2020 Chateau De La Dauphine (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A newly arriving container filled with top rated Bordeaux, these 2020 Bordeaux selections boast outstanding quality across the board at unparalleled value pricing, from a vintage of “brilliant wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley and described by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni as “a year brimming with phenomenal wines at all levels, from the big names down to bottles the average consumer can still afford to purchase by the case.” Although there were no significant heat spikes throughout the growing season, 2020 was a warm growing season overall in Bordeaux, with generally well-timed rain in the Spring followed by extremely dry summer weather that prevented the development of mildew. While summer drought conditions led to smaller berries and yields for Cabernet Sauvignon, mid-August rains on the Right Bank plumped up Merlot and cool September evenings during the last phase of ripening preserved freshness in the wines. Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson noted that “clay-limestone soils did brilliantly against the heat of the summer, favoring the St Emilion plateau” with an impressive array of wines also coming from the gravel soils of Pauillac and St Julien. Describing the white wines of 2020, Anson declares there are “plenty of delicious bottles,” the earlier harvest delivering “exotic fruit flavors with grip and personality.” Describing 2020 as “an incredibly exciting vintage for Bordeaux,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous finds remarkable quality in each of the Left Bank appellations, while calling Saint Emilion “one of the sweet spots of 2020” and noting “readers will find a bevy of compelling wines from satellite appellations” including Haut-Medoc and Fronsac. Called “an incredible classic vintage” by Jeb Dunnuck producing “a solid swath of cellar-worthy buys in the $65-and-under range” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, critic James Suckling summed up the vintage well, declaring “if you buy or drink a bottle of top-rated 2020 Bordeaux, you are going to be more than happy. In fact, you most likely will be elated” and noting “many of the wines give pleasure for a young wine but the best will age for decades ahead.” Summing it up as “a great modern-day Bordeaux vintage,” Antonio Galloni notes the wines are “less extracted, more vibrant and, frankly, much more fun to drink,” this well priced, wide-ranging offer a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of age worthy Bordeaux from an exceptional 2020 vintage that according to Neal Martin of Vinous “delivers the goods.” | ||
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2018 Chateau Lanessan (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From the Haut Medoc estate known among savvy Bordeaux insiders for over delivering value, these 93 pt. Chateau Lanessan selections from top vintages are a welcome breath of fresh air for Bordeaux traditionalists seeking a great deal, offering layers of dark, savory fruit already drinking well with polished tannins worthy of laying down and now available in original wooden cases at best on the market pricing while they last. Located just south of St. Julien near famed Second Growth Gruaud Larose, Chateau Lanessan boasts a history dating to the 14th century, its Grand Vin’s steadily rising quality over the last decade due in large part to lower yields and stricter selection implemented by esteemed consulting winemaker Eric Boissenot. Sourced from 32 hectares of 30-year-old vines planted above the Garonne in gravel hills up to 25 meters deep, Chateau Lanessan is aged in a combination of 33% new French oak barrels, 33% one year old and 33% two year old for an average of 12 months, yielding earthy dark fruit and powerful tannic structure that evolves beautifully over time, garnering a reputation among Bordeaux purists as a harmonious, classically styled blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with an impressive ability to age. Described as a “charmer” by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, the 93 pt. 2015 Chateau Lanessan is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Cab Franc boasting “a firm grainy texture and great freshness” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown and “finishing with a skip in its step.” A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 93 pt. 2018 Chateau Lanessan is “all class” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous offering “tons of immediacy and pure appeal” and called “a pretty serious take on the vintage” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson that promises to age well. Boasting “rich, powdery tannins and a vibrant core of fruit” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, the 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Lanessan is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon with 36% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, summed up by Kelley as a “fine effort” promising to age over two decades. Described as producing “some of the best value wines on the Medoc peninsula” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, these 93 pt. vintages from Chateau Lanessan are bargain priced for Bordeaux lovers looking to pull the cork more often and a terrific opportunity to start a collection of age worthy Bordeaux without breaking the bank. | ||
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2021 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Decanter as a vintage of “powerfully-constructed, brambly, spicy reds,” these high scoring 2021 Zinfandels are crafted by California’s top Zinfandel experts, sourced from a range of terroirs that include some of the region's oldest vines and offering exceptional value for Zin lovers whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case. From the estate called “a beacon for Sonoma County Zinfandel-based field blends” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the 95 pt. 2021 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel includes old vine Zinfandel ranging from 90 to over 120 years, yielding a “well balanced, elegant wine” with “light, toasty oak accents” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon. Bedrock winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson produced the 94 pt. 2020 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine from vines averaging around 80 years old, delivering ripe spiced fruit “with good structure, fresh acidity and fine tannins” according to Jeb Dunnuck who calls it “an outstanding value” ready to enjoy over the next few years. Described as a fresher, approachable expression of the grape, the 93 pt. 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel is "a serious Zinfandel" boasting ripe red fruit with "decadent baking spice notes” and “structured grippy tannins" according to Decanter’s Jonathan Cristaldi, while the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish calls Seghesio Family Vineyards “one of California's elite Zinfandel specialists,” the 94 pt. 2021 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel sourced from gnarly head-pruned vines averaging 75 years of age with pronounced notes of bramble and peppery spice. Produced in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley with its oldest vines dating back to 1910, the bright and juicy 93 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel is “an absolute winner” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous that's “packed with varietal character," boasting the structure to evolve over the next few years. Named for founder Lee Martinelli’s grandparents who first planted grapes in the Russian River in the 1880’s, the rich and elegant 97 pt. 2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard offers alluring aromatic fruit layered with spice and fresh juicy acidity, while the richly textured 95 pt. 2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel 1910 Block from the estate's oldest block of vines is “a gutsy version, built in an old-school style” according to the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, both powerfully built Zins that will evolve for another decade. From a cooler, uneventful growing season that “resulted in especially elegant, expressive wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks, these highly rated, site-expressive 2021 Zinfandels offer an appealing range of styles and age-ability from diverse vineyards that include some of the region’s top old vine sites, all value priced and promising Zin fans who stock up some delicious drinking ahead. | ||
