| 2023 Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo delle Langhe (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Langhe, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "While not as dense as some vintages, it is a vibrant and boisterous mid-weight mouthful." - Decanter 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. Of course, we're eagerly awaiting the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas from the monumental 2021 vintage, but we're also getting a glimpse of another special vintage on the horizon in the 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, a superb "Baby Barbaresco" if ever there was one. Sourced exclusively from Barbaresco-designated sites, this is a lovely representation of a solid vintage for the region, offering fans of the old-school Barbarescos something to dive into while they wait for the collectible gems to come of age. Kerin O'Keefe calls it "a fantastic wine" for its lifted, perfumed aromatics and tense, lively palate structure, and we can confirm – this is crowd-pleasing Nebbiolo at its best, with an added element of top-notch pedigree to take it up a level or two. | ||
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| 2019 Pedesclaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2022 Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy (750ml) | ||
| Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Juicy and seamless, this is impressive for its generosity and plush texture..." - MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator Mollydooker's legions of fans are already well-familiar with the unmistakable style of the estate, and none of their wines is more widely loved and admired for that style than the iconic Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz. A blend of four top-notch McLaren Vale vineyards, including Mollydooker's own estate, plus a touch of Langhorne Creek fruit, the 2022 was barrel-fermented and aged entirely in American oak, half new, giving it the customary spicy complexity that accents the luxurious fruit for which Mollydooker is so famous. At our razor-sharp pricing, all you need to do is load up and enjoy! | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Poujeaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis-en-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2021 Ridge Lytton Springs (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Dry Creek, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this set of new arrivals. One of the most beloved wines in the Ridge stable, the Lytton Springs is a classic California old-vine field blend, based on ZInfandel that has come to set the standard for the style over decades of uninterrupted success. From Ridge's estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "fabulous" 2021 Lytton Springs is "bright and vibrant to its core" according to Galloni's 95-point review, but the wine truly hits its a new level in the 2023 rendition, due not only to its recent #3 ranking on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025, but also to a towering 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic, Virginie Boone. Of course, Ridge is also renowned for delivering serious bang for the buck throughout their extensive range, and two perennial favorites are the 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and the 2023 Three Valleys. The former is a 95-point powerhouse that Antonio Galloni calls "superb ... deep and resonant." The sub-$25, double 93-point Three Valleys is a true QPR star, "generous and robust yet retaining a sense of polish." It's a no-brainer choice for an everyday red, because it delivers a level or two above that tier, yet it can be easily stacked by the case at a bargain price. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Prieure Lichine (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santenay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Producing a range of "well-made and well-priced cuvees" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, these top scoring Red Burgundy selections from Domaine Jessiaume deliver outstanding value among the region's ever rising prices, an age worthy array from an under the radar appellation at best on the market pricing for savvy collectors to stock the cellar. Established at the entrance of the tiny village of Santenay in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume crafts its small production Burgundy wines ranging from village level to 1er Cru from 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards under the ownership of French researcher Dr. Jean-Francois Le Bigot since 2020, employing a low intervention approach including fermenting the grapes with indigenous yeasts and limiting the use of new French oak to preserve the freshness of the fruit. From Santenay's top 1er Cru and named for its unique gravelly soils, Jasper Morris describes the flagship 94 pt. 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru as "busting with energy without sacrificing finesse," its rich, spiced fruit layered with lush tannins and bright acidity on "an impeccable finish." Described by Inside Burgundy's Jasper Morris as "wines of significant refinement," these Domaine Jessiaume selections deliver significant value as well, offering Burgundy lovers and collectors a rare opportunity to stock up by the case at a price that doesn't break the bank. | ||
