| 2023 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Tré Terre (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2020 Bodegas Beronia Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Renowned for producing "classical, reliable wines" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Beronia is a household name in overachieving Rioja value. Vintage after vintage, the estate delivers some of the best bang for the buck in all of Spain, attracting legions of fans who have made these wines into best-selling benchmarks over the years. The JS91 Crianza is once again one of the Rioja's sharpest case-buy contenders. "Quite juicy and well made," it's a quintessential young Rioja for fans of wines both easy on the palate and on the wallet. The 93-point 2020 Beronia Reserva is another well-crafted edition of this fan-favorite to add to its consistent track record of reliability. The profile is everything long-time fans know and love, immediately accessible, charming, "harmonious," as Wine Spectator describes it. Made from Beronia's oldest vines, the 2016 Beronia Gran Reserva also brings home the goods and then some. Aged over 28 months in French oak followed by three years in bottle prior to release to develop its trademark complexity and depth, the 2016 is a "lively red, with well-meshed, sculpted tannins" according to Wine Spectator. It's a perfect trio to stock up on to deliver outstanding QPR and classic Rioja style, time and time again over the next several years. | ||
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| 2022 Schoffit Gewurztraminer Harth Cuvee Caroline (750ml) | ||
| Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines are compelling in a rather quiet way, understated but so convincing." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous "They are of a consistently high quality and, in my opinion, still far too rarely on the radar of importers, retailers and sommeliers." - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Alsace as a whole is often considered an under-the-radar region, so when we come upon a domaine that is known as "under the radar," it's safe to say it's probably far under the radar. The shame is, as Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt notes above, that wines and domaines like these deserve far more attention. However, clued-in and savvy wine collectors can reap serious benefits in the form of world-class cellar contenders at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality and pedigree from Burgundy, Champagne, or virtually anywhere else in France. Domaine Schoffit's vineyard stable is loaded with prime sites, but the unquestioned jewel in the crown is the Clos St-Théobald in the Rangen de Thann Grand Cru, inarguably the finest vineyard in Alsace. At 6.5 hectares, the Clos is now a monopole since Bernard Schoffit completed his ambitious reclamation project to unite the entire site under his domaine. The super-steep slopes and volcanic soitls produce one of the world's most distinctive Rieslings, and the 97-point 2022 ranks among the greatest vintages ever made of this wine. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling is another singular standout, this from granitic soils that shine in the wine's stunning combination of aromatic purity and textural intensity. Finally, the 2022 Harth Gewürztraminer showcases Schoffit's great sites around Colmar with fantastic varietal precision, particularly "the glorious spice of Gewürztraminer" as Anne Krebiehl notes. It bears repeating – these wines belong on the short list of Alsace's finest names along side the Weinbachs, Trimbachs, and Zind-Humbrechts, so if you're a serious Alsace fan or collector of the world's best Rieslings, make room in the cellar. You'll be so glad you did. | ||
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| 2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2022 Schoffit Riesling Clos St Theobald Grand Cru Rangen de Thann (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines are compelling in a rather quiet way, understated but so convincing." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous "They are of a consistently high quality and, in my opinion, still far too rarely on the radar of importers, retailers and sommeliers." - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Alsace as a whole is often considered an under-the-radar region, so when we come upon a domaine that is known as "under the radar," it's safe to say it's probably far under the radar. The shame is, as Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt notes above, that wines and domaines like these deserve far more attention. However, clued-in and savvy wine collectors can reap serious benefits in the form of world-class cellar contenders at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality and pedigree from Burgundy, Champagne, or virtually anywhere else in France. Domaine Schoffit's vineyard stable is loaded with prime sites, but the unquestioned jewel in the crown is the Clos St-Théobald in the Rangen de Thann Grand Cru, inarguably the finest vineyard in Alsace. At 6.5 hectares, the Clos is now a monopole since Bernard Schoffit completed his ambitious reclamation project to unite the entire site under his domaine. The super-steep slopes and volcanic soitls produce one of the world's most distinctive Rieslings, and the 97-point 2022 ranks among the greatest vintages ever made of this wine. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling is another singular standout, this from granitic soils that shine in the wine's stunning combination of aromatic purity and textural intensity. Finally, the 2022 Harth Gewürztraminer showcases Schoffit's great sites around Colmar with fantastic varietal precision, particularly "the glorious spice of Gewürztraminer" as Anne Krebiehl notes. It bears repeating – these wines belong on the short list of Alsace's finest names along side the Weinbachs, Trimbachs, and Zind-Humbrechts, so if you're a serious Alsace fan or collector of the world's best Rieslings, make room in the cellar. You'll be so glad you did. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau De La Dauphine (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A small plateau of shlallow limestone and clay soils, weather moderated by the nearby Gironde, centuries of history producing great Merlot-based wines ... surely you'd expect to pay a premium for anything from this exceptional Right Bank region. But think again. While prices in Pomerol and St-Emilion continue to climb (often to eye-watering numbers these days), the humble Fronsac appellation is still a veritable treasure trove of stupendous values that are hardly matched anywhere in Bordeaux. Our line-up today offers a fantastic picture of what makes Fronsac such a rewarding region for Bordeaux lovers seeking the ultimate combination of quality and value. Led by a pair of highly acclaimed expressions from the benchmark La Vieille Cure estate, you won't find more impressive bang for your buck on the Right Bank. The historic Chateau de la Dauphine hit new heights with its "positively stellar" 2020, and long-time B-21 favorite Fontenil is "a winner and well worth a case purchase" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Finally, Canon Pecresse turned out "a pure, mineral-laced Right Bank ... very much in the classic, balanced, yet impressive style of the vintage." The best part of the proposition is that you can indulge in any or all of them as much as you please. With pricing like this, you can stock the cellar with guaranteed value performers that will shine well into the next decade and beyond. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Laroque (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2023 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 is such a classy offering ...What an absolute delight." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Established in 2007 by the son of Ravenswood founding winemaker Joel Peterson, Bedrock Wine Company's Morgan Twain-Peterson and long-time business partner Chris Cottrell craft their wines from a who's-who list of the region's most historic vineyards, sourcing the old vine Zinfandel from century-old sites throughout Sonoma and Contra Costa counties, including Peterson's own Bedrock Vineyard. Described by Antonio Galloni as "among the most pedigreed vineyard sites anywhere in the world," Bedrock was the first California vineyard to be replanted in 1888 following the devastation of phylloxera, boasting a Zinfandel-dominated field mix planted in volcanic rocks and cobbly loam soil and farmed organically by the Petersons without irrigation. Blending 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and small amounts of other varieties averaging 80 years of age and fermenting with native yeasts, Morgan aged the lush 2023 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine in a combination of French oak and Austrian oak puncheons and foudres with about 10% new, yielding a fresh and delicately spiced Zinfandel with layered fine tannins that's ready to enjoy and will continue to mature gracefully over the next few years. Crafted by "one of the most talented winemakers of his generation" according to Galloni, the impressive, 93-point 2023 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine is blended from many of the iconic sites that go into Bedrock's single-vineyard Zins at a fraction of their price, delivering a transparent expression of rich, old-vine Zinfandel for an unbeatable value. | ||
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| 2022 La Grand Comtadine Heritiers Cheron-Misset (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The 2022 La Grand Comtadine Heritiers Cheron-Misset Côtes-du-Rhône (a mouthful for sure) continues this wine's track record as an unbeatable value stunner for B-21. After tasting this recent vintage at Wine Paris, we ordered a sizeable parcel direct from winemaker Yves Cheron's cellar. Rarely available outside the region, it's a superb everyday value to stock up on and enjoy without hesitation from an appealing Southern Rhône vintage. Drawn to the untapped potential of the Southern Rhône's smaller and lesser known appellations over fifty years ago, third-generation Burgundy grower Denis Cheron purchased a winemaking facility along with two hectares of vineyards in Vacqueyras called La Grand Comtadine in the 1960s, vinifying wines for local growers. Building relationships in the area over the next two decades, Denis was given the opportunity to purchase the Grand Montmirail in Gigondas when the heirless owner decided