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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 trio 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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| Bollinger Brut Champagne Special Cuvee (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There are Grandes Marques, "Mini-Marques," and then there are the TRULY grande marques. Bollinger is so grande (so important) that the most famous quotes on Champagne are attributed to its most endearing owner. Lily Bollinger was not only the most important character in the story of Bollinger, she remains its most charismatic. The technical side of Bollinger – the unmatched level of investment in every bottle produced – is every bit as important as Lily's story. Stepping into the cellars of Bollinger will take your breath away. Imagine the greatest collection of Champagne you could ever hope to personally witness in one place. Imagine magnums of the most pristine, Grand Cru Champagne – bottled under cork – resting there before your eyes. How many bottles would it take for you to think, "Holy bubbles, Batman, that's a LOT of Champagne?" In the cellars of Bollinger rests 600,000 magnums (100,000 cases) of Champagne reserves. It is this massive – truly mind-boggling – stash of reserves which contributes to the unmatched quality and consistency of the Bollinger Special Cuvée. The master blending performed which results in the richness, the depth and full body we love in Bollinger includes 50% of these reserve wines, some of which are up to 15 years of age. This Bollinger Special Cuvée you're buying today contains a healthy percentage of reserve wine from the vintage of 2000. Moreover, in keeping with the historical Bollinger tradition and winemaking style – the style Lily championed across Europe – the Special Cuvée is vinified in seasoned oak barrels of varying size, shape and age. This barrel vinification is followed by another three years of aging on the fine lees, a process absolutely unmatched across the region. It's a time-consuming, laborious, expensive process that's driven by passion; as only Lily Bollinger would have had it. Lily took over the estate upon her husband's passing in 1941 and is celebrated for greatly expanding the estate's vineyard holdings as well as the soaring popularity during her time as director and beyond. Recalling her arrival to London to declare her 1955 vintage, a reporter made public Lily Bollinger's reply when asked how much she enjoyed her own product. I think of it every day, or least every day I have a bottle of Bollinger: "I drink my Champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty." One of the finest Bollinger Special Cuvée bottlings to date, with my price making it that much finer: | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Charvin is a first-rate, under-the-radar favorite that routinely lands on the short lists of Châteauneuf insiders everywhere. The domaine's vineyard in the south of the appellation could produce a ripe, powerhouse style, but Laurent Charvin's methods make these wines some of the region's most elegant and refined, vintage after vintage. "Laurent Charvin is, in an inexplicable way, one of the most underappreciated vignerons in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate His Midas touch is amply evident in this stunning 2022 Châteauneuf that notched a whopping 98 points from James Suckling's Rhône critic, Stuart Pigott, who captures the style perfectly: "This astonishing Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the enormous aromatic complexity and subtlety that we expect from Grand Cru red Burgundies." Yohan Castaing likewise lauds it as "one of my favorites this year," going on to extol its "long and ethereal" finish and "delicate tannic frame." Not only will hardcore Rhône fans go head over heels for the "sensuality, elegance, finesse and an ethereal character" of this beguiling red, but Burgundy fans and collectors can find much to love in a beautiful expression with tons of cross-over appeal. | ||
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| 2022 Julien Brocard Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We're always on the look-out for under-the-radar Chablis stars to introduce to our avid Burgundy clientele, and this 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is a perfect introduction to a domaine that should be on everyone's short list. When he's not overseeing the extensive domaine and négociant arms of the vast Jean-Marc Brocard estate, Julien Brocard devotes his spare time to turning out fabulous wines of true terroir distinction under his own eponymous label. The entire range is a tour de force in biodynamic winemaking, the trio on offer today exemplifying Brocard's meticulous precision and commitment to authentic terroir expression. Leading off, we have a "very terroir-driven ... very promising" Côte de Léchet 1er Cru that notched 92+ points from Neal Martin of Vinous, followed by a potential 96-point Montée de Tonnerre 1er Cru that Decanter calls "a fine balance between the power and minerality of Montée de Tonnerre and the ripeness of this particular site." Chablis fans and collectors on the hunt for a thrilling discovery to follow over the coming years should take a serious look at Julien Brocard, especially at our unbeatable market-leading pricing across the board. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau des Rontets Pouilly-Fuisse Pierrefolle (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Maconnais, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our November visit to Burgundy was a game-changer on so many levels, as we discovered several unbelievable finds at virtually every tier of the quality hierarchy, but nothing quite compared these truly stunning, old-vine gems from a Pouilly-Fuissé domaine that belongs on everyone's radar. "A wine of real stature and distinction, the 2022 Les Birbettes is simply magnificent ... it's arguably the most compelling wine of our November trip to Burgundy." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Fabio Montrasi's Château des Rontets is one of the great hidden gems in the Mâcon, and since all of his vineyards are monopoles, the domaine's wines are undeniably distinctive in their terroir signatures. As Neal Martin of Vinous notes, "Despite not farming any Premier Cru, these wines are amongst the best in Mâconnais. All three of Montrasi's cuvées are worth seeking out." Why no premier cru, you might ask? A mere technicality, as the domaine sits just above the elevation line that defines the appellation's premiers crus. Nonetheless, these are some of the most impeccable sites in the region led by Les Birbettes, a one-hectare, hilltop parcel of 100-year-old vines on pure limestone that produces one of the most singular expressions in the entire Mâconnais. "The definition of a thoroughbred Chardonnay" as our Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it, the 2022 Les Birbettes has the pedigree and substance to stand toe-to-toe with the elite of the Côte de Beaune, and rest assured, if it were from Puligny or Chassagne, you'd be looking at a price tag well into the triple digits. "The most unique Chardonnay we discovered on our November trip to Burgundy ... this is just a singular expression any way you slice it." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Offering a fascinating juxtaposition to the domaine's old-vine 2022 Les Birbettes, the 2022 Pierrefolle hails from another inimitable monopole site in winemaker Fabio Montrasi's stable. The slightly warmer micro-climate in this half-hectare parcel of 50-year-old vines is tempered by a feature almost unheard-of in Burgundy - granite soils. Yes, you read that correctly. This anomaly of a vineyard allows Montrasi to craft a Chardonnay expression unlike any you'll find in the region, as the vineyard's soils impart their unmistakeable imprint on the finished wine. Layers of latent complexity are wound tightly upon the firm structural foundation, resulting in that true "wine of place" character that all Burgundy aficionados covet. Indeed, as B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz puts it, "This wine is terroir in a nutshell." As with its stablemate, the 2022 Les Birbettes, the 2022 Château des Rontets Pierrefolle is a razor-sharp buy for savvy collectors seeking white Burgundies of purity and clarity that far outpace their price points. | ||
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| 2020 Felsina Fontalloro (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| Meikle Toir The Sherry One 5yr Single Malt Scotch (700ml) | ||
| From Speyside, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I'll say it straight away – this is more complex and composed than any five-year-old single malt should be." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Fans of Speyside know the name Billy Walker, so they'll no doubt take notice at this new passion project from the master distiller at Glenallachie. Walker started Meikle Toir (Gaelic for Our Pursuit) to showcase Speyside malt in the peated style, something rarely found in this region and a complete departure from the well-known unpeated style at Glenallachie. For this range, Walker applies the utmost precision in his use of the peat and exercises some brilliant creative impulses in his aging regimens. The Sherry One is, as you'd expect, quite a sherry bomb in the all the best ways. As B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz notes, "The master of sherried Speyside malt nails it here in his expert application of the PX and Oloroso casks." We weren't the only ones impressed with this "gem of a whisky" as described in Whisky Advocate's 93-point review. As the market for aged Scotch is still running hot, savvy collectors and aficionados are looking to younger, overachieving stunners like The Sherry One to fill the gap, especially when they're made in world-class fashion by a living Scotch legend. | ||
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| 2021 Rippon Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vines (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop. Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality. For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best. | ||
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| 2021 Robert Mondavi The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is straight-up fabulous..." - Jeb Dunnuck No name in California wine history is as synonymous with Napa Cabernet as Robert Mondavi. Sourced from this revered estate's iconic To Kalon vineyard, an undisputed California "grand cru," the 2021 The Estates Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon makes the most of its pedigree and this acclaimed Napa vintage. A bevy of glowing praise, including 95 points from Decanter and 94 points each from Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck, confirms the wine's place as yet another benchmark expression of the valley's most famous AVA. "A wine of gravitas and power, the 2021 has a lot to offer," notes Galloni, who goes on to praise "a new level of energy and vibrancy in the Mondavi wines that is compelling." Rather than rest on their laurels, the team at Mondavi have redoubled their efforts to keep turning out stunning renditions such as this, and fans of expertly crafted Napa Valley Cabernet can add it to their cellars at a remarkable, sub-$60 price that's handily beats the rest of the market. | ||
