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| 2023 Vina Almaviva (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The joint venture between Barons de Rothschild and Concha y Toro is firmly ensconced in the elite ranks of South American cult collectibles, with each year's new release eagerly awaited by fans, and today is the day. The 2023 Almaviva hits the market with all the critical fanfare that has accompanied previous vintages, and it's another signature stunner from this world-class estate. "Exceptionally well-crafted for the vintage, the 2023 once again secures its place among the top wines of Puente Alto." - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous The blend in 2023 is once again dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but Chile's famed Carmenere adds no shortage of aromatic character to the final wine, giving it a hallmark sense of place that Almaviva fans crave. A 97-point score from James Sucklng leads the press, but big numbers from Vinous, Wine Advocate, Decanter, and more all confirm the 2023 as a monumental effort that collectors will love to have in their cellars. "Classy and captivating," this is New World blending in its highest art form with pure, polished fruit and loads of secondary nuance and complexity already. Whether you're building a vertical or you're branching out in your search for top-tier cellar thoroughbreds, the 2023 Almaviva is a sure bet to perform at the highest level. | ||
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| 2023 Turnbull Wine Cellars Napa Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a fan of Napa Cabernet or simply just a casual consumer and observer of the market, you've no doubt noticed that the category has seen an explosion of prices in recent years, to the point where it's hard to imagine the words value and Napa Cabernet in the same universe, let alone the same sentence. Well, think again, because today's selection brings us a quartet of overperforming standouts that are still priced well within reach of a broad audience of wine lovers and collectors. Leading off, the 2021 Whitehall Lane Cabernet boasts a slew of solid accolades across the board. This sub-$40 gem from a long-time standard bearer of QPR excellence is "an outstanding Cabernet" according Jeb Dunnuck, "silky and supple, easy to drink, yet with enough structure." Joining Whitehall in the sub-$40 category is Turnbull's "positively stellar" 2023 Estate Cab. This wine has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." The 2021 Sullivan Coeur de Vignes is a true classic from a historic Napa property at a smashing bargain price. "Ripe and structured but fresh in feel ... Very Rutherford" according to Wine Spectator's 94-point review. While their flagship bottlings carry price tags well into the triple digits, the 2021 Coeur de Vigne offers a chance to experience top-class Napa style and character for a small fraction of the price. Finally, the iconic Chappellet estate has hit a homerun with their 2021 Signature Cabernet, a 96-point "marvellously compact and coiled-up wine with a towering structure" that Jeb Dunnuck calls "brilliant" and for about one-fifth the price of the 99-point Pritchard Hill bottling. With the quality and value on offer in this quartet, now is the perfect chance to rediscover these treasured wines without breaking the bank. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Meursault Les Chevalieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Thierry & Pascale Matrot Meursault (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An exceptional range throughout that shows this Meursault reference-point in a brilliant light." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer This iconic Meursault domaine, spearheaded by the legendary Pierre Matrot, is now in its third generation under Pierre's granddaughters Elsa and Adele, who are shepherding it into a thrilling new era, as our Burgundy team discovered last spring during their visit. The sisters have undertaken a subtle yet remarkable transformation of the domaine's style, moving away from the more solidly built, heavily oaked wines of their father, Thierry, and toward a more nuanced expression of terroir signature with very judicious use of the barrel. The results are vividly compelling wines that convey the domaine's prized holdings in crystal-clear fashion. The 2023 vintage favored Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, and Matrot's wines also capture the balanced brilliance of the vintage perfectly. The treasured 1ers crus of Puligny Combettes and Meursault Perrieres surely turned out some absolutely thrilling renditions in 2023, the former "super-sleek, delicious, and appealingly tension-filled" and the latter showing 95-point potential according to both Martin and Morris for its "cool, pure and beautifully layered" personality. The sleeper star, however, is the "marvelous" Puligny 1er Cru Chalumeaux, showing 96-point potential from Morris. It's great to see such an iconic domaine showing this level of potential and promise as it enters a new era, and based on what we saw from them earlier this year, Matrot's best days may yet be ahead of us. | ||
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| 2023 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla Ballard Canyon (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Santa Barbara, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...one of the better values in all of California wine." - Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate The long-awaited new release of this all-time B-21 best seller is here. Stolpman's La Cuadrilla has been a bona fide value champion for us for several vintages running, and it's basically cornered our market on sub-$20 California reds. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Sangiovese, this spectacular, "lights out" favorite has always brought its A-game big time, and that all continues apace in 2023. "Bright, punchy and full of character, the 2023 delivers superb quality and striking purity of fruit," notes Antonio Galloni. Made every year by the estate's vineyard workers, who then split the proceeds from sales, this is a true wine of community and collective effort and reward. There's not much else to say – if you're already fan, then make some room and stock up like you always do. The 2023 La Cuadrilla is ready to rock with stunning character and unbeatable value, just like it always has. | ||
