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| 2020 Domaine Xavier & Agnès Amirault St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Le Fondis (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the St-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation, but his wines themselves do more than enough talking. The domaine's Clos des Quarterons is a singular property in the region, from which Amirault carefully crafts his range. The entry-level 2022 Les Quarterons is made from predominantly younger vines on sandy soils, providing a beautiful introduction to the utterly charming style of this humble yet talented winemaker. With 94 points and an Editor's Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, it's a certified gem that shows what Cabernet Franc can be in the right hands. Our own Andrew Kitz was equally impressed, calling it "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." Xavier's parcellaire wines take things up a notch or two, as you'll clearly see in the 2020 Le Fondis, from a north-facing, gentle slope of clay and sandy sediment. "As unapologetically old-school and classic as Loire Cab Franc gets," the Le Fondis is every bit the reference-point. You'll understand exactly why the Bordelaise adopted the varietal when you taste this wine. Its "ultra-suave texture and dark personality" make for a "Cabernet Franc with quintessential Loire heart and soul," as Andrew puts it. The consistency and pedigree of Amirault's wines far outpace their price points, making them savvy buys across the board for Loire fans who prize authentic, true-to-form expressions that can only be made in this part of the world. | ||
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| 2020 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...this red is supple and fragrant, showing lovely harmony." - Wine Spectator There aren't many entry-level Barolos out there that offer the kind of reliable, old-school character and class that Damilano's Lecinquevigne displays, vintage after vintage. That has everything to do with the wine's origins. A true appellation expression, Lecinquevigne is composed of vineyards in the five main villages of the region – Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Barolo, and Novello – which allows for remarkable stylistic consistency in the face of varying vintage conditions. Antonio Galloni notes of the 2020 vintage, "Grace, elegance and understatement are some of the qualities readers will find in the 2020 Barolos ... Overall, 2020 is a vintage of mid-weight Barolos. These are wines to admire for their balance and seductive appeal more than their power or structure," characteristics readily apparent in the 2020 Lecinquevigne. "The 2020 Lecinquevigne from Damilano is all about fragrance and finesse," writes Kerin O'Keefe, while Wine Spectator concurs in their 94-point review, calling it "elegant, with the potential to develop over the next two decades." Long-time fans of the wine will find everything they've come to know and love from Damilano, while those looking to introduce themselves to the classic Barolo style without breaking the break should look no further than this confident and poised expression. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Despite his abrupt death in a crocodile-infested river in the jungles of Nicaragua in 1869, the legacy of the infamously colorful Count Haraszthy prospers today at the historic Buena Vista Winery he founded in 1857. Recently acquired by the equally colorful bon vivant and vin extraordinaire Jean-Claude Boisset, Buena Vista has enjoyed significant investment and masterful vineyard management. Notable is this addition of Napa Valley Cabernet bottling to the Buena Vista line up beginning with the 2016 vintage. The Napa Cab fruit is sourced from sites in Oak Knoll, St. Helena and Atlas Peak, with 24 months in French oak of which 30% is new. The oversized, heavy bottle harkens to bottles of the 19th century – matching the classism of wine. The Count is still considered California's most acclaimed and flamboyant vinicultural pioneer, but some would contend Jean Claude Boisset might just be his match! The powerful, full bodied Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon shows Boisset's exceptional winemaking prowess, a well-balanced beauty offering bold fruit, fine tannins and lingering intensity.. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Meyney (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Poujeaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis-en-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2023 Prager Hinter der Burg Gruner Veltliner (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Weingut Prager's Toni Bodenstein is indisputably in the top echelon of his generation of Austrian winemakers, and now that his son Robert has taken the helm at the revered Wachau estate, it's clear that the next generation will be one of continued brilliance. Always among the most sought-after names in Austrian wine, Prager's flagship bottlings set the bar, vintage after vintage, for Grüner Veltliner, and today's offer features the superlative 2023s that have already found great favor among our long-time fans and collectors of Austria's best, not to mention garganutan scores from Vinous and Stuart Pigott. Each wine is a highlight unto itself, but you should take serious note of the 98-point Wachstum Bodenstein, "an incredibly delicate and subtle Grüner Veltliner in spite of the great concentration." Likewise, the "incredible intensity" and "certain aging potential" of the 98-point Achleiten Stockkultur make it a masterpiece of class and a benchmark for the category. Finally, don't miss a 99-point rarity in the Zwerithaler Kammergut, produced from a micro-parcel of 120-year-old vines owned by the local abbey. "So fluid, but so fine-boned, immensely dense and rounded but without heaviness," notes Vinous' Anne Krebiehl, it's a singular expression and one of the most unique wines in Austria. Prager's legions of fans will find across-the-board stardom in this range, as these 2023s are yet again up there with the most highly praised wines of the vintage, and they're also available at must-see pricing that puts them among the sharpest buys in the market. | ||
