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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2021 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're a fan of Napa Cabernet or simply just a casual consumer and observer of the market, you've no doubt noticed that the category has seen an explosion of prices in recent years, to the point where it's hard to imagine the words value and Napa Cabernet in the same universe, let alone the same sentence. Well, think again, because today's selection brings us a quartet of overperforming standouts that are still priced well within reach of a broad audience of wine lovers and collectors. Leading off, the 2021 Whitehall Lane Cabernet boasts a slew of solid accolades across the board. This sub-$40 gem from a long-time standard bearer of QPR excellence is "an outstanding Cabernet" according Jeb Dunnuck, "silky and supple, easy to drink, yet with enough structure." Joining Whitehall in the sub-$40 category is Turnbull's "positively stellar" 2023 Estate Cab. This wine has been one of the most consistent values in Napa for years, and the excellent 2023 vintage produced another show-stopper to the tune of 93 points from Dunnuck. Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski calls it "a super value and the rare modern-day Napa Cab under $100 that shows potential for further aging." The 2021 Sullivan Coeur de Vignes is a true classic from a historic Napa property at a smashing bargain price. "Ripe and structured but fresh in feel ... Very Rutherford" according to Wine Spectator's 94-point review. While their flagship bottlings carry price tags well into the triple digits, the 2021 Coeur de Vigne offers a chance to experience top-class Napa style and character for a small fraction of the price. Finally, the iconic Chappellet estate has hit a homerun with their 2021 Signature Cabernet, a 96-point "marvellously compact and coiled-up wine with a towering structure" that Jeb Dunnuck calls "brilliant" and for about one-fifth the price of the 99-point Pritchard Hill bottling. With the quality and value on offer in this quartet, now is the perfect chance to rediscover these treasured wines without breaking the bank. | ||
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| 2021 Brovia Barolo Villero (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brovia Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (1.5L) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brovia Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brovia Barolo Garblet Sue (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brovia Barolo Brea Vigna Ca' Mia (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brezza Barolo Sarmassa (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brezza Barolo Sarmassa (1.5L) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brezza Barolo Cannubi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Brezza Barolo Cannubi (1.5L) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Two thousand twenty-one is a superb vintage for Barolo." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The hype has been going for some time now, but you never know just how good or great a vintage can be until the wines hit the market. Now that the 2021 Barolos are here, it's clear that the early praise and accolades are well warranted. Apart from a few isolated weather events, the growing season was ideal by modern Barolo standards, with a long cycle and normal harvest time. Normal diurnal temperature shifts and heat patterns also contributed to the incredible overall quality that is becoming evident in the finished wines. As Galloni notes in his comprehensive vintage report, "The 2021 Barolos are finessed, elegant wines that will delight Piedmont fans." Against this backdrop, we present a staggering array of the vintage's most compelling recent releases, over forty wines spanning entry-level gems and values for near-term enjoyment to cult-caliber cellar performers that will show the 2021 vintage in all its glory decades down the road. Names like Vietti, Vajra, and Gaja dot the landscape, as well as under-the-radar winners like Brezza, Manzone, and Elio Grasso. If this introductory list below tells us one thing, it's that the 2021 Barolo campaign is going to offer immense enjoyment for collectors and Piedmont fans as they stock the cellar with one incredible wine after another. | ||
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| 2021 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's rare that such a renowned and reference-point estate like Avignonesi keeps pushing new boundaries instead of just resting on their laurels, but that's exactly what this iconic property has been up to for several vintages. And as Eric Guido of Vinous puts it, "The results are pretty stunning." After all, these fan-favorite, best-selling Tuscan reds have been a staple of B-21's Italian portfolio for years, and the 2021 Vino Nobile di Montalcino is poised to break records. "Avignonesi’s flagship bottling remains a fantastic value for first-class Vino Nobile..." - Eric Guido, Vinous The estate's pioneering approach of crafting this wine out of 100% Prugnolo Gentile (the local Sangiovese strain) has made it a singular expression that has helped define the entire Vino Nobile category. The exceptional 2021 vintage has resulted in "a wine of austere elegance on the nose" and a palate that's "medium- to full-bodied with ripe and velvety tannins and lifted, precise acidity." All of it adds up to another stupendous overachiever at our remarkable private client price, which we've come to expect from Avignonesi at this point. It's all the more impressive considering you can stock up big and stash some away in the cellar – as Eric Guido notes, "it will be worth the wait." | ||
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| 2020 Marguet Ambonnay Les Crayeres Brut Nature (750ml) | ||
