| 2022 Prager Federspiel Steinriegl Riesling (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Weingut Prager's Toni Bodenstein is indisputably in the top echelon of his generation of Austrian winemakers, and now that his son Robert has taken the helm at the revered Wachau estate, it's clear that the next generation will be one of continued brilliance. Always among the most sought-after names in Austrian wine, Prager's flagship bottlings set the bar, vintage after vintage, for both Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Today's offer features a quartet of 2022s that have already found great favor among our long-time fans and collectors of Austria's best, and we just negotiated a new parcel at must-see pricing that puts them among the sharpest buys in the market. Leading the charge, the 2022 Klaus Riesling is once again the crown-jewel of the range, with a potential 99 points from Peter Moser, Austria's leading wine critic at the renowned Falstaff Magazine, and 98 points from James Suckling's Austria critic Claire Nesbitt, who writes, "What a stunning example of cool climate riesling ... So long and seamless, with tension and focus that just keeps going." The 2022 Riesling Achleiten is likewise a sterling example of hallmark Prager class, with 96-98 points from Moser for its "very enjoyable style with length and ageing potential." No less stupendous are the Grüner Veltliners, as seen most clearly in the 99-point Achleiten Stockkultur Smaragd. Any way you look at it, these are must-haves for serious fans and collectors of these varietals, and our new market-leading, limited-time pricing is a perfect reason to stock up while you can. | ||
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| 2020 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart, "a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it's concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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| 2022 Prager Smaragd Achleiten Stockkultur Gruner Veltliner (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Weingut Prager's Toni Bodenstein is indisputably in the top echelon of his generation of Austrian winemakers, and now that his son Robert has taken the helm at the revered Wachau estate, it's clear that the next generation will be one of continued brilliance. Always among the most sought-after names in Austrian wine, Prager's flagship bottlings set the bar, vintage after vintage, for both Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Today's offer features a quartet of 2022s that have already found great favor among our long-time fans and collectors of Austria's best, and we just negotiated a new parcel at must-see pricing that puts them among the sharpest buys in the market. Leading the charge, the 2022 Klaus Riesling is once again the crown-jewel of the range, with a potential 99 points from Peter Moser, Austria's leading wine critic at the renowned Falstaff Magazine, and 98 points from James Suckling's Austria critic Claire Nesbitt, who writes, "What a stunning example of cool climate riesling ... So long and seamless, with tension and focus that just keeps going." The 2022 Riesling Achleiten is likewise a sterling example of hallmark Prager class, with 96-98 points from Moser for its "very enjoyable style with length and ageing potential." No less stupendous are the Grüner Veltliners, as seen most clearly in the 99-point Achleiten Stockkultur Smaragd. Any way you look at it, these are must-haves for serious fans and collectors of these varietals, and our new market-leading, limited-time pricing is a perfect reason to stock up while you can. | ||
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| 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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| 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Lynch-Bages is pure magic in 2019....A towering Pauillac, the 2019 Lynch Bages will make a great addition to any cellar…Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux collectors won't need convincing – the thrilling 100pt. 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages continues this estate's epic run of exceptional quality, elegantly balancing concentrated lush dark fruit with grippy, mouth-coating tannins on "an extremely persistent, almost Lafite-like finish" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson who declares it "a great Lynch-Bages of the modern era," offered at an equally spectacular value and delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six. Owned by the Cazes family for nearly a century, visitors to Chateau Lynch-Bages encounter an almost fairytale-like village complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel, its stunning new contemporary winemaking facility designed by noted architects and sons of the masterful architect I.M. Pei, creator of the once controversial glass Louvre pyramid in Paris. Spanning 100 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the vineyards are located on a range of terroirs across Pauillac, from close to the Chateau on the gravelly Bages plateau to bordering St. Julien next to Chateau Pichon Lalande, the estate's vines for the Grand Vin averaging 30 years of age with some as old as 60 years. Under the direction of fourth generation Jean-Charles Cazes, the powerful 2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages was aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, revealing intense, dark Cabernet aromatics described as "gorgeous from the start" by the Wine Spectator's James Molesworth, embodying the hedonistic Lynch-Bages style with a core of fresh opulent fruit layered over rich, ripe tannins that according to Decanter's Georgina Hindle give "no doubt that this is going to age slowly and for many decades." | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Sebastien Dampt Chablis Cote de Lechet 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've