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2018 Cos d'Estournel (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting the stunning longevity typical of first growth Bordeaux, the quality of Cos d'Estournel has skyrocketed under the leadership of entrepreneur Michel Reybier since his purchase of the Chateau in 2000. Producing exceptionally elegant and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends year over year, this special selection from Cos d'Estournel encompasses a range of vintages from the 99pt 2005 to the 98+pt 2018, offering elegant, layered fruit, impressive texture and staggering intensity, some ready to enjoy now and all cellar-worthy for decades to come, now at exceptional pricing. Situated on the hill just north of Lafite-Rothschild on the Route des Chateaux, the extravagant Taj Mahal-like façade of Cos d'Estournel hints at the spellbinding greatness of the wines produced on the estate, the iconic vista engraved on its labels. Established in southern Saint Estephe on Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1801, Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855 but over the last two decades under Reybier has acquired a reputation rivalling nearby first growth estates. With the assistance of technical director Dominique Arangoits, Michel Reybier's upgrades at Cos have included construction of a modern 100% gravity flow cellar to preserve the character of the fruit and the identification of different soil types in the vineyards to improve viticulture, improvements reflected in the wines' consistently excellent ratings over the last 15 vintages. Boasting a higher gravel content than most estates in Saint Estephe ("Cos" translates as "hill of pebbles"), the pebble-strewn vineyards are divided into distinct parcels based on soil type and exposure, with the vines averaging over 40 years of age. Employing extra care to preserve the estate's 100 year old Merlot vines, each parcel is meticulously tended and harvested at optimal ripeness, with the old vine Merlot contributing rich fruit and harmonic balance to the opulent signature style of Cos d'Estournel. Over 200 years after founder Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel envisioned an estate that would create extraordinary wine, Cos d'Estournel is producing some of the most complex and ageworthy Bordeaux in the region, now under the thoughtful stewardship of Michel Reybier. Described as "one of Bordeaux's greatest properties" by Wine Spectator critic James Molesworth, these Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux blends are precise, focused and long-lived, offering the first growth quality of its nearby neighbors in Pauillac at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2020 Domaine de Chevalier L'Esprit de Chevalier Rouge (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A newly arriving container filled with top rated Bordeaux, these 2020 Bordeaux selections boast outstanding quality across the board at unparalleled value pricing, from a vintage of “brilliant wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley and described by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni as “a year brimming with phenomenal wines at all levels, from the big names down to bottles the average consumer can still afford to purchase by the case.” Although there were no significant heat spikes throughout the growing season, 2020 was a warm growing season overall in Bordeaux, with generally well-timed rain in the Spring followed by extremely dry summer weather that prevented the development of mildew. While summer drought conditions led to smaller berries and yields for Cabernet Sauvignon, mid-August rains on the Right Bank plumped up Merlot and cool September evenings during the last phase of ripening preserved freshness in the wines. Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson noted that “clay-limestone soils did brilliantly against the heat of the summer, favoring the St Emilion plateau” with an impressive array of wines also coming from the gravel soils of Pauillac and St Julien. Describing the white wines of 2020, Anson declares there are “plenty of delicious bottles,” the earlier harvest delivering “exotic fruit flavors with grip and personality.” Describing 2020 as “an incredibly exciting vintage for Bordeaux,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous finds remarkable quality in each of the Left Bank appellations, while calling Saint Emilion “one of the sweet spots of 2020” and noting “readers will find a bevy of compelling wines from satellite appellations” including Haut-Medoc and Fronsac. Called “an incredible classic vintage” by Jeb Dunnuck producing “a solid swath of cellar-worthy buys in the $65-and-under range” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, critic James Suckling summed up the vintage well, declaring “if you buy or drink a bottle of top-rated 2020 Bordeaux, you are going to be more than happy. In fact, you most likely will be elated” and noting “many of the wines give pleasure for a young wine but the best will age for decades ahead.” Summing it up as “a great modern-day Bordeaux vintage,” Antonio Galloni notes the wines are “less extracted, more vibrant and, frankly, much more fun to drink,” this well priced, wide-ranging offer a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of age worthy Bordeaux from an exceptional 2020 vintage that according to Neal Martin of Vinous “delivers the goods.” | ||
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2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Les Echalas Rouge (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “impeccable beauties” by Jeb Dunnuck, these highly rated Clos Bellane selections reveal nuanced ripe dark fruit with flinty minerality from the unique northerly terroir of the Vinsobres AOC in the Southern Rhone, crafted by talented winemaker Stephane Vedeau of Ferme du Mont in Chateauneuf du Pape and all offered at exceptional value pricing perfect for mixing a case. Elevated from Cotes du Rhone Villages to its own AOC status in 2005, the lesser known Vinsobres AOC has been the “secret” source of grapes for top rated Cote du Rhone blends from esteemed producers like Jean-Louis Chave of Hermitage for decades, the northern region bordered by a protective amphitheater formed by Mont Ventoux and the Alpine foothills and attracting high profile producers from the region’s warmer, southerly appellations including Louis Barruol of St. Cosme and the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel. Drawn to the estate’s high elevation and limestone-rich soils on the Vinsobres plateau, Stephane purchased the Clos Bellane property in 2010, producing a range of terroir driven cuvees that emphasize freshness and balance by keeping extraction to a minimum and aging mainly in a combination of tank, concrete and well used barrels. Situated at 400 meters above sea level with panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, Clos Bellane enjoys a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, its 48 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted mostly to Grenache aged 60 years of age and Syrah averaging 30 years of age on mineral-rich, pebbly slopes outside Valreas with an east-facing exposure that enables even ripening while lower night time temperatures preserve the grapes’ acidity. Aged mostly in concrete, the entry level 92 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Rouge is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah bursting with fresh spiced dark fruit and mineral-tinged garrigue on a smooth, satisfying finish. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Stephane aged the elegant and powerful 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Vinsobres Saint Jacques in concrete vats for 12 months, yielding aromatic and vibrant dark fruit with hints of graphite and well balanced acidity on a persistent, mouthwatering finish. Crafted from 100% Syrah from the estate’s oldest vines, the rich and muscular 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Les Echalas Rouge matured in a mix of barrels and concrete, yielding rich, aromatic dark fruit hinting of cracked pepper and savory spice with a velvety texture and fine, precise tannins able to age a decade or more. Summed up as “gorgeous” by Jeb Dunnuck, these meticulously crafted gems from Clos Bellane offer B-21 Southern Rhone fans a chance to be among the first to enjoy this relatively undiscovered estate at a time when new appellations and pioneering producers are few and far between, their exceptional quality and drinkability placing them at the forefront of the emerging Vinsobres AOC and all outstanding values promising Rhone lovers pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2019 Pedesclaux (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Pedesclaux is terrific in 2019… a racy, voluptuous Pauillac” Antonio Galloni, Vinous From a lesser known Pauillac estate with vineyards near First Growth Lafite Rothschild, the powerful 94 pt. 2019 Pedesclaux boasts a rich core of aromatic dark fruit with racy layered tannins and a fresh, long-lasting finish, described as “a classy Pauillac” among “the top wines from this address” by Jeb Dunnuck and bargain priced for collectors of bold Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends to enjoy over the next few decades. Located on the D2 in the northern Pauillac AOC near Mouton-Rothschild, the striking Chateau Pedesclaux boasts one of Bordeaux’s most unique architectural designs, the original classically styled building