to retire, and along with his son Yves, they began producing wine under their own label in the 1980s. Expanding the family's holdings and establishing long-term contracts with local growers since joining his father in 1983, winemaker Yves Cheron sourced the elegantly structured, Grenache-based 2022 La Grand Comtadine Heritiers Cheron-Misset Côtes-du-Rhône from 30 hectares of sustainably farmed, low-yielding vines, aging it in concrete tanks to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and refreshing, energetic acidity with plenty of depth to savor over the next five or so years. Beautifully balancing bold fruit flavors with vibrant acidity and polished tannins, the succulent and silky-textured 2022 La Grand Comtadine Heritiers Cheron-Misset is delicious alone and easily pairs with food, a solid value CdR that fans of easy-drinking Southern Rhône reds will find themselves reaching for again and again. | ||
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| 2022 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a magical property. Of late, the wines have been pretty magical too." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous While Tignanello gets all (or almost all) the attention in the Marchesi Antinori stable, the Guado al Tasso wines have started to gain some serious traction of their own among Italian fans, and they now stand apart from their more famous sibling in all the right ways. Indeed, recent vintages have seen the estate hit new benchmarks in quality and acclaim, something that continues in this trio of new releases. The 2023 Il Bruciato stands out as one of the Tuscany's leading value buys once again, capturing the power of the warm vintage while retaining ample freshness to make it accessible even today. This JD93 blend of Bordeaux varietals plus Syrah offers up a thoroughly modern profile with tons of broad, crowd-pleasing appeal and a price to match. The Super Tuscan blends are the attention-getters in the Antinori portfolio, but the 2022 Cont' Ugo Merlot is an insider's savvy buy. We know, we know ... Merlot? Yes, Merlot. It's one of the most intriguing and dynamic varietals in Tuscany today. The coastal climate and soils are ideally suited to this Bordeaux transplant, but the result is never just an imitation of the Right Bank style. Instead, Merlot takes on its own singular Tuscan character that lends a new and vibrant perspective to the grape and the category as a whole, and the 94-point 2022 Cont' Ugo is a prime example. Finally, the latest vintage of Guado al Tasso shows the unmatched pedigree of Antinori, from the sterling quality of the fruit, to the clear terroir signatures, to the precise and meticulous winemaking, which really was deciding factor in the 2022 vintage. As Monica Larner of Wine Advocate declares in her 96-point review, "The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness." Everything about the 2022 is expertly composed and in its proper place, earning it three rock-solid, 96-point reviews from Italy's leading critics. For those who follow the Italian collectible scene, especially the Super Tuscan category, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for this exceptional expression from one of Italy's most iconic estates. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Rol Valentin (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines 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. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir 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 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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| 2022 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Durieu has been one of our most successful and enduring direct-import relationships over the past several years, with the flagship Cuvée Lucile Avril reaching all-time best seller status at B-21. We recently tasted the 2022 with François Durieu earlier this year, and it more than met our expectations. Now, a brand new, glowing 97-point review from James Suckling's senior Rhône critic puts the exclamation point on another stunning rendition that picks up right where Durieu's previous showstoppers left off. "A great masterpiece of elegance and finesse." - Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com "With medium to full body, a beautifully textured mouthfeel, and ripe tannins ... [it] brings a more classic, broad, textured profile," according to Jeb Dunnuck. In other words, the 2022 Lucile Avril is a crystal clear expression of Durieu's signature winemaking style, with an emphasis on balance and freshness (he uses no oak on any of his cuvées). It bears repeating, this wine is always one of our top-selling items in the category, so our legions of Durieu fans are in for a true classic that is, once again, one of the sharpest buys of the vintage at our domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Ridge Lytton Springs (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Dry Creek, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this set of new arrivals. One of the most beloved wines in the Ridge stable, the Lytton Springs is a classic California old-vine field blend, based on ZInfandel that has come to set the standard for the style over decades of uninterrupted success. From