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| 2022 Passing Time Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Passing Time is a serious contender in the fine wine scene of Washington State ... I’ll certainly keep my eye on how this project progresses." - Eric Guido, Vinous Today's offer is a special one for our Florida family. While you may or may not have heard of Passing Time, a thrilling new player in boutique Washington Cabernet that's making huge waves in the critical press, you no doubt know the founder, legendary Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. Working with acclaimed winemaker Chris Peterson from several of the state's most prized vineyards (including Champoux, Klipsun, and Wallula), this project is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Having recently tasted the entire range of 2022s ourselves, we can wholeheartedly stand behind the raft of monster scores and impressive accolades that follow these wines. Starting off, the JD94 Red Blend is "an impressive wine at any price point but offers outstanding value" at our sub-$60 price. However, it's the appellation-specific bottlings that truly steal the show, each one a quintessential representation of its origins. The "impeccably structured and detailed" 2022 Red Mountain Cabernet is arguably the cream of the crop (but we're really just splitting hairs, as they're all so compelling). It positively "vibrates with energetic red and black fruit flavors, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lively line, finishing long and shimmery," according to Lisa Perrotti-Brown. If you after something that reminds you "a touch of Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe," don't miss the Horse Heaven Hills Cab. This double 97-point Left Bank lookalike is perfectly poised to cruise for decades in the cellar. Finally, the double 97-point Walla Walla Cabernet draws from two iconic sites, Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge, to deliver "a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to match the vivacious, muscular black fruit, finishing long and fragrant." It's rare to find a range in which each wine showcases such stunning class and sophistication in its own particular way, but Passing Time is well on the way to distinguishing itself as one of the most exciting new names in collectible Cabernet, and you'll be thrilled to have any and all of these standout performers in your cellar for decades to come, especially at our unbeatable market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Passing Time Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Passing Time is a serious contender in the fine wine scene of Washington State ... I’ll certainly keep my eye on how this project progresses." - Eric Guido, Vinous Today's offer is a special one for our Florida family. While you may or may not have heard of Passing Time, a thrilling new player in boutique Washington Cabernet that's making huge waves in the critical press, you no doubt know the founder, legendary Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. Working with acclaimed winemaker Chris Peterson from several of the state's most prized vineyards (including Champoux, Klipsun, and Wallula), this project is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Having recently tasted the entire range of 2022s ourselves, we can wholeheartedly stand behind the raft of monster scores and impressive accolades that follow these wines. Starting off, the JD94 Red Blend is "an impressive wine at any price point but offers outstanding value" at our sub-$60 price. However, it's the appellation-specific bottlings that truly steal the show, each one a quintessential representation of its origins. The "impeccably structured and detailed" 2022 Red Mountain Cabernet is arguably the cream of the crop (but we're really just splitting hairs, as they're all so compelling). It positively "vibrates with energetic red and black fruit flavors, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lively line, finishing long and shimmery," according to Lisa Perrotti-Brown. If you after something that reminds you "a touch of Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe," don't miss the Horse Heaven Hills Cab. This double 97-point Left Bank lookalike is perfectly poised to cruise for decades in the cellar. Finally, the double 97-point Walla Walla Cabernet draws from two iconic sites, Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge, to deliver "a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to match the vivacious, muscular black fruit, finishing long and fragrant." It's rare to find a range in which each wine showcases such stunning class and sophistication in its own particular way, but Passing Time is well on the way to distinguishing itself as one of the most exciting new names in collectible Cabernet, and you'll be thrilled to have any and all of these standout performers in your cellar for decades to come, especially at our unbeatable market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2017 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2012 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2014 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Santenots du Milieu 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Narvaux (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I have said this before but it bears repeating that Germain has been on a roll over the last 5 years and 2023 is again a fine example of that success." - Allen Meadows, Burghound Vincent Girardin's staggering portfolio of domaine and négociant bottlings can be a daunting task to wrap your head around, but once you dive in, the whites always seem to be the ticket at this Meursault-based stalwart. Our Burgundy team's visit to the domaine last fall proved that notion in 2023 as well, a vintage which favored Chardonnay anyway. We've already introduced you to one of this past year's shining stars in Burgundy value in the 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Blanc, which B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz says "overdelivers in a big way," and now we've just received a handful of other excellent expressions that should grab the attention of any savvy white Burgundy fan. The 2023 Meursault Narvaux is a top-tier village cru that "nudges Premier Cru in quality" according to Neal Martin, also earning Outstanding and Top Value marks from Burghound. No less impressive, the "pedigreed, precise, and textbook" Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes shows that winemaker Eric Germain knows his way around outside his Meursault home turf. Turning to the 1er crus, the "elegant yet magisterial" 2023 Chassange 1er Cru La Romanée is "one to watch" according to Martin, and the JM91-94 Puligny 1er Cru Les Folatières is a superb representation of this treasured terroir that stands with the finest of the vintage. There's no shortage of hyped-up, next big things in Burgundy, but when it comes to reliable performance year in and year out, you can't go wrong with a standard-bearer like Girardin in an excellent vintage like 2023. | ||