covered by massive glass walls with two glass enclosed wings revealing its state-of-the-art winemaking facility and tasting room and the vat house facade framed with aluminum slats designed to change color from bronze to gold according to the angle of the sun. Transforming the estate since purchasing it in 2009, Jacky Lorenzetti and his family’s “spare no expense” approach are credited with the Grand Vin’s stratospheric rise in quality, replanting and upgrading vineyards with a conversion to organic practices while completely renovating the Chateau and modernizing the winemaking facilities and cellars. Planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in Garonne gravel soils over limestone, Pedesclaux’s 49 hectares of vineyards are spread over a patchwork of parcels, some adjacent to the Chateau as well as plots next to Lafite Rothschild, Chateau d'Armailhac, and another near Lynch Bages, the vines averaging 35 years of age with the oldest dating to 1950. Under the direction of renowned consulting enologist Eric Boissenot since 2013, Pedesclaux employs labor-intensive vineyard management including deleafing and crop thinning as well as modern techniques like laser optical sorting, aging the 2019 Pedesclaux for 16 months in 60% new French oak to reveal pure and concentrated dark fruit framed with seamless, elegant tannins that Neal Martin of Vinous acknowledges “will be difficult to resist,” built to deliver pleasurable drinking for more than a decade. Crediting Lorenzetti’s transformation of Pedesclaux for its stellar quality in 2019, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux declares “this is a great vintage to get on-board,” the 94 pt. 2019 Pedesclaux truly an overachiever boasting terroir-driven excellence among high-profile neighbors at a fraction of the cost and an unbeatable value for Bordeaux lovers priced to reach for without hesitation for years to come. | ||
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2020 Chateau Grand-Puy-Ducasse (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A newly arriving container filled with top rated Bordeaux, these 2020 Bordeaux selections boast outstanding quality across the board at unparalleled value pricing, from a vintage of “brilliant wines” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley and described by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni as “a year brimming with phenomenal wines at all levels, from the big names down to bottles the average consumer can still afford to purchase by the case.” Although there were no significant heat spikes throughout the growing season, 2020 was a warm growing season overall in Bordeaux, with generally well-timed rain in the Spring followed by extremely dry summer weather that prevented the development of mildew. While summer drought conditions led to smaller berries and yields for Cabernet Sauvignon, mid-August rains on the Right Bank plumped up Merlot and cool September evenings during the last phase of ripening preserved freshness in the wines. Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson noted that “clay-limestone soils did brilliantly against the heat of the summer, favoring the St Emilion plateau” with an impressive array of wines also coming from the gravel soils of Pauillac and St Julien. Describing the white wines of 2020, Anson declares there are “plenty of delicious bottles,” the earlier harvest delivering “exotic fruit flavors with grip and personality.” Describing 2020 as “an incredibly exciting vintage for Bordeaux,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous finds remarkable quality in each of the Left Bank appellations, while calling Saint Emilion “one of the sweet spots of 2020” and noting “readers will find a bevy of compelling wines from satellite appellations” including Haut-Medoc and Fronsac. Called “an incredible classic vintage” by Jeb Dunnuck producing “a solid swath of cellar-worthy buys in the $65-and-under range” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, critic James Suckling summed up the vintage well, declaring “if you buy or drink a bottle of top-rated 2020 Bordeaux, you are going to be more than happy. In fact, you most likely will be elated” and noting “many of the wines give pleasure for a young wine but the best will age for decades ahead.” Summing it up as “a great modern-day Bordeaux vintage,” Antonio Galloni notes the wines are “less extracted, more vibrant and, frankly, much more fun to drink,” this well priced, wide-ranging offer a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of age worthy Bordeaux from an exceptional 2020 vintage that according to Neal Martin of Vinous “delivers the goods.” | ||
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2021 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “exuberant, deeply expressive wines,” the 96 pt. 2021 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and 94 pt. 2021 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir live up to the estate’s long-standing reputation for crafting rich and refined California Pinot Noirs, a pair of top scoring, age worthy Pinots from an outstanding Sonoma vintage ready to enjoy over the next decade at best on the market pricing. Establishing their winemaking venture in 1997 in Santa Rosa with a portion of their restaurant tips, founders Dan Kosta and Michael Browne became known for producing cult favorite Pinot Noirs in the mid 2000’s, the Sonoma Coast and Russian River cuvees consistently garnering critical acclaim over the past two decades and now available in limited amounts outside of the winery’s exclusive member list under the ownership of Duckhorn Family Wines. Sourced from a celebrated Sonoma vintage featuring “greater concentration, structure and definition” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, Kosta Browne winemaker Julien Howsepian fermented the tiny, ripe Pinot Noir berries in a mix of stainless steel, wood and concrete to create a bold and sophisticated style of California Pinot with intense flavors and bright acidity while maintaining impressive balance. Blended from eight prime vineyards throughout the coastal appellation including Gaps Crown, the 2021 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was aged in 38% new French oak for 15 months along with smaller amounts in wood cask and 1% new Austrian oak, yielding lightly spiced, concentrated red fruit with “grainy tannins and seamless freshness” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks built to evolve over the next decade. Described as boasting “a classic feel with a long finish” by Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, the 2021 Kosta Brown Russian River Pinot Noir was sourced from eight fog-influenced vineyards including Zio Tony and Keefer Ranch and aged in 34% new French oak for 15 months, revealing rich, earthy dark fruit with bright acidity and layers of ripe tannins promising a decade of evolution. Reflecting on its decades’ long reputation as a top Pinot producer, winemaker Julien Howsepian regards his team as the “torchbearers of Kosta Browne’s legacy of artistry and innovation,” these 2021 Kosta Browne selections living up to the legacy and promising California Pinot fans who stock the cellar a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “gem of a producer” by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider’s Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate’s exceptional “golden” terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region’s top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d’Oro, the amphitheater-shaped “golden basin” considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as “one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as “a perennial overperformer” by Decanter’s Michaela Morris that’s not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting “quite a wow factor,” while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the “bold” 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having “a lovely defined character” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming “what a gorgeous wine this is.” A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “absolutely gorgeous” according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione “packs a huge punch” and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “a knockout,” describing the atypical blend as offering “stunning depth and textural intensity.” Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate’s highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco “breathtaking” while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts “notable depth and intensity,” and like all Le Cinciole’s top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D’Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany’s hidden treasures, still seeming “to fly under the radar” according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to “strike gold” and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole’s purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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2022 Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ranging from fresh entry level cuvees to robustly structured 1er and Grand Crus, these top scoring selections from Jean Marc Brocard promise to over deliver value for fans of White Burgundy seeking a great deal, a rich assortment for Chablis fans and anyone looking for meticulously crafted white wines to enjoy now and over the next decade. Located just down the Route de Chablis in the village of Prehy, Jean Marc Brocard’s winery was established with 1.5 hectares of vines from his wife’s family nearly 50 years ago, the estate’s vineyard holdings expanding to over 200 hectares and now under the direction of his son Julien who joined his father as vineyard manager in 1997 who spearheaded the estate’s transition to organic farming, From the only Burgundy appellation that allows non-Burgundian grapes, the 2022 Brocard Saint-Bris is a highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc matured in wooden vats boasting crisp citrus fruit and grassy notes with brisk, mineral-driven acidity while the 100% Chardonnay 91 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire is “one of the hidden gems from Brocard” according to Neal Martin of Vinous, offering enticing aromatic fruit balanced by fresh acidity. Described as “excellent” by critic Neal Martin, the vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire balances the fresh, aromatic flavors of 75-year-old vine Chardonnay fruit with vibrant minerality while the richly concentrated 93 pt. 2022 Brocard Vieilles Vignes de 1946 offers creamy textured fruit on a fresh, polished finish, this special cuvee sourced from a single plot of low-yielding vines planted near the winery just after the end of World War II. Brocard’s highly rated 1er Cru selections include the elegant 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Montmains revealing rich, ripe fruit and fresh mineral-driven acidity, the exquisite 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey that’s “both classy and complex” according to Andy Howard of Decanter, and the stunning 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent from the sole 1er Cru vineyard on the Grand Cru hill, a powerfully elegant 1er Cru with notable concentration and fresh, focused acidity. Ranked #8 on Decanter’s Top 10 Grand Cru Chablis of 2022, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Brocard Valmur Grand Cru offers fresh, ripe lightly spiced fruit with well-balanced minerality and a lingering salinity, a rich and harmonious Grand Cru promising to develop over the next decade. Hailed as a “year to snap up” by Decanter’s Andy Howard, these impressive 2022 Jean Marc Brocard selections elegantly balance the vintage’s ripeness with fresh acidity and enticing minerality, masterfully crafted by one of the region’s top producers and among northern Burgundy’s finest values well priced for stocking up. | ||
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2018 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sotto Casa Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as “benchmarks in the region,” the 94 pt. 2019 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the 95 pt. 2018 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sotto Casa Riserva layer richly aromatic and vibrant Sangiovese fruit with polished, elegant tannins, two enticing, terroir-driven gems delivering outstanding value and promising fans of bold Tuscan reds years of enjoyment. Located near the picturesque hillside village of Montepulciano near the southern border of Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a long history of producing exceptional Sangiovese wines dating back over five centuries in the region, in recent years shedding its underdog reputation in the shadows of its higher profile Tuscan neighbors by focusing on the “natural translucence and expressivity of Sangiovese” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous. Established in the early 1960’s and now run by third generation brothers Luca and Nicolo De Ferrari, Boscarelli sources their Vino Nobile wines from 18 hectares of estate vineyards in Cervognano at around 300 meters above sea level, planted mostly to Sangiovese with smaller amounts of indigenous varietals as well as parcels of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Described by Decanter’s Michaela Morris as “simply one of the best straight up Vino Nobiles I have tasted,” the elegant 94 pt. 2019 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was aged in a mix of French and Slavonian oak barrels for 18-24 months with six months more in bottle, yielding ripe, bright fruit “with fine balance and a lingering finish” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson. A blend of 80% Sangiovese with 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested and fermented separately, the opulent 95 pt. 2018 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sotto Casa Riserva matured in a mix of 5 to 40-hectoliter French oak casks for 24 -30 months, described as “spicy and perfumed” with “a salty mineral underpinning” by Eric Guido of Vinous with lush, harmonious tannins built to evolve over a decade. Among “some of the most beautiful wines in the appellation” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, the 94 pt. 2019 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the 95 pt. 2018 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sotto Casa Riserva are deeply satisfying and elegant Vino Nobiles, summed up by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni as “wines of real character that also offer tremendous quality for the money” and a sure bet for Italian wine lovers seeking meticulously crafted, long-lived Tuscan reds that overdeliver value. | ||
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2022 Schug Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Produced from the cool and windswept vineyards of the Sonoma Coast AVA, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir offers aromatic juicy red fruit hinting of cedar and spice with bright acidity on a smooth and supple finish, sourced from a fabulous Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and over delivering value at an outstanding bargain price. Growing up in his family’s vineyards of Germany’s Rhine River Valley, celebrated winemaker Walter Schug brought his passion for Pinot to California in the 1950’s, becoming renowned as the founding winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa where he created the iconic Insignia blend before leaving to pioneer the production of cool climate Pinot Noir on a 42-acre property in Carneros in 1980. Remaining family-owned and now run by Walter’s children, the 2022 Schug Pinot Noir was crafted by young German-born winemaker Johannes Scheid who is credited with employing a terroir-driven approach with limited intervention in the cellar and moving the winery towards greater sustainability. Perched above Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco Bay, the Schug estate vineyards enjoy a long, sunny growing season with cool Pacific fog and winds coursing through the Petaluma Gap, the longer hangtime and lower yields enhancing complexity while preserving freshness in the Pinot Noir grapes. Sourced from the Schug estate vineyards as well as some of Sonoma’s County’s premier coastal growers including Sangiacomo Vineyard, winemaker Scheid aged the elegant 2022 Schug Pinot Noir in a mix of large neutral oak casks and older French barrels as well as stainless steel tanks, balancing fresh aromatic fruit with vibrant, silky tannins and yielding a harmonious and layered Pinot Noir that’s equally delicious for sipping or when paired with food. Crafted by the region’s pioneer of cool climate Pinot Noir, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir reflects the quality legacy of its founder and its Sonoma Coast pedigree, a top rated, top value California Pinot Noir that’s bargain priced for everyday indulgence. | ||
