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| 2022 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Despite his abrupt death in a crocodile-infested river in the jungles of Nicaragua in 1869, the legacy of the infamously colorful Count Haraszthy prospers today at the historic Buena Vista Winery he founded in 1857. Recently acquired by the equally colorful bon vivant and vin extraordinaire Jean-Claude Boisset, Buena Vista has enjoyed significant investment and masterful vineyard management. Notable is this addition of Napa Valley Cabernet bottling to the Buena Vista line up beginning with the 2016 vintage. The Napa Cab fruit is sourced from sites in Oak Knoll, St. Helena and Atlas Peak, with 24 months in French oak of which 30% is new. The oversized, heavy bottle harkens to bottles of the 19th century – matching the classism of wine. The Count is still considered California's most acclaimed and flamboyant vinicultural pioneer, but some would contend Jean Claude Boisset might just be his match! The powerful, full bodied Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon shows Boisset's exceptional winemaking prowess, a well-balanced beauty offering bold fruit, fine tannins and lingering intensity.. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Brut Rose No. 5 (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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| 2021 Vina Sena Sena (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "One of Chile's icon wines and deservedly so" Wine Advocate When visionaries Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi created Vina Sena in 1995, they embarked on a joint mission to create one of the world's greatest red wines, and with the first taste of the perfect scoring 2021 Vina Sena, collectors and wine aficionados will enthusiastically agree: Mission Accomplished. Standing shoulder to shoulder with First Growths and cult Napa Cabs and among the most sought-after South American wines, the powerful 100 pt. 2021 Vina Sena offers fresh, decadent fruit framed with remarkable vibrant acidity on an unwavering finish, confirming its status as Chile's premier cult wine and one to make room for in the cellar at an unbeatable value. With a family history in the region dating back to the 1870's beginning with Don Maximiano Errazuriz, passionate vintner Eduardo Chadwick was committed to restoring his family's run-down 19th century estate to its former glory, inspired in the 1980's on a visit to Chateau Margaux to create a benchmark Chilean blend that rivaled the First Growths of Bordeaux. Fast forward to 1991, when Augustin Huneeus (yes, that "other" Chilean born winemaker and the visionary behind Napa's Quintessa) organized a trip for his friend Robert Mondavi to visit Chile and asked Eduardo to show him around. Inspired by the potential of the region's vineyards and the success of his venture with the Rothschild's, Mondavi partnered with Eduardo and began a four-year search for the perfect terroir to craft an "Opus One of South America" predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with Chile's indigenous grape Carmenere, discovering the perfect site in the Aconcagua Valley. Boasting well-drained rocky soils of gravel and loam, the hillside 42-hectare Sena vineyard was planted in 1998 to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and other red Bordeaux varieties as well as Carmenere, its temperatures moderated by winds off the Pacific and pure mountain water from the snowcapped Andes supplying water for the vines. After Mondavi's death in 2003, Eduardo took over the project in its entirety, bringing the wine to global attention at the blind 2004 Berlin Tastings where wine experts ranked the Vina Sena above First Growths Chateaux Margaux and Lafite, continuing vintage over vintage to build its legendary reputation as "a compelling world class wine" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Produced in an outstanding relatively cool vintage allowing for extended hang times and slow, complete ripening of the biodynamically farmed grapes, longtime winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig aged the 2021 Vina Sena for 22 months in a mix of 70% new French oak barrels with 10% in larger foudres, marking his last harvest as Sena's winemaker and yielding a finessed and perfectly balanced blend with lush, refined tannins and an exceptional potential for aging. Delivering on Eduardo Chadwick's goal to craft "a unique Bordeaux style blend with a very Chilean soul," the enticing 100 pt. 2021 Vina Sena is a remarkably elegant wine that James Suckling notes is "traded around the world like Bordeaux's First Growths," at a mere fraction of the price, a rare opportunity to enjoy terroir-driven perfection for less than many entry level Napa Cabs and a "mission" that collectors of the world's greatest red wines will be glad they accepted. | ||
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| 2021 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet La Clape Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Arguably the most dynamic producer in southwest France, Gerard Bertrand's stable of estates form the backbone of the winegrowing traditions in the regions around the foothills of the Pyrenees. As dramatic a winegrowing landscape as you'll find, this region has been home to the vine since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians fought over it. Chateau l'Hospitalet in the coastal La Clape AOC is a marvelous property, part resort, part vineyard, and part nature preserve, where you'll find some of the most definitive wines of the appellation. The 2021 l'Hospitaliet Rouge, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is "a gorgeous wine that is dripping with finesse" per Wine Enthusiast and "a classic at this address" according to Wine Advocate. Likewise, the 2021 Blanc, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier, is "plush and inviting, with warm spice details and a honeyed note on the mineral-rich, racy finish" as described in Wine Spectator's 92-point review. If you're a fan of eminently classic Rhone-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Charvin Le Poutet (750ml) | ||
