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| 2021 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Gloria (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Another sweet deal on a cellar-worthy assortment of high-scoring Bordeaux values, this treasure trove of irresistible selections includes a stellar range of under-the-radar gems and perennial B-21 favorites all priced to stack by the case. The highlights start with the 96-point 2020 Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, "a striking wine, loaded with potential" per Antonio Galloni, and continues with arguarbly one of greatest values in the Left Bank, Montrose's second wine La Dame de Montrose. The 2019 boasts an earthy minerality described as "almost Pauillac like" by Vinous' Neal Martin and declared a "serious Dame de Montrose" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. Calling it "one of the most exciting insider wines of the entire Bordeaux region," Anson describes the refined 96-point 2020 Chateau Gloria as "rich, silky and utterly delicious," with the structure to age for another two decades. Collectors shouldn't sleep on the 2019 Pedesclaux.Sourced from vineyards near First Growth Lafite Rothschild, it's "a racy, voluptuous Pauillac" that's "terrific in 2019" according to Galloni, offering "ripe, finely grained tannins and oodles of freshness." Rounding out the highlights, perennial overachiever Marquis D'Alesme hit another QPR homerun in 2020 with "effortless Margaux finesse" that will evolve over the next two decades. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular values you'll find below, so don't hesitate to dive deep into the full roster below and even deeper into our full Bordeaux inventory, where you'll find countless overperforming stunners like these at prices that make it easy for any Bordeaux fan to load up big. | ||
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| 2019 Pedesclaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Another sweet deal on a cellar-worthy assortment of high-scoring Bordeaux values, this treasure trove of irresistible selections includes a stellar range of under-the-radar gems and perennial B-21 favorites all priced to stack by the case. The highlights start with the 96-point 2020 Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, "a striking wine, loaded with potential" per Antonio Galloni, and continues with arguarbly one of greatest values in the Left Bank, Montrose's second wine La Dame de Montrose. The 2019 boasts an earthy minerality described as "almost Pauillac like" by Vinous' Neal Martin and declared a "serious Dame de Montrose" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. Calling it "one of the most exciting insider wines of the entire Bordeaux region," Anson describes the refined 96-point 2020 Chateau Gloria as "rich, silky and utterly delicious," with the structure to age for another two decades. Collectors shouldn't sleep on the 2019 Pedesclaux.Sourced from vineyards near First Growth Lafite Rothschild, it's "a racy, voluptuous Pauillac" that's "terrific in 2019" according to Galloni, offering "ripe, finely grained tannins and oodles of freshness." Rounding out the highlights, perennial overachiever Marquis D'Alesme hit another QPR homerun in 2020 with "effortless Margaux finesse" that will evolve over the next two decades. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular values you'll find below, so don't hesitate to dive deep into the full roster below and even deeper into our full Bordeaux inventory, where you'll find countless overperforming stunners like these at prices that make it easy for any Bordeaux fan to load up big. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Arme (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a California vintage described as "amazing" by James Suckling, these highly rated 2021 Marietta Cellars selection are crafted in a "deliciously drinkable style" according to Jeb Dunnuck, a wide range of vineyard-focused cuvees sourced exclusively from estate fruit and affordably priced for stocking up by the case. Established by third generation Sonoma native Chris Bilbro over four decades ago, Marietta Cellars has continued its founder's legacy of producing exceptional, reasonably priced California wines under his son Scot since 2012, sourcing the portfolio from over 400 acres of organically farmed estate vineyards. Crafted from mostly old vine Syrah dating back to the late 1800's, the sumptuous 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Christo boasts ripe, succulent dark fruit hinting of peppery herbs with zesty acidity, a silky Rhone blend with integrated tannins promising to evolve over the next decade. The powerful 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Arme is an impressive Bordeaux style blend dominated by rich California Cabernet Sauvignon described as "incredibly elegant" by the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks. Sourced from the 35-acre Angeli Vineyard first planted in the late 1880's, the 96 pt. 2021 Marietta Angeli is a blend of old vine Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Syrah aged in neutral barrels, offering bright, spiced fruit with a seamless, silky texture and harmonious tannins built to satisfy a Zinfandel craving over the next decade and called "absolutely delicious" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni.. Sourced from old vine Syrah planted over a century ago, the powerful 95 pt. 2021 Marietta Gibson Block Syrah is "intensely bold and savory" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, revealing richly concentrated fruit hinting of graphite with refined, integrated tannins and vibrant acidity, summed up as "absolutely delicious" by critic Galloni and