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2018 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “gem of a producer” by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider’s Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate’s exceptional “golden” terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region’s top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d’Oro, the amphitheater-shaped “golden basin” considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as “one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as “a perennial overperformer” by Decanter’s Michaela Morris that’s not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting “quite a wow factor,” while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the “bold” 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having “a lovely defined character” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming “what a gorgeous wine this is.” A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “absolutely gorgeous” according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione “packs a huge punch” and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “a knockout,” describing the atypical blend as offering “stunning depth and textural intensity.” Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate’s highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco “breathtaking” while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts “notable depth and intensity,” and like all Le Cinciole’s top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D’Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany’s hidden treasures, still seeming “to fly under the radar” according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to “strike gold” and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole’s purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It’s nearly impossible to find a better value in well-crafted Tuscan wine than this offer for the richly textured 93 pt. 2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva, a delicious Sangiovese deftly balancing ripe, earthy dark fruit with bright acidity on a lingering finish that’s bargain priced for fans of rich Tuscan reds to stock the cellar and enjoy often. Established over 50 years ago in the rolling countryside between Florence and Siena, Carpineto’s founders Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo were among the first in Chianti Classico to adopt modern viticulture and winemaking techniques to create wines that dramatically exceeded the quality standards of the time including employing extended aging up to a year beyond the minimum requirements. Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as “a dynamic estate that makes wines across Tuscany's best appellations,” Carpineto sustainably farms 500 hectares of vineyards spanning five regions, producing the 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva from the estate’s original vineyard planted in calcareous clay and sandstone soils near the small town of Dudda in the hills of Greve. Hand harvesting the grapes and employing strict selection, the refined 2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, aged in a mix of Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels for over a year and transferred into stainless steel tanks and cement vats for six months before being bottled unfiltered and unfined, with further aging in bottle for over a year revealing bright fresh fruit layered with savory spice and toasted oak and boasting extra depth that comes with age. From a Chianti Classico vintage producing “lively, refreshing, engaging wines” according to the Wine Independent’s Susan Hulme, the powerful 93 pt. 2018 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva will continue to live up to its true potential over the next few years, a delicious Riserva at an unbeatable price for Sangiovese fans to savor with every pour. | ||
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2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A top value sparkling wine from a “stellar vintage” for Oregon Chardonnay according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Paul Gregutt, the elegant 93 pt. 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs offers fragrant, fresh fruit with crisp, mineral-driven acidity on a creamy, refined mousse, an enticing 100% Chardonnay sparkler “packed full of flavor and tension” according to Neal Martin of Vinous that’s bargain priced for everyday enjoyment. While sparkling might not be the first wine that comes to mind when considering Willamette Valley, Oregon’s ability to produce complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the balanced acidity required for sparkling wine production has long been recognized by Argyle founder Rollin Soles, ranking among the top producers in the US for over three decades and scoring the highest ratings given by the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate for sparkling wines outside of Champagne. Encouraged by his friendship with legendary Bollinger vintner Christian Bizot, Rollin established Argyle in Dundee, Oregon in partnership with Australian businessman Brian Croser in 1987, confident the combination of Willamette Valley’s cool climate and extended growing season would produce exceptional New World sparkling wines that would rival Champagne. Produced as a new cuvee in the 2019 vintage, the Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs was sourced from the estate’s original 124 acre Knudsen Vineyard at 630 to 1000 ft. above sea level in the heart of the Dundee Hills as well as the 137 acre Spirit Hill Vineyard at 600 to 700 ft. above sea level in Eola-Amity Hills, the combined cooling effects of higher elevation along with gusting winds through the Van Duzer corridor preserving the grapes’ freshness and acidity. Crafted in the traditional method by Nate Klostermann, Rollin’s handpicked successor since 2013, the alluring 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs was made exclusively from hand harvested, estate grown fruit from the 2019 vintage, 40% barrel fermented over six months before bottling and aged on the lees for 30 months with minimal dosage, yielding ripe fruit hinting of toasty brioche and mouth filling, fine bubbles that linger on the refined and elegant finish. A delicious sparkler boasting impressive complexity from an outstanding vintage, the 93 pt. 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs reflects Argyle’s long standing reputation as Oregon’s pioneering producer of Champagne-style wines, and as one of the few producers who crafts their sparkling wines in house, an exceptional value, summed up simply as an “excellent sparkler for an excellent price” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty and a true bargain for sparkling wine fans seeking to pop the cork more often. | ||
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2018 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Among the highest scoring vintages over the last two decades from a legendary "Super Second" estate, these powerful and elegant selections from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande boast rich, aromatic dark fruit and bright, mineral-driven acidity, some ready to enjoy now and all ageworthy blends rivalling the quality of neighboring First Growth estates at unbeatable pricing. Described as “arguably the single hottest chateau on Bordeaux’s Left Bank right now” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Pichon Lalande is located in Pauillac on the iconic Route des Chateaux overlooking the Gironde, its majestic turreted Chateau surrounded by the vines of First Growth Latour. Covering 89 hectares on deep gravel layered over clay and limestone, the Pichon Lalande vineyards are planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon with the oldest vines overlooking the river ranging up to 90 years of age, the remaining parcels located mostly in a single plot west of Latour. Describing it as “utterly brilliant, delivering juice, minerality, power, balance,” the thrilling 97 pt. 2009 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande offers “sheer enjoyment” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and “will unquestionably evolve gracefully for another 20-25 years” according to Jeb Dunnuck while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss calls the 97 pt. 2009 Pichon Lalande “a seductive wine” with “beautifully integrated” tannins that’s simply “wonderful to taste” according to James Suckling. The 100 pt. 2010 Pichon Lalande is a “total showstopper” and a “modern day classic” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, while James Suckling describes it as “rock-solid, with a classic Pauillac profile” and a lingering mineral-driven finish. The 95 pt. 2012 Pichon Lalande is “a wine of pure and total seduction” with “so much to offer” according to critic Galloni, while the 98 pt. 2015 Pichon Lalande is “as classy as they come” according to Jeb Dunnuck and “will continue to impress for two to three decades,” while impressing James Suckling with its “gorgeous texture” and “long and beautiful finish.” Described as “a perfect, legendary wine in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck, the 100 pt. 2016 Pichon Lalande earned a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2019, called “a vivid, dramatically sweeping wine that will leave readers week at the knees” by critic Antonio Galloni who adds “don’t miss it.” Offering “silky tannins” that “feels like a Pauillac” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the 96 pt. 2017 Pichon Lalande boasts “pure elegance and class” according to Jeb Dunnuck while the 99 tp. 2019 Pichon Lalande 99 pts. is “one of the wines of the vintage” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, described by Vinous critic Neal Martin as “an absolute showstopper.” Garnering unanimous critical acclaim typically reserved for the First Growths at a fraction of the price, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande blends are affordable luxuries not to be missed by Bordeaux lovers and collectors, whether selecting a few favorites to enjoy now or stocking the cellar and savoring them for years to come. | ||
