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| 2022 Etude Pinot Noir Estate Grace Benoist Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Pinot Noir is a big deal in California, and while places like Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are at the front of everyone's minds, Carneros is the original cool climate AVA in California. Situated at the very south of Napa Valley, it's completely exposed to the influence of nearby San Pablo bay, and the potential for great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has been established here for decades. One of the long-time, mainstay benchmarks for top-tier Carneros Pinot Noir is Etude, whose home estate of Grace Benoist ranch is one of the most historic vineyard properties in California. Originally founded and put on the map by the legendary Tony Soter, Etude has been under the direction of the equally skilled Jon Priest since 2005. He has continued the legacy of Etude as a Carneros standard-bearer, and the 2022 Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Pinot Noir is ample proof. With 96 points from James Suckling, it's a top-flight value contender in California Pinot at an outrageous $25 price for our private clients. This "floral and impressively complex" expression is premium California Pinot Noir all the way at a case-buy price that allows you to take house red roster up a level or two. | ||
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| 2023 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This wine consistently makes a compelling case for one of the best under $50 Oregon Pinot Noirs." - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter One of the best under-$50 Oregon Pinot Noirs? No question. We'll do you one better – how about the best Oregon Pinot Noir for under $30? We think that's exactly what you're getting in the 2023 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir at our market-best pricing. Sourced from three of the Casteel family's outstanding estate vineyards, this wine is the very definition of bang for your buck. Winemaker Ben Casteel is an ardent believer in bringing his A-game to everything he makes, and that includes his entry-level offering. This double 94-point gem is "medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet." In short, it's a showcase of all that we love about Eola-Amity Hills Pinot, and it even has "serious enough structure to lay down should you choose" according to Decanter. It's also a perfect example of what makes Bethel Heights our best-selling Oregon wine brand, several years running. | ||
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| 2023 Hourglass HG III (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth ..." - Jeb Dunnuck We'll say it time and time again – finding any Napa red with a rock-solid score and premium pedigree under $40 is a search for a needle and a haystack, but with the 94-point 2023 HGIII blend from cult phenom Hourglass, we've got the needle in hand. If you've ever looked at a map of Napa Valley, you'll see immediately where Hourglass got its name. The estate sits at the narrowest pinch where the hillsides are only a mile apart, the crux of the "hourglass" as its become known over the decades. Complementing this prized parcel, the Blueline vineyard in Calistoga was added to the estate in 2005 and planted to all five Bordeaux varietals. It's this site of ancient river gravel that forms the base of the proprietary 2023 HGIII blend, a "charming, sexy beauty" based on Merlot, crafted by winemaker Tony Biagi to be an immediately accessible, captivating expression that Napa fans can indulge in without hesitation. The incredible 2023 growing season puts its stamp on the finished wine in an outstanding balance of plush fruit and structural vivacity, "expressive and detailed" to the utmost with varietal purity to spare. While the flagship Hourglass wines have become cult-caliber trophies over the years (with the price tags to match), the HGIII blend is a stunning and exceedingly rare value in today's Napa landscape that will thrill anyone's palate and budget. | ||
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| 2019 Torre de Ona Finca Martelo Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the wine is very harmonious and balanced, with power and freshness, intensity and persistence." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Founded in 1995 by La Rioja Alta, that famed bastion of traditional Rioja, the Torre de Oña estate is LRA's outpost in the world of modern-style Rioja, and this spectacular terroir in Rioja Alavesa provides the perfect canvas on which to carry out their vision. While it's the newest wine in the line-up, the Finca Martelo has unquestionably become the estate's calling card, as it reflects the singular character of the Torre de Oña property in its 60-year-old vines. This single-vineyard beauty is only produced in select vintages, when the conditions allow for the perfect expression and balance that the estate deems the heart and soul of the wine. The 2019 is the current release, garnering solid press from all the usual suspects, led by 94+ points from Luis Gutiérrez of Wine Advocate, who lauds it as "surprisingly fresh, medium-bodied and fine-boned, clean and elegant." Representing "a distinctive and tasty Rioja style" according to Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo, it shows its polished, modern side with all the poise and grace you'd expect from one of Rioja's most accomplished producers. | ||
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| 2022 Madame de Beaucaillou (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Mid-weight and gracious, with terrific purity, the Madame de Beaucaillou is a gorgeous wine..." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Savvy Bordeaux fans know that some of the very values and overachievers can be found in the second and even third wines from the legendary, blue-chip estates, especially in epic vintages like 2022. Saint-Julien icon Ducru-Beaucaillou knocked it out of the park in 2022, from their grand vin all the way down to today's superb value gem, the third wine Madame de Beaucaillou. Made from mostly Merlot, the 2022 Madame offers up the intensity and energy of the vintage, with the ripeness of fruit providing immediate approachability. Jeb Dunnuck notes, "This rich, medium to full-bodied, layered, concentrated beauty way over-delivers." We couldn't have put it better ourselves. As any Bordeaux fan knows, the waiting is usually the hardest part, but the 2022 Madame provides an immediately enjoyable, pure representation of an epic modern Bordeaux vintage that you can dive into any night of the week, and for the next several years if you're so inclined. | ||
