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| 2018 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2022 Kelley Fox Pinot Noir Canary Hill Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Anyone looking for Oregon Pinot Noir purity and transparent communication of terroir from the soil to the vine to the bottle must explore Kelley Fox Wines." - Eric Guido, Vinous Long-time B-21 Pinot Noir fans are now well-familiar with the spectacular offerings from this boutique darling of the Willamette Valley scene. With a critical track record to rival pretty much anyone else in the appellation, Kelley Fox is a bona fide star these days, and we're thrilled to have such an established relationship with her and her wines. This outstanding set of releases showcases exactly why Eric Guido calls Kelley's wines "one of the most exciting portfolios of wines made in the United States." Her elegant vineyard-expressive Pinot Noirs and energetic Chardonnays are sourced from many of the most iconic vineyard in the Valley. The entire line-up is full of must-try masterpieces, from the 94-point "entry-level" Mirabai to the single-vineyard stunners like the 98-point 2023 Shafer Vineyard and the pair of 2022 standouts from Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest sites in Oregon. Of these two, it's particularly worth noting that Kelley won't be making wine from Maresh going forward, so get your hands on them now. The whites are equally compelling, and not just the Chards (although these do present some of the sharpest buys in the category, all at under $40). Her Grüner and Pinot Blanc are a testament to her unwavering belief in these varietals, and the critics seem to agree. Any way you look at it, these are among the most consistently excellent wines out there, not only in Oregon but in the entire country. If you haven't jumped on board the Kelley Fox wagon, you have no idea what you're missing. | ||
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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 Vincent Girardin Puligny Montrachet Les Vielles Vignes (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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| 2021 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Roncicone (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There's arguably no name more important to the history of Chianti Classico wine than Ricasoli. After all, it was one Bettino Ricasoli, an accomplished Italian statesman and baron, who first devised what would become the Chianti "recipe" in the mid-1800s. That is to say, he was the first to turn the region's focus to Sangiovese, where it has remained ever since. Now his descendant Francesco Ricasoli runs the family's iconic Castello di Brolio property from which the Chianti category was born, and he has done as much as anyone in guiding the Chianti Classico DOCG into its next era, one where quality and style are rigorously maintained through new rules for production and labeling. The most important of these new steps has been the establishment of the Gran Selezione classification and its attendant regional designations or UGAs. Ricasoli's estate vineyards provide some of the best qualitative expressions of the Gaiole UGA while exemplifying the visionary genius behind the new classification system. The 2021s take full advantage of this generational benchmark vintage, with a trio of critically acclaimed standouts. The 97-point Gaiole Colledila landed on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This cru is classic clay-limestone terroir for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that "shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come." The Gaiole Ceniprimo, from sand and silt soils, takes on a fleshier fruit profile from its micro-climate, but the structured tannins suggest cellaring will be immensely beneficial. Finally, the WA97 Gaiole Roncicone "offers energy and a great sense of focus." More linear, refined, and reticent than its stablemates, this wine represents the new era of collectible Chianti Classico at its finest. As prices for Italy's most renowned collectible wines continue to rise, we expect the Gran Seleziones to take a big step forward in this space, thanks to their skyrocketing quality and relatively affordable prices, with iconic estates like Ricasoli leading the way. | ||
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| 2021 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2022 Kelley Fox Liminal Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Anyone looking for Oregon Pinot Noir purity and transparent communication of terroir from the soil to the vine to the bottle must explore Kelley Fox Wines." - Eric Guido, Vinous Long-time B-21 Pinot Noir fans are now well-familiar with the spectacular offerings from this boutique darling of the Willamette Valley scene. With a critical track record to rival pretty much anyone else in the appellation, Kelley Fox is a bona fide star these days, and we're thrilled to have such an established relationship with her and her wines. This outstanding set of releases showcases exactly why Eric Guido calls Kelley's wines "one of the most exciting portfolios of wines made in the United States." Her elegant vineyard-expressive Pinot Noirs and energetic Chardonnays are sourced from many of the most iconic vineyard in the Valley. The entire line-up is full of must-try masterpieces, from the 94-point "entry-level" Mirabai to the single-vineyard stunners like the 98-point 2023 Shafer Vineyard and the pair of 2022 standouts from Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest sites in Oregon. Of these two, it's particularly worth noting that Kelley won't be making wine from Maresh going forward, so get your hands on them now. The whites are equally compelling, and not just the Chards (although these do present some of the sharpest buys in the category, all at under $40). Her Grüner and Pinot Blanc are a testament to her unwavering belief in these varietals, and the critics seem to agree. Any way you look at it, these are among the most consistently excellent wines out there, not only in Oregon but in the entire country. If you haven't jumped on board the Kelley Fox wagon, you have no idea what you're missing. | ||