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2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “gem of a producer” by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider’s Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate’s exceptional “golden” terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region’s top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d’Oro, the amphitheater-shaped “golden basin” considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as “one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as “a perennial overperformer” by Decanter’s Michaela Morris that’s not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting “quite a wow factor,” while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the “bold” 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having “a lovely defined character” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming “what a gorgeous wine this is.” A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “absolutely gorgeous” according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione “packs a huge punch” and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “a knockout,” describing the atypical blend as offering “stunning depth and textural intensity.” Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate’s highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco “breathtaking” while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts “notable depth and intensity,” and like all Le Cinciole’s top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D’Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany’s hidden treasures, still seeming “to fly under the radar” according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to “strike gold” and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole’s purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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2009 Cos d'Estournel (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting the stunning longevity typical of first growth Bordeaux, the quality of Cos d'Estournel has skyrocketed under the leadership of entrepreneur Michel Reybier since his purchase of the Chateau in 2000. Producing exceptionally elegant and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends year over year, this special selection from Cos d'Estournel encompasses a range of vintages from the 99pt 2005 to the 98+pt 2018, offering elegant, layered fruit, impressive texture and staggering intensity, some ready to enjoy now and all cellar-worthy for decades to come, now at exceptional pricing. Situated on the hill just north of Lafite-Rothschild on the Route des Chateaux, the extravagant Taj Mahal-like façade of Cos d'Estournel hints at the spellbinding greatness of the wines produced on the estate, the iconic vista engraved on its labels. Established in southern Saint Estephe on Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1801, Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855 but over the last two decades under Reybier has acquired a reputation rivalling nearby first growth estates. With the assistance of technical director Dominique Arangoits, Michel Reybier's upgrades at Cos have included construction of a modern 100% gravity flow cellar to preserve the character of the fruit and the identification of different soil types in the vineyards to improve viticulture, improvements reflected in the wines' consistently excellent ratings over the last 15 vintages. Boasting a higher gravel content than most estates in Saint Estephe ("Cos" translates as "hill of pebbles"), the pebble-strewn vineyards are divided into distinct parcels based on soil type and exposure, with the vines averaging over 40 years of age. Employing extra care to preserve the estate's 100 year old Merlot vines, each parcel is meticulously tended and harvested at optimal ripeness, with the old vine Merlot contributing rich fruit and harmonic balance to the opulent signature style of Cos d'Estournel. Over 200 years after founder Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel envisioned an estate that would create extraordinary wine, Cos d'Estournel is producing some of the most complex and ageworthy Bordeaux in the region, now under the thoughtful stewardship of Michel Reybier. Described as "one of Bordeaux's greatest properties" by Wine Spectator critic James Molesworth, these Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux blends are precise, focused and long-lived, offering the first growth quality of its nearby neighbors in Pauillac at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2020 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Estate (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a year Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse calls “a five star vintage for the Willamette Valley,” this selection of 21 exceptional 2021 Oregon Pinot Noir offers a comprehensive range of the vintage’s top rated wines value priced for lovers and collectors of exceptional Pinot Noir, a vintage filled with high scoring Pinots “worthy of your investment of time and money” according to Jeb Dunnuck whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case. After a challenging 2020 vintage of unprecedented wildfires in which many producers did not even produce red wines, Willamette Valley winemakers enjoyed a relatively easy 2021 growing season, starting with warm and dry conditions at the beginning of the vines’ dormant season in Fall 2020 and followed by a Winter without any significant damage despite severe snow and ice storms. Following budbreak in mid-April, an early bloom occurred in the first part of June with heavy rains that normally would have been problematic had they not been followed by a record setting “heat dome” when temperatures reached up to an astounding 117.5°F over a three day period across the Pacific Northwest, the wet soil protecting the vines from damage and encouraging healthy growth. The warm and dry remainder of the season prevented any mildew or disease, while cooler temperatures and substantial rain in September allowed the grapes to fully ripen and led to an extended and nearly perfect harvest producing “concentrated Pinot Noirs with fine tannins sure to become age worthy collectables” according to Decanter. Describing the 2021 Oregon growing season, Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck sums it up as “a stellar vintage, with the wines displaying an outstanding balance of ripeness, depth, and tension" and "equally compelling" as wines from California and Burgundy at a fraction of the price, these exceptional, top rated 2021 Oregon Pinots certain to match a broad array of individual tastes and all over delivering value. | ||
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2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2021 Raventos i Blanc de Nit Rosado Brut Rose (750ml) | ||
Macabeo from Catalonia, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More For over an astonishing 500 years, the Raventos family has been involved with winemaking in the Catalonia region, growing grapes on their historic family-owned estate west of Barcelona since 1497. Inspired by his belief that the fossilized marine limestone soils in the windswept Anoia River Valley would yield a complex sparkling wine, Josep Raventos Fatjo was the first to apply the traditional method used to make Champagne to classic Penedes grape varietals in the late 1800s, his son Manuel later pioneering the blend of the three indigenous grapes, Xarel.lo, Macabeu, and Parellada, that would become the standard for Cava. Witnessing the decline in the quality and reputation of Cava over the next century, the Raventos family separated itself in the 1980s from the Codorniu winery it had founded to focus on making vineyard-driven sparkling wines from their 90-hectare estate, officially withdrawing from the Cava classification in 2012 and championing the creation of a new D.O. with higher standards in the Conca del Riu Anoia area. Crafting the blend of native grapes from biodynamically farmed vines averaging 40 years of age, 21st generation winemaker Pepe Raventos vinified each varietal in stainless steel tanks before blending and bottling it for the secondary fermentation, then aged the 2021 Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blancs on the lees for a minimum of 18 months, twice the requirement for Cava, yielding fresh, layered fruit with tantalizing minerality balanced by mouthwatering acidity on a creamy mousse. Described as “one of Spain’s finest and most complex sparkling wines” by Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, declaring it “one of the greatest bubbly values in the world,” the elegant 90 pt. 2021 Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blancs is a uniquely Spanish sparkler reflecting its mineral-rich terroir, impeccably crafted in the Champagne style and certain to appeal to lovers of the world’s finest sparkling wines looking for a fantastic value. | ||
