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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2017 Felsina Vin Santo (375ml) | ||
| Trebbiano from Vin Santo, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up," with amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity. These 2023s check every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make them easy choices for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault Clos des Corvees de Citeau Monopole (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up," with amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity. These 2023s check every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make them easy choices for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2024 Trediberri Langhe Nebbiolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Langhe, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Readers who have not discovered these wines owe it to themselves to do so. Not only are the wines brilliant, they also remain very fairly priced." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Barolo's traditions run deep and so do the established legacies of the region's most acclaimed names, so it's rare to see young upstarts gain a real foothold and make a name for themselves without riding the coattails of a previous generation. Enter Nicola and Stephania Oberto, a young couple that are at the forefront of Barolo's small but mighty next wave. Based in La Morra, the estate owns parcels in prime sites including Rocche dell'Annunziata, but until the 2016 vintage, they had always sold off all their fruit. With that auspicious campaign as their jumpstart, the Obertos have taken their wines on one of Barolo's great upward trajectories. Highly acclaimed across the board and now highly sought-after and allocated, Trediberri's range is always hard to keep in stock, which makes today's 2021 offer one that no serious Piedmont fan should miss. While the entry-level Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Alba are thoroughly compelling in their own right, the 2021 Barolo Berri shows the estate's true potential. The impressive critical line leads with 97 points from Wine Enthusiast and is replete with glowing praise from all corners. Galloni calls the 2021 Berri "striking in its beauty," pointing to a Barolo of real finesse and sense of place. We can't overstate how rare it is for us to be able to offer these wines in any kind of volume, so any savvy Italian collector should be quick to jump on board while they can. | ||
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| 2022 Felsina I Sistri Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| 2023 Patrice Rion Cote de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up," with amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity. These 2023s check every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make them easy choices for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| 2012 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet St. Aubin 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Saint Aubin, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault Les Narvaux (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...a great vintage for Coudoulet." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Reflecting its well-earned reputation as "the Baby Beaucastel," the 2023 Coudoulet de Beaucastel is another terrific vintage from one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's iconic domaines, a solidly built, age-worthy Côtes-du-Rhône that takes the category a step up in terms of quality, character, and pedigree – the Coudoulet vines lie just on the "wrong side" of the road from Beaucastel's official Châteauneuf parcels, so the moniker isn't just a trope. Soils, micro-climates and vine heritage are all similar, so the Coudoulet wine always offers glimpses of its world-class terroir. This JS93 "solid, focused, juicy and poised wine" is picture-perfect introduction to the vintage at Beaucastel. "The 2023s are particularly successful, combining technical precision with the identity of the vintage. Cool-toned, precise and dense without excess weight, they rank among the most compelling wines of the appellation," according to Yohan Castaing's latest Wine Advocate report. We've always loved Coudoulet for its clear Beaucastel soul, which is on full display in 2023, but also because it's available for a fraction of the price of even many lesser Châteauneufs. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Silver Brut Nature (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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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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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2022 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We lead off with a pair of new 2022s that highlight the reference-point quality found at every level in the Felsina range. "The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga," writes Antonio Galloni, and it comes in at an easy case-buy price that makes it a perfect candidate for your next go-to house red. Likewise, the 2023 I Sistri Chardonnay shows the broad range of Felsina's repertoire, a "deep, intense and characterful" Chardonnay expression that impressed James Suckling to the tune of 93 points. The 2021 Berardenga Riserva is quite possibly the star of the