Ridge's estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "fabulous" 2021 Lytton Springs is "bright and vibrant to its core" according to Galloni's 95-point review, but the wine truly hits its a new level in the 2023 rendition, due not only to its recent #3 ranking on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025, but also to a towering 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic, Virginie Boone. Of course, Ridge is also renowned for delivering serious bang for the buck throughout their extensive range, and two perennial favorites are the 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and the 2023 Three Valleys. The former is a 95-point powerhouse that Antonio Galloni calls "superb ... deep and resonant." The sub-$25, double 93-point Three Valleys is a true QPR star, "generous and robust yet retaining a sense of polish." It's a no-brainer choice for an everyday red, because it delivers a level or two above that tier, yet it can be easily stacked by the case at a bargain price. | ||
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| 2020 Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah (750ml) | ||
| Petite Sirah from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Is there a more consistently excellent estate in California than Ridge Vineyards? You'd be hard-pressed to make an argument otherwise. Decades of category-defining class and substance have resulted in untold numbers of awards and accolades, so it's no surprise to see them once again at the head of the class in this set of new arrivals. One of the most beloved wines in the Ridge stable, the Lytton Springs is a classic California old-vine field blend, based on ZInfandel that has come to set the standard for the style over decades of uninterrupted success. From Ridge's estate vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley that includes centenarian Zinfandel vines, the "fabulous" 2021 Lytton Springs is "bright and vibrant to its core" according to Galloni's 95-point review, but the wine truly hits its a new level in the 2023 rendition, due not only to its recent #3 ranking on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025, but also to a towering 98 points from Jeb Dunnuck's new California critic, Virginie Boone. Of course, Ridge is also renowned for delivering serious bang for the buck throughout their extensive range, and two perennial favorites are the 2020 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and the 2023 Three Valleys. The former is a 95-point powerhouse that Antonio Galloni calls "superb ... deep and resonant." The sub-$25, double 93-point Three Valleys is a true QPR star, "generous and robust yet retaining a sense of polish." It's a no-brainer choice for an everyday red, because it delivers a level or two above that tier, yet it can be easily stacked by the case at a bargain price. | ||
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| 2020 Benjamin Romeo Alma Contador (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as undergoing a "change of paradigm" by the Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Rioja is being transformed by a new generation of passionate winemakers, this elite group of "princes" moving a region steeped in traditional winemaking methods towards vineyard expressive wines, these expertly crafted, age worthy 97 plus pt. Rioja gems all overdelivering value and worthy of mixing a case to enjoy over the next decade and beyond. Sourced exclusively from its 2.37-hectare high altitude Carromaza vineyard near Haro, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 CVNE Real de Asua was aged for 12 months in new French oak, revealing "vibrant with plush but well defined fruit" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle and declared "superb" by Wine Advocate critic Gutierrez, describing the fresh and energetic Tempranillo as expressing "the naked essence of Rioja." Naming it to both his Top 100 Wines of 2022 and ranked #21 on his Top 100 Spanish Wines, James Suckling calls the muscular 98 pt. 2019 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal "delicious now" with "great aging potential" ahead, sourced from the estate's oldest Tempranillo clones planted on natural terraces in ferrous-rich clay and limestone soils that contribute a distinct Bordeaux-like minerality, the acclaimed inaugural release also available as 750 ml. and magnum in original wooden cases of one certain to be a focal point in any collection and a perfect gift for Spanish wine lovers. Ranked #42 on James Suckling's Top 100 Spanish Wines of 2023, the thrilling 98 pt. 2020 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal also from the estate's organically farmed 2.8-hectare old vine parcel in the Finca Las Tapias vineyard was aged in 50% new French oak to yield "superb energy" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle with "a long and lingering spicy, fresh finish," its well-defined tannins promising to evolve gracefully over the next decades. An inaugural release from superstar 100 pt. winemaker Benjamin Romeo formerly of Artadi, the powerful 97 pt. 2020 Benjamin Romeo Alma Contador is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha sourced from meticulously selected old vine fruit grown at three different altitudes and aged in a range of