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| Alambique Serrano La Sociedad Florida Rum Society Cask Rum (750ml) | ||
| From Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Not one for the faint of heart, it’s a big, brash powerhouse that challenges the established rum conventions in the best possible way." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer If you're a rum fanatic, Florida is where you want to be - after all, we're America's gateway to the tropics. The Florida lifestyle is fully in sync with tiki culture, and nobody celebrates it better than the Florida Rum Society, a group of industry professionals and hardcore rum aficionados on a mission to bring this remarkable spirit into the mainstream. Part of that mission is hand-selecting truly distinctive single casks from all over the rum world to showcase the incredible stylistic diversity and singular character of this beloved spirit. While many of their selections hail from some of the category's most well-known and distinguished names (think Worthy Park, Hampden, Planteray, Rhum Clement, Holmes Cay, etc.), they have a knack for unearthing some unbelievable, under-the-radar finds that will broaden the horizons of even the most seasoned rum veteran. Today's offer fits that bill and then some. Mexico's Alambique Serrano may not be a household name, but the craftsmanship and work ethic of this third-generation distillery are undeniable, leading to La Sociedad, the very first FRS single-cask selection from "south of the border." Founded in the early 1930s in Oaxaca by German immigrant Max Krassel, Alambique Serrano is now run by Max's four grandsons, who still put in the same kind of arduous work their grandfather did when he began producing his aguardiente in the village of Santa Maria Tlalixtac high in the Oaxacan cloud forest. The cane fields here are so steep that the brothers harvest and transport the cane by donkey, horse, and mule to a mobile trapiche for milling, before gravity-feeding the cane juice down the mountain to the palenque, a labor of love if there ever was one. After fermenting in an open-top pine vat with ambient yeasts and distilling on a rustic, copper alembic still, the spirit was aged for two years in virgin French oak in dry conditions over 5,600 feet above sea level. The result is an 11 on the intensity scale, a full cask-strength stunner that's unlike anything else we've ever come across in the rum category. If you're looking to take your rum collection to the next level, this cask and the several other FRS cask selections available on our website are unequivocal must-try specimens for anyone who's serious about the world's best rum. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Saint-Pierre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I continue to absolutely love what this estate puts in the bottle, and it remains an incredible value given its quality." - Jeb Dunnuck The above quote neatly sums up the recent track record of St-Julien's Château Saint-Pierre. A perennial example of the combination of incredible collectible pedigree and accessible price for which Bordeaux is world-renowned, Saint-Pierre is a hidden gem that allows collectors of all stripes to load their cellars with long-haul contenders that won't break the bank. This quartet of in-stock modern classics shows why the estate has racked up one stellar review after another from across the critical space, turning out some of the sharpest cellar-worthy buys on the Left Bank over the past decade. The "brilliant" 2016 starts things off with 96+ points from Dunnuck, followed the by the 95-point 2018, "an outstanding St-Julien that should age well over the next 20-30 years." Rounding out "The Trio" as vintages 2018-2020 are now known, we have the 96-point 2019, "a Saint-Julien of real substance and presence" per Antonio Galloni of Vinous, as well as the equally prodigious, 96-point 2020 that James Suckling calls "Full-bodied, opulent and broad-shouldered. Structured and refined." Diving into the full scope of Saint-Pierre's recent critical accolades and accomplishments, it's easy to see that this property belongs on every Bordeaux enthusiast's radar, as they're punching with some top-tier company at prices that represent genuine value in today's collectible space. | ||
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| 2023 Alban Vineyards Viognier (750ml) | ||
| Viognier from Central Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings."-Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don’t think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." Typically tightly allocated and somewhat elusive in the market, the Alban wines are always a hot ticket when they pop up on our radar. Leading off this trio of recent releases in limited quantity, the estate's flagship 2021 Patrina is "a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate" thanks to its "a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style" according to Dunnuck. Showcasing the estate's world-class single-vineyard Syrahs, the double 98-point 2019 Reva is a showpiece of jaw-dropping class, "breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity," as described by Decanter.Finally, Alban's Midas touch with Viognier is on full display in a 93-point 2023 Central Coast bottling that offers the best of both worlds in its enchanting varietal complexity and expertly