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| 5 Sentidos Sierra Negra Mezcal (750ml) | ||
| From Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a mezcal fan or collector and you haven't jumped on board with Cinco Sentidos yet, you're missing out on some of the most compelling, artfully crafted offerings in the category. The brainchild of American Jason Cox, the project began as a collection of house mezcals selected for his upstart Oaxaca restaurant El Destilado. This transplant with an insatiable thirst for artisan agave spirits spent countless hours and miles traversing Oaxaca and its surrounding environs, scouting out the best artisan mezcal producers no one had yet heard of. We're talking true family operations that run on sweat and calloused hands and that produce stunningly complex, singular expressions you won't find anywhere else. Today, the Cinco Sentidos range offers a dizzying array of options and styles, and the two on offer here are just a glimpse of the full spectrum, but once you get a hold of them, you'll find yourself diving into the deep end. The Arroqueño from Pédro Hernandez is a masterpiece of clay-pot distillation, "a pure, handcrafted beauty and a reference-point for its style and varietal." This huge agave species is rarely cultivated due to its extremely long maturation period of 20+ years, so it's somewhat of a unicorn on the mezcal scene, and in the hands of a true maestro like Tio Pédro, it reaches its apex. The Sierra Negra is equally singular, both in terms of rarity and character. Maestro Alberto Martinez knocks it out of the park with this rare agave species in an expression that communicates its origins like only the very finest mezcals can. As B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "It’s arguably the most distinctive expression in the Cinco Sentidos line ... Any chance you have to get your hands on it, jump at it and don’t think twice." If you're already familiar with Cinco Sentidos, you'll no doubt want to add these gems to your shelf at home, and if you haven't discovered them yet, this pair is the perfect introduction to the top-tier craftsmanship that goes into all of Jason Cox's selections. | ||
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| 2019 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Edna Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings." - Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don't think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." Leading off this limited-quantity opportunity, the estate's flagship 2021 Patrina is "a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate" thanks to its "a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style" according to Dunnuck. Showcasing the estate's world-class single-vineyard Syrahs, the double 98-point 2019 Reva is a showpiece of jaw-dropping class, "breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity," as described by Decanter. Likewise, Dunnuck calls the 99-point 2019 Lorraine "ultra-classic ... a full-bodied, round, velvety textured, utterly seamless Syrah with ripe tannins, a great mid-palate, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass." Finally, the newly arrived 2020 Seymour's Syrah is "magical stuff ... a heavenly bottle of wine that will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 4-6 years." Fans of the estate will once again be over the moon for the latest renditions, but anyone who's a fan of the very best offerings from California should jump at the chance to experience these singular expressions, especially at our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2015 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Grands Epenots 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2021 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Savennieres, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Boudignon's] attention to detail in the winemaking process, precise viticulture, dedication and passion for the terroirs mark him as one of France's foremost vignerons and winemakers today." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Few winemakers have achieved such rapid ascent to cult status in the past two decades as Thibaud Boudignon. Once the long-time winemaker at Domaine de la Soucherie set out on his own, the critical and collectible aficionados took quick notice of his utterly uncompromising style and craftsmanship, and demand has been on an upward trajectory ever since. It's rare to find Boudignon's wines in any meaningful quantity, so tight are the allocations relative to their fanbase, so any time we get a chance at a parcel, especially at jaw-dropping pricing such as this, we jump at it without a second thought. We just landed a small parcel of the newly released 2023 Clos Fremine, which will undoubtedly rack up future critical acclaim like every previous vintage, while a pair of 97-point renditions of the tête de cuvée Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohan Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this line-up firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys, but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity. | ||
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| 2022 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la Hutte (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Savennieres, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Boudignon's] attention to detail in the winemaking process, precise viticulture, dedication and passion for the terroirs mark him as one of France's foremost vignerons and winemakers today." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Few winemakers have achieved such rapid ascent to cult status in the past two decades as Thibaud Boudignon. Once the long-time winemaker at Domaine de la Soucherie set out on his own, the critical and collectible aficionados took quick notice of his utterly uncompromising style and craftsmanship, and demand has been on an upward trajectory ever since. It's rare to find Boudignon's wines in any meaningful quantity, so tight are the allocations relative to their fanbase, so any time we get a chance at a parcel, especially at jaw-dropping pricing such as this, we jump at it without a second thought. We just landed a small parcel of the newly released 2023 Clos Fremine, which will undoubtedly rack up future critical acclaim like every previous vintage, while a pair of 97-point renditions of the tête de cuvée Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohan Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this line-up firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys, but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity. | ||
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| 5 Sentidos Arroqueno Mezcal (750ml) | ||
