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| 2019 Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (750ml) | ||
| Corvina from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Amarone della Valpolicella may be one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated categories in fine wine, but among the handful of producers setting the standard, Speri is undoubtedly among the elite names shining a spotlight on these bona fide collectible gems. Their signature estate style is somewhat a departure from the powerhouse Amarone profile that most wine drinkers are familiar with, instead focusing on restrained elegance and nuance. "This is wonderfully lifted and graceful in style, dense yet energetic with silken textures ..." - Eric Guido, Vinous The single-vineyard, 96-point 2019 Sant'Urbano is a showpiece example of precision viticulture and winemaking, resulting in "a sophisticated Amarone" full of dynamic complexity while remaining eminently approachable for a broad audience. Like all great Amarone, however, it's undoubtedly built for the cellar. As Eric Guido of Vinous notes, "The 2019 is full of potential - bury it deep." Delivering serious, cellar-worhy bang for the buck, it's an undeniably smart buy for avid collectors of Italy's best. | ||
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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 2021s are marvelously complete wines that offer a captivating mix of energy, structure, depth and plenty of site character." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous To paraphrase Mark Twain's infamous quip about good whiskey, too much great wine is not enough, and we still can't get enough of Barbaresco's epic 2021 vintage. Ever since these wines began to hit the market, they've delivered on the early praise that was heaped on them by critics across the board. There's obviously no shortage of spectacular buys in this vintage, but that breadth of choice can often make selection daunting, so we've hand-picked some of our absolute favorites get you going in this reference-point campaign. Massolino shines with a pair of superb offerings in their "super-classic" village bottling and their triple 95-point Albesani single cru. Produttori's 2021 village bottling is once again one of the steals of the vintage. With 95+ points from Wine Advocate, it's a "a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas." Next up, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck, a "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Larner. Finally, don't miss the single-cru sleeper stars from Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Cortese. "This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising," writes Galloni in his 95-point review of Rocca's 2021 Ronchi. He likewise praises Cortese's 2021 rendition of the iconic Rabaja cru as "complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." No matter which way you turn, it seems Barbaresco's 2021 vintage is knocking it out of the park, and our market-leading pricing on these fan favorites and collectible hits provides you ample opportunity to stock the cellar full for the next couple of decades. | ||
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| 2023 Kelley Fox Liminal Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the Willamette Valley's undisputed boutique darlings, Kelley Fox has racked up one of the most impressive hauls of accolades in the region in recent years, and her wines have become bona fide favorites at B-21. So when we were offered parcels of two of her smallest-production rarities, we jumped at them. "The 2023 Pinot Noir Shafer Vineyard is profound ... It hits another gear entirely." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com A historic but hidden-gem site in the Tualatin Hills AVA, the Shafer vineyard's own-rooted vines were planted in 1973, making it a truly singular site in the valley This is a wild place in more ways than one, as far off the beaten path as it is, and the wine it produces is pure Oregon in soul. Only 44 cases were produced, and with a monster 98-point score, it's a can't-miss stunner that any serious Pinot collector should have in the cellar. Some of our all-time favorite boutique Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs have been Kelley Fox's incomparable expressions of the historic Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. One of the original Pinot Noir plantings in the valley, this exceptional vineyard has given us one absolute stunner after another from Kelley over the years. So we're sad to announce that the 98-point 2023 Liminal Pinot Noir will be the last wine that Kelley produces from Maresh. But it's going out with quite a swan song, having just nabbed Top 10 honors in Vinous' Top 100 Wines of 2025. "The 2023 is pure magic." - Eric Guido, Vinous Kelley's intimate familiarity with the Maresh Vineyard has led her to create different block expressions, but the Liminal has always been special, as it's from Jim Maresh's original, own-rooted vines planted 1970, now just three rows. Like all Kelley's wines, its hallmark is unerring precision, "a model of balance, seamless and silken in form with an energetic, lively core" as Vinous' Eric Guido describes the 2023. Kelley's signature elegance and tension are on full display along the with pure, concentrated Maresh terroir soul from these old vines. If you're a fan of the very best Willamette Valley Pinots, this one should be at the top of your list – not only is it just that good, but it's also your last chance to get your hands on it. | ||