crafted balance. Fans of the estate will once again be over the moon for the latest renditions, but anyone who's a fan of the very best offerings from California should jump at the chance to experience these singular expressions, especially at our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2018 Courbis Saint-Joseph Les Royes (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The Courbis brothers continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in the Northern Rhône, and they’ve made brilliant wines in 2017 and 2018 ... these wines never lose their sense of place and are pure, beautiful expressions of the individual parcels." - Jeb Dunnuck As Jeb Dunnuck describes it, "2018 is a brilliant vintage" for the Northern Rhone, producing "big, rich wines [that] stay light on their feet and avoid being over the top or heavy." In other words, it offers everything fans and collectors are looking for, all displayed in abundance in this pair of thrilling 2018s from Domaine Courbis. The vintage played perfectly into the stylistic wheelhouse of Laurent Courbis, whose wines are highly regarded for their opulent, modern character and immensely pleasurable profiles. The domaine's flagship Cornas bottlings hit long-ball homeruns in 2018, notching head-turning accolades from across the critical press, led by the sub-$60, JD98 Les Eygats. Dunnuck calls it "full-bodied, multidimensional, [and] seamless," placing it among elite company such as Chapoutier's L'Ermite and Le Pavillon Ermitage reds, and Jaboulet's Hermitage La Chapelle, but at a fraction of their three-digit prices. Not to be overlooked, the sub-$40, JD95 Les Royes St-Joseph is one of the great value propositions in the appellation, thanks to its "flawless balance, silky tannins, and remarkable purity." Best of all, these pristinely aged library gems are just now starting to show their true colors and will shine for well beyond the next decade, so patient collectors and impatient hedonists alike will find much to love in this trio, especially at our unbeatable, market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Les Treilles du Loup (750ml) | ||
| Gewurztraminer from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Leiber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. We've just secured a parcel of some of their latest stunning releases, which have already garnered big press from bothWine Advocateand James Suckling's Alsace critic Stuart Pigott. Leading off, the 2022 Riesling Cuvée Colette carries unimpeachable grand cru pedigree – after all, it hails from old vines at the bottom of the Schlossberg grand cru, one of the most hallowed sites in the region that produces some its most sought-after wines. Notching 95 points from James Suckling and an additional 93 points fromWine Advocate, the 2022 Colette is a "very pure ... elegant and stunningly precise" rendition that presents all the best characteristics of the dry Riesling style in the hands of one of Alsace's most revered domaines. Likewise, the JS94 Riesling Cuvée Théo posseses "Stunning balance and finesse" according to Pigott, making it an ideal introduction to the Weinbach style. Riesling isn't the only noble varietal that thrives in the hands of the Faller family. The 2022 Pinot Gris Caracoles boasts "superb balance" resulting in a 94-point wine that "has a gracefulness that is really delightful ... with fantastic textural complexity," while the 93-point 2022 Gewürztraminer Treilles du Loup, from a rare parcel with granitic soils, is "an extraordinarily fine and fresh wine for this grape variety" per Pigott, carrying its 10g/l of residual sweetness with grace and aplomb. If you're already a fan of this treasured domaine, you'll want to jump on this opportunity while you can, and if you haven't yet gotten acquainted with them, now is the time – our market-best pricing is the perfect excuse to add these surefire winners from one of the wine world's greatest names to your collection. | ||
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| 2018 Agrapart L'Avizoise Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| 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 2023 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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| Ikikko 8yr Sherry Cask Finish Japanese Koji Whisky (750ml) | ||
| 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 whiskey 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 whiskey 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 whiskey, 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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| 2023 Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The entire collection is a light-footed but intensely aromatic dream." - Anne Krebeihl MW, Vinous When it comes to all-time benchmark Mosel Riesling, Joh. Jos. Prum sets the bar, vintage after vintage. The venerable Graacher Himmelreich and Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyards form the backbone of the estate, and the 2023 vintage has produced another round of simply exquisite expressions from these sites. Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt declares, "Overall, the wines of the 2023 vintage are classic in style: pure, clear, filigreed and fresh, with fine fruit ripeness, weightless elegance and stimulating crystalline acidity." We couldn't have summed it up any better. With smashing critical accolades fromVinous, Wine Advocate,and James Suckling's Riesling critic Stuart Pigott, the 2023s from winemaker Katherina Prum are emblematic of the singular quality and pedigree that defines this iconic Mosel estate. At every tier, of the Pradikat hierarchy, these are collectible showstoppers that will thrill any serious fan and stand for decades in any cellar next to the world's most long-lived collectible white wines. | ||