| From Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It is really like drinking a fine bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape at a fraction of the price!" - John Gilman, View From the Cellar There you have it. We'll get to the specifics momentarily, but Gilman sums up the 2022 Charvin Le Poutet as well as anything else we could possible say about it. When you consider that Charvin's 2022 Châteauneuf notched a whopping 98 points, it becomes clear that this "humble" Cotes-du-Rhone is anything but. Sourced mainly from Grenache vines approaching 100 years old in a sandy plot just across the street from the Châteauneuf boundary line, the 2022 Le Poutet is a pristine example of Laurent Charvin's top-tier winemaking skills. "Try finding another Côtes-du-Rhône with this level of finesse, precision, and terroir signature," writes B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz, "You'll be looking for a long time." Jeb Dunnuck likewise declares, "I love its overall balance, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It will shine for a solid decade." We've already seen the 2022 Châteauneuf fly out the door, which tells us that Chavin is still a name with serious cachet among Rhône fans, so we won't be surprised to see the same response to this spectacular overachiever at a price that makes it all too easy to go in big. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Brut The V6 Experience (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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| Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 246 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The NV Brut Collection 246 is positively stellar. It’s a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Begun a few years ago as a bold step in a new direction by one of Champagne's most revered houses, Roederer's Collection Series is now a full-fledged fan-favorite that hits every mark with each new release. Created to replace Roederer's non-vintage Brut in 2017, the Champagne Collection series labels each release with a unique ascending number akin to Krug's non-vintage Grande Cuvée. Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon crafted the fifth-release Collection 246 from 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Pinot Meunier. Sourced evenly from Roederer's La Riviere, La Montagne, and La Côte estates, the Collection 246 includes 35% perpetual reserve wines created in 2012 that are stored in stainless steel and topped off every vintage, along with 10% from previous years and young plots on the Cristal estate aged in French oak foudres. The remaining 55% from 2021 grapes was fermented mostly in stainless steel with 15% in oak, the final blend then aged for four years in bottle on the lees, yielding remarkable complexity in a non-vintage Champagne. Wine Spectator calls it "a harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus." Its mouthwatering, textured fruit is beautifully balanced by lively acidity that finishes long on a steady stream of finely beaded bubbles, making for a marked departure in style from what most grand marque houses seek in their non-vintage cuvées. From "one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small" according to Galloni, the Collection 246 is crafted by one of the region's most talented winemakers with the same meticulous attention to detail as the house's legendary tête de cuvée Cristal, delivering benchmark class and quality at its price point. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee St Vincent (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 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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| 2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine consistently makes a compelling case for one of the best under $50 Oregon Pinot Noirs." - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter One of the best under-$50 Oregon Pinot Noirs? No question. We'll do you one better – how about the best Oregon Pinot Noir for under $30? We think that's exactly what you're getting in the 2023 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir at our market-best pricing. Sourced from three of the Casteel family's outstanding estate vineyards, this wine is the very definition of bang for your buck. Winemaker Ben Casteel is an ardent believer in bringing his A-game to everything he makes, and that includes his entry-level offering. This double 94-point gem is "medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet." In short, it's a showcase of all that we love about Eola-Amity Hills Pinot, and it even has "serious enough structure to lay down should you choose" according to Decanter. It's also a perfect example of what makes Bethel Heights our best-selling Oregon wine brand, several years running. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Laurent Charvin is, in an inexplicable way, one of the most underappreciated vignerons in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Domaine Charvin is a first-rate, under-the-radar favorite that routinely lands on the short lists of Châteauneuf insiders everywhere. The domaine's vineyard in the south of the appellation could produce a ripe, powerhouse style, but Laurent Charvin's methods make these wines some of the region's most elegant and refined, vintage after vintage. His Midas touch is amply evident in this stunning 2022 Châteauneuf that notched a whopping 98 points from James Suckling's Rhône critic, Stuart Pigott, who captures the style perfectly: "This astonishing Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the enormous aromatic complexity and subtlety that we expect from Grand Cru red Burgundies." Yohan Castaing likewise lauds it as "one of my favorites this year," going on to extol its "long and ethereal" finish and "delicate tannic frame." Not only will hardcore Rhône fans go head over heels for the "sensuality, elegance, finesse and an ethereal character" of this beguiling red, but Burgundy fans and collectors can find much to love in a beautiful expression with tons of cross-over appeal. | ||
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| 2019 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More With many of the choicest vineyard sites in Alexander Valley, Stonestreet is often considered the go-to producer for the appellation's quintessential expressions of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, "...this balanced, elegant wine is refined and savory, with classic structure." - Wine Enthusiast The 94-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a knockout rendition sourced from the estate's Monument Ridge vineyard, a collection of smaller blocks ranging in elevation from 400 feet all the way up to 2,400 feet. With such varied micro-climates, the wine itself captures every single facet of Alexander Valley Cabernet in spades - "full-bodied with chewy tannins, a lush mouthfeel, [with] fine acidity" as James Suckling describes it. The 2019 vintage adds its own particular mark on the wine in its overly charming approachability that is in prime form right now, which means it'll offer showstopping complexity and Cabernet character without having to hide in your cellar for five years (or more), all at a market-best price. | ||
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| 2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, 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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| 2023 Pascal Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2022 Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Toscana, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Tuscany's reference-point Tenuta di Arceno is renowned for their world-class prowess with Bordeaux varietals, but it's not just the tête de cuvée Arcanum and Valadorno that draw the attention. The second wine Il Fauno di Arcanum has been a perennial best-seller in the Super Tuscan category for years now, and the 2022 rendition right where previous vintages left off. The 93-point 2022 Il Fauno, made from a handful of the estate's earliest ripening sites in the southwest section, is further proof of how well Merlot thrives in Tuscany. The blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot offers serious depth and varietal balance at its price point. It's a classic display of robust, modern Bordeaux character with an unmistakable Tuscan signature, from one of the region's most reliable and consistent estates, all available at the only sub-$30 price in the market. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that white Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. Andrew explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The successful wines of 2020 are absolutely gorgeous." - Eric Guido, Vinous How does Brunello follow an act like the epic 2019 vintage? That's the million-dollar question surrounding Brunello's 2020 vintage, and to be sure, it doesn't boast the generation excellence or across the board consistency of 2010, 2016, or 2019, but as with any great wine region, the great producers certainly made great wines, and they're ripe for the picking if you know where to look. Today's offer distills our broad and deep selection of 2020 Brunellos into a quartet of favorites that we believe capture the vintage perfectly while offering exceptional quality-to-price ratio. The "harmonious and vibrant" 2020 Camigliano takes this estate's overachieving class to the next level with a glowing 95-point score from Wine Spectator, while the 2020 Caparzo "is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," as noted James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest qualities, its approachability in the near term. Fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." It should come as no surprise that Montosoli's most famous estate, Altesino, turned out some stellar wines yet again in this vintage. The 2020 Altesino is once again a razor-sharp buy with three of 95-point scores under its belt. "Offering both refined complexity and true drinking pleasure, with nothing heavy or weighted, it's fabulous all around," declares Dunnuck's Italy critic, Audrey Frick. Finally, the 2020 Casanova di Neri boasts an extra dimension this vintage, as that estate's legendary Cerretalto was not produced, the fruit going instead into this bottling, resulting in 96-point rendition that is "especially spicy, lifted and intense" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. As the 2020 Brunellos have come to market, it's becoming clear that this vintage is a more than worthy follow-up to the heralded 2019s, and best of all, performers like these show that they're among the smartest buys in Italian wine at the moment. | ||
