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| 2020 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A brilliant wine, and a great value pick." - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Bordeaux remains arguably the greatest hotbed of collectible value in the world of fine wine, and at the forefront of that trend the past decade has been Margaux's Chateau Labegorce. Since 2015, this dynamic estate has been outpacing its station in the quality and price heirarchies, delivering exceptional, cellar-worthy character and style at prices that allow Bordeaux collectors of all stripes to line their cellars. The 2020 has shaped up to be the proven performer that we've all been looking forwrad to since en primeur. The structure and tension of the vintage are readily apparent, providing the perfect foundation for all the classic Margaux charm and grace to come through and evolve in superb fashion. Neal Martin describes it as "an excellent, quite substantial Margaux for long-term ageing," and that about sums it up for any Bordeaux collector on the hunt for razor-sharp cellar buys. | ||
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| 2023 Antinori Castello della Sala Bramito Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Umbria, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2023 is toasty and slightly tropical, with a mineral, stony quality which runs through the core, and lovely bright acidity." - Decanter Venturing off the beaten path in search of great value is a big part of the wine game, so imagine our surpise when we came upon the 2023 Bramito, a charming little sub-$20 number, not from France, not from California, but from Italy's Umbria region. Antinori's impeccably run Castello della Sala estate also produces the Cervaro della Sala, so it's no surprise that the same pedigree that makes arguably Italy's greatest Chardonnay and one of its greatest collectible white wines also produces this incredibly well-made value gem. Purely Mediterranean in character, the Bramito showcases "silken and round, with a core of zesty acidity ... [and] such wonderful balance within" according to Vinous. An easy case buy for a variety of occasions, you also won't regret hiding a few in the cellar to see how it develops over the next few years. | ||
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| Baker's 7yr Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Clermont, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "A sultry, oaky Bourbon for the connoisseur." - Beverage Testing Institute Everybody in the bourbon game knows Booker Noe, and when Booker goes out of his way to make a single-barrel bourbon, it's for good reason. The Baker's Single Barrel is an ode to Booker's favorite cousin, one Baker Beam, the long-time master distiller at, you guessed it, Jim Beam. Always proofed at 107 and always bottled at seven years old, it's a classic that has become a perennial best seller over the years. After all, each new release gives bourbon aficionados a chance to experience a version of Jim Beam juice that they've never had before. As barrels are selected for bottling, the final product is heavily influenced by several factors, such the cask's location in the rickhouse, the mash-bill, and the type of barrel. The whiskey is not without its consistency, however, as the meticulous devotion to craft that goes into all of Booker Noe's bourbons is the same with each barrel of Baker's that leaves the warehouse. We just secured a very limited-time price on this Kentucky favorite that puts it nearly 30% off the going market rate, so now's the time to stock up. | ||
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| 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “These wonderful wines have a savory and mineral accent, with an open window for enjoyment at a great price point.” Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck From the pioneering champion of Sangiovese in Tuscany’s Bolgheri region, the rich and refined 95 pt. 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore reveals fresh, spiced dark fruit and vibrant acidity on a long, satisfying finish, a knockout Super Tuscan blend among the best values on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024 and now unbeatably priced to stock the cellar. Working as a consultant to some of Bolgheri’s earliest estates, Michele Satta became known as an expert in its coastal terroir, planting many of the region’s first vineyards including Ornellaia’s legendary Masseto and founding his winery in Castagneto Carducci two years before the Bolgheri DOC was established in 1982. Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing accessible blends “with a unique elegance and sense of place from varietals not often championed on the Bolgheri coast,” Michele remained convinced of the area’s potential for producing Sangiovese despite its growing reputation for international grapes, now producing his portfolio from the family’s biodynamically farmed 24-hectare estate along with his son and second generation winemaker Giacomo Satta. Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as embodying “the fierce spirit of independence that is encapsulated in all of Satta’s wines,” the 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese, each varietal fermented separately with natural yeasts in cone-truncated oak barrels and aged in 20% new French oak for 18 months and another 24 months in bottle, yielding a fresh, vibrant blend with well-integrated acidity and harmonious tannins built to evolve over the next decade and showing “the potential of Sangiovese in this part of the Tuscan coast” according to critic Kerin O’Keefe. Described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as reflecting Satta’s “remarkably smooth and elegant” house style, the graceful and silky 95 pt. 2021 Michele Satta Piastraia Bolgheri Superiore is built on a substantial backbone of depth and complexity that “makes you sit up and take notice,” according to Decanter’s James Button, a deliciously enticing and age worthy Super Tuscan blend made all the more appealing by a terrific value price. | ||
