| 2024 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In my mind, and according to my palate for that matter, Jean-Marc Burgaud is the don of Morgon. His wines achieve the highest levels and have an unerring propensity to repay cellaring." - Neal Martin, Vinous Earlier this year we solidified a domaine-direct relationship with a true Beaujolais icon, and now the "first fruits" of this new relationship have just landed in stock. Dubbed "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remain some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. The highlight of the range, Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit," notes Wine Advocate. Not as well-known but every bit as compelling is the 2022 Côte du Py Javernieres, a JS95 insider's favorite that isn't often seen in the U.S. market. We're also thrilled to present a trio of Burgaud's newly released 2024s, each one a superb expression of its Morgon terroir and a benchmark example of one the region's greatest winemaking talents. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the benchmark gems to us at jaw-dropping pricing that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
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| 2023 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Cleo Pahlmeyer's Wayfarer has been at the forefront of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA's evolution ever since its inaugural vintage in 2012. This incredible property in a far-flung corner of Sonoma County has racked up consistent, glowing accolades from the beginning, and now we can add a Wine Spectator Top 10 designation to the list of honors and acclaim. "...the 2023 is absolutely exquisite." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous That alone should have any fan of collectible California Pinot Noir scrambling to get their hands on the 2023 Estate Pinot Noir, but when you get a look at the pair of 97-point reviews from Galloni and Suckling, as well huge press from every other critic of note, it becomes a genuine contender for wine of the vintage in California Pinot. Blended from all 11 clones on the estate property, the 2023 Estate Vineyard exudes class and sophistication with its "silky contours" and "kaleidoscopic" aromatic profile. "Vibrant and tension-driven" on the palate, this is cool-climate Pinot Noir at its very best, from one of the longest growing seasons and latest harvests on record for the AVA. We just secured an introductory parcel at the sharpest price in the country, so now is the time to lock on of the most coveted buys of the holiday season. | ||
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| 2019 Michel Arnould & Fils Heuristique Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Côte des Blancs seems to get the majority of attention in Champagne's Grand Cru sphere, but you're short-changing yourself in a big way if you're not famiiiar with Verzenay, a Pinot Noir-centric village in the northeast side of the Montagne de Reims. And in Verzenay, one of the undisputed names to know is Michel Arnould. Now run by Michel's son Patrick, his son-in-law Thierry, and grandson Thomas, this is a true family operation that does everything with an eye to the future, in an innovative style that stays pure and true to their Verzenay roots. Their deep range is full of must-try gems, but the 2019 Heuristique was the standout hit during our visit in April. "What a fine introduction to this marvelous, hidden-gem domaine!" - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Champagne Buyer A 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it shows the wide-ranging skill-set and top-notch vineyard pedigree that goes into these wines. It's "an enchanting combination of vivid freshness and depth" as Andrew describes it, the Chardonnay providing almost endlessly bright, charming aromatics and flavors and the Pinot Noir offering luxurious weight and a robust foundation. Despite the challenges of the growing season, the quality in the end was undoubtedly high, especially for Chardonnay, and you can see that clearly in the Heurisitique's superb interplay of "concentrated vinosity" and lasting energy. In a market where vintage grower Champagnes, especially from Grand Cru terroir, are shooting upward in price, to find one under $50 is an absolute steal. | ||
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| 2023 Christophe Cordier Macon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, 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 white 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. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. 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. Andrew 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." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. 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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| 2010 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2022 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Suffice it to say, Ridge is firing on all cylinders." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 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 Geyserville 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 "pure, expressive" 2021 is the perfect counterpoint to the "take-no-prisoners" 2022, each wine boasted 95 points among a host great accolades. 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. Finally, the double 93-point 2022 Paso Robles Zinfandel is "brambly and dynamic" with a big personality defined by its "terrific core of sweet fruit, supple tannins and outstanding length." In other words, it's a quintessential California Zin that delivers the all the features that Ridge fans crave. With outstanding value offerings like these, as well as monumental collectibles, and everything in between, Ridge is still a California icon that deserves its place in the pantheon of great names. | ||
