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| 2021 Vajra Bricco delle Viole (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Stylistically, the Vajra Barolos embody all the virtues of modern classicism. The wines are elegant, silky, polished and an absolute delight to drink." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous You know the name, and perhaps you already know that the 2021 vintage in Barolo is one for the books, so let's jump right into this set of stunning new releases from "one of the leading estates in Piedmont." As any astute Barolo collector knows, a great vintage is marked not only by the heights that the top wines reach, but by the overall quality of the entry-level offerings, and Vajra's flagship Albe bottling knocks it out of the park in 2021. Wine Advocate's Monica Larner tagged it with 95 points and called it "an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there," with several other critics chiming in with their own glowing praise for a serious sub-$40 contender. Movnig to the single crus, Vajra's enviable stable is a star-studded affiair in this benchmark campaign, led by a pair of 98-point collectible treasures in the Ravera and Bricco della Viole, the latter "a wine of stature and breeding" showcasing "little details [that] emerge with terrific sharpness in an epic vintage such as 2021." Of course, we shouldn't overlook the 96-point Coste di Rose. "Loaded with finesse" per Kerin O'Keefe, "[it's] already tempting, [but] the best is yet to come." It's safe to say this is one of the must-have ranges in 2021 Barolo, so collectors should make room in the cellar and cast a wide net on these guaranteed long-haul trophies. | ||
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| 2022 Le Pupille Saffredi (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fattoria Le Pupille's flagship Saffredi has always been a top-echelon Tuscan collectible, with multiple 100-point vintages in its track record and a consistent reputation for delivering one of the finest expressions of the coastal Tuscan terroir available. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has fashioned the estate and this benchmark wine into a standard bearer for Maremma, and now that her son, Ettore, has taken the reins, the future looks brighter than ever, as is plainly clear in the newly released, highly acclaimed 2022 Saffredi. "To my mind, the 2022 stands apart from almost every other past vintage of Saffredi. This is a new direction for the wine that we can all happily embrace." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate The 2022 growing season offered the winemaking team plenty of opportunity to take a different course with Saffredi, and they chose wisely. The 2022 "deftly plays upon the elegance and fruity brightness of the growing season, while also harnessing its freshness and its slightly more streamlined appeal," as noted by Monica Larner in her 98-point review. Decanter also tags it with 98 points, declaring, "The 2022 Saffredi is the result of the estate's hard work and it has paid dividends ... It's a stunner. Wow!" There isn't much more we can add to that, but to say that this is a can't-miss opportunity for savvy collectors to stack the cellar high and deep with a long-haul performer at the best price in the country. | ||
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| 2021 Burgess Cellars Promiscua Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the estates to suffer the heaviest losses of Napa's wildfires in 2020, Burgess Cellars rose undaunted from that calamity to produce a stunning range of 2021s, blessed in part by what Antonio Galloni calls "a fabulous vintage." Indeed, as the 2021s have come to the market, we've seen no shortage of effusive praise from all corners, and winemaker Meghan Zobeck really made the most of a stellar year, as we can plainly see in the 2021 Promiscua. "An enticing, delicious version ... balanced and fresh throughout." - Wine Spectator Made from the original estate vineyard (now called Sorenson Vineyard) along with fruit from Clos Abeille and Oak Knoll's Quartz Creek site, the 96-point Promiscua is an exceptional example of what the 2021 vintage brought to the table, namely finesse, refinement, and aromatic nuance. Aged in just 20% new oak, the 2021 Promiscua shines for its purity of fruit and transparency of personality, as Zobeck's winemaking decisions emphasize a more restrained and elegant version of Napa Cabernet that we too seldom see in this price tier. Speaking of which, we just secured this parcel at unbeatable pricing that comes in 30% lower than the rest of the market, so if you thought the price of top-flight, estate Napa Cab had gone out of reason, think again. And stock several bottles of this "alluring" hidden gem from a historic Napa property. | ||
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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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| High N' Wicked The Jury 15yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Tennessee | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Founded by two veterans of spirits giant Brown-Forman, independent bottler High N' Wicked has a made a name for themselves in the craft whiskey scene by their access to superb stocks from the country's best sources. Their series of highly limited, age-stated releases have been cult collector's hits since their debut in 2020, but now you can add "stunning value star" to their list of must-try offerings. When we tasted the High N' Wicked Kentucky Straight Bourbon earlier this year, it was clear from the get-go that everything about this whiskey was done with pure pleasure in mind. "Complex and enticing," according to Wine Enthusiast's 95-point review, this 5-year-old gem boasts quite a high rye content, but its sweet mashbill finds the perfect pocket of balance and opulence that make it incredibly approachable for a wide audience. Of course, you'll also want to pay close attention to the The Judge and The Jury. The market on age-stated American whiskey is through the roof, and you're almost always looking at triple digits for anything with this kinds of number on them. That makes this pair a can't-miss, flat-out steal in the category. After 14 years in new #4 char oak, High N' Wicked gave the 96-point The Judge an addition six months in Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine casks. Ramping up the intensity, the 94-point The Jury saw an extra year in the new #4 char barrel, finishing in a premium ex-Madeira cask. Nothing added and nothing chill-filtered out, these are luxurious, altogether singular expressions that we seldom see in the bourbon category. | ||
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| 2021 Rippon Emma's Block Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop. Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality. For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best. | ||