| From Ambonnay, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Talk about an unbelievable coup de grâce for our direct-import portfolio! We are thrilled to announce our new domaine-direct relationship with Ambonnay's most dynamic and forward-thinking visionary, Benoît Marguet. You will seldom meet a vigneron more passionate about his craft and more confident in his methods than Benoît, and while his stellar Champagnes might give him ample reason for arrogance, he's anything but. After our domaine visit last October, we went all in on this singular grower. Combine his almost obsessively meticulous viticulture with some of the finest vine holdings in Bouzy and Ambonnay and you get a range of wines that are simply gorgeous through and through, starting with his flagship 94-point Shaman. Based on the outstanding 2022 vintage, this grand cru blend is "a wonderful combination of fruit, roundness, and freshness" while also maintaining "intensity, power, and a salty structure." The village grand Cru Ambonnay is itself a 95-point gem of the highest caliber, a "fragrant and very pretty" blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that shows the multi-dimensional potential of both Marguet's vine holdings and his winemaking, but the true brilliance of the range lies in his single-vineyard showstoppers. Made and allocated in highly limited quantities, these are some of the most tranparent, terroir-expressive Champagnes on the market. The 96-point Les Bermonts comes from half-hectare of Chardonnay planted in 1952 on clay and limestone and is "a wine of marvelous harmony that knits everything together into a seamless fabric of the vineyard itself." Likewise, the double 95-point Les Crayeres displays "vivid, chalky aromatics of stunning purity" and a palate of "marvelous fruit intensity" where "the structure and textural vibrancy are just breathtaking." Finally, the 96-point 2017 Sapience represents Marguet's appreciation for communal, like-minded growers who exhibit the same passion for their work. It's a blend of all three Champagne varietals, cultivated by growers with equally serious methods and repuations – Meunier from Vincent Laval in Cumières, Chardonnay from David Leclapart in Hautvilliers, and Pinot Noir from Marguet's own Ambonnay plots. A "wonderful, profound, lasting" wine of singular character, it's an expression in a category of its own. This was indisputably the finest line-up top to bottom on our last trip to Champagne, and getting direct access to this cellar is one of the top three highlights of 2025 for our direct-import program, so any avid collector or fan of the most compelling grower Champagnes should dive deep into this selection without hesitation. | ||
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| 2020 Marguet Ambonnay Les Bermonts Brut Nature (750ml) | ||
| From Ambonnay, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Talk about an unbelievable coup de grâce for our direct-import portfolio! We are thrilled to announce our new domaine-direct relationship with Ambonnay's most dynamic and forward-thinking visionary, Benoît Marguet. You will seldom meet a vigneron more passionate about his craft and more confident in his methods than Benoît, and while his stellar Champagnes might give him ample reason for arrogance, he's anything but. After our domaine visit last October, we went all in on this singular grower. Combine his almost obsessively meticulous viticulture with some of the finest vine holdings in Bouzy and Ambonnay and you get a range of wines that are simply gorgeous through and through, starting with his flagship 94-point Shaman. Based on the outstanding 2022 vintage, this grand cru blend is "a wonderful combination of fruit, roundness, and freshness" while also maintaining "intensity, power, and a salty structure." The village grand Cru Ambonnay is itself a 95-point gem of the highest caliber, a "fragrant and very pretty" blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that shows the multi-dimensional potential of both Marguet's vine holdings and his winemaking, but the true brilliance of the range lies in his single-vineyard showstoppers. Made and allocated in highly limited quantities, these are some of the most tranparent, terroir-expressive Champagnes on the market. The 96-point Les Bermonts comes from half-hectare of Chardonnay planted in 1952 on clay and limestone and is "a wine of marvelous harmony that knits everything together into a seamless fabric of the vineyard itself." Likewise, the double 95-point Les Crayeres displays "vivid, chalky aromatics of stunning purity" and a palate of "marvelous fruit intensity" where "the structure and textural vibrancy are just breathtaking." Finally, the 96-point 2017 Sapience represents Marguet's appreciation for communal, like-minded growers who exhibit the same passion for their work. It's a blend of all three Champagne varietals, cultivated by growers with equally serious methods and repuations – Meunier from Vincent Laval in Cumières, Chardonnay from David Leclapart in Hautvilliers, and Pinot Noir from Marguet's own Ambonnay plots. A "wonderful, profound, lasting" wine of singular character, it's an expression in a category of its own. This was indisputably the finest line-up top to bottom on our last trip to Champagne, and getting direct access to this cellar is one of the top three highlights of 2025 for our direct-import program, so any avid collector or fan of the most compelling grower Champagnes should dive deep into this selection without hesitation. | ||