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| Jacquesson Cuvee 747 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Jacquesson] is poised to continue producing Champagnes with exceptional freshness and crystalline textures. The range is impressively consistent, and each cuvée beautifully reflects the soul and the distinct terroirs of this house based in Dizy." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Consistency is indeed the name of the game at this long-time fan favorite of B-21. Jacquesson's star rose to new heights under the lengthy ownership of the Chiquet brothers, and since its acquisition by the François Pinault juggernaut (owner of Chateau Latour, Clos de Tart, and Napa iconic Eisele Vineyard) in 2022, there have been no signs that anything is any different. The newly arrived Cuvée 747 is exemplary of this flagship bottling in many ways, but the higher inclusion of Pinot Noir in this 2019-base rendition gives it a notably more intense personality than in previous years. Earning 96 points from James Suckling, it's "a structured and creamy-textured Jacquesson NV with a very fine-bubble texture and lovely polish ... medium- to full-bodied with length and sophistication." Showing the genius of the Chiquet brothers in transparent clarity, the 747 is "an edition that closely reflects the character of the vintage, marked by its tension and phenolic complexity" according to Yohan Castaing, and given the tension, textural depth, and structural foundation from the increased presence of the Pinot Noir, this is set for a wonderful evolution in the cellar over the next several years. Not to be overlooked, we still have a small amount of the luxurious 746. Based on the warm, solar vintage of 2018, it's "plush with showy red fruit that shimmers amid a vibrant acid energy that brings loads of freshness to the long finish." The 746 will provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the more linear, stately 747, so you can have repeated enjoyment comparing the two side by side for years to come. | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Tresor (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 latest releases 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 "rich, satisfying" 2024 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 92 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up is the 95-point 2022 Chardonnay Reserve, a full-bodied wine with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$30 price. For the reds, the 2023 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 92-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is "very generous and giving for the price" with "concentrated aromas" and a "rich and broad" palate. 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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| 2023 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
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| 2022 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py James (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In my mind, and according to my palate for that matter, Jean-Marc Burgaud is the don of Morgon. His wines achieve the highest levels and have an unerring propensity to repay cellaring." - Neal Martin, Vinous Earlier this year we solidified a domaine-direct relationship with a true Beaujolais icon, and now the "first fruits" of this new relationship have just landed in stock. Dubbed "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remain some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. The highlight of the range, Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit," notes Wine Advocate. Not as well-known but every bit as compelling is the 2022 Côte du Py Javernieres, a JS95 insider's favorite that isn't often seen in the U.S. market. We're also thrilled to present a trio of Burgaud's newly released 2024s, each one a superb expression of its Morgon terroir and a benchmark example of one the region's greatest winemaking talents. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the benchmark gems to us at jaw-dropping pricing that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
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| 2024 Domaine de l'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Bel Air Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Viognier 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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| 2020 Caiarossa (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or "rossa" gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa's 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone's Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany's native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This set of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing "impressive depth and textural richness" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Meyney (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| 2021 Caiarossa (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or "rossa" gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa's 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone's Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany's native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This set of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing "impressive depth and textural richness" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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| 2022 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras Les Restanques de Cabassole (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Vacqueyras, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been searching high and low for a top-notch Vacqueyras domaine to add to our direct-import stable, and last October we got more than we bargained for from Eric Boutelin's Roucas Toumba estate. The domaine is not nearly as well-known as it should be, given that he has some of the Vacqueyras appellation's most pristine, old-vine parcels and employs incredibly meticulous winemaking practices to give his vines their absolute best expression, resulting in what Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing calls "some of the appellation’s most authentic and terroir-driven wines." After tasting through the latest releases, we couldn't agree more. "The 2022 Vacqueyras les Restanques de Cabassole is a superb showing from this estate ... This is a serious Vacqueyras with depth, drive and aging potential." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The entire range is top-tier, and the 2022 Restanques de Cabassole is a true revelation of the absolute heights that Vacqueyras can reach and an absolutely showstopping effort that puts the appellation on another level altogether, notching 94+ points from Wine Advocate. B-21 Rhône Buyer Andrew Kitz calls it "a thoroughly complete expression of true Southern Rhône character, classic in every way." "The purity and precision here are impressive, and the long, focused finish underscores its potential. This is a superb Vacqueyras..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate The 93-point 2023 La Grande Terre, another old-vine Grenache-based gem that's done entirely in concrete, which gives the wine absolutely stunning purity of fruit with "supple and enveloping" textural precision. Where the Restanques certainly needs time in the cellar to show all its cards, the Grande Terre is a thrilling preview that is accessible now, with the substance and craftsmanship to develop its own mesmerizing nuances over time, as well. Vacqueyras has long lived in the shadow of Gigondas, but with efforts like these from Eric Boutelin, we're extremely excited to showcase the rising tide of quality in this excellent but overlooked appellation. There's no question that Boutelin's star is rising, and we're thrilled to add him to our direct-import portfolio, with two of the sharpest Rhône buys we've seen all year. | ||