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| 2021 Sullivan Estate Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you've been feeling like Napa Cab is slipping off your radar (and out of your budget) recently, you're not alone, but today's private offer brings you a chance to dive back into the category with a true classic from a historic Napa property at a smashing bargain price. "Ripe and structured but fresh in feel ... Very Rutherford." - Wine Spectator Founded in 1972 by visionary pioneer James Sullivan, his eponymous family estate in Rutherford has been a standard bearer over five decades, and they're still firing on all cylinders under the management of new owner Juan Pablo Torres Padilla and winemaker Jeff Cole. While their flagship bottlings carry price tags well into the triple digits, the 2021 Coeur de Vigne offers a chance to experience top-class Napa style and character for a small fraction of the price. Sourced primarily from their incredible Rutherford estate vineyards, this superbly balanced and poised Napa Cabernet offers fans of all stripes and budgets something to smile about. It's no wonder it landed on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024 along with another 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. This "solid value in Napa Cabernet" checks all the boxes required for you to dive back into these treasured wines in a style (and price) that harkens back to Napa's Golden Age. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau des Rontets Pouilly-Fuisse Les Birbettes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Maconnais, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our November visit to Burgundy was a game-changer on so many levels, as we discovered several unbelievable finds at virtually every tier of the quality hierarchy, but nothing quite compared these truly stunning, old-vine gems from a Pouilly-Fuissé domaine that belongs on everyone's radar. "A wine of real stature and distinction, the 2022 Les Birbettes is simply magnificent ... it's arguably the most compelling wine of our November trip to Burgundy." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Fabio Montrasi's Château des Rontets is one of the great hidden gems in the Mâcon, and since all of his vineyards are monopoles, the domaine's wines are undeniably distinctive in their terroir signatures. As Neal Martin of Vinous notes, "Despite not farming any Premier Cru, these wines are amongst the best in Mâconnais. All three of Montrasi's cuvées are worth seeking out." Why no premier cru, you might ask? A mere technicality, as the domaine sits just above the elevation line that defines the appellation's premiers crus. Nonetheless, these are some of the most impeccable sites in the region led by Les Birbettes, a one-hectare, hilltop parcel of 100-year-old vines on pure limestone that produces one of the most singular expressions in the entire Mâconnais. "The definition of a thoroughbred Chardonnay" as our Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it, the 2022 Les Birbettes has the pedigree and substance to stand toe-to-toe with the elite of the Côte de Beaune, and rest assured, if it were from Puligny or Chassagne, you'd be looking at a price tag well into the triple digits. "The most unique Chardonnay we discovered on our November trip to Burgundy ... this is just a singular expression any way you slice it." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Offering a fascinating juxtaposition to the domaine's old-vine 2022 Les Birbettes, the 2022 Pierrefolle hails from another inimitable monopole site in winemaker Fabio Montrasi's stable. The slightly warmer micro-climate in this half-hectare parcel of 50-year-old vines is tempered by a feature almost unheard-of in Burgundy - granite soils. Yes, you read that correctly. This anomaly of a vineyard allows Montrasi to craft a Chardonnay expression unlike any you'll find in the region, as the vineyard's soils impart their unmistakeable imprint on the finished wine. Layers of latent complexity are wound tightly upon the firm structural foundation, resulting in that true "wine of place" character that all Burgundy aficionados covet. Indeed, as B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz puts it, "This wine is terroir in a nutshell." As with its stablemate, the 2022 Les Birbettes, the 2022 Château des Rontets Pierrefolle is a razor-sharp buy for savvy collectors seeking white Burgundies of purity and clarity that far outpace their price points. | ||
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| 2022 Antinori Cervaro della Sala (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Umbria, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Twenty-six generations of the Antinori family have built upon a family dynasty dating to 1385 when Antinori's ancestors joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners. Having developed estates in Tuscany's finest and most progressive viticultural areas of Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Montepulciano, they turned their sights to Umbria, and the 14th century Castello della Sala in the city of Orvieto. Originally owned by one of the most powerful, noble families of Orvieto, the Monaldeschi – feudatories of Charlemagne, King of the Franks – the Castello della Sala represents the ancient history of Umbria, passing through multiple noble families until being acquired by the Antinori family in 1940. Fast-forward to 1979, Renzo Cotarella arrived, and, in less than ten years, created the wines which would come to symbolize this historic estate. A famous, professional agronomist, Cotarella launched an ambitious project of varietal substitution; a program aimed at producing white wines of greater personality than those produced in the Orvieto Classico appellation at the time. Chardonnay would become the backbone of Cotarella's new masterpiece, with the local Grechetto grape utilized (10-15%) for balancing acidity. Cervaro della Sala stands as a benchmark today; a wine which resonates so forcefully within its category that it has become emblematic of the category itself. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
