Top Quality Store
. Click on your Sundae above to reactivate last month's offers, always available in-store too. Even sweeter: these prices will be good tomorrow too, while supplies last.
| 2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2018 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
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. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Chateau LaTour Martillac Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Latour-Martillac remains one of the great value estates on the Left Bank, and this is especially true in outstanding vintages like the ones on offer today. With classic Graves terroir and expert winemaking, these wines consistently punch way above their weight class, as you can clearly see in the bevy of excellent press that accompanies each one. The highlights of the list are undoubtedly the 96-point 2019, which is "gorgeous, so bright and precise," delivering unreal bang for the buck at under $40, and the astounding 97-point 2022. Jeb Dunnuck dubs this powerhouse "a remarkably pure, medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan ... a brilliant 2022 that should be snatched up by readers." Of course, sharp-eyed collectors shouldn't over the 95-point 2018 or the "harmonious and well-defined" 2020. Last but certainly not least, the estate's white has always served as a reference-point for the category, made in part from Semillon vines over 140 years old. With 94-point potential according to several critics, the 2023 Blanc is "beautifully textured, rich, yet still racy white with tons to love," proving once again that Graves' whites are sometimes every bit as compelling as its reds. Whether you pick your favorite or go in for the whole vertical, you can rest assured you're getting some of the best quality-to-price character that the Left Bank has to offer. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's rare that such a renowned and reference-point estate like Avignonesi keeps pushing new boundaries instead of just resting on their laurels, but that's exactly what this iconic property has been up to for several vintages. And as Eric Guido of Vinous puts it, "The results are pretty stunning." After all, these fan-favorite, best-selling Tuscan reds have been a staple of B-21's Italian portfolio for years, and the 95-point 2022 Vino Nobile di Montalcino follows right in line with its predecessors. "Avignonesi’s flagship bottling remains a fantastic value for first-class Vino Nobile..." - Eric Guido, Vinous The estate's pioneering approach of crafting this wine out of 100% Prugnolo Gentile (the local Sangiovese strain) has made it a singular expression that has helped define the entire Vino Nobile category. The 2022 vintage has resulted in "a layered and complex wine with fresh, elegant aromas" and a palate that's "with a medium to full body, high yet integrated acidity, fine chalky tannins and a firm, polished finish." All of it adds up to another stupendous overachiever at a remarkable price, which we've come to expect from Avignonesi at this point. It's all the more impressive considering you can stock up big and stash some away in the cellar – as Eric Guido notes, "it will be worth the wait." | ||
|
||
| 2022 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras Les Restanques de Cabassole (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Michel Arnould & Fils Heuristique Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Côte des Blancs seems to get the majority of attention in Champagne's Grand Cru sphere, but you're short-changing yourself in a big way if you're not famiiiar with Verzenay, a Pinot Noir-centric village in the northeast side of the Montagne de Reims. And in Verzenay, one of the undisputed names to know is Michel Arnould. Now run by Michel's son Patrick, his son-in-law Thierry, and grandson Thomas, this is a true family operation that does everything with an eye to the future, in an innovative style that stays pure and true to their Verzenay roots. Their deep range is full of must-try gems, but the 2019 Heuristique was the standout hit during our visit in April. "What a fine introduction to this marvelous, hidden-gem domaine!" - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Champagne Buyer A 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it shows the wide-ranging skill-set and top-notch vineyard pedigree that goes into these wines. It's "an enchanting combination of vivid freshness and depth" as Andrew describes it, the Chardonnay providing almost endlessly bright, charming aromatics and flavors and the Pinot Noir offering luxurious weight and a robust foundation. Despite the challenges of the growing season, the quality in the end was undoubtedly high, especially for Chardonnay, and you can see that clearly in the Heurisitique's superb interplay of "concentrated vinosity" and lasting energy. In a market where vintage grower Champagnes, especially from Grand Cru terroir, are shooting upward in price, to find one under $50 is an absolute steal. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py James (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We just solidified arguably our most exciting new direct-import relationship this year from a true Beaujolais icon, and we're kicking it off with a spectacular offer exclusively for our private clients. Dubbed the "the don of Morgon" by Neal Martin and "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remains some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit." - Kenna Wells, Wine Advocate Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. The 2022 vintage yielded perfect conditions for this wine, endowing it with full-on fruit expression that somehow still remains finessed and restrained, guided by nascent secondary complexity that portends long aging potential, as is the case with almost all of Jean-Marc's wines. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the collectible gem to our private clients at a jaw-dropping, sub-$30 price that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "By any measure, 2023 is a magnificent vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Galloni isn't the only voice to be singing the praises of Napa's 2023 vintage. Winemakers and critics alike seem over the moon about the uniformly high quality of this cool, long growing season. Jeb Dunnuck already compares it to another modern classic: "Across the board, the 2023s stand out for their purity, vibrancy, and elegance, yet they still deliver depth, richness, and concentration. The top 2023s are unquestionably on the level of the 2016s." What this means for wine lovers is that there are tremendous bargains to be found if you know where to look, something that is becoming a rare occurrence in today's Napa market. Today's offer brings together a handful of the top QPR releases to hit the market recently, all at sub-$40 pricing and all showing the same combination of youthful expression and solid cellar potential, the hallmark of this great vintage. The 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass is a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth," notes Jeb Dunnuck.Turnbull's Estate Cab has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another "positively stellar" show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski also calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." Of course, Napa's household names also showcase extreme value in 2023. The 94-point 2023 Frank Family Napa Valley Cab is a proven, pedigreed example of classic Napa style and a cool, "old-school" growing season, the likes of which produced many of Napa's legendary wines during the Valley's golden age. The 2023 is "a refined and complete example of Napa cabernet sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage," as noted by James Suckling. Clos du Val's 2023 is "bright, aromatic, and punchy ... seriously beautiful from start to finish," while the "smooth and textural," 93-point 2023 Silverado appellation bottling offers all the features that have made this estate a fan-favorite for decades. We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with this line-up of proven overachievers, we've got five needles in hand for savvy Napa fans to stock up on. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Alberto Cordero di Montezemolo's 2021 Barolos are terrific ... I found the wines super-impressive." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous In a region like Piedmont, where nearly every estate has deep historical roots, Cordero Montezemolo still stands out, with 19 generations of the same family tending this prized property on La Morra's Monfalletto hill. To get sense of how special the property is, you only need to experience the 95-point 2021 Monfalletto Barolo and its utterly transparent, pure terroir personality. "A beautiful, highly pleasing Barolo," it's a unbelievable value, especially in the modern classic 2021 vintage. While the estate is nearly contiguous around La Morra, it boasts one particular anomaly – a pristine parcel in Castiglione Falletto's Villero cru. The 97-point 2021 Enrico VI is emblematic of the Villero cru's iron-rich soils, limestone substrate, and southwest exposure, and the resulting wine "transmits a sense of electricity and tension that is always unique to this site," according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Interestingly, the estate gives its single-cru wines shorter elevage than the village-level Monfalletto, so the site transparency is amplified even more, a certain advantage in an incredible vintage like 2021. "A deep, statuesque Barolo with tons of Villero personality ... This is impressive," notes Galloni, for its "notable presence and structure." For ultra-classic, singular Barolo terroir, avid collectors and fans can't do much better than this stunning pair at market-best pricing. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Chateau LaTour Martillac Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Latour-Martillac remains one of the great value estates on the Left Bank, and this is especially true in outstanding vintages like the ones on offer today. With classic Graves terroir and expert winemaking, these wines consistently punch way above their weight class, as you can clearly see in the bevy of excellent press that accompanies each one. The highlights of the list are undoubtedly the 96-point 2019, which is "gorgeous, so bright and precise," delivering unreal bang for the buck at under $40, and the astounding 97-point 2022. Jeb Dunnuck dubs this powerhouse "a remarkably pure, medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan ... a brilliant 2022 that should be snatched up by readers." Of course, sharp-eyed collectors shouldn't over the 95-point 2018 or the "harmonious and well-defined" 2020. Last but certainly not least, the estate's white has always served as a reference-point for the category, made in part from Semillon vines over 140 years old. With 94-point potential according to several critics, the 2023 Blanc is "beautifully textured, rich, yet still racy white with tons to love," proving once again that Graves' whites are sometimes every bit as compelling as its reds. Whether you pick your favorite or go in for the whole vertical, you can rest assured you're getting some of the best quality-to-price character that the Left Bank has to offer. | ||
|
||
| 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
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. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso (750ml) | ||
| Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The writing is on the wall ... Mount Etna has established itself as one of the most essential viticultural areas in the world." - Eric Guido, Vinous What was once an afterthought (or even out of thought) of the Italian wine scene, Sicily, and Mount Etna in particular, are now seeing a sky-rocketing level of attention from critics and consumers alike. Homegrown names like Terre Nere (a long-time B-21 favorite) and Pietradolce, as well as cult darlings like Arianna Occhipinti, have put the region on the map, and now we're seeing exceptionally talented winemakers from the mainland set up shop and put their talents to work on the singular varietals and vineyards that dot this volcanic landscape. Giovanni Rosso is the source of perennially acclaimed Barolos from the estate's plots in famed sites such as Cerretto and Vignarionda, and now under fourth-generation winemaker Davide Rosso, the estate has acquired parcels and expanded into Mount Etna with exceptional results. This pair of gems exemplifies both Rosso's pure winemaking philosophy and pure volcanic terroir. The 2022 Rosso has notched 95 points from James Suckling for its "perfumed and graceful" style, while the 94-point 2024 Bianco is "fragrant, [with] a ton of personality ... A delicious, moreish wine," according to Jane Anson. There's no shortage of new discoveries and sleeper stars waiting for you in Sicily, but this pair from Giovanni Rosso should be near the top of your list if you want to get a crystal clear introduction to this amazing, rising-star category. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Ric Forman's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be epic. A wine of unreal precision and energy, the 2019 dazzles with its magnificent purity and class." -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 97-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "remarkable textural intensity" is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Chateau Beaucastel Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is some serious Provençal goodness..." - Jeb Dunnuck We love an unexpected surprise as much as anyone, and this was certainly one. We just secured a parcel of Beaucastel's iconic Châteauneuf bottling from 2022 at a razor-sharp price that presents a can't-miss reload opportunity for fans and collectors. As any Rhône enthusiast surely knows by now, 2022 was an excellent vintage for all of Southern Rhône, with the warm, dry conditions playing perfectly to the Beaucastel style of concentration, structure, and cellar longevity. Led by 97 points from James Suckling, the 2022's critical line is loaded with praise. "A textured, layered, precise red ... So integrated. Lively and focused, with plenty of energy and verve," declares Suckling. Jeb Dunnuck compares it to the powerhouse 2009 rendition, and Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls it, "perfectly balanced with a structured, textured and seamless mid-palate enhanced by velvety tannins and a peppery, delicate and long finish." If you're the impatient type, you'll find a lot to love in the 2022, but like all great vintages of Beaucastel, this one is built for the long haul, so don't hesitate to load up and watch it blossom into a reference-point Châteauneuf over the coming two decades.
