2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a textbook example of the cool Awatere Valley style” by Decanter’s Bob Campbell, the crisp and zesty 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc boasts Marlborough's fresh enticing aromas of citrusy, tropical fruit finishing with a hint of tangy minerality, a refreshingly delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc unbeatably priced to pour and enjoy freely. Located on the Rapaura Road just below the Wairau River, winemaker Simon Waghorn established his small family-owned winery on New Zealand’s South Island in 1996, naming it Astrolabe after the astronomical instrument used by the pioneering navigators who first explored the Marlborough Sounds in the 19th century. Described as “a consistently delicious label” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Pickard, Astrolabe sources top quality Sauvignon Blanc from long term contracts with a small group of growers in the Awatere Valley as well as parcels in Wairau, the Southern Valleys and the Kekerengu Coast, the sustainably farmed vineyards boasting a cooler climate with a diverse range of soils and growing conditions that contribute layers of complexity. After harvesting the grapes during the coolest part of the day, Simon preserved the freshness of the grapes for the 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc throughout fermentation and aging, yielding elegantly balanced ripe citrus flavors with subtle notes of tropical fruit balanced by Marlborough's signature herbaceous minerality and a refreshing savory, dry finish that draws you back for another sip. Celebrating its 25th vintage in 2022, the bright and crisp 94 pt. 2022 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the year’s top rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and an appealing choice for an everyday white, named a Wine Spectator Value Pick that's ready to enjoy often over the next few years at an equally appealing bargain price. | ||
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2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by the renowned 100 pt. winemaker known for putting vineyard-driven Rioja on the map, the rich and elegant 94 pt. 2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain is a Rioja lovers' dream, a beautifully crafted Tempranillo offering lush aromas and vivid, pure flavors with a velvety, uplifted finish, incredibly bargain priced for stocking up to enjoy often. Founded as a local coop in Rioja Alavesa, Artadi has been transformed since the early 1990’s under the groundbreaking leadership of fourth generation winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, crafting the Bodegas’ first 100 pt. Rioja in 2004 and eventually leaving the Rioja DOC in 2015 to focus on its vineyard-expressive wines. Exhibiting the characteristic vibrant red fruit and dusty minerality that reflects its Alavesa terroir, the 2019 Vinas de Gain is sourced from Tempranillo vines ranging from 20 to 30 years of age, planted at altitudes between 450 and 700 meters in clay and limestone soils and all farmed organically. After overseeing the hand harvesting of grapes with strict selection, Juan Carlos aged the 2019 Vinas de Gain for 9 months in French barriques, yielding “a fresh, fruit-driven and juicy red” according to the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez with smooth, silky tannins on a backbone of well-integrated oak. From a Rioja vintage called “a perfect year” by Decanter’s Amaya Cervera, the outstanding 94 pt. 2019 Artadi Vinas de Gain reflects an undeniable pedigree, a pure expression of its unique Rioja Alavesa terroir meticulously crafted by one of Spain’s most acclaimed winemakers, an incomparable value for Rioja lovers and anyone looking for a deliciously satisfying red wine to reach for again and again. | ||
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2021 Flowers Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A superb value for fans of rich and age worthy Napa Cabs, the lush 93 pt. 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon balances ripe velvety dark fruit with bright acidity and silky tannins, produced in a "fabulous" Napa vintage according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and ready to reward Cab lovers and collectors who secure their stash years of pleasurable drinking to come. Situated between two vineyard-covered hillsides with clusters of pine trees topping the slopes, Pine Ridge Vineyards has produced its outstanding Napa Cabernet Sauvignon just off the Silverado Trail for over 40 years, “a pleasure-bent beauty” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck that has consistently garnered 90 plus pt. ratings over the last decade. Spanning 160 acres within five AVA’s, the grapes were hand harvested from the estate’s sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Napa Valley including Stags Leap, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros, the outstanding 2021 vintage producing below average yields of small, intensely flavored berries. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petite Sirah and Malbec, winemaker Michael Beaulac aged the 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon in a combination of 35% new French oak, 15% new American oak and the remaining 50% in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months, yielding alluring fresh fruit hinting of vanilla and forest with lush, integrated tannins promising longevity. Layering the unique qualities of each AVA into a seamless, harmonious blend, Napa Cab lovers won’t need convincing to stock up on the smooth and satisfying 93 pt. 2021 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, continuing the estate's 40 year quality legacy in Napa Valley and exclusively offered at an unbeatable price to enjoy over the next decade. | ||
