2023 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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Glenfiddich 14yr Bourbon Barrel Reserve Single Malt Scotch (750ml) | ||
From Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The closest Glenfiddich gets to producing a bourbon!" - Whisky Advocate This is one of those can't-miss opportunities that almost any spirits fan can get behind in a big way. Not only is Glenfiddich's 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve the ultimate category crossover star, it's also already an all-time B-21 best seller. And for a limited time, it's available at must-see pricing that makes it easy to stock the bar for the foreseeable future. Aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished heavily charred new American oak (the classic bourbon recipe) yet classically Glenfiddich in the style of the distillate, the 14 Year takes everything up a notch. Fully textured and balanced as a properly aged single malt should be, it also boasts all the layered flavors and aromas that come from the lengthy time in the casks. "The 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve shows exactly why Glenfiddich is a go-to name for so many Scotch lovers – plenty of charm, plenty of nuance, and an easy-going approachability that makes it accessible for a wide audience," notes B-21 Spirits Buyer Andrew Kitz. Sure, we whiskey fans all have our preferred styles, and the best thing about the 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve is that it fits yours, no matter what style it is. | ||
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2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “a wine that embodies the long history of Rioja” by Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous, the 95-point 2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza hits the mark as one of the region’s finest classically styled reds, offering fragrant, juicy dark fruit impeccably balanced by refined, polished tannins on a lingering finish. Named one of the Top 100 Wines of Spain in 2023 by James Suckling, it's an alluring Rioja ready to enjoy over the next decade at an unbeatable price. La Rioja Alta is renowned for releasing its wines late with extended aging, its massive cellars filled with “the equivalent of eight years in stock” according to Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez. Produced only in top vintages, the 2017 Reserva Vina Ardanza came from vines over 30 years of age in the Rioja Alta sub-region, along with Garnacha from the hotter and drier 40-hectare La Pedriza vineyard, a Rioja Oriental parcel considered prime terroir for optimal ripening. Employing traditional techniques including manual racking by candlelight and fermenting with indigenous yeasts, the refined 2017 Reserva Vina Ardanza aged separately in a mix of 20% new and three-year-old American oak barrels for up to three years, with the final blend spending three more years in bottle before release, yielding “a vibrant red wine with harmonious balance” according to Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo. Critic Tim Atkin calls the elegant, 95-point 2017 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza “a delicious release” reflecting the iconic estate’s reputation “for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle.” It's a winning combination for Rioja lovers of all stripes. | ||
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2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
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2022 Ferrari-Carano Siena (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2021 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "One of the more affordable, classic valley-wide blends that will age for several years." - James Suckling The iconic Mount Veeder Winery has been at the forefront of the "mountain Cabernet" style in Napa Valley for decades, and their fan-favorite appellation blend is consistently one of the vintage's smartest buys for those who want to enjoy quintessential Napa Cab without breaking the bank. "Well structured, deep in red and black fruit and rather big in style," according to James Suckilng, the 2021 tremendous value in the category for Napa fans of all stripes. The superb vintage yielded a hallmark Mount Veeder expression that is plenty approachable today but also has the substance for cellaring, so you can stock up with our confidence at our market-best price under $40. | ||
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2022 Frank Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
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2023 Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisieres Vouvray Cuvee de Silex (750ml) | ||
Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Loire, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Over his many decades at the renowned Domaine de Aubuisieres, Bernard Fouquet has done as much as anyone to define the Vouvray appellation on the world stage, and the wines have long been fan-favorite best-sellers at B-21. Having entered retirement in 2023, Fouquet handed his treasured domaine to a new generation of talent in winemaker Charles Lesaffre, who continues Fouquet's excellent track record for quality and value. We've cultivated quite the fanbase for the domaine's entry-level Cuvée de Silex, and after a recent tasting of the newly arrived 2023 vintage, we can confidently say it's another value standout that will thrill long-time fans.Made from 60-year-old vines on ... you guessed it, silex soils. Flinty and mineral to the core, the 2023 Silex conveys its terroir in exceptional fashion. We'd