promising to mature gracefully in the cellar for another ten years or more. Living up to Marietta's long-time reputation for over delivering value, Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared "Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range," these unbeatably priced 2021 Marietta selections an opportunity for Marietta fans to stock up on their favorites and for newbies to mix a case and enjoy Marietta's combination of exceptional quality and outstanding bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2016 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's status as an all-time Rioja reference-point is reaffirmed with this sterling foursome of releases that we just secured at razor-sharp pricing. Leading off we have a Prado Enea for the ages. "The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making ... with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Muga's flagship bottling is always a coveted item, and this WA97+ rendition is already showing legendary pedigree that will thrill collectors and connoisseurs of Spain's finest. A universally lauded expression of this classic Rioja Gran Reserva, the 2016 boasts towering press including no fewer than four 97-point scores, putting it in rarified air among the greatest vintages of this Spanish icon in the 21st century. "A brilliant wine with a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it" per Jeb Dunnuck, this is collectible Rioja class at its very best, and it's now available to our private clients at a must-see price that you won't find anywhere else. The Selección Especial Reserva is always a crowd and collectible favorite in the range and always priced well for a broad audience yet offering the kind of cellar-worthy appeal that serious collectors are looking for. The double 95-point 2019 "has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine ... a powerful vintage with balance and freshness" according to Gutiérrez. Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo likewise declares, "This red stands out for its crystal-clear expression, showcasing a range of Rioja's virtures." The 2020 rendtion ramps up the collectible appeal thanks to a particular feature of the vintage itself – no Prado Enea was made in 2020, so all the fruit and juice that would normally comprise that flagship icon has instead gone into the Selección Especial. So, it's no surprise that the 2020 picks up right where the 2019 leaves off, led by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review that highlights its "medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and silky tannins," which makes it "already hard to resist." Finally, the newly released 2021 Reserva Rioja is one of the sharpest values in Spanish wine, "a textbook example of [Muga's] style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness" per Gutiérrez' 94-point review in Wine Advocate. It's a perfect candidate to stack by the case, since it will not only cruise for several years in the cellar, but it will quench your thirst for Muga excellence anytime over the next decade while the you wait for the big boys to reach their prime drinking windows. For fans of Spanish wine and of Rioja in particular, this is a spectacular opportunity to load up on proven performers that will put many smiles on your face for countless years to come, at market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2023 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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| 2022 Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel 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 2022 Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel captures everything that makes this cuvée a perennial favorite among fans of great California Zin. Blended from six top-tier old-vine sites spread across the Russian River AVA (several of which make up the estate's highly acclaimed, single-vineyard range), the 2022 is everything you're looking for in a classic California Zin. "Both refreshing and rich, with plush tannins and a long, earthy finish," as noted by The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown in her 95-point review, this is a razor-sharp buy in the category. "A lot of wine for the value," the 2022 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. The winemaking team selects from choice barrels vinified from several sites across Russian River, so they're able to achieve remarkable stylistic consistency in each vintage, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. Finally, 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 93-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. No matter what you're looking for, these new releases from a California standard bearer are sure to please Hartford's legions of fans and make countless new ones, too. | ||
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| 2022 First Drop Mother's Milk Shiraz (750ml) | ||
| Shiraz from Barossa, South Australia, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The fruit-forward and charming 2022 Shiraz Mother's Milk offers up a wild ride..."-Vinous One of the pillars of the Australian wine scene are the remarkably well-made value stunners that can be found all over the country's myriad diverse wine regions. First Drop is one of those rare producers that hits homeruns at every point on the spectrum, from collectible caliber cult bottlings to overperforming gems that deliver big character for a small price, and the 2022 Mother's Milk Shiraz is exhibit A of the latter. Entirely sourced from choice vineyards in Barossa, namely high-elevation plots in Seppeltsfield, Kalmina, and Eden Valley, the 2022 Mother's Milk boasts excellent pedigree, which goes a long way to explaining how such a sharply priced wine can offer so much top-flight polish and character. It's classic Barossa with its core of dark, luxurious fruits and savory/spicy undertones, all built on a "seamless" foundation of plush Shiraz tannins characteristic of the best Barossa expressions. Considering all that, it's no wonder that the 2022 Mother's Milk collected a pair of 92-point scores from James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion and Wine Spectator, which also listed it among their Smart Buys/Best Values of the year. Priced for stacking by the case, it's an easy go-to for nearly any occasion. | ||