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| 2021 San Vicente (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More San Vicente is as unconventional a project as you'll find in Rioja. When the Eguren family ripped up their vineyard in the early 1980s and replanted it with a massale selection of clones from their lowest-yielding vines, the consternation and ridicule came from all corners of the region. But he who laughs last laughs best, and now the Eguren family's efforts have been totally vindicated, as the wine is coveted Rioja collector's treasure year in and year out. "The 2021 San Vicente showcases the completeness of the year with a rare combination of power and elegance" - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate At its debut one of the first single-cru bottlings that Rioja had ever seen, San Vicente has changed the region's dynamics over the past few decades, with numerous producers now following the Eguren family's lead and going for a site-specific, terroir-driven approach to their wines. A true original and still one of the best, San Vicente has once again stunned critics left and right with the 97-point 2021 vintage. "This has immediate charm and long-term aging potential. It is already expressive but will deepen beautifully over time," writes Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo. The wine's refined, modern style and impeccable class have garnered the San Vicente a devoted following that will no doubt go head over heels for this latest expression, especially at our unmatched private client price that beats the rest of the market by a wide margin. | ||
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| 2022 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's rare that such a renowned and reference-point estate like Avignonesi keeps pushing new boundaries instead of just resting on their laurels, but that's exactly what this iconic property has been up to for several vintages. And as Eric Guido of Vinous puts it, "The results are pretty stunning." After all, these fan-favorite, best-selling Tuscan reds have been a staple of B-21's Italian portfolio for years, and the 95-point 2022 Vino Nobile di Montalcino follows right in line with its predecessors. "Avignonesi’s flagship bottling remains a fantastic value for first-class Vino Nobile..." - Eric Guido, Vinous The estate's pioneering approach of crafting this wine out of 100% Prugnolo Gentile (the local Sangiovese strain) has made it a singular expression that has helped define the entire Vino Nobile category. The 2022 vintage has resulted in "a layered and complex wine with fresh, elegant aromas" and a palate that's "with a medium to full body, high yet integrated acidity, fine chalky tannins and a firm, polished finish." All of it adds up to another stupendous overachiever at a remarkable price, which we've come to expect from Avignonesi at this point. It's all the more impressive considering you can stock up big and stash some away in the cellar – as Eric Guido notes, "it will be worth the wait." | ||
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| 2021 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There aren't many entry-level Barolos out there that offer the kind of reliable, old-school character and class that Damilano's Lecinquevigne displays, vintage after vintage. That has everything to do with the wine's origins. A true appellation expression, Lecinquevigne is composed of vineyards in the five main villages of the region – Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Barolo, and Novello – which allows for remarkable stylistic consistency in the face of varying vintage conditions. The epic 2021 vintage turned out a benchmark Lecinquevigne with a pair of 95-point scores from James Suckling and Kerin O'Keefe, along with additional praise from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Showcasing pure fruit and the precise structure of the vintage, this is "bold and beautiful" example of how good even the entry-level Barolos are these days. Long-time fans of the wine will find everything they've come to know and love from Damilano, while those looking to introduce themselves to the classic Barolo style without breaking the bank should look no further than this confident and poised expression. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Les Vingt Lieux Dits (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Touraine, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... [a] hidden-gem domaine that is also one of the benchmarks for the Bourgueil appellation." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer We had been searching for the wines of Pierre and Rodolphe Gauthier at Domaine du Bel-Air, since tasting the full range early last year, and finally the opportunity materialized in late autumn. Now, we not only have access, but we have direct access. The latest addition to our Loire direct-import stable is a benchmark of red wine excellence, all the way from their stunning, old-vine, single-vineyard cuvees to the entry-level 2023 Les Vingt Lieux Dits, "a classic, old-school Loire Cab Franc in all the best ways," as B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. As you might assume, this Cabernet Franc is a blend of up to twenty of the domaine's micro-parcels in Bourgueil, with average vine ages of 40 years. Long, cold-soak maceration, natural yeast fermentation, and aging for 12 months in used barrels all contributes to the wine's classic expression of youthful Cabernet Franc. The cooler vintage resulted in a wine with restrained yet concentrated fruit, assertive mineral backbone, and varietally pure character all the way through. The 2023 vintage very much favored the Gauthier brothers' style, which is to say this is a structurally solid Cabernet Franc with real substance and cellar potential, all for an incredible $25 price. As good as the Vingt Lieux-Dits is, it's the single-vineyard cuvées that cement the domaine's reference-point reputation, and the Grand Mont is the crown jewel in the stable. Vinous' Rebecca Gibb describes the 2021 single-vineyard wines as "long-lived, elegant classics" and the 94-point Grand Mont in particular as "savory and serious ... precise, balanced, and full of sinew." Much like 2023, the 2021 vintage was cool growing season that favored the domaine style, and the Grand Mont is an impeccable example of the very best qualities of classic, top-end Loire Cabernet Franc. | ||
