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| 2021 Bodegas Muga Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's latest releases are nothing short of showstopping, as we recently found out during a tasting with importer Jorge Ordoñez. Of course, the flagship collectibles are their usual stunning selves, but it's truly at the entry-level where Muga's world-class character shines, as you can plainly see in the 2021 Reserva. "It's a textbook example of their style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate The 2021 Reserva checks all the boxes for supreme Rioja value and class. A 94-point score from Advocate, backed by additional strong press from Suckling and Wine Spectator; the pedigree of an excellent vintage; and the resources and expertise of one of Rioja's greatest names – it's all here in one ultra-charming, impressively constructed package. "A plush yet fresh Rioja," notes James Suckling, "Medium- to full-bodied and juicy, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, bright finish." Whether you're a hardcore Rioja fan or someone who just loves impeccably crafted wines for an absolute steal, the 2021 Muga Reserva fits the bill. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Clisson (750ml) | ||
| Melon de Bourgogne from Muscadet, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Today, Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix admirably run Domaine de la Pépière, keeping alive the same vision and commitment to exceptional quality that were the hallmarks of Marc Ollivier’s long career, and the estate remains one of the very finest in Muscadet." - John Gilman, View From the Cellar There's no disputing Domaine de la Pépière's place in the Muscadet hierarchy. These are always among the finest terroir-driven expressions of this category that you'll come across, and the fact that almost anyone can buy them by the case and enjoy them for up to two decades also makes them some of the smartest collectible buys in all of French wine. The latest releases have just landed in stock, boasting big scores from Gilman at some of the sharpest prices in the country. The domaine's flagship 2023 Les Gras Moutons is "refined, complex, and vibrant," and the 2023 Clos des Briords showcases this prized site of 90-year-old vines in all its glory, "a brilliant bottle in the making." Taking things up a notch, the "superb" 95-point 2022 Clisson "shows remarkable depth on the nose ... [with] a great core of fruit, superb mineral undertow, zesty acids and impeccable balance on the long, complex and very, very classy finish." From vines approaching the century mark, it boasts the complexity, detail, and long-term potential of many wines four times its price or more. For Loire enthusiasts, Muscadet is the hub of ultimate insider steals, and these releases from Pépière should be at the top of the list for anyone seeking the apex of this dynamic yet still under-the-radar region. | ||
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| 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous There you have it. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. This epic Tuscan vintage keeps delivering the goods in every denominacion across the region, but it truly seems like Chianti Classico hit the highest heights of all with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation." We've seen countless head-turning standouts come through already (with more to come soon), and today we're showcasing the some of the region's best buys. Leading off, our direct-import star Le Cinciole has, to no one's surprise, delivered incredible bang for the buck in their "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star. Ruffino, perhaps Chianti's most well-known estate, turned out a Wine Spectator Top 20 Riserva with their 2021 Ducale, and Fonterutoli's 2021 delivers a double-93-point powerhouse expression, "darker, more powerful and concentrated than your standard entry-level Chianti Classico" according to Monica Larner. The double 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva stacks up as an all-time great value buy from Italy at under $30. "Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year," writes Antonio Galloni. Finally, we are thrilled to present the 2021s from our direct-import secret weapon, Caparsa. "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers," notes Galloni, "These new releases are nothing short of captivating." The DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino finishes everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." No matter your style preference, Chianti Classico's extraordinary 2021 vintage has the perfect fit at prices that make it easy to stock up big. | ||
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| 2022 Xavier & Agnès Amirault Anjou Les Quarterons Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the St-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation, but his wines themselves do more than enough talking. The domaine's Clos des Quarterons is a singular property in the region, from which Amirault carefully crafts his range. The entry-level 2022 Les Quarterons is made from predominantly younger vines on sandy soils, providing a beautiful introduction to the utterly charming style of this humble yet talented winemaker. With 94 points and an Editor's Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, it's a certified gem that shows what Cabernet Franc can be in the right hands. Our own Andrew Kitz was equally impressed, calling it "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." Xavier's parcellaire wines take things up a notch or two, as you'll clearly see in the 2020 Le Fondis, from a north-facing, gentle slope of clay and sandy sediment. "As unapologetically old-school and classic as Loire Cab Franc gets," the Le Fondis is every bit the reference-point. You'll understand exactly why the Bordelaise adopted the varietal when you taste this wine. Its "ultra-suave texture and dark personality" make for a "Cabernet Franc with quintessential Loire heart and soul," as Andrew puts it. The consistency and pedigree of Amirault's wines far outpace their price points, making them savvy buys across the board for Loire fans who prize authentic, true-to-form expressions that can only be made in this part of the world. | ||