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| 2021 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Val d’Arno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is just a tremendous wine by any measure." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Widely considered one of the world's finest collectible Merlots, Petrolo's Galatrona hit astounding heights in 2021. 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 2021 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." 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 the 2021 is all teed up to become another legend in the making for this iconic Tuscan superstar, at a razor-sharp price that's nearly unbeatable in the market. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category.Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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| 2018 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Angeli Cuvee (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a California vintage described as "amazing" by James Suckling, these highly rated 2021 Marietta Cellars selection are crafted in a "deliciously drinkable style" according to Jeb Dunnuck, a wide range of vineyard-focused cuvees sourced exclusively from estate fruit and affordably priced for stocking up by the case. Established by third generation Sonoma native Chris Bilbro over four decades ago, Marietta Cellars has continued its founder's legacy of producing exceptional, reasonably priced California wines under his son Scot since 2012, sourcing the portfolio from over 400 acres of organically farmed estate vineyards. Crafted from mostly old vine Syrah dating back to the late 1800's, the sumptuous 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Christo boasts ripe, succulent dark fruit hinting of peppery herbs with zesty acidity, a silky Rhone blend with integrated tannins promising to evolve over the next decade. The powerful 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Arme is an impressive Bordeaux style blend dominated by rich California Cabernet Sauvignon described as "incredibly elegant" by the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks. Sourced from the 35-acre Angeli Vineyard first planted in the late 1880's, the 96 pt. 2021 Marietta Angeli is a blend of old vine Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Syrah aged in neutral barrels, offering bright, spiced fruit with a seamless, silky texture and harmonious tannins built to satisfy a Zinfandel craving over the next decade and called "absolutely delicious" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni.. Sourced from old vine Syrah planted over a century ago, the powerful 95 pt. 2021 Marietta Gibson Block Syrah is "intensely bold and savory" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, revealing richly concentrated fruit hinting of graphite with refined, integrated tannins and vibrant acidity, summed up as "absolutely delicious" by critic Galloni and promising to mature gracefully in the cellar for another ten years or more. Living up to Marietta's long-time reputation for over delivering value, Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared "Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range," these unbeatably priced 2021 Marietta selections an opportunity for Marietta fans to stock up on their favorites and for newbies to mix a case and enjoy Marietta's combination of exceptional quality and outstanding bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2023 Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 Zinfandel Juvenile is bold, juicy and super-expressive, all of which make it a fine choice..." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Few names are more synonymous with California Zinfandel than Turley, and long-time winemaker Tegan Passalacqua is at very top of his game these days. While the single-vineyard bottlings are always coveted, top-scoring treasures, the entry-level Juvenile is a perennial best seller for Zin fans seeking the ultimate combination of pedigree and price. The 2023 vintage picks up right where previous vintages have left off with a quintessential varietal expression that offers up all the crowd-pleasing approachability and character you could ask for. "Brimming with verve" according to Wine Spectator's 92-point review, the 2023 is ready to shine on any occasion for an easy sub-$30 price. | ||