| ||
|
||
| 2019 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but 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." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
|
||
| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but 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." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More 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. "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 The 2021 Aluigi Campo ai Peri Gran Selezione continues a recent run of stratospheric accolades that this cuvee 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, "is balanced and bright with a pretty sense of fruit purity and focus" according to Monica Larner, which should be snatched up by savvy buyers at our unbeatable price. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Smith Madrone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Readers seeking Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage with serious cellaring potential should consider stocking up on Smith Madrone's offerings, as these '21s are true cellar-worthy gems." - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Stu and Charlie Smith have been quietly making some of the most classic, old-school Napa Cabs on the market since 1972. Perched high up on their rural property atop Spring Mountain, the brothers have largely avoided the glitz & glamour rat race that is the modern Napa wine scene. Instead, they stick to the fundamentals, beginning with their 15-hectare, prized Cabernet Sauvignon block planted in 1971. Indeed, James Suckling calls Smith-Madrone "a staunch defender of the restrained, elegant style of Napa reds made in the 1970s." The 2021 vintage was tailor-made for the classicists, an outstanding campaign of ideal conditions, and the wines have proven themselves to be modern benchmarks. The 2021 Smith-Madrone Estate Cabernet is a knockout with a pair of 97-point reviews leading an impressive critical line. "A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. "A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. An impossible find for the price." That about sums it up from Wine Enthusiast. In a category that is becoming prohibitively expensive for many wine lovers, the 2021 Smith-Madrone takes us back to Napa's golden years, not in terms of style, but in terms of value as well. | ||
|
||
| 2016 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
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. | ||
|
||
| 2024 Bodegas Avancia Godello (750ml) | ||
| Godello from Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Their specialty is working with the Godello grape, which may well be Spain’s finest indigenous white grape ... Avancia is certainly the top producer of this intriguing and delicious dry white." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Godello is the emblematic white grape of Spain, and the Valdeorras D.O. is emblematic of Godello. Jorge Ordoñez' Bodegas Avancia has been a standard bearer for Godello for years, and their Old Vine bottling is a consistent benchmark vintage after vintage. Sourced from head-trained, dry-farmed vines approaching 40 years of age on slate and quartz soils, resulting in a wine of serious depth and age-worthy concentration. The 2024 carries on this cuvée's sterling track record with a 94-point review from Vinous for its "pure, direct expression" of Godello. "Intense, with good freshness and weight," it's built to be a lasting rendition that will set the bar for Spanish whites in its price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's status as an all-time Rioja reference-point is reaffirmed with this sterling trio of releases at razor-sharp pricing, highlighted by the newly arrived 2021 Torre Muga. "...one of the finest vintages for Torre Muga, along with 2016 and 2010." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate The 2021 Rioja vintage is already garnering rave reviews in the press, and the JD98 Torre Muga reflects that praise, "a gorgeous wine from a gorgeous vintage that’s worth the price." Concentrated and robust yet also polished and refined, the 2021 expresses the character of its old-vine plots in Villalba de Rioja, Brinas, and Labastida. A host of impressive reviews from James Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Advocate further confirm the 2021 Torre Muga as a special achievement, worthy of the wine's loft reputation among collectors. The Selección Especial Reserva is always a crowd and collectible favorite in the range and always priced well for a broad audience yet offering the kind of cellar-worthy appeal that serious collectors are looking for. The 2020 rendtion ramps up the collectible appeal thanks to a particular feature of the vintage itself – no Prado Enea was made in 2020, so all the fruit and juice that would normally comprise that flagship icon has instead gone into the Selección Especial. So, it's no surprise that the 2020 picks up right where the 2019 leaves off, led by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review that highlights its "medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and silky tannins," which makes it "already hard to resist." Finally, the 2021 Reserva Rioja continues to be one of the sharpest values in Spanish wine, "a textbook example of [Muga's] style in a very good year, with power, concentration and clout, elegance and freshness" perGutiérrez' 94-point review in Wine Advocate.It's a perfect candidate to stack by the case, since it will not only cruise for several years in the cellar, but it will quench your thirst for Muga excellence anytime over the next decade while the you wait for the big boys to reach their prime drinking windows. For fans of Spanish wine and of Rioja in particular, this is a spectacular opportunity to load up on proven performers that will put many smiles on your face for countless years to come, at market-best pricing. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Les Vingt Lieux Dits (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Touraine, Loire, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... [a] hidden-gem domaine that is also one of the benchmarks for the Bourgueil appellation." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer We had been searching for the wines of Pierre and Rodolphe Gauthier at Domaine du Bel-Air, since tasting the full range early last year, and finally the opportunity materialized in late autumn. Now, we not only have access, but we have direct access. The latest addition to our Loire direct-import stable is a benchmark of red wine excellence, all the way from their stunning, old-vine, single-vineyard cuvees to the entry-level 2023 Les Vingt Lieux Dits, "a classic, old-school Loire Cab Franc in all the best ways," as B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. As you might assume, this Cabernet Franc is a blend of up to twenty of the domaine's micro-parcels in Bourgueil, with average vine ages of 40 years. Long, cold-soak maceration, natural yeast fermentation, and aging for 12 months in used barrels all contributes to the wine's classic expression of youthful Cabernet Franc. The cooler vintage resulted in a wine with restrained yet concentrated fruit, assertive mineral backbone, and varietally pure character all the way through. The 2023 vintage very much favored the Gauthier brothers' style, which is to say this is a structurally solid Cabernet Franc with real substance and cellar potential, all for an incredible $25 price. As good as the Vingt Lieux-Dits is, it's the single-vineyard cuvées that cement the domaine's reference-point reputation, and the Grand Mont is the crown jewel in the stable. Vinous' Rebecca Gibb describes the 2021 single-vineyard wines as "long-lived, elegant classics" and the 94-point Grand Mont in particular as "savory and serious ... precise, balanced, and full of sinew." Much like 2023, the 2021 vintage was cool growing season that favored the domaine style, and the Grand Mont is an impeccable example of the very best qualities of classic, top-end Loire Cabernet Franc. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Produttori del Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...this is a stellar showing." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus. While we await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas, the village Barbaresco is always an enticing glimpse of what the heavy hitters will offer. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 95-point 2022 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from nearly every critic of note, it's "round and succulent, with a fleshy profile and a solid base of tannins" according to Wine Spectator, while James Suckling calls it "delicious and balanced," the latter quality a rarity in this hot, dry Piedmont vintage. This rendition enjoys the added benefit of the addition of some juice originally destined for the Riservas, before the winery decided to scale down the volume of those wines in 2022. It all adds up to another feather in the cap of arguably the most important producer in Barbaresco and one of the region's most consistently smart buys. | ||
|
||
| 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
|
||
| 2021 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A stunning, precise wine focused on elegance..." - Aldo Fiordelli, JamesSuckling.com The Renato Ratti estate is a bastion of traditional Barolo, working from prime sites in La Morra. After a period of experimentation with more modern, heavily extracted styles, the founder's son Pietro has taken the estate's style back to its roots, emphasizing finesse and precision of La Morra rather than overt power, and the results have been a renewed run of resounding critical success, especially in the benchmark 2021 vintage. The founder himself is one of Barolo's most important innovators and visionaries, as the first to bottle a single-vineyard Barolo in 1965, and it was the Marcenasco cru that set the standard. Today, this exceptional site near the iconic Rocche dell' Annunziata is still a treasure of the estate, offering the quintessential La Morra profile in spades. The 97-point 2021 "is such a gorgeous edition of Marcenasco" according to Antonio Galloni, with additional solid praise from Wine Spectator, Jeb Dunnuck, and Kerin O'Keefe put the full imprimatur of excellence on this "fragrant and refined" classic that is built to age and is an easy cellar candidate at a razor-sharp, sub-$60 price. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Tinto (750ml) | ||
| Baga from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
|
||
