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| 2021 Fontanabianca Barbaresco Bordini (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of our most proven performers in Barbaresco, we have a spectacular opportunity on a single-vineyard stunner with a raft of critical accolades, from an epic vintage, and at a flat-out must-see price. Fontanabianca's Matteo Pola farms his family's outstanding vine holdings as they have for generations, and the results are some of the finest under-the-radar gems you'll find in Barbaresco, from their entry-level bottling to the insider-favorite, single-vineyard expressions like the 2021 Bordini. "The Fontanabianca 2021 Barbaresco Bordini, in the bottle with the black label, represents a step up in terms of focus and power..." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate From a prized parcel very near to the Tanaro River, the Bordini offers a fantastic juxtaposition of body, depth, finesse, and elegance. The site's warm location and microclimate provides exceptional phenolic ripeness in the fruit, but the clay-limestone soils with their veins of sand endow the wine with effortless precision and grace, so Barbaresco collectors get the best of both worlds in one impeccable expression. A "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2020 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a favorite producer of B-21 Southern Rhone fans, this selection of expertly crafted Xavier Vignon cuvees represents some of the region's top values, a range of terroir expressive blends from a stellar, instinct-driven winemaker unbeatably priced for stocking up by the case.Describing his winemaking skills as "impeccable," Jeb Dunnuck notes these pure and terroir-expressive Xavier Vignon selections offer "superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters," calling them "a treasure trove for the savvy buyer" and a sure thing for lovers of Southern Rhone wines. | ||
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| 2019 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Ric Forman's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be epic. A wine of unreal precision and energy, the 2019 dazzles with its magnificent purity and class." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 97-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "remarkable textural intensity" is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums and 3L jeroboams. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
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| 2014 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2021 Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart, "a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it's concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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| 2021 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Barbaresco Rabajà is complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Barbaresco's excellent 2021 vintage is coming into the spotlight, and the region's prized crus are playing starring roles. Rabaja is arguably the most famous cru, a meeting point of the two main ridges that form the town of Barbaresco and a conjunction of soil types that combine with the vineyard's southwest exposure to give ultra-classic, age-worthy Barbarescos with deep personalities. Among the finest exponents of the vineyard is Giuseppe Cortese, and the 2021 Rabaja from this insider's favorite estate knocks it out of the park with effusive accolades from all around. Kerin O'Keefe's 96-point review is accompanied by a pair of 95-point reviews from Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni, who finds it "medium in body and complex, with myriad shades of expression ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." You might be tempted to pull the cork today, but make no mistake - the 2021 is a nascent stunner that's holding plenty of cards in reserve, so savvy collectors will stock the cellar and give this benchmark expression time to reach its full potential. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Galimardes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud's estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with "relatively simple, unadorned winemaking" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn't produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage "producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache" according to Decanter's Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region's higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2022 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a dark horse of a Sassicaia that isn't giving much away today but will greatly reward those who can cellar it." - Decanter The original Super Tuscan needs no introduction, and the newly arrived 2022 slots right in with the iconic estate's previous landmark releases, boasting a bevy of 98- and 97-point reviews that put it among the top performers of the vintage. The notoriously hot growing season got the better of many estates in Italy, but it's no surprise that the elite team at Tenuta San Guido managed the conditions with utmost skill and produced another magisterial, stunning wine of exceptional class. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the 2022 Sassicaia is its universally acclaimed, long-term potential. Every critic of note calls this a Sassicaia for the cellar, and you'd be missing out on a stupendous addition to your collection of Sassicaia greats if you overlooked this remarkable, showstopping 2022. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Bosquet des Papes Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines from Bosquet des Papes span the full spectrum ... Regardless of the style, the quality is brilliant, and these are beautiful wines." - Jeb Dunnuck Bosquet des Papes' stellar 2022s prove once again that this rising-star estate is a favorite among Châteauneuf insiders and aficionados, who will be thrilled at this set of stunners from winemaker Nicolas Boiron. The trio of A La Gloire de Mon Grand Père, Chante le Merle, and Les 7 des Pignan each demonstrate Boiron's broad, multi-faceted style. The JD98 Grand Père is "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage ... a stunning success" that strides a fine line between the past and the present, while the Chante le Merle is made in the staunchly traditional method, resulting in a straight-down-the-line "age-worthy, classic, incredibly satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape" per Jeb Dunnuck. The perfect juxtaposition to Chante le Merle's classicism is Les 7 des Pignan. The 2022 marks only the second vintage of this 100%-Grenache, micro-production cuvée fashoned from seven miniscule parcels in the Pignan lieu-dit. Seeing 98-point potential, Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski marvels at the "incredible complexity and elegance in this full-bodied wine that's concentrated and tannic yet supple, finishing long and velvety. Wow." Vinous puts an exclamation point on its unabashedly modern character, declaring it "bursting with energy and quite expressive ... with remarkable concentration and an expansive finish." The 2022 Bosquet des Papes line-up is emblematic of the many shades of contemporary Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all expertly crafted by one of its most dynamic estates and winemakers. | ||
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| 2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Luca De Ferrari and the team at Boscarelli make some of the most beautiful wines in the appellation." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate Of course, Montalcino is ground zero in Italy for Sangiovese, but savvy Italian insiders know that some of the varietal's best bangs for the buck can be found in Montepulciano. Situated southwest of Chianti, Montepulciano's slightly warmer climate means there's no shortage of ripeness in its wines, but the sandy, well-draining soils also imbue them with striking minerality that's more intense than in the wines of Chianti or even Montalcino. This trio from Boscarelli highlights one of the region's most accomplished estates firing on all cylinders. The 94-point 2021 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "is a total pleasure to the senses" according to Vinous,offering the elevated terroir expression that one typically finds in the finest examples from further north. The estate's benchmark pedigree, however, is on full display in the two Riserva bottlings below. The 2020 Riserva is a "sleek yet solidly built red," demonstrating the age-worthy quality of a great Vino Nobile according toWine Spectator's 95-point review. Also notching 95 points fromWine Spectator,the 2018 Riserva Sotto Casa is a stellar expression of the estate's most prized plot planted to high density in alluvial, red clay soils. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, it's a captivating example of what makes Montepulciano such a dynamic region, If you're familiar with names like Avignonesi or DEI, you'll want to add Boscarelli to your list, as they're right on par with the benchmark names of Montepulciano, and if you're seeking top-flight Sangiovese expressions from outside the box, these are your next go-to discoveries. | ||
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| 2020 Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial Sardon de Duero (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A bold New World-style wine in the Spanish context." - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Stunning, awe-inspiring, eye-popping in every sense – just plain nuts ... Abadia de Retuerta is beautiful. Restoration began on the buildings as well as the Abbey in the 1990s. The current owners are heirs to this place and they did it right. A majestic spa, a Michelin starred restaurant, a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel, guided tours via helicopter.... Quoting Maître de Maison, Andrés Araya, "Every architectural detail has been immaculately preserved. The monks' cells are now guestrooms, the chapter house is the lounge bar, and the refectory is now a sumptuous restaurant." As for the vineyards, they are planted to the north-facing slopes, on the south side of the River Duero. As with their famous neighbors – Vega Sicilia – these hillside vineyards on the south side of the river gradually ascend, topping out at 2,500 feet from their base near the river of 2,100 feet elevation. Working with world-renowned winemaker Pascal Delbeck (Chateau Petrus), the team here isolated the best parcels (pagos – 54 in all), planting 510 acres to a combination of soils ranging from clay and gravel near the river to limestone mixed with boulders and stones on the upper reaches of the hillside. Mostly Tempranillo, along with varying percentages of Cabernet and Syrah gives us Retuerta's fascinating, classically unique flavor profile. Planted in the 1990s (with Petrus' winemaker as their guide), the only major difference between the vineyards here and Vega Sicilia is vine age... the bang for the buck is unbelievable! The cooler 2020 vintage did nothing to diminish the Seleccion Especial's bold personality, but instead only endowed it with an extra level of detail and precision, something we can all appreciate. With another round of strong accolades from the usual suspects, the 2020 is a worthy follow-up to the smash-hit 2019, and once again we still have the best price in the country. | ||