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| 2005 Chateau Suduiraut (750ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2023 F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Ried Loibenberg (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More For fans of Austria's finest expressions, F.X. Pichler occupies elite status among a handful estates that set the bar in the Wachau and beyond. Winemaker Lucas Pichler is a renowned perfectionist with such confidence in his own skills and style that he recently decided to withdraw from the Vinea Wachau, the region's official wine classification organization that sets the criteria for the familiar Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd designations, instead opting to allow his wines to distinguish themselves on pure terroir character rather than empirical measures like residual sugar, ripeness, and alcohol levels. This range of magnificent 2023 Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners, including a pair of showstopping 100-pointers, continue to vindicate Pichler's approach, offering crystalline purity and site specificity that capture the attention of fine wine collectors the world over. With outstanding press across the board from James Suckling's Riesling critic, Stuart Pigott, Vinous, and Peter Moser of Austria's renowned Falstaff Magazine, these are surefire winners that will shine in your cellar for many years along side the world's great collectible white wines. | ||
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| 2023 F.X. Pichler Riesling Ried Loibenberg (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More For fans of Austria's finest expressions, F.X. Pichler occupies elite status among a handful estates that set the bar in the Wachau and beyond. Winemaker Lucas Pichler is a renowned perfectionist with such confidence in his own skills and style that he recently decided to withdraw from the Vinea Wachau, the region's official wine classification organization that sets the criteria for the familiar Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd designations, instead opting to allow his wines to distinguish themselves on pure terroir character rather than empirical measures like residual sugar, ripeness, and alcohol levels. This range of magnificent 2023 Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners, including a pair of showstopping 100-pointers, continue to vindicate Pichler's approach, offering crystalline purity and site specificity that capture the attention of fine wine collectors the world over. With outstanding press across the board from James Suckling's Riesling critic, Stuart Pigott, Vinous, and Peter Moser of Austria's renowned Falstaff Magazine, these are surefire winners that will shine in your cellar for many years along side the world's great collectible white wines. | ||
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| 2019 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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| Ardnamurchan Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Ardnamurchan, Highlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I really can't overstate how impressed I am with this distillery." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Established in 2014, Ardnamurchan is relatively new in the Highland scene, but they've got their feet fully under them, and they've been the talk to the town in Scotch circles for a few years now. The commitment to world-class quality is evident in everything from the distillery's facilities to their production, aging, and blending, resulting in a number of awards and recognitions in several recent industry publications and competitions. Working with artfully crafted distillate in both peated and unpeated form, these are some of the most compelling new Highland malts to hit the market in some time. We first highlighted this rising star distillery a few weeks ago with their flat-out stupendous Sherry Cask release, and now we're back with the equally prodigious Cask Strength Single Malt. Made with all the same precise craftsmanship yet distinctly different in style than the Sherry Cask, this one of the more refined and poised peated expressions we've come across in a long while. Aged almost entirely in ex-bourbon cask, it's 87% peated and 13% unpeated malt, offering all the requisite smokey personality to satisfy fans of Ardbeg, Laphroiag, and the other iconic peated style, all while maintaining a poised and restrained character that can appeal even to the Scotch novice. "The smoky quality is incredibly refined on the nose. It's there in spades, but it's no smoke bomb," notes B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz, while "the rich, round texture is shockingly gentle for a cask strength bottling." Wonderfully complex yet eminently approachable, the Cask Strength demonstrates the quintessential character of a distillery that should be on every single malt lover's radar. | ||