| 2022 Quinta do Crasto Old Vine Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Touriga Nacional from Douro, Portugal | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portugal's dynamic wine scene is finally shedding its port-centric identity, with the past decade seeing numerous great producers step into the limelight with their dry wines, taking the country's reputation beyond the legendary dessert treasures that put them on the map centuries ago. One of the leading luminaries of this trend is the inimitable Douro estate Quinta do Crasto. With over 200 hectares under vine, they are an emblematic reference-point of Douro terroir up and down their range, in both reds and whites. Of course, they also produce some excellent ports, but it's the dry wines that have Portugal fans reaching for them again and again, vintage after vintage. The line-up below represents a broad survey of the Crasto portfolio, highlighted by the incredible value of the sub-$15 Crasto Tinto and the sub-$25 Crasto Superior. The middle tier of the range is replete with excellence in the "exuberant, showy, perfumed and floral 2020 Touriga Nacional ... a textbook example of the modern interpretation of the variety." The triple 94-point 2019 Touriga Franca offers a rare monovarietal expression of this ancient grape that gets everything right, a must-try for adventurous wine lovers. Finally, at the collectible tier, the towering, 98-point 2019 Vinha Maria Teresa is a testament to the heights that the very best Douro reds can reach, a resounding triumph that will cruise for decades in the cellar with the best wines from anywhere else in the world. Whether you're looking to spice up your regular rotation, try something different for a special occasion, or augment your collection with a proven, world-class performer, this range from Quinta do Crasto has it. | ||
|
||
| 2024 Quinta do Crasto White (750ml) | ||
| Viosinho from Douro, Portugal | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portugal's dynamic wine scene is finally shedding its port-centric identity, with the past decade seeing numerous great producers step into the limelight with their dry wines, taking the country's reputation beyond the legendary dessert treasures that put them on the map centuries ago. One of the leading luminaries of this trend is the inimitable Douro estate Quinta do Crasto. With over 200 hectares under vine, they are an emblematic reference-point of Douro terroir up and down their range, in both reds and whites. Of course, they also produce some excellent ports, but it's the dry wines that have Portugal fans reaching for them again and again, vintage after vintage. The line-up below represents a broad survey of the Crasto portfolio, highlighted by the incredible value of the sub-$15 Crasto Tinto and the sub-$25 Crasto Superior. The middle tier of the range is replete with excellence in the "exuberant, showy, perfumed and floral 2020 Touriga Nacional ... a textbook example of the modern interpretation of the variety." The triple 94-point 2019 Touriga Franca offers a rare monovarietal expression of this ancient grape that gets everything right, a must-try for adventurous wine lovers. Finally, at the collectible tier, the towering, 98-point 2019 Vinha Maria Teresa is a testament to the heights that the very best Douro reds can reach, a resounding triumph that will cruise for decades in the cellar with the best wines from anywhere else in the world. Whether you're looking to spice up your regular rotation, try something different for a special occasion, or augment your collection with a proven, world-class performer, this range from Quinta do Crasto has it. | ||
|
||
| 2023 Casanova di Neri Irrosso (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vintage after vintage, Casanova di Neri continues to impress. The 2021s bring a seductive energy to the house’s complex, ripe style." - Eric Guido, Vinous Long-time winemaker and owner Giancarlo Neri has fashioned his estate into one of Montalcino's most decorated (and sometimes controversial) names. As Giancarlo's illustrious career comes to an end and his son Giovanni takes the reins, there's been a wait-and-see approach the past few vintages as regards the estate's direction. Well, any questions can be put to rest in the epic 2021 vintage, as the flagship expressions are knockout, critically acclaimed stunners, capped by a perfect score for the iconic Tenuta Nuova. "It’s a gorgeous Tenuta Nuova that has everything working in harmony and will only improve with time in bottle." notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic, Audrey Frick. Showing "a humbling level of complexity," the 2021 is built on an irresistible tension between its full aromatic and flavor profile and its ultra-precise, energetic structure, which Frick notes in detail in her 100-point review. Several 98-point reviews put the coda on this latest stunner, which marks a watershed moment in the evolution of this great estate. As great as Tenuta Nuova is, you can expect the 2021 Brunello normale to take things to another level as well. With numerous 95-point reviews to its credit, the 2021 is a resounding triumph for this bottling that will stand with many other estates riservas when all is said and done. "The complexity here is off the charts and the energy is incredible," exclaims Eric Guido of Vinous. Fans of the estate will also find plenty to love in the 2023 Irrosso, a JS92 value gem that offers up plenty of di Neri pedigree at an easy case-buy price. Keen-eyed collectors will notice a handful of bottles of the highly limited 2020 Brunello Giovanni Neri, a double 98-point cellar "showstopper" from a 50-year-old parcel near Castelnuovo dell' Abate. "I do love the intensity and the energy of this wine," notes Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. The entire range of new releases from Casanova di Neri shows an iconic estate that is far from resting on its laurels, instead pushing boundaries on a mission to maintain its place in the very elite echelon of Montalcino's most esteemed names. | ||
|
||