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| 2021 Aperture Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The [Aperture] wines offer hedonistic pleasure across the range, offering high-octane power balanced with superb elegance ...They are continuing to offer blockbuster wines, especially their 2021 releases." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com One of the more impressive boutique operations in Sonoma County today has nothing at all to do with Pinot Noir. Winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars is emerging as a bona fide master of Bordeaux varietals in the appellation, and his track record is one of unbroken success, garnering acclaim from across the critical spectrum on an annual basis. The 2021s are arguably Katz's finest efforts yet, clearly evident in the double 96-point 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Blended from almost all of the estate's prized parcels in Alexander Valley and Healdsburg, it's a profoundly luxurious expression that manages to maintain superb balance and weightless precision thanks to the expert touch of the winemaking team. If you're looking for a California Cabernet with impeccable, cellar-worthy pedigree and a drinking window that will span the better part of two decades, look no further. | ||
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| 2020 San Vicente (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More San Vicente is as unconventional a project as you'll find in Rioja. When the Eguren family ripped up their vineyard in the early 1980s and replanted it with a massale selection of clones from their lowest-yielding vines, the consternation and ridicule came from all corners of the region. But he who laughs last laughs best, and now the Eguren family's efforts have been totally vindicated, as the wine is coveted Rioja collector's treasure year in and year out. "A nuanced, modern Rioja, this wine is a masterpiece of Marcos Eguren's winemaking technique—a truly elegant Tempranillo."- Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous At its debut one of the first single-cru bottlings that Rioja had ever seen, San Vicente has changed the region's dynamics over the past few decades, with numerous producers now following the Eguren family's lead and going for a site-specifi, terroir-driven approach to their wines. A true original and still one of the best, San Vicente has once again stunned critics left and right in the 2020 vintage, a "pure, clean, incredibly impressive Rioja" per Jeb Dunnuck's 96-point review, one of a pair along side that of Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo. The wine's refined, modern style and impeccable class have garnered the San Vicente a devoted following that will no doubt go head over heels for this latest expression, especially at our unmatched private client price that beats the rest of the market by a wide margin. | ||
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| 2022 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2019 Mastroberardino Radici (750ml) | ||
| Aglianico from Taurasi, Campania, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "drop dead classic" and "impossible to ignore" by Eric Guido of Vinous, the stunning full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Mastroberardino Radici boasts vivid silky-textured fruit with bright energetic acidity and beautifully ripe tannins, a broad-shouldered Taurasi from Campania's benchmark estate built for a long and epic evolution over the next few decades and offered at an equally thrilling value price to enjoy often. Returning from World War II to find his family's Irpinia estate in Italy's Southern Apennines in ruins, ninth generation Antonio Mastroberardino set about bringing the historic property back from the brink of near devastation caused by war, economic depression and phylloxera, his efforts over the next decades credited with relaunching viticulture in the Campania region. Tasked with replanting the vineyards, Antonio made a critical decision to eschew the pressure to plant popular international grape varieties and instead is credited with nearly single handedly preventing the region's indigenous grapes including the red Aglianico from extinction and establishing Mastroberardino as the region's benchmark for quality, earning Taurasi the nickname of "the Barolo of the south" and helping it gain DOCG status in 1992. Overseen by his son Piero for the last two decades, Mastroberardino's 260-hectare estate spans a biodiverse mix of sustainably farmed vineyards, forest and olive groves, the low yielding Aglianico vines for the Radici planted on steep slopes in a mix of clay and sandy volcanic and limestone soils across two diverse subregions ranging from 350 to 650 meters above sea level. Crafted by winemaker Massimo di Renzo with a minimal focus on extraction and fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, the powerful flagship 2019 Mastroberardino Radici was aged for 24 months in a combination of French oak barriques and Slavonian oak casks with an additional minimum 24 months in bottle, yielding rich aromatic black fruit with nuances of graphite and smoke, the deep and complex Taurasi described by Eric Guido of Vinous as "notably energetic, with a beautiful purity of fruit and tannins that promise further development." Crafted by the region's reference point producer considered "the royal family of Campania," Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls Mastroberardino's Taurasi "a legendary wine that can rival the best from any region," highly recommending it for "readers seeking to build a collection of fine, cellar worthy wines" without breaking the bank, the impressive 95 pt. 2019 Mastroberardino Radici unbeatably priced for lovers of bold Italian reds to stock the cellar and enjoy its thrilling evolution for decades to come. | ||