custom made new French oak barrels, a ripe and concentrated Rioja that's both "powerful and elegant" according to the Wine Advocate's Gutierrez available at a fraction of the Bodega's flagship cult favorite wine. Described as "utterly gorgeous" by critic Jane Anson, the plush and refined 100 pt. 2019 Yjar is a field blend of mostly old vine Tempranillo and Garnacha with other indigenous varietals from 3.8 hectares of select plots from Remelluri's vineyards and aged in a mix of large French oak foudres and barrels for 30 months yielding rich, juicy fruit perfectly balanced by integrated fine tannins, described as terroir-evangelist Telmo Rodriguez's answer to world-class Bordeaux and earning the #5 spot on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023. Boasting age worthy complexity that's legendary among collectors and rightfully so, these top scoring vineyard-driven Riojas are meticulously crafted by the region's new winemaking royalty to deliver a decade or more of enjoyment, all top values promising years of delicious drinking for Rioja aficionados who stock the cellar. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres Numerus Clausus 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santenay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Producing a range of "well-made and well-priced cuvees" according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, these top scoring Red Burgundy selections from Domaine Jessiaume deliver outstanding value among the region's ever rising prices, an age worthy array from an under the radar appellation at best on the market pricing for savvy collectors to stock the cellar. Established at the entrance of the tiny village of Santenay in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume crafts its small production Burgundy wines ranging from village level to 1er Cru from 15 hectares of organically farmed vineyards under the ownership of French researcher Dr. Jean-Francois Le Bigot since 2020, employing a low intervention approach including fermenting the grapes with indigenous yeasts and limiting the use of new French oak to preserve the freshness of the fruit. From Santenay's top 1er Cru and named for its unique gravelly soils, Jasper Morris describes the flagship 94 pt. 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Les Gravieres 1er Cru as "busting with energy without sacrificing finesse," its rich, spiced fruit layered with lush tannins and bright acidity on "an impeccable finish." Described by Inside Burgundy's Jasper Morris as "wines of significant refinement," these Domaine Jessiaume selections deliver significant value as well, offering Burgundy lovers and collectors a rare opportunity to stock up by the case at a price that doesn't break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate, and the wines now play with the top in the appellation."- Jeb Dunnuck Bordeaux remains arguably the greatest hotbed of collectible value in the world of fine wine, and at the forefront of that trend the past decade has been Margaux's Chateau Labegorce. Since 2015, this dynamic estate has been outpacing its station in the quality and price heirarchies, delivering exceptional, cellar-worthy character and style at prices that allow Bordeaux collectors of all stripes to line their cellars. Today's mini-vertical showcases the past decade at this insider's favorite in all its glory, with stellar acclaimed renditions from five benchmark vintages. Consistent praise has followed the 2016 sinceen primeur, "afabulously textured Margaux" that shines in a modern classic vintage, while the 2018 "exudes elegance and class" according to Dunnuck. The 2019 and 2020 renditions round out the "trifecta" in fine form, each vintage expressing the full character of this lauded trio. Finally, the double 95-point 2022 just confirms that the estate is here to day among the elite of the appellation, a resounding triumph that still maintains the brilliant value this dynamic property has come to symbolize among Bordeaux's savviest collectors. Whether you're building a mini-vertical of your own or your just looking for a new surefire Left Bank winner that you can enjoy with abandon, this selection has it and then some. | ||
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| NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru (1.5L) | ||
| Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| 2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine de l'Amandine's Mathilde Suter and her father have an enviable knack for bringing out the absolute best of the vines in their wines, and yet somehow they do it while keeping their prices almost unbelievably affordable. Indeed, these are some of the greatest buys in the appellation. The 2023 Seguret, a Syrah-dominant blend, offers everything that makes Seguret such a hotbed of savvy picks with unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. "Quite possibly our direct-import Rhône value of the year." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Rhône Buyer The sandy, limestone slopes of the estate's vineyards bring out the most charming qualities of each varietal, with the depth of the Syrah forming a sturdy core that's accented by brighter notes from the Grenache component, all the with vibrant energy of the vintage. "I have loved previous vintages of this exceptional Rhône overachiever in the past, and when I got reacquainted with it at this year’s WineParis/Vinexpo, I was thrilled to find that it’s as good as it’s ever been in the 2023 vintage," notes Andrew. The wine's charming aromatics are full-on Rhône in every sense, while the palate "is deeper and more structured than you’d expect at this price point," suggesting that the 2023 Seguret could be your new house red for years to come if you stock up at our must see, case-buy price. Savvy, keen-eyed bargain hunters should also take serious interest in the 2022 La Montagne, a Grenache-based blend from the domaine's clay-limestone terraces. Brighter in style yet also more structured than the 2023 Seguret, the 2022 La Montagne offers "a complete and harmonious Southern Rhône profile that can compete with many wines at twice its price." Finally, do not miss the "extraordinarily pretty yet understated" 2024 Seguret Blanc Bel Air, a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier that's one of the more impressive 2024 white Rhônes we've come across in its price point. We're thrilled to be back on our game with Amandine after a lengthy hiatus, and this trio of new, in-stock arrivals are sure to leave our legions of Rhône fans with huge smiles on their faces from the standout style and incredible value to be found from this under-the-radar gem of a domaine. | ||
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| 2010 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2022 Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a magical property. Of late, the wines have been pretty magical too." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous While Tignanello gets all (or almost all) the attention in the Marchesi Antinori stable, the Guado al Tasso wines have started to gain some serious traction of their own among Italian fans, and they now stand apart from their more famous sibling in all the right ways. Indeed, recent vintages have seen the estate hit new benchmarks in quality and acclaim, something that continues in this trio of new releases. The 2023 Il Bruciato stands out as one of the Tuscany's leading value buys once again, capturing the power of the warm vintage while retaining ample freshness to make it accessible even today. This JD93 blend of Bordeaux varietals plus Syrah offers up a thoroughly modern profile with tons of broad, crowd-pleasing appeal and a price to match. The Super Tuscan blends are the attention-getters in the Antinori portfolio, but the 2022 Cont' Ugo Merlot is an insider's savvy buy. We know, we know ... Merlot? Yes, Merlot. It's one of the most intriguing and dynamic varietals in Tuscany today. The coastal climate and soils are ideally suited to this Bordeaux transplant, but the result is never just an imitation of the Right Bank style. Instead, Merlot takes on its own singular Tuscan character that lends a new and vibrant perspective to the grape and the category as a whole, and the 94-point 2022 Cont' Ugo is a prime example. Finally, the latest vintage of Guado al Tasso shows the unmatched pedigree of Antinori, from the sterling quality of the fruit, to the clear terroir signatures, to the precise and meticulous winemaking, which really was deciding factor in the 2022 vintage. As Monica Larner of Wine Advocate declares in her 96-point review, "The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness." Everything about the 2022 is expertly composed and in its proper place, earning it three rock-solid, 96-point reviews from Italy's leading critics. For those who follow the Italian collectible scene, especially the Super Tuscan category, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for this exceptional expression from one of Italy's most iconic estates. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2023 Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Niederhausen, Nahe, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...yet another stunning collection." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous For Riesling fans, there are few names that hold a candle to Dönnhoff, and this set from the exceptional 2023 vintage only adds to their lofty reputation and track record. One of the most consistently excellent estates in the world, they need little introduction to collectors of reference-point Riesling. At every level of the prädikat scale, they've hit one homerun after another. Starting with the Kabinetten, led by the "stunningly elegant and vibrant" JS96 Leistenberg, we see the crystalline purity and class that defines all of Dönnhoff's wines. Of course, the flagship Hermannshöhle Spätlese remains the estate's most famous and coveted expression, and in 2023 it's "serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious ... glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance," a 99-point showstopper that will stand with the finest vintages of this perennial collectible all-star. In the Auslese category, along with the "ravishing beauty" of the 99-point Hermannshöhle, Dönnhoff's Brücke monopole also produced a near-perfect, "very radical wine with gigantic concentration of cool tropical fruit and mineral acidity." The crown jewels, of course, are the estate's singular GGs, led by two utterly perfect expressions from Hermannshöhle and Dellchen. While this pair will be among Germany's most exquisite and coveted dry wines of the vintage, collectors shouldn't overlook the sheer class and sophistication of the Krotenpfuhl and Felsenberg, the latter being "a total joy of clarity, direction, and stony poise" with 98-point potential per Vinous' Anne Krebiehl. With the absolute cream of the Dönnhoff crop all represented below, no matter which direction you turn in this line-up, you'll find yourself with a world-class, unforgettable expression that will shine like few others can. | ||