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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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| 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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| 2020 Chateau Canon Pecresse (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A small plateau of shlallow limestone and clay soils, weather moderated by the nearby Gironde, centuries of history producing great Merlot-based wines ... surely you'd expect to pay a premium for anything from this exceptional Right Bank region. But think again. While prices in Pomerol and St-Emilion continue to climb (often to eye-watering numbers these days), the humble Fronsac appellation is still a veritable treasure trove of stupendous values that are hardly matched anywhere in Bordeaux. Our line-up today offers a fantastic picture of what makes Fronsac such a rewarding region for Bordeaux lovers seeking the ultimate combination of quality and value. Led by a pair of highly acclaimed expressions from the benchmark La Vieille Cure estate, you won't find more impressive bang for your buck on the Right Bank. The historic Chateau de la Dauphine hit new heights with its "positively stellar" 2020, and long-time B-21 favorite Fontenil is "a winner and well worth a case purchase" according to Jeb Dunnuck. Finally, Canon Pecresse turned out "a pure, mineral-laced Right Bank ... very much in the classic, balanced, yet impressive style of the vintage." The best part of the proposition is that you can indulge in any or all of them as much as you please. With pricing like this, you can stock the cellar with guaranteed value performers that will shine well into the next decade and beyond. | ||
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| 1990 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| Ardnamurchan AD Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Ardnamurchan, Highlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Ardnamurchan’s star is bright, and their commitment to excellence explains why even their entry-level core item is so damn good." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Established in 2014, Ardnamurchan is relatively new in the Highland scene, but they've got their feet fully under them, and they've been the talk of the town in Scotch circles for a few years now. The commitment to world-class quality is evident in everything from the distillery's facilities to their production, aging, and blending, resulting in some of the most compelling new Highland malts to hit the market in some time. We firmly believe that any truly great distillery hits the marks at every point on the spectrum, and the entry-level offerings have to deliver the goods too, which is why Ardnamurchan has been such a thrilling discovery for us. Their flagship AD Single Malt is further proof of one of the sharpest blending teams in the business. Equal parts peated and unpeated malt offer up a distinctive take on Highland whisky, and the combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks "fits the spirit like a glove," as B-21's Andrew Kitz notes. This over-performing whisky is a prime choice for a broad audience. With just enough peat character for fans of that style, it also showcases plenty of Highland elegance and complexity for a truly distinctive profile that you don't often find at this price point. No surprise then, when Andrew calls it quite possibly "the best QPR Scotch star on the shelf." | ||
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| 2021 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole CeniPrimo (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There's arguably no name more important to the history of Chianti Classico wine than Ricasoli. After all, it was one Bettino Ricasoli, an accomplished Italian statesman and baron, who first devised what would become the Chianti "recipe" in the mid-1800s. That is to say, he was the first to turn the region's focus to Sangiovese, where it has remained ever since. Now his descendant Francesco Ricasoli runs the family's iconic Castello di Brolio property from which the Chianti category was born, and he has done as much as anyone in guiding the Chianti Classico DOCG into its next era, one where quality and style are rigorously maintained through new rules for production and labeling. The most important of these new steps has been the establishment of the Gran Selezione classification and its attendant regional designations or UGAs. Ricasoli's estate vineyards provide some of the best qualitative expressions of the Gaiole UGA while exemplifying the visionary genius behind the new classification system. The 2021s take full advantage of this generational benchmark vintage, with a trio of critically acclaimed standouts. The 97-point Gaiole Colledila landed on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This cru is classic clay-limestone terroir for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that "shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come." The Gaiole Ceniprimo, from sand and silt soils, takes on a fleshier fruit profile from its micro-climate, but the structured tannins suggest cellaring will be immensely beneficial. Finally, the WA97 Gaiole Roncicone "offers energy and a great sense of focus." More linear, refined, and reticent than its stablemates, this wine represents the new era of collectible Chianti Classico at its finest. As prices for Italy's most renowned collectible wines continue to rise, we expect the Gran Seleziones to take a big step forward in this space, thanks to their skyrocketing quality and relatively affordable prices, with iconic estates like Ricasoli leading the way. | ||