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| 2022 Prager Klaus Smaragd Riesling (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Weingut Prager's Toni Bodenstein is indisputably in the top echelon of his generation of Austrian winemakers, and now that his son Robert has taken the helm at the revered Wachau estate, it's clear that the next generation will be one of continued brilliance. Always among the most sought-after names in Austrian wine, Prager's flagship bottlings set the bar, vintage after vintage, for both Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Today's offer features a quartet of 2022s that have already found great favor among our long-time fans and collectors of Austria's best, and we just negotiated a new parcel at must-see pricing that puts them among the sharpest buys in the market. Leading the charge, the 2022 Klaus Riesling is once again the crown-jewel of the range, with a potential 99 points from Peter Moser, Austria's leading wine critic at the renowned Falstaff Magazine, and 98 points from James Suckling's Austria critic Claire Nesbitt, who writes, "What a stunning example of cool climate riesling ... So long and seamless, with tension and focus that just keeps going." The 2022 Riesling Achleiten is likewise a sterling example of hallmark Prager class, with 96-98 points from Moser for its "very enjoyable style with length and ageing potential." No less stupendous are the Grüner Veltliners, as seen most clearly in the 97-point Achleiten Smaragd and the flirts-with-perfection Wachstum Bodenstein Smaragd. Any way you look at it, these are must-haves for serious fans and collectors of these varietals, and our new market-leading, limited-time pricing is a perfect reason to stock up while you can. | ||
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| 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it’s the “complexity, finesse and longevity” of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson or the signature “explosive depth” and “breathtaking purity of flavor” of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another 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. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate’s onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite’s “undeniable class and charm” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as “a truly classic Lafite” that’s “understated and lyrical” to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form” according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion’s vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate’s signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck and “ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Fèlsina's] 2021s are fabulous wines that capture all the best the vintage has to offer. The wines are incredibly distinctive, archetypes of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the sort of wines that will delight readers who enjoy Chianti Classico in all its guises." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous The iconic Fèlsina estate has been setting the bar for decades in the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-zone of the Chianti Classico DOCG, and in a reference-point vintage like 2021, they have hit bullseye after bullseye. 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 Spectatorand 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." While the Riserva still needs time to show its full hand, the 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is perfectly poised to be your next go-to red, with pedigree and class that transcend its everyday, sub-$20 price point. A 92-point value star according to Galloni, "It's a super classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case." Need we say more? Finally, 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 fromWine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according toWine Spectator. This set from Fèlsina is the classic Tuscan trifecta – a surefire value winner, a sharp collectible buy of world-class pedigree, and a stunning QPR overachiever that can be enjoyed today or hold its own in the cellar for years to come. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it’s the “complexity, finesse and longevity” of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson or the signature “explosive depth” and “breathtaking purity of flavor” of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another 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. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate’s onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite’s “undeniable class and charm” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as “a truly classic Lafite” that’s “understated and lyrical” to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form” according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion’s vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate’s signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck and “ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2018 Agrapart Mineral Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| 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 2023 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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| 2010 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it’s the “complexity, finesse and longevity” of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson or the signature “explosive depth” and “breathtaking purity of flavor” of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another 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. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate’s onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite’s “undeniable class and charm” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as “a truly classic Lafite” that’s “understated and lyrical” to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form” according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion’s vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate’s signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck and “ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine du Vissoux Pierre-Marie Chermette Moulin a Vent Les Trois Roches (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "To my palate, some of the cuvées ... number among the finest values that can be found in French wine, and I warmly recommend any readers who haven't yet acquainted themselves with this estate to try a few bottles." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Domaine du Vissoux, now under the direction of the extremely talented Jean-Etienne Chermette, continues to set the bar in Fleurie. From some of the appellation's choicest parcels, these are always among the most admired expressions, particularly in the excellent 2022 vintage. Chermette once again hit high marks across the board with the notoriously stingy John Gilman of View From the Cellar. The 94-point Fleurie Les Garants, from a parcel that used to be part of the Moulin-à-Vent cru, "is first class Fleurie that belies its old Moulin-à-Vent classification ... Fine, fine juice!" Speaking of Moulin-à-Vent, the 2022 Les Trois Roches, sourced from three old-vine plots, is "a brilliant young wine ... a proper bottle of Moulin-à-Vent [that] deserves some hibernation time in the cellar." Finally, Chermette's Brouilly is a stalwart example of a cru that doesn't quite carry the cachet of the more famous crus, but nonetheless is a source of superb wines of serious character. Gilman notes the 93-point 2022 Pierreux is "a gorgeous example of this fine vintage ... bright, full-bodied, pure and nicely soil-driven, with a beautiful core of fruit, moderate, buried tannins, lovely focus and grip and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish." Chermette's wines underscore the true brilliance of artisan cru Beaujolais – stunning terroir representation, superb cellar potential, and razor-sharp pricing that makes it easy to collect by the case. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Leiber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. We've just secured a parcel of some of their latest stunning releases, which have already garnered big press from bothWine Advocateand James Suckling's Alsace critic Stuart Pigott. Leading off, the 2022 Riesling Cuvée Colette carries unimpeachable grand cru pedigree – after all, it hails from old vines at the bottom of the Schlossberg grand cru, one of the most hallowed sites in the region that produces some its most sought-after wines. Notching 95 points from James Suckling and an additional 93 points fromWine Advocate, the 2022 Colette is a "very pure ... elegant and stunningly precise" rendition that presents all the best characteristics of the dry Riesling style in the hands of one of Alsace's most revered domaines. Likewise, the JS94 Riesling Cuvée Théo posseses "Stunning balance and finesse" according to Pigott, making it an ideal introduction to the Weinbach style. Riesling isn't the only noble varietal that thrives in the hands of the Faller family. The 2022 Pinot Gris Caracoles boasts "superb balance" resulting in a 94-point wine that "has a gracefulness that is really delightful ... with fantastic textural complexity," while the 93-point 2022 Gewürztraminer Treilles du Loup, from a rare parcel with granitic soils, is "an extraordinarily fine and fresh wine for this grape variety" per Pigott, carrying its 10g/l of residual sweetness with grace and aplomb. If you're already a fan of this treasured domaine, you'll want to jump on this opportunity while you can, and if you haven't yet gotten acquainted with them, now is the time – our market-best pricing is the perfect excuse to add these surefire winners from one of the wine world's greatest names to your collection. | ||