also be remiss if we didn't highlight the domaine's marvelous single-vineyard bottlings, like the 2022 Le Peitt Clos. Made from a coveted, two-hectare site on argilo-calcaire (limestone) soils, which was reaquired from Domaine Huet in 2013, the 2022 Le Petit Clos likewise shows its origins in spades. Rounder and riper than the Silex (thanks in part to vinification in sandstone amphorae), this wine displays the fuller side of Chenin Blanc – "deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with superb depth at the core, lovely soil reflection and grip, zesty acids and just a kiss of sweetness on the attack," as described by John Gilman of View From the Cellar. Not often do we find benchmark examples like these with top-tier pedigree for under $25, but this pair more than maintains the world-class value reputation that has made Aubuisieres such an admired domaine for our clients over the years. | ||
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2024 La Cana Albariño (750ml) | ||
Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you've been a fan of Spanish wine over the past ten years or so, you've probably been waiting for Albariño to get the attention it deserves on the world stage, and while it still takes a back seat to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the like, the best examples are still shining brightly and only getting better with each passing vintage. La Caña has long been a benchmark producer of this one-of-a-kind varietal, working with top-notch sites in the Salnès sub-zone of Rías Baixas, widely considered ground zero for the most quintessential expressions. Year after year, their entry-level bottling far outperforms its price point in the critical press, with all the customary bright citrus and tropical fruit, vibrant acidity, and textured charm that Albariño aficionados have come to know and love. While the 2024 has yet to be reviewed professionally, we recently got a chance to try it with importer Jorge Ordoñez, and we can confidently say this rendition picks up right where previous vintages have left off, with more glowing praise no doubt in store in the near future. Meanwhile, you have a great opportunity to stock up on a fan-favorite crowd pleaser that seems tailor-made for summer soirées and warm days by the pool, so don't hesitate to lock in at our market-best price. | ||
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2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
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2022 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Tré Terre (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2019 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It seems the 2019 Brunello vintage is the gift that keeps on giving, as we're still unearthing stellar collectible opportunities on the region's most sought-after names. "Il Poggione remains one of the absolute top producers of Brunello from year to year at a remarkably fair price point." - Eric Guido, Vinous Il Poggione's classically structured, spice-driven style is on full display in the 2019, which captures the very best of this remarkable Brunello vintage. The expansive estate in the warmer southern sub-zone of Montalcino benefits greatly in balanced growing seasons, where the wine's hallmark power can stretch its legs without going overboard. Vinous' Eric Guido declares it "Enveloping and serene ... Il Poggione has captured the radiance of the vintage, yet this is just a baby today." Boasting true collectible potential at great pricing, Poggione's 2019 Brunello is another notch in an impressive recent track record for a bona fide Tuscan benchmark estate. | ||
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2019 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate “firing on all cylinders,” there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a “no expense spared” restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate’s 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau’s rising star reputation as “an estate that can do no wrong” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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2021 Ferrari-Carano Tresor (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2021 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet Grand Vin La Clape Blanc (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Arguably the most dynamic producer in southwest France, Gerard Bertrand's stable of estates form the backbone of the winegrowing traditions in the regions around the foothills of the Pyrenees. As dramatic a winegrowing landscape as you'll find, this region has been home to the vine since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians fought over it. Chateau l'Hospitalet in the coastal La Clape AOC is a marvelous property, part resort, part vineyard, and part nature preserve, where you'll find some of the most definitive wines of the appellation. The 2021 l'Hospitaliet Rouge, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is "a gorgeous wine that is dripping with finesse" per Wine Enthusiast and "a classic at this address" according to Wine Advocate. Likewise, the 2021 Blanc, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier, is "plush and inviting, with warm spice details and a honeyed note on the mineral-rich, racy finish" as described in Wine Spectator's 92-point review. If you're a fan of eminently classic Rhone-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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2016 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate “firing on all cylinders,” there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a “no expense spared” restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate’s 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau’s rising star reputation as “an estate that can do no wrong” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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2022 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Reserve (750ml) | ||
Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2021 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sonoma's standard-bearer Ferrari-Carano needs little introduction. These quintessential California classics have been all-time best sellers at B-21 for years, and it's always nice to see a standard bearer continue to hit the mark. These 2021s and 2022s showcase winemaking duo Rebecka Deike and Natalie West at their best, all notching solid press from James Suckling and offering outstanding value and consistent excellence. The "Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing" 2023 Chardonnay is a top-shelf value performer at 91 points & under $16, a perfect option for your next go-to house white. A step (or two) up at 94 points, the 2022 Tre Terre is "full bodied with lovely texture and tension" per Suckling, outpacing it's sub-$25 price. For the reds, the 2021 Siena hits on all cylinders for fans of this QPR best seller, while the 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon catches 92 points from Suckling, who notes, "Medium-bodied with fine tannins and beautiful length. Bright and vivid. Plenty of cabernet character." If you're looking for surefire quality at an easy price, you almost have too many good options with these Sonoma classics. | ||
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2019 Sierra Cantabria Reserva Unica (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...quite complete and balanced in a classical year." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate A bastion of the old-school Rioja style, Sierra Cantabria boasts a track record of consistency that puts them firmly in the company of the region's other benchmark names. Known for turning out superb values, the estate also excels with some truly outstanding single-vineyard wines that Rioja collectors seek out on a regular basis. The bridge between the two categories is the Unica Reserva, sourced from a handful of these same prized vineyard sites that make up the top tier of the Sierra Cantabria range. The impeccable fruit pedigree, expert winemaking, and outstanding price all combine for a surefire winner of outstanding value that Rioja lovers can stock up on and enjoy time and time again over the next 15 years or more. | ||
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2021 Gerard Bertrand Chateau l'Hospitalet La Clape Rouge (750ml) | ||
Syrah from Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Arguably the most dynamic producer in southwest France, Gerard Bertrand's stable of estates form the backbone of the winegrowing traditions in the regions around the foothills of the Pyrenees. As dramatic a winegrowing landscape as you'll find, this region has been home to the vine since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians fought over it. Chateau l'Hospitalet in the coastal La Clape AOC is a marvelous property, part resort, part vineyard, and part nature preserve, where you'll find some of the most definitive wines of the appellation. The 2021 l'Hospitaliet Rouge, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is "a gorgeous wine that is dripping with finesse" per Wine Enthusiast and "a classic at this address" according to Wine Advocate. Likewise, the 2021 Blanc, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier, is "plush and inviting, with warm spice details and a honeyed note on the mineral-rich, racy finish" as described in Wine Spectator's 92-point review. If you're a fan of eminently classic Rhone-style wines with their own signature character, look no further. | ||
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2020 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate “firing on all cylinders,” there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a “no expense spared” restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate’s 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau’s rising star reputation as “an estate that can do no wrong” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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2022 Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisieres Le Petit Clos (750ml) | ||
Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Loire, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Over his many decades at the renowned Domaine de Aubuisieres, Bernard Fouquet has done as much as anyone to define the Vouvray appellation on the world stage, and the wines have long been fan-favorite best-sellers at B-21. Having entered retirement in 2023, Fouquet handed his treasured domaine to a new generation of talent in winemaker Charles Lesaffre, who continues Fouquet's excellent track record for quality and value. We've cultivated quite the fanbase for the domaine's entry-level Cuvée de Silex, and after a recent tasting of the newly arrived 2023 vintage, we can confidently say it's another value standout that will thrill long-time fans.Made from 60-year-old vines on ... you guessed it, silex soils. Flinty and mineral to the core, the 2023 Silex conveys its terroir in exceptional fashion. We'd also be remiss if we didn't highlight the domaine's marvelous single-vineyard bottlings, like the 2022 Le Peitt Clos. Made from a coveted, two-hectare site on argilo-calcaire (limestone) soils, which was reaquired from Domaine Huet in 2013, the 2022 Le Petit Clos likewise shows its origins in spades. Rounder and riper than the Silex (thanks in part to vinification in sandstone amphorae), this wine displays the fuller side of Chenin Blanc – "deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with superb depth at the core, lovely soil reflection and grip, zesty acids and just a kiss of sweetness on the attack," as described by John Gilman of View From the Cellar. Not often do we find benchmark examples like these with top-tier pedigree for under $25, but this pair more than maintains the world-class value reputation that has made Aubuisieres such an admired domaine for our clients over the years. | ||