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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." This in-stock duo 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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| 2019 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Barolo 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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| 2024 Domaine de l'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Bel Air Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Viognier from Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine de l'Amandine's Mathilde Suter and her father have an enviable knack for bringing out the absolute best of the vines in their wines, and yet somehow they do it while keeping their prices almost unbelievably affordable. Indeed, these are some of the greatest buys in the appellation. The 2023 Seguret, a Syrah-dominant blend, offers everything that makes Seguret such a hotbed of savvy picks with unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. "Quite possibly our direct-import Rhône value of the year." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Rhône Buyer The sandy, limestone slopes of the estate's vineyards bring out the most charming qualities of each varietal, with the depth of the Syrah forming a sturdy core that's accented by brighter notes from the Grenache component, all the with vibrant energy of the vintage. "I have loved previous vintages of this exceptional Rhône overachiever in the past, and when I got reacquainted with it at this year’s WineParis/Vinexpo, I was thrilled to find that it’s as good as it’s ever been in the 2023 vintage," notes Andrew. The wine's charming aromatics are full-on Rhône in every sense, while the palate "is deeper and more structured than you’d expect at this price point," suggesting that the 2023 Seguret could be your new house red for years to come if you stock up at our must see, case-buy price. Savvy, keen-eyed bargain hunters should also take serious interest in the 2022 La Montagne, a Grenache-based blend from the domaine's clay-limestone terraces. Brighter in style yet also more structured than the 2023 Seguret, the 2022 La Montagne offers "a complete and harmonious Southern Rhône profile that can compete with many wines at twice its price." Finally, do not miss the "extraordinarily pretty yet understated" 2024 Seguret Blanc Bel Air, a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier that's one of the more impressive 2024 white Rhônes we've come across in its price point. We're thrilled to be back on our game with Amandine after a lengthy hiatus, and this trio of new, in-stock arrivals are sure to leave our legions of Rhône fans with huge smiles on their faces from the standout style and incredible value to be found from this under-the-radar gem of a domaine. | ||
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| 2022 Ferrari-Carano Tresor (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $15, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) is the 2023 Tre Terre is full bodied with lovely texture and tension, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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| 2020 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate The above quote from William Kelley truly captures the sentiment around this hidden gem estate in Pessac-Léognan. In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately, as evidenced by today's line-up of recent releases. The estate's red is a sub-$50 home-run hitter every year, and that kind of consistency is on display in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 vintages, the latter of which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing ofWine Advocate. Not to be overlooked, the 2020 is also "a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine " that has racked up impressive accolades from across the critical space for its "great mix of richness and elegance." Finally, like any great Pessac estate, de Fieuzal's white wines are some of the best in Bordeaux, and the two vintages on offer today each boast an impressive critical line that tops off at 95 points. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| 2022 De Fieuzal Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...one of my favorite wines in Pessac-Léognan." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately. As William Kelley of Wine Advocate observes, "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." The estate's 2022 is a sub-$50 home-run hitter which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate. Under the direction of Stephen Carrier, de Fieuzal has hit its stride the 2022 vintage, which is emerging as an epic campaign. The estate's 2022 shows all the structure of the vintage, yet it retains a balanced freshness that leaves room for the exceptionally well-defined flavors and aromas to stretch their legs, offering the very best features of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in ringing harmony. Best of all, it's approachable even today but will certainly make a solid run in the cellar should you choose to put some away. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in the 2022 Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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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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| 2023 Patrice Rion Cote de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge, which "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up." With amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity, it checks every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make it an easy choice for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." The most prized parcel on the estate is the old-vine plot next to the historic Tuscan farmhouse, appropriatey called Vigna La Casa, from which comes the La Casa bottling, a sterling terroir expression that always takes the estate's signature style to the next level. "A real charmer with ripe tannins, even, seamless acidity, and a great finish," notes Jeb Dunnuck's Italy critic Audrey Frick in her 96-point review. The 2020 La Casa boasts "otherworldly" balance per Vinous' Eric Guido, and James Suckling even floats the proposition that it could outpace the prodigious 2019 vintage. Finally, the 2019 Brunello Riserva releases are finally hitting the market, and they're delivering on all the promise and hype the vintage has received since the reviews started coming out. As good as the 2019 normale and La Casa wines were from Caparzo, we knew the Riserva would be a knock-out, and it's here and ready to prove us correct. "The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins," writes Monica Larner for Wine Advocate. This is a classically styled Brunello that will cruise in the cellar thanks to its "dramatic length and structure," as Vinous' Eric Guido describes it, shining right alongside previous best-selling, benchmark vintages like 2015 and 2016. | ||
