2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (1L) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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2021 Sea Sun Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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2021 Conundrum Red (750ml) | ||
From Rutherford, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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Andre Clouet Brut Rose No. 3 (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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Andre Clouet Brut Un Jour de 1911... (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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Red Schooner by Caymus Voyage 11 (750ml) | ||
Malbec from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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2022 Seghesio Zinfandel (750ml) | ||
Zinfandel from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Called “one of California's elite Zinfandel specialists” by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, these selections from Seghesio Family Vineyards offer a range of Zinfandel styles sourced from across Sonoma boasting lively, concentrated fruit with lushly textured ripe tannins, all delicious, well-crafted Zins ranked among “California’s great-value wines” according to Decanter and ready to enjoy often over the next few years and beyond. Established over a century ago by Italian immigrants, Seghesio’s first Zinfandel plantings date back to 1895, its original Home Ranch Vineyard still producing fruit to this day. Now spanning more than 300 acres throughout Sonoma County, Seghesio employs hands on canopy management to ensure even ripening and manage yields in its sustainably farmed vineyards, hand harvesting the grapes in small lots with strict selection and fermenting each unique parcel separately before blending. Sourced from more than 150 individual lots across Sonoma County ranging from the Russian River to Dry Creek Valley, winemaker Andy Robinson aged the entry level 93 pt. 2022 Seghesio Zinfandel in 7% New American oak and 93% neutral French and American oak barrels for 10 months, yielding an appealing, easy drinking Zin with lush, spiced fruit and juicy acidity on a long, flavorful finish. Defining “old vine” as a minimum of 50 years of age, the 93 pt. 2022 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel was sourced mainly from gnarly, low yielding Zinfandel vines averaging 75 years of age that produce intensely concentrated fruit, aged for 15 months in 15% new French Oak and the rest in neutral French and American Oak to reveal pronounced brambly Zinfandel notes hinting of peppery spice with lush, velvety tannins. Crafted as a specific expression of the Dry Creek Valley terroir, the 94 pt. 2021 Seghesio Zinfandel Cortina is sourced from the Chen’s Vineyard planted in 1972, its long, warm days allowing the fruit to fully ripen while coastal cooling in the evening enables the grapes to mature slowly and retain their acidity, matured for 14 months in 13% new French and American oak to yield an elegant, richly concentrated 100% Zinfandel with aromatic bright fruit and polished tannins promising to evolve over the next decade. Crafted by Sonoma County experts and among the region’s top scoring Zins, these Seghesio Zinfandel selections are beautifully balanced and elegantly styled to sip alone and equally enjoyable when paired with robustly flavored food, a range of delicious, appealing Zinfandels living up to the Seghesio legacy of delivering outstanding value. | ||
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Andre Clouet Brut Grande Reserve (375ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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2019 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a gorgeous and sumptuous wine” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and among the “upper echelons of Tuscan wine” according to Gambero Rosso, Petrolo’s Galatrona is a standout even among its famed Super Tuscan peers, earning its well-deserved reputation vintage over vintage as “Tuscany’s answer to Petrus” according to the Wine Spectator, this offer for three stunning vintages among the best values in the region and simply not to be missed by lovers and collectors of Italy’s best red wines. Located on a winding hillside road in northwest of Arezzo just outside the Chianti Classico zone, the strikingly beautiful Petrolo estate spans 672 acres of woodlands, olive groves and pristine hillside vineyards, the highest point dominated by the rustic centuries’ old sandstone watchtower for which Galatrona is named. Leaving his career as a successful painter to run his family’s estate 30 years ago, vintner Luca Sanjust had a passion for the great Merlots of Pomerol, fueling the idea of producing a pure Merlot in Tuscany from the low yielding Bordeaux vines that his mother Lucia had first planted on the estate in the late 1980’s and releasing the first Galatrona in 1994 to unanimous critical acclaim. Fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, the Petrolo Galatrona is aged for 18 to 20 months in a mix of large French oak barrels and barriques about a third new, expertly balancing elegance and immense power in an opulent style reminiscent of Le Pin according to James Suckling who calls it “the Merlot bombshell from Tuscany.” Crafted under legendary consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner describes the 99 pt. 2019 Petrolo Galatrona as “soft and luscious, spreading