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2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Today's private offer needs little to no introduction. The 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu is another major milestone in one of the most legednary track records in Napa Valley history. "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour is outrageously beautiful. A wine of statuesque build and class, the 2021 represents another major step forward for BV." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Following on the heels of star-studded vintages like 2018 and 2019, the 2021 is another example of how this iconic estate continues to evolve and refine even its flagship bottling, a wine that could rest on its laurels, if ever there were one. Antonio Galloni asserts "BV is arguably one of the most improved estates in Napa Valley over the last few years" under winemaker Trevor Durling, and the Georges de Latour is exhibit A. Shorter maceration times and fewer barrels used during vinification have tempered the wine's famously stern and tannic character, but this by no means indicates that its famous longevity is in question. Instead, the 2021 Georges de Latour offers collectors a level of sophistication and elegance that simply adds one more dimension to one of the world's great Cabernets. With three 98-point scores carrying the critical line, the 2021 "does everything right" according to Jeb Dunnuck, and avid collectors of this Napa legend will be thrilled to have it in their cellars. | ||
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2018 Agrapart Mineral Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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2022 Domaine Pousse d'Or Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Corton, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "As the scores and commentaries confirm, I was very impressed with the wines in 2022 and in particular, those from Volnay really stood out." - Allen Meadows, Burghound We're down to the last few in-stock bottles of acclaimed 2022s from one of the Côte de Beaune's most coveted domaines. A dynamic estate that boasts no fewer than seven grands crus and eleven 1ers crus (three of which are monopoles), Pousse d'Or is always high on the checklist of collectors in a great vintage like 2022. The domaine's extensive line-up, which amassed glowing accolades across the board, includes numerous Sweet Spot and Outstanding designations from the notoriously rigorous Allen Meadows of Burghound. Leading off is the crown jewel of the 1er cru monopoles, the "super sleek and highly energetic" 1er Cru Clos de 60 Ouvrées from the prized En Caillerets vineyard, which offers just a touch more weight and gravitas than its "perfumed and exceptionally pretty" monopole stablemate, the 1er Cru Clos de la Bousse d'Or. As a testament to just how successful the vintage was for winemaker Benoît Landanger and his team, the "excellent" Pommard 1er Cru Jarolières punches well above its place in the heirarchy, matching its Volnay counterparts in class and sophistication. Atypical for Pommard, Meadows notes "a lovely sleekness to the delicious, vibrant and more muscular flavors that possess a gorgeous texture, all wrapped in an impressively long, firm and well-balanced finale." Finally, the "impeccably well-balanced" Corton Clos de Roi Grand Cru offers one of the smartest buys of the vintage in its category, its "gorgeous mouthfeel together with solid power" indicating a grand cru with exceptional cellar potential. If you missed these gems on the first go-round, now is your last chance to score one or several true cellar performers that highlight a great vintage and a great domaine in all their glory. | ||
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2019 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Paganelli (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It seems the 2019 Brunello vintage is the gift that keeps on giving, as we're still unearthing stellar collectible opportunities on the region's most sought-after names. "Il Poggione remains one of the absolute top producers of Brunello from year to year at a remarkably fair price point." - Eric Guido, Vinous Il Poggione's classically structured, spice-driven style is on full display in the 2019, which captures the very best of this remarkable Brunello vintage. The expansive estate in the warmer southern sub-zone of Montalcino benefits greatly in balanced growing seasons, where the wine's hallmark power can stretch its legs without going overboard. Vinous' Eric Guido declares it "Enveloping and serene ... Il Poggione has captured the radiance of the vintage, yet this is just a baby today." Boasting true collectible potential at great pricing, Poggione's 2019 Brunello is another notch in an impressive recent track record for a bona fide Tuscan benchmark estate. | ||