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| 2022 Xavier & Agnès Amirault St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the St-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation, but his wines themselves do more than enough talking. The domaine's Clos des Quarterons is a singular property in the region, from which Amirault carefully crafts his range. The entry-level 2022 Les Quarterons is made from predominantly younger vines on sandy soils, providing a beautiful introduction to the utterly charming style of this humble yet talented winemaker. With 94 points and an Editor's Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, it's a certified gem that shows what Cabernet Franc can be in the right hands. Our own Andrew Kitz was equally impressed, calling it "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." Xavier's parcellaire wines take things up a notch or two, as you'll clearly see in the 2020 Le Fondis, from a north-facing, gentle slope of clay and sandy sediment. "As unapologetically old-school and classic as Loire Cab Franc gets," the Le Fondis is every bit the reference-point. You'll understand exactly why the Bordelaise adopted the varietal when you taste this wine. Its "ultra-suave texture and dark personality" make for a "Cabernet Franc with quintessential Loire heart and soul," as Andrew puts it. The consistency and pedigree of Amirault's wines far outpace their price points, making them savvy buys across the board for Loire fans who prize authentic, true-to-form expressions that can only be made in this part of the world. | ||
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| 2021 Caparsa Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers. These new releases are nothing short of captivating." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We still can't believe our good fortune to have the singularly talented Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa estate in our direct-import stable. Even more so, we still can't believe these wines are not on everyone's radar, so utterly refined, precise, and authentic are their character and substance. After a recent tasting of the full range of 2021 Classicos, we fell head over heels with no hesitation, and we went all in on this spectacular trio. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino kicks everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Antonio Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." The Caparsino is brought up entirely in concrete tank to give it the purest Sangiovese character possible, something to be desired when the vineyards and fruit are as impeccable as Caparsa's. In contrast to the Caparsino's bright, elegant personality, the 96-point, single-vineyard 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo is "a brooding virile wine," Aged in Stockinger and Mittelberger oak, it boasts an "explosive" profile with "tremendous substance." It's a stunning representation of collectible Chianti Classico that can stand with many wines twice its price. Finally, the DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." After all, Paolo does everything the hard way, which almost always makes the best wines, and we're quite confident in saying that Caparsa is firmly among the elite producers in the region, even if their production and recognition are dwarfed by many of their larger peers. That also means that these are some of the sharpest, cellar-worthy Tuscan wines in our inventory, so you should have no doubts about going big, as they will remain absolutely thrilling expressions for years and years to come. | ||
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| 2022 Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Toscana, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Tuscany's reference-point Tenuta di Arceno is renowned for their world-class prowess with Bordeaux varietals, but it's not just the tête de cuvée Arcanum and Valadorno that draw the attention. The second wine Il Fauno di Arcanum has been a perennial best-seller in the Super Tuscan category for years now, and the 2022 rendition right where previous vintages left off. The 93-point 2022 Il Fauno, made from a handful of the estate's earliest ripening sites in the southwest section, is further proof of how well Merlot thrives in Tuscany. The blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot offers serious depth and varietal balance at its price point. It's a classic display of robust, modern Bordeaux character with an unmistakable Tuscan signature, from one of the region's most reliable and consistent estates, all available at the only sub-$30 price in the market. | ||
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| 2013 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The López de Heredia new releases are always some of the anticipated of the year, and our recent offer on the 2016 Cubillo Crianza kicked off the series with a bang. Now, we're back with the equally stupendous 2013 Bosconia Reserva. "Full-bodied with depth and excellent structure. Tannins are grippy yet fine-grained and juicy, with a long, bright finish. A select, concentrated vintage."- James Suckling The cool vintage didn't stop the Bosconia vineyard from producing a wine of proper depth and complexity, when in fact, it only added a layer of elegance to this fan-favorite Reserva that can sometimes be missing in warmer years. Along with James Suckling's 95-point review, the 2013 notched 93+ points from Wine Advocate's Luis Gutiérrez, who lauds it as "expressive, elegant and subtle, clean and complex, with polished tannins and very good acidity." | ||