evenly over the palate with elegance and sweeping intensity,” while the 97 pt. 2020 Petrolo Galatrona is “stunning” with all the elements “so impeccably woven together,” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, summing it up as “magnificent.” Declared “a tremendous wine by any measure” by critic Galloni, the 98 pt. 2021 Petrolo Galatrona is “totally unputdownable” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle “with lots of potential for improvement over ageing” and a lifespan of several decades. Describing Petrolo as “a jewel of an estate” crafting “some of the most beautiful wines in Tuscany,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the Petrolo Galatrona a “stunning value for the money” priced at a fraction of other highly rated Super Tuscan blends, these recent exceptional vintages already drinking beautifully and promising collectors who stash some away the opportunity to enjoy Petrolo’s elegantly complex and truly gorgeous expression of Tuscan Merlot for years to come. | ||
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2022 Sea Sun Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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2019 Chateau Potensac (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar. Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment. Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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Andre Clouet Brut The V6 Experience (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the head of the historic Champagne house named for his grandfather Andre Clouet, larger than life vigneron Jean-François Clouet is considered by critics as one of the top grower-producers in the region. Jean-François' flamboyant personality, dubbed by one reviewer as a combination of "winemaker and circus ringmaster," belies his serious dedication and singular passion for producing rich and concentrated expressions of Pinot Noir-based Champagne, also known as Blanc de Noirs. From the outstanding 91pt non-vintage Grande Reserve to the exceptional 96pt Brut 1911, the champagnes of Andre Clouet exhibit the purity of the Pinot Noir fruit, with terroir-driven chalky minerality and deep complexity, ranking Andre Clouet among the region's finest producers and representing one of its best values. Inextricably tied to Champagne's history, the Clouet family have resided in the Montagne de Reims since 1492, first serving as book printers for King Louis XV in 1491 (a legacy now reflected in the Champagne house's ornate labels), producing their first champagne in Bouzy in 1741. Highlighting the Grand Cru pedigree of their 8 hectares of mid-slope sites in Bouzy and Ambonnay, the top cuvees are sourced from these estate vineyards, with additional Pinot Noir purchased from 60 hectares of growers' vineyards and each plot vinified separately. While upholding his family's traditional approach in the vineyard including hand pruning and selection, Francois continues to innovate in the cellar, including employing Sauternes barrels sourced from Château Doisy-Daëne for aging the Brut 1911 as a way of reducing the dosage, with the goal of adjusting sweetness without adding sugar. Exhibiting a gentle mousse and refined bubbles, the wines of André Clouet also boast notably creamy textures due to Jean-François' practice of extended aging on the lees, balancing crisp acidity and tantalizing minerality. While Andre Clouet remains relatively under the radar among the grower-producers in Champagne, these highly rated selections are among the best Blanc de Noir wines of the region, at a fraction of the price of prestige offerings from the larger Champagne houses like Krug and Bollinger. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on an array of the exquisite, artisanal Champagnes of Andre Clouet, one of the finest grower estates in the region today, whether for everyday enjoyment, celebrations or gifting and now offered at the best pricing on the market. | ||
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2017 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our exceptional Rhone Week offers continue with the elegant and classically styled 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril, a sumptuous CDP sourced from 100+ year old Grenache vines delivering lush aromas of fresh, tantalizing fruit and “beautiful Provençal character” according to Jeb Dunnuck that’s built for years of aging, at specially negotiated pricing that I know our B-21 lovers and collectors of bold Southern Rhones reds will want to scoop up to enjoy often. Described by critic Robert Parker Jr. as “one of the up-and-coming superstar estates of Chateauneuf du Pape” over a decade ago, Domaine Durieu was founded by Paul Durieu with a few hectares of vineyards gifted to him by his mother Lucile Avril for his wedding, building the estate holdings to over 37 hectares and producing the first Lucile Avril Cuvee in her honor in 1999. Now crafted by third generation winemaker Vincent Durieu, Domaine Durieu’s 2020 Lucile Avril Cuvee is a blend of mostly Grenache, the oldest vines dating from 1914, with 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, planted in the Farguerol lieu-dit’s blue clay and limestone soils mixed with the smooth galet stones on a plateau just north of the town of Chateauneuf du Pape. Vinifying the grapes separately with indigenous yeasts, winemaker Vincent Durieu aged the 2020 Lucile Avril in concrete tanks for 18 months, balancing its lush, herb and spice scented fruit with fine acidity and building a framework of firm, well-integrated tannins that guarantee years of evolution. From a 2020 vintage yielding wines with “energy and verve,” according to Decanter’s Matt Walls, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril offers appealing energetic fruit ready to enjoy now with a rich, robust structure for aging, an impeccably balanced Chateauneuf du Pape driven by old vine Grenache at an unbeatable value. Believe me - this is stunning. | ||