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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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| 2021 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There aren't many entry-level Barolos out there that offer the kind of reliable, old-school character and class that Damilano's Lecinquevigne displays, vintage after vintage. That has everything to do with the wine's origins. A true appellation expression, Lecinquevigne is composed of vineyards in the five main villages of the region – Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Barolo, and Novello – which allows for remarkable stylistic consistency in the face of varying vintage conditions. The epic 2021 vintage turned out a benchmark Lecinquevigne with a pair of 95-point scores from James Suckling and Kerin O'Keefe, along with additional praise from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Showcasing pure fruit and the precise structure of the vintage, this is "bold and beautiful" example of how good even the entry-level Barolos are these days. Long-time fans of the wine will find everything they've come to know and love from Damilano, while those looking to introduce themselves to the classic Barolo style without breaking the bank should look no further than this confident and poised expression. | ||
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| 2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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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| 2017 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2022 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate The above quote from William Kelley truly captures the sentiment around this hidden gem estate in Pessac-Léognan. In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately, as evidenced by today's line-up of recent releases. The estate's red is a sub-$50 home-run hitter every year, and that kind of consistency is on display in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 vintages, the latter of which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing ofWine Advocate. Not to be overlooked, the 2020 is also "a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine " that has racked up impressive accolades from across the critical space for its "great mix of richness and elegance." Finally, like any great Pessac estate, de Fieuzal's white wines are some of the best in Bordeaux, and the two vintages on offer today each boast an impressive critical line that tops off at 95 points. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| Signatory Speyside (M) 14yr 2011 Single Malt Scotch | ||
| From Speyside, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It's tough to beat unadulterated Macallan in first-fill oloroso, especially at this price." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Single malt fans know that demand for Speyside's most famous distillery has hit such a fever pitch that prices have long since gone off the rails on official distillery bottlings, but thanks to top-tier independent bottlers like Signatory, we can still get our hands on some fan-favorite expressions that won't break the bank. Unfortunately, they don't tend to last long. Our offer late last year on the 2011 Speyside (M) 13 Year Old sold out in one day. Now that same juice is a year older and a year wiser, so it's a safe bet this 14 Year Old will see much the same reaction from our savvy single-malt fans. The Speyside (M) made a name for itself a few years ago when it could still bear the Macallan name on the label, and even though we get the cryptic yet not-so-secret "M" designation nowadays, we're still getting that unmistakable Macallan character. All the more, Signatory bottles this release at 100 proof with no adulteration in the form of filtration or additives, so it's just pure Macallan and pure Speyside all the way. "It’s as pure an expression of the distillery as you’ll find," notes Andrew. Indeed, when you consider the specs, it's hard to argue. And when you factor in the price, it's a no-brainer for any avid Speyside fan, of Macallan or anything else. | ||
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| 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Veran En Creches (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, 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 white 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. The same can be said of the 2023 Cordier Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four. If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt recognize the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price," writes B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz. 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. Andrew 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." B-21 Burgundy fans are well familiar with Pascal Bonhomme's 2023 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes, making it an undisputed best-seller in the category over several vintages. Along with John Gilman's glowing 93-point review, our own Burgundy buyer Andrew Kitz also found the 2023 to be "a statement in grace and elegance ... [with] super-fine limestone minerality, fantastic balance and textural precision, medium weight, and excellent definition." Turning to one of our most rewarding domaine-direct relationships for several years now, the 2023 Domaine Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Les Coeres 1er Cru is "a superb quality-to-price performer, not just for white Burg fans but for anyone who loves well-crafted Chardonnay." From a significant holding of 60-year-old vines in Montagny's most famous cru, the 2023 shows its clay-calcaire soils and old-vine pedigree in a rounded, utterly charming style that truly offers something for everyone. No hard edges, graceful balance, and upfront personality all make for another fine entry in the track record of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, with 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. 