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| 2022 Produttori del Barbaresco (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...this is a stellar showing." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous What La Chablisiènne is to Burgundy, Produttori del Barbaresco is to Piedmont (and Italy overall) –the undisputed standard bearer for excellence in a wine co-operative. This legendary producer has been setting the tone for Barbaresco for decades, turning out vintage after vintage of reference-point, collectible expressions from their incredible stable of prized crus. While we await the release of the inimitable, single-vineyard Riservas, the village Barbaresco is always an enticing glimpse of what the heavy hitters will offer. Sourced from many of those same coveted crus that comprise Produttori's range of collectible trophies, the appellation bottling boasts unimpeachable pedigree and class, and the 95-point 2022 rendition has the critical line to prove it. With stellar scores from nearly every critic of note, it's "round and succulent, with a fleshy profile and a solid base of tannins" according to Wine Spectator, while James Suckling calls it "delicious and balanced," the latter quality a rarity in this hot, dry Piedmont vintage. This rendition enjoys the added benefit of the addition of some juice originally destined for the Riservas, before the winery decided to scale down the volume of those wines in 2022. It all adds up to another feather in the cap of arguably the most important producer in Barbaresco and one of the region's most consistently smart buys. | ||
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| 2021 Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Grand Mont (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Touraine, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... [a] hidden-gem domaine that is also one of the benchmarks for the Bourgueil appellation." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer We had been searching for the wines of Pierre and Rodolphe Gauthier at Domaine du Bel-Air, since tasting the full range early last year, and finally the opportunity materialized in late autumn. Now, we not only have access, but we have direct access. The latest addition to our Loire direct-import stable is a benchmark of red wine excellence, all the way from their stunning, old-vine, single-vineyard cuvees to the entry-level 2023 Les Vingt Lieux Dits, "a classic, old-school Loire Cab Franc in all the best ways," as B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. As you might assume, this Cabernet Franc is a blend of up to twenty of the domaine's micro-parcels in Bourgueil, with average vine ages of 40 years. Long, cold-soak maceration, natural yeast fermentation, and aging for 12 months in used barrels all contributes to the wine's classic expression of youthful Cabernet Franc. The cooler vintage resulted in a wine with restrained yet concentrated fruit, assertive mineral backbone, and varietally pure character all the way through. The 2023 vintage very much favored the Gauthier brothers' style, which is to say this is a structurally solid Cabernet Franc with real substance and cellar potential, all for an incredible $25 price. As good as the Vingt Lieux-Dits is, it's the single-vineyard cuvées that cement the domaine's reference-point reputation, and the Grand Mont is the crown jewel in the stable. Vinous' Rebecca Gibb describes the 2021 single-vineyard wines as "long-lived, elegant classics" and the 94-point Grand Mont in particular as "savory and serious ... precise, balanced, and full of sinew." Much like 2023, the 2021 vintage was cool growing season that favored the domaine style, and the Grand Mont is an impeccable example of the very best qualities of classic, top-end Loire Cabernet Franc. | ||
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| NV Roger Coulon Esprit Vrigny 1er Cru Brut Nature (2019) (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Roger Coulon remains one of the under-the-radar names in Champagne ... I find a purity in these Champagnes that is hard to fully describe with words. It’s a sort of transparency - an expression of vintage, variety and place - that is both singular and compelling." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We can't overstate our great fortune to have struck up a direct-import relationship with Roger Coulon, a reference-point domaine for the wines of the Vrigny cru on the Montagne de Reims. Their wines have a solid insider following in the United States, and when the opportunity to go domaine-direct came along, there was no question what to do. At our recent visit, the young, forward-thinking winemaker Edgar Coulon showcased an entire range full of superb offerings, four of which are now in stock at B-21. Leading off, the 1er Cru Heri-Hodie Extra Brut is beautifully expressive and graceful in its 100% Meunier character, with absolutely no oxidative edges, despite being made from a solera started in 1995! The 94-point 1er Cru L'Hommée, from the excellent base year 2020, showcases Edgar's expert touch with Chardonnay in its subtle, understated, yet ultimately charming style. "A beautiful vein of freshness pervades this and makes it shine from the inside out. Impressive depth and concentration," notes Antonio Galloni. Offering up a kaleidoscope of all three varietals, the 1er Cru Esprit de Vrigny, based on the equally excellent 2019 vintage, is "medium-bodied, [with] a pillowy mousse with a silky texture and a salty, savory, mouthwatering finish with good length," per Jeb Dunnuck's 94-point review. The crown jewel, however, is the remarkable 2014 vintage cuvée. "Coulon's vintage bottling straddles a fine line between evolution and vitality. Few producers are taking the Vrigny terroir to such heights," notes B-21 Champagne Buyer Andrew Kitz. The 2014 Millésime Blanc de Noirs also carries a trio of outstanding critical reviews led by 96 points from Vinous' Anne Krebiehl, who lauds it as "a rounded, profound wine ... sleek yet so grounded." It's a fantastic example of how well the two distinct terroirs of this 1er Cru play together, with the Pinot Noir from the clay loam soils of Vrigny and the ungrafted Meunier from the sandier soils of neighboring Gueux both merging in a thrilling, tightrope balance of expression. The structure of the under-the-radar, excellent 2014 vintage puts everything in its proper place and endows the wine with the substance to continue its evolution for many years. This is one the great scores of the year so far in collectible Champagne. For anyone serious about great grower Champagne, Roger Coulon's wines should be top of the list for your next discoveries. Simply put, they're a quiet force to be reckoned with. | ||