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| 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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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Tradition (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud's estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with "relatively simple, unadorned winemaking" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn't produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage "producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache" according to Decanter's Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region's higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2023 Patrice Rion Cote de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge, which "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up." With amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity, it checks every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make it an easy choice for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Sebastien Dampt Chablis Les Vaillons 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been working with the wines of Sébastien Dampt for a few vintages now, and the scion of one of Chablis' most prominent winemakers has found a strong following among our long-time Burgundy aficionados. After all, Sébastien is a staunch adherent to the "no oak" style, à la Louis Michel, and his wines reflect the kind of terroir purity that fetches a high premium from hardcore fans of classic, "old school" Chablis. These newly arrived 2023s are clearly reflective of Dampt's style, starting with the 92-point 2023 Vaillons 1er Cru. "Very disciplined though still with the generosity of the vintage," the 2023 is understated when it needs to be while giving up just the right level of approachability to be enjoyable right out of the gate. The Cote de Lechet likewise shows its 1er cru pedigree in spades, with "excellent volume and richness to the succulent and sappy middle weight flavors" as described by Burghound's Allen Meadows. Finally, the village level Chablis stands as an unbeatable value in its category, an "easy-going effort" with "cool and pretty aromas ... textured, even succulent, medium-bodied flavors." Working directly with the domaine, we were able to source this parcel at a by-far market-best pricing, so our private clients can jump on these true exponents of pure Chablis terroir for a downright steal. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The successful wines of 2020 are absolutely gorgeous." - Eric Guido, Vinous How does Brunello follow an act like the epic 2019 vintage? That's the million-dollar question surrounding Brunello's 2020 vintage, and to be sure, it doesn't boast the generation excellence or across the board consistency of 2010, 2016, or 2019, but as with any great wine region, the great producers certainly made great wines, and they're ripe for the picking if you know where to look. Today's offer distills our broad and deep selection of 2020 Brunellos into a quartet of favorites that we believe capture the vintage perfectly while offering exceptional quality-to-price ratio. The "harmonious and vibrant" 2020 Camigliano takes this estate's overachieving class to the next level with a glowing 95-point score from Wine Spectator, while the 2020 Caparzo "is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," as noted James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest qualities, its approachability in the near term. Fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." It should come as no surprise that Montosoli's most famous estate, Altesino, turned out some stellar wines yet again in this vintage. The 2020 Altesino is once again a razor-sharp buy with three of 95-point scores under its belt. "Offering both refined complexity and true drinking pleasure, with nothing heavy or weighted, it's fabulous all around," declares Dunnuck's Italy critic, Audrey Frick. Finally, the 2020 Casanova di Neri boasts an extra dimension this vintage, as that estate's legendary Cerretalto was not produced, the fruit going instead into this bottling, resulting in 96-point rendition that is "especially spicy, lifted and intense" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. As the 2020 Brunellos have come to market, it's becoming clear that this vintage is a more than worthy follow-up to the heralded 2019s, and best of all, performers like these show that they're among the smartest buys in Italian wine at the moment. | ||