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| 2020 Marguet Ambonnay Brut Nature Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Ambonnay, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Talk about an unbelievable coup de grâce for our direct-import portfolio! We are thrilled to announce our new domaine-direct relationship with Ambonnay's most dynamic and forward-thinking visionary, Benoît Marguet. You will seldom meet a vigneron more passionate about his craft and more confident in his methods than Benoît, and while his stellar Champagnes might give him ample reason for arrogance, he's anything but. After our domaine visit last October, we went all in on this singular grower. Combine his almost obsessively meticulous viticulture with some of the finest vine holdings in Bouzy and Ambonnay and you get a range of wines that are simply gorgeous through and through, starting with his flagship 94-point Shaman. Based on the outstanding 2022 vintage, this grand cru blend is "a wonderful combination of fruit, roundness, and freshness" while also maintaining "intensity, power, and a salty structure." The village grand Cru Ambonnay is itself a 95-point gem of the highest caliber, a "fragrant and very pretty" blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that shows the multi-dimensional potential of both Marguet's vine holdings and his winemaking, but the true brilliance of the range lies in his single-vineyard showstoppers. Made and allocated in highly limited quantities, these are some of the most tranparent, terroir-expressive Champagnes on the market. The 96-point Les Bermonts comes from half-hectare of Chardonnay planted in 1952 on clay and limestone and is "a wine of marvelous harmony that knits everything together into a seamless fabric of the vineyard itself." Likewise, the double 95-point Les Crayeres displays "vivid, chalky aromatics of stunning purity" and a palate of "marvelous fruit intensity" where "the structure and textural vibrancy are just breathtaking." Finally, the 96-point 2017 Sapience represents Marguet's appreciation for communal, like-minded growers who exhibit the same passion for their work. It's a blend of all three Champagne varietals, cultivated by growers with equally serious methods and repuations – Meunier from Vincent Laval in Cumières, Chardonnay from David Leclapart in Hautvilliers, and Pinot Noir from Marguet's own Ambonnay plots. A "wonderful, profound, lasting" wine of singular character, it's an expression in a category of its own. This was indisputably the finest line-up top to bottom on our last trip to Champagne, and getting direct access to this cellar is one of the top three highlights of 2025 for our direct-import program, so any avid collector or fan of the most compelling grower Champagnes should dive deep into this selection without hesitation. | ||
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| 2020 Marguet Ambonnay Brut Nature Grand Cru (1.5L) | ||
| Sparkling from Ambonnay, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Talk about an unbelievable coup de grâce for our direct-import portfolio! We are thrilled to announce our new domaine-direct relationship with Ambonnay's most dynamic and forward-thinking visionary, Benoît Marguet. You will seldom meet a vigneron more passionate about his craft and more confident in his methods than Benoît, and while his stellar Champagnes might give him ample reason for arrogance, he's anything but. After our domaine visit last October, we went all in on this singular grower. Combine his almost obsessively meticulous viticulture with some of the finest vine holdings in Bouzy and Ambonnay and you get a range of wines that are simply gorgeous through and through, starting with his flagship 94-point Shaman. Based on the outstanding 2022 vintage, this grand cru blend is "a wonderful combination of fruit, roundness, and freshness" while also maintaining "intensity, power, and a salty structure." The village grand Cru Ambonnay is itself a 95-point gem of the highest caliber, a "fragrant and very pretty" blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that shows the multi-dimensional potential of both Marguet's vine holdings and his winemaking, but the true brilliance of the range lies in his single-vineyard showstoppers. Made and allocated in highly limited quantities, these are some of the most tranparent, terroir-expressive Champagnes on the market. The 96-point Les Bermonts comes from half-hectare of Chardonnay planted in 1952 on clay and limestone and is "a wine of marvelous harmony that knits everything together into a seamless fabric of the vineyard itself." Likewise, the double 95-point Les Crayeres displays "vivid, chalky aromatics of stunning purity" and a palate of "marvelous fruit intensity" where "the structure and textural vibrancy are just breathtaking." Finally, the 96-point 2017 Sapience represents Marguet's appreciation for communal, like-minded growers who exhibit the same passion for their work. It's a blend of all three Champagne varietals, cultivated by growers with equally serious methods and repuations – Meunier from Vincent Laval in Cumières, Chardonnay from David Leclapart in Hautvilliers, and Pinot Noir from Marguet's own Ambonnay plots. A "wonderful, profound, lasting" wine of singular character, it's an expression in a category of its own. This was indisputably the finest line-up top to bottom on our last trip to Champagne, and getting direct access to this cellar is one of the top three highlights of 2025 for our direct-import program, so any avid collector or fan of the most compelling grower Champagnes should dive deep into this selection without hesitation. | ||
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| 2020 Le Cinciole Petresco (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from 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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| 2020 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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| 2020 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from 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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| 2020 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It is approachable, elegant and ticks all the boxes for this style of wine at an affordable price." - Decanter La Rioja Alta's Vina Alberdi needs little to no introduction here at B-21. It's been a perennial best-seller for years on end and one of the most consistent values in Spanish wine during that entire span of time. The 93-point 2020 vintage continues the sterling track record of this benchmark overachiever and this reference-point estate. Forty-year-old vines, expert and precise aging in American oak (a La Rioja Alta specialty), and extended bottle aging before release all contribute to a "lively, harmonious, focused red" that bears the classic Rioja profile while remaining eminently approachable today. Even better the price tag offers the kind of versatility that makes it easy to stack some away in the cellar for a few years or pop the cork tonight – or both. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Rouge (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Blanc (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Readers looking for the next superstar in Bordeaux need to jump on the bandwagon of Les Carmes Haut-Brion..." - Jeb Dunnuck Jeb Dunnuck says it all - arguably the brightest star on the Left Bank in the past decade, Les Carmes Haut Brion has stepped fully into the limelight, with a critical track record that rivals not only that of its famous First Growth neighbor, but those of every other blue-chip Bordeaux estate on the right or left bank of the Gironde. On offer today, we have four modern classic vintages that show this estate in all its contemporary glory, with multiple 100-point reviews across the range, not to mention several more that flirt with perfection. We could commence with a litany of quotes and numbers for each rendition, but suffice to say, each rendition is one of the absolute sharpest collectible buys in modern Bordeaux, and any serious collector will want to fill the cellar with this astounding vertical. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau LaTour Martillac Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Latour-Martillac remains one of the great value estates on the Left Bank, and this is especially true in outstanding vintages like the ones on offer today. With classic Graves terroir and expert winemaking, these wines consistently punch way above their weight class, as you can clearly see in the bevy of excellent press that accompanies each one. The highlights of the list are undoubtedly the 96-point 2019, which is "gorgeous, so bright and precise," delivering unreal bang for the buck at under $40, and the astounding 97-point 2022. Jeb Dunnuck dubs this powerhouse "a remarkably pure, medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan ... a brilliant 2022 that should be snatched up by readers." Of course, sharp-eyed collectors shouldn't over the 95-point 2018 or the "harmonious and well-defined" 2020. Last but certainly not least, the estate's white has always served as a reference-point for the category, made in part from Semillon vines over 140 years old. With 94-point potential according to several critics, the 2023 Blanc is "beautifully textured, rich, yet still racy white with tons to love," proving once again that Graves' whites are sometimes every bit as compelling as its reds. Whether you pick your favorite or go in for the whole vertical, you can rest assured you're getting some of the best quality-to-price character that the Left Bank has to offer. | ||
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| 2020 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More B-21 Brunello mainstay Caparzo has experienced a stellar ascent under the ownership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 1998, and they're arguably producing their best wines ever. At least, that's our take from this trio of fantastic new releases from winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The 2020 vintage's best wines strike a remarkable balance that defies the warm growing conditions, and Caparzo nails that sweet spot perfectly with this 95-point normale bottling. "This is really pretty ... Creamy and so polished. It goes on for minutes. A graceful and complex 2020 Brunello," notes James Suckling, hinting at one of the vintage's finest virtues, its approachability in the near term. While some 2020s are indeed blockbusters of huge structure and ripeness, they lack the graceful balance that defines the best Brunellos, but fans of the world's best Sangioveses can rest assured that all the varietal's most striking and important features can be found in spades in this stunning expression of "ample energy and dimension." | ||
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| 2020 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Muga is an undeniable icon and reference-point for Rioja, occupying a prime position at the nexus of the classic styles of yesteryear and the modern polish that has come to many of the top estates in recent years, as investment in new techniques and expertise has driven quality standards higher and higher. "... a textbook example of this wine."- Luis Gutierrez,Wine Advocate The Seleccion Especial Reserva is always a crowd and collectible favorite in the range and always priced well for a broad audience yet offering the kind of cellar-worthy appeal that serious collectors are looking for. The 2020 rendtion ramps up the collectible appeal thanks to a particular feature of the vintage itself – no Prado Enea was made in 2020, so all the fruit and juice that would normally comprise that flagship icon has instead gone into the Seleccion Especial. So, it's no surprise that the wine has garnered yet more rock-solid praise from the usual suspects, starting with Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review that highlights its "medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and silky tannins," which makes it "already hard to resist." Still, the vintage's structured tannins mean it "should really shine with a little cellaring," according to Wine Spectator. Either way, you can load up on a surefire, perennial winner at sub-$40 price you won't find anywhere else. | ||
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| 2019 Pedesclaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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