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| 2014 Roger Coulon Brut Millesime Blanc de Noirs (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Roger Coulon remains one of the under-the-radar names in Champagne ... I find a purity in these Champagnes that is hard to fully describe with words. It’s a sort of transparency - an expression of vintage, variety and place - that is both singular and compelling." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We can't overstate our great fortune to have struck up a direct-import relationship with Roger Coulon, a reference-point domaine for the wines of the Vrigny cru on the Montagne de Reims. Their wines have a solid insider following in the United States, and when the opportunity to go domaine-direct came along, there was no question what to do. At our recent visit, the young, forward-thinking winemaker Edgar Coulon showcased an entire range full of superb offerings, four of which are now in stock at B-21. Leading off, the 1er Cru Heri-Hodie Extra Brut is beautifully expressive and graceful in its 100% Meunier character, with absolutely no oxidative edges, despite being made from a solera started in 1995! The 94-point 1er Cru L'Hommée, from the excellent base year 2020, showcases Edgar's expert touch with Chardonnay in its subtle, understated, yet ultimately charming style. "A beautiful vein of freshness pervades this and makes it shine from the inside out. Impressive depth and concentration," notes Antonio Galloni. Offering up a kaleidoscope of all three varietals, the 1er Cru Esprit de Vrigny, based on the equally excellent 2019 vintage, is "medium-bodied, [with] a pillowy mousse with a silky texture and a salty, savory, mouthwatering finish with good length," per Jeb Dunnuck's 94-point review. The crown jewel, however, is the remarkable 2014 vintage cuvée. "Coulon's vintage bottling straddles a fine line between evolution and vitality. Few producers are taking the Vrigny terroir to such heights," notes B-21 Champagne Buyer Andrew Kitz. The 2014 Millésime Blanc de Noirs also carries a trio of outstanding critical reviews led by 96 points from Vinous' Anne Krebiehl, who lauds it as "a rounded, profound wine ... sleek yet so grounded." It's a fantastic example of how well the two distinct terroirs of this 1er Cru play together, with the Pinot Noir from the clay loam soils of Vrigny and the ungrafted Meunier from the sandier soils of neighboring Gueux both merging in a thrilling, tightrope balance of expression. The structure of the under-the-radar, excellent 2014 vintage puts everything in its proper place and endows the wine with the substance to continue its evolution for many years. This is one the great scores of the year so far in collectible Champagne. For anyone serious about great grower Champagne, Roger Coulon's wines should be top of the list for your next discoveries. Simply put, they're a quiet force to be reckoned with. | ||
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| 2023 Le Pupille Saffredi (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fattoria Le Pupille's flagship Saffredi has always been a top-echelon Tuscan collectible, with multiple 100-point vintages in its track record and a consistent reputation for delivering one of the finest expressions of the coastal Tuscan terroir available. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has fashioned the estate and this benchmark wine into a standard bearer for Maremma, and now that her son, Ettore, has taken the reins, the future looks brighter than ever, as is plainly clear in the newly released, highly acclaimed 2023 Saffredi. "The Fattoria Le Pupille 2023 Saffredi represents a classic expression from a fresh vintage that ultimately performed far better than expected..." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate The 2023 growing season differed markedly from 2022, which allowed the winemaking team to continue their pursuit of streamlined, focused expression, rather than power. As Larner notes, "this vintage is defined by generosity and luscious fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon in particular appears crunchy, youthful and fresh, giving the wine energy and forward momentum." Decanter tags the 2023 with 97 points, noting a wine "full of dynamism" for which "the future bodes well." There isn't much more we can add to that, but to say that this is a can't-miss opportunity for savvy collectors to stack the cellar high and deep with a long-haul performer at the best price in the country, in both 750ML and 1.5L formats. | ||
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| Virginia Distillery Co. Blue Ridge Select American Single Malt Whisky | ||
| From Virginia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since its founding in 2011, Virginia Distillery Co. has been a pioneer in American Single Malt and a force behind the style." - Whisky Advocate America's most authoritative spirits publication sums it up neatly in the above quote – the burgeoning American single malt scene is still finding its footing and its place in the wider craft spirit world, but there's no question that it was Virginia Distillery Company that got the ball rolling on this dynamic category in the first place. Founded by Irish-American immigrant Dr. George Moore, the distillery is utterly dedicated to producing reference-point expressions that set the bar for what malted barley spirits can achieve in the United States. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, VDC distills with pristine mountain spring water. Made from two-row barley grown at a handful of top-notch Midwest farms and malted on site at the distillery, the spirits are double-distilled on custom-made, copper pot stills fabricated in Scotland. Once you taste the purity of the malt in each bottling, you'll be fully convinced of their dedication to the craft. The 94-point Blue Ridge Select Single Malt is the flagship. Aged onsite for five years in virgin oak barrels harvested from the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a roundly praised, reference-point for the category, "a layered and rich gateway American Single Malt" that has racked up numerous awards and accolades including multiple medals and Best Of nods from the country's most prestigious spirits competitions. The distillery also excels at cask finishing, which is evident in their critically acclaimed, 96-point Port Cask Reserve Single Malt and the 94-point Cabernet Cask Select Single Malt, each of which offers a distinctive take on their superb base spirit, the casks imparting noticeable yet measured influence on the profile of the juice. Finally, the distillery has hit on a stellar limited edition concept in their Split Barrel #1 Bourbon + Single Malt Whisky. This brilliant expression marries 5-year-old VDC single malt and 4-year-old Kentucky bourbon (from an undisclosed yet well-known Bardstown source) in a surprisingly harmonious profile. B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "The best thing about this Split Barrel is that the bourbon is not the centerpiece. VDC knows their bread and butter, and they choose to highlight it here, with timely interludes of bourbon influence here and there ... and the value is just off the charts." Maybe you're familiar with American Single Malt or maybe you're not, but either way, for anyone looking to get a handle on some of the best under-the-radar buys in craft spirits, this is your entry into the category, and your exploration couldn't be easier on the wallet at sub-$35 pricing across the board. | ||