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| 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a Burgundian style expressing "purity, minerality and depth of fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these top scoring 2022 selections from cult favorite Willamette Valley winery Walter Scott are not to be missed by fans of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a range of exceptional 2022's declared "wildly successful" by critic Guido and all boasting complexity built for a decade or more of evolution. Founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow in the Eola-Amity Hills, Walter Scott was named to honor Ken's late grandfather and nephew, producing its first vintage in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and moving the operation over to Evening Land Vineyards where Ken went to work in sales and in the cellar under the tutelage of Dominique Lafon. Now produced in a small winery leased from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights Winery, Walter Scott continues "to raise the bar across their portfolio" according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, "producing exceptional wines with purity and balance" and sourcing their wines from some of region's top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Produced from four vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, the bright 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir offers pure, earthy fruit "back by juicy acidity and silky tannins" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Michael Alberty, calling the entry level offering a "great buy." A cellar selection bridging the gap between the La Combe Verte and the single vineyard cuvees, the fresh and vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir boasts "ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, describing it as "wonderfully complex and refined, making it a fantastic value." From the iconic vineyard located in the new Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, the dark fruited and intense 97 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is "silky and fresh" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks with rich, velvety tannins on a palate that's "seamless yet powerful." Boasting "masses of ripe orchard fruits and salty minerals," Eric Guido of Vinous calls the 95 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay "a beast of a wine" boasting a silky texture and substantial depth. The elegant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir is "a wine of intense brilliance" according to Decanter's Clive Pursehouse with layers of velvety tannins that will "undoubtedly transform beautifully over time." From their benchmark Chardonnays that are "easily some of the best examples I have tasted" according to critic Eric Guido to their "pretty amazing" Pinots, these 2022 Walter Scott selections are well priced for their loyal fans to stock up as well as lovers of Oregon wines looking to explore this exceptional portfolio – echoing Vinous critic Neal Martin who counts Walter Scott among his great discoveries, "If you have not tried these wines yet, do yourself a favor." | ||
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| 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a Burgundian style expressing "purity, minerality and depth of fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these top scoring 2022 selections from cult favorite Willamette Valley winery Walter Scott are not to be missed by fans of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a range of exceptional 2022's declared "wildly successful" by critic Guido and all boasting complexity built for a decade or more of evolution. Founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow in the Eola-Amity Hills, Walter Scott was named to honor Ken's late grandfather and nephew, producing its first vintage in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and moving the operation over to Evening Land Vineyards where Ken went to work in sales and in the cellar under the tutelage of Dominique Lafon. Now produced in a small winery leased from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights Winery, Walter Scott continues "to raise the bar across their portfolio" according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, "producing exceptional wines with purity and balance" and sourcing their wines from some of region's top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Produced from four vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, the bright 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir offers pure, earthy fruit "back by juicy acidity and silky tannins" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Michael Alberty, calling the entry level offering a "great buy." A cellar selection bridging the gap between the La Combe Verte and the single vineyard cuvees, the fresh and vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir boasts "ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, describing it as "wonderfully complex and refined, making it a fantastic value." From the iconic vineyard located in the new Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, the dark fruited and intense 97 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is "silky and fresh" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks with rich, velvety tannins on a palate that's "seamless yet powerful." Boasting "masses of ripe orchard fruits and salty minerals," Eric Guido of Vinous calls the 95 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay "a beast of a wine" boasting a silky texture and substantial depth. The elegant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir is "a wine of intense brilliance" according to Decanter's Clive Pursehouse with layers of velvety tannins that will "undoubtedly transform beautifully over time." From their benchmark Chardonnays that are "easily some of the best examples I have tasted" according to critic Eric Guido to their "pretty amazing" Pinots, these 2022 Walter Scott selections are well priced for their loyal fans to stock up as well as lovers of Oregon wines looking to explore this exceptional portfolio – echoing Vinous critic Neal Martin who counts Walter Scott among his great discoveries, "If you have not tried these wines yet, do yourself a favor." | ||