| From Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a mezcal fan or collector and you haven't jumped on board with Cinco Sentidos yet, you're missing out on some of the most compelling, artfully crafted offerings in the category. The brainchild of American Jason Cox, the project began as a collection of house mezcals selected for his upstart Oaxaca restaurant El Destilado. This transplant with an insatiable thirst for artisan agave spirits spent countless hours and miles traversing Oaxaca and its surrounding environs, scouting out the best artisan mezcal producers no one had yet heard of. We're talking true family operations that run on sweat and calloused hands and that produce stunningly complex, singular expressions you won't find anywhere else. Today, the Cinco Sentidos range offers a dizzying array of options and styles, and the two on offer here are just a glimpse of the full spectrum, but once you get a hold of them, you'll find yourself diving into the deep end. The Arroqueño from Pédro Hernandez is a masterpiece of clay-pot distillation, "a pure, handcrafted beauty and a reference-point for its style and varietal." This huge agave species is rarely cultivated due to its extremely long maturation period of 20+ years, so it's somewhat of a unicorn on the mezcal scene, and in the hands of a true maestro like Tio Pédro, it reaches its apex. The Sierra Negra is equally singular, both in terms of rarity and character. Maestro Alberto Martinez knocks it out of the park with this rare agave species in an expression that communicates its origins like only the very finest mezcals can. As B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "It’s arguably the most distinctive expression in the Cinco Sentidos line ... Any chance you have to get your hands on it, jump at it and don’t think twice." If you're already familiar with Cinco Sentidos, you'll no doubt want to add these gems to your shelf at home, and if you haven't discovered them yet, this pair is the perfect introduction to the top-tier craftsmanship that goes into all of Jason Cox's selections. | ||
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| 2019 Quinta Nova Vinha Centenaria Referencia P29/P21 Red (750ml) | ||
| Touriga Nacional from Douro, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More While Portugal's Douro Valley is obviously most famous its fortified port wines, the number of estates gaining serious attention for their dry whites and reds is growing with every vintage, and you can add Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (or "Quinta Nova" for short) to that list. This historic property is arguably one of the most visually dramatic places in the wine world (something that can be said for pretty much all of the Douro Valley), and their ancient, terraced vineyard blocks are home to approximately 130 massale selected vine species, rigorously documented, nursed, and cultivated from the estate's original vines planted over 200 years ago. Now under the direction of the Amorim family, the estate has seen a resurgence in investment over the past two decades, which has brought their wines up to a next-level quality and garnered the accompanying critical recognition. This set of new arrivals is highlighted by the 2023 Reserva Terroir Red, a 92-point blend of Douro's most famous red grapes that showcases the classic winemaking and style of this famed region. The estate also hits the collectible sphere with impressive results both white and red. The 2023 Mirabilis Branco is a true field blend, composed of several varietals of very old vines, all co-planted in a handful of small plots. James Suckling and Luis Gutierrez both make Burgundian comparisons to this singular white wine with a "showy, large nose and personality." Finally, don't miss the "exceptional," 97-point 2019 Centenaria Referencia P29/P21. As the name implies, it's crafted from 100-year-old vines, mainly Touriga Nacional. "Wonderfully expressive, the fruit here is special," notes Wine Advocate's Mark Squires, "The wine is seductive rather than astringent. Perfect balance completes the picture here." With winners in every price point and quality tier, Quinta Nova is a sure bet for long-time Portugal fans and novices alike to explore the unparalleled variety and style of this historic wine region. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Taillepieds 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2016 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien's best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet's Sauvignon's expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre's modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate's holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate's emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as "A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre "Gorgeous" and "Super impressive" while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an "unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a "brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine," while the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as "simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!" James Suckling calls the "serious" 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre "one of the best of the appellation" while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the "legendary" 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a "a total thrill that tops my scale" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 "dazzles from start to finish," earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: "Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight" often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Today's private offer needs little to no introduction. The 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu is another major milestone in one of the most legednary track records in Napa Valley history. "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour is outrageously beautiful. A wine of statuesque build and class, the 2021 represents another major step forward for BV." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous Following on the heels of star-studded vintages like 2018 and 2019, the 2021 is another example of how this iconic estate continues to evolve and refine even its flagship bottling, a wine that could rest on its laurels, if ever there were one. Antonio Galloni asserts "BV is arguably one of the most improved estates in Napa Valley over the last few years" under winemaker Trevor Durling, and the Georges de Latour is exhibit A. Shorter maceration times and fewer barrels used during vinification have tempered the wine's famously stern and tannic character, but this by no means indicates that its famous longevity is in question. Instead, the 2021 Georges de Latour offers collectors a level of sophistication and elegance that simply adds one more dimension to one of the world's great Cabernets. With three 98-point scores carrying the critical line, the 2021 "does everything right" according to Jeb Dunnuck, and avid collectors of this Napa legend will be thrilled to have it in their cellars. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing? As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant." Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is. | ||