been working with the wines of Sébastien Dampt for a few vintages now, and the scion of one of Chablis' most prominent winemakers has found a strong following among our long-time Burgundy aficionados. After all, Sébastien is a staunch adherent to the "no oak" style, à la Louis Michel, and his wines reflect the kind of terroir purity that fetches a high premium from hardcore fans of classic, "old school" Chablis. These newly arrived 2023s are clearly reflective of Dampt's style, starting with the 92-point 2023 Vaillons 1er Cru. "Very disciplined though still with the generosity of the vintage," the 2023 is understated when it needs to be while giving up just the right level of approachability to be enjoyable right out of the gate. The Cote de Lechet likewise shows its 1er cru pedigree in spades, with "excellent volume and richness to the succulent and sappy middle weight flavors" as described by Burghound's Allen Meadows. Finally, the village level Chablis stands as an unbeatable value in its category, an "easy-going effort" with "cool and pretty aromas ... textured, even succulent, medium-bodied flavors." Working directly with the domaine, we were able to source this parcel at a by-far market-best pricing, so our private clients can jump on these true exponents of pure Chablis terroir for a downright steal. | ||
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| 2023 Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. "A lot of wine for the value," the 2022 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 93-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, the 95-point 2022 Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel captures everything that makes this cuvée a perennial favorite among fans of great California Zin. Blended from six top-tier old-vine sites spread across the Russian River AVA (several of which make up the estate's highly acclaimed, single-vineyard range), the 2022 is everything you're looking for in a classic California Zin. Speaking of single-vineyard Zins, don't miss the trio of top-flight expressions below, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Gap's Crown (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category. Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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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 to 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 overperforming 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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| 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Consistently earning critical acclaim vintage over vintage including the #4 spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100, the decadent 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon continues the Faust reputation for over delivering value, an immensely satisfying Napa Cab from the founder of Quintessa offering an enticing combination of fresh, opulent dark fruit and lush, velvety tannins, unbeatably priced for Napa Cab fans to scoop up by the case and enjoy often. Located just past Beringer heading north on Highway 29, Faust chose to open its new sleek tasting and event center in a once run down Victorian on a hillside near Healdsburg, using it as an opportunity to expose visitors to Napa's lesser-known, less-visited Coombsville AVA 20 minutes to the south where the Faust vineyard is located. Recognizing the cooler region's potential for growing Cabernet Sauvignon over a decade before it became an AVA in 2001, former Concha y Toro CEO and longtime California vintner Agustin Huneeus established Faust on the site of a former dairy farm in 1998, the early vintages of Faust establishing the reputation of Coombsville as a site capable of producing high-quality, complex Cabs and attracting a who's who of celebrated winemakers to the area including Andy Erickson and Paul Hobbs. Located just east of the town of Napa, the certified organic 128-acre Faust vineyard is planted in rich gravelly loam and volcanic rock soils that enhance minerality while the nearby cup and saucer like ridge coined the 'Coombsville caldera' funnels winds from the San Pablo Bay and create conditions for extended, gradual ripening. Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc primarily from Faust's Coombsville site, former Harlan and Groth winemaker David Jelinek aged the 2022 Faust for 20 months in 25% new French oak barrels, yielding a bold and pleasurable Cab with elegant, plush fruit and bright acidity built to age gracefully over the next decade. Declaring the AVA "Napa Valley's Rising Star," the Wine Enthusiast called Coombsville a top choice for "buyers that desire something new from Napa," the 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon living up to its reputation as an exceptional, cellar worthy Napa Cab reflecting the pioneering winemaking legacy of Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus at an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| 2020 Long Shadows Pirouette Proprietary Red Blend (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart, "a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it's concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| Cardenxe Sotol de Desierto (750ml) | ||