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| 2017 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2022 Schoffit Gewurztraminer Clos St Theobald Grand Cru Rangen de Thann (750ml) | ||
| Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines are compelling in a rather quiet way, understated but so convincing." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous "They are of a consistently high quality and, in my opinion, still far too rarely on the radar of importers, retailers and sommeliers." - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Alsace as a whole is often considered an under-the-radar region, so when we come upon a domaine that is known as "under the radar," it's safe to say it's probably far under the radar. The shame is, as Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt notes above, that wines and domaines like these deserve far more attention. However, clued-in and savvy wine collectors can reap serious benefits in the form of world-class cellar contenders at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality and pedigree from Burgundy, Champagne, or virtually anywhere else in France. Domaine Schoffit's vineyard stable is loaded with prime sites, but the unquestioned jewel in the crown is the Clos St-Théobald in the Rangen de Thann Grand Cru, inarguably the finest vineyard in Alsace. At 6.5 hectares, the Clos is now a monopole since Bernard Schoffit completed his ambitious reclamation project to unite the entire site under his domaine. The super-steep slopes and volcanic soitls produce one of the world's most distinctive Rieslings, and the 97-point 2022 ranks among the greatest vintages ever made of this wine. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling is another singular standout, this from granitic soils that shine in the wine's stunning combination of aromatic purity and textural intensity. Finally, the 2022 Harth Gewürztraminer showcases Schoffit's great sites around Colmar with fantastic varietal precision, particularly "the glorious spice of Gewürztraminer" as Anne Krebiehl notes. It bears repeating – these wines belong on the short list of Alsace's finest names along side the Weinbachs, Trimbachs, and Zind-Humbrechts, so if you're a serious Alsace fan or collector of the world's best Rieslings, make room in the cellar. You'll be so glad you did. | ||
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| 2023 Zilliken Riesling Saarburger Rausch Kabinett (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Dorothee Zilliken once again managed to portray the ethereal, almost weightless and veil-like style of Saar Riesling for which the house is famed." - Anne Krebhiel, Vinous The Middle Mosel gets the lion's share of attention in the region, but German Riesling insiders know that some of the finest expressions for the money can be found along the Saar tributary, a narrow river valley meeting the Upper Mosel from the south. The steep cliffs and high winds are perilous viticultural challenges, and the small Saar river doesn't provide any of the meso-climatic advantages found on the Mosel itself. But the south-facing vineyards enjoy the ideal exposition and slope to ripen grapes, and the results are some of the most crystalline, elegant Rieslings in the world. The 2023 vintage played perfectly to the Saar's advantage, with the valley avoiding much of the harvest rains that fell on the rest of the Mosel. Rausch's south-southwest facing parcels of broken Greywacke and Devonian slate are the perfect foundations for Zilliken's style. The JS95 Kabinett is "intense and complex, gorgeously saline and filigreed" according to Wine Advocate, while the double 96-point Spätlese is "elegant, beautifully clear, luminous, intense and yet so light," perfectly encapsulating what makes the finest Saar expressions stand out from the their contemporaries. Finally, we come to the fabulous 2023 GGs, starting with the Rausch, "a rich and complex yet always pure, saline and mineral Rausch that bears great complexity and mineral tension" according to Advocate. Keen-eyed collectors won't overlook the "fabulous" WA95 Ockfen Bockstein GG, "a full-bodied, complex, very long, saline and stimulating Riesling of exceptional quality," as described by Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt. Zilliken's wines are always exemplary offerings that stand at the very best of the Mosel/Saar, and collectors and enthusiasts won't want to miss these cellar contenders that will shine for decades.
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| 2023 Clos des Papes Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Bricco delle Viole (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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