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2009 Chateau Suduiraut Ex-Chateau 2022 (750ml) | ||
Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King’s grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d’Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as “a mood altering wine,” the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts “a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop” according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut “unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish.” Boasting “a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit,” Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a “benchmark Suduiraut” and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut “simply magnificent” and “a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the “fabulous” 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut “such a gorgeous wine,” delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining “gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss calls it “a great wine with a long-term future.” Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: “It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing.” Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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2016 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson as “a classic example of why we love great Pauillac,” these traditionally styled selections from Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste balance rich dark fruit on a precise backbone of acidity with lush, layered tannins, some just hitting their stride and all with decades of enjoyment ahead of them, delivered in perfect provenance at an unbeatable value. Purchased by Jean-Eugene Borie in 1978 and restored by his son Francois-Xavier over the following decades, the 58-hectare vineyard of Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is situated in a single large block on the Pauillac hill, the steep terrain rising up to 20 meters and planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon in deep gravel soils that extend eight meters underground on the Left Bank of the Gironde. Crafted by winemaker Francois-Xavier with the help of his daughter Emeline, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend is aged in mostly new French oak for 16 to 18 months, producing a Grand Vin that is “immediately charming and structurally polished” with “classic Cabernet-driven Pauillac character” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley. At a tasting in 2021, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux noted the 97 pt. 2005 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is “just starting to really live up to expectations” and “will easily stay in this delightful holding pattern for the next few decades” while the “unmistakably Pauillac” 96 pt. 2009 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is “utterly gorgeous right now” and “still young," counting it among the estate’s best vintages. Calling the 2015 vintage one not to be missed, Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes the 96 pt. 2015 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste as bringing together “the ripeness of the vintage and the classic elegance of Pauillac in stunning style,” while the 97 pt. 2016 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is “sumptuous, vivid and incredibly detailed” and a highlight of the vintage poised to “enjoy a long life,” available in both 750 ml. and magnum. Jeb Dunnuck calls the 96 pt. 2018 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste “a beautiful Pauillac” with “terrific balance, remarkable purity of fruit, and outstanding length” and the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes the 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste “an exercise in elegance, with lovely freshness and fine-grained tannins.” Ranked #18 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023, James Suckling wrote the full-bodied 96 pt. 2020 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste “builds on the palate in a fantastic way” while the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley notes “its supple, charming style belies considerable aging potential.” Transparently reflecting its exceptional Left Bank terroir, Bordeaux expert Jane Anson describes the exceptional Grand Cru of Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste as “the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Gironde Estuary breezes, and the gravels of the appellation,” these top vintages delivering outstanding value for Pauillac lovers and collectors to savor over the next decades. | ||