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| Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 245 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The NV Collection 245 is another stellar Champagne from Roederer."- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Begun a few years ago as a bold step in a new direction by one of Champagne's most revered houses, Roederer's Collection Series is now a full-fledged fan-favorite that hits every mark with each new release. Created to replace Roederer’s non-vintage Brut in 2017, the Champagne Collection series labels each release with a unique ascending number akin to Krug’s non-vintage Grande Cuvée. Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon crafted the fourth-release Collection 245 from 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 26% Pinot Meunier with over half of the blend comprised of the exceptional 2020 vintage. Sourced evenly from Roederer’s La Riviere, La Montagne and La Côte estates, the Collection 245 includes 35% perpetual reserve wines created in 2012 that are stored in stainless steel and topped off every vintage, along with 10% from previous years and young plots on the Cristal estate aged in French oak foudres. The remaining 55% from 2020 grapes was fermented mostly in stainless steel with 15% in oak, the final blend then aged for four years in bottle on the lees, yielding remarkable complexity in a non-vintage Champagne.Wine Advocate’s William Kelley calls it “the finest release of the house's reimagined non-vintage Brut to date.” Its mouthwatering, textured fruit is beautifully balanced by lively acidity that finishes long on a steady stream of finely beaded bubbles, making for a marked departure in style from what most grand marque houses seek in their non-vintage cuvées. From “one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small” according to Galloni, the Collection 245 is crafted by one of the region’s most talented winemakers with the same meticulous attention to detail as the house's legendary tête de cuvée Cristal, delivering benchmark class and quality at its price point. | ||
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| 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec (750ml) | ||
| Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “An Argentine winemaker with rock star appeal...” - Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast From one of “the most dynamic winemakers in Argentina” according to James Suckling, the thrilling 96-point 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec boasts 100-point winemaker pedigree from the Uco Valley’s oldest Malbec vines, revealing ripe, juicy dark fruit with bright acidity on a lasting, savory finish and layered with plush tannins promising longevity at a remarkable value price. Gaining international recognition as the first Argentinian-born winemaker to garner a perfect Parker score for his 100-point 2010 Chateau La Violette Pomerol, Uco Valley native Marcelo Pelleriti established his eponymous winery on his family’s 110-year-old farm in La Consulta in 2007 and began a long-term collaboration with partner Miguel Priore in 2009, their shared vision to craft terroir-expressive Grand Cru wines encapsulating “the spirit of winemaking precision and creativity” in Uco Valley. Naming the estate for the year when the first Malbec vines arrived from France, Marcelo crafted the powerful 2019 Heritage Malbec from low-yielding, gnarled, pre-phylloxera Malbec vines aged over 100 years. The vineyard was vplanted in 1910 in rugged, silty loam and gravel soil at 1,050 meters above sea level, yielding tiny clusters of thick-skinned berries requiring the fruit of two vines to produce enough for a single bottle, imbuing his 1853 Malbec with rich concentration and staggering intensity. After fermenting the hand-harvested grapes with indigenous yeasts, Marcelo aged the impressive 2019 rendition for 24 months in French oak barrels with 12 months longer in bottle, yielding a “well-crafted and keenly priced” Malbec, revealing fresh, intensely concentrated fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins on a long and silky finish, the densely structured Malbec imbued with old vine complexity that guarantees longevity. From a region producing “Argentina's best and most modern wines” according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo, the remarkably talented Marcelo Pelleriti is at the forefront of crafting terroir expressive Malbec in the Uco Valley, his blockbuster 96-point 2019 Marcelo Pelleriti 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec offering aficionados and collectors of the best South American wines an exciting opportunity to jump on board Pelleriti’s ever-rising trajectory and enjoy one of Argentina’s most extraordinary Malbec values. | ||