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| 2021 Peter Jakob Kuhn Doosberg Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewachs (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn has produced a stellar range of 2021ers that will be cellar treasures a handful of years down the road." - John Gilman,View From the Cellar For whatever reason, the estate of Peter Jakob Kuhn flies under the radar of even many tried and true German wine fanatics, but this pair of 2021s on offer today should go a long way towards rectifying that situation. As classic and traditional as they come in terms of style, the wines are nonetheless made according to owner Peter Bernhard Kuhn's forward-looking vision and innovative approach to farming. The 2021 vintage was a clear study in the classic German Riesling profiles, the cooler conditions lending themselves to old-school, pure, filigreed wines that buck the trend of recent warmer vintages like 2020 and 2022, instead defined by their bright precision, electric vibrancy, and most importantly, long-term cellar potential. The Kuhn estate releases a year later than the majority of their contemporaries, so these 2021s are just now showing up where many 2022s (and even 2023s) are already on the market. Carrying big scores from some prominent voices in German wine, Kuhn's 2021s belong on the shortlist of smart collectible buys for any serious enthusiast. Leading off, the 2021 Doosberg Grosses Gewächs boasts a towering 97-point score from Vinous. "Utterly concentrated, intense, almost searing with luminosity and brightness," it's a spectacular rendition of a treasured Rheingau site and the crown-jewel in the Kuhn range. For those seeking a razor-sharp cellar buy that punches well above its price tier, the 2021 Hallgärtener Hendelberg Erste Lage is just the ticket. "A premier cru bottling that clearly approaches the quality of Grosses Gewächs because of its old vines," according John Gilman, the 2021 is resounding triumph, "superb, impressive, profound, absolutely focused and delicious, yet so resonant and rich" as described by Vinous. The only drawback (if you can call it that) is their highly limited presence in the US market, so the smart move is to lock in and add this pair of surefire cellar contenders to your collection while you can. | ||
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| The Single Malts of Scotland Linkwood 10yr 2012 Reserve Casks Single Malt Scotch (750ml) | ||
| From Elgin, Speyside, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...just a fascinating, multi-layered single malt that does everything it's supposed to do, in its own singular fashion." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The Speyside faithful go head over heels for Linkwood, but finding a top-quality example on the market is always a stroke of luck. Just 2% of the distillery's production is bottled on its own, with the vast majority of the production playing a crucial part in Diageo's flagship blends like Johnnie Walker. Moreover, most of what you'll find on the independent bottler scene is some sort of sherry-finished version that may or may not reflect the true Linkwood character, which is why we were thrilled to come across this four-cask, limited edition from Single Malts of Scotland, done in light-toast, new hogsheads. As B-21 spirits buyer Andrew Kitz describes it, "this is quintessential Speyside and classic Linkwood in its pure form, with no bells or whistles," just a superb example of the unpeated Speyside malt that makes this distillery so widely admired (and what makes its stocks so jealously guarded by Diageo). With the characteristic combination of richness and elegance that defines Linkwood for true Scotch aficionados, this 10-Year-Old beauty will deliver everything you're looking for and then some. | ||
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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 99-point Achleiten Stockkultur 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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| 2022 Domaine Bosquet des Papes Les 7 de Pignan (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines from Bosquet des Papes span the full spectrum ... Regardless of the style, the quality is brilliant, and these are beautiful wines." - Jeb Dunnuck Bosquet des Papes' stellar 2022s prove once again that this rising-star estate is a favorite among Châteauneuf insiders and aficionados, who will be thrilled at this set of stunners from winemaker Nicolas Boiron. The trio of A La Gloire de Mon Grand Père, Chante le Merle, and Les 7 des Pignan each demonstrate Boiron's broad, multi-faceted style. The JD98 Grand Père is "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage ... a stunning success" that strides a fine line between the past and the present, while the Chante le