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| 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a Burgundian style expressing "purity, minerality and depth of fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these top scoring 2022 selections from cult favorite Willamette Valley winery Walter Scott are not to be missed by fans of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a range of exceptional 2022's declared "wildly successful" by critic Guido and all boasting complexity built for a decade or more of evolution. Founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow in the Eola-Amity Hills, Walter Scott was named to honor Ken's late grandfather and nephew, producing its first vintage in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and moving the operation over to Evening Land Vineyards where Ken went to work in sales and in the cellar under the tutelage of Dominique Lafon. Now produced in a small winery leased from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights Winery, Walter Scott continues "to raise the bar across their portfolio" according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, "producing exceptional wines with purity and balance" and sourcing their wines from some of region's top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Produced from four vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, the bright 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir offers pure, earthy fruit "back by juicy acidity and silky tannins" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Michael Alberty, calling the entry level offering a "great buy." A cellar selection bridging the gap between the La Combe Verte and the single vineyard cuvees, the fresh and vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir boasts "ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, describing it as "wonderfully complex and refined, making it a fantastic value." From the iconic vineyard located in the new Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, the dark fruited and intense 97 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is "silky and fresh" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks with rich, velvety tannins on a palate that's "seamless yet powerful." Boasting "masses of ripe orchard fruits and salty minerals," Eric Guido of Vinous calls the 95 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay "a beast of a wine" boasting a silky texture and substantial depth. The elegant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir is "a wine of intense brilliance" according to Decanter's Clive Pursehouse with layers of velvety tannins that will "undoubtedly transform beautifully over time." From their benchmark Chardonnays that are "easily some of the best examples I have tasted" according to critic Eric Guido to their "pretty amazing" Pinots, these 2022 Walter Scott selections are well priced for their loyal fans to stock up as well as lovers of Oregon wines looking to explore this exceptional portfolio – echoing Vinous critic Neal Martin who counts Walter Scott among his great discoveries, "If you have not tried these wines yet, do yourself a favor." | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2022 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2023 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de Fremine (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Savennieres, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Boudignon's] attention to detail in the winemaking process, precise viticulture, dedication and passion for the terroirs mark him as one of France's foremost vignerons and winemakers today." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Few winemakers have achieved such rapid ascent to cult status in the past two decades as Thibaud Boudignon. Once the long-time winemaker at Domaine de la Soucherie set out on his own, the critical and collectible aficionados took quick notice of his utterly uncompromising style and craftsmanship, and demand has been on an upward trajectory ever since. It's rare to find Boudignon's wines in any meaningful quantity, so tight are the allocations relative to their fanbase, so any time we get a chance at a parcel, especially at jaw-dropping pricing such as this, we jump at it without a second thought. Leading off, the 93-point 2022 Anjou Blanc is the perfect introduction to this remarkable domaine. "Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced with a seamless, layered texture," and displaying flawless varietal purity, it should be on the shortlist of anyone who's a fan of cult-caliber class for a bargain. Venturing into the single-vineyard wines, we truly see Boudignon's elite skills at work. We just landed a small parcel of the newly released 2023 Clos Fremine, which will undoubtedly rack up future critical acclaim like every previous vintage, while a pair of 97-point renditions of the tête de cuvée Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohan Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this line-up firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys,but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity. | ||
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| Ikikko 8yr Sherry Cask Finish Japanese Koji Whisky | ||
| From Iki, Nagasaki, Japan | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "For the koji initiated, it's a true classic, and for everyone else, it's a chance to discover a singular style of whiskey that can't be duplicated anywhere else." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The Japanese whisky scene is a study in contrasts. On one hand, it's dominated by a few mega producers whose reputations (and prices) have reached global proportions. On the other hand, it's full of countless boutique operations that carry out their work in the most meticulous fashion to produce some of the most unique whiskeys on the market. Arguably the hottest style in the Japanese category, koji whisky is made with the same rice mold used in shochu and sake production to ferment the mash. In fact, the Ikinokura distillery on Iki island is primarily renowned for its shochu and sake, and Ikikko starts its journey as a traditionally made Iki island shochu (composed of two-thirds malted barley and one-third koji rice), which is then subjected to extended aging in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The result is something that bears some familiar hallmarks of a hand-crafted Scotch or bourbon, but only enough to broaden its prospective audience of whiskey lovers. As B-21 spirits buyer Andrew Kitz notes, "for bourbon or Scotch fans looking to branch out, the Ikikko 8 Year is your perfect bridge introduction to this one-of-a-kind spirit." For experienced fans of Japanese whisky, it's still all koji at heart, a beautiful expression of class and character that speaks clearly of its traditional origins, all for a razor-sharp, market-best price. | ||