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| Jacquesson Cuvee 746 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Champagnes of naked purity and brilliance..." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The elegant. 95-point Jacquesson Cuvee No. 746 is a silky, richly layered Champagne revealing a core of fresh, mouthwatering fruit with a delicate, finely beaded mousse on a long, racy finish, an irresistible, vineyard-driven cuvee from a top grower estate unbeatably priced for Champagne lovers and collectors to stock the cellar. Just a few minutes from Epernay in the small village of Dizy, Champagne Jacquesson has a long history as an innovator in the region as one of the Champagne's oldest houses, among the first in the region to plant vines in rows under the advisement of pioneering viticulturist Dr. Jules Guyot, patenting the wire basket known as the muselet that continues as the standard for holding sparkling wine corks in place and predating Champagne Krug by nearly a half century before Johann-Joseph Krug left his role as cellarmaster at Jacquesson to form his eponymous house in 1843. Eventually purchased by the Chiquet family in 1974, brothers Jean-Herve and Laurent Chiquet have been the force behind the estate's laser focus on producing vineyard driven Champagne, sustainably farming their 28 hectares of Grand Cru and 1er Cru vineyards while lowering yields and transforming their business with the creation of the sequentially numbered, vintage-based Cuvee, numbering the first release in 2004 as Cuvee 728 to mark the estate's 728th wine produced. Described by Champagne expert Peter Liem as "consistently one of the best non-vintage Bruts on the market," the Jacquesson 746 consists of mostly Chardonnay with smaller amounts of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sourced from three Grand Crus (Ay, Avize and Oiry) and two 1er Crus (Dizy and Hautvillers), consisting of a base from the exceptional 2018 vintage blended with about 25% from one of the oldest reserve wine collections in Champagne. Vinified in large old oak foudres, the enticing Jacquesson 746 aged on the lees for 4 years before disgorgement and was bottled without filtration with a minimal dosage of 2 grams per liter, offering both "immediacy as well as structure," according to Jeb Dunnuck's Champagne critic Audrey Frick, that will continue to provide lasting enjoyment over the next decade and beyond. Described as "absolutely delicious" by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the luxurious 95-point Jacquesson 746 is a testament to the quality legacy of the Chiquet brothers bottled prior to the estate's sale to Artemis Domaines in 2022, ranking among the region's top values at a fraction of the price of similarly crafted Grand Marque cuvees and a great deal on an impressive artisan Champagne worthy of celebrating and sharing. | ||
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| 2022 Saint Damien Les Souteyrades (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Gigondas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These are brilliant, layered, textured Gigondas that represent insane values." - Jeb Dunnuck Jeb Dunnuck's comment above pretty much sums 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. As the 2022s come down to their last available stocks in the market, we picked up a new parcel at pre-tariff pricing so anyone who missed out the first time around (or anyone who needs to reload) can jump on the train and stock up. As always, Les Souteyrades is a showstopper in every way. "Readers should snatch up this sensational 2022," declares Jeb Dunnuck. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 La Louisiane may not have the widespread renown of Les Souteyrades, but it's every bit the reference-point as its stable mate, "a broad, expansive, sexy Gigondas" that's already showing its cards in beautiful fashion. To cap it off, we also secured a micro-parcel of the highly elusive 2022 Clovis Saurel, the estate's tête de cuvée. "Ripe and richly concentrated yet elegant and silky, with tremendous length on the finish, it's a beauty of a Gigondas" with 98-point potential according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski. | ||
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| 2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate (375ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Suffice it to say that the 2022s at Bethel Heights are classic ... Fans of the estate will be smiling from ear to ear." - Eric Guido, Vinous Reflecting this benchmark estate's reputation for outstanding, Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, these top-scoring 2022 Bethel Heights selections boast the enticing combination of elegant fruit and balanced acidity, produced in a high-quality Oregon vintage of "exceptional wines" according to Jeb Dunnuck's Oregon critic Audrey Frick, ranging from ready-to-enjoy, entry-level offerings to cellar-worthy, vineyard-expressive cuvees and available in a variety of formats all affordably priced for stocking up. Founded over four decades ago on a hillside at the east end of the Van Duzer Corridor, Bethel Heights was one of the first wineries established in the Willamette Valley's Eola-Amity Hills, expanding its holdings to 82 acres of sustainably farmed, estate vineyards boasting a mix of old vines and newer, phylloxera-resistant plantings that are now entering full maturity. Described as "impressive" by Wine Enthusiast's Michael Alberty, the rich and ripe 93 pt. 2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate reveals fragrant spiced fruit with ripe tannins and substantial structure and is blended from across the three estate vineyards, while the vibrant 93 pt. Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate balances fresh citrusy fruit with flinty acidity and is a "killer value" according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick. Named for the pervasive marine winds that blow through the Van Duzer Corridor, the intensely aromatic 2022 Bethel Heights Aeolian offers "highly concentrated, nuanced flavors and a very long, ultra spicy finish" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks while the muscular 96 pt. 2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard balances "concentrated, powerful flavors" with "abundant, velvety tannins," both promising to reward patient cellaring with over a decade of longevity. Sourced from five blocks selected from Lewman and the original Bethel Heights vineyards, critic Erin Brooks declares the 97 pt. 2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Casteel "concentrated and powerful," balancing "fine, chalky tannins and mouth watering acidity," while the alluring 97 pt. 2022 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Lewman Vineyard is "very appealing across the board" according to critic Audrey Frick, sourced from the 6.4 acre Lewman Vineyard near Oregon's iconic Zena Crown Vineyard and revealing "a touch more plushness and a broad-shouldered feel." Sourced from an exciting Willamette Valley vintage of "classic, almost throwback-style wines that impress" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these highly rated 2022 Bethel Heights selections boast outstanding quality across the portfolio while overdelivering value, all available in a range of price points and formats perfect for mixing a case. | ||
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| 2023 Bedrock The Bedrock Heritage (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 Bedrock Heritage Wine is one of the best recent vintages of this wine I have tasted." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Bedrock Wine Company is by now a bona fide superstar in the California Zinfandel scene, and owner/winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson has established himself as one of the sharpest talents of his generation in the Golden State. His careful craftsmanship in the winery matches his meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, both his own estate plots and the historic old-vine sites that he sources from. Speaking of heritage, this 2023 Heritage red from the Bedrock estate vineyard further confirm's Peterson's place in the heirarchy, with an astounding 97-point score in Wine Spectator to add to the 96-point review from Suckling and Antonio Galloni's 95 points inVinous. A blend of old-vine Zinfandel, Carignan, and Mataro, the 2023 shows Peterson's blending expertise in spades. Everything is precisely in synch for a wine that's "infused with personality and polish" while showing "tremendous depth." Fans of archetypal, old-school California field blends will have a field day with this downright stupendous edition, now or anytime over the coming ten-plus years. | ||
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| 2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Continuing our roll-out of new arrivals from the iconic Lopez de Heredia, the 2012 Viña Tondonia is every bit the standout cellar value we thought it would be from this excellent vintage. "All you can expect from a classical Viña Tondonia with its focused intensity and muscular yet very elegant tannins." - Decanter A rarity in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate-grown fruit from their own vineyards, sourcing the 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva from the spectacular 100-hectare vineyard of the same name, situated in a shell-like depression next to the river Ebro along the border of Rioja Alavesa, with vines averaging over 40 years old and some over 100. From a warm, dry vintage that resulted in ideal phenolic and physiological ripeness, the 2012 handles its six years in barrel with remarkable ease, "a beautiful old-school Rioja" of the highest caliber. There's not much we need tout about this wine, as the Tondonia's track record speaks for itself. Through some sharp negotiation and excellent timing, we just negotiated a parcel at jaw-dropping pricing that simply too low to publish online, but our private clients can still reap all the rewards and stock the cellar big time. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon Longueville (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Pauillac Super Second Chateau Pichon Baron is on a run for the ages in recent years, crafting towering masterpieces that reach the pinnacle of Left Bank collectible class, which is clearly evident in this trio of stunners from the "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Each rendition epitomizes both its vintage and its world-renowned terroir, all reflected in the effusive acclaim that has followed them since their respective En Primeur debuts. Leading off, the perfect 2018 is "a beautiful, majestic Pauillac" that will prove to be a cellar centerpiece for decades to come. The double 100-point 2019 vintage is likewise a collectible treasure of the first order "on par with the great 2016" per Decanter. While it undoubtedly has the stuffing to go the distance, the 2019 shows the unmistakable radiance of the growing season, already offering serious pleasure to impatient fans of the estate. Finally, Jeb Dunnuck call the 2020 "pure gold, a full-bodied, rich, powerful 2020 displaying the vintage's purity, focus, and structure front and center" on his way to ranking it in the same company as all the other monumental Pichon Barons of the 21st century. Best of all, our parcels come in at must-see, market-leading pricing that makes it easy to go in on all three vintages, making it easier than ever for sharp collectors to start (or continue) a cellar vertical of this iconic wine. | ||