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2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A rich and age worthy Sangiovese blend from on outstanding vintage, the elegant aromatic 95 pt. 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva offers bright, earthy fruit balanced by juicy acidity and smooth, refined tannins, a top scoring red from the lesser-known Tuscany region producing “lively, refreshing, engaging wines” according to the Wine Independent’s Susan Hulme that rivals the reds of neighboring Tuscan regions at a fraction of the cost. Spanning over 500 hectares of land, Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo founded Carpineto in Chianti Classico in 1967, expanding their portfolio to produce Vino Nobile from vineyards southeast of the hilltop town of Montepulciano in the late 1990’s. With a history dating back over five centuries in Tuscany and among the first regions in Italy approved for DOCG status in 1980, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has experienced a steady rise in quality over the last decade, crafting polished, terroir-driven Sangiovese “of real character that also offer tremendous quality for the money” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinou from the lesser-known Tuscany region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, s. Set in the rolling hills at around 250 meters above sea level, Carpineto’s sustainably farmed 84.5 hectares of vineyards are planted mainly to Sangiovese in a mix of sand and “tufa” clay soil, surrounded by a biodiverse area that includes a small natural lake and a 12-hectare olive grove. Blending mostly Sangiovese with the indigenous Canaiolo, winemaker Caterina Sacchet aged the opulent 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva in a mix of used Slavonian and French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months before bottling, extending the aging for an additional year beyond the minimal three year requirement for a Riserva and yielding a beautifully balanced Sangiovese with lively acidity and “enough tannins to age another decade or longer” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson. A pure and transparent expression of Sangiovese from the lesser-known Tuscany region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, the alluring and age worthy 95 pt. 2018 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is among the top rated Vino Nobile’s of the vintage and an outstanding value, ready for Sangiovese fans and anyone seeking a taste of Tuscany to enjoy freely for years to come at an exceptional bargain price. | ||
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2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ranging from fresh entry level cuvees to robustly structured 1er and Grand Crus, these top scoring selections from Jean Marc Brocard promise to over deliver value for fans of White Burgundy seeking a great deal, a rich assortment for Chablis fans and anyone looking for meticulously crafted white wines to enjoy now and over the next decade. Located just down the Route de Chablis in the village of Prehy, Jean Marc Brocard’s winery was established with 1.5 hectares of vines from his wife’s family nearly 50 years ago, the estate’s vineyard holdings expanding to over 200 hectares and now under the direction of his son Julien who joined his father as vineyard manager in 1997 who spearheaded the estate’s transition to organic farming, From the only Burgundy appellation that allows non-Burgundian grapes, the 2022 Brocard Saint-Bris is a highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc matured in wooden vats boasting crisp citrus fruit and grassy notes with brisk, mineral-driven acidity while the 100% Chardonnay 91 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire is “one of the hidden gems from Brocard” according to Neal Martin of Vinous, offering enticing aromatic fruit balanced by fresh acidity. Described as “excellent” by critic Neal Martin, the vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire balances the fresh, aromatic flavors of 75-year-old vine Chardonnay fruit with vibrant minerality while the richly concentrated 93 pt. 2022 Brocard Vieilles Vignes de 1946 offers creamy textured fruit on a fresh, polished finish, this special cuvee sourced from a single plot of low-yielding vines planted near the winery just after the end of World War II. Brocard’s highly rated 1er Cru selections include the elegant 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Montmains revealing rich, ripe fruit and fresh mineral-driven acidity, the exquisite 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey that’s “both classy and complex” according to Andy Howard of Decanter, and the stunning 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent from the sole 1er Cru vineyard on the Grand Cru hill, a powerfully elegant 1er Cru with notable concentration and fresh, focused acidity. Ranked #8 on Decanter’s Top 10 Grand Cru Chablis of 2022, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Brocard Valmur Grand Cru offers fresh, ripe lightly spiced fruit with well-balanced minerality and a lingering salinity, a rich and harmonious Grand Cru promising to develop over the next decade. Hailed as a “year to snap up” by Decanter’s Andy Howard, these impressive 2022 Jean Marc Brocard selections elegantly balance the vintage’s ripeness with fresh acidity and enticing minerality, masterfully crafted by one of the region’s top producers and among northern Burgundy’s finest values well priced for stocking up. | ||