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2020 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino (750ml) | ||
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Famed enologist Carlo Ferrini’s small private vineyard may produce Montalcino’s best-kept secret” Robert Camuto, Wine Spectator Described as “celebrating the pleasures of Sangiovese” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, superstar winemaker Carlo Ferrini has the golden touch for crafting vineyard expressive Brunello, his elegant 97 pt. 2020 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino revealing ripe, aromatic fruit hinting of balsamic with vibrant acidity and velvety, fine tannins, a small production gem already delivering pleasurable drinking and promising to age beautifully for a decade or more. Recognizing the potential of a small, steep parcel of stony, mineral-rich soil nestled deep within the forest and bordered by ancient cypress, veteran enologist Carlo Ferrini purchased his tiny estate on the southeastern side of Montalcino in 2002, naming it Giodo to honor his parents Giovanna and Donatello and planting it with 15 clones of Sangiovese selected for their low yields and high-quality grapes. Boasting a 30 plus year legacy as a leading consultant to a “who’s who” of iconic Tuscan estates including Barone Ricasoli, Fonterutoli, Talenti and Romitorio, the legendary Ferrini “has long emphasized investment in vineyards over winery technique” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, maintaining a meticulous hands-on approach to viticulture while keeping Giodo relatively under the radar in deference to his high-profile clients. Boasting a southeast exposure that protects the vines from the intense afternoon sun, Giodo’s organically farmed 3 hectare vineyard for the Brunello is situated at 300 to 400 meters above sea level, an altitude Ferrini believes is optimal for growing Sangiovese, the yields reduced by 40% with green harvesting and the hand harvested grapes undergoing further strict selection with only the best fruit in top vintages vinified for the Brunello. Utilizing short macerations to minimize extraction and fermenting in a mix of stainless and concrete with native yeasts, Ferrini aged the alluring 2020 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino for 30 months in 500, 700 and 2,500-litre oak casks followed by additional time in concrete vats and over a year in bottle, yielding a fresh, silky textured Brunello boasting “innate power and intensity” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson and finishing with elegantly layered, polished tannins and evolving complexity to enjoy over the next decade and beyond. Describing Giodo “as first and foremost a story of Sangiovese,” Ferrini declared the grape his “first great love,” the sumptuous 97 pt. 2020 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino a golden opportunity for fellow Sangiovese lovers and collectors of age worthy Tuscan reds to stock the cellar with a profoundly elegant Brunello from one of the region’s most talented winemakers. | ||
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2019 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate “firing on all cylinders,” there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a “no expense spared” restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate’s 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau’s rising star reputation as “an estate that can do no wrong” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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2022 Domaine Pousse d'Or Volnay 1er Cru Clos de La Bousse d'Or (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Volnay, Burgundy, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "As the scores and commentaries confirm, I was very impressed with the wines in 2022 and in particular, those from Volnay really stood out." - Allen Meadows, Burghound We're down to the last few in-stock bottles of acclaimed 2022s from one of the Côte de Beaune's most coveted domaines. A dynamic estate that boasts no fewer than seven grands crus and eleven 1ers crus (three of which are monopoles), Pousse d'Or is always high on the checklist of collectors in a great vintage like 2022. The domaine's extensive line-up, which amassed glowing accolades across the board, includes numerous Sweet Spot and Outstanding designations from the notoriously rigorous Allen Meadows of Burghound. Leading off is the crown jewel of the 1er cru monopoles, the "super sleek and highly energetic" 1er Cru Clos de 60 Ouvrées from the prized En Caillerets vineyard, which offers just a touch more weight and gravitas than its "perfumed and exceptionally pretty" monopole stablemate, the 1er Cru Clos de la Bousse d'Or. As a testament to just how successful the vintage was for winemaker Benoît Landanger and his team, the "excellent" Pommard 1er Cru Jarolières punches well above its place in the heirarchy, matching its Volnay counterparts in class and sophistication. Atypical for Pommard, Meadows notes "a lovely sleekness to the delicious, vibrant and more muscular flavors that possess a gorgeous texture, all wrapped in an impressively long, firm and well-balanced finale." Finally, the "impeccably well-balanced" Corton Clos de Roi Grand Cru offers one of the smartest buys of the vintage in its category, its "gorgeous mouthfeel together with solid power" indicating a grand cru with exceptional cellar potential. If you missed these gems on the first go-round, now is your last chance to score one or several true cellar performers that highlight a great vintage and a great domaine in all their glory. | ||
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