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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| 2016 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Whether its what James Suckling describes as the "wonderful combination of refinement and power" in Chateau Margaux or the complexity and depth of Chateau Mouton Rothschild that Jeb Dunnuck declares "quintessential Pauillac," these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, a terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. A seductive Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, Chateau Margaux' 82-hectare vineyard boasts some vines over 80 years of age, producing exceptional quality fruit which undergoes rigorous selection with typically only a third or less of production making the cut for the Grand Vin and typically aged for 18 to 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels made at their onsite cooperage. A top scoring selection ranging from the stunning 100 pt. 2009 Margaux just entering its window of drinkability to the alluring 100 pt. 2020 Margaux declared "a Margaux for the ages" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, every vintage shares the Grand Vin's signature refinement and meticulous balance, offering floral aromatics and lush dark fruit with dense silky tannins that promise decades of enjoyment and all "elegant and utterly compelling" in the words of the Wine Advocate's William Kelley. A sumptuous and rich Cabernet Sauvignon blend known for its unique artwork labels that change with each vintage, Chateau Mouton Rothschild shares Margaux's "insane ability to age" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, its 83 hectare vineyard at Pauillac's highest elevation planted to 81% Cabernet Sauvignon averaging 50 years of age with some vines over 130 years with only 50% of the harvest making the final cut for the Grand Vin and always aged in 100% new French oak typically for 19 to 22 months. Described as a "multi-dimensional First Growth with a very persistent finish" by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the dazzling 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild is ready to enjoy after over a decade of pristine cellaring while the stunning 100 pt. 2010 Mouton is "a battleship of a wine" according to the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth and not far behind, every vintage revealing the estate's signature seductive texture, velvety tannins and incredible depth and ranging to the "ethereal" 100 pt 2020 Mouton Rothschild that James Suckling declares "hard to not drink now," highlighting its approachability while acknowledging the potential for decades of evolution. Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, some of these remarkable First Growths boast over a decade of cellaring and others require patient cellaring before pulling the cork, but all are guaranteed to "blow you away any time" over the next several decades in the words of Jeb Dunnuck, delivered in perfect provenance at exceptional value pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Brezza Barolo Cannubi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Barolos (and the 2019 Riserva) find Brezza in fine shape. These firm, traditionally made Barolos will delight readers with classically leaning palates." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Our winery-direct relationship with Brezza once again pays huge dividends with the release of the highly anticipated 2021 single crus. By now, this modern benchmark vintage is on everyone's radar, and Brezza has undoubtedly captured the 2021 magic in their entire range, as our tasting last October confirmed. The smash hits of Sarmassa and Cannubi are towering efforts that weave together incredible terroir character and expert winemaking for collectible Barolos of the highest order. Brezza's Cannubi holding is a 1.4-hectare parcel in the very heart of the cru, so it comes as no surprise that the 2021 "shows all the class and pedigree that has made this site famous" according to Kerin O'Keefe, whose own 97-point score is eclipsed by a 98 points from Wine Enthusiast, which describes it as "a profound testament to Nebbiolo's nobility ... completeness in a glass, a wine that carries both power and finesse with equal measure. The warm micro-climate of Sarmassa endows the wine with deep but balanced personality, with ideal phenolic ripeness being a typical hallmark of the vineyard. This 98-point stunner is "a wine that speaks of place with crystalline clarity," giving telltale signatures of the cru in every drop. Kerin O'Keefe likewise calls it "a gorgeous wine and great expression of this site," and there's no doubt that the magnificent 2021 vintage has turned out a truly special rendition of this long-time B-21 favorite. Finally, Brezza's prized south-facing plots in Sarmassa, Vigna Bricco, produced a marvelous Riserva in the acclaimed 2019 vintage that "brings together all the elements that make these wines so appealing, namely the elegance of Cannubi and then structure of the Sarmassa," according to Antonio Galloni. A concentrated, impressively built Riserva with stunning underlying tension, the 2019 is a hallmark cellar Barolo, made for a long evolution. As thrilling as this trio is right now, you'll certainly want to stash bottles away and forget them for a while, because the rewards are sure to be as compelling as almost anything you'll find in these epic vintages, once the wines have time to reach their full potential. | ||
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| 2020 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate "firing on all cylinders," there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a "no expense spared" restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate's 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau's rising star reputation as "an estate that can do no wrong" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine de l'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages La Montagne (750ml) | ||