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2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar. Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment. Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2020 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Val d’Arno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a gorgeous and sumptuous wine” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and among the “upper echelons of Tuscan wine” according to Gambero Rosso, Petrolo’s Galatrona is a standout even among its famed Super Tuscan peers, earning its well-deserved reputation vintage over vintage as “Tuscany’s answer to Petrus” according to the Wine Spectator, this offer for three stunning vintages among the best values in the region and simply not to be missed by lovers and collectors of Italy’s best red wines. Located on a winding hillside road in northwest of Arezzo just outside the Chianti Classico zone, the strikingly beautiful Petrolo estate spans 672 acres of woodlands, olive groves and pristine hillside vineyards, the highest point dominated by the rustic centuries’ old sandstone watchtower for which Galatrona is named. Leaving his career as a successful painter to run his family’s estate 30 years ago, vintner Luca Sanjust had a passion for the great Merlots of Pomerol, fueling the idea of producing a pure Merlot in Tuscany from the low yielding Bordeaux vines that his mother Lucia had first planted on the estate in the late 1980’s and releasing the first Galatrona in 1994 to unanimous critical acclaim. Fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, the Petrolo Galatrona is aged for 18 to 20 months in a mix of large French oak barrels and barriques about a third new, expertly balancing elegance and immense power in an opulent style reminiscent of Le Pin according to James Suckling who calls it “the Merlot bombshell from Tuscany.” Crafted under legendary consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner describes the 99 pt. 2019 Petrolo Galatrona as “soft and luscious, spreading evenly over the palate with elegance and sweeping intensity,” while the 97 pt. 2020 Petrolo Galatrona is “stunning” with all the elements “so impeccably woven together,” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, summing it up as “magnificent.” Declared “a tremendous wine by any measure” by critic Galloni, the 98 pt. 2021 Petrolo Galatrona is “totally unputdownable” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle “with lots of potential for improvement over ageing” and a lifespan of several decades. Describing Petrolo as “a jewel of an estate” crafting “some of the most beautiful wines in Tuscany,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the Petrolo Galatrona a “stunning value for the money” priced at a fraction of other highly rated Super Tuscan blends, these recent exceptional vintages already drinking beautifully and promising collectors who stash some away the opportunity to enjoy Petrolo’s elegantly complex and truly gorgeous expression of Tuscan Merlot for years to come. | ||
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2019 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone della Valpolicella (750ml) | ||
From Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A comprehensive selection from Tedeschi reflecting "a sense of place in Valpolicella" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these highly rated reds from Italy's pioneering producer of vineyard-driven Valpolicella and Amarone offer a full range of complexity from the easy drinking 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine to the inviting 97 pt. 2019 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone and the powerful single vineyard 95 pt. 2015 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone, a terrific value priced opportunity for anyone looking to explore the wines of the region as well as Amarone lovers seeking a great deal for building a case. Located in northern Italy’s Veneto region east of Lake Garda, Tedeschi produces red wines in a range of styles, from fresh and approachable Valpolicella to rich and age worthy Amarone and long-lived Riservas, crafted as different blends from the native grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone along with a smaller percentage of lesser-known indigenous varietals. Inspired by the diverse range of terroirs across their 48 hectares of steep, hillside vineyards, the Tedeschi’s were the first in the region to build their portfolio to express the specific characteristics of the individual parcels, the estate now run by fifth generation family members Riccardo, Sabrina and Antonietta under the mentorship of their father Lorenzo. Crafted without the use of any oak, the fresh and lively 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella offers bright red fruit with notes of sour cherry and vibrant acidity, a refreshing and food friendly Valpolicella to enjoy slightly chilled over the next five years and summed up by James Suckling as “delicious.” Crafted as a harmonious blend from across their vineyards, the harvested grapes for the Marne 180 Amarone della Valpolicella are dried to half their original size during the appassimento process used to make Amarone, undergoing a complex transformation that decreases acidity and enhances flavors, the blend aged for around 30 months in large Slavonian casks followed by at least 6 months in bottle before release. Described as “delicious even now” by James Suckling, the richly textured 93 pt. 2017 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone is ready to enjoy with structure for cellaring, offering aromatic, succulent fruit hinting of spiced raisin with smooth acidity and a mineral-driven finish, while the lush 2019 97 pt. Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone promises a decade of evolution, revealing ripe spiced fruit and saline-tinged minerality with well-integrated tannins on a long, juicy finish. Sourced from the steep terraced Monte Olmi parcel planted in limestone-rich soils at around 160 meters above sea level, Tedeschi’s Monte Olmi Riserva was among the region’s first single vineyard Amarones first released in the 1960’s, the blend aged in Slavonia oak for 48 months with a minimum of 6 months more in bottle. After spending 10 years maturing in bottle, the full-bodied 95 pt. 2013 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is described as offering “an unbelievable amount of vibrant, unbridled energy” by Eric Guido of Vinous, its enticing aromatic spiced fruit balanced with fine grained tannins on a silky finish while the opulent 95 pt. 2016 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is “is a sumptuous wine of both power and precision” according to James Suckling, promising to evolve for over a decade. Described as “fabulous values” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, these appealing selections from Tedeschi reflect the family’s long legacy as expert growers in the region, a range of refined and balanced vineyard driven Valpolicella wines to enjoy now and over the next decade, bargain priced at a fraction of the region’s higher profile producers and over delivering value. | ||
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2022 Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella (750ml) | ||
From Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A comprehensive selection from Tedeschi reflecting "a sense of place in Valpolicella" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these highly rated reds from Italy's pioneering producer of vineyard-driven Valpolicella and Amarone offer a full range of complexity from the easy drinking 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine to the inviting 97 pt. 2019 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone and the powerful single vineyard 95 pt. 2015 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone, a terrific value priced opportunity for anyone looking to explore the wines of the region as well as Amarone lovers seeking a great deal for building a case. Located in northern Italy’s Veneto region east of Lake Garda, Tedeschi produces red wines in a range of styles, from fresh and approachable Valpolicella to rich and age worthy Amarone and long-lived Riservas, crafted as different blends from the native grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone along with a smaller percentage of lesser-known indigenous varietals. Inspired by the diverse range of terroirs across their 48 hectares of steep, hillside vineyards, the Tedeschi’s were the first in the region to build their portfolio to express the specific characteristics of the individual parcels, the estate now run by fifth generation family members Riccardo, Sabrina and Antonietta under the mentorship of their father Lorenzo. Crafted without the use of any oak, the fresh and lively 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella offers bright red fruit with notes of sour cherry and vibrant acidity, a refreshing and food friendly Valpolicella to enjoy slightly chilled over the next five years and summed up by James Suckling as “delicious.” Crafted as a harmonious blend from across their vineyards, the harvested grapes for the Marne 180 Amarone della Valpolicella are dried to half their original size during the appassimento process used to make Amarone, undergoing a complex transformation that decreases acidity and enhances flavors, the blend aged for around 30 months in large Slavonian casks followed by at least 6 months in bottle before release. Described as “delicious even now” by James Suckling, the richly textured 93 pt. 2017 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone is ready to enjoy with structure for cellaring, offering aromatic, succulent fruit hinting of spiced raisin with smooth acidity and a mineral-driven finish, while the lush 2019 97 pt. Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone promises a decade of evolution, revealing ripe spiced fruit and saline-tinged minerality with well-integrated tannins on a long, juicy finish. Sourced from the steep terraced Monte Olmi parcel planted in limestone-rich soils at around 160 meters above sea level, Tedeschi’s Monte Olmi Riserva was among the region’s first single vineyard Amarones first released in the 1960’s, the blend aged in Slavonia oak for 48 months with a minimum of 6 months more in bottle. After spending 10 years maturing in bottle, the full-bodied 95 pt. 2013 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is described as offering “an unbelievable amount of vibrant, unbridled energy” by Eric Guido of Vinous, its enticing aromatic spiced fruit balanced with fine grained tannins on a silky finish while the opulent 95 pt. 2016 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is “is a sumptuous wine of both power and precision” according to James Suckling, promising to evolve for over a decade. Described as “fabulous values” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, these appealing selections from Tedeschi reflect the family’s long legacy as expert growers in the region, a range of refined and balanced vineyard driven Valpolicella wines to enjoy now and over the next decade, bargain priced at a fraction of the region’s higher profile producers and over delivering value. | ||