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| 2023 Stags' Leap Winery Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sometimes the best choice is one that's so familiar that you might forget it's even there, but these top scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deserve the full attention of Napa wine lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of seriously delicious white and red wines from prime Napa terroir available at bargain pricing whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Among the oldest growers in the Stags Leap District, the 240-acre property Stags' Leap Winery on the Silverado Trail has been continuously planted with vines since the late 1800's, the once abandoned estate undergoing a lengthy renovation beginning in the 1970's and becoming part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011. More than a nostalgic reminder of the days when great Napa wines didn't have to cost an arm and a leg, these high-scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deliver the goods, all well-crafted, delicious wines reasonably priced for stocking up to enjoy anytime a taste of Napa calls. | ||
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| 2023 Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sometimes the best choice is one that's so familiar that you might forget it's even there, but these top scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deserve the full attention of Napa wine lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of seriously delicious white and red wines from prime Napa terroir available at bargain pricing whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Among the oldest growers in the Stags Leap District, the 240-acre property Stags' Leap Winery on the Silverado Trail has been continuously planted with vines since the late 1800's, the once abandoned estate undergoing a lengthy renovation beginning in the 1970's and becoming part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011. More than a nostalgic reminder of the days when great Napa wines didn't have to cost an arm and a leg, these high-scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deliver the goods, all well-crafted, delicious wines reasonably priced for stocking up to enjoy anytime a taste of Napa calls. | ||
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| 2023 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 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 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 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 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 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
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| 2023 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Wines like this one are what make it fun to be a wine drinker. Not a wine collector, not a wine connoisseur, but a wine drinker. Sure, the 2023 Roth Alexander Valley Cabernet boasts some serious quality for its price point, but at its core, this one is all about pure enjoyment for fans of Cali Cab. First off, the 2023 is a classic showcase of what sets Alexander Valley apart from the rest of California when it comes to Cabernet. Plush, red fruits form the wine's identity, while the dusty but gentle tannins, a signature of the AVA, offer a pleasantly balanced foundation that makes this overachieving value star a perfect match for any weeknight occasion or crowded get-together. With rock-solid press, including a 92-point review from James Suckling, and a must-see, case-buy price, you can stock up with confidence, knowing you've found a new surefire performer to add to your go-to rotation. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Trocken (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Kabinett (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese (375ml) | ||
| Riesling from Kiedrich, Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Grafenberg Spatlese (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Kiedrich, Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Grafenberg Grosses Gewachs (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Kiedrich, Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Robert Weil Riesling Grafenberg Auslese (375ml) | ||
| Riesling from Kiedrich, Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Wilhelm Weil presented a stunning 2023 vintage–hair-raising even. The dry Rieslings are utterly clear and brilliant while brimming with fruit. The off-dry and sweet wines have electric, spectacular acidity, giving them even more definition than usual, heightening every nuance of flavor and assuring longevity." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Weingut Robert Weil is one of the top three undisputed reference-points for the Rheingau, and we're not surprised to see them turn in some of the most acclaimed wines of the vintage throughout their entire range. Of course the entry-level wines are top-tier performers in their categories, as seen in the 94-point Rheingau Kabinett and the JS92 Estate Trocken. The Grafenberg vineyard is the crown jewel and easily one of the greatest Riesling sites in the world, with deep slate soils over mica-quarz phyllite bedrock, so the wines are always inclined toward exuberant fruit and firm mineral backbone, along with generous yet precise textures, no matter the style being made. In 2023, the site shines on every level, starting with the 98-point 2023 Grafenberg Grosses Gewächs, which Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt calls "a dense, powerful and majestic yet also finessed Gräfenberg" that exemplifies how majestic dry Riesling can be. Moving to the prädikat wines, the double 97-point 2023 Grafenberg Spätlese is "simply exquisite, simply beautiful, thrilling and oh so pure ... a glorious wine" per Anne Krebiehl, while Stuart Pigott dubs it "a giant Spätlese, but in terms of depth and expression, not in sheer volume or density." The 2023 Auslesen are on another level altogether and represent some of the best wines of the vintage, anywhere. The double 99-point 2023 Grafenberg Auslese is "a glorious wine of utter purity, brilliance, concentration and incredible lightness ... a Riesling that will outlast us all." The ne plus ultra, however, is the 2023 Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. It will undoubtedly stand as a generational wine at the pinnacle of its category, with multiple 100-point scores already and near perfection from others. "An elixir of the utmost purity-a superlative," it's a nearly immortal creation, "highly finessed yet not made for this life or the next ... [but] for the future that is not ours anymore," as Reinhardt so poetically puts it. You don't have to be a German wine fan to understand the specific greatness on offer in this set. If you're a collector of the world's greatest long-term cellar propositions, period, then every one of these spectacular treasures should be on your shortlist. | ||
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| 2023 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Reflecting its owner's commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines, this dynamic duo from Raymond Vineyards are two of Napa Valley's top values. The enticing 91-point 2023 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection and elegant, 93-point 2022 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection are both sourced from exceptional Napa fruit at an outstanding price for stocking up. Known for his larger-than-life personality and flamboyant, velvet-jacket attire, Burgundy-born Jean-Charles Boisset is a true believer that great wines are made in the vineyard, and his first priority after purchasing Raymond Vineyards in 2009 was to upgrade the existing 90-acre property and implement organic and biodynamic viticulture. Established in Napa Valley over 50 years ago by long-time Beringer winemaker Roy Raymond, Raymond Vineyards now spans over 300 acres in Rutherford and St. Helena, the vineyards and winemaking managed under the direction of 100-point consulting winemaker Phillippe Melka since 2009. In addition to gaining organic and biodynamic certification for the vineyards and building one of Napa's largest solar panel projects to generate electricity for the winery, Boisset hired former Far Niente winemaker Stephanie Putnam to work alongside Melka to refine the blends, consistently garnering 90-plus points throughout her tenure. Expertly crafted from outstanding Napa fruit, this duo of top scoring Raymond Reserve Selections boast a winning combination of quality and value, both ready to enjoy now and promising pleasurable drinking for years ahead at an easy to reach for price. | ||
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| 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From the New Zealand region with "a towering reputation in the world of Sauvignon Blanc" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin, the bright and refreshing 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve offers layers of vibrant citrus and lush tropical fruit hinting of freshly cut herbs with crisp acidity on a lengthy mineral finish, an outstanding value for fans of Marlborough Sauv Blanc and anyone seeking a refreshingly delicious white bargain priced for stocking the cooler. With family roots in New Zealand dating back to 1867, third generation John Neylon planted his first parcel of commercial vines in the lower Wairau Valley in the early 2000's, releasing his first vintage of Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc in 2007 and expanding vineyard holdings over the next decades to become one of the largest family-owned wineries in New Zealand. Fed by pure melting snow from the peaks of the Southern Alps, Rapaura's sustainably farmed vineyards are located on the South Island's Wairau Plains, the Sauvignon Blanc vines planted in well-drained soils over a deep underground aquifer that eliminates the need for irrigation. Preserving the freshness of the grapes by immediately pressing after harvest and employing cool fermentation in stainless steel, the alluring 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve was sourced from vineyards in the Dillons Point and Wairau sub-regions, yielding an "elegant" Sauv Blanc boasting "fresh acidity with good intensity and texture" according to Decanter and revealing intensely aromatic passion fruit and lemon peel flavors on a lively, mouthwatering finish. Expressing its pristine origins with an intensity that "few places on earth can deliver" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin, the refreshing 92 pt. 2023 Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Reserve expertly balances bright fruit flavors, heady aromatics and brisk acidity, a deliciously drinkable, textbook New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that begs for another taste at an unbeatable price. | ||