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| 2023 Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The entire collection is a light-footed but intensely aromatic dream." - Anne Krebeihl MW, Vinous When it comes to all-time benchmark Mosel Riesling, Joh. Jos. Prum sets the bar, vintage after vintage. The venerable Graacher Himmelreich and Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyards form the backbone of the estate, and the 2023 vintage has produced another round of simply exquisite expressions from these sites. Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt declares, "Overall, the wines of the 2023 vintage are classic in style: pure, clear, filigreed and fresh, with fine fruit ripeness, weightless elegance and stimulating crystalline acidity." We couldn't have summed it up any better. With smashing critical accolades fromVinous, Wine Advocate,and James Suckling's Riesling critic Stuart Pigott, the 2023s from winemaker Katherina Prum are emblematic of the singular quality and pedigree that defines this iconic Mosel estate. At every tier, of the Pradikat hierarchy, these are collectible showstoppers that will thrill any serious fan and stand for decades in any cellar next to the world's most long-lived collectible white wines. | ||
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| 2018 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Anyone who describes himself as a “Sangiovesista” is decidedly serious about Tuscany’s revered grape, but when that Sangiovese devotee is renowned enologist Carlo Ferrini, be assured there is some equally serious Brunello di Montalcino backing it up. From the secluded hillside vineyard producing “Montalcino’s best kept secret” according to the Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto, the sensational Giodo Brunello di Montalcino offers true Sangiovese perfection from an outstanding vintage, its aromatic ripe, earthy fruit elegantly balancing mouthwatering acidity and silky-smooth, polished tannins, already delivering enjoyment today and promising to age beautifully for a decade or more. Bordered by mature trees and ancient cypress with stunning views of the towering Monte Amiata, the nearly hidden Podere Giodo estate spans 5.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards at 300 to 400 meters above sea level, its newly built contemporary stone buildings and state of the art winery seamlessly blending into the garden-like hillside setting. Boasting an A-list of customers in the region including Barone Ricasoli, Fonterutoli, Talenti and Romitorio, winemaker Carlo Ferrini quietly started his personal Montalcino project in 2002, clearing 2.5 hectares of mostly oak forest on mineral-rich slopes and planting it with specially selected, low yielding Sangiovese clones for the Brunello, its optimal southeast exposure protecting the vines from the intense afternoon sun. Produced only in top vintages like 2016, declared one of Brunello’s “greatest ever” by James Suckling, Ferrini practices green harvesting to further reduce yields, dropping about 40% of his crop in August and hand harvesting the first selection for the Brunello in September. Utilizing short macerations to minimize extraction and fermenting in stainless and concrete with native wild yeasts, the sophisticated Podere Giodo Brunello was aged for 30 months in large 500 and 700 liter oak casks, followed by additional time in concrete vats and years in bottle, yielding an exquisite, brightly focused Brunello described as “a career defining wine” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, a remarkable feat considering Ferrini’s 30 plus year legacy as one of Tuscany’s greatest consulting winemakers. Initially trying to keep Podere Giodo under the radar so as to not compete with his high-profile clients, perfection is simply hard to keep under wraps, the meticulously crafted Giodo Brunello di Montalcino reflecting Carlo Ferrini’s uncompromising devotion to “celebrating the pleasures of Sangiovese” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and now with increased demand, requiring quick action for collectors to secure their cellar-ready stash. | ||
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| 2022 Prager Achleiten Smaragd Riesling (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Weingut Prager's Toni Bodenstein is indisputably in the top echelon of his generation of Austrian winemakers, and now that his son Robert has taken the helm at the revered Wachau estate, it's clear that the next generation will be one of continued brilliance. Always among the most sought-after names in Austrian wine, Prager's flagship bottlings set the bar, vintage after vintage, for both Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Today's offer features a quartet of 2022s that have already found great favor among our long-time fans and collectors of Austria's best, and we just negotiated a new parcel at must-see pricing that puts them among the sharpest buys in the market. Leading the charge, the 2022 Klaus Riesling is once again the crown-jewel of the range, with a potential 99 points from Peter Moser, Austria's leading wine critic at the renowned Falstaff Magazine, and 98 points from James Suckling's Austria critic Claire Nesbitt, who writes, "What a stunning example of cool climate riesling ... So long and seamless, with tension and focus that just keeps going." The 2022 Riesling Achleiten is likewise a sterling example of hallmark Prager class, with 96-98 points from Moser for its "very enjoyable style with length and ageing potential." No less stupendous are the Grüner Veltliners, as seen most clearly in the 97-point Achleiten Smaragd and the flirts-with-perfection Wachstum Bodenstein Smaragd. Any way you look at it, these are must-haves for serious fans and collectors of these varietals, and our new market-leading, limited-time pricing is a perfect reason to stock up while you can. | ||