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2023 Diatom Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Fans of winemaker Greg Brewer’s pure and precise Santa Barbara County Chardonnays won’t need convincing to stock up on the new vintage of the elegant 93 pt. 2023 Diatom Chardonnay, transparently expressing the essence of fragrant Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay with shimmering minerality on a vibrant, saline finish and a “screaming value” according to Jeb Dunnuck that over delivers. Described as “the purest possible expression of Chardonnay from this region” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, veteran winemaker Greg Brewer established Diatom in 2005 in the Central Coast’s Santa Rita Hills AVA to capture Chardonnay in its “most pure and unadulterated state,” naming it for the region’s distinctive marine sedimentary soils of fossilized plankton among the largest deposits in the world. Sourced from the Mission Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos, the low yielding Chardonnay vines produce smaller clusters and tiny berries that enhance concentration and depth, while cooling breezes funneling off the Pacific allow for longer ripening and flavor development and preserve the grapes’ natural acidity. Renowned as the co-founder of Brewer-Clifton and Melville with over three decades of winemaking experience, Brewer employed a non-interventionist approach to craft the 2023 Diatom, forgoing the use of oak and malolactic fermentation, an often-employed technique known for producing a softer, more buttery style of Chardonnay and instead producing a crisp, clean Chardonnay in a style reminiscent of Chablis. Fermented and matured in 100% stainless steel, the refined 2023 Diatom Chardonnay beautifully balances bright, lively fruit with refreshing, mineral-tinged acidity, reflecting Brewer’s signature style of “vibrant purity and freshness, with plenty of textural richness on the palate” according to Jeb Dunnuck and a mouthwatering finish that begs for another sip. From a unique terroir described as producing “natural tight acidity, tension, and an ocean-kissed salinity” by Decanter’s Jessica Dupuy, Greg Brewer’s impeccably balanced 93 pt. 2023 Diatom Chardonnay is richly layered with nuanced complexity and refreshing acidity, crafted by a masterful winemaker to transparently reflect its Santa Rita Hills origins and an incredible value bargain priced for savvy Chard lovers to scoop up by the case. | ||
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2019 La Rose Perriere (750ml) | ||
From Lussac-St-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar. Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment. Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2022 Conundrum White (750ml) | ||
From Rutherford, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our exceptional Rhone Week offers continue with the elegant and classically styled 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril, a sumptuous CDP sourced from 100+ year old Grenache vines delivering lush aromas of fresh, tantalizing fruit and “beautiful Provençal character” according to Jeb Dunnuck that’s built for years of aging, at specially negotiated pricing that I know our B-21 lovers and collectors of bold Southern Rhones reds will want to scoop up to enjoy often. Described by critic Robert Parker Jr. as “one of the up-and-coming superstar estates of Chateauneuf du Pape” over a decade ago, Domaine Durieu was founded by Paul Durieu with a few hectares of vineyards gifted to him by his mother Lucile Avril for his wedding, building the estate holdings to over 37 hectares and producing the first Lucile Avril Cuvee in her honor in 1999. Now crafted by third generation winemaker Vincent Durieu, Domaine Durieu’s 2020 Lucile Avril Cuvee is a blend of mostly Grenache, the oldest vines dating from 1914, with 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, planted in the Farguerol lieu-dit’s blue clay and limestone soils mixed with the smooth galet stones on a plateau just north of the town of Chateauneuf du Pape. Vinifying the grapes separately with indigenous yeasts, winemaker Vincent Durieu aged the 2020 Lucile Avril in concrete tanks for 18 months, balancing its lush, herb and spice scented fruit with fine acidity and building a framework of firm, well-integrated tannins that guarantee years of evolution. From a 2020 vintage yielding wines with “energy and verve,” according to Decanter’s Matt Walls, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril offers appealing energetic fruit ready to enjoy now with a rich, robust structure for aging, an impeccably balanced Chateauneuf du Pape driven by old vine Grenache at an unbeatable value. Believe me - this is stunning. | ||
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2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More While fans of rich California Chardonnay know Sonoma’s iconic Dutton Ranch as the source for some of the region’s top producers, the lush 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard is a welcome departure from their equally high prices, offering ripe aromatic tropical fruit hinting of crisp apple and citrus peel with bright acidity on a plush finish and delivering a classic expression of sumptuous Russian River Chard for a fraction of its similarly pedigreed peers. Co-founded by legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and entrepreneur Peter Deutsch, the Calling was established in 2012 to craft wines sourced from existing family growers, forming its first partnership with the Russian River Valley’s acclaimed Dutton Ranch and becoming the largest buyer of Dutton Chardonnay fruit over the last decade. Founded on a 35-acre ranch outside of Graton in Sonoma County in 