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2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Extremely sleek, elegant and well made.” Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (93 pt. Decanter review) From a top Haut-Medoc chateau classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the impressive 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue offers rich aromatic spiced fruit with velvety ripe tannins, a beautifully balanced and age worthy Left Bank blend promising “to be a gem of a wine” according to Jeb Dunnuck and bargain priced for everyday enjoyment. Located along the D2 just west of Macau, Chateau Belle-Vue is visible from the roadside just south of the massive iron gates of Margaux’s Chateau Giscours and barely two kilometers from the Gironde. Releasing its first vintage in 1996, Chateau Belle-Vue is a relatively young estate situated near one of Bordeaux’s original drainage canals that separates it from Giscours, sharing a similar name but not to be confused with St. Emilion’s Chateau Bellevue. Planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon, the 15-hectare vineyard has deep rough gravelly soil considered the region’s best terroir near the Garonne tributary and bordered by woodland to the east, the vines averaging around 39 years of age with some planted nearly a century ago. Boasting an unusually high percentage of Petit Verdot that adds a distinctly aromatically spiced component to the Grand Vin, the deeply structured 2019 Belle-Vue was aged for 14 months in 30% new French oak to reveal fresh, earthy fruit balanced by savory acidity, yielding “a gorgeous bottle of wine that will keep for over a decade” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Describing it as “powerful and burly,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue “an ideal wine for the dinner table” its appealing spiced flavors and fresh dense tannins promising a decade of drinking pleasure at a superb value. | ||
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2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “gem of a producer” by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider’s Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate’s exceptional “golden” terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region’s top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d’Oro, the amphitheater-shaped “golden basin” considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as “one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as “a perennial overperformer” by Decanter’s Michaela Morris that’s not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting “quite a wow factor,” while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the “bold” 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having “a lovely defined character” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming “what a gorgeous wine this is.” A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “absolutely gorgeous” according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione “packs a huge punch” and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “a knockout,” describing the atypical blend as offering “stunning depth and textural intensity.” Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate’s highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco “breathtaking” while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts “notable depth and intensity,” and like all Le Cinciole’s top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D’Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany’s hidden treasures, still seeming “to fly under the radar” according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to “strike gold” and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole’s purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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2005 Cos d'Estournel (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting the stunning longevity typical of first growth Bordeaux, the quality of Cos d'Estournel has skyrocketed under the leadership of entrepreneur Michel Reybier since his purchase of the Chateau in 2000. Producing exceptionally elegant and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends year over year, this special selection from Cos d'Estournel encompasses a range of vintages from the 99pt 2005 to the 98+pt 2018, offering elegant, layered fruit, impressive texture and staggering intensity, some ready to enjoy now and all cellar-worthy for decades to come, now at exceptional pricing. Situated on the hill just north of Lafite-Rothschild on the Route des Chateaux, the extravagant Taj Mahal-like façade of Cos d'Estournel hints at the spellbinding greatness of the wines produced on the estate, the iconic vista engraved on its labels. Established in southern Saint Estephe on Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1801, Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855 but over the last two decades under Reybier has acquired a reputation rivalling nearby first growth estates. With the assistance of technical director Dominique Arangoits, Michel Reybier's upgrades at Cos have included construction of a modern 100% gravity flow cellar to preserve the character of the fruit and the identification of different soil types in the vineyards to improve viticulture, improvements reflected in the wines' consistently excellent ratings over the last 15 vintages. Boasting a higher gravel content than most estates in Saint Estephe ("Cos" translates as "hill of pebbles"), the pebble-strewn vineyards are divided into distinct parcels based on soil type and exposure, with the vines averaging over 40 years of age. Employing extra care to preserve the estate's 100 year old Merlot vines, each parcel is meticulously tended and harvested at optimal ripeness, with the old vine Merlot contributing rich fruit and harmonic balance to the opulent signature style of Cos d'Estournel. Over 200 years after founder Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel envisioned an estate that would create extraordinary wine, Cos d'Estournel is producing some of the most complex and ageworthy Bordeaux in the region, now under the thoughtful stewardship of Michel Reybier. Described as "one of Bordeaux's greatest properties" by Wine Spectator critic James Molesworth, these Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux blends are precise, focused and long-lived, offering the first growth quality of its nearby neighbors in Pauillac at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2010 Cos d'Estournel (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting the stunning longevity typical of first growth Bordeaux, the quality of Cos d'Estournel has skyrocketed under the leadership of entrepreneur Michel Reybier since his purchase of the Chateau in 2000. Producing exceptionally elegant and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends year over year, this special selection from Cos d'Estournel encompasses a range of vintages from the 99pt 2005 to the 98+pt 2018, offering elegant, layered fruit, impressive texture and staggering intensity, some ready to enjoy now and all cellar-worthy for decades to come, now at exceptional pricing. Situated on the hill just north of Lafite-Rothschild on the Route des Chateaux, the extravagant Taj Mahal-like façade of Cos d'Estournel hints at the spellbinding greatness of the wines produced on the estate, the iconic vista engraved on its labels. Established in southern Saint Estephe on Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1801, Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855 but over the last two decades under Reybier has acquired a reputation rivalling nearby first growth estates. With the assistance of technical director Dominique Arangoits, Michel Reybier's upgrades at Cos have included construction of a modern 100% gravity flow cellar to preserve the character of the fruit and the identification of different soil types in the vineyards to improve viticulture, improvements reflected in the wines' consistently excellent ratings over the last 15 vintages. Boasting a higher gravel content than most estates in Saint Estephe ("Cos" translates as "hill of pebbles"), the pebble-strewn vineyards are divided into distinct parcels based on soil type and exposure, with the vines averaging over 40 years of age. Employing extra care to preserve the estate's 100 year old Merlot vines, each parcel is meticulously tended and harvested at optimal ripeness, with the old vine Merlot contributing rich fruit and harmonic balance to the opulent signature style of Cos d'Estournel. Over 200 years after founder Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel envisioned an estate that would create extraordinary wine, Cos d'Estournel is producing some of the most complex and ageworthy Bordeaux in the region, now under the thoughtful stewardship of Michel Reybier. Described as "one of Bordeaux's greatest properties" by Wine Spectator critic James Molesworth, these Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux blends are precise, focused and long-lived, offering the first growth quality of its nearby neighbors in Pauillac at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2018 