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2021 Calera Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Central Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2021 Melville Estate Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2021 Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc (750ml) | ||
Sauvignon Blanc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Produced in “a brilliant vintage for the dry whites of Bordeaux” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, lovers of crisp, mineral-driven white wines can count on the 92 pt. 2021 Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc to deliver the goods, its bright, citrusy fruit balanced with flinty, saline-tinged acidity on a creamy, mouthwatering finish, a classic expression of its Pessac-Leognan terroir ready to enjoy at a fraction of the price of its high profile neighbors. Situated at the heart of a sprawling vineyard and surrounded by manicured trees, the 12th century turreted Chateau Carbonnieux is one of the oldest estates in Pessac-Leognan, owned by the Perrin family for over a half century who are credited with consistently producing an exceptional Bordeaux Blanc described as “one of the great classics of Bordeaux dry whites” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Located 16 kilometers south of Bordeaux city near Haut Bailly and Smith Haut Lafitte, the sustainably farmed 46-hectare vineyard for the Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc is situated on a gently sloping, large gravel hill that rises to 50 meters, planted mostly to Sauvignon Blanc with 35% Semillon in a mix of limestone and clay and cooled by the nearby Garonne, preserving the grapes’ freshness and acidity. Sourced from a cooler Bordeaux vintage described as producing “exceptional dry white wines” by Decanter, the 2021 Carbonnieux Blanc was aged in a mix of 25% new French oak utilizing 225-liter and 400-liter barrels, along with one-third aged in large wooden vats or foudre for an average of 10 months with lees stirring throughout the aging, exhibiting “rock solid balance” according to Jeb Dunnuck with chalky mineral nuances and intense structure reflecting its Pessac-Leognan pedigree. Describing it as testament to the Perrin family’s dedication to quality, the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth declares, “I’d be hard-pressed to find a better white Bordeaux that offers such classic typicity and age-ability at a square price,” the silky and vibrant 92 pt. Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc a deliciously satisfying blend punching well above its weight that will appeal equally to White Bordeaux lovers and fans of crisp, elegant whites seeking a great deal. | ||
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2010 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2018 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2017 Le Cinciole Petresco (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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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2015 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2020 Clos Bellane Vinsobres Saint Jacques (750ml) | ||
From Vinsobres, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “impeccable beauties” by Jeb Dunnuck, these highly rated Clos Bellane selections reveal nuanced ripe dark fruit with flinty minerality from the unique northerly terroir of the Vinsobres AOC in the Southern Rhone, crafted by talented winemaker Stephane Vedeau of Ferme du Mont in Chateauneuf du Pape and all offered at exceptional value pricing perfect for mixing a case. Elevated from Cotes du Rhone Villages to its own AOC status in 2005, the lesser known Vinsobres AOC has been the “secret” source of grapes for top rated Cote du Rhone blends from esteemed producers like Jean-Louis Chave of Hermitage for decades, the northern region bordered by a protective amphitheater formed by Mont Ventoux and the Alpine foothills and attracting high profile producers from the region’s warmer, southerly appellations including Louis Barruol of St. Cosme and the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel. Drawn to the estate’s high elevation and limestone-rich soils on the Vinsobres plateau, Stephane purchased the Clos Bellane property in 2010, producing a range of terroir driven cuvees that emphasize freshness and balance by keeping extraction to a minimum and aging mainly in a combination of tank, concrete and well used barrels. Situated at 400 meters above sea level with panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, Clos Bellane enjoys a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, its 48 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted mostly to Grenache aged 60 years of age and Syrah averaging 30 years of age on mineral-rich, pebbly slopes outside Valreas with an east-facing exposure that enables even ripening while lower night time temperatures preserve the grapes’ acidity. Aged mostly in concrete, the entry level 92 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Rouge is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah bursting with fresh spiced dark fruit and mineral-tinged garrigue on a smooth, satisfying finish. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Stephane aged the elegant and powerful 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Vinsobres Saint Jacques in concrete vats for 12 months, yielding aromatic and vibrant dark fruit with hints of graphite and well balanced acidity on a persistent, mouthwatering finish. Crafted from 100% Syrah from the estate’s oldest vines, the rich and muscular 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Les Echalas Rouge matured in a mix of barrels and concrete, yielding rich, aromatic dark fruit hinting of cracked pepper and savory spice with a velvety texture and fine, precise tannins able to age a decade or more. Summed up as “gorgeous” by Jeb Dunnuck, these meticulously crafted gems from Clos Bellane offer B-21 Southern Rhone fans a chance to be among the first to enjoy this relatively undiscovered estate at a time when new appellations and pioneering producers are few and far between, their exceptional quality and drinkability placing them at the forefront of the emerging Vinsobres AOC and all outstanding values promising Rhone lovers pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Les Echalas Rouge (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “impeccable beauties” by Jeb Dunnuck, these highly rated Clos Bellane selections reveal nuanced ripe dark fruit with flinty minerality from the unique northerly terroir of the Vinsobres AOC in the Southern Rhone, crafted by talented winemaker Stephane Vedeau of Ferme du Mont in Chateauneuf du Pape and all offered at exceptional value pricing perfect for mixing a case. Elevated from Cotes du Rhone Villages to its own AOC status in 2005, the lesser known Vinsobres AOC has been the “secret” source of grapes for top rated Cote du Rhone blends from esteemed producers like Jean-Louis Chave of Hermitage for decades, the northern region bordered by a protective amphitheater formed by Mont Ventoux and the Alpine foothills and attracting high profile producers from the region’s warmer, southerly appellations including Louis Barruol of St. Cosme and the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel. Drawn to the estate’s high elevation and limestone-rich soils on the Vinsobres plateau, Stephane purchased the Clos Bellane property in 2010, producing a range of terroir driven cuvees that emphasize freshness and balance by keeping extraction to a minimum and aging mainly in a combination of tank, concrete and well used barrels. Situated at 400 meters above sea level with panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, Clos Bellane enjoys a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, its 48 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted mostly to Grenache aged 60 years of age and Syrah averaging 30 years of age on mineral-rich, pebbly slopes outside Valreas with an east-facing exposure that enables even ripening while lower night time temperatures preserve the grapes’ acidity. Aged mostly in concrete, the entry level 92 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Rouge is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah bursting with fresh spiced dark fruit and mineral-tinged garrigue on a smooth, satisfying finish. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Stephane aged the elegant and powerful 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Vinsobres Saint Jacques in concrete vats for 12 months, yielding aromatic and vibrant dark fruit with hints of graphite and well balanced acidity on a persistent, mouthwatering finish. Crafted from 100% Syrah from the estate’s oldest vines, the rich and muscular 95 pt. 2020 Clos Bellane Valreas Les Echalas Rouge matured in a mix of barrels and concrete, yielding rich, aromatic dark fruit hinting of cracked pepper and savory spice with a velvety texture and fine, precise tannins able to age a decade or more. Summed up as “gorgeous” by Jeb Dunnuck, these meticulously crafted gems from Clos Bellane offer B-21 Southern Rhone fans a chance to be among the first to enjoy this relatively undiscovered estate at a time when new appellations and pioneering producers are few and far between, their exceptional quality and drinkability placing them at the forefront of the emerging Vinsobres AOC and all outstanding values promising Rhone lovers pleasurable drinking for years to come. | ||