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| 2019 Alban Vineyards Syrah Lorraine (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Edna Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings."-Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don’t think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." Typically tightly allocated and somewhat elusive in the market, the Alban wines are always a hot ticket when they pop up on our radar. Leading off this trio of recent releases in limited quantity, the estate's flagship 2021 Patrina is "a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate" thanks to its "a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style" according to Dunnuck. Showcasing the estate's world-class single-vineyard Syrahs, the double 98-point 2019 Reva is a showpiece of jaw-dropping class, "breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity," as described by Decanter.Finally, Alban's Midas touch with Viognier is on full display in a 93-point 2023 Central Coast bottling that offers the best of both worlds in its enchanting varietal complexity and expertly crafted balance. Fans of the estate will once again be over the moon for the latest renditions, but anyone who's a fan of the very best offerings from California should jump at the chance to experience these singular expressions, especially at our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| NV Agrapart Experience 19 Brut Nature Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| 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 2023 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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| 2019 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Anyone who describes himself as a “Sangiovesista” is decidedly serious about Tuscany’s revered grape, but when that Sangiovese devotee is renowned enologist Carlo Ferrini, be assured there is some equally serious Brunello di Montalcino backing it up. From the secluded hillside vineyard producing “Montalcino’s best kept secret” according to the Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto, the sensational Giodo Brunello di Montalcino offers true Sangiovese perfection from an outstanding vintage, its aromatic ripe, earthy fruit elegantly balancing mouthwatering acidity and silky-smooth, polished tannins, already delivering enjoyment today and promising to age beautifully for a decade or more. Bordered by mature trees and ancient cypress with stunning views of the towering Monte Amiata, the nearly hidden Podere Giodo estate spans 5.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards at 300 to 400 meters above sea level, its newly built contemporary stone buildings and state of the art winery seamlessly blending into the garden-like hillside setting. Boasting an A-list of customers in the region including Barone Ricasoli, Fonterutoli, Talenti and Romitorio, winemaker Carlo Ferrini quietly started his personal Montalcino project in 2002, clearing 2.5 hectares of mostly oak forest on mineral-rich slopes and planting it with specially selected, low yielding Sangiovese clones for the Brunello, its optimal southeast exposure protecting the vines from the intense afternoon sun. Produced only in top vintages like 2016, declared one of Brunello’s “greatest ever” by James Suckling, Ferrini practices green harvesting to further reduce yields, dropping about 40% of his crop in August and hand harvesting the first selection for the Brunello in September. Utilizing short macerations to minimize extraction and fermenting in stainless and concrete with native wild yeasts, the sophisticated Podere Giodo Brunello was aged for 30 months in large 500 and 700 liter oak casks, followed by additional time in concrete vats and years in bottle, yielding an exquisite, brightly focused Brunello described as “a career defining wine” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, a remarkable feat considering Ferrini’s 30 plus year legacy as one of Tuscany’s greatest consulting winemakers. Initially trying to keep Podere Giodo under the radar so as to not compete with his high-profile clients, perfection is simply hard to keep under wraps, the meticulously crafted Giodo Brunello di Montalcino reflecting Carlo Ferrini’s uncompromising devotion to “celebrating the pleasures of Sangiovese” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and now with increased demand, requiring quick action for collectors to secure their cellar-ready stash. | ||