| Sotol from Chihuahua, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I had no idea of the price when I first tasted the Desierto, and I was firmly convinced this would be twice as expensive as it is, given the stunning intrigue and complexity on offer." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer If you've never heard of Sotol, you're not alone, but this ancient Mexican spirit tradition is alive and well in insiders' circles, and you'll no doubt be hearing more and more about it in the coming years. It's made from a distant cousin of the agave cactus known as Dasylirion, which is actually part of the Asparagus family. Like agave, it takes a decade or more for these wild-grown varietals to mature for distillation, and they only grow in Mexico's northern frontier, the region's various climates each favoring one Dasylirion varietal or another. Cardenxe, named for the traditional a cappella ballads of the region, is one of the category's most dynamic projects and a reference-point for what Sotol is all about. Each expression is crafted by hand from start to finish, from cutting the piñas in the fields to axe-milling the cooked hearts. Fermentation in small pine vats and double-distillation on copper alembic stills ensures the purest product possible. The Sotol de Desierto is, as you guessed, made from the desert varietals D.Texanum, D. Cedrosanum, & D. Berlandieri by one of the undisputed masters of the craft. This blended approach is distinct among Sotol producers, and the result is equally singular. As Andrew's review makes clear, the Desierto is a multi-faceted stunner that will give any agave spirit at twice the price a run for its money. We were so impressed that we went big and negotiated a one-time introductory price that brings it to you for under $40, the best you'll find in the market. If you've been looking for the next big thing in artisanal craft spirits, sotol is it. And as Andrew declares, "Whether you’ve never heard of Sotol or you’re Sotol curious, start here and you’ll be an instant fan." | ||
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| PM Spirits Project Destilado de Agave Espadin | ||
| From Jalisco, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "When we tasted this with PM Spirits’ Nicolas Palazzi, we knew straight away that we had to go all in." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Full cask-strength bottlings are a relative rarity in the world of mezcal, and that's only one reason we jumped on this offering from PM Spirits. More than anything, it's immediately apparent that this is artisan mezcal of the highest order and the maestro who made it knows his craft. When Jason Cox, founder of 5 Sentidos, stumbled on this batch from mezcalero Rene Parada Barriga, he put in the hands of PM's Nicolas Palazzi, and the entire batch was soon on its way to Nicolas' warehouse. One snap decision after another, and we've picked up all of Nicolas' remaining supply of this highly limited edition, and one taste will prove our point. The varietal purity and focus are second to none, even for such a monumental spirit of 62% ABV, and the myriad layers of complexity are almost too much to describe in one go. As B-21's Andrew Kitz notes, "The push-pull tension of this mezcal is really something to experience, and I have no doubt that the more I go back to it, the more subtle nuances and facets I’ll find that I somehow missed the first time around." We secured all that was left at a must-see, market-best price and once this is batch is gone, we won't be seeing more of it. | ||
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| 2020 Telmo Rodriguez Pago la Jara (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Castilla y Leon, Toro, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Telmo Rodriguez is an indisputable dynamo in Spanish wine, and we just landed an allocation of one of his most limited and sought-after cuvées. "It's quite classical, and it has power, concentration and ripeness with balance and freshness and a certain elegance." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Made from just 4 hectares of vines covering five distinct plots, the production of Pago la Jara is miniscule by Spanish standards, at just 4,000 bottles. But the wine itself is a blockbuster that shows all the powerhouse character of the Toro D.O. along with the expertly applied restraint of one of Spain's most acclaimed living winemakers. The 95-point 2020 rendition recently came onto our radar at a price that was simply to good to ignore. Couple that with the fact that it's one of Spain's most consistently excellent insider's finds and you have a collectible gem of the highest order that can cruise in the cellar for a few decades or shine tonight if you're the impatient type. Our best-in-market regular price is made all the more appealing by a price that makes this a no-brainer for anyone seeking top-echelon collectible quality to stack in the cellar in multiples. | ||
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| 2022 Glantenay Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Pommard, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The unassuming but passionate Thierry Glantenay continues to produce delicious, sensual wines in his cellars in Volnay." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate One of Volnay and Pommard's best kept secrets, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay somehow still flies under the radar, despite producing some of the most consistently and widely acclaimed wines in these appellations. The only drawback is that they're always tightly allocated and in short supply, which makes our in-stock parcel a truly enticing proposition. The entire range is well worth seeking out, but the undisputed highlights start with the 94-point, "superb" Clos des Chenes 1er Cru, "perfectly proportioned and built for the long haul" according to John Gilman of View From the Cellar. This site's familiar power and energy are readily on display in grand fashion in 2022. The "equally stunning" Santenots 1er Cru delivers another benchmark terroir expression in its "velvety and harmonious" profile. Finally, don't miss the epic Les Rugiens 1er Cru, "the most complex and complete amongst Glantenay's range ... a Pommard to hunt down" as Vinous' Neal Martin puts it. Glantenay's approach in the cellar and in the vineyards has resulted in a steady upward trajectory for the domaine over the past several years, and the wines are now flirting with the titans of Volnay and Pommard while still remaining relatively accessible for collectors looking for real long-term propositions at savvy prices. | ||