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| 2021 Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers. These new releases are nothing short of captivating." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We still can't believe our good fortune to have the singularly talented Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa estate in our direct-import stable. Even more so, we still can't believe these wines are not on everyone's radar, so utterly refined, precise, and authentic are their character and substance. After a recent tasting of the full range of 2021 Classicos, we fell head over heels with no hesitation, and we went all in on this spectacular trio. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino kicks everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Antonio Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." The Caparsino is brought up entirely in concrete tank to give it the purest Sangiovese character possible, something to be desired when the vineyards and fruit are as impeccable as Caparsa's. In contrast to the Caparsino's bright, elegant personality, the 96-point, single-vineyard 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo is "a brooding virile wine," Aged in Stockinger and Mittelberger oak, it boasts an "explosive" profile with "tremendous substance." It's a stunning representation of collectible Chianti Classico that can stand with many wines twice its price. Finally, the DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." After all, Paolo does everything the hard way, which almost always makes the best wines, and we're quite confident in saying that Caparsa is firmly among the elite producers in the region, even if their production and recognition are dwarfed by many of their larger peers. That also means that these are some of the sharpest, cellar-worthy Tuscan wines in our inventory, so you should have no doubts about going big, as they will remain absolutely thrilling expressions for years and years to come. | ||
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| 2020 Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The successful wines of 2020 are absolutely gorgeous." - Eric Guido, Vinous How does Brunello follow an act like the epic 2019 vintage? That's the million-dollar question surrounding Brunello's 2020 vintage, and to be sure, it doesn't boast the generation excellence or across the board consistency of 2010, 2016, or 2019, but as with any great wine region, the great producers certainly made great wines, and they're ripe for the picking if you know where to look. Today's offer distills our broad and deep selection of 2020 Brunellos into a quartet of favorites that we believe capture the vintage perfectly while offering exceptional quality-to-price ratio. The "harmonious and vibrant" 2020 Camigliano takes this estate's overachieving class to the next level with a glowing 95-point score from Wine Spectator, while the 2020 Caparzo "is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," as noted James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest qualities, its approachability in the near term. Fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." It should come as no surprise that Montosoli's most famous estate, Altesino, turned out some stellar wines yet again in this vintage. The 2020 Altesino is once again a razor-sharp buy with three of 95-point scores under its belt. "Offering both refined complexity and true drinking pleasure, with nothing heavy or weighted, it's fabulous all around," declares Dunnuck's Italy critic, Audrey Frick. Finally, the 2020 Casanova di Neri boasts an extra dimension this vintage, as that estate's legendary Cerretalto was not produced, the fruit going instead into this bottling, resulting in 96-point rendition that is "especially spicy, lifted and intense" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. As the 2020 Brunellos have come to market, it's becoming clear that this vintage is a more than worthy follow-up to the heralded 2019s, and best of all, performers like these show that they're among the smartest buys in Italian wine at the moment. | ||
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| 2024 Capichera Vermentino di Gallura Superiore Vign'angena (750ml) | ||
| Vermentino from Sardinia, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It seems Italy's white wine scene is getting better and better with each vintage, and you can now add the 97-point 2024 Capichera Vermentino Vigna'angena to the list of the country's benchmark, native-grape expressions. Arguably the finest estate in Sardinia's Gallura DOCG. The recent acquisition of the estate by Italian wine entrepreneur Carlo Campanini Bonomi has ensured that this iconic property not only remains a standard-bearer for the island, but that it takes its game to next level by staying true to its singular terroir. Bonomi considers the property to be one of great heritage, and it's his responsibility to carry that heritage forward. To that end, his extensive investments since his purchase are now paying off big time, as we clearly see in this stunning tete de cuvée. Harvested entirely from estate vineyards, the Vigna'angena is quintessential Vermentino, with an intense mineral backbone balanced by full-ish weight and texture. The original vision of Capichera's founder is on full display in this latest rendition under the estate's new ownership - to produce the finest expressions of an Italian winemaking tradition that dates back a thousand years, and to position the estate as its global ambassador. Based on the 2024 Vigna'angena, we'd say they're succeeding with flying colors. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021s are marvelously complete wines that offer a captivating mix of energy, structure, depth and plenty of site character." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous To paraphrase Mark Twain's infamous quip about good whiskey, too much great wine is not enough, and we still can't get enough of Barbaresco's epic 2021 vintage. Ever since these wines began to hit the market, they've delivered on the early praise that was heaped on them by critics across the board. There's obviously no shortage of spectacular buys in this vintage, but that breadth of choice can often make selection daunting, so we've hand-picked some of our absolute favorites get you going in this reference-point campaign. Massolino shines with a pair of superb offerings in their "super-classic" village bottling and their triple 95-point Albesani single cru. Produttori's 2021 village bottling is once again one of the steals of the vintage. With 95+ points from Wine Advocate, it's a "a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas." Next up, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck, a "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Larner. Finally, don't miss the single-cru sleeper stars from Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Cortese. "This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising," writes Galloni in his 95-point review of Rocca's 2021 Ronchi. He likewise praises Cortese's 2021 rendition of the iconic Rabaja cru as "complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." No matter which way you turn, it seems Barbaresco's 2021 vintage is knocking it out of the park, and our market-leading pricing on these fan favorites and collectible hits provides you ample opportunity to stock the cellar full for the next couple of decades. | ||
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| Cardenxe Sotol de Desierto (750ml) | ||
| Sotol from Chihuahua, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I had no idea of the price when I first tasted the Desierto, and I was firmly convinced this would be twice as expensive as it is, given the stunning intrigue and complexity on offer." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer If you've never heard of Sotol, you're not alone, but this ancient Mexican spirit tradition is alive and well in insiders' circles, and you'll no doubt be hearing more and more about it in the coming years. It's made from a distant cousin of the agave cactus known as Dasylirion, which is actually part of the Asparagus family. Like agave, it takes a decade or more for these wild-grown varietals to mature for distillation, and they only grow in Mexico's northern frontier, the region's various climates each favoring one Dasylirion varietal or another. Cardenxe, named for the traditional a cappella ballads of the region, is one of the category's most dynamic projects and a reference-point for what Sotol is all about. Each expression is crafted by hand from start to finish, from cutting the piñas in the fields to axe-milling the cooked hearts. Fermentation in small pine vats and double-distillation on copper alembic stills ensures the purest product possible. The Sotol de Desierto is, as you guessed, made from the desert varietals D.Texanum, D. Cedrosanum, & D. Berlandieri by one of the undisputed masters of the craft. This blended approach is distinct among Sotol producers, and the result is equally singular. As Andrew's review makes clear, the Desierto is a multi-faceted stunner that will give any agave spirit at twice the price a run for its money. We were so impressed that we went big and negotiated a one-time introductory price that brings it to you for under $40, the best you'll find in the market. If you've been looking for the next big thing in artisanal craft spirits, sotol is it. And as Andrew declares, "Whether you’ve never heard of Sotol or you’re Sotol curious, start here and you’ll be an instant fan." | ||
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| 2022 Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sometimes the best choice is one that's so familiar that you might forget it's even there, but these top scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deserve the full attention of Napa wine lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of seriously delicious white and red wines from prime Napa terroir available at bargain pricing whether choosing a few favorites or mixing a case. Among the oldest growers in the Stags Leap District, the 240-acre property Stags' Leap Winery on the Silverado Trail has been continuously planted with vines since the late 1800's, the once abandoned estate undergoing a lengthy renovation beginning in the 1970's and becoming part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011. More than a nostalgic reminder of the days when great Napa wines didn't have to cost an arm and a leg, these high-scoring Stags' Leap Winery selections deliver the goods, all well-crafted, delicious wines reasonably priced for stocking up to enjoy anytime a taste of Napa calls. | ||