show, garnering an eye-opening press across the board led by a pair of 95 point reviews fromWine Spectator and Italian wine authority Kerin O'Keefe, who found it "elegant and showing wonderful intensity." James Suckling calls the 2021 "a well-composed, balanced and refined riserva," while Antonio Galloni declares, "A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer." With all the hype surrounding 2021, savvy Italian fans can find some truly superb buys in the 2020 vintage as well, not least of which is the 2020 Fontalloro Toscana. With same universal praise as the rest of Fèlsina's line, led by 96 points from Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, the 2020 is "a vibrant red ...On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony" according to Wine Spectator. Finally, for savvy dessert wine fans, the Vin Santo category is a hotbed of impressive offerings that showcase singular style and character, and there are few, if any, Vin Santos that surpass that of the inimitable Felsina for quintessential character and class. "The 2017 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is rich, layered, and wonderfully complete," declares Galloni. We just sourced a parcel of the recently released, 96-point 2017 at a remarkable price, so fans can stock up, and anyone curious about this beloved style of wine can get a world-class introduction without breaking the bank. This set from Fèlsina offers a multifaceted tour of classic Tuscan character. In short, everything that makes Fèlsina such a treasured estate is on full display in today's offer. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Gap's Crown (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ripe, succulent ... generous and juicy ...The intensity persists on the finish." - Wine Spectator Since its founding in 1988, Patz & Hall has done as much as any other producer to define Sonoma's modern wine scene, from expressive appellation bottlings to flat-out superb single-vineyard gems from the region's most storied and coveted sites. One of the greatest features of the appellation bottlings is that they comprise many of those same incredible vineyard sites that form the top end of the range, which goes a long way in explaining the outstanding, 93-point 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Sourced from six blocks of the famed Dutton ranch and augmented by fruit from such illustrious locales as Durell, Zio Tony, Gap's Crown, and Parmalee-Hill, the 2022 displays all the hallmark features of the ultra-classic Sonoma profile – big, vibrant fruit, soaring aromatics, scintillating tension, and exceptional balance, all at a price that makes it one of the most versatile offerings in its category. Equally impressive and maybe more so, the 96-point 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir stands as one of the sharpest buys in Cali Pinot in our entire inventory, with a "Textbook vintage and AVA profile" that landed it a spot on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Our long-time California fans are by now well familiar with the benchmark quality and character of Patz & Hall's wines, and this pair delivers everything you've come to love from a true Sonoma icon. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barolo (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| 2021 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Colledila (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There's arguably no name more important to the history of Chianti Classico wine than Ricasoli. After all, it was one Bettino Ricasoli, an accomplished Italian statesman and baron, who first devised what would become the Chianti "recipe" in the mid-1800s. That is to say, he was the first to turn the region's focus to Sangiovese, where it has remained ever since. Now his descendant Francesco Ricasoli runs the family's iconic Castello di Brolio property from which the Chianti category was born, and he has done as much as anyone in guiding the Chianti Classico DOCG into its next era, one where quality and style are rigorously maintained through new rules for production and labeling. The most important of these new steps has been the establishment of the Gran Selezione classification and its attendant regional designations or UGAs. Ricasoli's estate vineyards provide some of the best qualitative expressions of the Gaiole UGA while exemplifying the visionary genius behind the new classification system. The 2021s take full advantage of this generational benchmark vintage, with a trio of critically acclaimed standouts. The 97-point Gaiole Colledila landed on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This cru is classic clay-limestone terroir for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that "shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come." The Gaiole Ceniprimo, from sand and silt soils, takes on a fleshier fruit profile from its micro-climate, but the structured tannins suggest cellaring will be immensely beneficial. Finally, the WA97 Gaiole Roncicone "offers energy and a great sense of focus." More linear, refined, and reticent than its stablemates, this wine represents the new era of collectible Chianti Classico at its finest. As prices for Italy's most renowned collectible wines continue to rise, we expect the Gran Seleziones to take a big step forward in this space, thanks to their skyrocketing quality and relatively affordable prices, with iconic estates like Ricasoli leading the way. | ||