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| 2020 Massolino Barolo Parussi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| The ImPex Collection 2007 Clarendon Cask # 644 MBKB 15yr Jamaican Rum (750ml) | ||
| From Jamaica | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is definitely a different yet absolutely enchanting expression of one of Jamaica’s most important distilleries." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Following on the heels of our smash-hit, single-cask rum offers from Jamaica's Long Pond, we have yet another must-try, 15-year-old Jamaican gem, this one from the storied Clarendon distillery. Known for producing seriously high-ester marks that serve as the cornerstone for the Monymusk range, Clarendon's rums are seldom seen in such light-ester marks as MBKB at just 70-80 g/hL, so this one is a rarity of sorts. Cask #644 spent its entire life in the tropical climes of its origins, making for "the perfect combination of approachability and luxurious complexity" that will appeal to the hardcore Jamaican aficionado just as much as it will to the rum neophyte who's looking to get familiar with the country's most important names. Aromatically charming with a nose of ripe fruit, perfumed spices, and just the right amount of hogo funk, this 15-year-old takes a decidedly brawny turn on the "exceptionally balanced and tense" palate as the woodsy barrel character comes out in spades. If you're an Armagnac fan, you'll definitely want to give this one a go. It's a rum for cigar fans if there ever was one. Best of all, it's another stupendous value at under $100, further confirming our case that single-cask rum is greatest hotbed of value in the collectible spirits space. | ||
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| 2022 Glantenay Volnay Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Volnay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The unassuming but passionate Thierry Glantenay continues to produce delicious, sensual wines in his cellars in Volnay." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate One of Volnay and Pommard's best kept secrets, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay somehow still flies under the radar, despite producing some of the most consistently and widely acclaimed wines in these appellations. The only drawback is that they're always tightly allocated and in short supply, which makes our in-stock parcel a truly enticing proposition. The entire range is well worth seeking out, but the undisputed highlights start with the 94-point, "superb" Clos des Chenes 1er Cru, "perfectly proportioned and built for the long haul" according to John Gilman of View From the Cellar. This site's familiar power and energy are readily on display in grand fashion in 2022. The "equally stunning" Santenots 1er Cru delivers another benchmark terroir expression in its "velvety and harmonious" profile. Finally, don't miss the epic Les Rugiens 1er Cru, "the most complex and complete amongst Glantenay's range ... a Pommard to hunt down" as Vinous' Neal Martin puts it. Glantenay's approach in the cellar and in the vineyards has resulted in a steady upward trajectory for the domaine over the past several years, and the wines are now flirting with the titans of Volnay and Pommard while still remaining relatively accessible for collectors looking for real long-term propositions at savvy prices. | ||
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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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| 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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| 2022 Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. "A lot of wine for the value," the 2022 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 93-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, the 95-point 2022 Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel captures everything that makes this cuvée a perennial favorite among fans of great California Zin. Blended from six top-tier old-vine sites spread across the Russian River AVA (several of which make up the estate's highly acclaimed, single-vineyard range), the 2022 is everything you're looking for in a classic California Zin. Speaking of single-vineyard Zins, don't miss the trio of top-flight expressions below, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Lynch-Bages (1.5L) | ||
| 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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| 2022 Hartford Zinfandel Hartford Estate (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. "A lot of wine for the value," the 2022 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 93-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, the 95-point 2022 Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel captures everything that makes this cuvée a perennial favorite among fans of great California Zin. Blended from six top-tier old-vine sites spread across the Russian River AVA (several of which make up the estate's highly acclaimed, single-vineyard range), the 2022 is everything you're looking for in a classic California Zin. Speaking of single-vineyard Zins, don't miss the trio of top-flight expressions below, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 2022 Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Volnay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The unassuming but passionate Thierry Glantenay continues to produce delicious, sensual wines in his cellars in Volnay." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate One of Volnay and Pommard's best kept secrets, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay somehow still flies under the radar, despite producing some of the most consistently and widely acclaimed wines in these appellations. The only drawback is that they're always tightly allocated and in short supply, which makes our in-stock parcel a truly enticing proposition. The entire range is well worth seeking out, but the undisputed highlights start with the 94-point, "superb" Clos des Chenes 1er Cru, "perfectly proportioned and built for the long haul" according to John Gilman of View From the Cellar. This site's familiar power and energy are readily on display in grand fashion in 2022. The "equally stunning" Santenots 1er Cru delivers another benchmark terroir expression in its "velvety and harmonious" profile. Finally, don't miss the epic Les Rugiens 1er Cru, "the most complex and complete amongst Glantenay's range ... a Pommard to hunt down" as Vinous' Neal Martin puts it. Glantenay's approach in the cellar and in the vineyards has resulted in a steady upward trajectory for the domaine over the past several years, and the wines are now flirting with the titans of Volnay and Pommard while still remaining relatively accessible for collectors looking for real long-term propositions at savvy prices. | ||
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| 2022 Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Volnay, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The unassuming but passionate Thierry Glantenay continues to produce delicious, sensual wines in his cellars in Volnay." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate One of Volnay and Pommard's best kept secrets, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay somehow still flies under the radar, despite producing some of the most consistently and widely acclaimed wines in these appellations. The only drawback is that they're always tightly allocated and in short supply, which makes our in-stock parcel a truly enticing proposition. The entire range is well worth seeking out, but the undisputed highlights start with the 94-point, "superb" Clos des Chenes 1er Cru, "perfectly proportioned and built for the long haul" according to John Gilman of View From the Cellar. This site's familiar power and energy are readily on display in grand fashion in 2022. The "equally stunning" Santenots 1er Cru delivers another benchmark terroir expression in its "velvety and harmonious" profile. Finally, don't miss the epic Les Rugiens 1er Cru, "the most complex and complete amongst Glantenay's range ... a Pommard to hunt down" as Vinous' Neal Martin puts it. Glantenay's approach in the cellar and in the vineyards has resulted in a steady upward trajectory for the domaine over the past several years, and the wines are now flirting with the titans of Volnay and Pommard while still remaining relatively accessible for collectors looking for real long-term propositions at savvy prices. | ||
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| 2020 Massolino Barolo Margheria (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| Lochlea Our Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Ayrshire, Lowlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The flagship Our Barley is about as fan-friendly as a whisky can get, and although it’s hard to look past the super-stylish packaging, once you get into the juice itself, you’ll be hooked." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer One of the more exciting yet under-the-radar rising stars in the Scotch scene, Lochlea should (and probably will) be on every single malt fanatic's list of must-try discoveries in short order. Founded in 2018, they've already racked up some impressive critical accolades across their range, and as the distilling team hits their stride, there's no telling how high their star will climb. As B-21's Andrew Kitz declares, "If you’re looking for a new, boutique single-malt distillery to go nuts over, here’s your champion." The Lochlea property itself, once belonging to the immortal Scottish poet Robert Burns, was historically a cattle farm, and that's what owners Neil and Jen McGeoch had in mind when they purchased it in 2006. However, it was soon apparent that cows wouldn't cut it financially, and they turned to the property's other historical cash crop. Now, 50 acres of malting barley are the backbone of this grain-to-glass operation, with the old cattle-farming structures and facilities converted into a modern, functioning distillery in 2016. Long-time Laphroaig master distiller John Campbell set the standards with the first batches, and that uncompromising quality is now seen across the board in every release. You'll no doubt see more from this fabulous, bootstrapped project in the near future, but the flagship Our Barley is the perfect dram to sink your teeth into as you fall in love with a true star in the making in boutique Scotch whisky. | ||
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| 2019 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Ric Forman's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be epic. A wine of unreal precision and energy, the 2019 dazzles with its magnificent purity and class." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 97-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "remarkable textural intensity" is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums and 3L jeroboams. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
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| 2019 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (3L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Ric Forman's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be epic. A wine of unreal precision and energy, the 2019 dazzles with its magnificent purity and class." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 97-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "remarkable textural intensity" is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums and 3L jeroboams. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
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