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| 2022 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets St. Georges (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The past few vintages have shown that Nuits reference-point Henri Gouges is back on top in a big way. Among the domaine's superb stable of vineyards, their monopole Clos des Porrets St-Georges is always a sharp choice among savvy insiders, and the 2023 does not disappoint. "One of the most striking wines of the appellation." - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy Within the larger Porrets St-Georges 1er Cru, Gouges' monopole Clos is a parcel of heavy gravel and scree soils over dense, pink limestone bedrock. The site produces intensely aromatic wines of exotic profile, with finely structured backbones that take more than a few years to reveal their pinnacle expressions. The 2022 is "at once ripe yet cool" according to Meadows, "with impressive persistence" that carries the hallmark character of the 2022 vintage in the Côte de Nuits. "Lush, juicy and seductive" per Wine Spectator's 95-point review, the 2022 Porrets shows "solid structure, with fine promise for its evolution." The 2022 Burgundy vintage remains a treasure trove of unbeatable collectible pedigree, and Gouges' Clos des Porrets proves you don't have to spend a mint to get your hands on a true cellar all-star. | ||
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| Virginia Distillery Co. Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whisky | ||
| From Virginia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since its founding in 2011, Virginia Distillery Co. has been a pioneer in American Single Malt and a force behind the style." - Whisky Advocate America's most authoritative spirits publication sums it up neatly in the above quote – the burgeoning American single malt scene is still finding its footing and its place in the wider craft spirit world, but there's no question that it was Virginia Distillery Company that got the ball rolling on this dynamic category in the first place. Founded by Irish-American immigrant Dr. George Moore, the distillery is utterly dedicated to producing reference-point expressions that set the bar for what malted barley spirits can achieve in the United States. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, VDC distills with pristine mountain spring water. Made from two-row barley grown at a handful of top-notch Midwest farms and malted on site at the distillery, the spirits are double-distilled on custom-made, copper pot stills fabricated in Scotland. Once you taste the purity of the malt in each bottling, you'll be fully convinced of their dedication to the craft. The 94-point Blue Ridge Select Single Malt is the flagship. Aged onsite for five years in virgin oak barrels harvested from the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a roundly praised, reference-point for the category, "a layered and rich gateway American Single Malt" that has racked up numerous awards and accolades including multiple medals and Best Of nods from the country's most prestigious spirits competitions. The distillery also excels at cask finishing, which is evident in their critically acclaimed, 96-point Port Cask Reserve Single Malt and the 94-point Cabernet Cask Select Single Malt, each of which offers a distinctive take on their superb base spirit, the casks imparting noticeable yet measured influence on the profile of the juice. Finally, the distillery has hit on a stellar limited edition concept in their Split Barrel #1 Bourbon + Single Malt Whisky. This brilliant expression marries 5-year-old VDC single malt and 4-year-old Kentucky bourbon (from an undisclosed yet well-known Bardstown source) in a surprisingly harmonious profile. B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "The best thing about this Split Barrel is that the bourbon is not the centerpiece. VDC knows their bread and butter, and they choose to highlight it here, with timely interludes of bourbon influence here and there ... and the value is just off the charts." Maybe you're familiar with American Single Malt or maybe you're not, but either way, for anyone looking to get a handle on some of the best under-the-radar buys in craft spirits, this is your entry into the category, and your exploration couldn't be easier on the wallet at sub-$35 pricing across the board. | ||
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| Virginia Distillery Co. Split Barrel Project #1 Bourbon + Single Malt Whiskey | ||
| From Virginia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since its founding in 2011, Virginia Distillery Co. has been a pioneer in American Single Malt and a force behind the style." - Whisky Advocate America's most authoritative spirits publication sums it up neatly in the above quote – the burgeoning American single malt scene is still finding its footing and its place in the wider craft spirit world, but there's no question that it was Virginia Distillery Company that got the ball rolling on this dynamic category in the first place. Founded by Irish-American immigrant Dr. George Moore, the distillery is utterly dedicated to producing reference-point expressions that set the bar for what malted barley spirits can achieve in the United States. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, VDC distills with pristine mountain spring water. Made from two-row barley grown at a handful of top-notch Midwest farms and malted on site at the distillery, the spirits are double-distilled on custom-made, copper pot stills fabricated in Scotland. Once you taste the purity of the malt in each bottling, you'll be fully convinced of their dedication to the craft. The 94-point Blue Ridge Select Single Malt is the flagship. Aged onsite for five years in virgin oak barrels harvested from the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a roundly praised, reference-point for the category, "a layered and rich gateway American Single Malt" that has racked up numerous awards and accolades including multiple medals and Best Of nods from the country's most prestigious spirits competitions. The distillery also excels at cask finishing, which is evident in their critically acclaimed, 96-point Port Cask Reserve Single Malt and the 94-point Cabernet Cask Select Single Malt, each of which offers a distinctive take on their superb base spirit, the casks imparting noticeable yet measured influence on the profile of the juice. Finally, the distillery has hit on a stellar limited edition concept in their Split Barrel #1 Bourbon + Single Malt Whisky. This brilliant expression marries 5-year-old VDC single malt and 4-year-old Kentucky bourbon (from an undisclosed yet well-known Bardstown source) in a surprisingly harmonious profile. B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "The best thing about this Split Barrel is that the bourbon is not the centerpiece. VDC knows their bread and butter, and they choose to highlight it here, with timely interludes of bourbon influence here and there ... and the value is just off the charts." Maybe you're familiar with American Single Malt or maybe you're not, but either way, for anyone looking to get a handle on some of the best under-the-radar buys in craft spirits, this is your entry into the category, and your exploration couldn't be easier on the wallet at sub-$35 pricing across the board. | ||