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| Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin (750ml) | ||
| From Victoria, Australia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These inventive yet classic gins appeal to a broad range of tastes and applications. It's no wonder Four Pillars has become the brightest star in the craft gin scene." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer In a relatively short time frame, Four Pillars has made a huge splash in the craft gin world, developing a devoted following not only in their Australian homeland but here in the U.S. as well. In fact, they're widely considered the finest gin distillery in the world, and to prove it, they sport three Best Gin Distillery crowns from the International Wine and Spirits Competition since 2019. After all, gin is all they do, so they put everything they have into the art with stunning results. Starting with the finest locally sourced Australian grain, the team at Four Pillars produces a remarkably pure spirit that lends itself to a huge variety of botanicals and thus to an incredibly imaginative range of experimental styles. As a result, they've turned out some absolutely stunning expressions that are like nothing else in the category. The Fresh Yuzu is perhaps the best example of this experimental wizardry. The key ingredient is, of course, fresh yuzu fruit grown in Australia. But the team then gives it its proper due by adding various botanicals that are often paired with yuzu in cuisine – ginger, sencha genmaicha, turmeric, juniper berry, and coriander to name just a few. The profile is centered on citrus, but the other elements are so well-defined that it doesn't stray a single step from a proper gin character of the highest order. Taking things to the savory end of the spectrum, the equally innovative Olive Leaf is a true stroke of genius. As the name suggests, it's steeped with olive leaves and olive oil from the famed Cobram Estate in Yarra Valley, along with numerous companions like rosemary, bay leaf, macadamia nuts, and grapefruit. As an antidote to citrusy gins, it's your new go-to for next-level martinis or G&Ts. No matter your preference, both of these artfully crafted, best-in-class expressions are sure to become staples on your bar. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Beaune Les Champs Pimont 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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| 2020 Leoville Las Cases (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the greatest and most consistent estates of Bordeaux..." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate Here's a rare opportunity to secure a trove of all-time great library vintages from the legendary Château Léoville Las-Cases, long considered 'first among the Super-Seconds' of Bordeaux with a reputation for First Growth quality. Now offered at best-in-market pricing, these monumental classics will evolve for decades to come, some already aged 40 years in pristine cellar conditions, all garnering 95-point ratings or higher, including multiple 100-point trophies. Bordering First Growth Latour on the northern end of St-Julien overlooking the Gironde and managed by the Delon family since the late 19th century, the 98 hectares of Las Cases vineyards are planted in a single block encompassing a mosaic of terroirs, surrounded by walls known as the Grand Clos. In other words, it's the ideal terroir for producing immortal claret. Leading with the timeless classicism of the 1990, this vertical comprises the very pinnacle of Las Cases in the modern era. The most coveted vintages of the 21st century, including perfect renditions from 2010, 2016, and 2018, highlight the undeniable greatness of the estate's contemporary track record. These are all outstanding choices that stand tall next to their First Growth neighbor at a fraction of the price, offering the perfect opportunity to take any world-class collection to the next level. Echoing a sports analogy, the Léoville-Las Cases bench is deep, and with only homerun hitters in the rotation, any and all of them are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. | ||
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| 2005 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 Alban Vineyards Syrah Lorraine (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Edna Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings." - Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don't think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." 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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| 2022 Kelley Fox Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Anyone looking for Oregon Pinot Noir purity and transparent communication of terroir from the soil to the vine to the bottle must explore Kelley Fox Wines." - Eric Guido, Vinous Long-time B-21 Pinot Noir fans are now well-familiar with the spectacular offerings from this boutique darling of the Willamette Valley scene. With a critical track record to rival pretty much anyone else in the appellation, Kelley Fox is a bona fide star these days, and we're thrilled to have such an established relationship with her and her wines. This outstanding set of releases showcases exactly why Eric Guido calls Kelley's wines "one of the most exciting portfolios of wines made in the United States." Her elegant vineyard-expressive Pinot Noirs and energetic Chardonnays are sourced from many of the most iconic vineyard in the Valley. The entire line-up is full of must-try masterpieces, from the 94-point "entry-level" Mirabai to the single-vineyard stunners like the 98-point 2023 Shafer Vineyard and the pair of 2022 standouts from Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest sites in Oregon. Of these two, it's particularly worth noting that Kelley won't be making wine from Maresh going forward, so get your hands on them now. The whites are equally compelling, and not just the Chards (although these do present some of the sharpest buys in the category, all at under $40). Her Grüner and Pinot Blanc are a testament to her unwavering belief in these varietals, and the critics seem to agree. Any way you look at it, these are among the most consistently excellent wines out there, not only in Oregon but in the entire country. If you haven't jumped on board the Kelley Fox wagon, you have no idea what you're missing. | ||