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| High N' Wicked The Judge 14yr Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Tennessee | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Founded by two veterans of spirits giant Brown-Forman, independent bottler High N' Wicked has a made a name for themselves in the craft whiskey scene by their access to superb stocks from the country's best sources. Their series of highly limited, age-stated releases have been cult collector's hits since their debut in 2020, but now you can add "stunning value star" to their list of must-try offerings. When we tasted the High N' Wicked Kentucky Straight Bourbon earlier this year, it was clear from the get-go that everything about this whiskey was done with pure pleasure in mind. "Complex and enticing," according to Wine Enthusiast's 95-point review, this 5-year-old gem boasts quite a high rye content, but its sweet mashbill finds the perfect pocket of balance and opulence that make it incredibly approachable for a wide audience. Of course, you'll also want to pay close attention to the The Judge and The Jury. The market on age-stated American whiskey is through the roof, and you're almost always looking at triple digits for anything with this kinds of number on them. That makes this pair a can't-miss, flat-out steal in the category. After 14 years in new #4 char oak, High N' Wicked gave the 96-point The Judge an addition six months in Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine casks. Ramping up the intensity, the 94-point The Jury saw an extra year in the new #4 char barrel, finishing in a premium ex-Madeira cask. Nothing added and nothing chill-filtered out, these are luxurious, altogether singular expressions that we seldom see in the bourbon category. | ||
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| 2022 Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a Burgundian style expressing "purity, minerality and depth of fruit" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these top scoring 2022 selections from cult favorite Willamette Valley winery Walter Scott are not to be missed by fans of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a range of exceptional 2022's declared "wildly successful" by critic Guido and all boasting complexity built for a decade or more of evolution. Founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow in the Eola-Amity Hills, Walter Scott was named to honor Ken's late grandfather and nephew, producing its first vintage in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and moving the operation over to Evening Land Vineyards where Ken went to work in sales and in the cellar under the tutelage of Dominique Lafon. Now produced in a small winery leased from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights Winery, Walter Scott continues "to raise the bar across their portfolio" according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, "producing exceptional wines with purity and balance" and sourcing their wines from some of region's top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Produced from four vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, the bright 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir offers pure, earthy fruit "back by juicy acidity and silky tannins" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Michael Alberty, calling the entry level offering a "great buy." A cellar selection bridging the gap between the La Combe Verte and the single vineyard cuvees, the fresh and vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir boasts "ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, describing it as "wonderfully complex and refined, making it a fantastic value." From the iconic vineyard located in the new Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, the dark fruited and intense 97 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is "silky and fresh" according to the Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks with rich, velvety tannins on a palate that's "seamless yet powerful." Boasting "masses of ripe orchard fruits and salty minerals," Eric Guido of Vinous calls the 95 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay "a beast of a wine" boasting a silky texture and substantial depth. The elegant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir is "a wine of intense brilliance" according to Decanter's Clive Pursehouse with layers of velvety tannins that will "undoubtedly transform beautifully over time." From their benchmark Chardonnays that are "easily some of the best examples I have tasted" according to critic Eric Guido to their "pretty amazing" Pinots, these 2022 Walter Scott selections are well priced for their loyal fans to stock up as well as lovers of Oregon wines looking to explore this exceptional portfolio – echoing Vinous critic Neal Martin who counts Walter Scott among his great discoveries, "If you have not tried these wines yet, do yourself a favor." | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Barolo Ravera (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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