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| 2024 Trediberri Barbera d'Alba (750ml) | ||
| Barbera from Alba, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Readers who have not discovered these wines owe it to themselves to do so. Not only are the wines brilliant, they also remain very fairly priced." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Barolo's traditions run deep and so do the established legacies of the region's most acclaimed names, so it's rare to see young upstarts gain a real foothold and make a name for themselves without riding the coattails of a previous generation. Enter Nicola and Stephania Oberto, a young couple that are at the forefront of Barolo's small but mighty next wave. Based in La Morra, the estate owns parcels in prime sites including Rocche dell'Annunziata, but until the 2016 vintage, they had always sold off all their fruit. With that auspicious campaign as their jumpstart, the Obertos have taken their wines on one of Barolo's great upward trajectories. Highly acclaimed across the board and now highly sought-after and allocated, Trediberri's range is always hard to keep in stock, which makes today's 2021 offer one that no serious Piedmont fan should miss. While the entry-level Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Alba are thoroughly compelling in their own right, the 2021 Barolo Berri shows the estate's true potential. The impressive critical line leads with 97 points from Wine Enthusiast and is replete with glowing praise from all corners. Galloni calls the 2021 Berri "striking in its beauty," pointing to a Barolo of real finesse and sense of place. We can't overstate how rare it is for us to be able to offer these wines in any kind of volume, so any savvy Italian collector should be quick to jump on board while they can. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres (1.5L) | ||
| Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2020 Massolino Barolo Parussi (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is among the estates I place at the top of Piedmont's hierarchy because of the consistency of the wines across their entire range." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Barolo fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wine to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. This WA94 2021 straight Barolo is a quintessential expression of what makes Massolino such a reference-point estate for Serralunga terroir. "So elegantly composed," declares Decanter, while Galloni calls it "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino." Every bit as compelling is the 2019 straight Barolo from an equally prodigious vintage, which "straddles the line between power and elegance ... offering terrific balance and length" according to Wine Spectator. We also have a pair of superb single crus from 2020 in the WAS97+ Parussi and WA95 Margheria. The latter is "especially fine-textured and elegant" for the warm vintage, while the former is "a stunner ... radiant and bright with an especially direct and focused quality." In short, these are some of the savviest buys in Barolo from a producer with one the finest track records in the category. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres (1.5L) | ||
| Chardonnay from Meursault, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...[Chavy] is making brilliant wines that transcend their status." - Neal Martin, Vinous We still can't believe our great fortune to have established Domaine Chavy-Chouet as a direct-import relationship last year, as the 2023s have proven to be incredibly smart buys that, as Neal Martin implies above, far outpace their price points across the board. The exceptional village-level crus from Meursault and Puligny are are top-class overachievers from Romaric Chavy, who "continues to impress" as noted by Burghound's Allen Meadows. The true quiet genius of Chavy, however, is readily on display in his range of benchmark-quality 1er crus. The "high-class Genevrières" leads the way in Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy reviews, a 94-point expression of a hallowed terroir often seen on labels at twice this price. "Clean yet complex, with real intensity, this is a cut above," he declares of the equally stunning, 94-point 1er Cru Les Folatières from Puligny. For those seeking the vintage's best sleeper stars, look no further than the 93-point 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien, a textbook rendition of a site that is gaining more and more collectible cachet with each passing vintage. In a market, where true values are rarely found at all points on the price spectrum, this range from Chavy-Chouet bucks the trend and delivers undeniable class and sophistication at unbeatable, domaine-direct pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery Coteaux Bourguignon (750ml) | ||