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| Lagrimas del Valle 2024 La Loma Tequila Plata (750ml) | ||
| From Jalisco, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Like any good or great wine, the Lagrimas expressions really showcase a sense of place, adding a fascinating dimension to the tequila scene." - Andrew Kitz B-21 Spirits Buyer Single-estate tequila isn't exactly a new concept, but so few producers are actually attempting it that it might as well be, and the fact that once an estate's agave field is harvested it won't produce tequila again for another decade means these are not only single-estate but "single-vintage" as well. They may not have originated the concept, but Lagrimas del Valle seems to be at the forefront of it these days, and this pair of 2024 releases shows that they've got the process down to both an art and a science. They start with the highest quality agave from hand-selected estates, meticulously harvest the piñas, and then produce their stunningly beautiful tequilas at one of Jalisco's most famed and revered distilleries, Cascahuin (NOM 1123). Processed using both a roller mill and a traditional tahona, the juice is then fermented partially in stainless steel vats and partially in open-top wood fermenters, this portion also including the agave fibers for added flavor depth and complexity. Bottled at 46% abv, these are tequilas of true terroir expression. La Loma Plata originates from Lagrimas' first-ever rancho in Michoacán State, as Blue Weber is a relatively rare species there. La Loma is an expression of rounded, layered, agave-forward purity, for those tequial fans who put a premium on opulent complexity, from the aromas to the flavors to the mouthfeel. As Andrew explains, "with this bottling, it’s easy to see why Weber agave from Michoacán has such an avid following beyond just its relative rarity there." Offering an altogether different experience, La Sabina Plata is every bit as compelling. Instead of the rounded, forward personality of La Loma, the La Sabina is a vibrant, racy, mineral- and herbal- driven specimen. From the highest-elevation that Lagrimas has yet harvested, this is a fantastic new expression in this line-up. In a category where individual character can sometimes get lost in favor of flashy packaging, branding, and marketing gimmicks, these Lagrimas offerings are a real breath of fresh air, and you'll have a blast collecting and comparing them as you go along. After all, each one is only made once, and each is totally different than the next one. | ||
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| 2020 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Edna Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings." - Wine Advocate Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don't think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better." 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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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres (1.5L) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny Montrachet, 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 Quinta Nova Terroir Red Blend Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Touriga Franca 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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| 2022 Kelley Fox Maresh Vineyard Golden-Crowned Sparrow Blocks Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Anyone looking for Oregon Pinot Noir purity and transparent communication of terroir from the soil to the vine to the bottle must explore Kelley Fox Wines." - Eric Guido, Vinous Long-time B-21 Pinot Noir fans are now well-familiar with the spectacular offerings from this boutique darling of the Willamette Valley scene. With a critical track record to rival pretty much anyone else in the appellation, Kelley Fox is a bona fide star these days, and we're thrilled to have such an established relationship with her and her wines. This outstanding set of releases showcases exactly why Eric Guido calls Kelley's wines "one of the most exciting portfolios of wines made in the United States." Her elegant vineyard-expressive Pinot Noirs and energetic Chardonnays are sourced from many of the most iconic vineyard in the Valley. The entire line-up is full of must-try masterpieces, from the 94-point "entry-level" Mirabai to the single-vineyard stunners like the 98-point 2023 Shafer Vineyard and the pair of 2022 standouts from Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest sites in Oregon. Of these two, it's particularly worth noting that Kelley won't be making wine from Maresh going forward, so get your hands on them now. The whites are equally compelling, and not just the Chards (although these do present some of the sharpest buys in the category, all at under $40). Her Grüner and Pinot Blanc are a testament to her unwavering belief in these varietals, and the critics seem to agree. Any way you look at it, these are among the most consistently excellent wines out there, not only in Oregon but in the entire country. If you haven't jumped on board the Kelley Fox wagon, you have no idea what you're missing. | ||