Cos d'Estournel (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting the stunning longevity typical of first growth Bordeaux, the quality of Cos d'Estournel has skyrocketed under the leadership of entrepreneur Michel Reybier since his purchase of the Chateau in 2000. Producing exceptionally elegant and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Bordeaux blends year over year, this special selection from Cos d'Estournel encompasses a range of vintages from the 99pt 2005 to the 98+pt 2018, offering elegant, layered fruit, impressive texture and staggering intensity, some ready to enjoy now and all cellar-worthy for decades to come, now at exceptional pricing. Situated on the hill just north of Lafite-Rothschild on the Route des Chateaux, the extravagant Taj Mahal-like façade of Cos d'Estournel hints at the spellbinding greatness of the wines produced on the estate, the iconic vista engraved on its labels. Established in southern Saint Estephe on Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1801, Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855 but over the last two decades under Reybier has acquired a reputation rivalling nearby first growth estates. With the assistance of technical director Dominique Arangoits, Michel Reybier's upgrades at Cos have included construction of a modern 100% gravity flow cellar to preserve the character of the fruit and the identification of different soil types in the vineyards to improve viticulture, improvements reflected in the wines' consistently excellent ratings over the last 15 vintages. Boasting a higher gravel content than most estates in Saint Estephe ("Cos" translates as "hill of pebbles"), the pebble-strewn vineyards are divided into distinct parcels based on soil type and exposure, with the vines averaging over 40 years of age. Employing extra care to preserve the estate's 100 year old Merlot vines, each parcel is meticulously tended and harvested at optimal ripeness, with the old vine Merlot contributing rich fruit and harmonic balance to the opulent signature style of Cos d'Estournel. Over 200 years after founder Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel envisioned an estate that would create extraordinary wine, Cos d'Estournel is producing some of the most complex and ageworthy Bordeaux in the region, now under the thoughtful stewardship of Michel Reybier. Described as "one of Bordeaux's greatest properties" by Wine Spectator critic James Molesworth, these Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux blends are precise, focused and long-lived, offering the first growth quality of its nearby neighbors in Pauillac at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif (750ml) | ||
Petite Sirah from North Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Welcome to Round Two of our exceptional offer from the Wagner Family of Wines, a terrific opportunity to stock up on the limited 2020 Caymus liters along with some outstanding big, bold reds from Caymus-Suisun and a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot crafted by the Caymus team, all at specially negotiated pricing while they last. Backed by the quality legacy of Caymus founder Chuck Wagner, here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Sourced from Monterey, Chuck Wagner’s richly styled 2022 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve offers opulent, buttery tropical fruit. Crafted by Chuck’s daughter Jenny Wagner, the crisp and refreshing 2022 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus fruit flavors with bright acidity, and the full-bodied 2021 Emmolo Merlot boasts ripe and rich dark fruit hinting of oak and vanilla with smooth supple tannins. Produced at the Wagner Family’s new state of the art winery located in Solana County’s Suisun Valley (pronounced su-soon), the outstanding 2021 Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif is a blend highlighting bold, luscious dark Petit Sirah with hints of toasted herbs and spice layered with plush tannins while the lush 2021 Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool boasts the earthy, spiced flavors of Zinfandel with tantalizing acidity on a smooth finish. Declared “an American classic,” by Decanter’s Stephen Brook, the newly released 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from top quality ripe Napa fruit and aged in mostly new French oak for 16 months before bottling, its rich texture layered with luscious vanilla and toasted oak, finishing long with integrated, velvety tannins that promise longevity. As the first to introduce Caymus to Florida, B-21 Caymus fans are reaping the rewards of our long standing relationship with special pricing on one liter bottles of 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1000ml), available while they last at the same price as the standard 750ml. With the Caymus reputation for quality behind each label, this unique opportunity to stock up on one liter bottles of 2020 Caymus or mix a case or two from the Wagner's wide ranging portfolio at special bargain pricing is offered for a limited time, all immensely enjoyable wines that will have Caymus fans wishing they’d bought more. | ||
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2021 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso San Lorenzo (750ml) | ||
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “one of the volcano’s most talented producers” by the Wine Advocate’s Monic Larner, these selections from winemaker Giuseppe Russo of Girolamo Russo features some of Sicily’s top-rated Mount Etna wines, a terrific opportunity to explore the outstanding range of wines crafted from Sicily’s volcanic terroir by a masterful winemaker that “never disappoints” at best on the market pricing. While the steep, terraced vineyards of Mount Etna have attracted winemakers and consultants from all over the world, winemaker Giuseppe Russo is Sicilian born and bred, drawn back to his family’s roots in Passopisciaro after the death of his father Girolamo who had been farming vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Etna for decades but never bottling his own wine. Establishing the winery that bears his father’s name in 2005, Giuseppe’s organically farmed vineyards span 15 hectares on Etna’s windy northern slope, surrounded by olive and hazelnut trees at altitudes from 650 to 780 meters above sea level and planted with a range of indigenous grapes including the white Carricante and red Nerello Mascalese in Etna’s wide-ranging mineral-rich volcanic soils. Arranged in rows along narrow terraces held in place by stone walls, the steep terrain requires all the vineyard work including harvesting be done by hand, the ungrafted, gnarly bush vines called albarelli or “little trees” ranging from 80 to 100 years of age and divided into individual plots or single vineyards known locally as contradas based on each parcel’s unique soil composition. Sourced from 80 year old Nerello Mascalese and “an incredible value” rose according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, the elegant 92 pt. 2022 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosato blends fresh, ripe red berry and stone fruit flavors with nuances of mineral and spice and crisp acidity, while the enticing lemony-colored 93 pt. 2022 Etna Bianco Nerina is “a total pleasure to take in” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, boasting fragrant tropical fruit with zesty lemon on a mineral finish. A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Cappucio from various sites, Giuseppe co-fermented the grapes for the 94 pt. 2021 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso 'a Rina in stainless steel and open tanks before aging it for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks and concrete tanks and six months longer in bottle, yielding aromatic, bright red fruit hinting of nutty spice with smooth, silky tannins. Described as “remarkably pretty” by Eric Guido of Vinous, the 96 pt. 2021 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso San Lorenzo “is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner revealing rich, vibrant fruit and an elegant silky texture, while the 96 pt. 2021 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso from 100% Nerello Mascalese is “one of the finest wines made on Etna in recent years,” revealing concentrated, ripe berry fruit with refined, chalky tannins. Sourced from the estate’s oldest high elevation vines, the refined 96 pt. 2021 Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is described as “beautifully ethereal and almost weightless in character” by critic Larner, offering darker, fleshy fruit and streamlined tannins that promise longevity. Recently declaring “Sicily is going through a Golden Age,” Vinous critic Eric Guido notes “the best part is that, overall, the wines are still an amazing value,” these highly rated selections from Girolamo Russo artfully expressing Mt. Etna’s uniquely volcanic terroir and unbeatably priced to explore and savor the wines of Sicily’s most exciting region. | ||
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