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2022 Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ranging from fresh entry level cuvees to robustly structured 1er and Grand Crus, these top scoring selections from Jean Marc Brocard promise to over deliver value for fans of White Burgundy seeking a great deal, a rich assortment for Chablis fans and anyone looking for meticulously crafted white wines to enjoy now and over the next decade. Located just down the Route de Chablis in the village of Prehy, Jean Marc Brocard’s winery was established with 1.5 hectares of vines from his wife’s family nearly 50 years ago, the estate’s vineyard holdings expanding to over 200 hectares and now under the direction of his son Julien who joined his father as vineyard manager in 1997 who spearheaded the estate’s transition to organic farming, From the only Burgundy appellation that allows non-Burgundian grapes, the 2022 Brocard Saint-Bris is a highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc matured in wooden vats boasting crisp citrus fruit and grassy notes with brisk, mineral-driven acidity while the 100% Chardonnay 91 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Ste. Claire is “one of the hidden gems from Brocard” according to Neal Martin of Vinous, offering enticing aromatic fruit balanced by fresh acidity. Described as “excellent” by critic Neal Martin, the vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire balances the fresh, aromatic flavors of 75-year-old vine Chardonnay fruit with vibrant minerality while the richly concentrated 93 pt. 2022 Brocard Vieilles Vignes de 1946 offers creamy textured fruit on a fresh, polished finish, this special cuvee sourced from a single plot of low-yielding vines planted near the winery just after the end of World War II. Brocard’s highly rated 1er Cru selections include the elegant 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Montmains revealing rich, ripe fruit and fresh mineral-driven acidity, the exquisite 92 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey that’s “both classy and complex” according to Andy Howard of Decanter, and the stunning 94 pt. 2022 Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent from the sole 1er Cru vineyard on the Grand Cru hill, a powerfully elegant 1er Cru with notable concentration and fresh, focused acidity. Ranked #8 on Decanter’s Top 10 Grand Cru Chablis of 2022, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Brocard Valmur Grand Cru offers fresh, ripe lightly spiced fruit with well-balanced minerality and a lingering salinity, a rich and harmonious Grand Cru promising to develop over the next decade. Hailed as a “year to snap up” by Decanter’s Andy Howard, these impressive 2022 Jean Marc Brocard selections elegantly balance the vintage’s ripeness with fresh acidity and enticing minerality, masterfully crafted by one of the region’s top producers and among northern Burgundy’s finest values well priced for stocking up. | ||
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2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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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2018 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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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2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “gem of a producer” by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider’s Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate’s exceptional “golden” terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region’s top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d’Oro, the amphitheater-shaped “golden basin” considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as “one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as “a perennial overperformer” by Decanter’s Michaela Morris that’s not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting “quite a wow factor,” while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the “bold” 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having “a lovely defined character” and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming “what a gorgeous wine this is.” A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “absolutely gorgeous” according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione “packs a huge punch” and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is “a knockout,” describing the atypical blend as offering “stunning depth and textural intensity.” Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate’s highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco “breathtaking” while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts “notable depth and intensity,” and like all Le Cinciole’s top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D’Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany’s hidden treasures, still seeming “to fly under the radar” according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to “strike gold” and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole’s purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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2022 Schug Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Produced from the cool and windswept vineyards of the Sonoma Coast AVA, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir offers aromatic juicy red fruit hinting of cedar and spice with bright acidity on a smooth and supple finish, sourced from a fabulous Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and over delivering value at an outstanding bargain price. Growing up in his family’s vineyards of Germany’s Rhine River Valley, celebrated winemaker Walter Schug brought his passion for Pinot to California in the 1950’s, becoming renowned as the founding winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa where he created the iconic