1964, the Dutton family planted their first 20 acres of Chardonnay in 1967, expanding their holdings to over 1,100 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and becoming one of the region’s most prestigious vineyard designations, featured on the labels of an array of high-profile Chardonnay producers including Kistler and Patz and Hall. Employing what he refers to as a “berry to bottle” approach with minimal intervention, acclaimed winemaker James MacPhail barrel-fermented the impressive 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard in French oak with wild yeasts before aging it in 35% new French oak for nine months, employing regular lees stirring to create richness and texture and yielding classic Russian River opulence with beautifully textured fruit and bright acidity, ready to enjoy over the next few years. Crafted by a relative newcomer among Sonoma’s Chardonnay producers, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard continues the winery’s rising trajectory in the Russian River appellation, an opportunity to reap the rewards of exceptional sourcing and highly skilled winemaking while enjoying a terrific deal on an impressive and easy to love Chardonnay. | ||
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Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 7 (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As the first to introduce Caymus to the state of Florida back in 1981, our decades-long relationship with the Wagner Family of Wines presented a terrific opportunity to feature a selection of their outstanding offerings at rock bottom pricing, from the entry level Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 to the iconic 2021 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon in limited one-liter bottles, along with Chard, Pinot and the easy-drinking Conundrum blends plus the lush Red Schooner Malbec Voyage 11 and the Red Schooner release called Transit. Here’s what’s in stock and ready to enjoy. Boasting dark fruit hinting of vanilla and soft tannins, Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 blends fruit from a variety of vineyard sites and vintages, its name referring to the “Bonanza” of unheralded vineyards throughout the state (and not the TV Western for those of us over a certain age…), crafted for everyday enjoyment. Inspired by Chuck Wagner’s father and his “no rules” approach to mixing wines, the Conundrum White is a refreshing proprietary blend of a variety of white grapes including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier that boasts lush tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the Conundrum Red offers rich, dark fruit including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by pleasant, layered tannins. Sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara to the south up to Solano County in the north, the Sea Sun Chardonnay balances bright, creamy fruit woven with harmonious toasted oak, while the Sea Sun Pinot Noir offers lush, ripe red fruit hinting of forest and spice with a velvet, palate-pleasing texture, its grapes coming from cool climate vineyards along the Pacific. Grown high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, the ripe Malbec grapes for Red Schooner are shipped via chilled containers to Napa, where the Caymus team crafts a luscious, richly styled Malbec, referred to as Voyage 11 and coming from the 2021 Argentina vintage. Also shipped via chilled containers and crafted by the Caymus winemaking team, the grapes for Red Schooner Transit 2 are mostly Shiraz with a little Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with aging in French oak yielding ripe, dark fruit flavors hinting of spice and mint with smooth, firm tannins. A comprehensive selection of top-quality wines crafted by the iconic Wagner Family of Wines, this is a not to be missed offer for Caymus fans to mix a case or two, stock up on some everyday wine or select a few favorites – with the legacy of the legendary Caymus behind each label at best on the market pricing, every choice is a win-win. | ||
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2019 Moulin du Cadet (750ml) | ||
From Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar. Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment. Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2018 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril (750ml) | ||
Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our exceptional Rhone Week offers continue with the elegant and classically styled 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril, a sumptuous CDP sourced from 100+ year old Grenache vines delivering lush aromas of fresh, tantalizing fruit and “beautiful Provençal character” according to Jeb Dunnuck that’s built for years of aging, at specially negotiated pricing that I know our B-21 lovers and collectors of bold Southern Rhones reds will want to scoop up to enjoy often. Described by critic Robert Parker Jr. as “one of the up-and-coming superstar estates of Chateauneuf du Pape” over a decade ago, Domaine Durieu was founded by Paul Durieu with a few hectares of vineyards gifted to him by his mother Lucile Avril for his wedding, building the estate holdings to over 37 hectares and producing the first Lucile Avril Cuvee in her honor in 1999. Now crafted by third generation winemaker Vincent Durieu, Domaine Durieu’s 2020 Lucile Avril Cuvee is a blend of mostly Grenache, the oldest vines dating from 1914, with 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, planted in the Farguerol lieu-dit’s blue clay and limestone soils mixed with the smooth galet stones on a plateau just north of the town of Chateauneuf du Pape. Vinifying the grapes separately with indigenous yeasts, winemaker Vincent Durieu aged the 2020 Lucile Avril in concrete tanks for 18 months, balancing its lush, herb and spice scented fruit with fine acidity and building a framework of firm, well-integrated tannins that guarantee years of evolution. From a 2020 vintage yielding wines with “energy and verve,” according to Decanter’s Matt Walls, the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Lucile Avril offers appealing energetic fruit ready to enjoy now with a rich, robust structure for aging, an impeccably balanced Chateauneuf du Pape driven by old vine Grenache at an unbeatable value. Believe me - this is stunning. | ||