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| 2022 Dominique & Janine Crochet Sancerre Le Chene Marchand (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "An outstanding rendition of one of Sancerre's most famous vineyards ... It's well-worth stacking several bottles in the cellar, as this will gain even more substance and complexity over the next few years." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer If you think you recognize the name Crochet, you'd be right, as the family is one of the most pre-eminent in the Sancerre appellation. While the other Crochet domaines may be better known, Domaine Dominique et Janine Crochet is certainly more than deserving of the same attention. Since Dominique's untimely death, his wife Janine and their sons Théodore and Cyprien have carried on in fine fashion, farming the domaine's exquisite old-vine plots in and around the village of Bué, the most notable being the iconic Chêne Marchand, and making impressively precise, well-crafted expressions that can stand among the appellation's best. The 2022 Le Chêne Marchand showcases this famed site in all its terroir-expressive glory, with "a wonderful array of mineral complexity" and "an irresistibly inviting texture and sappy core," as B-21 Loire Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it.You'll find this site on labels from coveted names like Vincent Pinard, François Crochet, and Pascal Jolivet for well over $45 and up, which makes this equally prodigious version from Janine and sons one of the sharpest cellar buys in our entire Loire selection. | ||
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| 2023 Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Nahe, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...yet another stunning collection." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous For Riesling fans, there are few names that hold a candle to Dönnhoff, and this set from the exceptional 2023 vintage only adds to their lofty reputation and track record. One of the most consistently excellent estates in the world, they need little introduction to collectors of reference-point Riesling. At every level of the prädikat scale, they've hit one homerun after another. Starting with the Kabinetten, led by the "stunningly elegant and vibrant" JS96 Leistenberg, we see the crystalline purity and class that defines all of Dönnhoff's wines. Of course, the flagship Hermannshöhle Spätlese remains the estate's most famous and coveted expression, and in 2023 it's "serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious ... glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance," a 99-point showstopper that will stand the finest vintages of this perennial collectible all-star. In the Auslese category, along with the "ravishing beauty" of the 99-point Hermannshöhle, Dönnhoff's Brücke monopole also produced a near-perfect, "very radical wine with gigantic concentration of cool tropical fruit and mineral acidity" according to Stuart Pigott. The crown jewels, of course, are the estate's singular GGs, led by two utterly perfect expressions from Hermannshöhle and Dellchen. While this pair will be among Germany's most exquisite and coveted dry wines of the vintage, collectors shouldn't overlook the sheer class and sophistication of the Krotenpfuhl and Felsenberg, the latter being "a total joy of clarity, direction, and stony poise" with 98-point potential per Vinous' Anne Krebiehl. With the absolute cream of the Dönnhoff crop all represented below, no matter which direction you turn in this line-up, you'll find yourself with a world-class, unforgettable expression that will shine like few others can. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (1.5L) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2016 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage (750ml) | ||
| From Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2019 Xavier Vignon Gigondas (750ml) | ||
| From Gigondas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a favorite producer of B-21 Southern Rhone fans, this selection of expertly crafted Xavier Vignon cuvees represents some of the region's top values, a range of terroir expressive blends from a stellar, instinct-driven winemaker unbeatably priced for stocking up by the case.Describing his winemaking skills as "impeccable," Jeb Dunnuck notes these pure and terroir-expressive Xavier Vignon selections offer "superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters," calling them "a treasure trove for the savvy buyer" and a sure thing for lovers of Southern Rhone wines. | ||
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| 2021 Produttori del Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco ... this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors." - Monica Larner,Wine Advocate What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus. While we eagerly await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas from the monumental 2021 vintage, we're now getting a glimpse of just how special these wines will be in the 2021 Barbaresco. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 2021 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from every critic of note, it's a "classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine" according to Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe in her 96-point review. More praise to the tune of 95+ points from Larner and several 94-point reviews confirms it as a stunning, must-have expression of a beloved Piedmont favorite. Best of all, our private clients have an opportunity to load the cellar at razor-sharp introductory pricing. | ||
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| Ron Abuelo Centuria Rum (750ml) | ||
