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| 2023 Xanadu Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As prices in Napa Valley continue to skyrocket, savvy collectors are turning to some far-flung reaches to get their hands on cult-caliber Cabernets and Chardonnays for prices that don't break the bank, and Australia's Margaret River is at the top of the pyramid in that regard. You may be familiar with iconic Leeuwin's Art Series, but Xanadu has been quietly keeping pace for years with their equally stunning line-up, headlined by the critically acclaimed Reserve bottlings. At 97+ points, the 2022 Chardonnay Reserve is "a wine of profound complexity and length, yet it is steely, restrained and mineral in the extreme," writes Erin Larkin of Wine Advocate. The heavily maritime climate of the Wallcliffe sub-region that Xanadu calls home gives extra vibrancy and verve to an already racy style of Chardonnay that Margaret River is well-known for, as is confirmed by several glowing critical reviews in addition to Larkin's. A pair of 96-point reviews from Suckling and Halliday Wine Companion and 94 points from Vinous add icing to the cake. Likewise, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve notched 96 points from Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks, who writes, "Routinely a beautiful wine, it's no different in this vintage, and it will reward careful cellaring for decades to come." In other words, don't sleep for a second on this pair for a bona fide, world-class collectibles that can be had for a fraction of the price of similar bottlings from Napa or Burgundy. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the flagship wines present some of the greatest QPR expressions to be found anywhere in Australia, with massive scores across the board and under $30 each. The 95-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a "classic, polished Margaret River Cab" that demonstrates a "youthful, vibrant nature" today but will certainly cruise for a few years in the cellar. Also pulling in 95 points, the 2023 Chardonnay is "very focused and mineral-driven," demonstrating the excellent, cool-vintage potential of Margaret River Chard in this vintage. The electric, vibrant style of Xanadu means this is one for the cellar, and probably for much longer than you'd think, according to Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard. It's not every day that you can find a pair of benchmark collectible and a pair of stellar QPR value stars in the same offer, let alone from the same producer, but today offers a chance for wine lovers of all stripes and budgets to load up on some overperforming all-stars at market-best pricing across the board. | ||
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| 2022 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As prices in Napa Valley continue to skyrocket, savvy collectors are turning to some far-flung reaches to get their hands on cult-caliber Cabernets and Chardonnays for prices that don't break the bank, and Australia's Margaret River is at the top of the pyramid in that regard. You may be familiar with iconic Leeuwin's Art Series, but Xanadu has been quietly keeping pace for years with their equally stunning line-up, headlined by the critically acclaimed Reserve bottlings. At 97+ points, the 2022 Chardonnay Reserve is "a wine of profound complexity and length, yet it is steely, restrained and mineral in the extreme," writes Erin Larkin of Wine Advocate. The heavily maritime climate of the Wallcliffe sub-region that Xanadu calls home gives extra vibrancy and verve to an already racy style of Chardonnay that Margaret River is well-known for, as is confirmed by several glowing critical reviews in addition to Larkin's. A pair of 96-point reviews from Suckling and Halliday Wine Companion and 94 points from Vinous add icing to the cake. Likewise, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve notched 96 points from Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks, who writes, "Routinely a beautiful wine, it's no different in this vintage, and it will reward careful cellaring for decades to come." In other words, don't sleep for a second on this pair for a bona fide, world-class collectibles that can be had for a fraction of the price of similar bottlings from Napa or Burgundy. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the flagship wines present some of the greatest QPR expressions to be found anywhere in Australia, with massive scores across the board and under $30 each. The 95-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a "classic, polished Margaret River Cab" that demonstrates a "youthful, vibrant nature" today but will certainly cruise for a few years in the cellar. Also pulling in 95 points, the 2023 Chardonnay is "very focused and mineral-driven," demonstrating the excellent, cool-vintage potential of Margaret River Chard in this vintage. The electric, vibrant style of Xanadu means this is one for the cellar, and probably for much longer than you'd think, according to Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard. It's not every day that you can find a pair of benchmark collectible and a pair of stellar QPR value stars in the same offer, let alone from the same producer, but today offers a chance for wine lovers of all stripes and budgets to load up on some overperforming all-stars at market-best pricing across the board. | ||