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| Hampden Estate Great House 2025 Rum (750ml) | ||
| From Wakefield, Trelawney, Jamaica | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "If you’re a fan of Jamaica’s most authentic rums, this is a must-have." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Among rum fanatics, the Hampden name instills a sense of reverence and, you might even say, joy thanks to their incredible, single-estate expressions that are known the world over. The estate's storied history as a sugar plantation and distillery dates back 265 years, but it was only in 2010 that they began aging their rums on site, and only in 2018 that they began bottling under their own label. In that brief span of time, the estate's official bottlings have become some of the most coveted and desired in the rum scene, and their annual Great House release, inaugurated in 2019, is a day that hardcore tiki heads circle on the calendar. Although we've endured a bit of a Hampden absence for a while, we're thrilled to announce their triumphant return to B-21 with the Great House 2025 at razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. The 2025 is the first edition to be composed of four distinct Hampden marks and the first to include the extremely rare C<>H, their second-highest-ester mark. "This year’s rendition truly shows all the facets of Hampden’s heart and soul in one outstanding blend," notes B-21 spirits buyer Andrew Kitz. Bright, ripe, aromatic tropical fruits, heavy-duty industrial funk and everything in between can all be found in this "stunningly layered, complex, and endlessly intriguing profile." Jamaican rum is a category unto itself, and Hampden occupies a very special place in that sphere, so when we say this is a limited release that's not to be missed, we surely mean it. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won't need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate's epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on "an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson who declares it "a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era," offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as "gorgeous from the start" by the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle give "no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades." | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Lynch-Bages (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won't need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate's epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on "an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson who declares it "a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era," offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as "gorgeous from the start" by the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle give "no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades." | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanee Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chassagne Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I have said this before but it bears repeating that Germain has been on a roll over the last 5 years and 2023 is again a fine example of that success." - Allen Meadows, Burghound Vincent Girardin's staggering portfolio of domaine and négociant bottlings can be a daunting task to wrap your head around, but once you dive in, the whites always seem to be the ticket at this Meursault-based stalwart. Our Burgundy team's visit to the domaine last fall proved that notion in 2023 as well, a vintage which favored Chardonnay anyway. We've already introduced you to one of this past year's shining stars in Burgundy value in the 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Blanc, which B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz says "overdelivers in a big way," and now we've just received a handful of other excellent expressions that should grab the attention of any savvy white Burgundy fan. The 2023 Meursault Narvaux is a top-tier village cru that "nudges Premier Cru in quality" according to Neal Martin, also earning Outstanding and Top Value marks from Burghound. No less impressive, the "pedigreed, precise, and textbook" Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes shows that winemaker Eric Germain knows his way around outside his Meursault home turf. Turning to the 1er crus, the "elegant yet magisterial" 2023 Chassange 1er Cru La Romanée is "one to watch" according to Martin, and the JM91-94 Puligny 1er Cru Les Folatières is a superb representation of this treasured terroir that stands with the finest of the vintage. There's no shortage of hyped-up, next big things in Burgundy, but when it comes to reliable performance year in and year out, you can't go wrong with a standard-bearer like Girardin in an excellent vintage like 2023. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Girardin Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I have said this before but it bears repeating that Germain has been on a roll over the last 5 years and 2023 is again a fine example of that success." - Allen Meadows, Burghound Vincent Girardin's staggering portfolio of domaine and négociant bottlings can be a daunting task to wrap your head around, but once you dive in, the whites always seem to be the ticket at this Meursault-based stalwart. Our Burgundy team's visit to the domaine last fall proved that notion in 2023 as well, a vintage which favored Chardonnay anyway. We've already introduced you to one of this past year's shining stars in Burgundy value in the 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Blanc, which B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz says "overdelivers in a big way," and now we've just received a handful of other excellent expressions that should grab the attention of any savvy white Burgundy fan. The 2023 Meursault Narvaux is a top-tier village cru that "nudges Premier Cru in quality" according to Neal Martin, also earning Outstanding and Top Value marks from Burghound. No less impressive, the "pedigreed, precise, and textbook" Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes shows that winemaker Eric Germain knows his way around outside his Meursault home turf. Turning to the 1er crus, the "elegant yet magisterial" 2023 Chassange 1er Cru La Romanée is "one to watch" according to Martin, and the JM91-94 Puligny 1er Cru Les Folatières is a superb representation of this treasured terroir that stands with the finest of the vintage. There's no shortage of hyped-up, next big things in Burgundy, but when it comes to reliable performance year in and year out, you can't go wrong with a standard-bearer like Girardin in an excellent vintage like 2023. | ||
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