Insignia blend before leaving to pioneer the production of cool climate Pinot Noir on a 42-acre property in Carneros in 1980. Remaining family-owned and now run by Walter’s children, the 2022 Schug Pinot Noir was crafted by young German-born winemaker Johannes Scheid who is credited with employing a terroir-driven approach with limited intervention in the cellar and moving the winery towards greater sustainability. Perched above Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco Bay, the Schug estate vineyards enjoy a long, sunny growing season with cool Pacific fog and winds coursing through the Petaluma Gap, the longer hangtime and lower yields enhancing complexity while preserving freshness in the Pinot Noir grapes. Sourced from the Schug estate vineyards as well as some of Sonoma’s County’s premier coastal growers including Sangiacomo Vineyard, winemaker Scheid aged the elegant 2022 Schug Pinot Noir in a mix of large neutral oak casks and older French barrels as well as stainless steel tanks, balancing fresh aromatic fruit with vibrant, silky tannins and yielding a harmonious and layered Pinot Noir that’s equally delicious for sipping or when paired with food. Crafted by the region’s pioneer of cool climate Pinot Noir, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 Schug Pinot Noir reflects the quality legacy of its founder and its Sonoma Coast pedigree, a top rated, top value California Pinot Noir that’s bargain priced for everyday indulgence. | ||
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2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Willamette, Oregon | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A top value sparkling wine from a “stellar vintage” for Oregon Chardonnay according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Paul Gregutt, the elegant 93 pt. 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs offers fragrant, fresh fruit with crisp, mineral-driven acidity on a creamy, refined mousse, an enticing 100% Chardonnay sparkler “packed full of flavor and tension” according to Neal Martin of Vinous that’s bargain priced for everyday enjoyment. While sparkling might not be the first wine that comes to mind when considering Willamette Valley, Oregon’s ability to produce complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the balanced acidity required for sparkling wine production has long been recognized by Argyle founder Rollin Soles, ranking among the top producers in the US for over three decades and scoring the highest ratings given by the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate for sparkling wines outside of Champagne. Encouraged by his friendship with legendary Bollinger vintner Christian Bizot, Rollin established Argyle in Dundee, Oregon in partnership with Australian businessman Brian Croser in 1987, confident the combination of Willamette Valley’s cool climate and extended growing season would produce exceptional New World sparkling wines that would rival Champagne. Produced as a new cuvee in the 2019 vintage, the Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs was sourced from the estate’s original 124 acre Knudsen Vineyard at 630 to 1000 ft. above sea level in the heart of the Dundee Hills as well as the 137 acre Spirit Hill Vineyard at 600 to 700 ft. above sea level in Eola-Amity Hills, the combined cooling effects of higher elevation along with gusting winds through the Van Duzer corridor preserving the grapes’ freshness and acidity. Crafted in the traditional method by Nate Klostermann, Rollin’s handpicked successor since 2013, the alluring 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs was made exclusively from hand harvested, estate grown fruit from the 2019 vintage, 40% barrel fermented over six months before bottling and aged on the lees for 30 months with minimal dosage, yielding ripe fruit hinting of toasty brioche and mouth filling, fine bubbles that linger on the refined and elegant finish. A delicious sparkler boasting impressive complexity from an outstanding vintage, the 93 pt. 2019 Argyle Brut Blanc de Blancs reflects Argyle’s long standing reputation as Oregon’s pioneering producer of Champagne-style wines, and as one of the few producers who crafts their sparkling wines in house, an exceptional value, summed up simply as an “excellent sparkler for an excellent price” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty and a true bargain for sparkling wine fans seeking to pop the cork more often. | ||
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2021 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Extremely sleek, elegant and well made.” Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (93 pt. Decanter review) From a top Haut-Medoc chateau classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the impressive 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue offers rich aromatic spiced fruit with velvety ripe tannins, a beautifully balanced and age worthy Left Bank blend promising “to be a gem of a wine” according to Jeb Dunnuck and bargain priced for everyday enjoyment. Located along the D2 just west of Macau, Chateau Belle-Vue is visible from the roadside just south of the massive iron gates of Margaux’s Chateau Giscours and barely two kilometers from the Gironde. Releasing its first vintage in 1996, Chateau Belle-Vue is a relatively young estate situated near one of Bordeaux’s original drainage canals that separates it from Giscours, sharing a similar name but not to be confused with St. Emilion’s Chateau Bellevue. Planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon, the 15-hectare vineyard has deep rough gravelly soil considered the region’s best terroir near the Garonne tributary and bordered by woodland to the east, the vines averaging around 39 years of age with some planted nearly a century ago. Boasting an unusually high percentage of Petit Verdot that adds a distinctly aromatically spiced component to the Grand Vin, the deeply structured 2019 Belle-Vue was aged for 14 months in 30% new French oak to reveal fresh, earthy fruit balanced by savory acidity, yielding “a gorgeous bottle of wine that will keep for over a decade” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Describing it as “powerful and burly,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Belle-Vue “an ideal wine for the dinner table” its appealing spiced flavors and fresh dense tannins promising a decade of drinking pleasure at a superb value. | ||
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2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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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2021 Lucia by Pisoni Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Estate Cuvee (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2019 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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2019 Andremily EABA (750ml) | ||
Syrah from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by the former assistant winemaker at legendary cult producer Sine Qua Non for “fans of big, concentrated, nuanced Rhone Ranger styles” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, these top scoring Andremily selections offer a range of red and white wines “built on textural opulence” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, a rare opportunity for Cali Rhone fans and collectors to acquire wines typically reserved for their mailing list including exclusive back vintage magnum sets at unbeatable value pricing. After achieving a staggering twenty-seven 100 point scores during his tenure with winemaker Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non, Jim Binns established Andremily in 2012 on the outskirts of Ventura California just south of Santa Barbara, naming it for the combination of his two children’s names, Andrew and Emily and devoting his full attention to his Central Coast project in 2017. Sourcing grapes from top Santa Barbara vineyards including the legendary Bien Nacido and White Hawk, Jim has also expanded his use of estate grown fruit since his recent purchase of the 39-acre Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley, a move that has had “a profound impact on the wine” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous with the wines revealing “more nuance and delineation.” A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 26% Roussanne, 19% Marsanne, and 15% Viognier, the 97 pt. 2021 Andremily White Cuvee is described by Jeb Dunnuck as a “ripe, sexy, yet pure and flawlessly balanced white should be snatched up by readers, while the 97 pt. 2019 Andremily EABA “End All Be All” blend of mostly Syrah with Mourvedre is an “outrageously beautiful ample wine that captures the Andremily style at its best” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous. From “an undeniably great vintage throughout the Central Coast that will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the 97 pt. 2021 Andremily #10 Syrah “stunningly complex even at this young age” with full-bodied richness “and a finish that won’t quit,” while the 100 pt. 2021 Andremily Mourvedre, blended with 12% Syrah including fruit comes from the Slide Hill estate vineyard, boasts “solid tannins, perfect balance, and a great finish” and promises “two decades of longevity” according to Dunnuck. Offered as a set of two magnums, the exceptional 97 pt. 2019 Andremily EABA is paired with the stunning 97 pt. 2019 Grenache, described as “dark, bold and luscious” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous with “a seamless, layered texture, beautiful tannins, and a great finish” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks. A magnum duo from the 2020 vintage, the 97 pt. 2020 Andremily #9 Syrah boasts “a ripe, lush texture, solid tannins, and a great finish” according to Jeb Dunnuck, while the “simply stunning” 100 pt. 2020 Andremily Mourvedre is crafted by “one of a handful of the finest Mourvedre artisans in the world” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, an elegantly rich and deeply structured wine inspired by Beaucastel’s Hommage a Jacques Perrin. Crafted in “a rich, unctuous style, with extended maceration and tons of depth,” Antonio Galloni describes the Andremily portfolio as “incredibly exciting” while Jeb Dunnuck calls them “stunningly singular wines” that “readers should not miss,” these small production, top rated Andremily blends from incredibly talented winemaker Jim Binns priced well below cult favorite Sine Qua Non to deliver exceptional value for California Rhone fans. | ||
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2014 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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