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| Jacquesson Cuvee 747 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Jacquesson] is poised to continue producing Champagnes with exceptional freshness and crystalline textures. The range is impressively consistent, and each cuvée beautifully reflects the soul and the distinct terroirs of this house based in Dizy." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Consistency is indeed the name of the game at this long-time fan favorite of B-21. Jacquesson's star rose to new heights under the lengthy ownership of the Chiquet brothers, and since its acquisition by the François Pinault juggernaut (owner of Chateau Latour, Clos de Tart, and Napa iconic Eisele Vineyard) in 2022, there have been no signs that anything is any different. The newly arrived Cuvée 747 is exemplary of this flagship bottling in many ways, but the higher inclusion of Pinot Noir in this 2019-base rendition gives it a notably more intense personality than in previous years. Earning 96 points from James Suckling, it's "a structured and creamy-textured Jacquesson NV with a very fine-bubble texture and lovely polish ... medium- to full-bodied with length and sophistication." Showing the genius of the Chiquet brothers in transparent clarity, the 747 is "an edition that closely reflects the character of the vintage, marked by its tension and phenolic complexity" according to Yohan Castaing, and given the tension, textural depth, and structural foundation from the increased presence of the Pinot Noir, this is set for a wonderful evolution in the cellar over the next several years. Not to be overlooked, we still have a small amount of the luxurious 746. Based on the warm, solar vintage of 2018, it's "plush with showy red fruit that shimmers amid a vibrant acid energy that brings loads of freshness to the long finish." The 746 will provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the more linear, stately 747, so you can have repeated enjoyment comparing the two side by side for years to come. | ||
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| 2023 Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Nahe, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...yet another stunning collection." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous For Riesling fans, there are few names that hold a candle to Dönnhoff, and this set from the exceptional 2023 vintage only adds to their lofty reputation and track record. One of the most consistently excellent estates in the world, they need little introduction to collectors of reference-point Riesling. At every level of the prädikat scale, they've hit one homerun after another. Starting with the Kabinetten, led by the "stunningly elegant and vibrant" JS96 Leistenberg, we see the crystalline purity and class that defines all of Dönnhoff's wines. Of course, the flagship Hermannshöhle Spätlese remains the estate's most famous and coveted expression, and in 2023 it's "serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious ... glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance," a 99-point showstopper that will stand with the finest vintages of this perennial collectible all-star. In the Auslese category, along with the "ravishing beauty" of the 99-point Hermannshöhle, Dönnhoff's Brücke monopole also produced a near-perfect, "very radical wine with gigantic concentration of cool tropical fruit and mineral acidity." The crown jewels, of course, are the estate's singular GGs, led by two utterly perfect expressions from Hermannshöhle and Dellchen. While this pair will be among Germany's most exquisite and coveted dry wines of the vintage, collectors shouldn't overlook the sheer class and sophistication of the Krotenpfuhl and Felsenberg, the latter being "a total joy of clarity, direction, and stony poise" with 98-point potential per Vinous' Anne Krebiehl. With the absolute cream of the Dönnhoff crop all represented below, no matter which direction you turn in this line-up, you'll find yourself with a world-class, unforgettable expression that will shine like few others can. | ||
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| 2023 Christophe Cordier Macon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More This new entry in our direct-import Burgundy stable is a real coup de grace, considering the wines aren't widely available in U.S. market at all. While Domaine Cordier flies under almost every radar on this side of the pond, we sought them out and paid a visit to Christophe Cordier last fall and again this fall, and the wines were revelatory on both occasions. Simply put, if you're a fan of top-notch white Burgundy that overdelivers, this domaine should be on the top of your short list. "The 2023 Clos du Four is a beautiful example of its vineyard, offering everything you'd want from the Lafon version at nearly half the price." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer If you're an avid follower of the Mâcon and its growing reputation, you no doubt know the Clos du Four vineyard from Les Heritiérs du Comte Lafon. It's one of the most coveted sites in the appellation, so much so that Dominique Lafon sought an outright monoply of ownership and almost got it, but Christophe, who had been leasing his parcel from the previous owner for years, fought tooth and nail, ultimately securing his small plot at the top of the vineyard in sole defiance of the Lafon juggernaut. He has a certain wry sense of victory when he talks about this wine, as well he should. He knows the vines and the terroir like the back of his hand, and the result is a pure expression of a great site, made all the more singular by the miniscule parcel from which it comes. As new white Burgundy discoveries go, they don't get much better than this. "The 2023 Vers Cras an excellent representation of a great site, from a winemaker that more Burgundy aficionados should get to know." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Cordier's vineyard holdings comprise many of the finest sites in and around Fuissé and Vergisson, and the Vers Cras, made from 60- to 80-year-old vines, is arguably the crême de la crême of the 2023 range. Christophe's winery is an impeccably kept facility, and this wine shows that meticulous attention to detail in every facet of its personality. As Andrew describes it, "the 2023 Vers Cras 1er Cru walks a fine line between the power of Pouilly-Fuissé and the finesse of Puligny" thanks to his parcel's position on the east-facing, sloped section of the vineyard in Fuissé. As prices in the Côte d'Or keep rising out of reach of many Burgundy fans and collectors, it's great to know that expressions like this one from Cordier can deliver the goods while still being accessible to a broad audience. | ||
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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 "The 2021s are marvelously complete wines that offer a captivating mix of energy, structure, depth and plenty of site character." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous To paraphrase Mark Twain's infamous quip about good whiskey, too much great wine is not enough, and we still can't get enough of Barbaresco's epic 2021 vintage. Ever since these wines began to hit the market, they've delivered on the early praise that was heaped on them by critics across the board. There's obviously no shortage of spectacular buys in this vintage, but that breadth of choice can often make selection daunting, so we've hand-picked some of our absolute favorites get you going in this reference-point campaign. Massolino shines with a pair of superb offerings in their "super-classic" village bottling and their triple 95-point Albesani single cru. Produttori's 2021 village bottling is once again one of the steals of the vintage. With 95+ points from Wine Advocate, it's a "a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas." Next up, the 2021 Fontanabianca Bordini is a no-brainer, razor-sharp buy for Piedmont collectors looking to maximize their collectible bang for the buck, a "stunning ,,, utterly delicious" offering with glowing accolades from several critics, led by Kerin O'Keefe's 96 points and 95 points from Larner. Finally, don't miss the single-cru sleeper stars from Albino Rocca and Giuseppe Cortese. "This vivid, sculpted Barbaresco is hugely promising," writes Galloni in his 95-point review of Rocca's 2021 Ronchi. He likewise praises Cortese's 2021 rendition of the iconic Rabaja cru as "complex, dynamic and youthfully austere—in other words, it's classic Rabajà ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty." No matter which way you turn, it seems Barbaresco's 2021 vintage is knocking it out of the park, and our market-leading pricing on these fan favorites and collectible hits provides you ample opportunity to stock the cellar full for the next couple of decades. | ||
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| 2023 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Cleo Pahlmeyer's Wayfarer has been at the forefront of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA's evolution ever since its inaugural vintage in 2012. This incredible property in a far-flung corner of Sonoma County has racked up consistent, glowing accolades from the beginning, and now we can add a Wine Spectator Top 10 designation to the list of honors and acclaim. "...the 2023 is absolutely exquisite." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous That alone should have any fan of collectible California Pinot Noir scrambling to get their hands on the 2023 Estate Pinot Noir, but when you get a look at the pair of 97-point reviews from Galloni and Suckling, as well huge press from every other critic of note, it becomes a genuine contender for wine of the vintage in California Pinot. Blended from all 11 clones on the estate property, the 2023 Estate Vineyard exudes class and sophistication with its "silky contours" and "kaleidoscopic" aromatic profile. "Vibrant and tension-driven" on the palate, this is cool-climate Pinot Noir at its very best, from one of the longest growing seasons and latest harvests on record for the AVA. We just secured an introductory parcel at the sharpest price in the country, so now is the time to lock on of the most coveted buys of the holiday season. | ||
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| 2024 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In my mind, and according to my palate for that matter, Jean-Marc Burgaud is the don of Morgon. His wines achieve the highest levels and have an unerring propensity to repay cellaring." - Neal Martin, Vinous Earlier this year we solidified a domaine-direct relationship with a true Beaujolais icon, and now the "first fruits" of this new relationship have just landed in stock. Dubbed "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remain some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. The highlight of the range, Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit," notes Wine Advocate. Not as well-known but every bit as compelling is the 2022 Côte du Py Javernieres, a JS95 insider's favorite that isn't often seen in the U.S. market. We're also thrilled to present a trio of Burgaud's newly released 2024s, each one a superb expression of its Morgon terroir and a benchmark example of one the region's greatest winemaking talents. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the benchmark gems to us at jaw-dropping pricing that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