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| NV Agrapart Complantee Extra Brut Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| Jacquesson Cuvee 746 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Jacquesson] is poised to continue producing Champagnes with exceptional freshness and crystalline textures. The range is impressively consistent, and each cuvée beautifully reflects the soul and the distinct terroirs of this house based in Dizy." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Consistency is indeed the name of the game at this long-time fan favorite of B-21. Jacquesson's star rose to new heights under the lengthy ownership of the Chiquet brothers, and since its acquisition by the François Pinault juggernaut (owner of Chateau Latour, Clos de Tart, and Napa iconic Eisele Vineyard) in 2022, there have been no signs that anything is any different. The newly arrived Cuvée 747 is exemplary of this flagship bottling in many ways, but the higher inclusion of Pinot Noir in this 2019-base rendition gives it a notably more intense personality than in previous years. Earning 96 points from James Suckling, it's "a structured and creamy-textured Jacquesson NV with a very fine-bubble texture and lovely polish ... medium- to full-bodied with length and sophistication." Showing the genius of the Chiquet brothers in transparent clarity, the 747 is "an edition that closely reflects the character of the vintage, marked by its tension and phenolic complexity" according to Yohan Castaing, and given the tension, textural depth, and structural foundation from the increased presence of the Pinot Noir, this is set for a wonderful evolution in the cellar over the next several years. Not to be overlooked, we still have a small amount of the luxurious 746. Based on the warm, solar vintage of 2018, it's "plush with showy red fruit that shimmers amid a vibrant acid energy that brings loads of freshness to the long finish." The 746 will provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the more linear, stately 747, so you can have repeated enjoyment comparing the two side by side for years to come. | ||
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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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| 2019 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate, and the wines now play with the top in the appellation."- Jeb Dunnuck Bordeaux remains arguably the greatest hotbed of collectible value in the world of fine wine, and at the forefront of that trend the past decade has been Margaux's Chateau Labegorce. Since 2015, this dynamic estate has been outpacing its station in the quality and price heirarchies, delivering exceptional, cellar-worthy character and style at prices that allow Bordeaux collectors of all stripes to line their cellars. Today's mini-vertical showcases the past decade at this insider's favorite in all its glory, with stellar acclaimed renditions from five benchmark vintages. Consistent praise has followed the 2016 sinceen primeur, "afabulously textured Margaux" that shines in a modern classic vintage, while the 2018 "exudes elegance and class" according to Dunnuck. The 2019 and 2020 renditions round out the "trifecta" in fine form, each vintage expressing the full character of this lauded trio. Finally, the double 95-point 2022 just confirms that the estate is here to day among the elite of the appellation, a resounding triumph that still maintains the brilliant value this dynamic property has come to symbolize among Bordeaux's savviest collectors. Whether you're building a mini-vertical of your own or your just looking for a new surefire Left Bank winner that you can enjoy with abandon, this selection has it and then some. | ||
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| Bruno Paillard Extra Brut Premiere Cuvee (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Reims, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This airy, nuanced Champagne from Bruno Paillard is a delight." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous From a prominent Champagne family with deep roots in the region, Bruno Paillard is a benchmark name for elegant, finessed wines of unimpeachable quality and class. Seeing as the house owns vineyards all over the prime grand cru real estate of Champagne, including Le Mesnil, Oger, Bouzy, and Verzenay, it's no surprise that even the entry-level Premiere Cuvee is a flat-out gem in its price point. We recently revisited this 94-point, perennial best-seller ourselves and were immediately reminded of why it's such a successful hit among Champagne aficionados. A blend of all three Champagne varietals with a good portion of the wine coming from a perpetual reserve dating to 1985, the Premiere Cuvee boasts outstanding vinous complexity and intensity while remaining true to the pinpoint precision and effortless grace that mark all of Paillard's wines. "One of my favorite entry level wines," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Champagne critic Audrey Frick, "this consistently over-delivers." We couldn't agree more, which is why we took a big position that invites you to stock up in multiples at a must-see, razor-sharp price. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stephan Usseglio has propelled this certified organic and biodynamic estate, named for his father, to among the top ranks of the region." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate The name Usseglio is no secret to lovers of top-flight Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it's typically PIerre that comes to mind for many. However, that's all changing in recent years, as Domaine Raymond Usseglio is stepping into the limelight under the hand of the highly talented Stephan Usseglio. Having been in charge here since 1999 at the ripe age of 22, Stephan straddles that wonderful line between youthful vision, something he's held onto even as his career has entered a new stage of accomplishment and accolades, and respect for his family's traditions, including their exceptional vine holdings. The 2022 reds from Usseglio offer a crystal clear picture of a domaine firing on all cylinders and moving up in the quality heirarchy to the very top echelons, highlighted by the JS95 Cuvée Girard, a "dark and powerful" rendition that "makes a bold statement." Taking Grenache purity to the next level is the 2022 Cuvée Imperiale. "With ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck, "it's a gem in the vintage." This in-stock duo is further proof that the domaine should be on any serious Rhône enthusiasts short list, as these expressions are some of the most polished and artfully crafted offerings you'll find in the region. | ||