| From Pese, Pese District, Panama | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Offerings like this one from Ron Abuelo clearly show that Panama's best expressions ought to be taken seriously ... the solera-style Centuria is a showpiece of luxury and class in every way." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The Varela family are true pioneers and one of the reference-point producers in the Panamanian rum scene. As one of the only distilleries in the country to grow and mill their own cane, their range showcases a consistency of quality that's hard to match. First released in 2010 to commemorate the Varela estate's centennary anniversary as a sugar plantation, the flagship Centuria is a collectible-caliber standout that can punch with the very best aged Caribbean rums. Its stunningly layered and complex profile is the result a solera system of rums up to 30 years old, all aged in used Jack Daniel's whiskey barrels. Since its intial release, the Centuria has become an icon of Panamanian rum and a coveted item among the most ardent tiki heads. It all starts with "a very sophisticated nose" leading to a palate profile that "really showcases the character of its high-aged components in its velvety smooth texture and fantastic balance." This special spirit is tailor-made for slow sipping and contemplation, as the nuances seem to roll out in successive fashion the more time you spend with the glass. As B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz notes, "the Centuria is an undeniable testament to the world-class pleasure that comes with artfully blended, aged rums," and now you can experience it for yourself at a market-best price. | ||
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| 2020 Rippon Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vines (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding growing season yielding New Zealand's "vintage of the century" according to James Suckling, the fresh and refined 2020 Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vines is an enticing, small production gem offering earthy, seductive red fruit shimmering with bright acidity and finishing with firm, mouth coating tannins, masterfully crafted by talented winemaker Nick Rolfe from old vine fruit for collectors and lovers of the world's best Pinot Noirs to enjoy over the next decade. Overlooking the turquoise waters of glacier fed Lake Tanaka framed by stunning vertical cliffs, Rippon's sloping 15 hectares of vines on New Zealand's mountainous South Island are among the world's most photographed vineyards, producing equally impressive award-winning Pinot Noirs that rank it among "New Zealand's most celebrated wineries" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Christine Packard. Among the first to cultivate wine grapes in Central Otago, Nick's father Rolfe Mills was serving in World War II when he recognized the similarity of the schist soil slopes of Portugal's Douro Valley to those back in Wanaka and returned to his family's lakeside farm decades later to experiment with different varietals before founding his winery in 1982. After training at some of Burgundy's most iconic estates including Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron, Nick took the reins of his family's winery in 2003, converting the vineyards to biodynamic viticulture, fermenting the hand harvested grapes parcel by parcel with indigenous yeasts and bottling without filtering or fining. Located in a protected area where the indigenous Maori came for a "place of rest," Rippon's 40 plus year old own rooted Pinot Noir vines are planted in a mix of schist with clay and loam at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level without irrigation, the vineyard's proximity to the lake creating a microclimate that shields the vines from the South Island's harsh winter temperatures. Maturing over two winters in barrel, the richly concentrated 2020 Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vines was aged in 15% to 20% new in the first winter and completely neutral oak in the second winter before bottling without filtering or fining and spending two years longer in the cellar prior to release, yielding a harmonious, mineral-nuanced Pinot Noir promising to mature gracefully over the next decade and offering "a tantalizing glimpse of what New Zealand Pinot Noir can achieve with mature vines" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin. From a standard bearer of the region reflecting the very essence of its pristine Central Otago terroir, the remarkably elegant 2020 Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vines ranks among the world's most complex and cellar-worthy old vine Pinot Noir cuvees, an under the radar beauty delivering exceptional value and promising Pinot lovers a thrilling evolution ahead. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Spiritum 96 Rose Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2019 Torre de Ona Finca Martelo Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the wine is very harmonious and balanced, with power and freshness, intensity and persistence." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Founded in 1995 by La Rioja Alta, that famed bastion of traditional Rioja, the Torre de Oña estate is LRA's outpost in the world of modern-style Rioja, and this spectacular terroir in Rioja Alavesa provides the perfect canvas on which to carry out their vision. While it's the newest wine in the line-up, the Finca Martelo has unquestionably become the estate's calling card, as it reflects the singular character of the Torre de Oña property in its 60-year-old vines. This single-vineyard beauty is only produced in select vintages, when the conditions allow for the perfect expression and balance that the estate deems the heart and soul of the wine. The 2019 is the current release, garnering solid press from all the usual suspects, led by 94+ points from Luis Gutiérrez of Wine Advocate, who lauds it as "surprisingly fresh, medium-bodied and fine-boned, clean and elegant." Representing "a distinctive and tasty Rioja style" according to Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo, it shows its polished, modern side with all the poise and grace you'd expect from one of Rioja's most accomplished producers, all for a market-best price under $35. | ||
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