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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 "This is great Mâconnais chardonnay!" - John Gilman, View From the Cellar B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages, but as happens from time to time, the wine fell off our radar for a few vintages. Recently, we went back to the importer to get a look at the newly arrived 2023 rendition, and we were thrilled (but not surprised) to find that it's better than ever. Bonhomme sources this wine from his oldest parcels, now approaching 70 years in age, so it exudes a quintessential combination of concentrated aromatics and flavors, along with "all of the vibrancy and freshness inherent in this lovely vintage" as Gilman notes. 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." Bonhomme's style is the classic white Burgundy profile that captures something for everyone. Nothing is ever overdone or lacking, so no matter what your tastes, you'll find plenty to love in this latest expression from a proven B-21 winner. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes (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 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. 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. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz 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." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge, which "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up." With amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity, it checks every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make it an easy choice for the cellar. 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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| 2021 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet La Clape Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Arguably the most dynamic producer in southwest France, Gerard Bertrand's stable of estates form the backbone of the winegrowing traditions in the regions around the foothills of the Pyrenees. As dramatic a winegrowing landscape as you'll find, this region has been home to the vine since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians fought over it. Chateau l'Hospitalet in the coastal La Clape AOC is a marvelous property, part resort, part vineyard, and part nature preserve, where you'll find some of the most definitive wines of the appellation. The 2021 l'Hospitaliet Rouge, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is "a gorgeous wine that is dripping with finesse" per Wine Enthusiast and "a classic at this address" according to Wine Advocate. Likewise, the 2021 Blanc, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier, is "plush and inviting, with warm spice details and a honeyed note on the mineral-rich, racy finish" as described in Wine Spectator's 92-point review. If you're a fan of eminently classic Rhone-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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| 2022 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet Grand Vin La Clape Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Arguably the most dynamic producer in southwest France, Gerard Bertrand's stable of estates form the backbone of the winegrowing traditions in the regions around the foothills of the Pyrenees. As dramatic a winegrowing landscape as you'll find, this region has been home to the vine since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians fought over it. Chateau l'Hospitalet in the coastal La Clape AOC is a marvelous property, part resort, part vineyard, and part nature preserve, where you'll find some of the most definitive wines of the appellation. The 2021 l'Hospitaliet Rouge, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is "a gorgeous wine that is dripping with finesse" per Wine Enthusiast and "a classic at this address" according to Wine Advocate. Likewise, the 2021 Blanc, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier, is "plush and inviting, with warm spice details and a honeyed note on the mineral-rich, racy finish" as described in Wine Spectator's 92-point review. If you're a fan of eminently classic Rhone-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Sebastien Dampt Chablis Cote de Lechet 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been working with the wines of Sébastien Dampt for a few vintages now, and the scion of one of Chablis' most prominent winemakers has found a strong following among our long-time Burgundy aficionados. After all, Sébastien is a staunch adherent to the "no oak" style, à la Louis Michel, and his wines reflect the kind of terroir purity that fetches a high premium from hardcore fans of classic, "old school" Chablis. These newly arrived 2023s are clearly reflective of Dampt's style, starting with the 92-point 2023 Vaillons 1er Cru. "Very disciplined though still with the generosity of the vintage," the 2023 is understated when it needs to be while giving up just the right level of approachability to be enjoyable right out of the gate. The Cote de Lechet likewise shows its 1er cru pedigree in spades, with "excellent volume and richness to the succulent and sappy middle weight flavors" as described by Burghound's Allen Meadows. Finally, the village level Chablis stands as an unbeatable value in its category, an "easy-going effort" with "cool and pretty aromas ... textured, even succulent, medium-bodied flavors." Working directly with the domaine, we were able to source this parcel at a by-far market-best pricing, so our private clients can jump on these true exponents of pure Chablis terroir for a downright steal. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee St Vincent (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I have said this before but it bears repeating that Germain has been on a roll over the last 5 years and 2023 is again a fine example of that success." - Allen Meadows, Burghound Vincent Girardin's staggering portfolio of domaine and négociant bottlings can be a daunting task to wrap your head around, but once you dive in, the whites always seem to be the ticket at this Meursault-based stalwart. Our Burgundy team's visit to the domaine last fall proved that notion in 2023 as well, a vintage which favored Chardonnay anyway. We've already introduced you to one of this past year's shining stars in Burgundy value in the 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Blanc, which B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz says "overdelivers in a big way," and now we've just received a handful of other excellent expressions that should grab the attention of any savvy white Burgundy fan. The 2023 Meursault Narvaux is a top-tier village cru that "nudges Premier Cru in quality" according to Neal Martin, also earning Outstanding and Top Value marks from Burghound. No less impressive, the "pedigreed, precise, and textbook" Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes shows that winemaker Eric Germain knows his way around outside his Meursault home turf. Turning to the 1er crus, the "elegant yet magisterial" 2023 Chassange 1er Cru La Romanée is "one to watch" according to Martin, and the JM91-94 Puligny 1er Cru Les Folatières is a superb representation of this treasured terroir that stands with the finest of the vintage. There's no shortage of hyped-up, next big things in Burgundy, but when it comes to reliable performance year in and year out, you can't go wrong with a standard-bearer like Girardin in an excellent vintage like 2023. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Blanc from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Lieber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. It seems that one vintage after another, this storied domaine finds resounding success, and these newly arrived 2023s continue that trend. From the entry-level cuvées to the coveted collectible icons, the 2023s show the domaine and the family at the top of their game, starting with an undeniable insider's favorite, the V92 Sylvaner from a 70-year-old parcel in the famed Clos du Capucins. Every bit as compelling is the "super-clean and wonderfully harmonious" JS93 Pinot Blanc. Moving to the single-vineyard wines, the domaine's pedigree truly shines in a pair of 97-point stunners. The "dangerously fresh and wonderfully inspiring" Altenbourg Gewürztraminer offers fans and collectors a can't-miss, cellar-worthy expression for a steal, while the Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling is yet another benchmark expression from this hallowed site. The coup de grâce, however, is the near-perfect Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru Cuvée Ste-Catherine, a marvelous expression of "crystalline clarity" that exhibits the inimitable tension of this hallowed terroir, or as Stuart Pigott puts it, "So many aspects of this masterpiece speak of lightness and delicacy, but the other side is all about the dark world down in the soil." Of course, with a reference point domaine like Weinbach in a great vintage like 2023, fans and collectors don't have to be choosy – you can have a field day up and down the range, knowing that you'll get everything you're looking for and more with every option on the table. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner (750ml) | ||
| Sylvaner from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Lieber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. It seems that one vintage after another, this storied domaine finds resounding success, and these newly arrived 2023s continue that trend. From the entry-level cuvées to the coveted collectible icons, the 2023s show the domaine and the family at the top of their game, starting with an undeniable insider's favorite, the V92 Sylvaner from a 70-year-old parcel in the famed Clos du Capucins. Every bit as compelling is the "super-clean and wonderfully harmonious" JS93 Pinot Blanc. Moving to the single-vineyard wines, the domaine's pedigree truly shines in a pair of 97-point stunners. The "dangerously fresh and wonderfully inspiring" Altenbourg Gewürztraminer offers fans and collectors a can't-miss, cellar-worthy expression for a steal, while the Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling is yet another benchmark expression from this hallowed site. The coup de grâce, however, is the near-perfect Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru Cuvée Ste-Catherine, a marvelous expression of "crystalline clarity" that exhibits the inimitable tension of this hallowed terroir, or as Stuart Pigott puts it, "So many aspects of this masterpiece speak of lightness and delicacy, but the other side is all about the dark world down in the soil." Of course, with a reference point domaine like Weinbach in a great vintage like 2023, fans and collectors don't have to be choosy – you can have a field day up and down the range, knowing that you'll get everything you're looking for and more with every option on the table. | ||
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| NV Xavier & Agnès Amirault Cremant de Loire Amirault Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Cremant de Loire, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the St-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation, but his wines themselves do more than enough talking. The domaine's Clos des Quarterons is a singular property in the region, from which Amirault carefully crafts his range. The entry-level 2022 Les Quarterons is made from predominantly younger vines on sandy soils, providing a beautiful introduction to the utterly charming style of this humble yet talented winemaker. With 94 points and an Editor's Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, it's a certified gem that shows what Cabernet Franc can be in the right hands. Our own Andrew Kitz was equally impressed, calling it "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." Xavier's parcellaire wines take things up a notch or two, as you'll clearly see in the 2020 Le Fondis, from a north-facing, gentle slope of clay and sandy sediment. "As unapologetically old-school and classic as Loire Cab Franc gets," the Le Fondis is every bit the reference-point. You'll understand exactly why the Bordelaise adopted the varietal when you taste this wine. Its "ultra-suave texture and dark personality" make for a "Cabernet Franc with quintessential Loire heart and soul," as Andrew puts it. The consistency and pedigree of Amirault's wines far outpace their price points, making them savvy buys across the board for Loire fans who prize authentic, true-to-form expressions that can only be made in this part of the world. | ||
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| 2023 Massolino Nebbiolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Langhe, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Friulano (750ml) | ||