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| 2021 Robert Mondavi The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is straight-up fabulous..." - Jeb Dunnuck No name in California wine history is as synonymous with Napa Cabernet as Robert Mondavi. Sourced from this revered estate's iconic To Kalon vineyard, an undisputed California "grand cru," the 2021 The Estates Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon makes the most of its pedigree and this acclaimed Napa vintage. A bevy of glowing praise, including 95 points from Decanter and 94 points each from Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck, confirms the wine's place as yet another benchmark expression of the valley's most famous AVA. "A wine of gravitas and power, the 2021 has a lot to offer," notes Galloni, who goes on to praise "a new level of energy and vibrancy in the Mondavi wines that is compelling." Rather than rest on their laurels, the team at Mondavi have redoubled their efforts to keep turning out stunning renditions such as this, and fans of expertly crafted Napa Valley Cabernet can add it to their cellars at a remarkable, sub-$60 price that's handily beats the rest of the market. | ||
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| 2022 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We just landed a newly arrived parcel of a frontrunner for wine of the vintage in 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape at must-see pricing. Paul-Vincent Avril sets the bar for classic, age-worthy style year after year, and the 2022 Clos des Papes is another entry in the pantheon of legendary wines to emerge from this storied address. “The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is showing beautifully, with the sun-kissed style of the vintage yet more depth and density than most ... It's one of the wines of the vintage and will have two decades of longevity.” - Jeb Dunnuck The 24 different parcels that comprise the wine are located in a diverse range of terroirs, from the rocky La Crau to areas of sand, limestone, and gravel, giving Avril the ability to maintain a consistency of style and quality that few in the region can match, while also mitigating any difficulties the growing season may bring. The 2022 is everything collectors expect from this benchmark icon, with critics across the board hailing its long-haul pedigree and perfectly composed profile. Best of all, our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing allows you to stock the cellar with confidence. | ||
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| 2020 Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “consistently outstanding” by Vinous critic Galloni, these top scoring 95 plus point 2020 Barolo selections from Mario Marengo are among the region’s best values, an array of vineyard expressive Barolo from entry level to Cru reflecting the characteristic “grace, elegance and understatement” of an outstanding Piedmont vintage according to critic Galloni and unbeatably priced whether choosing a favorite or mixing a case. Boasting a history in the region dating back over a century, Marengo’s small 6-hectare estate includes old vine holdings in the Brunate and Bricco delle Viole Cru’s, its new cellars in Serradenari now run by fourth generation Marco and his wife Jenny along with their son Stefano. Crafted under the advisement of legendary consulting enologist Beppe Ca’Viola, the elegant 95 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo is a blend across the estate's four top La Morra vineyards, yielding “a very authentic portrait of this Barolo village known for delicate, floral and softly graceful expressions of Barolo” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Sourced from a steep one hectare parcel in one of Barolo’s highest-elevation vineyard Cru’s, the ethereal 97 pt. 2020 Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole comes from Nebbiolo vines averaging over 70 years of age, its intoxicating aromatic spiced fruit beautifully balancing powerful, supple tannins that’s “hard not to touch now” according to James Suckling while promising another decade or more of pleasurable drinking. Reflecting “the characteristic power and determination of the Brunate Cru” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, the full-bodied 97 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo Brunate was sourced from 1.2 hectares of Nebbiolo planted in 1942, offering dark and sultry fruit with earthy aromas and fresh minerality and solidly built for decades of evolution. An array of artisan crafted gems produced in small amounts, Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes these 2020 Mario Marengo selections as “stylish Barolos that stand out for their supreme balance,” this offer a rare opportunity for Barolo collectors seeking outstanding value to stock the cellar with stunning Barolo for an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “consistently outstanding” by Vinous critic Galloni, these top scoring 95 plus point 2020 Barolo selections from Mario Marengo are among the region’s best values, an array of vineyard expressive Barolo from entry level to Cru reflecting the characteristic “grace, elegance and understatement” of an outstanding Piedmont vintage according to critic Galloni and unbeatably priced whether choosing a favorite or mixing a case. Boasting a history in the region dating back over a century, Marengo’s small 6-hectare estate includes old vine holdings in the Brunate and Bricco delle Viole Cru’s, its new cellars in Serradenari now run by fourth generation Marco and his wife Jenny along with their son Stefano. Crafted under the advisement of legendary consulting enologist Beppe Ca’Viola, the elegant 95 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo is a blend across the estate's four top La Morra vineyards, yielding “a very authentic portrait