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| 2023 Artadi Vinas de Gain (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Overall, the 2023 Viñas de Gain delivers a compelling interplay of dark expression and agile structure..." - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous It's been a few vintages since we've seen this one-time Spanish best-seller, but the double 93-point 2023 Artadi Viñas de Gain reminds us why the wine and the estate have such a devoted legion of fans. If you're an Artadi fan, you'll already know that this visionary estate has a tendency to buck the norms in Rioja, which leads to them declassifying the wines from the Rioja denominación, but these are still some of the most soulful and ambitious offerings you'll find. While the single-vineyard wines fetch big scores and big price tags to match, the Viñas de Gain has always been a stellar value driver, incorporating the exceptional winemaking of second-generation owner Carlos López de Lacalle with the prized terroirs around the villages of Laguardia and El Villar for a vivid, charming expression that satisfies almost everyone. In this vintage, Carlos tuned the winemaking and elevage toward the goal of crafting "fine-boned wines with freshness," as Wine Advocate puts is, and that's well evident in the 2023 VdG. "Broad yet fresh, combining juicy flow with fine, reactive tannins and notable energy," this is a sound representation of a movement that is finding real traction in modern Rioja, and with these kinds of results, Artadi is ready to reclaim its best-seller status in no time. | ||
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| 2022 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet Grand Vin 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. Château 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 2022 l'Hospitalet Rouge is a "well-built, focused and balanced blend of syrah and mourvèdre that shows drive and precision" per James Suckling. Likewise, the 2022 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 Rhône-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) | ||
| Bourboulenc 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. Château 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 2022 l'Hospitalet Rouge is a "well-built, focused and balanced blend of syrah and mourvèdre that shows drive and precision" per James Suckling. Likewise, the 2022 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 Rhône-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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| 2022 Philippe Alliet Chinon Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "What a great scoop for our Loire direct-import portfolio to have Philippe Alliet and his son Pierre join the fold ... these wines are easily among the very best in Chinon." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer While not extremely well-known on this side of the Atlantic, Domaine Philippe Alliet is one of the Chinon appellation's leading lights, standing in strong company right alongside the likes of Charles Joguet. Father and son Philippe and Pierre employ meticulous methods to their prized vineyard holdings (some of the very best in all of Chinon), spearheading a new wave of viticulture that emphasizes very low yields and optimally ripe fruit at all costs. The resulting wines are nothing short of revelatory, reference-point expressions, which we saw first-hand during a tasting last fall. The entire range is superb, but the 93-point 2022 Vieilles Vignes offers a perfect introduction to this remarkable, must-know estate.Selecting from the oldest vines in their various plots, all at least 70 years old, the Alliets vinify and age the VV entirely in cement vats, while full de-stemming only adds to the sheer allure of the wine's personality and expression. As Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate writes, "This vintage is one of the most precise and pure expressions of Vieilles Vignes I have ever tasted. Kudos!" Turning to the single-vineyard cuvées, the 2022 L'Huisserie hails from a south-facing on Chinon's most favored hillside, the clay and flint soils imparting both a round, fleshy, full-fruited character as well as a firm mineral signature to the wine. This "multidimensional wine" showcase the Alliet style to a T, with none of the rusticity that often follows Chinon Cab Franc. Finally, the 2023 Coteau de Noiré is a stupendous expression of a Chinon "grand cru" site with similar clay and marl soils and a much steeper 40% incline. The wine exhibits a firm structural foundation, sappy mid-palate, and brooding fruit profile for what amounts to a pinnacle expression of cellar-worthy Cabernet Franc. Best of all, we're bringing you the Alliet wines directly from the domaine as new additions to our rapidly expanding Loire direct-import range, so the quality for price, which was already outstanding, becomes essentially unbeatable in the category. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Paris Saint-Joseph (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vincent Paris continues to craft distinctive, age-worthy Cornas, as evidenced once again during my most recent visit..