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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 with 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." 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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| 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous There you have it. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. This epic Tuscan vintage keeps delivering the goods in every denominacion across the region, but it truly seems like Chianti Classico hit the highest heights of all with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation." We've seen countless head-turning standouts come through already (with more to come soon), and today we're showcasing the some of the region's best buys. Leading off, our direct-import star Le Cinciole has, to no one's surprise, delivered incredible bang for the buck in their "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star. Ruffino, perhaps Chianti's most well-known estate, turned out a Wine Spectator Top 20 Riserva with their 2021 Ducale, and Fonterutoli's 2021 delivers a double-93-point powerhouse expression, "darker, more powerful and concentrated than your standard entry-level Chianti Classico" according to Monica Larner. The double 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva stacks up as an all-time great value buy from Italy at under $30. "Aromatic, vibrant and delineated, the Riserva captures all the best qualities of the year," writes Antonio Galloni. Finally, we are thrilled to present the 2021s from our direct-import secret weapon, Caparsa. "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers," notes Galloni, "These new releases are nothing short of captivating." The DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino finishes everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." No matter your style preference, Chianti Classico's extraordinary 2021 vintage has the perfect fit at prices that make it easy to stock up big. | ||
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| 2016 Bodegas Beronia Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned for producing "classical, reliable wines" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Beronia is a household name in overachieving Rioja value. Vintage after vintage, the estate delivers some of the best bang for the buck in all of Spain, attracting legions of fans who have made these wines into best-selling benchmarks over the years. The JS91 Crianza is once again one of the Rioja's sharpest case-buy contenders. "Quite juicy and well made," it's a quintessential young Rioja for fans of wines both easy on the palate and on the wallet. The 93-point 2020 Beronia Reserva is another well-crafted edition of this fan-favorite to add to its consistent track record of reliability. The profile is everything long-time fans know and love, immediately accessible, charming, "harmonious," as Wine Spectator describes it. Made from Beronia's oldest vines, the 2016 Beronia Gran Reserva also brings home the goods and then some. Aged over 28 months in French oak followed by three years in bottle prior to release to develop its trademark complexity and depth, the 2016 is a "lively red, with well-meshed, sculpted tannins" according to Wine Spectator. It's a perfect trio to stock up on to deliver outstanding QPR and classic Rioja style, time and time again over the next several years. | ||
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| 2016 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate, and the wines now play with the top in the appellation."- Jeb Dunnuck Bordeaux remains arguably the greatest hotbed of collectible value in the world of fine wine, and at the forefront of that trend the past decade has been Margaux's Chateau Labegorce. Since 2015, this dynamic estate has been outpacing its station in the quality and price heirarchies, delivering exceptional, cellar-worthy character and style at prices that allow Bordeaux collectors of all stripes to line their cellars. Today's mini-vertical showcases the past decade at this insider's favorite in all its glory, with stellar acclaimed renditions from five benchmark vintages. Consistent praise has followed the 2016 sinceen primeur, "afabulously textured Margaux" that shines in a modern classic vintage, while the 2018 "exudes elegance and class" according to Dunnuck. The 2019 and 2020 renditions round out the "trifecta" in fine form, each vintage expressing the full character of this lauded trio. Finally, the double 95-point 2022 just confirms that the estate is here to day among the elite of the appellation, a resounding triumph that still maintains the brilliant value this dynamic property has come to symbolize among Bordeaux's savviest collectors. Whether you're building a mini-vertical of your own or your just looking for a new surefire Left Bank winner that you can enjoy with abandon, this selection has it and then some. | ||
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| 2021 Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of our most proven performers in Barbaresco, we have a spectacular opportunity on a single-vineyard stunner with a raft of critical accolades, from an epic vintage, and at a flat-out must-see price. Fontanabianca's Matteo Pola farms his family's outstanding vine holdings as they have for generations, and the results are some of the finest under-the-radar gems you'll find in Barbaresco, from their entry-level bottling to the insider-favorite, single-vineyard expressions like the 2021 Bordini. "The Fontanabianca 2021 Barbaresco Bordini, in the bottle with the black label, represents a step up in terms of focus and power..." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate From a prized parcel very near to the Tanaro River, the Bordini offers a fantastic juxtaposition of body, depth, finesse, and elegance. The site's warm location and microclimate provides exceptional phenolic ripeness in the fruit, but the clay-limestone soils with their veins of sand endow the wine with effortless precision and grace, so Barbaresco collectors get the best of both worlds in one impeccable expression. A "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More No introduction needed here. The iconic Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet is a smash hit in the outstanding 2021 vintage, with 96 points from Decanter making it one of the highest-rated vintages in years for this all-time fan favorite. "...beautifully layered and highly fragrant, with remarkable precision and focus in this vintage." - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter We just negotiated a spectacular price that we're passing on exclusively to our private clients, so you can load up just in time for the holidays with a perfect performer for gifts and lavish celebrations. "So full-bodied, ripe and robust" according James Suckling's California critic, Jim Gordon, the 2021 is redolent of profound, dark fruit and spicy oak character, but the winemaking team executed everything to pinpoint precision, so nothing is overdone or out of place. It's pure Silver Oak all the way, exactly how the wine's legions of fans like it. | ||
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| 2019 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvingon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is clearly on another level ... This stunning bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon will drink nicely over the coming 30 years or more." - Jeb Dunnuck The historic Mayacamas estate has been a definitive exponent of Mount Veeder Cabernet for decades, and rising star winemaker Braiden Albrecht, along with Napa icon Andy Erickson consulting, has done a masterful job of expressing the estate's signature terroir and style, no matter the vintage conditions. As a result, few wines in Napa rack up such consistent accolades year after year, and the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a prime example. The vintage is known for producing ripe, bombastic Cabernets, and the 2019 Mayacamas certainly shows shades of that character, but the familiar classicism that has made it a household name among collectors of the finest Napa cellar gems is all still readily apparent. "Loaded with character and energy" and "showing an old-school touch" according to Wine Spectator, the 97-point 2019 is a showstopper par excellence. Antonio Galloni notes, "the 2019 is shaping up to be majestic." As many of its peers in the cult Napa space have absolutely sky-rocketed in price, Mayacamas remains a relative collectible steal considering the wine's stunning quality, critical acclaim, and formidable cellar potential. | ||
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| 2021 Bodegas Beronia Crianza (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned for producing "classical, reliable wines" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Beronia is a household name in overachieving Rioja value. Vintage after vintage, the estate delivers some of the best bang for the buck in all of Spain, attracting legions of fans who have made these wines into best-selling benchmarks over the years. The JS91 Crianza is once again one of the Rioja's sharpest case-buy contenders. "Quite juicy and well made," it's a quintessential young Rioja for fans of wines both easy on the palate and on the wallet. The 93-point 2020 Beronia Reserva is another well-crafted edition of this fan-favorite to add to its consistent track record of reliability. The profile is everything long-time fans know and love, immediately accessible, charming, "harmonious," as Wine Spectator describes it. Made from Beronia's oldest vines, the 2016 Beronia Gran Reserva also brings home the goods and then some. Aged over 28 months in French oak followed by three years in bottle prior to release to develop its trademark complexity and depth, the 2016 is a "lively red, with well-meshed, sculpted tannins" according to Wine Spectator. It's a perfect trio to stock up on to deliver outstanding QPR and classic Rioja style, time and time again over the next several years. | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Merlot (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2021 Vina Almaviva EPU (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted from the same vineyard as Chile's iconic 100-point Viña Almaviva, the WA94+ 2021 Almaviva Epu is a deliciously approachable and age-worthy second wine from Chile's legendary producer of powerful Cabernet Sauvignon blends. First produced in 2018 from the same terroir although usually higher in Cabernet and lower in Carmeñere than Almaviva, the Epu is sourced from the estate's 60-hectare vineyard planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon in layers of loamy clay, gravel, and rocks on the left bank of the Maipo River at 650 meters above sea level. Fed by a high-tech, underground drip irrigation system that delivers the precise amount of water required, the vineyard's warm, dry climate is moderated by cooling breezes sweeping down from the towering Andes that preserve freshness and enhance even ripening, the unique terroir contributing a signature earthy minerality to the wines. Described by Vinous critic Joaquim Hidalgo as the "French perfectionist" who is key to Almaviva's bright and nuanced style, winemaker Michel Friou blended 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmeñere and 5% Merlot from the vineyard's younger vines and aged the muscular 2021 Epu in 10% new and 90% second-use French oak for 12 months, yielding fresh, luscious dark fruit hinting of peppery spice with a luxurious texture and smooth, harmonious tannins promising to reward time in the cellar with over a decade of evolution. "An excellent Epu," according to Jane Anson, the 2021 expresses the exceptional Almaviva terroir in an approachable, enticing style, ready to enjoy over the next decade at an incredible value. | ||
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| 2023 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Tré Terre (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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