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2019 Clos du Roy (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A load of top scoring 2019 Bordeaux values just arrived. Called “one of the most consistent vintages in Bordeaux in the 21st Century” by the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown with quality “incredibly reliable from top to bottom,” these top rated 2019 selections offer the winning combination of approachability and longevity, unbeatably priced for Bordeaux fans seeking value to stock the cellar. Declaring 2019 an outstanding vintage “that readers will love to have in their cellar,” Jeb Dunnuck calls the Merlot-dominated 92 pt. 2019 Clos du Roy from Fonsac “a hidden gem” that “should keep for a decade,” while describing the age worthy 93 pt. 2019 La Rose Perriere as “full-bodied, rich, structured” and the concentrated 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac as a “beautifully pure, elegant Medoc that's well worth seeking out.” Producing “phenomenal wines in every appellation,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the aromatic 94 pt. 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc “a total knock-out” hinting of wild peach and honeysuckle, while the 100% Merlot 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Gravieres is “a “deep, mineral-driven St. Emilion of real distinction,” and the rich 94 pt. 2019 Labegorce is a “succulent Margaux” that’s “ample and expressive.” Calling 2019 a vintage offering “harmony, balance and freshness,” James Suckling describes the full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion as boasting “wonderful energy,” while the 93 pt. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen offers “chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit” and the richly aromatic 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Soutard-Cadet blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc to reveal “firm tannins and light, toasted oak” built for the long haul. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes the full-bodied 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier from St. Emilion as “velvety and seamless,” while he calls the impeccably balanced 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Saint-Pierre “the most gourmand, immediate wine of Saint-Julien,” describing the 2019’s overall as offering “notable intensity and persistence of flavor.” Calling 2019 a vintage of “rich and lush wines,” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson describes the deeply aromatic 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantenac-Brown as “well muscled” with a “ton of tightly packed black fruit,” and calls the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 97 pt. 2019 Chateau Gruaud Larose “totally gorgeous” and the essence of “St. Julien in a glass,” while the stunning 98 pt. 2019 Rauzan-Segla is “well made and well delivered” with “Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant fruits,” boasting layered tannins built for decades of enjoyment. Calling it “a truly great vintage for Bordeaux,” Neal Martin of Vinous enthusiastically endorsed the 2019s as “more opulent and bigger” at a recent retrospective tasting, all the more reason to pick a few favorites or mix a case or two of these top rated 2019 Bordeaux selections while they remain available and exceptionally priced to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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2010 Chateau Suduiraut Ex-Chateau 2022 (750ml) | ||
Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King’s grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d’Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as “a mood altering wine,” the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts “a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop” according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut “unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish.” Boasting “a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit,” Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a “benchmark Suduiraut” and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut “simply magnificent” and “a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the “fabulous” 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut “such a gorgeous wine,” delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining “gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss calls it “a great wine with a long-term future.” Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: “It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing.” Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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