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| Virginia Distillery Co. Port Cask Malt Whisky | ||
| From Virginia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Since its founding in 2011, Virginia Distillery Co. has been a pioneer in American Single Malt and a force behind the style." - Whisky Advocate America's most authoritative spirits publication sums it up neatly in the above quote – the burgeoning American single malt scene is still finding its footing and its place in the wider craft spirit world, but there's no question that it was Virginia Distillery Company that got the ball rolling on this dynamic category in the first place. Founded by Irish-American immigrant Dr. George Moore, the distillery is utterly dedicated to producing reference-point expressions that set the bar for what malted barley spirits can achieve in the United States. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, VDC distills with pristine mountain spring water. Made from two-row barley grown at a handful of top-notch Midwest farms and malted on site at the distillery, the spirits are double-distilled on custom-made, copper pot stills fabricated in Scotland. Once you taste the purity of the malt in each bottling, you'll be fully convinced of their dedication to the craft. The 94-point Blue Ridge Select Single Malt is the flagship. Aged onsite for five years in virgin oak barrels harvested from the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a roundly praised, reference-point for the category, "a layered and rich gateway American Single Malt" that has racked up numerous awards and accolades including multiple medals and Best Of nods from the country's most prestigious spirits competitions. The distillery also excels at cask finishing, which is evident in their critically acclaimed, 96-point Port Cask Reserve Single Malt and the 94-point Cabernet Cask Select Single Malt, each of which offers a distinctive take on their superb base spirit, the casks imparting noticeable yet measured influence on the profile of the juice. Finally, the distillery has hit on a stellar limited edition concept in their Split Barrel #1 Bourbon + Single Malt Whisky. This brilliant expression marries 5-year-old VDC single malt and 4-year-old Kentucky bourbon (from an undisclosed yet well-known Bardstown source) in a surprisingly harmonious profile. B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz writes, "The best thing about this Split Barrel is that the bourbon is not the centerpiece. VDC knows their bread and butter, and they choose to highlight it here, with timely interludes of bourbon influence here and there ... and the value is just off the charts." Maybe you're familiar with American Single Malt or maybe you're not, but either way, for anyone looking to get a handle on some of the best under-the-radar buys in craft spirits, this is your entry into the category, and your exploration couldn't be easier on the wallet at sub-$35 pricing across the board. | ||
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| NV Roger Coulon L'Hommee 1er Cru (2020) (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Roger Coulon remains one of the under-the-radar names in Champagne ... I find a purity in these Champagnes that is hard to fully describe with words. It’s a sort of transparency - an expression of vintage, variety and place - that is both singular and compelling." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We can't overstate our great fortune to have struck up a direct-import relationship with Roger Coulon, a reference-point domaine for the wines of the Vrigny cru on the Montagne de Reims. Their wines have a solid insider following in the United States, and when the opportunity to go domaine-direct came along, there was no question what to do. At our recent visit, the young, forward-thinking winemaker Edgar Coulon showcased an entire range full of superb offerings, four of which are now in stock at B-21. Leading off, the 1er Cru Heri-Hodie Extra Brut is beautifully expressive and graceful in its 100% Meunier character, with absolutely no oxidative edges, despite being made from a solera started in 1995! The 94-point 1er Cru L'Hommée, from the excellent base year 2020, showcases Edgar's expert touch with Chardonnay in its subtle, understated, yet ultimately charming style. "A beautiful vein of freshness pervades this and makes it shine from the inside out. Impressive depth and concentration," notes Antonio Galloni. Offering up a kaleidoscope of all three varietals, the 1er Cru Esprit de Vrigny, based on the equally excellent 2019 vintage, is "medium-bodied, [with] a pillowy mousse with a silky texture and a salty, savory, mouthwatering finish with good length," per Jeb Dunnuck's 94-point review. The crown jewel, however, is the remarkable 2014 vintage cuvée. "Coulon's vintage bottling straddles a fine line between evolution and vitality. Few producers are taking the Vrigny terroir to such heights," notes B-21 Champagne Buyer Andrew Kitz. The 2014 Millésime Blanc de Noirs also carries a trio of outstanding critical reviews led by 96 points from Vinous' Anne Krebiehl, who lauds it as "a rounded, profound wine ... sleek yet so grounded." It's a fantastic example of how well the two distinct terroirs of this 1er Cru play together, with the Pinot Noir from the clay loam soils of Vrigny and the ungrafted Meunier from the sandier soils of neighboring Gueux both merging in a thrilling, tightrope balance of expression. The structure of the under-the-radar, excellent 2014 vintage puts everything in its proper place and endows the wine with the substance to continue its evolution for many years. This is one the great scores of the year so far in collectible Champagne. For anyone serious about great grower Champagne, Roger Coulon's wines should be top of the list for your next discoveries. Simply put, they're a quiet force to be reckoned with. | ||