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| 2019 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More With many of the choicest vineyard sites in Alexander Valley, Stonestreet is often considered the go-to producer for the appellation's quintessential expressions of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, "...this balanced, elegant wine is refined and savory, with classic structure." - Wine Enthusiast The 94-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a knockout rendition sourced from the estate's Monument Ridge vineyard, a collection of smaller blocks ranging in elevation from 400 feet all the way up to 2,400 feet. With such varied micro-climates, the wine itself captures every single facet of Alexander Valley Cabernet in spades - "full-bodied with chewy tannins, a lush mouthfeel, [with] fine acidity" as James Suckling describes it. The 2019 vintage adds its own particular mark on the wine in its overly charming approachability that is in prime form right now, which means it'll offer showstopping complexity and Cabernet character without having to hide in your cellar for five years (or more), all at a market-best price. | ||
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| 2023 White Walnut Chardonnay Dundee Hills (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Chris Mazepink is producing some of the region’s most impressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com As far as upstart phenom projects, Willamette Valley has a few, but White Walnut Estate is bright even among other rising stars. Not exactly an upstart himself, founder Chris Mazepink's roots in Willamette are deep to say the least, having lengthy tenures as head winemaker for Archery Summit, Benton Lane, and Shea Wine Cellars, so when he was ready to leave the corporate wine world behind and work for himself, he knew exactly where he wanted to do it - an abandoned walnut orchard right in his own Dundee Hills backyard. Planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2015 and 2016, the estate vineyard's young vines are nonetheless turning out absolutely stunning expressions with serious scores across the board, thanks in large part to Chris' top-tier skills. Skills, we might add, that are evident in his outstanding Worden Hill expressions from an undisclosed yet reportedly prized Dundee site located on Worden Hill Road, which runs through the Dundee Hills and down to Newberg. The entire range of 2023s is just a smashing success to put it plainly, with each wine a critically acclaimed gem, including the Dundee Hills appellation cuvées. If you're an Oregon wine fan or collector, rest assured you will be thrilled you got in on the ground floor here when you did. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Chasse-Spleen (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges Rouge (375ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers. These new releases are nothing short of captivating." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We still can't believe our good fortune to have the singularly talented Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa estate in our direct-import stable. Even more so, we still can't believe these wines are not on everyone's radar, so utterly refined, precise, and authentic are their character and substance. After a recent tasting of the full range of 2021 Classicos, we fell head over heels with no hesitation, and we went all in on this spectacular trio. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino kicks everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Antonio Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." The Caparsino is brought up entirely in concrete tank to give it the purest Sangiovese character possible, something to be desired when the vineyards and fruit are as impeccable as Caparsa's. In contrast to the Caparsino's bright, elegant personality, the 96-point, single-vineyard 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo is "a brooding virile wine," Aged in Stockinger and Mittelberger oak, it boasts an "explosive" profile with "tremendous substance." It's a stunning representation of collectible Chianti Classico that can stand with many wines twice its price. Finally, the DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." After all, Paolo does everything the hard way, which almost always makes the best wines, and we're quite confident in saying that Caparsa is firmly among the elite producers in the region, even if their production and recognition are dwarfed by many of their larger peers. That also means that these are some of the sharpest, cellar-worthy Tuscan wines in our inventory, so you should have no doubts about going big, as they will remain absolutely thrilling expressions for years and years to come. | ||
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| Historias y Memorias Espadin Joven Mezcal (750ml) | ||
| From Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...if you love delicious, artisanal, versatile mezcal for a bargain, this ought to be your new favorite." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The overall quality in the mezcal scene is certainly on the upswing in the past decade, but that rise has also come with higher prices for what you're getting. So, when we came across this outstanding, hand-crafted gem from master mezcalero José Luis Hernandez, it was a no-brainer at under $45. Hernandez is all traditional in his methods - underground pit oven, horse-drawn tahona, open-top wood fermentations, double distillation on a copper alembic still - so Historias y Memorias exhibits real craftsmanship and varietal purity, with classic, dark, savory aromatics and flavors on a weighty, full-bodied palate showing a well-restrained smoky character. We don't often see this kind of character and authenticity at this price point, and with such a quintessential profile and broad stylistic appeal, the Historias y Memorias is perfectly poised to enter your regular rotation in whatever way you choose to let it shine. | ||