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| 2023 Philippe Alliet Chinon Coteau de Noire (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 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Val d'Arno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Widely considered one of the world's finest collectible Merlots, Petrolo's Galatrona hits astounding heights in this three-vintage mini-vertical. The Galatrona vineyard in the southeast Chianti hills is ideally suited to Merlot, with southeast exposure and loamy clay soils rich in marl, shale, and sandstone that retain plenty of moisture in the hot Tuscan summers. This superb terroir allows for a beautifully expressive wine seemingly regardless of vintage conditions, and what's more it routinely stands along side iconic bottlings like Masseto and Messorio at a mere fraction of their prices. "The 2023 Galatrona,100% Merlot, is soft, plush and sensual ... not a huge Galatrona The 2023 Galatrona is another highlight-reel effort from this elite estate, with 98 points from James Suckling, as well as effusive praise from Antonio Galloni and Decanter. "Absolutely delicious" and "a gorgeous wine" are but a few of the accolades the 2023 has already racked up. The vintage gives us a refined and precise expression of Tuscan Merlot that is built to cruise on finesse rather than power - "One for the cellar," as James Suckling calls it. "This is just a tremendous wine by any measure." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The 2021 Galatrona has garnered huge press from across the critical spectrum, with a pair of 98-point scores and a pair of 97-point scores for good measure. Antonio Galloni describes "a feeling of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere," while Wine Spectator calls it "seamless and luxuriously saturated ... more about finesse and elegance than power, with a vibrant profile and superlong finish." "The Petrolo 2019 Galatrona is soft and luscious ... with elegance and sweeping intensity." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate Finally, the 2019 Galatrona is a hallmark modern rendition that flirts with perfection to the tune of 99 points from James Suckling, who calls it "muscular, yet agile. Pure and poised. A unique definition of merlot in Tuscany." This exceptional Tuscan vintage is on full display in the balanced, graceful, plush character of the wine, even as it carries the substance to age with the world's best Merlots. The only drawback is the miniscule quantity we have left. Galatrona's track record is iron-clad, one of the finest in the region and certainly in the top echelon of Italian Bordeaux-varietal wines, and this trio is all teed up to become legends in the making for this iconic Tuscan superstar, at a razor-sharp pricing that's nearly unbeatable in the market. | ||
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| 2023 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a real beauty from the western side of Oakville." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate One of the visionary icons in single-vineyard Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel is still going great guns in the epic 2023 vintage. The latest release of their iconic John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet hits it out of the park with a pair of glowing reviews from Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Advocate, and others sure to follow. The vintage itself is already being hailed as a modern classic for Napa, and Nickel & Nickel's world-class sites will no doubt shine in this special year. The Sullenger Vineyard is the estate's "home vineyard" surrounding the winery in Oakville, planted on clay loam soils that give its wines the utmost Oakville character that makes this arguably the most famous of Napa's sub-AVAs. The 2023 is "another brilliant wine I'd love to have in the cellar, and it will see its 20th birthday in fine form," notes Dunnuck. Advocate's Joe Czerwinski was likewise highly impressed to the tune of 96 points, declaring, "his full-bodied wine is rich, voluptuous and silky on the outside, but underneath that flesh, there's a firm structure and dusty tannins that linger easily on the elegant finish." Finding single-vineyard Napa Cabs of this pedigree, from a lauded vintage, for under $100 is becoming a rare feat these days, making this a super-savvy score for collectors who know a bargain when they see one. The fact that it comes from a true original and pioneer of the category is just icing on the cake. | ||
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| 2023 Neyers 304 Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Intense and stylish ... generous, juicy and sleek." - Wine Spectator Picking up right where the previous best-selling vintage left off, the fresh and juicy 92-point 2023 Neyers 304 Chardonnay offers crisp, aromatic stone fruit and citrus with bright acidity on a mouthwatering mineral finish, making it an outstanding value for fans of unoaked California Chardonnay and anyone seeking an easy drinking, food-friendly white to stock the cooler at a bargain price. Bruce was inspired by his experience with Chablis producers to create the Neyers 304 Chardonnay, the name "304" an insider reference to the grade of stainless steel used in the winery's aging tanks. Fruit is sourced from the family-owned Paul Larson Vineyard in Carneros, planted in a rocky outcropping that yields smaller, more concentrated clusters and enhances minerality, while the cooling maritime influence of San Pablo Bay preserves the grapes' freshness and acidity. Among the best values in unoaked California Chardonnay, this impressive, WS92 offering remains lesser known among the region's high-profile producers while over-delivering value as a top-scoring, ready to enjoy Chardonnay affordably priced for stocking up by the case. | ||
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