| Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (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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| Andre Clouet Brut Un Jour de 1911... Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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6 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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| Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (375ml) | ||
| 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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| 2019 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2016 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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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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| 2010 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2019 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate "firing on all cylinders," there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a "no expense spared" restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate's 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau's rising star reputation as "an estate that can do no wrong" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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| George Dickel 13yr Bottled in Bond Bourbon Distilling Season - Fall 2008 (750ml) | ||
| From Cascade Hollow, Tennessee | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "I've had all the Dickel Bottled-in-Bond releases at one point or another, and the 13-year mark is where this expression really reaches its peak." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Other than Jack Daniel's, there's no Tennessee whiskey distillery with a stronger following than Cascade Hollow Distillery and the George Dickel brand. Named after an ardent Tennessee whiskey pioneer, the Dickel brand has gone through several stages and iterations of ownership and production since it was founded in 1870, but it's more or less a Tennessee institution in its current form since the 1960s. The releases run the gamut from exceptional values to single-cask collectibles aged up to 18 years, but the sweet spot has been the Bottled-in-Bond ever since its first release in 2019. The whiskey is, of course, subject to all the requisite BiB criteria, including a single distilling season, as listed on the bottle. That first rendition, a 13 Year Old from 2005, won Whisky Advocate's Whisky of the Year in 2019, and while subsequent releases have featured 11- and 12-year age statement, this 13-year-old 2008 edition is by far the closest we've come to that WOTY style of the first release. The hallmark sugar maple charcoal filtration certainly does lend a smooth, easy-going personality to it, but that's not say it lacks intrigue, showing both well-defined fruit character and vibrant spice and earth complexity. After all, it is 13-year-old juice in the bottle. That and it's always affordable price have garnered it legions of fans since its debut, and now a limited-time jaw-dropping price of under $30 means you can stock up big for an absolute steal. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (1.5L) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "Readers looking for the next superstar in Bordeaux need to jump on the bandwagon of Les Carmes Haut-Brion..." - Jeb Dunnuck Jeb Dunnuck says it all - arguably the brightest star on the Left Bank in the past decade, Les Carmes Haut Brion has stepped fully into the limelight, with a critical track record that rivals not only that of its famous First Growth neighbor, but those of every other blue-chip Bordeaux estate on the right or left bank of the Gironde. On offer today, we have four modern classic vintages that show this estate in all its contemporary glory, with multiple 100-point reviews across the range, not to mention several more that flirt with perfection. We could commence with a litany of quotes and numbers for each rendition, but suffice to say, each rendition is one of the absolute sharpest collectible buys in modern Bordeaux, and any serious collector will want to fill the cellar with this astounding vertical. | ||
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| 2017 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2010 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2019 Vina Sena Sena (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "Rich, heady and intense" Georgina Hindle, Decanter From an exceptional vintage celebrating the 25th anniversary of Chile's most iconic wine, the bold and powerful 98 pt. 2019 Vina Sena Sena offers silky textured, fragrant dark fruit with sophisticated, polished tannins on a long and luscious finish, a thrilling culmination of the vision of legendary founders Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi to create "the Opus One of South America" and an outstanding value for collectors of the world's top scoring Bordeaux blends. Located high in the Aconcagua Valley with a backdrop of the majestic Andes Mountains, Vina Sena's spectacular Quincho Mirador is a contemporary setting for barbecues and tastings set unobtrusively into the steep rocky terrain, surrounded by the Valley's curving vineyards and offering stunning views of towering, snow capped Mount Aconcagua. Inspired to create a benchmark Chilean blend to challenge the world's greatest red wines, pioneering vintner Eduardo Chadwick formed a partnership with Robert Mondavi in the early 1990's and spent four years with Mondavi's son Tim to find the perfect terroir for their joint project, seeking out a cooler site to make a fresher, more elegantly styled red blend built on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chile's emblematic Carmenere grape and subsequently outscoring First Growths Lafite Rothschild and Margaux in a series of blind tastings. Located on the eastern side of the coastal Ocoa range, Sena's 45-hectare biodynamically farmed vineyard is planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with Carmenere and Malbec and smaller plots of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in well-drained gravel, rock and loam, enjoying a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and bright sunny days moderated by the cooling effects of the Mountains and nearby Pacific. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot vinified mostly in stainless steel with 10% in concrete, winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig aged the refined 2019 Vina Sena Sena for 22 months in a mix of 80% new French oak barrels with 10% in larger foudres, yielding a fresh and beautifully balanced blend described by the Wine Advocate's Luis Guttierez as "incredibly elegant, subtle and harmonious" with the potential for more than a decade of aging. Living up to its stellar reputation as "a compelling world class wine" according to Jeb Dunnuck, the impressive 98 pt. 2019 Vina Sena Sena delivers on Eduardo Chadwick's mission to craft "a unique Bordeaux style blend with a very Chilean soul," ranking among Bordeaux First Growths and Napa cult Cab blends at a fraction of the price and a top value for savvy collectors of the world's most exceptional red wines. | ||