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| 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Consistently earning critical acclaim vintage over vintage including the #4 spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100, the decadent 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon continues the Faust reputation for over delivering value, an immensely satisfying Napa Cab from the founder of Quintessa offering an enticing combination of fresh, opulent dark fruit and lush, velvety tannins, unbeatably priced for Napa Cab fans to scoop up by the case and enjoy often. Located just past Beringer heading north on Highway 29, Faust chose to open its new sleek tasting and event center in a once run down Victorian on a hillside near Healdsburg, using it as an opportunity to expose visitors to Napa's lesser-known, less-visited Coombsville AVA 20 minutes to the south where the Faust vineyard is located. Recognizing the cooler region's potential for growing Cabernet Sauvignon over a decade before it became an AVA in 2001, former Concha y Toro CEO and longtime California vintner Agustin Huneeus established Faust on the site of a former dairy farm in 1998, the early vintages of Faust establishing the reputation of Coombsville as a site capable of producing high-quality, complex Cabs and attracting a who's who of celebrated winemakers to the area including Andy Erickson and Paul Hobbs. Located just east of the town of Napa, the certified organic 128-acre Faust vineyard is planted in rich gravelly loam and volcanic rock soils that enhance minerality while the nearby cup and saucer like ridge coined the 'Coombsville caldera' funnels winds from the San Pablo Bay and create conditions for extended, gradual ripening. Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc primarily from Faust's Coombsville site, former Harlan and Groth winemaker David Jelinek aged the 2022 Faust for 20 months in 25% new French oak barrels, yielding a bold and pleasurable Cab with elegant, plush fruit and bright acidity built to age gracefully over the next decade. Declaring the AVA "Napa Valley's Rising Star," the Wine Enthusiast called Coombsville a top choice for "buyers that desire something new from Napa," the 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon living up to its reputation as an exceptional, cellar worthy Napa Cab reflecting the pioneering winemaking legacy of Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus at an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| 2023 White Walnut Pinot Noir Dundee Hills (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Chris Mazepink is producing some of the region’s most impressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com As far as upstart phenom projects, Willamette Valley has a few, but White Walnut Estate is bright even among other rising stars. Not exactly an upstart himself, founder Chris Mazepink's roots in Willamette are deep to say the least, having lengthy tenures as head winemaker for Archery Summit, Benton Lane, and Shea Wine Cellars, so when he was ready to leave the corporate wine world behind and work for himself, he knew exactly where he wanted to do it - an abandoned walnut orchard right in his own Dundee Hills backyard. Planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2015 and 2016, the estate vineyard's young vines are nonetheless turning out absolutely stunning expressions with serious scores across the board, thanks in large part to Chris' top-tier skills. Skills, we might add, that are evident in his outstanding Worden Hill expressions from an undisclosed yet reportedly prized Dundee site located on Worden Hill Road, which runs through the Dundee Hills and down to Newberg. The entire range of 2023s is just a smashing success to put it plainly, with each wine a critically acclaimed gem, including the Dundee Hills appellation cuvées. If you're an Oregon wine fan or collector, rest assured you will be thrilled you got in on the ground floor here when you did. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Brut Rose No. 5 (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau LaTour Martillac Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2022 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...one of my favorite wines in Pessac-Léognan." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately. As William Kelley of Wine Advocate observes, "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." The estate's 2022 is a sub-$50 home-run hitter which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate. Under the direction of Stephen Carrier, de Fieuzal has hit its stride the 2022 vintage, which is emerging as an epic campaign. The estate's 2022 shows all the structure of the vintage, yet it retains a balanced freshness that leaves room for the exceptionally well-defined flavors and aromas to stretch their legs, offering the very best features of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in ringing harmony. Best of all, it's approachable even today but will certainly make a solid run in the cellar should you choose to put some away. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in the 2022 Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Gloria (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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