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| 2022 Passing Time Red Blend (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, 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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| 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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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Les Chanlins 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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| Lagrimas del Valle 2024 La Sabina Tequila Plata (750ml) | ||
| From Jalisco, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Like any good or great wine, the Lagrimas expressions really showcase a sense of place, adding a fascinating dimension to the tequila scene." - Andrew Kitz B-21 Spirits Buyer Single-estate tequila isn't exactly a new concept, but so few producers are actually attempting it that it might as well be, and the fact that once an estate's agave field is harvested it won't produce tequila again for another decade means these are not only single-estate but "single-vintage" as well. They may not have originated the concept, but Lagrimas del Valle seems to be at the forefront of it these days, and this pair of 2024 releases shows that they've got the process down to both an art and a science. They start with the highest quality agave from hand-selected estates, meticulously harvest the piñas, and then produce their stunningly beautiful tequilas at one of Jalisco's most famed and revered distilleries, Cascahuin (NOM 1123). Processed using both a roller mill and a traditional tahona, the juice is then fermented partially in stainless steel vats and partially in open-top wood fermenters, this portion also including the agave fibers for added flavor depth and complexity. Bottled at 46% abv, these are tequilas of true terroir expression. La Loma Plata originates from Lagrimas' first-ever rancho in Michoacán State, as Blue Weber is a relatively rare species there. La Loma is an expression of rounded, layered, agave-forward purity, for those tequial fans who put a premium on opulent complexity, from the aromas to the flavors to the mouthfeel. As Andrew explains, "with this bottling, it’s easy to see why Weber agave from Michoacán has such an avid following beyond just its relative rarity there." Offering an altogether different experience, La Sabina Plata is every bit as compelling. Instead of the rounded, forward personality of La Loma, the La Sabina is a vibrant, racy, mineral- and herbal- driven specimen. From the highest-elevation that Lagrimas has yet harvested, this is a fantastic new expression in this line-up. In a category where individual character can sometimes get lost in favor of flashy packaging, branding, and marketing gimmicks, these Lagrimas offerings are a real breath of fresh air, and you'll have a blast collecting and comparing them as you go along. After all, each one is only made once, and each is totally different than the next one. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres (1.5L) | ||
| 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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| NV Fallet Dart Extra Brut Eocene Disgorgement Jan 2025 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A new addition to our direct-import program, Fallet-Dart should be better known than they are, and they would be if they weren't located all the way out at the western end of the Marne Valley in Drachy. Their vineyards are exceptional, and their use of extended sur lie aging adds dimension and depth to their wines that we don't often see in this part of Champagne. "The Eocene offers further proof that Fallet-Dart is an unsung reference-point for late-disgorgement Champagnes of uncompromising class and value." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Champagne Buyer Fallet-Dart's Eocene is named for the geologic era that formed the ancient soils of the La Niclotte vineyard. Made entirely from the 2009 vintage, bottled in 2010, and disgorged in March of this year, the Eocene is every bit the classic late-disgorgement expression. The ripeness of the vintage and the 20% Pinot Noir component give the wine its world-class depth of fruit, but the vineyard's soils and the light dosage (only 2g/L) endow it with absolutely shimmering vinous intensity and mineral vibrance. The lifted, high-toned flavor and aroma profiles offer a fascinating counterpoint to the Clos du Mont's more mature and evolved character (even though this wine spent fifteen years on the lees itself!). Who knew that we'd have to go all the way out to the western end of the Marne Valley to find one of the most compelling Champagnes we've come across in a long time? Hyperbole? Maybe. But once you dive into the specs on the Fallet-Dart Les Hauts Clos du Mont, you'll see where we're coming from. "...a flat-out stunning new addition to our direct-import stable, and arguably the savviest collectible Champagne buy we've brought on board in a long time." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Champagne Buyer Fallet-Dart's prized vineyard, from which this wine comes, sits on a bend of the Marne River with perfect southeast exposition, having been under vine for over a thousand years. The Les Hauts Clos du Mont hails entirely from the now-legendary 2006 vintage and is a masterclass in oak vinification and sur lie aging. As indicated on the label, it was bottled in 2007 and has spent nearly 17 years on the lees! A wine of "head-spinning complexity" as Andrew describes it, this is luxury Champagne at its best, at a price that defies all market conditions and factors. As Andrew succinctly puts it, "If you're a fan of Bollinger's RD, set that one aside and buy three bottles of this for the same price – you won't be disappointed." Avid collectors and Champagne fans should have no shortage of fun comparing these two benchmark beauties in the years to come. | ||
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