| Grenache 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 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2020 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate The above quote from William Kelley truly captures the sentiment around this hidden gem estate in Pessac-Léognan. In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately, as evidenced by today's line-up of recent releases. The estate's red is a sub-$50 home-run hitter every year, and that kind of consistency is on display in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 vintages, the latter of which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing ofWine Advocate. Not to be overlooked, the 2020 is also "a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine " that has racked up impressive accolades from across the critical space for its "great mix of richness and elegance." Finally, like any great Pessac estate, de Fieuzal's white wines are some of the best in Bordeaux, and the two vintages on offer today each boast an impressive critical line that tops off at 95 points. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Whether its what James Suckling describes as the "wonderful combination of refinement and power" in Chateau Margaux or the complexity and depth of Chateau Mouton Rothschild that Jeb Dunnuck declares "quintessential Pauillac," these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, a terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. A seductive Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, Chateau Margaux' 82-hectare vineyard boasts some vines over 80 years of age, producing exceptional quality fruit which undergoes rigorous selection with typically only a third or less of production making the cut for the Grand Vin and typically aged for 18 to 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels made at their onsite cooperage. A top scoring selection ranging from the stunning 100 pt. 2009 Margaux just entering its window of drinkability to the alluring 100 pt. 2020 Margaux declared "a Margaux for the ages" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, every vintage shares the Grand Vin's signature refinement and meticulous balance, offering floral aromatics and lush dark fruit with dense silky tannins that promise decades of enjoyment and all "elegant and utterly compelling" in the words of the Wine Advocate's William Kelley. A sumptuous and rich Cabernet Sauvignon blend known for its unique artwork labels that change with each vintage, Chateau Mouton Rothschild shares Margaux's "insane ability to age" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, its 83 hectare vineyard at Pauillac's highest elevation planted to 81% Cabernet Sauvignon averaging 50 years of age with some vines over 130 years with only 50% of the harvest making the final cut for the Grand Vin and always aged in 100% new French oak typically for 19 to 22 months. Described as a "multi-dimensional First Growth with a very persistent finish" by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the dazzling 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild is ready to enjoy after over a decade of pristine cellaring while the stunning 100 pt. 2010 Mouton is "a battleship of a wine" according to the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth and not far behind, every vintage revealing the estate's signature seductive texture, velvety tannins and incredible depth and ranging to the "ethereal" 100 pt 2020 Mouton Rothschild that James Suckling declares "hard to not drink now," highlighting its approachability while acknowledging the potential for decades of evolution. Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, some of these remarkable First Growths boast over a decade of cellaring and others require patient cellaring before pulling the cork, but all are guaranteed to "blow you away any time" over the next several decades in the words of Jeb Dunnuck, delivered in perfect provenance at exceptional value pricing. | ||
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| 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Whether its what James Suckling describes as the "wonderful combination of refinement and power" in Chateau Margaux or the complexity and depth of Chateau Mouton Rothschild that Jeb Dunnuck declares "quintessential Pauillac," these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, a terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. A seductive Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, Chateau Margaux' 82-hectare vineyard boasts some vines over 80 years of age, producing exceptional quality fruit which undergoes rigorous selection with typically only a third or less of production making the cut for the Grand Vin and typically aged for 18 to 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels made at their onsite cooperage. A top scoring selection ranging from the stunning 100 pt. 2009 Margaux just entering its window of drinkability to the alluring 100 pt. 2020 Margaux declared "a Margaux for the ages" by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, every vintage shares the Grand Vin's signature refinement and meticulous balance, offering floral aromatics and lush dark fruit with dense silky tannins that promise decades of enjoyment and all "elegant and utterly compelling" in the words of the Wine Advocate's William Kelley. A sumptuous and rich Cabernet Sauvignon blend known for its unique artwork labels that change with each vintage, Chateau Mouton Rothschild shares Margaux's "insane ability to age" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson, its 83 hectare vineyard at Pauillac's highest elevation planted to 81% Cabernet Sauvignon averaging 50 years of age with some vines over 130 years with only 50% of the harvest making the final cut for the Grand Vin and always aged in 100% new French oak typically for 19 to 22 months. Described as a "multi-dimensional First Growth with a very persistent finish" by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the dazzling 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild is ready to enjoy after over a decade of pristine cellaring while the stunning 100 pt. 2010 Mouton is "a battleship of a wine" according to the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth and not far behind, every vintage revealing the estate's signature seductive texture, velvety tannins and incredible depth and ranging to the "ethereal" 100 pt 2020 Mouton Rothschild that James Suckling declares "hard to not drink now," highlighting its approachability while acknowledging the potential for decades of evolution. Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, some of these remarkable First Growths boast over a decade of cellaring and others require patient cellaring before pulling the cork, but all are guaranteed to "blow you away any time" over the next several decades in the words of Jeb Dunnuck, delivered in perfect provenance at exceptional value pricing. | ||
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