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| Wilderness Trail B-21 Barrel Select Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This lovely cask is a resonant beauty that will appeal to almost anyone. I mean it sincerely – if you don't find something to love in this cask, then whiskey just isn't your thing." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer We love it when a single cask holds so true to the distillery's identity, and this classic "wheater" from Wilderness Trail does all that, and then some. To start, the mashbill is what put Wilderness Trail on the map in the first place. Their signature recipe includes 24% wheat, which is the highest propotion you'll find anywhere in the Bluegrass State. They also utilize only fresh ingredients, never adding any backset (spent grains from a previous mash), which results in a pristine "sweet mash" style that is the hallmark of the distillery. Then, in a marriage made in whiskey heaven, this exceptional distillate was aged in a top-quality ISC Classic #4 char barrel, the characteristics of which lend themselves perfectly to the Wilderness Trail Wheated profile. The #4 char level imparts gorgeous sweetness to an already opulent profile, but somehow the whiskey never loses its balance, thanks to spirit's medium body and the barrel's pure, refined tannins. "A charmer through and through" as described by B-21 Spirits buyer Andrew Kitz, it's a beautifully textured specimen that seems tailor-made for your favorite bourbon cocktail. If you've ever wondered what the wheated bourbon style is all about, this single cask is exhibit A for why the category is a hot ticket among bourbon insiders. | ||
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| 2023 Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Niederhausen, Nahe, Germany | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...yet another stunning collection." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous For Riesling fans, there are few names that hold a candle to Dönnhoff, and this set from the exceptional 2023 vintage only adds to their lofty reputation and track record. One of the most consistently excellent estates in the world, they need little introduction to collectors of reference-point Riesling. At every level of the prädikat scale, they've hit one homerun after another. Starting with the Kabinetten, led by the "stunningly elegant and vibrant" JS96 Leistenberg, we see the crystalline purity and class that defines all of Dönnhoff's wines. Of course, the flagship Hermannshöhle Spätlese remains the estate's most famous and coveted expression, and in 2023 it's "serene, zesty, tender, yet so very serious ... glorious in its lightness and disarming in its elegance," a 99-point showstopper that will stand with the finest vintages of this perennial collectible all-star. In the Auslese category, along with the "ravishing beauty" of the 99-point Hermannshöhle, Dönnhoff's Brücke monopole also produced a near-perfect, "very radical wine with gigantic concentration of cool tropical fruit and mineral acidity." The crown jewels, of course, are the estate's singular GGs, led by two utterly perfect expressions from Hermannshöhle and Dellchen. While this pair will be among Germany's most exquisite and coveted dry wines of the vintage, collectors shouldn't overlook the sheer class and sophistication of the Krotenpfuhl and Felsenberg, the latter being "a total joy of clarity, direction, and stony poise" with 98-point potential per Vinous' Anne Krebiehl. With the absolute cream of the Dönnhoff crop all represented below, no matter which direction you turn in this line-up, you'll find yourself with a world-class, unforgettable expression that will shine like few others can. | ||
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| 2021 Villota Vina Gena Vinedo Singular (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fans of pedigreed, modern Rioja will want to pay close attention to today's private offer from Villota for several reasons. First, the estate itself was the original vineyard souce for CVNE's Contino project, but the family split off from the Cooperative in 2013 to focus on building their own label. Second, the man at the helm is responsible for Contino's ascension to Rioja's elite during the 1990s, and he's bringing that same expertise to bear in elevating Villota's stature in the region. Finally, the estate's situation at a bend in the Ebro River endows the wines with outstanding polish and flair that make them accessible to a wide audience. "Dry, taut and juicy on the palate, balance and energy come together to define a complex and modern Rioja wine."- Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous The latest vintage of their Viña Gena, from a plot designated Viñedo Singular in 2017, more than lives up to its special status in the estate's portfolio as a 96-point stunner that Jeb Dunnuck calls it "gorgeous stuff" and "another remarkably pure, clean, impressive wine from this estate with tons to love." James Suckling's 94-point review lauds a "nuanced and rather more delicate than powerful" example of the riverbank style of Rioja, with firm but refined tannins that suggest it has more to offer if given a few years in the cellar. Whether you enjoy it today or explore its evolution down the road, the 2021 Viña Gena is a Rioja sleeper star of the highest order. | ||