of this Barolo village known for delicate, floral and softly graceful expressions of Barolo” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Sourced from a steep one hectare parcel in one of Barolo’s highest-elevation vineyard Cru’s, the ethereal 97 pt. 2020 Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole comes from Nebbiolo vines averaging over 70 years of age, its intoxicating aromatic spiced fruit beautifully balancing powerful, supple tannins that’s “hard not to touch now” according to James Suckling while promising another decade or more of pleasurable drinking. Reflecting “the characteristic power and determination of the Brunate Cru” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, the full-bodied 97 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo Brunate was sourced from 1.2 hectares of Nebbiolo planted in 1942, offering dark and sultry fruit with earthy aromas and fresh minerality and solidly built for decades of evolution. An array of artisan crafted gems produced in small amounts, Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes these 2020 Mario Marengo selections as “stylish Barolos that stand out for their supreme balance,” this offer a rare opportunity for Barolo collectors seeking outstanding value to stock the cellar with stunning Barolo for an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Joblot Givry Clos du Cellier Aux Moines 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Givry, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the Joblot family produces serious wines with substance and structure that develop beautifully in bottle ... this reference-point domaine is at the top of its game." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate During our November trip to Burgundy last year, we got acquainted with a number of new discoveries, but we also checked in with a few old favorites, among them the Givry benchmark Domaine Joblot. As sharp Burgundy collectors know, the scarcity and high prices in the Côte d'Or offer the perfect motivation to look further afield for smart buys that maximize your collectible dollar, and the "satellite appellations" of the Côte Chalonnaise are getting an increasing level of attention. Now under fourth-generation proprietor Juliette Joblot and domaine director Hélène Sarkis, Domaine Joblot continues to set the pace in the Givry appellation. Tasting the line-up of excellent 2023s with Hélène, we'd have to agree with William Kelley's assessment above: this domaine is firing on all cylinders. Among the red 1er crus, the going theme is "lovely and understated" as Burghound's Allen Meadows puts it, although each wine has its individual charm (and its own Sweet Spot and Outstanding designations from Meadows). The 2023 Servoisine 1er Cru and 2023 Clos du Cellier Aux Moines 1er Cru are quintessential expressions of the vintage at Joblot, sculpted iterations of a classic red Burgundy built for the cellar. The difference comes in the slightly darker personality of the Cellier Aux Moines. Where the Servoisine is a bit brighter, more effusive, and more approachable in youth, the Cellier Aux Moines is coiled up in its deeper, more concentrated fruit, needing a few years to unwind and start to show its cards. But when it does, you'll find a thrilling Givry 1er Cru that Burgundy purists will love. In a market where 1er cru red Burgundies with real class and terroir signature are typically found in the triple-digit price range, these sub-$45 specimens are razor-sharp buys are now in stock and offering tons of upside potential, at domaine-direct, market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More By now, Seghesio's reference-point Old Vine Zinfandel needs little to no introduction, as it's long been a certified best-seller at B-21 for those seeking ultra-classic Sonoma Zin character for an absolute steal. Routinely one of the best bang-for-the-buck QPR stars in its category, the wine shines again in 2023 with a 92-point score from Wine Spectator. From select plots averaging 75 years of age, the 2023 Old Vine highlights everything we love about California Zinfandel in its bold yet balanced personality. "An old-school Zin that's loaded with zest and briar patch," as Spectator's Tim Fish describes it, this wine is a thrilling combination of exuberant fruit and spicy undertones that define all the best versions of this original California varietal. Fans of the estate shouldn't hesitate to stock up big yet again at our unbeatable market-best price. | ||
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| Wilderness Trail B-21 Barrel Select Cask Strength Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a spice-driven, punchy firecracker that’s tailor-made to take any Bourbon cocktail to the next-level." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer All too often when we find multiple single casks from the same distillery, the question arises, “What’s the difference?” And all too often, it’s not readily apparent. Not the case here – our two B-21 casks from Wilderness Trail are just pure, unadulterated fun, showing off two stellar interpretations of a fan-favorite distillery's trademark style. Last month, we showcased the unabashedly sweet, decadent Wheated cask, a true charmer through and through, and today we're taking things in a whole new direction with a straight Bourbon cask of a decidedly different nature. Likes its sister cask, it's still boasting plenty of Wilderness Trail's patented sweet mash style of distillate, but the high rye content and a year less in barrel make for a profile that's much more centered on spice and punch than on opulent luxury. The ISC #4 Char barrel has a bigger influence on the younger make than in the Wheated, so all manner of vanilla, baking spices, and anise are cranked up to eleven in this one. Layered under all of that is the spicy rye character that just sings in impeccable fashion alongside the more subtle sweetness from the mash bill. You can certainly drink it neat, and we highly recommend it, but you'd be crazy not to try it as the base for your next Old Fashioned or Manhattan, as this cask can stand up next to anything you throw at it. | ||