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| 2022 Lingua Franca Estate Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The team [at Lingua Franca] led by winemaker Thomas Savre is producing a portfolio of wines that show the power and complexity possible to obtain in Oregon." - Eric Guido,Vinous Renowned for crafting top-scoring Burgundy for his family’s Côte-de-Beaune estate, master winemaker Dominique Lafon worked as a consultant to Oregon’s Evening Land Vineyards before collaborating with master sommelier and Evening Land general manager Larry Stone to co-found Lingua Franca in Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills in 2015. Lafon's expertise at crafting exceptional Burgundy was credited with driving Evening Land’s rising reputation early on. Purchasing the 140-acre Janzen Farm, a prime parcel situated next to Evening Land’s Seven Springs site and adjacent to Domaine Serene’s Jerusalem Hill Vineyard, Stone and Lafon then worked with renowned Willamette viticulturist Mimi Casteel to determine the precise mix of clones to plant based on the site’s varied soils, utilizing organic and biodynamic viticulture throughout the estate’s 66-acre vineyard and hiring Evening Land’s former assistant winemaker and Lafon protege Thomas Savre to craft its vineyard-driven wines. Boasting experience at legendary Burgundy estates including Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Domaine Dujac, and Maison Nicolas Potel, Savre employs a transparent, minimal-intervention approach in the cellar, resulting in wines that now boast an impressive track record of world-class quality and glowing acclaim from the critical press. The 2022 vintage continues this upward trajectory in spades, showing why Lingua Franca remains one of Oregon's most exciting producers. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it’s the “complexity, finesse and longevity” of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson or the signature “explosive depth” and “breathtaking purity of flavor” of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another 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. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate’s onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite’s “undeniable class and charm” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as “a truly classic Lafite” that’s “understated and lyrical” to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form” according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion’s vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate’s signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck and “ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine du Vissoux Pierre-Marie Chermette Brouilly Pierreux (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "To my palate, some of the cuvées ... number among the finest values that can be found in French wine, and I warmly recommend any readers who haven't yet acquainted themselves with this estate to try a few bottles." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Domaine du Vissoux, now under the direction of the extremely talented Jean-Etienne Chermette, continues to set the bar in Fleurie. From some of the appellation's choicest parcels, these are always among the most admired expressions, particularly in the excellent 2022 vintage. Chermette once again hit high marks across the board with the notoriously stingy John Gilman of View From the Cellar. The 94-point Fleurie Les Garants, from a parcel that used to be part of the Moulin-à-Vent cru, "is first class Fleurie that belies its old Moulin-à-Vent classification ... Fine, fine juice!" Speaking of Moulin-à-Vent, the 2022 Les Trois Roches, sourced from three old-vine plots, is "a brilliant young wine ... a proper bottle of Moulin-à-Vent [that] deserves some hibernation time in the cellar." Finally, Chermette's Brouilly is a stalwart example of a cru that doesn't quite carry the cachet of the more famous crus, but nonetheless is a source of superb wines of serious character. Gilman notes the 93-point 2022 Pierreux is "a gorgeous example of this fine vintage ... bright, full-bodied, pure and nicely soil-driven, with a beautiful core of fruit, moderate, buried tannins, lovely focus and grip and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish." Chermette's wines underscore the true brilliance of artisan cru Beaujolais – stunning terroir representation, superb cellar potential, and razor-sharp pricing that makes it easy to collect by the case. | ||
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| 2019 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Edna Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings."-Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don’t think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." Typically tightly allocated and somewhat elusive in the market, the Alban wines are always a hot ticket when they pop up on our radar. Leading off this trio of recent releases in limited quantity, the estate's flagship 2021 Patrina is "a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate" thanks to its "a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style" according to Dunnuck. Showcasing the estate's world-class single-vineyard Syrahs, the double 98-point 2019 Reva is a showpiece of jaw-dropping class, "breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity," as described by Decanter.Finally, Alban's Midas touch with Viognier is on full display in a 93-point 2023 Central Coast bottling that offers the best of both worlds in its enchanting varietal complexity and expertly crafted balance. Fans of the estate will once again be over the moon for the latest renditions, but anyone who's a fan of the very best offerings from California should jump at the chance to experience these singular expressions, especially at our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Les Caracoles (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Gris from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Leiber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. We've just secured a parcel of some of their latest