| Gamay from Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Value and Burgundy, together in the same sentence? Yes, indeed. We've spent the past six months curating an exceptional roster of overperforming gems that deliver all the class and terroir expression that Burgundy fans crave, while still coming in at surprisingly affordable pricing. Our direct-import portfolio is at the heart of this selection, starting with the 2023 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, a compelling entry-level charmer that boasts great pedigree, as it hails from a 3-hectare parcel of high-density plantings bordering the official Puligny appellation. Refined and expressive, it's a superb introduction to a rising-star domaine in the Cote d'Or and a surefire winner for anyone who's looking for true white Burgundy terroir at a bargain price. In a similar vein, Vincent Girardin's 2023 Cuvée St-Vincent Bourgogne Chardonnay is, in fact, made mostly from declassified Meursault vines, with a small balance of Puligny and Chassagne fruit rounding out the composition, so there's no question where the wine derives its outsized character. B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "We came across a number of great values on our last trip to Burgundy, but nothing held a candle to this one when it came to Chardonnays in this price tier." Moving to the reds, you'll find an incredible single-vineyard Coteaux Bourguignon from a fantastic, family-run Gevrey domaine, Marchard-Grillot. The 2023 Marchand-Grillot En Bollery comes from a plot that sits against the east wall of the Clos de Vougeot, and it's "essentially every bit as good as many village crus from the Côte de Nuits, at a mere fraction of the price," according to Andrew. Next up, the 2022 Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrieres is Santenay village pedigree in all but official designation. A northeast-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines, it excels in sunny years like 2022, producing a wine that reflects not only the showstopping fruit concentration of the vintage but also the vivid freshness and definition of slightly cooler micro-climate. "This 2022 easily gives many village crus a run for their money, and it's an instant contender for top Pinot value in the store." Finally, we have the 2023 Rion Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons and the 2023 Rion Cote-de-Nuits Village Rouge. The former is made from a miniscule, 0.6-hectare parcel on limestone-rich soils and steps well beyond its classification in the quality hierarchy. It "highlights just how great the domaine's range is from top to bottom in 2023, and it was ultimately a big factor in why we were so thrilled to bring them into our direct-import portfolio." The latter "was impressive enough to have us fully convinced that Rion takes things seriously at every level of their line-up," with amplified depth of fruit and structural integrity. These 2023s check every box that we're looking for in red Burgs at this price point – terroir signature, purity, balance, immediate charm, and enough backbone to make them easy choices for the cellar. As you can see, we've done our digging, and whether you're looking for an easy pick to enjoy today, or something you can stock up on and come back to over and over again for a few years, there's a surefire winner or three in this list for you. | ||
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| Andre Clouet Chalky Brut (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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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 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Roncicone (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More There's arguably no name more important to the history of Chianti Classico wine than Ricasoli. After all, it was one Bettino Ricasoli, an accomplished Italian statesman and baron, who first devised what would become the Chianti "recipe" in the mid-1800s. That is to say, he was the first to turn the region's focus to Sangiovese, where it has remained ever since. Now his descendant Francesco Ricasoli runs the family's iconic Castello di Brolio property from which the Chianti category was born, and he has done as much as anyone in guiding the Chianti Classico DOCG into its next era, one where quality and style are rigorously maintained through new rules for production and labeling. The most important of these new steps has been the establishment of the Gran Selezione classification and its attendant regional designations or UGAs. Ricasoli's estate vineyards provide some of the best qualitative expressions of the Gaiole UGA while exemplifying the visionary genius behind the new classification system. The 2021s take full advantage of this generational benchmark vintage, with a trio of critically acclaimed standouts. The 97-point Gaiole Colledila landed on last year's Wine Spectator Top 100 list. This cru is classic clay-limestone terroir for Sangiovese, resulting in a wine that "shows superb balance and grace, with the best yet to come." The Gaiole Ceniprimo, from sand and silt soils, takes on a fleshier fruit profile from its micro-climate, but the structured tannins suggest cellaring will be immensely beneficial. Finally, the WA97 Gaiole Roncicone "offers energy and a great sense of focus." More linear, refined, and reticent than its stablemates, this wine represents the new era of collectible Chianti Classico at its finest. As prices for Italy's most renowned collectible wines continue to rise, we expect the Gran Seleziones to take a big step forward in this space, thanks to their skyrocketing quality and relatively affordable prices, with iconic estates like Ricasoli leading the way. | ||
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| 2012 Andre Clouet Le Clos Grand Cru (1.5L) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Champagne, France | ||
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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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