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| 2023 Hirtzberger Riesling Ried Singerriedel Smaragd (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In this cool end of the Wachau, this particular house style has come to a convincing apotheosis in 2023. It's really impressive but, above all, elegant." - Anne Krebiehl,Vinous The Hirtzberger estate is in many ways the definitive Wachau standard bearer. After all, it was the original Franz Hirtzberger who founded the Vinea Wachau classification which now sets the standards for the region's three-tier hierarchy of Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Franz the second has now served as president of the organization for going on three decades, so the family practically is Wachau in a way. And that's before we even get to their unparalleled stable of vineyard sites, all of which are simply some of the best in all of Austria. As with many of the country's finest producers, the magnificent 2023 vintage has endowed their wines with next-level class and inspired massive accolades from across the critical sphere, highlighted by the three benchmark collectible trophies on offer below. Starting with the 100-point Singerriedl Riesling, it's a wine of "fabulous concentration, focus and finesse" that will stand for decades in any cellar full of the world's top examples. The V97 Steinporz Riesling "is a triumph" according to Krebiehl, while the "inviting and generous appeal" of the 97-point Axpoint Grüner gives fans of the variety all the quintessential character they're looking for in a reference-point expression. We've been absolutely thrilled with what we've seen in Austria's 2023 vintage so far, and Hirtzberger's offerings stand unequivocally among the very elite of the campaign. However, quantities are limited, so collectors will want to take decisive action to secure these gems at the best pricing in the market. | ||
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| 2023 Hirtzberger Riesling Ried Steinporz Smaragd (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In this cool end of the Wachau, this particular house style has come to a convincing apotheosis in 2023. It's really impressive but, above all, elegant." - Anne Krebiehl,Vinous The Hirtzberger estate is in many ways the definitive Wachau standard bearer. After all, it was the original Franz Hirtzberger who founded the Vinea Wachau classification which now sets the standards for the region's three-tier hierarchy of Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Franz the second has now served as president of the organization for going on three decades, so the family practically is Wachau in a way. And that's before we even get to their unparalleled stable of vineyard sites, all of which are simply some of the best in all of Austria. As with many of the country's finest producers, the magnificent 2023 vintage has endowed their wines with next-level class and inspired massive accolades from across the critical sphere, highlighted by the three benchmark collectible trophies on offer below. Starting with the 100-point Singerriedl Riesling, it's a wine of "fabulous concentration, focus and finesse" that will stand for decades in any cellar full of the world's top examples. The V97 Steinporz Riesling "is a triumph" according to Krebiehl, while the "inviting and generous appeal" of the 97-point Axpoint Grüner gives fans of the variety all the quintessential character they're looking for in a reference-point expression. We've been absolutely thrilled with what we've seen in Austria's 2023 vintage so far, and Hirtzberger's offerings stand unequivocally among the very elite of the campaign. However, quantities are limited, so collectors will want to take decisive action to secure these gems at the best pricing in the market. | ||
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| 2021 Dominio de Atauta Parada de Atauta (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The perfumed, floral and aromatic 2021 Parada de Atauta combines ripeness with freshness and elegance." - Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate An estate on the rise in Ribera del Duero, Dominio de Atauta has emerged as one of the region's great insider's secrets, with several astute critics recognizing the undeniable quality and character of these wines crafted from high-elevation, old vines planted in very poor soil. The Soria sub-zone adds an element of finesse to Atauta's wines, even as the signature intensity of Ribera is on full display. An "excellent opportunity to sample what this winery can do," the Parada de Atauta is an overachieving stunner that punches well above its weight class. As Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez notes, "It's not a shy wine ... but keeps the poise and harmony, with a round and tender palate, very fine tannins and purity of flavors." Parada is sourced from a handful of plots ranging in age from 90 to 120 years on sandy terroir, giving it that poise and harmony mentioned above, while a lighter oak regime (by Ribero standards) provides just the right contours to bring everything together in one supremely polished, enticing package. It's somewhat surprising that Atauta doesn't have a bigger market footprint in the U.S., but we're also proud to showcase a Spanish insider's top find at a price that can't be beat. | ||