Merle is made in the staunchly traditional method, resulting in a straight-down-the-line "age-worthy, classic, incredibly satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape" per Jeb Dunnuck. The perfect juxtaposition to Chante le Merle's classicism is Les 7 des Pignan. The 2022 marks only the second vintage of this 100%-Grenache, micro-production cuvée fashoned from seven miniscule parcels in the Pignan lieu-dit. Seeing 98-point potential, Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski marvels at the "incredible complexity and elegance in this full-bodied wine that's concentrated and tannic yet supple, finishing long and velvety. Wow." Vinous puts an exclamation point on its unabashedly modern character, declaring it "bursting with energy and quite expressive ... with remarkable concentration and an expansive finish." The 2022 Bosquet des Papes line-up is emblematic of the many shades of contemporary Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all expertly crafted by one of its most dynamic estates and winemakers. | ||
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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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| 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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| 2021 Flora Springs Trilogy (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I love its overall balance, it has notable purity..." - Jeb Dunnuck Flora Springs' Trilogy is an original Napa Valley icon in the style of Bordeaux blends, having helped set the trends for the category for well over three decades now. Trilogy is undoubtedly one of the most consistent flagship wines from Napa Valley, with legions of fans that have made it one of the most recognized names in the appellation. The spectacular 2021 Napa vintage lends a stupendous character to this already exceptional blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. "Gorgeous, perfumed" aromatics accompany a palate that's "concentrated and focused, a study of cohesion in the glass" as described by Decanter, all pointing, again, to the remarkable consistency that is a hallmark of the estate. We just secured a limited supply at a remarkable price, so fans of this Napa benchmark can load up at one of the sharpest prices in the country. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Alary Cairanne la Jean de Verde Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Clairette from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Savvy bargain hunters are by now well aware of the stellar quality for price to be found in the relatively new Cairanne appellation. Since its promotion to full cru status, the region has captured the attention of Southern Rhône insiders, and it's Domaine Alary leading the way. Father and son Denis and Jean-Etienne Alary are renowned for their track record of consistent excellence, and the flagship Estevenas Rouge defines the domaine's style and reputation in the market. The 94-96 point 2022 rendition "features stunning aromas ... Full-bodied, creamy and lush on the palate, it finishes long and silky" according to Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, the Syrah-dominant blend benefitting from some of the oldest Syrah vines in the Southern Rhône. The 2022 La Brunote is a prime example of the Alarys' wide-ranging repertoire and skill set. The 92-94WA, Mourvèdre-based blend excels in the warm vintage, especially at our market-best price. "Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it's almost creamy in texture, with a lingering finish. Yum," declares Czerwinski. To get a true feel for the elite position Alary occupies in Cairanne, don't miss the Jean de Verde bottlings. The WA94 Jean de Verde Blanc is "silky in texture, with a long, elegant finish—a stunning white from Southern Rhône," while the 2022 Jean de Verde Rouge continues this cuvée's track record as a benchmark Cairanne collectible. Garnering a whopping 95-97 points as a potential best-ever effort from Denis and Jean-Etienne, it's "amazingly complex on the nose ... [with] wonderful harmony. It's full-bodied and rich, concentrated and velvety, with a long, zesty finish." In short, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck in the southern Rhone. Alary is back at B-21 in a big way, with 2022s that set the pace for the appellation and offer world-class value. | ||
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| 2023 Rippon Rippon Riesling Mature Vines (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Harmony is a word that oozes out of the 2023 Mature Vine Riesling ... This is elegant and poised. There's no need to wait—it's already delightful." - Rebecca Gibb, Vinous Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, their Pinot Noirs representing the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category. However, that same incredible pedigree, from vineyards to winemaking, also goes into their estate Mature Vine Riesling. If you're wondering what New Zealand can do with Riesling, this one is here to tell you, it can punch with the heavyweights. The estate's schist soils provide a fantastic terroir basis for this wine, as Riesling truly does thrive in this type – indeed some of the best examples in the world come from schist/quartzite soils, and the 2023 Mature Vine shows why. Loads of complexity inform both the nose and the palate, while the textural intensity is everything that great Riesling should be. As Rebecca Gibb of Vinous puts it, "the 2023 [is] varietally classic, but balance and structure elevate it." We've seen some truly compelling Rieslings come from Australia over the years, but now you can add New Zealand, and Central Otago specifically, to the list of unlikely but excellent sources of stunning expressions that will thrill even the most seasoned connoisseurs of this noble varietal. | ||