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| 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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| 2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2012 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2018 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 "This must be one of the most beguiling and refined 2018s from the Côte des Blancs..." - Tom Hewson, Decanter 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 seven other houses, including Krug. Our direct-import relationship with the domaine has given us some of our finest collectible Champagne buys over the years, and you can add the 2018 Mineral to that list. A blend of two old-vine, grand cru sites, one in Avize and one in Cramant, it more than lives up to its moniker with a pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Antonio Galloni to go along with 94+ points from Wine Advocate. In a vintage where many wines struggled to maintain freshness, the 2018 Mineral boasts all that and more, "quite simply, pristine" as Galloni puts it. This parcel once again comes to us at domaine-direct, best-in-market pricing, so collectors can load up with an over-performing cellar gem and enjoy it time and time again for years to come. | ||
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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. Leading off, the 93-point 2022 Anjou Blanc is the perfect introduction to this remarkable domaine. "Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced with a seamless, layered texture," and displaying flawless varietal purity, it should be on the shortlist of anyone who's a fan of cult-caliber class for a bargain. Venturing into the single-vineyard wines, we truly see Boudignon's elite skills at work. We just landed a small parcel of the newly released 2023 Clos Fremine, which will undoubtedly rack up future critical acclaim like every previous vintage, while a pair of 97-point renditions of the tête de cuvée Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohan Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this line-up firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys,but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity. | ||
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| 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. Leading off, the 93-point 2022 Anjou Blanc is the perfect introduction to this remarkable domaine. "Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced with a seamless, layered texture," and displaying flawless varietal purity, it should be on the shortlist of anyone who's a fan of cult-caliber class for a bargain. Venturing into the single-vineyard wines, we truly see Boudignon's elite skills at work. We just landed a small parcel of the newly released 2023 Clos Fremine, which will undoubtedly rack up future critical acclaim like every previous vintage, while a pair of 97-point renditions of the tête de cuvée Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohan Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this line-up firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys,but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity. | ||
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| 2021 Caiarossa (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or "rossa" gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa's 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone's Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany's native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This trio of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing "impressive depth and textural richness" according to Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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| Compass Box Secrets of Smoke Limited Edition Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) | ||
| From Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Since its founding in 2000, Compass Box has taken the boutique Scotch whisky scene by storm, thanks to their innovative approach to their craft. "Different from a distillery, more than a blender" is how they style themselves, and that description succinctly captures what they do. Working with an incredible range of stocks from Scotland's most admired distilleries, the blending team at Compass Box sets out to create highly distinctive, specific profiles that capture the nearly endless array of possibilities within the Scotch category. In their core line-up, the Crimson Casks is a world-wide fan favorite, blended from impeccable stocks distilled at such esteemed facilities as Glen Moray, Benrinnes, and the "Distillery near the the town of Aberlour" (wink, wink) among others. With two-thirds of the blend comprised of oloroso sherry casks, along with some prime ex-bourbon and Spanish red wine casks thrown in for good measure, it's a luxurious, pleasure-packed dram that fulfills all the promise of its name. Big, boisterous, dark fruits, deep chocolate, resonant toffee, and all manner of sweet and spicy treats are on full display in a thrillingly complex profile that garnered 95 points from Wine Enthusiast to go along with 93 points and a Top 20 Whiskies of 2024 honor from Whisky Advocate. Now, with our best-in-market pricing, you can jump in on this singular Scotch stunner that delivers as much bang for the buck as anything out there. With the nearly the entire Scotch whisky world at their disposal, the brand is also well-known for their vast array of highly limited expressions. Made in a single run of approximately 9,700 bottles, Secrets of Smoke is their ode to the incredible nuance and detail of peated whisky, a special concoction that essentially takes their beloved Peat Monster blend (predominantly Caol Ila and Laphroig) to the next level. For Secrets, the PM forms a third of the blend, with another third comprised of a single, first-fill Palo Cortado butt from Caol Ila, along with a good portion from a first-fill Ardmore hoggie, and another dash of Laphroaig in a first-fill marsala barrique. The finished product is indeed "one to savor over time" as Whisky Advocate notes. After all, Secrets is all about driving home the idea that there's so much more peated whisky than the smoke. Like the Crimson Casks, this limited-edition standout is available to you at one of the sharpest prices in the market. | ||
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| 2021 Rippon Tinker's Field Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop. Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality. For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best. | ||
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| 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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| 2018 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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| 2022 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape (1.5L) | ||