stunning releases, which have already garnered big press from bothWine Advocateand James Suckling's Alsace critic Stuart Pigott. Leading off, the 2022 Riesling Cuvée Colette carries unimpeachable grand cru pedigree – after all, it hails from old vines at the bottom of the Schlossberg grand cru, one of the most hallowed sites in the region that produces some its most sought-after wines. Notching 95 points from James Suckling and an additional 93 points fromWine Advocate, the 2022 Colette is a "very pure ... elegant and stunningly precise" rendition that presents all the best characteristics of the dry Riesling style in the hands of one of Alsace's most revered domaines. Likewise, the JS94 Riesling Cuvée Théo posseses "Stunning balance and finesse" according to Pigott, making it an ideal introduction to the Weinbach style. Riesling isn't the only noble varietal that thrives in the hands of the Faller family. The 2022 Pinot Gris Caracoles boasts "superb balance" resulting in a 94-point wine that "has a gracefulness that is really delightful ... with fantastic textural complexity," while the 93-point 2022 Gewürztraminer Treilles du Loup, from a rare parcel with granitic soils, is "an extraordinarily fine and fresh wine for this grape variety" per Pigott, carrying its 10g/l of residual sweetness with grace and aplomb. If you're already a fan of this treasured domaine, you'll want to jump on this opportunity while you can, and if you haven't yet gotten acquainted with them, now is the time – our market-best pricing is the perfect excuse to add these surefire winners from one of the wine world's greatest names to your collection. | ||
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| 2023 Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The entire collection is a light-footed but intensely aromatic dream." - Anne Krebeihl MW, Vinous When it comes to all-time benchmark Mosel Riesling, Joh. Jos. Prum sets the bar, vintage after vintage. The venerable Graacher Himmelreich and Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyards form the backbone of the estate, and the 2023 vintage has produced another round of simply exquisite expressions from these sites. Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt declares, "Overall, the wines of the 2023 vintage are classic in style: pure, clear, filigreed and fresh, with fine fruit ripeness, weightless elegance and stimulating crystalline acidity." We couldn't have summed it up any better. With smashing critical accolades fromVinous, Wine Advocate,and James Suckling's Riesling critic Stuart Pigott, the 2023s from winemaker Katherina Prum are emblematic of the singular quality and pedigree that defines this iconic Mosel estate. At every tier, of the Pradikat hierarchy, these are collectible showstoppers that will thrill any serious fan and stand for decades in any cellar next to the world's most long-lived collectible white wines. | ||
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| 2021 Dominio de Atauta Parada de Atauta (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The perfumed, floral and aromatic 2021 Parada de Atauta combines ripeness with freshness and elegance." - Luis Gutierrez,Wine Advocate An estate on the rise in Ribera del Duero, Dominio de Atauta has emerged as one of the region's great insider's secrets, with several astute critics recognizing the undeniable quality and character of these wines crafted from high-elevation, old vines planted in very poor soil. The Soria sub-zone adds an element of finesse to Atauta's wines, even as the signature intensity of Ribera is on full display. An "excellent opportunity to sample what this winery can do," the Parada de Atauta is an overachieving stunner that punches well above its weight class. As Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez notes, "It's not a shy wine ... but keeps the poise and harmony, with a round and tender palate, very fine tannins and purity of flavors." Parada is sourced from a handful of plots ranging in age from 90 to 120 years on sandy terroir, giving it that poise and harmony mentioned above, while a lighter oak regime (by Ribero standards) provides just the right contours to bring everything together in one supremely polished, enticing package. It's somewhat surprising that Atauta doesn't have a bigger market footprint in the U.S., but we're also proud to showcase a Spanish insider's top find at a price that can't be beat. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it’s the “complexity, finesse and longevity” of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson or the signature “explosive depth” and “breathtaking purity of flavor” of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another 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. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate’s onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite’s “undeniable class and charm” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as “a truly classic Lafite” that’s “understated and lyrical” to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form” according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion’s vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate’s signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck and “ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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