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| 2021 Peter Jakob Kuhn Hallgarten Hendelberg Riesling Trocken (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Rheingau, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn has produced a stellar range of 2021ers that will be cellar treasures a handful of years down the road." - John Gilman,View From the Cellar For whatever reason, the estate of Peter Jakob Kuhn flies under the radar of even many tried and true German wine fanatics, but this pair of 2021s on offer today should go a long way towards rectifying that situation. As classic and traditional as they come in terms of style, the wines are nonetheless made according to owner Peter Bernhard Kuhn's forward-looking vision and innovative approach to farming. The 2021 vintage was a clear study in the classic German Riesling profiles, the cooler conditions lending themselves to old-school, pure, filigreed wines that buck the trend of recent warmer vintages like 2020 and 2022, instead defined by their bright precision, electric vibrancy, and most importantly, long-term cellar potential. The Kuhn estate releases a year later than the majority of their contemporaries, so these 2021s are just now showing up where many 2022s (and even 2023s) are already on the market. Carrying big scores from some prominent voices in German wine, Kuhn's 2021s belong on the shortlist of smart collectible buys for any serious enthusiast. Leading off, the 2021 Doosberg Grosses Gewächs boasts a towering 97-point score from Vinous. "Utterly concentrated, intense, almost searing with luminosity and brightness," it's a spectacular rendition of a treasured Rheingau site and the crown-jewel in the Kuhn range. For those seeking a razor-sharp cellar buy that punches well above its price tier, the 2021 Hallgärtener Hendelberg Erste Lage is just the ticket. "A premier cru bottling that clearly approaches the quality of Grosses Gewächs because of its old vines," according John Gilman, the 2021 is resounding triumph, "superb, impressive, profound, absolutely focused and delicious, yet so resonant and rich" as described by Vinous. The only drawback (if you can call it that) is their highly limited presence in the US market, so the smart move is to lock in and add this pair of surefire cellar contenders to your collection while you can. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Bricco delle Viole (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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| 2021 Albino Rocca Vigneto Ronchi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I was deeply impressed with the 2021 Barbarescos at Albino Rocca. The wines are aromatic, vibrant and bristling with site character ... More than anything else, these wines are defined by superb purity." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous For four generations, the Rocca family has been producing stupendous Barbarescos from several of the region's most prized holdings. The late Angelo Rocca had propelled the estate to prominence over the past few decades, and his untimely death left a huge void in the Barbaresco landscape, but his three daughters have admirably carried on his visionary winemaking and track record, which is on full display in this duo of 2021s. The fun starts with the appellation Barbaresco that notched 94 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, who dubbed it "a big surprise ... fresh and bright, showing enormous focus and purity," but the real showstopper is a single-cru masterpiece that checks every box. Ronchi is the family's most historic and important cru, with some vines approaching 75 years old. The southeast exposure and marl limestone soils, resulting in a "vivid, sculpted Barbareso [that] is hugely promising," according to Galloni. These are unequivocally wines of superior class and sophistication that Piedmont enthusiasts will want to own in quantity, but they're also quite limited. This parcel is all we're going to get at pre-tariff pricing, so the time to load up is now. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Champsalomon (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and as we've seen the overall quality level in Burgundy reach new heights, we've seen its lesser-known and lesser-regarded appellations step out of the shadows with some truly compelling efforts that can still be had for more than reasonable prices. Marsannay is often exhibit A in that conversation. "Collotte's 2022 Les Champsalomon is a beautifully crafted example of modern Marsannay that makes a convincing case that the appellation deserves more attention from Burgundy fans." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Philippe Collotte, and now his daughter Isabelle, have always done things the right way – low yields, manual viticulture, minimalist winemaking – it's all done to give the very best expressions of their excellent, old-vine parcels in Marsannay. Their 0.8-hectare plot in Les Champsalomon is quintessential Marsannay terroir, and the Collotte's always de-stem completely, that terroir is free to shine in the finished wine. The 2022 is a prime bang-for-the-buck contender. Indeed, View From the Cellar's John Gilman calls it "outstanding ... a stunning value!" B-21 Burgundy Buyer Andrew Kitz was also duly impressed by "a surprising level of craftsmanship that should have you rethinking what Marsannay is all about." Truly, the only thing about this wine that fits the Marsannay sterotype is the sub-$40 price. Everything else points to a top-class effort with excellent cellar potential and over-delivering collectible appeal. | ||