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| 2016 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage (750ml) | ||
| From Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "Readers looking for the next superstar in Bordeaux need to jump on the bandwagon of Les Carmes Haut-Brion..." - Jeb Dunnuck Jeb Dunnuck says it all - arguably the brightest star on the Left Bank in the past decade, Les Carmes Haut Brion has stepped fully into the limelight, with a critical track record that rivals not only that of its famous First Growth neighbor, but those of every other blue-chip Bordeaux estate on the right or left bank of the Gironde. On offer today, we have four modern classic vintages that show this estate in all its contemporary glory, with multiple 100-point reviews across the range, not to mention several more that flirt with perfection. We could commence with a litany of quotes and numbers for each rendition, but suffice to say, each rendition is one of the absolute sharpest collectible buys in modern Bordeaux, and any serious collector will want to fill the cellar with this astounding vertical. | ||
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| 2016 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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12 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2015 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage (750ml) | ||
| From Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2019 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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12 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate "firing on all cylinders," there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a "no expense spared" restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate's 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau's rising star reputation as "an estate that can do no wrong" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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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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| 2020 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "Readers looking for the next superstar in Bordeaux need to jump on the bandwagon of Les Carmes Haut-Brion..." - Jeb Dunnuck Jeb Dunnuck says it all - arguably the brightest star on the Left Bank in the past decade, Les Carmes Haut Brion has stepped fully into the limelight, with a critical track record that rivals not only that of its famous First Growth neighbor, but those of every other blue-chip Bordeaux estate on the right or left bank of the Gironde. On offer today, we have four modern classic vintages that show this estate in all its contemporary glory, with multiple 100-point reviews across the range, not to mention several more that flirt with perfection. We could commence with a litany of quotes and numbers for each rendition, but suffice to say, each rendition is one of the absolute sharpest collectible buys in modern Bordeaux, and any serious collector will want to fill the cellar with this astounding vertical. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santenay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Producing a range of "well-made and well-priced cuvees" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, these top scoring Red Burgundy selections from Domaine Jessiaume deliver outstanding value among the region's ever rising prices, an age worthy array from an under the radar appellation at best on the market pricing for savvy collectors to stock the cellar. Established at the entrance of the tiny village of Santenay in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume crafts its small production Burgundy wines ranging from village level to 1er Cru from 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards under the ownership of French researcher Dr. Jean-Francois Le Bigot since 2020, employing a low intervention approach including fermenting the grapes with indigenous yeasts and limiting the use of new French oak to preserve the freshness of the fruit. From Santenay's top 1er Cru and named for its unique gravelly soils, Jasper Morris describes the flagship 94 pt. 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru as "busting with energy without sacrificing finesse," its rich, spiced fruit layered with lush tannins and bright acidity on "an impeccable finish." Described by Inside Burgundy's Jasper Morris as "wines of significant refinement," these Domaine Jessiaume selections deliver significant value as well, offering Burgundy lovers and collectors a rare opportunity to stock up by the case at a price that doesn't break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres Numerus Clausus 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santenay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Producing a range of "well-made and well-priced cuvees" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, these top scoring Red Burgundy selections from Domaine Jessiaume deliver outstanding value among the region's ever rising prices, an age worthy array from an under the radar appellation at best on the market pricing for savvy collectors to stock the cellar. Established at the entrance of the tiny village of Santenay in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume crafts its small production Burgundy wines ranging from village level to 1er Cru from 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards under the ownership of French researcher Dr. Jean-Francois Le Bigot since 2020, employing a low intervention approach including fermenting the grapes with indigenous yeasts and limiting the use of new French oak to preserve the freshness of the fruit. From Santenay's top 1er Cru and named for its unique gravelly soils, Jasper Morris describes the flagship 94 pt. 