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| High N' Wicked The Judge 14yr Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Tennessee | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Founded by two veterans of spirits giant Brown-Forman, independent bottler High N' Wicked has a made a name for themselves in the craft whiskey scene by their access to superb stocks from the country's best sources. Their series of highly limited, age-stated releases have been cult collector's hits since their debut in 2020, but now you can add "stunning value star" to their list of must-try offerings. When we tasted the High N' Wicked Kentucky Straight Bourbon earlier this year, it was clear from the get-go that everything about this whiskey was done with pure pleasure in mind. "Complex and enticing," according to Wine Enthusiast's 95-point review, this 5-year-old gem boasts quite a high rye content, but its sweet mashbill finds the perfect pocket of balance and opulence that make it incredibly approachable for a wide audience. Of course, you'll also want to pay close attention to the The Judge and The Jury. The market on age-stated American whiskey is through the roof, and you're almost always looking at triple digits for anything with this kinds of number on them. That makes this pair a can't-miss, flat-out steal in the category. After 14 years in new #4 char oak, High N' Wicked gave the 96-point The Judge an addition six months in Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine casks. Ramping up the intensity, the 94-point The Jury saw an extra year in the new #4 char barrel, finishing in a premium ex-Madeira cask. Nothing added and nothing chill-filtered out, these are luxurious, altogether singular expressions that we seldom see in the bourbon category. | ||
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| 2022 Xavier & Agnès Amirault St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the St-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation, but his wines themselves do more than enough talking. The domaine's Clos des Quarterons is a singular property in the region, from which Amirault carefully crafts his range. The entry-level 2022 Les Quarterons is made from predominantly younger vines on sandy soils, providing a beautiful introduction to the utterly charming style of this humble yet talented winemaker. With 94 points and an Editor's Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, it's a certified gem that shows what Cabernet Franc can be in the right hands. Our own Andrew Kitz was equally impressed, calling it "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." Xavier's parcellaire wines take things up a notch or two, as you'll clearly see in the 2020 Le Fondis, from a north-facing, gentle slope of clay and sandy sediment. "As unapologetically old-school and classic as Loire Cab Franc gets," the Le Fondis is every bit the reference-point. You'll understand exactly why the Bordelaise adopted the varietal when you taste this wine. Its "ultra-suave texture and dark personality" make for a "Cabernet Franc with quintessential Loire heart and soul," as Andrew puts it. The consistency and pedigree of Amirault's wines far outpace their price points, making them savvy buys across the board for Loire fans who prize authentic, true-to-form expressions that can only be made in this part of the world. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau D'Issan (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2020 Ramirez de la Piscina Seleccion Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...there's a compact feel to this firm red but also a sense of balance and integration." - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator As dominant as Rioja is in the Spanish collectible space, its penchant for delivering outstanding everyday values is also unmatched. The latest entry proving the point is Ramirez de la Piscina's charming 92-point 2020 Selección Reserva, a rock-solid performer for the cellar or the table at an easy case-buy price. The estate's style is purely reflective of the terroir in Ábalos and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, yielding wines of chalky finesse, refined tannins, and old-school complexity. For the Reserva, however, they take a decidedly New World approach in the oak regimen and fruit profile. James Suckling sums it up as "A dense and full-bodied Rioja ... Chewy and firm, with wood-soaked tannins, yet it doesn't overpower the rich dark berry and plum fruit." If you're a fan of Rioja, this is a razor-sharp buy to add to the cellar for future enjoyment, but it can also occupy a starring role in your regular rotation thanks to our must-see, sub-$20 price. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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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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| 2023 Hartford Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. The 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 94-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, don't miss the trio of top-flight, single-vineyard Zinfandels, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 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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| 2021 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I was once again deeply impressed with Le Cinciole. Valeria Viganò and Luca Orsini have quietly turned Le Cinciole into one of the leading estates in all of Italy ... Readers should do everything they can to check out these new releases." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of the Italian jewels of our growing Direct Import portfolio, Le Cinciole is a name that fans of ultra-classic Tuscan reds need to know. Leading off, the 2021 Chianti Classico delivers incredible bang for the buck as a "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star, while the 2021 Aluigi Campo ai Peri Gran Selezione continues a recent run of stratospheric accolades that this cuvée has racked up from Antonio Galloni, who lauds it as "detailed and vibrant in the glass, with captivating energy." From a single parcel of vines on the region's famed galestro soils, the "terrific" 2021 is a quintessential Sangiovese expression, "balanced and bright with a pretty sense of fruit purity and focus" according to Monica Larner, which should be snatched up by savvy buyers. The estate plays mostly in the Sangiovese category with outstanding results, but that same exceptional vineyard [pedigree and winemaking talent come to bear in stunning fashion with Cabernet Sauvignon, as we clearly see in the 94-point 2020 Camalaione. A blend of 70% Cab, with the balance Syrah and Merlot, this is a powerhouse wine of real substance and layered intensity, with the signature characteristics that only Tuscany can bring to the native Bordeaux varietal. Finally, the 2021 Petresco, made of 100% Sangiovese from the estate's highest-elevation vineyard, is a paragon of age-worthy Sangiovese that can stand toe to toe with the most iconic renditions from Brunello and Chianti. The mineral- and -earth-driven profile will thrill fans of classic Tuscan reds, with the poise and refinement of a wine two or three times its price. Chianti's epic 2021 vintage produced "a restrained and complex wine with rare depth and vibrancy," as James Suckling describes it, denoting a level of class and sophistication that can stand with Italy's best collectibles. Fans of the estate won't want to miss these, and if you've never experienced Le Cinciole before, it's high time you got to know "one of the leading estates in all of Italy." | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Sebastien Dampt Chablis Les Vaillons 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been working with the wines of Sébastien Dampt for a few vintages now, and the scion of one of Chablis' most prominent winemakers has found a strong following among our long-time Burgundy aficionados. After all, Sébastien is a staunch adherent to the "no oak" style, à la Louis Michel, and his wines reflect the kind of terroir purity that fetches a high premium from hardcore fans of classic, "old school" Chablis. These newly arrived 2023s are clearly reflective of Dampt's style, starting with the 92-point 2023 Vaillons 1er Cru. "Very disciplined though still with the generosity of the vintage," the 2023 is understated when it needs to be while giving up just the right level of approachability to be enjoyable right out of the gate. The Cote de Lechet likewise shows its 1er cru pedigree in spades, with "excellent volume and richness to the succulent and sappy middle weight flavors" as described by Burghound's Allen Meadows. Finally, the village level Chablis stands as an unbeatable value in its category, an "easy-going effort" with "cool and pretty aromas ... textured, even succulent, medium-bodied flavors." Working directly with the domaine, we were able to source this parcel at a by-far market-best pricing, so our private clients can jump on these true exponents of pure Chablis terroir for a downright steal. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021s are marvelously complete wines that offer a captivating mix of energy, structure, depth and plenty of site character." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous To paraphrase Mark Twain's infamous quip about good whiskey, too much great wine is not enough, and we still can't get enough of Barbaresco's epic 2021 vintage. Ever since these wines began to hit the market, they've delivered on the early praise that was heaped on them by critics across the board. There's obviously no shortage of spectacular buys in this vintage, but that breadth of choice can often make selection daunting, so we've hand-picked some of our absolute favorites get you going in this reference-point campaign. Massolino shines with a pair of superb offerings in their "super-classic" village bottling and their triple 95-point Albesani single cru. Produttori's 2021 village bottling is once again one of the steals of the vintage. With 95+ points from Wine Advocate, it's a "a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas." Next up, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck, a "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Larner. Finally, don't miss the single-cru sleeper stars from Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Cortese. "This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising," writes Galloni in his 95-point review of Rocca's 2021 Ronchi. He likewise praises Cortese's 2021 rendition of the iconic Rabaja cru as "complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." No matter which way you turn, it seems Barbaresco's 2021 vintage is knocking it out of the park, and our market-leading pricing on these fan favorites and collectible hits provides you ample opportunity to stock the cellar full for the next couple of decades. | ||
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| 2009 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage Grand Cru (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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