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Our direct-import portfolio has taken some major steps in the past year and landed some big names, and now we can add Cornas icon Vincent Paris to that list. Thanks to some very fortuitous connections, we gained domaine-direct access to this perennial superstar producer and his benchmark wines. The outstanding 2023s have just landed in stock. Made from Paris' younger parcels on 30% slopes (and now with vines almost 30 years old), the 96-point 2023 Granit 30 exhibits fantastic signature elements of its granitic soils, as well as Paris' ultrafine winemaker's touch. "This is always the most forward and approachable of Paris's cuvées and will put a smile on your face right out of the gate," declares Dunnuck. Paris' wines are renowned for their cellar potential, but that doesn't mean you can't pop and pour the Granit 30 tonight. After all, it's "an accessible Cornas that’s packed with remarkable energy and freshness all the way through," so stocking the cellar is an easy choice. Next up, as the name suggests, the 97-point 2023 Granit 60 comes from three plots of old-vines on steep granite slopes, densely planted and low-yielding. Paris' winemaking methods are traditional yet meticulous, so he's able to showcase his prime terroir in crystal-clear fashion in each of his wines. There's tons of Cornas soul here, but the wines avoid the rustic, untamed nature that's sometimes associated with this appellation. Instead, we get ""a full-bodied 2023 that's beautifully balanced, elegant, and layered ... another smoking value from this incredibly talented vigneron." according to Dunnuck. Finally, boasting serious press from prominent voices like Suckling, Dunnuck, and Vinous among others, the 98-point 2023 Geynale is an outstanding collectible proposition that ranks with the region's elite names. This magnificent showstopper, made from the oldest vines in two of Cornas' most prized sites, is "full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, the classic, wild, sauvage character of the appellation, and a great finish," while Wine Spectator declares, "Massive in scale yet achieves perfect harmony between its ripeness, texture and energy." We brought a staggering number of top-tier domaines into our direct-import fold in 2025, but Vincent Paris might just take the cake. These wines are built to age with incredible panache, so make room, stash a few away, and get ready to enjoy some of the most consistently excellent Northern Rhône Syrahs on the market. | ||
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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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| 2021 Tolaini Valdisanti (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The latest vintages of perennial best-selling value Super Tuscans are now in stock and ready to impress anyone seeking outstanding bang for the buck. The 94-point 2021 Tolaini Al Passo and the 95-point 2021 Tolaini Valdisanti are emblematic of the unabashedly modern-style that makes them some of the sharpest case-buy contenders in Italian wine, year in and year out. After 40 years of running a successful business in Canada, entrepreneur Pier Luigi Tolaini returned to his native Tuscany with the goal of producing top-quality wines from Sangiovese, purchasing 25 hectares in the hills of the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Chianti in 1998. Undertaking massive replanting of the vines and rebalancing of the soils, Pier Luigi hired famed enologist Michel Rolland and Tuscan agronomist Andrea Paoletti to manage the vineyards and construct a state-of-the-art winery, releasing the first Al Passo in 2007 and expanding the estate to over 100 hectares over the next decade. The estate is now firing on all cylinders as the vineyards come to maturity, and Pier Luigi's vision is in full form. The 2021 Al Passo, based on Sangiovese, is "a very beautiful and expressive wine" per Galloni, while in the 50/50 blend Valdisanti, "Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc speak with a decidedly Tuscan accent in this vibrant, mid-weight offering." Like previous vintages, the 2021s offer immediate enjoyment but certainly display the stuffing to cruise in the cellar for a decade, making a mixed case purchase (or a case of each!) an easy choice at our market-best pricing. | ||
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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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| 2022 Chateau Lascombes Chevalier de Lascombes (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Margaux, 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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| Champagne Lallier Reflexion R.021 Brut (750ml) | ||
