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| 2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category. Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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| 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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| 2024 Diatom Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2024 Chardonnay is, yet again, a gorgeous, singular wine with so much regional identity and Fans of winemaker Greg Brewer won't need convincing to stock up the new vintage of his pure and precise 2024 Diatom Chardonnay, especially since it landed in the top 20 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025. Transparently expressing the essence of fragrant Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay with shimmering minerality on a vibrant, saline finish, it's a "no-brainer for purchase" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Sourced from low-yielding vines in the the Mission Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos and fermented and matured in 100% stainless steel, the refined 2024 Diatom Chardonnay beautifully balances bright, lively fruit with refreshing, mineral-tinged acidity, reflecting Brewer's signature style of "clean, crisp, remarkably pure Chardonnay," according to Dunnuck, with a mouthwatering finish that begs for another sip. "Such an impressively high-quality wine" per Antonio Galloni's own 93-point review, the 2024 Diatom once again affirms its place as one of the smartest buys in California Chardonnay, at a price that makes it a perfect candidate to stack high and deep by the case. | ||
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| 2019 Massolino Barolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| 2019 Sierra Cantabria Reserva Unica (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...quite complete and balanced in a classical year." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate A bastion of the old-school Rioja style, Sierra Cantabria boasts a track record of consistency that puts them firmly in the company of the region's other benchmark names. Known for turning out superb values, the estate also excels with some truly outstanding single-vineyard wines that Rioja collectors seek out on a regular basis. The bridge between the two categories is the Unica Reserva, sourced from a handful of these same prized vineyard sites that make up the top tier of the Sierra Cantabria range. The impeccable fruit pedigree, expert winemaking, and outstanding price all combine for a surefire winner of outstanding value that Rioja lovers can stock up on and enjoy time and time again over the next 15 years or more. | ||
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| 2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine consistently makes a compelling case for one of the best under $50 Oregon Pinot Noirs." - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter One of the best under-$50 Oregon Pinot Noirs? No question. We'll do you one better – how about the best Oregon Pinot Noir for under $30? We think that's exactly what you're getting in the 2023 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir at our market-best pricing. Sourced from three of the Casteel family's outstanding estate vineyards, this wine is the very definition of bang for your buck. Winemaker Ben Casteel is an ardent believer in bringing his A-game to everything he makes, and that includes his entry-level offering. This double 94-point gem is "medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet." In short, it's a showcase of all that we love about Eola-Amity Hills Pinot, and it even has "serious enough structure to lay down should you choose" according to Decanter. It's also a perfect example of what makes Bethel Heights our best-selling Oregon wine brand, several years running. | ||
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| 2016 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage (750ml) | ||
| From Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Alary Cairanne L'Estevenas Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Clairette from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Savvy bargain hunters are by now well aware of the stellar quality for price to be found in the relatively new Cairanne appellation. Since its promotion to full cru status, the region has captured the attention of Southern Rhône insiders, and it's Domaine Alary leading the way. Father and son Denis and Jean-Etienne Alary are renowned for their track record of consistent excellence, and the flagship Estevenas Rouge defines the domaine's style and reputation in the market. The 94-96 point 2022 rendition "features stunning aromas ... Full-bodied, creamy and lush on the palate, it finishes long and silky" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, the Syrah-dominant blend benefitting from some of the oldest Syrah vines in the Southern Rhône. The 2022 La Brunote is a prime example of the Alarys' wide-ranging repertoire and skill set. The 92-94WA, Mourvèdre-based blend excels in the warm vintage, especially at our market-best price. "Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it's almost creamy in texture, with a lingering finish. Yum," declares Czerwinski. To get a true feel for the elite position Alary occupies in Cairanne, don't miss the Jean de Verde bottlings. The WA94 Jean de Verde Blanc is "silky in texture, with a long, elegant finish—a stunning white from Southern Rhône," while the 2022 Jean de Verde Rouge continues this cuvée's track record as a benchmark Cairanne collectible. Garnering a whopping 95-97 points as a potential best-ever effort from Denis and Jean-Etienne, it's "amazingly complex on the nose ... [with] wonderful harmony. It's full-bodied and rich, concentrated and velvety, with a long, zesty finish." In short, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck in the southern Rhone. Alary is back at B-21 in a big way, with 2022s that set the pace for the appellation and offer world-class value. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Alary Cairanne la Brunote (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Savvy bargain hunters are by now well aware of the stellar quality for price to be found in the relatively new Cairanne appellation. Since its promotion to full cru status, the region has captured the attention of Southern Rhône insiders, and it's Domaine Alary leading the way. Father and son Denis and Jean-Etienne Alary are renowned for their track record of consistent excellence, and the flagship Estevenas Rouge defines the domaine's style and reputation in the market. The 94-96 point 2022 rendition "features stunning aromas ... Full-bodied, creamy and lush on the palate, it finishes long and silky" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, the Syrah-dominant blend benefitting from some of the oldest Syrah vines in the Southern Rhône. The 2022 La Brunote is a prime example of the Alarys' wide-ranging repertoire and skill set. The 92-94WA, Mourvèdre-based blend excels in the warm vintage, especially at our market-best price. "Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it's almost creamy in texture, with a lingering finish. Yum," declares Czerwinski. To get a true feel for the elite position Alary occupies in Cairanne, don't miss the Jean de Verde bottlings. The WA94 Jean de Verde Blanc is "silky in texture, with a long, elegant finish—a stunning white from Southern Rhône," while the 2022 Jean de Verde Rouge continues this cuvée's track record as a benchmark Cairanne collectible. Garnering a whopping 95-97 points as a potential best-ever effort from Denis and Jean-Etienne, it's "amazingly complex on the nose ... [with] wonderful harmony. It's full-bodied and rich, concentrated and velvety, with a long, zesty finish." In short, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck in the southern Rhone. Alary is back at B-21 in a big way, with 2022s that set the pace for the appellation and offer world-class value. | ||
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| 2022 Xavier & Agnès Amirault St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Les Quarterons Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Cabernet Franc as it should be ... immensely satisfying and easy to enjoy." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer Loire's red wines are getting more and more attention these days and for good reason. The quality is on a sharp upswing and yet the wines still offer some of the best QPR in all of France, where the ancient, native Cabernet Franc varietal is enjoying a long-overdue and much welcome renaissance in popularity. Chinon is the poster child for the best expressions, but the Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil appellation is making a strong case for itself, often displaying all the class and sophistication of Chinon at a fraction of the price. Xavier Amirault's passionate advocacy of biodynamics and his meticulous attention to detail make him a natural advocate for the appellation's wines, 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 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 Andrew Kitz was equally impressed with the wine's "startlingly expressive" nose of "pure, precise fruits" and an "equally fresh and vital" palate that conveys all the varietal character that Cab Franc fans crave. Approachable now, it's also well-balanced and structured enough to stash some away, as the wine's "cool and suave" character will only get more interesting with time. | ||
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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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| 2014 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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| 2009 Andre Clouet Dream Vintage Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| From Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
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| 2023 Rudi Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Wachau (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Let's cut straight to the chase - when it comes to Austria's epic 2023 vintage, there are three names that astute collectors simply must add to their cellars, and Rudi Pichler is one of them. The iconic Wachau estate has more that outdone itself with a staggering range of masterpiece-quality offerings that will surely rank among the most sought-after of the 2023 campaign. | ||
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| Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Single Barrel Select Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Bardstown, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Campfire season is now officially underway, even here in Florida (which just means it's not sweltering), and we all know a good dram in hand can turn a good campfire into a great campfire. These four picks on offer today are all stunning hidden gems with style and character that match the season to a T, no matter what your preference is. Scotch fans take note, the 94-point Lochlea Fallow Edition Single Malt is matured in ex-oloroso Sherry butts to bring forth a clear autumnal character, showcasing all the gorgeous oloroso depth and beautifully charming profile of Lochlea's malt. This is the final release of this bottling, as Lochlea is turning its focus to more experimental and single-cask expressions, along with their core line-up. It's impressively complex for a young whisky, but it's also just flat-out delicious. ""Lochlea’s Fallow Edition is in its final release," notes Whisky Advocate, "and boy, is it going out with a bang." Hand-selected exclusively for B-21, Elijah Craig's 9 Year Old Barrel #6871256 shows the famed profile of this Heaven Hill benchmark at its pinnacle. Bottled at a full barrel proof of 120.4, this cask is full-throttle intensity and opulence from start to finish. A towering aromatic profile defined by deep red fruits and luxurious barrel character leads the way, while the palate is a kaleidoscope of depth and complexity riding a weighty but balanced texture to an incredibly refined, drawn-out finish, "arguably the most compelling B-21 single-cask bourbon in our inventory," according to Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz. For the rum fanatics, Mexico's Alambique Serrano may not be a household name, but the craftsmanship and work ethic of this third-generation distillery are undeniable, leading to the La Sociedad Florida Rum Society Cask, the very first Florida Rum Society single-cask selection from "south of the border." It's an 11 on the intensity scale, a full cask-strength stunner that's unlike anything else we've ever come across in the rum category. "Not one for the faint of heart, it's a big, brash powerhouse that challenges the established rum conventions in the best possible way," notes Andrew. Finally, full still-strength mezcals and destilados are a relative rarity, and that's only one reason we jumped on PM Spirits Project's Destilado de Agave Espadin. More than anything, it's immediately apparent that this is artisanal Espadin desitlado of the highest order and the maestro who made it knows his craft. The varietal purity and focus are second to none, even for at a monumental 62% ABV, and the myriad layers of complexity are almost too much to describe in one go. As B-21's Andrew Kitz notes, "The push-pull tension is really something to experience, and I have no doubt that the more I go back to it, the more subtle nuances and facets I’ll find that I somehow missed the first time around." We secured all that was left at a must-see, market-best price and once this is batch is gone, we won't be seeing more of it. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our recently arrived direct-import container brought in a trove of beauties, among them a fantastic roster of must-try overperformers from the world's best source - Bordeaux. That's right, $1,000 First Growths aside, Bordeaux is still the greatest hotbed of superb quality at the value price tier. These 2019s and 2020s from both the Right and Left Banks epitomize the values you can find here, if you know where to look. Haut-Medoc's Larrivaux delivers the goods at the $20 mark, with a pair of eminently charming, approachable winners, while the "wonderfully pure, medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless" 2019 La Prade is a chance to get can't-miss Right Bank class from the winemaking skills of the talented Nicolas Thienpont, all at a case-buy price. Listrac, along with Moulis, is a bargain hunter's paradise, and Fourcas-Dupre is the name to know there, and even collectors shouldn't overlook the 95-point 2019 Cantemerle. ""This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar," declares, Neal Martin of Vinous. Finally, our score of the season on the Right Bank is undoubtedly the 94-point, "utterly delicious" 2019 Rol Valentin, which Neal Martin proclaims, "one of the finest I have tasted in recent years." We recently scored a parcel at a jaw-dropping price that's the best in the world, so this is the trophy value score you've been looking for. Any way you look at it, Bordeaux continues to deliver the goods at this price tier. There are countless unbelievable deals to be found in such a vast and varied regions, but we've done our digging and these are some of the best. | ||
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| 2010 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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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| 2021 Quintessa Proprietary Red (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More What happens when you combine one of Napa's great modern vintages and one of its most beloved cult collectible icons? Pure perfection, also known as the 2021 Quintessa Proprietary Red. This towering expression of a Napa standard bearer has racked up one superlative after another in the critical sphere, led by a 100-point mark from Wine Enthusiast. "An exquisite wine ... refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy." - Wine Enthusiast Augustin Huneeus' superb estate just off the Silverado Trail in Rutherford is perfectly suited to spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and the Proprietary Red blend is always a ringing testament to the Rutherford AVA's singular style. Adding icing to the cake, the now benchmark 2021 vintage gave the winemaking team virtually perfect raw materials from which to craft this legend in the making. Backing up that triple-digit score, the 2021 also boasts near-perfect praise from James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, and Decanter, further affirming it as "another gorgeous wine" and one of the top cellar-worthy buys of the 2021 Napa campaign. As if you needed any more convincing, we've also sourced this parcel at an unheard-of price that you won't find anywhere else in the country, so best make room for a new centerpiece in the California section of your cellar, as you're going to want to stack this one in multiples. | ||
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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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| Andre Clouet Brut Rose No. 3 (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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| 2020 Caiarossa (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or "rossa" gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa's 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone's Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany's native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This set of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing "impressive depth and textural richness" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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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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| 2023 Patrice Rion Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from 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 Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "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. These 2023s check 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 them easy choices 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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| 2013 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that 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 Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "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. These 2023s check 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 them easy choices 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 Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2020 Altesino 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 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous There you have it. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. This epic Tuscan vintage keeps delivering the good in every denominacion across the region, but it truly seems like Chianti Classico hit the highest heights of all with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation." We've seen countless head-turning standouts come through already (with more to come soon), and today we're highlighted three of our favorites in the sub-$25 price tier. Leading off, our direct-import star Le Cinciole has, to no one's surprise, delivered incredible bang for the buck in their "juicy, vivid, and crunchy" entry-level value star. Ricasoli's 2021 Brolio is the perfect candidate for your everyday rotation with its "immediately light and bright personality," and finally, Fonterutoli's 2021 delivers a double-93-point powerhouse expression, "darker, more powerful and concentrated than your standard entry-level Chianti Classico" according to Monica Larner. No matter your style preference, Chianti Classico's extraordinary 2021 vintage has the perfect fit at prices that make it easy to stock up big. | ||
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