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru as "busting with energy without sacrificing finesse," its rich, spiced fruit layered with lush tannins and bright acidity on "an impeccable finish." Described by Inside Burgundy's Jasper Morris as "wines of significant refinement," these Domaine Jessiaume selections deliver significant value as well, offering Burgundy lovers and collectors a rare opportunity to stock up by the case at a price that doesn't break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay La Cassiere (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santenay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Producing a range of "well-made and well-priced cuvees" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, these top scoring Red Burgundy selections from Domaine Jessiaume deliver outstanding value among the region's ever rising prices, an age worthy array from an under the radar appellation at best on the market pricing for savvy collectors to stock the cellar. Established at the entrance of the tiny village of Santenay in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume crafts its small production Burgundy wines ranging from village level to 1er Cru from 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards under the ownership of French researcher Dr. Jean-Francois Le Bigot since 2020, employing a low intervention approach including fermenting the grapes with indigenous yeasts and limiting the use of new French oak to preserve the freshness of the fruit. From Santenay's top 1er Cru and named for its unique gravelly soils, Jasper Morris describes the flagship 94 pt. 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru as "busting with energy without sacrificing finesse," its rich, spiced fruit layered with lush tannins and bright acidity on "an impeccable finish." Described by Inside Burgundy's Jasper Morris as "wines of significant refinement," these Domaine Jessiaume selections deliver significant value as well, offering Burgundy lovers and collectors a rare opportunity to stock up by the case at a price that doesn't break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "These wines compete with the best of Napa" Jeb Dunnuck Building on its well-earned reputation for producing some of the best value, highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon blends from California, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve delivers the goods, revealing intensely aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of graphite, cedar and earthy spice with lush tannins on a long, velvety finish, an elegantly crafted Paso Bordeaux blend affordably priced to enjoy often. Set at the highest point overlooking Paso Robles at the same altitude of Napa's Howell Mountain, the opulent Daou Vineyards tasting room offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the hills beyond, surrounded by meticulously manicured grounds at 2,200 feet above sea level on the steep slopes of the Adelaida District. Once described by legendary consulting winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff as "a jewel of ecological elements," the sustainably farmed Daou vineyard is situated on a western hilltop close to the Pacific Ocean above the coastal fog and away from the heat of eastern Paso Robles, its unique combination of high altitude, calcareous limestone soils and a cooler climate allowing the grapes to attain full ripeness while balancing acidity. Produced in a hot and dry Paso vintage yielding smaller clusters and greater concentration, the refined 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Daou estate and top vineyards across Paso blended with 23% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, yielding rich, silky dark fruit layered with herbal and mineral notes and smooth, balanced tannins from a vintage producing "early drinking, accessible wines built on elegance and ripe fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous. Earning 90 plus point ratings for over a decade and counted among "the greatest Bordeaux blends I've tasted from Paso Robles" according to Jeb Dunnuck, the rich and robust 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reflects the Daou legacy for exceptional quality and consistency from the first taste, a delicious and beautifully balanced Paso Cab ready to enjoy at a price that makes it easy to pull the cork. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2020 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate "firing on all cylinders," there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a "no expense spared" restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate's 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau's rising star reputation as "an estate that can do no wrong" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Meyney (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More We've all seen the general rise in quality in Bordeaux over the past two decades, and now even the Cru Bourgeois (or Cru Classé) estates are gaining some serious recognition while still remaining top-tier QPR buys that you can stash away in the cellar. At the head of that pack is St-Éstephe's Château Meyney, always a savvy choice to overdeliver, and we've got a must-see mini-vertical on offer today, Since 2013 under the consulting direction of Château Angélus' Hubert de Bouard, Meyney is on a real tear, with mounting critical accolades that are far outpacing the estate's cru bourgeois classification. Each of the vintages below is a gem, but the undisputed highlights are the benchmark 2020 and 2022. "The 2020 Meyney turned out beautifully. Fresh, vibrant and full of character, the 2020 impresses with its energy and delineation," notes Antonio Galloni. The warm, dry 2022 vintage produced a profound, long-haul thoroughbred that offers extreme bang for your collectible buck, with widespread acclaim for all corners of the professional press. "A serious overachiever" according to Galloni, "this appears to be the best Meyney produced for quite some time, and it's well worth seeking out," notes Wine Advocate's William Kelley. In short, these acclaimed gems are some of the smartest bets for your cellar that you'll find, with tons of upside potential and case-buy pricing. | ||
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| 2020 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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6 B-21 Top Recommendation Read More "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate The above quote from William Kelley truly captures the sentiment around this hidden gem estate in Pessac-Léognan. In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately, as evidenced by today's line-up of recent releases. The estate's red is a sub-$50 home-run hitter every year, and that kind of consistency is on display in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 vintages, the latter of which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing ofWine Advocate. Not to be overlooked, the 2020 is also "a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine " that has racked up impressive accolades from across the critical space for its "great mix of richness and elegance." Finally, like any great Pessac estate, de Fieuzal's white wines are some of the best in Bordeaux, and the two vintages on offer today each boast an impressive critical line that tops off at 95 points. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| 2018 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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