| From Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Champagne Lallier's widespread vineyard sources through the grand cru villages of the Côte de Blancs and Montagne de Reims, especially in their home base of Äy, allow them to create these wonderfully pure, eminently approachable vintage expressions that somehow remain unbelievably priced for everyday enjoyment. The Reflexion R.021 is a classic showcase of the 2021 Champagne vintage's fresh, incisive style, with 30% reserve wines from the powerful 2020 vintage adding just the right level of backbone and depth for a "substantial palate" that's simultaneously "precise and youthful" according to James Suckling. Like previous releases, the wine is made is to convey a snapshot of the growing season, and the R.021 does that with great clarity, but it's also made primarily to put smiles on the faces of a wide audience of sparkling wine fans, something that's easily achieved with it's outstanding, sub-$35 price tag. If you keep a "house" Champagne on rotation, this is your new candidate. If you need a celebratory toast for a large crowd for a low-key steal of a deal, this is your pick. Either way, Lallier's R.021 is a gem to stock up on. | ||
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| 2023 Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Quite a powerful wine that is carried by pure acidity and freshness." - James Suckling Beringer's Private Reserve line is arguably one of the greatest sources of consistent quality for price in Napa Valley and has been for the past three decades. The stellar 2023 vintage provided plenty of opportunity to continue that track record, and the latest release of the Private Reserve Chardonnay does not disappoint. In fact, it's set to be a reference-point rendition of this all-time fan favorite 96 points from James Suckling and 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Sourced almost entirely from the historic Gamble Ranch in Oakville, this is Napa Chardonnay through and through, yet it stays well clear of the excesses that have sometimes plagued the category in recent, namely over-ripeness and heavy-handed oak. "Medium to full-bodied, it's pure, balanced, and layered, with wonderfully integrated oak," notes Dunnuck, "It brings ample power and richness while staying light on its feet." That about sums up the Beringer style and the brilliant 2023 Napa vintage, and it gives ample reason to stock up. | ||
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| 2024 Flowers Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I was blown away by the wines I tasted this year from Flowers." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Long before the Sonoma Coast AVA was a thing, the Sonoma Coast style was being pioneered by Flowers in the far-flung reaches of the county out near Jenner and Fort Ross. Fast-forward a few decades and here we are, still looking at Flowers as the reference point for cool-climate California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The latest flagship releases showcase a pair of excellent vintages in 2023 and 2024, but more importantly they deliver the utterly classic Flowers personality that has made them all-time best sellers and fan-favorites in California wine. And each one carries rock-solid critical praise as always. The 94-point 2024 Chardonnay is "a terrific introduction to this range" with its "intensity and sleek, mouthwatering acidity that give this precision." The 2023 Pinot Noir is a likewise a 94-point gem and "a great reflection of the long, cool growing season." With strong press across the board, it's yet another proven performer that long-time fans should find checks every box in the Flowers paradigm. When consistent excellence is the name of the game, Flowers is a hall of fame player. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Cantemerle (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2022 Zind-Humbrecht Zind (750ml) | ||
| From Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most famous domaines in Alsace – deservedly so ... No matter what variety, the expressions are layered and pure." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Just landed in stock, we have a thrilling range of 2023s from one of France's benchmark domaines. Zind-Humbrecht is unquestionably one of the three most iconic domaines in Alsace, routinely racking up huge press and glowing accolades up and down their comprehensive line-up. As expected, the 2023s show out in fine form, the warm vintage balanced by Pierre-Emile Humbrecht's highly finessed winemaking. The domaine's exquisite terroirs all acquit themselves with extraordinary class and precision, starting wth the Roche series, which are simply declassified younger vines in the domaine's priceless Grand Cru holdings. The 95-point Roche Calcaire Riesling is "taut, lemony, long, streamlined and tightly coiled—a wellspring of freshness," per Anne Krebiehl, while the "very dynamic and driving" 95-point Roche Volcanique Pinot Gris shows the noble varietal's exceptional class. Of course, for anyone seeking the apex of Alsace, the grands crus from Clos St-Urbain plot in the Rangen de Thann are the only way to go. The 2023 Riesling Clos St-Urbain flirts with perfection with 99 points from Stuart Pigott and 98 points from Krebiehl, A wine of "gigantic concentration, elegance and finesse," it showcases what Alsace Riesling is all about. The "incredible" 2023 Pinot Gris Clos St-Urbain actually hits perfection, with 100 points from Pigott, who declares, "The brain-rattling concentration, smokiness and flinty energy of this unique dry pinot gris don’t fit in any box on this planet." Both of these selections are naturally among the world's finest, most long-lived collectible whites anywhere. These are just a few highlights from a truly stellar range of timeless classics that astute collectors will be thrilled to own in the years to come. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Barolo Albe (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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| 2023 Dominio de Pingus Psi (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the 2023 PSI is juicy, ripe and approachable." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate One of the more remarkable stories in the wine world is how transplant, Danish-born Peter Sisseck developed Dominio de Pingus into one of the world's great ultra-luxury wine estates nearly from scratch. This Ribera del Duero icon is now tops the list of blue-chip cellar treasure right alongside the likes of Vega Sicilia, and the flagship wine will easily cost you a mortgage payment. However, one of the enduring and endearing aspects of Sisseck and his famed estate is that the rest of us can get Pingus pedigree and Sisseck's incredible winemaking for a song in the all-time best-selling PSI. For years this wine has been an established fan favorite at B-21, and it's not easy to see why. Few wines over-deliver in terms of critical praise and sheer quality in the bottle the way that PSI does. Sisseck started PSI as a project to reclaim and rehabilitate neglected vineyards with what he considered world-class potential, and the result have born his vision out over the past 20 years. The 2023 sets another feather in Sisseck's cap as a pure, pleasurable, and undeniably delicious Tempranillo of real Duero soul, already showing 94-point potential from Wine Advocate and Vinous. As it always has, our introductory parcel comes in at razor-sharp pricing that leads the market, paving the way for the 2023 to be another best-selling PSI that will thrill long-time fans and newcomers alike. | ||
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| 2024 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Sec (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Huet remains a pillar of Vouvray and a touchstone for Chenin Blanc worldwide, a domaine where viticulture, philosophy and place converge in bottles of extraordinary clarity and longevity." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The above quote from Yohan Castaing sums up almost everything you need to know about the magnificent wines of Domaine Huet. Sure, we could also mention that they have been a biodynamic pioneer since 1993, or that their wines age as well as almost any wines in the world, red or white. But at the end of the day, it's the singular character and class of the juice in the bottle that sets them apart from their contemporaries. The newly released, single-vineyard Sec bottlings from 2024 show why the domaine is a force to be reckoned with, not only in Vouvray, but anywhere in the Loire. Even in an exceedingly difficult vintage, this trio adds more glowing acclaim to add to the domaine's already full resumé, proving that Huet is still at the pinnacle. Our parcel comes in at razor-sharp pricing that puts the already spectacular cellar appeal of these gems in even brighter light, so avid Loire enthusiasts or any collector of world-class, reference-point wines can take their collections up a notch or two. The iconic Clos du Bourg site produced "a lacy, seductive version, with impressive range," according to Wine Spectator, while John Gilman of View From the Cellar notes the 94-point Le Haut Lieu as "bright, focused and full-bodied, with a lovely core of fruit, excellent soil transparency and grip, a fine spine of acidity and lovely precision." Rounding out the 2024s, the WA93 Le Mont rounds out the 2024s is "both dense and lively ... a crystalline expression of Vouvray." | ||
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| 2023 Saint Damien Les Souteyrades (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Gigondas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Continuing to deliver exceptional value for money, the red wines from Domaine Saint-Damien deserve a place on everyone’s Gigondas watchlist." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous "These are brilliant, layered, textured Gigondas that represent insane values." - Jeb Dunnuck The above comments pretty much sum up everything you need to know about the all-time best-seling Gigondas stunners from Domaine Saint-Damien. Year after year, they hit the mark with a track record that's easily among the most consistent in the Southern Rhône, and the newly arrived 2023s keep the trend going with monster 98-point scores from Dunnuck, as well as our customary razor-sharp pricing. The 2023 Les Souteyrades (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) is from 50- to 80-year-old vines on quarternary soils in the lower terraced section of Gigondas, which accounts for the wine's heady, exotic character. "It's another absolutely riveting Gigondas from this estate that readers should snatch up!" declares Dunnuck. Although not as widely known as Les Souteyrades, the La Louisiane bottling is no less impressive with its inclusion of small amounts of Cinsault and Syrah giving the wine a decidely darker "ultra-classic Gigondas style." From 50- to 85-year-old vines on poor alluvial soils speckled with red clay, the 2023 La Louisiane is "a brilliant effort that will stand toe to toe with anything in the vintage." Best of all, these collectible-caliber showstoppers come in at remarkable sub-$40 pricing that makes it easy to stock up for the long-haul, as the track record of previous vintages suggests that these have a long life ahead of them in the cellar. | ||