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| NV Roger Coulon Heri-Hodie 1er Cru Blanc de Noirs (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Roger Coulon remains one of the under-the-radar names in Champagne ... I find a purity in these Champagnes that is hard to fully describe with words. It’s a sort of transparency - an expression of vintage, variety and place - that is both singular and compelling." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We can't overstate our great fortune to have struck up a direct-import relationship with Roger Coulon, a reference-point domaine for the wines of the Vrigny cru on the Montagne de Reims. Their wines have a solid insider following in the United States, and when the opportunity to go domaine-direct came along, there was no question what to do. At our recent visit, the young, forward-thinking winemaker Edgar Coulon showcased an entire range full of superb offerings, four of which are now in stock at B-21. Leading off, the 1er Cru Heri-Hodie Extra Brut is beautifully expressive and graceful in its 100% Meunier character, with absolutely no oxidative edges, despite being made from a solera started in 1995! The 94-point 1er Cru L'Hommée, from the excellent base year 2020, showcases Edgar's expert touch with Chardonnay in its subtle, understated, yet ultimately charming style. "A beautiful vein of freshness pervades this and makes it shine from the inside out. Impressive depth and concentration," notes Antonio Galloni. Offering up a kaleidoscope of all three varietals, the 1er Cru Esprit de Vrigny, based on the equally excellent 2019 vintage, is "medium-bodied, [with] a pillowy mousse with a silky texture and a salty, savory, mouthwatering finish with good length," per Jeb Dunnuck's 94-point review. The crown jewel, however, is the remarkable 2014 vintage cuvée. "Coulon's vintage bottling straddles a fine line between evolution and vitality. Few producers are taking the Vrigny terroir to such heights," notes B-21 Champagne Buyer Andrew Kitz. The 2014 Millésime Blanc de Noirs also carries a trio of outstanding critical reviews led by 96 points from Vinous' Anne Krebiehl, who lauds it as "a rounded, profound wine ... sleek yet so grounded." It's a fantastic example of how well the two distinct terroirs of this 1er Cru play together, with the Pinot Noir from the clay loam soils of Vrigny and the ungrafted Meunier from the sandier soils of neighboring Gueux both merging in a thrilling, tightrope balance of expression. The structure of the under-the-radar, excellent 2014 vintage puts everything in its proper place and endows the wine with the substance to continue its evolution for many years. This is one the great scores of the year so far in collectible Champagne. For anyone serious about great grower Champagne, Roger Coulon's wines should be top of the list for your next discoveries. Simply put, they're a quiet force to be reckoned with. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Gauby Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Calcinaires Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... some of the most brilliant wines in France that virtually no one ever hears about!" - John Gilman, View From the Cellar If dramatic scenery determined a wine region's fame, everyone would know about the Côtes de Roussillon. This landscape in the foothills of the Pyrenees is some of the most visually striking and inspiring in the wine world, and this rugged, wild character comes through in the region's best examples, namely the wines of Domaine Gauby. This family-run domaine is the reference-point for pinnacle expressions of the clay/limestone and schist soils and extremely old vines, and their wines play in the same league as top examples from the more famous appellations in the Rhône. The 93-point 2022 Calcinaires Rouge is a prime introduction the sheer excellence and dynamic style that are the hallmarks of the domaine. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan (this from almost 100-year-old vines), it's "a gorgeous, immediately charming expression that showcases this forgotten part of France in beautiful relief." From both granite and limestone soils, the signatures of both are readily apparent, and the utterly captivating, expressive fruit profile pops with real charm and intensity. The 2020 Vieilles Vignes Rouge is a step in the opposite stylistic direction, defined by intense, structured minerality and dark undertones. Made mostly of Carignan from 120-year-old vines, "this is a dark, brooding, feral wine with an untamed edge that just screams of (or from) the wilderness," as B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. The ultra-firm yet refined texture is a perfect foundation for its immense concentration and primary, tightly wound core. You'll eventually get the gist of what the VV is about with time and air, but this is a must-have for the cellar that will perform like a champ in the cellar. Finally, the 2019 La Muntada is the domaine's tête de cuvée, a selection of the very finest barrels in the cellar blended for their apex expression of the Gauby style. View From the Cellar's John Gilman declares, "This is a truly stunning young wine that is as good as anything being made in Châteauneuf du Pape these days, and maybe better." Incredibly concentrated and structured, the 2019 is indeed surprisingly young still, with undeniable cellar potential indicated by profound primary complexity. As Andrew observes, "This will be a phenomenal wine for the next 20 years." Any way you look at it, this is a trio of benchmark beauties that offer avid wine adventurers and collectors a taste of the very best of one of France's most singular appellations. | ||
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| Neta Ensamble Capon Bicuixe Espadin Mezcal (H.G. Sanchez, Batch 05/20) (750ml) | ||
| From Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These Neta bottlings are something else. Artisanal to the core ... Handcrafted mezcal ancestrale of the highest caliber." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer As the mezcal world gets more and more attention from a wider audience, we're seeing more and more of these stunning, small-batch, artisanal masterpieces come our way, but the Neta bottlings are starting to occupy their own rarified air altogether. Neta works closely with over twenty small, family producers from the southern valleys and hills of Miahuatlán, Oaxaca to source mezcals made only in the ancestrale method, considered the apex of quality and craftsmanship in the mezcal hierarchy. Each bottling is strictly a single batch, made from one oven load of piñas and one distillation. Whether following a recipe that's been around for generations or pushing new boundaries, these maestro mezcaleros are producing absolutely thrilling results. The Tequilana Capón from Wilfredo Sanchez is "utterly intense and measured at the same time" with "explosive aromatics" and a palate profile that you must taste to beileve. As Spirits buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "The beautiful flavor depth, as impressive as it is, takes a backseat to the mouthfeel, which literally has everything in spades – an insane texture, incredible weight, effortless balance, mouth-filling viscosity, and an endless finish." No less impressive is the Ensamble Capón Bicuixe + Espadin from Heriberto Sanchez. A 60/40 blend of wild, two-year capón Bicuishe and cultivated Espadin, it's a "a classic mezcal of real terroir expression" with its explosive aromatic profile and "enigmatic" palate. As Andrew explains, "It’s all over the place in most charming way, just an endlessly fun spirit to capture your sensory imagination." Chalk Neta up with the most dynamic bottlers in the mezcal scene. Are they cheap? No. Are they some of the most impressive expressions we've come across in the past year? Absolutely. If you're a hardcore mezcal fan, these need to be in your collection. Full stop. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Gauby Cotes du Roussillon Villages Vieilles Vignes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... some of the most brilliant wines in France that virtually no one ever hears about!" - John Gilman, View From the Cellar If dramatic scenery determined a wine region's fame, everyone would know about the Côtes de Roussillon. This landscape in the foothills of the Pyrenees is some of the most visually striking and inspiring in the wine world, and this rugged, wild character comes through in the region's best examples, namely the wines of Domaine Gauby. This family-run domaine is the reference-point for pinnacle expressions of the clay/limestone and schist soils and extremely old vines, and their wines play in the same league as top examples from the more famous appellations in the Rhône. The 93-point 2022 Calcinaires Rouge is a prime introduction the sheer excellence and dynamic style that are the hallmarks of the domaine. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan (this from almost 100-year-old vines), it's "a gorgeous, immediately charming expression that showcases this forgotten part of France in beautiful relief." From both granite and limestone soils, the signatures of both are readily apparent, and the utterly captivating, expressive fruit profile pops with real charm and intensity. The 2020 Vieilles Vignes Rouge is a step in the opposite stylistic direction, defined by intense, structured minerality and dark undertones. Made mostly of Carignan from 120-year-old vines, "this is a dark, brooding, feral wine with an untamed edge that just screams of (or from) the wilderness," as B-21 buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. The ultra-firm yet refined texture is a perfect foundation for its immense concentration and primary, tightly wound core. You'll eventually get the gist of what the VV is about with time and air, but this is a must-have for the cellar that will perform like a champ in the cellar. Finally, the 2019 La Muntada is the domaine's tête de cuvée, a selection of the very finest barrels in the cellar blended for their apex expression of the Gauby style. View From the Cellar's John Gilman declares, "This is a truly stunning young wine that is as good as anything being made in Châteauneuf du Pape these days, and maybe better." Incredibly concentrated and structured, the 2019 is indeed surprisingly young still, with undeniable cellar potential indicated by profound primary complexity. As Andrew observes, "This will be a phenomenal wine for the next 20 years." Any way you look at it, this is a trio of benchmark beauties that offer avid wine adventurers and collectors a taste of the very best of one of France's most singular appellations. | ||
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| 2023 Le Pupille Saffredi (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fattoria Le Pupille's flagship Saffredi has always been a top-echelon Tuscan collectible, with multiple 100-point vintages in its track record and a consistent reputation for delivering one of the finest expressions of the coastal Tuscan terroir available. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has fashioned the estate and this benchmark wine into a standard bearer for Maremma, and now that her son, Ettore, has taken the reins, the future looks brighter than ever, as is plainly clear in the newly released, highly acclaimed 2023 Saffredi. "The Fattoria Le Pupille 2023 Saffredi represents a classic expression from a fresh vintage that ultimately performed far better than expected..." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate The 2023 growing season differed markedly from 2022, which allowed the winemaking team to continue their pursuit of streamlined, focused expression, rather than power. As Larner notes, "this vintage is defined by generosity and luscious fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon in particular appears crunchy, youthful and fresh, giving the wine energy and forward momentum." Decanter tags the 2023 with 97 points, noting a wine "full of dynamism" for which "the future bodes well." There isn't much more we can add to that, but to say that this is a can't-miss opportunity for savvy collectors to stack the cellar high and deep with a long-haul performer at the best price in the country, in both 750ML and 1.5L formats. | ||
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| Neta Tequilana Capon Mezcal (W.G. Sanchez, Batch 06/23) (750ml) | ||
| From Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "These Neta bottlings are something else. Artisanal to the core ... Handcrafted mezcal ancestrale of the highest caliber." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer As the mezcal world gets more and more attention from a wider audience, we're seeing more and more of these stunning, small-batch, artisanal masterpieces come our way, but the Neta bottlings are starting to occupy their own rarified air altogether. Neta works closely with over twenty small, family producers from the southern valleys and hills of Miahuatlán, Oaxaca to source mezcals made only in the ancestrale method, considered the apex of quality and craftsmanship in the mezcal hierarchy. Each bottling is strictly a single batch, made from one oven load of piñas and one distillation. Whether following a recipe that's been around for generations or pushing new boundaries, these maestro mezcaleros are producing absolutely thrilling results. The Tequilana Capón from Wilfredo Sanchez is "utterly intense and measured at the same time" with "explosive aromatics" and a palate profile that you must taste to beileve. As Spirits buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "The beautiful flavor depth, as impressive as it is, takes a backseat to the mouthfeel, which literally has everything in spades – an insane texture, incredible weight, effortless balance, mouth-filling viscosity, and an endless finish." No less impressive is the Ensamble Capón Bicuixe + Espadin from Heriberto Sanchez. A 60/40 blend of wild, two-year capón Bicuishe and cultivated Espadin, it's a "a classic mezcal of real terroir expression" with its explosive aromatic profile and "enigmatic" palate. As Andrew explains, "It’s all over the place in most charming way, just an endlessly fun spirit to capture your sensory imagination." Chalk Neta up with the most dynamic bottlers in the mezcal scene. Are they cheap? No. Are they some of the most impressive expressions we've come across in the past year? Absolutely. If you're a hardcore mezcal fan, these need to be in your collection. Full stop. | ||
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