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| 2019 Agrapart Mineral Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 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 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| 2022 Domaine de l'Amandine Cotes du Rhone Villages La Montagne (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine de l'Amandine's Mathilde Suter and her father have an enviable knack for bringing out the absolute best of the vines in their wines, and yet somehow they do it while keeping their prices almost unbelievably affordable. Indeed, these are some of the greatest buys in the appellation. The 2023 Seguret, a Syrah-dominant blend, offers everything that makes Seguret such a hotbed of savvy picks with unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. "Quite possibly our direct-import Rhône value of the year." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Rhône Buyer The sandy, limestone slopes of the estate's vineyards bring out the most charming qualities of each varietal, with the depth of the Syrah forming a sturdy core that's accented by brighter notes from the Grenache component, all the with vibrant energy of the vintage. "I have loved previous vintages of this exceptional Rhône overachiever in the past, and when I got reacquainted with it at this year’s WineParis/Vinexpo, I was thrilled to find that it’s as good as it’s ever been in the 2023 vintage," notes Andrew. The wine's charming aromatics are full-on Rhône in every sense, while the palate "is deeper and more structured than you’d expect at this price point," suggesting that the 2023 Seguret could be your new house red for years to come if you stock up at our must see, case-buy price. Savvy, keen-eyed bargain hunters should also take serious interest in the 2022 La Montagne, a Grenache-based blend from the domaine's clay-limestone terraces. Brighter in style yet also more structured than the 2023 Seguret, the 2022 La Montagne offers "a complete and harmonious Southern Rhône profile that can compete with many wines at twice its price." Finally, do not miss the "extraordinarily pretty yet understated" 2024 Seguret Blanc Bel Air, a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier that's one of the more impressive 2024 white Rhônes we've come across in its price point. We're thrilled to be back on our game with Amandine after a lengthy hiatus, and this trio of new, in-stock arrivals are sure to leave our legions of Rhône fans with huge smiles on their faces from the standout style and incredible value to be found from this under-the-radar gem of a domaine. | ||
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| 2021 CVNE Real de Asua Carromaza (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as undergoing a "change of paradigm" by the Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Rioja is being transformed by a new generation of passionate winemakers, this elite group of "princes" moving a region steeped in traditional winemaking methods towards vineyard expressive wines, these expertly crafted, age worthy 97 plus pt. Rioja gems all overdelivering value and worthy of mixing a case to enjoy over the next decade and beyond. Sourced exclusively from its 2.37-hectare high altitude Carromaza vineyard near Haro, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 CVNE Real de Asua was aged for 12 months in new French oak, revealing "vibrant with plush but well defined fruit" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle and declared "superb" by Wine Advocate critic Gutierrez, describing the fresh and energetic Tempranillo as expressing "the naked essence of Rioja." Naming it to both his Top 100 Wines of 2022 and ranked #21 on his Top 100 Spanish Wines, James Suckling calls the muscular 98 pt. 2019 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal "delicious now" with "great aging potential" ahead, sourced from the estate's oldest Tempranillo clones planted on natural terraces in ferrous-rich clay and limestone soils that contribute a distinct Bordeaux-like minerality, the acclaimed inaugural release also available as 750 ml. and magnum in original wooden cases of one certain to be a focal point in any collection and a perfect gift for Spanish wine lovers. Ranked #42 on James Suckling's Top 100 Spanish Wines of 2023, the thrilling 98 pt. 2020 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal also from the estate's organically farmed 2.8-hectare old vine parcel in the Finca Las Tapias vineyard was aged in 50% new French oak to yield "superb energy" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle with "a long and lingering spicy, fresh finish," its well-defined tannins promising to evolve gracefully over the next decades. An inaugural release from superstar 100 pt. winemaker Benjamin Romeo formerly of Artadi, the powerful 97 pt. 2020 Benjamin Romeo Alma Contador is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha sourced from meticulously selected old vine fruit grown at three different altitudes and aged in a range of custom made new French oak barrels, a ripe and concentrated Rioja that's both "powerful and elegant" according to the Wine Advocate's Gutierrez available at a fraction of the Bodega's flagship cult favorite wine. Described as "utterly gorgeous" by critic Jane Anson, the plush and refined 100 pt. 2019 Yjar is a field blend of mostly old vine Tempranillo and Garnacha with other indigenous varietals from 3.8 hectares of select plots from Remelluri's vineyards and aged in a mix of large French oak foudres and barrels for 30 months yielding rich, juicy fruit perfectly balanced by integrated fine tannins, described as terroir-evangelist Telmo Rodriguez's answer to world-class Bordeaux and earning the #5 spot on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023. Boasting age worthy complexity that's legendary among collectors and rightfully so, these top scoring vineyard-driven Riojas are meticulously crafted by the region's new winemaking royalty to deliver a decade or more of enjoyment, all top values promising years of delicious drinking for Rioja aficionados who stock the cellar. | ||