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| 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo Brunate (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “consistently outstanding” by Vinous critic Galloni, these top scoring 95 plus point 2020 Barolo selections from Mario Marengo are among the region’s best values, an array of vineyard expressive Barolo from entry level to Cru reflecting the characteristic “grace, elegance and understatement” of an outstanding Piedmont vintage according to critic Galloni and unbeatably priced whether choosing a favorite or mixing a case. Boasting a history in the region dating back over a century, Marengo’s small 6-hectare estate includes old vine holdings in the Brunate and Bricco delle Viole Cru’s, its new cellars in Serradenari now run by fourth generation Marco and his wife Jenny along with their son Stefano. Crafted under the advisement of legendary consulting enologist Beppe Ca’Viola, the elegant 95 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo is a blend across the estate's four top La Morra vineyards, yielding “a very authentic portrait of this Barolo village known for delicate, floral and softly graceful expressions of Barolo” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Sourced from a steep one hectare parcel in one of Barolo’s highest-elevation vineyard Cru’s, the ethereal 97 pt. 2020 Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole comes from Nebbiolo vines averaging over 70 years of age, its intoxicating aromatic spiced fruit beautifully balancing powerful, supple tannins that’s “hard not to touch now” according to James Suckling while promising another decade or more of pleasurable drinking. Reflecting “the characteristic power and determination of the Brunate Cru” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, the full-bodied 97 pt. 2020 Mario Marengo Barolo Brunate was sourced from 1.2 hectares of Nebbiolo planted in 1942, offering dark and sultry fruit with earthy aromas and fresh minerality and solidly built for decades of evolution. An array of artisan crafted gems produced in small amounts, Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes these 2020 Mario Marengo selections as “stylish Barolos that stand out for their supreme balance,” this offer a rare opportunity for Barolo collectors seeking outstanding value to stock the cellar with stunning Barolo for an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| Indri Dru Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (750ml) | ||
| From Gurugram, Haryana, India | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This one is a real late-night treat." - Whisky Advocate Indian single malt whiskey has been riding a tide of populartiy in recent years, as names like Amrut have gained big traction among whiskey fans looking for top-quality juice at fair prices. Right along side them, though with more under-the-radar fanfare, Indri is turning out superb specimens that have piqued the interest of collectors and connoisseurs the world over. The Cask Strength DRU bottling is a strict selection of ex-bourbon barrels that have developed according to the highest standards of the master blender. After all, in the sub-tropical climate of the Indian plains where Indri is located, maturation is accelerated, thanks in large part to higher heat and humidity, as well as increased "angel's share" evaporation that concentrates the spirits even more. Bottled with no added color or chill-filtration, the DRU lives up to the hype with numerous awards and accolades over the past few years, capped by a 93-point review in Whisky Advocate that praises its "fathomless pool" of complexity and opulent malt character. If you're a single malt fan that needs to freshen up your repertoire or if you're a seasoned insider who's keen on the world's most interesting expressions, the Indri DRU is a go-to standout that won't disappoint. | ||
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| 2021 Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass,"notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart,"a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it’s concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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| 2023 Hirtzberger Gruner Veltliner Ried Axpoint Smaragd (750ml) | ||
| Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Niederosterreich, Austria | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In this cool end of the Wachau, this particular house style has come to a convincing apotheosis in 2023. It's really impressive but, above all, elegant." - Anne Krebiehl,Vinous The Hirtzberger estate is in many ways the definitive Wachau standard bearer. After all, it was the original Franz Hirtzberger who founded the Vinea Wachau classification which now sets the standards for the region's three-tier hierarchy of Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd. Franz the second has now served as president of the organization for going on three decades, so the family practically is Wachau in a way. And that's before we even get to their unparalleled stable of vineyard sites, all of which are simply some of the best in all of Austria. As with many of the country's finest producers, the magnificent 2023 vintage has endowed their wines with