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| 2023 Saint Damien La Louisiane (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Gigondas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Continuing to deliver exceptional value for money, the red wines from Domaine Saint-Damien deserve a place on everyone’s Gigondas watchlist." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous "These are brilliant, layered, textured Gigondas that represent insane values." - Jeb Dunnuck The above comments pretty much sum up everything you need to know about the all-time best-seling Gigondas stunners from Domaine Saint-Damien. Year after year, they hit the mark with a track record that's easily among the most consistent in the Southern Rhône, and the newly arrived 2023s keep the trend going with monster 98-point scores from Dunnuck, as well as our customary razor-sharp pricing. The 2023 Les Souteyrades (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) is from 50- to 80-year-old vines on quarternary soils in the lower terraced section of Gigondas, which accounts for the wine's heady, exotic character. "It's another absolutely riveting Gigondas from this estate that readers should snatch up!" declares Dunnuck. Although not as widely known as Les Souteyrades, the La Louisiane bottling is no less impressive with its inclusion of small amounts of Cinsault and Syrah giving the wine a decidely darker "ultra-classic Gigondas style." From 50- to 85-year-old vines on poor alluvial soils speckled with red clay, the 2023 La Louisiane is "a brilliant effort that will stand toe to toe with anything in the vintage." Best of all, these collectible-caliber showstoppers come in at remarkable sub-$40 pricing that makes it easy to stock up for the long-haul, as the track record of previous vintages suggests that these have a long life ahead of them in the cellar. | ||
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| 2024 Rudi Pichler Riesling Smaragd Terrassen (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the [2024s] have beautiful concentration and real tension. Well done." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Arguably one of the top three estate in the Wachau, Rudi Pichler is a unanimous reference-point for the region, and there are few, if any, estates that have the same wherewithal to spin absolute gold out of a difficult vintage. Old vines, steep slopes, and Rudi's uncompromising, meticulous skills turned out a range of stunning expressions that are easily among the best in the category. From the beautifully balanced, 94-point Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen to the towering excellence of the 98-point Riesling and Grüner Smaragds from the Achleiten site, the entire range is comprised of must-have benchmarks for serious Austrian fans. Savvy buyers will not overlook the "exquisite purity and expression" of the double 96-point Riesling Smaragd Kirchweg or the equally "stunning" Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kollmutz. These are just a few of the highlights in an entire line-up that sets the bar for the vintage, and to top it all off, don't miss the very last stocks of the equally prodigious 2023s, still available at remarkable pricing. | ||
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| 2024 Rudi Pichler Weissburgunder Smaragd Terrassen (750ml) | ||
| Weissburgunder from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the [2024s] have beautiful concentration and real tension. Well done." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Arguably one of the top three estate in the Wachau, Rudi Pichler is a unanimous reference-point for the region, and there are few, if any, estates that have the same wherewithal to spin absolute gold out of a difficult vintage. Old vines, steep slopes, and Rudi's uncompromising, meticulous skills turned out a range of stunning expressions that are easily among the best in the category. From the beautifully balanced, 94-point Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen to the towering excellence of the 98-point Riesling and Grüner Smaragds from the Achleiten site, the entire range is comprised of must-have benchmarks for serious Austrian fans. Savvy buyers will not overlook the "exquisite purity and expression" of the double 96-point Riesling Smaragd Kirchweg or the equally "stunning" Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kollmutz. These are just a few of the highlights in an entire line-up that sets the bar for the vintage, and to top it all off, don't miss the very last stocks of the equally prodigious 2023s, still available at remarkable pricing. | ||
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| 2019 La Petite Marquise Clos du Marquis (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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