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| 2001 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2019 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stephan Usseglio has propelled this certified organic and biodynamic estate, named for his father, to among the top ranks of the region." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate The name Usseglio is no secret to lovers of top-flight Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it's typically PIerre that comes to mind for many. However, that's all changing in recent years, as Domaine Raymond Usseglio is stepping into the limelight under the hand of the highly talented Stephan Usseglio. Having been in charge here since 1999 at the ripe age of 22, Stephan straddles that wonderful line between youthful vision, something he's held onto even as his career has entered a new stage of accomplishment and accolades, and respect for his family's traditions, including their exceptional vine holdings. The 2022 reds from Usseglio offer a crystal clear picture of a domaine firing on all cylinders and moving up in the quality heirarchy to the very top echelons, highlighted by the JS95 Cuvée Girard, a "dark and powerful" rendition that "makes a bold statement." Taking Grenache purity to the next level is the 2022 Cuvée Imperiale. "With ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck, "it's a gem in the vintage." Finally, fans and collectors should not overlook the absolutely pristine 2023 Pure Roussanne, a 97-point tour de force that is everything as advertised - pure Roussanne varietal character that shows this revered white Rhône varietal in all its glory. This in-stock trio is further proof that the domaine should be on any serious Rhône enthusiasts short list, as these expressions are some of the most polished and artfully crafted offerings you'll find in the region. | ||
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| 2022 Bosquet des Papes Tradition (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines from Bosquet des Papes span the full spectrum ... Regardless of the style, the quality is brilliant, and these are beautiful wines." - Jeb Dunnuck Bosquet des Papes' stellar 2022s prove once again that this rising-star estate is a favorite among Châteauneuf insiders and aficionados, who will be thrilled at this set of stunners from winemaker Nicolas Boiron. The trio of A La Gloire de Mon Grand Père, Chante le Merle, and Les 7 des Pignan each demonstrate Boiron's broad, multi-faceted style. The JD98 Grand Père is "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage ... a stunning success" that strides a fine line between the past and the present, while the Chante le Merle is made in the staunchly traditional method, resulting in a straight-down-the-line "age-worthy, classic, incredibly satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape" per Jeb Dunnuck. The perfect juxtaposition to Chante le Merle's classicism is Les 7 des Pignan. The 2022 marks only the second vintage of this 100%-Grenache, micro-production cuvée fashoned from seven miniscule parcels in the Pignan lieu-dit. Seeing 98-point potential, Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski marvels at the "incredible complexity and elegance in this full-bodied wine that's concentrated and tannic yet supple, finishing long and velvety. Wow." Vinous puts an exclamation point on its unabashedly modern character, declaring it "bursting with energy and quite expressive ... with remarkable concentration and an expansive finish." The 2022 Bosquet des Papes line-up is emblematic of the many shades of contemporary Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all expertly crafted by one of its most dynamic estates and winemakers. | ||
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| 1990 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2019 Schiopetto Podere dei Blumeri (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A dazzling selection from the exceptional northern Italian producer "who put Friuli on the map" according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these top rated Schiopetto selections are crafted as unique and transparent expressions of their northern Italian terroir, providing an opportunity for anyone seeking to explore the exceptional range of white wines from the Collio region as well as two high scoring red cuvees at outstanding pricing. Among the first to prove "Italy can make serious whites" according to Wine Enthusiast's Kerin O'Keefe, Schiopetto is one of the oldest wineries in northeastern Italy, now spanning 30 hectares of estate vineyards planted on the ancient sea beds of marly clay and limestone known locally as ponca. While all the Schiopetto wines offer aromatic fruit and distinct minerality, here are some unique highlights of each selection:
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