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| 2022 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py James (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Morgon, Beaujolais, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In my mind, and according to my palate for that matter, Jean-Marc Burgaud is the don of Morgon. His wines achieve the highest levels and have an unerring propensity to repay cellaring." - Neal Martin, Vinous Earlier this year we solidified a domaine-direct relationship with a true Beaujolais icon, and now the "first fruits" of this new relationship have just landed in stock. Dubbed "a winemaker at the peak of his powers" by William Kelley, Jean-Marc Burgaud is unquestionably among the elite in Beaujolais, and his wines are roundly coveted by fans and collectors, yet they remain some of the sharpest QPR buys in all of France. Over the years, Jean-Marc has undergone quite the transformation in his winemaking technique, resulting in the benchmark expressions we know and love today. He's an ardent proponent of Morgon's exceptional individual terroirs, and his classic, semi-carbonic winemaking aims to express each parcel to its fullest. The highlight of the range, Burgaud's Cote du Py James is his perennial magnum opus, sourced from a parcel at the very top of the appellation's most iconic lieu-dit. "The 2022 Morgon Côte du Py James, succulent and complex, is one of the best showings for the vintage for this famous lieu-dit," notes Wine Advocate. Not as well-known but every bit as compelling is the 2022 Côte du Py Javernieres, a JS95 insider's favorite that isn't often seen in the U.S. market. We're also thrilled to present a trio of Burgaud's newly released 2024s, each one a superb expression of its Morgon terroir and a benchmark example of one the region's greatest winemaking talents. We'll say it again – we couldn't be more thrilled with this new partnership because our direct access to Jean-Marc's cellars brings the benchmark gems to us at jaw-dropping pricing that you won't see anywhere else. | ||
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| 2023 Kelley Fox Pinot Noir Shafer Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the Willamette Valley's undisputed boutique darlings, Kelley Fox has racked up one of the most impressive hauls of accolades in the region in recent years, and her wines have become bona fide favorites at B-21. So when we were offered parcels of two of her smallest-production rarities, we jumped at them. "The 2023 Pinot Noir Shafer Vineyard is profound ... It hits another gear entirely." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com A historic but hidden-gem site in the Tualatin Hills AVA, the Shafer vineyard's own-rooted vines were planted in 1973, making it a truly singular site in the valley This is a wild place in more ways than one, as far off the beaten path as it is, and the wine it produces is pure Oregon in soul. Only 44 cases were produced, and with a monster 98-point score, it's a can't-miss stunner that any serious Pinot collector should have in the cellar. Some of our all-time favorite boutique Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs have been Kelley Fox's incomparable expressions of the historic Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. One of the original Pinot Noir plantings in the valley, this exceptional vineyard has given us one absolute stunner after another from Kelley over the years. So we're sad to announce that the 98-point 2023 Liminal Pinot Noir will be the last wine that Kelley produces from Maresh. But it's going out with quite a swan song, having just nabbed Top 10 honors in Vinous' Top 100 Wines of 2025. "The 2023 is pure magic." - Eric Guido, Vinous Kelley's intimate familiarity with the Maresh Vineyard has led her to create different block expressions, but the Liminal has always been special, as it's from Jim Maresh's original, own-rooted vines planted 1970, now just three rows. Like all Kelley's wines, its hallmark is unerring precision, "a model of balance, seamless and silken in form with an energetic, lively core" as Vinous' Eric Guido describes the 2023. Kelley's signature elegance and tension are on full display along the with pure, concentrated Maresh terroir soul from these old vines. If you're a fan of the very best Willamette Valley Pinots, this one should be at the top of your list – not only is it just that good, but it's also your last chance to get your hands on it. | ||
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| 2020 CVNE Real de Asua Carromaza (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as undergoing a "change of paradigm" by the Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez, Rioja is being transformed by a new generation of passionate winemakers, this elite group of "princes" moving a region steeped in traditional winemaking methods towards vineyard expressive wines, these expertly crafted, age worthy 97 plus pt. Rioja gems all overdelivering value and worthy of mixing a case to enjoy over the next decade and beyond. Sourced exclusively from its 2.37-hectare high altitude Carromaza vineyard near Haro, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 CVNE Real de Asua was aged for 12 months in new French oak, revealing "vibrant with plush but well defined fruit" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle and declared "superb" by Wine Advocate critic Gutierrez, describing the fresh and energetic Tempranillo as expressing "the naked essence of Rioja." Naming it to both his Top 100 Wines of 2022 and ranked #21 on his Top 100 Spanish Wines, James Suckling calls the muscular 98 pt. 2019 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal "delicious now" with "great aging potential" ahead, sourced from the estate's