next-level class and inspired massive accolades from across the critical sphere, highlighted by the three benchmark collectible trophies on offer below. Starting with the 100-point Singerriedl Riesling, it's a wine of "fabulous concentration, focus and finesse" that will stand for decades in any cellar full of the world's top examples. The V97 Steinporz Riesling "is a triumph" according to Krebiehl, while the "inviting and generous appeal" of the 97-point Axpoint Grüner gives fans of the variety all the quintessential character they're looking for in a reference-point expression. We've been absolutely thrilled with what we've seen in Austria's 2023 vintage so far, and Hirtzberger's offerings stand unequivocally among the very elite of the campaign. However, quantities are limited, so collectors will want to take decisive action to secure these gems at the best pricing in the market. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Joblot Givry Clos de la Servoisine 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Givry, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the Joblot family produces serious wines with substance and structure that develop beautifully in bottle ... this reference-point domaine is at the top of its game." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate During our November trip to Burgundy last year, we got acquainted with a number of new discoveries, but we also checked in with a few old favorites, among them the Givry benchmark Domaine Joblot. As sharp Burgundy collectors know, the scarcity and high prices in the Côte d'Or offer the perfect motivation to look further afield for smart buys that maximize your collectible dollar, and the "satellite appellations" of the Côte Chalonnaise are getting an increasing level of attention. Now under fourth-generation proprietor Juliette Joblot and domaine director Hélène Sarkis, Domaine Joblot continues to set the pace in the Givry appellation. Tasting the line-up of excellent 2023s with Hélène, we'd have to agree with William Kelley's assessment above: this domaine is firing on all cylinders. Among the red 1er crus, the going theme is "lovely and understated" as Burghound's Allen Meadows puts it, although each wine has its individual charm (and its own Sweet Spot and Outstanding designations from Meadows). The 2023 Servoisine 1er Cru and 2023 Clos du Cellier Aux Moines 1er Cru are quintessential expressions of the vintage at Joblot, sculpted iterations of a classic red Burgundy built for the cellar. The difference comes in the slightly darker personality of the Cellier Aux Moines. Where the Servoisine is a bit brighter, more effusive, and more approachable in youth, the Cellier Aux Moines is coiled up in its deeper, more concentrated fruit, needing a few years to unwind and start to show its cards. But when it does, you'll find a thrilling Givry 1er Cru that Burgundy purists will love. In a market where 1er cru red Burgundies with real class and terroir signature are typically found in the triple-digit price range, these sub-$45 specimens are razor-sharp buys are now in stock and offering tons of upside potential, at domaine-direct, market-best pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Villota Vina Gena Vinedo Singular (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fans of pedigreed, modern Rioja will want to pay close attention to today's private offer from Villota for several reasons. First, the estate itself was the original vineyard souce for CVNE's Contino project, but the family split off from the Cooperative in 2013 to focus on building their own label. Second, the man at the helm is responsible for Contino's ascension to Rioja's elite during the 1990s, and he's bringing that same expertise to bear in elevating Villota's stature in the region. Finally, the estate's situation at a bend in the Ebro River endows the wines with outstanding polish and flair that make them accessible to a wide audience. "Dry, taut and juicy on the palate, balance and energy come together to define a complex and modern Rioja wine."- Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous The latest vintage of their Viña Gena, from a plot designated Viñedo Singular in 2017, more than lives up to its special status in the estate's portfolio as a 96-point stunner that Jeb Dunnuck calls it "gorgeous stuff" and "another remarkably pure, clean, impressive wine from this estate with tons to love." James Suckling's 94-point review lauds a "nuanced and rather more delicate than powerful" example of the riverbank style of Rioja, with firm but refined tannins that suggest it has more to offer if given a few years in the cellar. Whether you enjoy it today or explore its evolution down the road, the 2021 Viña Gena is a Rioja sleeper star of the highest order. | ||
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| 2020 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass,"notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart,"a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it’s concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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| 2020 Long Shadows Pirouette Proprietary Red Blend (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass,"notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own. With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart,"a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from. Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it’s concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar. | ||
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