proofed at 107 and always bottled at seven years old, it's a classic that has become a perennial best seller over the years. After all, each new release gives bourbon aficionados a chance to experience a version of Jim Beam juice that they've never had before. As barrels are selected for bottling, the final product is heavily influenced by several factors, such the cask's location in the rickhouse, the mash-bill, and the type of barrel. The whiskey is not without its consistency, however, as the meticulous devotion to craft that goes into all of Booker Noe's bourbons is the same with each barrel of Baker's that leaves the warehouse. We just secured a very limited-time price on this Kentucky favorite that puts it nearly 30% off the going market rate, so now's the time to stock up. | ||
|
2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “These wonderful wines have a savory and mineral accent, with an open window for enjoyment at a great price point.” Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck From the pioneering champion of Sangiovese in Tuscany’s Bolgheri region, the rich and refined 95 pt. 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore reveals fresh, spiced dark fruit and vibrant acidity on a long, satisfying finish, a knockout Super Tuscan blend among the best values on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024 and now unbeatably priced to stock the cellar. Working as a consultant to some of Bolgheri’s earliest estates, Michele Satta became known as an expert in its coastal terroir, planting many of the region’s first vineyards including Ornellaia’s legendary Masseto and founding his winery in Castagneto Carducci two years before the Bolgheri DOC was established in 1982. Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing accessible blends “with a unique elegance and sense of place from varietals not often championed on the Bolgheri coast,” Michele remained convinced of the area’s potential for producing Sangiovese despite its growing reputation for international grapes, now producing his portfolio from the family’s biodynamically farmed 24-hectare estate along with his son and second generation winemaker Giacomo Satta. Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as embodying “the fierce spirit of independence that is encapsulated in all of Satta’s wines,” the 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese, each varietal fermented separately with natural yeasts in cone-truncated oak barrels and aged in 20% new French oak for 18 months and another 24 months in bottle, yielding a fresh, vibrant blend with well-integrated acidity and harmonious tannins built to evolve over the next decade and showing “the potential of Sangiovese in this part of the Tuscan coast” according to critic Kerin O’Keefe. Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as reflecting Satta’s “remarkably smooth and elegant” house style, the graceful and silky 95 pt. 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore is built on a substantial backbone of depth and complexity that “makes you sit up and take notice,” according to Decanter’s James Button, a deliciously enticing and age worthy Super Tuscan blend made all the more appealing by a terrific value price. | ||
|
2018 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don’t miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won’t need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate’s epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on “an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson who declares it “a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era,” offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as “gorgeous from the start” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle give “no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades.” Embodying the terroir of Pauillac with magnificent aging potential, the long-lived, benchmark 100 pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages is “a true classic from this estate” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, among only a handful of perfectly rated 2019 Bordeaux standing shoulder to shoulder with the First Growths at a fraction of the price. As British wine critic Oz Clarke famously declared, "Lynch Bages is impressive at five, beautiful at ten, and irresistible at twenty" - secure yours while they last and prepare to enjoy the remarkable odyssey ahead. | ||
|
2023 Stags' Leap Winery Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, California | ||
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. | ||
|
2023 Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Very fresh and clean with a mountain stream-like transparency. It’s light-bodied but has a density and tension as well as subtle and vivid flavors..." - James Suckling Like many of the top properties in Chlie and Argentina that have been established by Bordeaux royalty, New Zealand's Clos Henri has its roots with a legendary French winemaking family. With ten generations of experience making some of Sancerre's finest wines, Domaine Henri Bourgeois knows a thing or two about Sauvignon Blanc, and it makes perfect sense that they'd set up shop in New World's most dynamic Sauv Blanc region. The 2023 vintage has already brought us one smash-hit from this pedigreed estate, and now we're back with another. With not one, not two, but three 93-point scores behind it, the 2023 Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a hallmark representation of the region's classic terroir as well as a testament to the unmatched depth of expertise that the Bourgois family brings to the world of Sauvignon Blanc. "Powerfully concentrated, energetic and alive" according to Wine Advocate, the 2023 delivers superb value and world-class quality that outpace most contenders in the category. | ||
|
2009 Chateau Suduiraut Ex-Chateau 2022 (750ml) | ||
Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King’s grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d’Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as “a mood altering wine,” the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts “a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop” according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut “unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish.” Boasting “a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit,” Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a “benchmark Suduiraut” and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut “simply magnificent” and “a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the “fabulous” 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut “such a gorgeous wine,” delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining “gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss calls it “a great wine with a long-term future.” Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: “It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing.” Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
|
2016 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don’t miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won’t need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate’s epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on “an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson who declares it “a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era,” offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as “gorgeous from the start” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle give “no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades.” Embodying the terroir of Pauillac with magnificent aging potential, the long-lived, benchmark 100 pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages is “a true classic from this estate” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, among only a handful of perfectly rated 2019 Bordeaux standing shoulder to shoulder with the First Growths at a fraction of the price. As British wine critic Oz Clarke famously declared, "Lynch Bages is impressive at five, beautiful at ten, and irresistible at twenty" - secure yours while they last and prepare to enjoy the remarkable odyssey ahead. | ||
|
Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 245 (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The NV Collection 245 is another stellar Champagne from Roederer."- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Begun a few years ago as a bold step in a new direction by one of Champagne's most revered houses, Roederer's Collection Series is now a full-fledged fan-favorite that hits every mark with each new release. Created to replace Roederer’s non-vintage Brut in 2017, the Champagne Collection series labels each release with a unique ascending number akin to Krug’s non-vintage Grande Cuvée. Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon crafted the fourth-release Collection 245 from 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 26% Pinot Meunier with over half of the blend comprised of the exceptional 2020 vintage. Sourced evenly from Roederer’s La Riviere, La Montagne and La Côte estates, the Collection 245 includes 35% perpetual reserve wines created in 2012 that are stored in stainless steel and topped off every vintage, along with 10% from previous years and young plots on the Cristal estate aged in French oak foudres. The remaining 55% from 2020 grapes was fermented mostly in stainless steel with 15% in oak, the final blend then aged for four years in bottle on the lees, yielding remarkable complexity in a non-vintage Champagne.Wine Advocate’s William Kelley calls it “the finest release of the house's reimagined non-vintage Brut to date.” Its mouthwatering, textured fruit is beautifully balanced by lively acidity that finishes long on a steady stream of finely beaded bubbles, making for a marked departure in style from what most grand marque houses seek in their non-vintage cuvées. From “one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small” according to Galloni, the Collection 245 is crafted by one of the region’s most talented winemakers with the same meticulous attention to detail as the house's legendary tête de cuvée Cristal, delivering benchmark class and quality at its price point. | ||
|