| From Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Charvin is a first-rate, under-the-radar favorite that routinely lands on the short lists of Châteauneuf insiders everywhere. The domaine's vineyard in the south of the appellation could produce a ripe, powerhouse style, but Laurent Charvin's methods make these wines some of the region's most elegant and refined, vintage after vintage. "Laurent Charvin is, in an inexplicable way, one of the most underappreciated vignerons in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate His Midas touch is amply evident in this stunning 2022 Châteauneuf that notched a whopping 98 points from James Suckling's Rhône critic, Stuart Pigott, who captures the style perfectly: "This astonishing Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the enormous aromatic complexity and subtlety that we expect from Grand Cru red Burgundies." Yohan Castaing likewise lauds it as "one of my favorites this year," going on to extol its "long and ethereal" finish and "delicate tannic frame." Not only will hardcore Rhône fans go head over heels for the "sensuality, elegance, finesse and an ethereal character" of this beguiling red, but Burgundy fans and collectors can find much to love in a beautiful expression with tons of cross-over appeal. | ||
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| Black Tot Master Blender's Reserve 2022 Rum (750ml) | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "If you’re looking to experience the full range of Caribbean rum styles in one go, this is your undisputed champion ... A masterful blend by any measure, for sure." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Named for the day in 1970 when the Royal Navy issued its last ration of navy strength rum, known as "Black Tot Day," UK-based Elixir Distillers' Black Tot label is an ode to the soul and history of this lynchpin of the glory days of the British fleet. The entire concept began in 2010 when Elixir's founder set out to track down the last remaining flagons of the historic rum that the Royal Navy had put in storage after that fateful day, eventually collecting enough spirit to bottle an extremely limited run called The Last Consignment. Since then, the blending team at Black Tot has turned out many other superb expressions, all from different creative inspirations and all with captivating stylistic variety. The annual Master Blender's Reserve release is the flagship of the brand, each edition artfully crafted to reflect the piece of Navy rum history that master blender Oliver Chilton seeks to highlight. The 2022 Edition is a salute to the rum you would have enjoyed had you been a sailor on a British frigate in the early- to mid-20th century, during the last days of this hallowed tradition. Based on the original perpetual reserve sherry-cask blend created for The Last Consignment and the inaugural 2021 release, this edition also draws on stocks as old as 27 years from many of the Caribbean rum world's most revered names, including Clarendon, Foursquare, Caroni, Long Pond, and Demerara Distillers. The recipient of numerous accolades including double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 97 points from the Ultimate Spirits Competition, and 96 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, the "stunning" 2022 edition is a kaleidoscope of opulent complexity, exhibiting each of its component parts in distinctive yet harmonious fashion. Rum fanatics have a dizzying array of styles and profiles to choose from, but seldom do we get nearly all of them in a single expression. We just sourced a limited parcel at market-best pricing nearly $25 less than the going average, making this a can't-miss opportunity for tiki heads to add another spectacular specimen to their collections. | ||
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| 2015 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Blanc (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2022 Le Pupille Saffredi (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fattoria Le Pupille's flagship Saffredi has always been a top-echelon Tuscan collectible, with multiple 100-point vintages in its track record and a consistent reputation for delivering one of the finest expressions of the coastal Tuscan terroir available. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has fashioned the estate and this benchmark wine into a standard bearer for Maremma, and now that her son, Ettore, has taken the reins, the future looks brighter than ever, as is plainly clear in the newly released, highly acclaimed 2022 Saffredi. "To my mind, the 2022 stands apart from almost every other past vintage of Saffredi. This is a new direction for the wine that we can all happily embrace." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate The 2022 growing season offered the winemaking team plenty of opportunity to take a different course with Saffredi, and they chose wisely. The 2022 "deftly plays upon the elegance and fruity brightness of the growing season, while also harnessing its freshness and its slightly more streamlined appeal," as noted by Monica Larner in her 98-point review. Decanter also tags it with 98 points, declaring, "The 2022 Saffredi is the result of the estate's hard work and it has paid dividends ... It's a stunner. Wow!" There isn't much more we can add to that, but to say that this is a can't-miss opportunity for savvy collectors to stack the cellar high and deep with a long-haul performer at the best price in the country. | ||
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| 2021 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of the names that define ultra-classic Napa Valley Cabernet, few compare to the history and pedigree of Dunn. This Howell Mountain estate has been turning out towering, collectible masterpieces that compete with the best of Bordeaux since 1979, beginning with founder Randy Dunn and continuing with his son Mike. The Howell Mountain Cabernet is a monumental wine in any vintage, but in a neo-classical vintage like 2021, it hits all the marks that have define any benchmark expression from Dunn. A trio of 98-point reviews lead the way in a critical line of unanimous glowing acclaim. The wine's "incredibly intense, mineral-driven profile" fits the Dunn paradigm perfectly, while Antonio Galloni declares it "one of the most polished young wines I have ever tasted from Dunn ... What a wine!" The Howell Mountain Cabernet routinely draws comparisons to the titans of Pauillac, and in the spectacular 2021 vintage, it more than holds its own among the world's most cellar-worthy Cabernets. | ||
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| 2021 Vajra Bricco delle Viole (1.5L) | ||
| 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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