| Friulano from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Pinot Bianco (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Blanc from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Pinot Grigio (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Grigio from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Ribolla Gialla (750ml) | ||
| Ribolla Gialla from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine consistently makes a compelling case for one of the best under $50 Oregon Pinot Noirs." - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter One of the best under-$50 Oregon Pinot Noirs? No question. We'll do you one better – how about the best Oregon Pinot Noir for under $30? We think that's exactly what you're getting in the 2023 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir at our market-best pricing. Sourced from three of the Casteel family's outstanding estate vineyards, this wine is the very definition of bang for your buck. Winemaker Ben Casteel is an ardent believer in bringing his A-game to everything he makes, and that includes his entry-level offering. This double 94-point gem is "medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet." In short, it's a showcase of all that we love about Eola-Amity Hills Pinot, and it even has "serious enough structure to lay down should you choose" according to Decanter. It's also a perfect example of what makes Bethel Heights our best-selling Oregon wine brand, several years running. | ||
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| 2023 Hartford Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. The 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 94-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, don't miss the trio of top-flight, single-vineyard Zinfandels, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 2023 Kelley Fox Pinot Noir Mirabai (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ever since we caught on to the incredible wines from Willamette Valley rising star Kelley Fox several vintages back, we've seen an avid following develop around her ethereal, precisely crafted wines. Working with the crème de la crème of vineyard sites in Dundee Hills, she's carved out a top spot on the list of the valley's go-to boutique names. Demand is on a steady upward trajectory, but her flagship Mirabai Pinot Noir still delivers the goods for anyone interested in discovering this super-talented winemaker for the first time. Sourced from a handful of said top Dundee Hills sites (see below), the 2023 is every bit the stylish charmer that we've come to know and love from this bottling. Easygoing yet full of character and nuance, it once again stands as one of the sharpest buys in Oregon Pinot, with a new 93-point review from Wine Advocate to add to its cachet. We just scored a new parcel at exceptional pricing that allows our private clients to load up on a proven performer that will shine now and anytime in the next decade. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category. Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Clos Lunelles (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2023 Veyder-Malberg Gruner Veltliner Liebedich (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Lower Austria, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Based on this showing, Veyder-Malberg is indeed as mad and as genius as they say he is." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Austria Buyer You may not know Peter Veyder-Malberg, but among Austrian wine insiders, he's one of the most iconoclastic, not to mention talented, winemakers in the Wachau. His wines don't get nearly the wider attention that they deserve thanks to his general aversion to having them reviewed professionally (he's not a fan of tagging an arbitrary number onto his wines), so in order to get an idea of how truly special they are, you have to taste them yourself, and that's what B-21 Austria buyer Andrew Kitz recently did with the exceptional 2023s. Based in the Spitzer Graben, a narrow side valley of the Wachau with a decidedly cooler microclimate, Veyder-Malberg has been marching to the beat of his own drummer since the beginning, and the results are in a class all their own, starting with his "entry-level" Grüner Veltliner Liebedich. Sourced from many of Wachau's most prized sites, including Loibenberg and Hochrain, it's "a quintessential example of Austria’s most famous native grape in every way ... a layered, textured expression that Austrian wine fans shouldn’t miss." His true genius, however, shines in his single-vineyard wines, like the 2023 Grüner Veltliner Hochrain. Andrew describes a 95-point expression with aromas of "pure, shimmering minerality" and a palate that's "achingly elegant and precise ... a study in restrained intensity and ethereal elegance." Likewise, the 96-point 2023 Riesling Bruck is a remarkable, singular style that could only come from a winemaker like Veyder-Malberg. "Peter Veyder-Malberg’s 2023 Riesling Bruck is simply stunning. Like his other wines, it demands time, it demands proper temperature, and it demands attention. When all three conditions are met, you’re rewarded with a Riesling of absolutely beguiling delicacy, shimmering personality, and generally jaw-dropping finesse." It bears noting that these are not wines for immediate gratification. They are intellectual to say the least, and the 2023s at the moment are very primary, so patient collectors can confidently stock up knowing there is some tremendous evolution in store. If you're a fan of truly world-class Austrian wines, you need to jump on the Veyder-Malberg train without hesitation. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir 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 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. 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. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz 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." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge, which "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up." With amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity, it checks every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make it an easy choice for the cellar. 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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