oldest Tempranillo clones planted on natural terraces in ferrous-rich clay and limestone soils that contribute a distinct Bordeaux-like minerality, the acclaimed inaugural release also available as 750 ml. and magnum in original wooden cases of one certain to be a focal point in any collection and a perfect gift for Spanish wine lovers. Ranked #42 on James Suckling's Top 100 Spanish Wines of 2023, the thrilling 98 pt. 2020 Marques de Riscal Tapias de Marques de Riscal also from the estate's organically farmed 2.8-hectare old vine parcel in the Finca Las Tapias vineyard was aged in 50% new French oak to yield "superb energy" according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle with "a long and lingering spicy, fresh finish," its well-defined tannins promising to evolve gracefully over the next decades. An inaugural release from superstar 100 pt. winemaker Benjamin Romeo formerly of Artadi, the powerful 97 pt. 2020 Benjamin Romeo Alma Contador is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha sourced from meticulously selected old vine fruit grown at three different altitudes and aged in a range of custom made new French oak barrels, a ripe and concentrated Rioja that's both "powerful and elegant" according to the Wine Advocate's Gutierrez available at a fraction of the Bodega's flagship cult favorite wine. Described as "utterly gorgeous" by critic Jane Anson, the plush and refined 100 pt. 2019 Yjar is a field blend of mostly old vine Tempranillo and Garnacha with other indigenous varietals from 3.8 hectares of select plots from Remelluri's vineyards and aged in a mix of large French oak foudres and barrels for 30 months yielding rich, juicy fruit perfectly balanced by integrated fine tannins, described as terroir-evangelist Telmo Rodriguez's answer to world-class Bordeaux and earning the #5 spot on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023. Boasting age worthy complexity that's legendary among collectors and rightfully so, these top scoring vineyard-driven Riojas are meticulously crafted by the region's new winemaking royalty to deliver a decade or more of enjoyment, all top values promising years of delicious drinking for Rioja aficionados who stock the cellar. | ||
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| 2021 Fieuzal Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This 90-hecatre estate in Pessac-Léognan is undergoing a renaissance in the hands of winemaker Stephen Carrier and consultant Thomas Duclos ... In short, de Fieuzal is an estate to watch." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate The above quote from William Kelley truly captures the sentiment around this hidden gem estate in Pessac-Léognan. In a Left Bank appellation known for pushing quality and value to new levels, Château de Fieuzal is hitting all the marks lately, as evidenced by today's line-up of recent releases. The estate's red is a sub-$50 home-run hitter every year, and that kind of consistency is on display in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 vintages, the latter of which "shines for its balance and purity" per Jeb Dunnuck and was deserving of 96 points from Yohan Castaing ofWine Advocate. Not to be overlooked, the 2020 is also "a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine " that has racked up impressive accolades from across the critical space for its "great mix of richness and elegance." Finally, like any great Pessac estate, de Fieuzal's white wines are some of the best in Bordeaux, and the two vintages on offer today each boast an impressive critical line that tops off at 95 points. If you're a savvy Bordeaux enthusiast who's been looking for your next great discovery, you've found one in Château de Fieuzal. | ||
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| 2023 Patrice Rion Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux-Monts (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Vosne-Romanee, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Last autumn's trip to Burgundy started with a bang on the first day when we visited Domaine Michele & Patrice Rion and got reacquainted with this consistently excellent property. Now run by Patrice's son Maxime, the domaine is on a true roll of late, resulting in benchmark renditions from their holdings in Vosne, Chambolle, and Nuits, the latter of which turned out today's three stellar 1er crus. Garnering generous accolades from Burgundy's three most influential critical voices, this trio of stunning 2022s stand with elite company in Nuits-St-Georges, keeping pace with names like Gouges, l'Arlot, and Chevillon, but at a fraction of their prices thanks to our direct access to the domaine's cellars. Each one is a pure reflection of its Nuits-St-Georges terroir and the outstanding 2022 vintage, offering undeniable collectible appeal for the cellar. The "firm, serious and impeccably well-balanced" 1er Cru Clos des Argillieres kicks it off with 94-point potential from all three critics, while the "superb" Les Hautes Pruliers, from a top-of-slope parcel in the famed 1er cru, shows 95-point potential per Neal Martin and quintessential appellation character - "a Nuits from Nuits" as Jasper Morris describes it. The crown-jewel of the domaine, however, is the singular 1er Cru Clos St-Marc from a monopole parcel of 60 year old vines just under a hectare in size. A Five Star wine with 97-point potential according to Morris, the Clos St-Marc shows "brilliant intensity ... with startling energy and drive," a powerful Nuits with focus and poise that will cruise for two-plus decades. We're thrilled to present these impressive, under-the-radar Cote-de-Nuits standouts to our Burgundy clients at our unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing, so don't miss this opportunity to load your cellar with some of the sharpest collectible buys in the acclaimed 2022 vintage. | ||
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