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| 2023 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2021 Smith Madrone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Readers seeking Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage with serious cellaring potential should consider stocking up on Smith Madrone's offerings, as these '21s are true cellar-worthy gems." - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Stu and Charlie Smith have been quietly making some of the most classic, old-school Napa Cabs on the market since 1972. Perched high up on their rural property atop Spring Mountain, the brothers have largely avoided the glitz & glamour rat race that is the modern Napa wine scene. Instead, they stick to the fundamentals, beginning with their 15-hectare, prized Cabernet Sauvignon block planted in 1971. Indeed, James Suckling calls Smith-Madrone "a staunch defender of the restrained, elegant style of Napa reds made in the 1970s." The 2021 vintage was tailor-made for the classicists, an outstanding campaign of ideal conditions, and the wines have proven themselves to be modern benchmarks. The 2021 Smith-Madrone Estate Cabernet is a knockout with a pair of 97-point reviews leading an impressive critical line. "A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. "A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. An impossible find for the price." That about sums it up from Wine Enthusiast. In a category that is becoming prohibitively expensive for many wine lovers, the 2021 Smith-Madrone takes us back to Napa's golden years, not in terms of style, but in terms of value as well. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau Suduiraut (750ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2013 Chateau Suduiraut (750ml) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2020 Mazzei Siepi (1.5L) | ||
| Merlot from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese's structure and acidity, Mazzei's Siepi is a perennial collectible all-star that has seen a fanatical following grow up around the previous several vintages. Just eight miles from Siena in the historic village of Fonterutoli, 24 generations of the Mazzei family have been owners of the Fonterutoli Castle in Chianti Classico since 1435, boasting a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines as one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy and the world. Known for being the first winery to plant Merlot in the region over three decades ago, Mazzei's combination of forward vision and steadfast traditionalism have garnered a consistent track record of excellence that few of their contemporaries can match, with the flagship Siepi as the cornerstone. The four vintages on offer today all showcase the recent trajectory of this magnificent Super Tuscan best-seller, starting with the "classy, elegant and super-polished" 2020 in magnum format. It's no surprise that the epic 2021 vintage produced "certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen so far" per Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, while the double 97-point 2022 is an equally prodigious follow-up to its monumental predecessors in 2019 and 2021, as well as a worthy effort for the wine's 30th anniversary bottling. Finally, the 2023 has already racked up a pair of 97 points scores, with more surely to come. "Classy stuff," it's a lovely representation of the balance of the vintage and my indeed provide more immediate accessibility while you wait for the long-haul vintages to come to maturity. Whether you're building a Siepi vertical or just building a collection of Tuscany's greatest modern wines, the four vintages on offer today will add some serious depth and gravitas to any cellar. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Grands Epenots 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio last year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. The crown jewel is indeed the "utterly stunning" monopole Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Chapelle, a 96-point showstopper that's "all about finesse and its silky texture, with ... terrific dimension." The double 95-point Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds is itself a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Les Chanlins 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio last year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. The crown jewel is indeed the "utterly stunning" monopole Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Chapelle, a 96-point showstopper that's "all about finesse and its silky texture, with ... terrific dimension." The double 95-point Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds is itself a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| Heaven Hill 7yr Bottled-In-Bond B-21 Exclusive Cask Rickhouse K Floor 4 Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Bardstown, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "I would reach for this one over many single-cask bourbons at much higher prices. I can’t recommend it highly enough, for the value alone, not to mention just how utterly delicious it is." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The iconic distillery hits the mark again with this stellar, B-21 Exclusive single barrel of the 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond. Unlike many single-barrel bourbons at even twice the price, Barrel #8053370 actually does offer a unique twist on the classic profile of the main blended bottling, showing just the right level of individual character while still being recognizably HH Bottled-in-Bond at heart. Selected from Rickhouse K, 4th Floor, this is decidedly more citrus-driven than the regular Bottled-in-Bond style, but the nose is still centered on sweet spices, ripe fruit, and a fantastic, balancing earthy component. The true Heaven Hill pedigree shows on the palate in its "broad, velvety texture and weight without any hard edges," where the customer Heaven Hill flavors are once again accented by that prominent orange citrus character that seems to be the backbone of this barrel's personality, and it all works so well in harmony. "This is seriously luxurious with a lip-smacking, sappy middle, yet it doesn’t go overboard in the slightest," writes Andrew. It's also a stellar deal at under $50, so it can easily become a staple on your bar and make your favorite Manhattan or Old Fashioned take off like a rocket. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine Grosbois Chinon Clos du Noyer (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More In the broader consumer market, Chinon's best wines can be accounted for in just a handful of names - Joguet, Raffault, and a few others. Today, however, there are several small, family-run domaines that are turning out truly eye-opening results that compete with the long-time standard bearers, and Domaine Grosbois is a prime example. Brothers Sylvain and Nicolas Grosbois are artisan to the core, running their domaine as a true holistic, polyculture farm, not only as a commercial vineyard. Meticulous viticulture, prime holdings, and top-class winemaking all come together in a reference-point range from top to bottom. The single-vineyard cuvées represent the very best of Chinon. There are no rustic hard edges or vegetal undertones to detract from the jaw-dropping purity of the fruit and the crystal clear expression of the individual terroirs. First up, from a 2-hectare parcel planted on almost pure limestone, the 93-point 2021 Montet is unique among the Grosbois range in that it's the only wine to see any oak. Showcasing "a focused, compact style ... so much pent-up energy ... [and] lovely, persistent length," the Montet is a hallmark of modern, age-worthy Cabernet Franc . Contrasting perfectly with the 2021 Montet, the 2022 Clos du Noyer, from a 1.24-hectare site on sandier soils, "is sleek, intensely concentrated and full of substance." The racy, medium-weight profile conveys a real sense of elegance and complexity already, and it will blossom into a fascinating counterpoint to the Montet over the coming decade. Simply put, this pair of sleeper hits from Grosbois is can't-miss opportunity for fans of Loire reds to get acquainted with two of the very best examples out there. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Santenots du Milieu 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio last year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. The crown jewel is indeed the "utterly stunning" monopole Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Chapelle, a 96-point showstopper that's "all about finesse and its silky texture, with ... terrific dimension." The double 95-point Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds is itself a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2021 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 96-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. "This stylish, mid-weight Cabernet is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine that is sure to delight Forman fans." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "classy, deep, and exceptionally well-tuned" personality is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums and 3L jeroboams. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Taillepieds 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio last year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. The crown jewel is indeed the "utterly stunning" monopole Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Chapelle, a 96-point showstopper that's "all about finesse and its silky texture, with ... terrific dimension." The double 95-point Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds is itself a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2022 Mazzei Siepi (1.5L) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese's structure and acidity, Mazzei's Siepi is a perennial collectible all-star that has seen a fanatical following grow up around the previous several vintages. Just eight miles from Siena in the historic village of Fonterutoli, 24 generations of the Mazzei family have been owners of the Fonterutoli Castle in Chianti Classico since 1435, boasting a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines as one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy and the world. Known for being the first winery to plant Merlot in the region over three decades ago, Mazzei's combination of forward vision and steadfast traditionalism have garnered a consistent track record of excellence that few of their contemporaries can match, with the flagship Siepi as the cornerstone. The four vintages on offer today all showcase the recent trajectory of this magnificent Super Tuscan best-seller, starting with the "classy, elegant and super-polished" 2020 in magnum format. It's no surprise that the epic 2021 vintage produced "certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen so far" per Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, while the double 97-point 2022 is an equally prodigious follow-up to its monumental predecessors in 2019 and 2021, as well as a worthy effort for the wine's 30th anniversary bottling. Finally, the 2023 has already racked up a pair of 97 points scores, with more surely to come. "Classy stuff," it's a lovely representation of the balance of the vintage and my indeed provide more immediate accessibility while you wait for the long-haul vintages to come to maturity. Whether you're building a Siepi vertical or just building a collection of Tuscany's greatest modern wines, the four vintages on offer today will add some serious depth and gravitas to any cellar. | ||
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| 2023 Mazzei Siepi (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese's structure and acidity, Mazzei's Siepi is a perennial collectible all-star that has seen a fanatical following grow up around the previous several vintages. Just eight miles from Siena in the historic village of Fonterutoli, 24 generations of the Mazzei family have been owners of the Fonterutoli Castle in Chianti Classico since 1435, boasting a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines as one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy and the world. Known for being the first winery to plant Merlot in the region over three decades ago, Mazzei's combination of forward vision and steadfast traditionalism have garnered a consistent track record of excellence that few of their contemporaries can match, with the flagship Siepi as the cornerstone. The four vintages on offer today all showcase the recent trajectory of this magnificent Super Tuscan best-seller, starting with the "classy, elegant and super-polished" 2020 in magnum format. It's no surprise that the epic 2021 vintage produced "certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen so far" per Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, while the double 97-point 2022 is an equally prodigious follow-up to its monumental predecessors in 2019 and 2021, as well as a worthy effort for the wine's 30th anniversary bottling. Finally, the 2023 has already racked up a pair of 97 points scores, with more surely to come. "Classy stuff," it's a lovely representation of the balance of the vintage and my indeed provide more immediate accessibility while you wait for the long-haul vintages to come to maturity. Whether you're building a Siepi vertical or just building a collection of Tuscany's greatest modern wines, the four vintages on offer today will add some serious depth and gravitas to any cellar. | ||
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| 2021 Domaine Grosbois Chinon Montet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More In the broader consumer market, Chinon's best wines can be accounted for in just a handful of names - Joguet, Raffault, and a few others. Today, however, there are several small, family-run domaines that are turning out truly eye-opening results that compete with the long-time standard bearers, and Domaine Grosbois is a prime example. Brothers Sylvain and Nicolas Grosbois are artisan to the core, running their domaine as a true holistic, polyculture farm, not only as a commercial vineyard. Meticulous viticulture, prime holdings, and top-class winemaking all come together in a reference-point range from top to bottom. The single-vineyard cuvées represent the very best of Chinon. There are no rustic hard edges or vegetal undertones to detract from the jaw-dropping purity of the fruit and the crystal clear expression of the individual terroirs. First up, from a 2-hectare parcel planted on almost pure limestone, the 93-point 2021 Montet is unique among the Grosbois range in that it's the only wine to see any oak. Showcasing "a focused, compact style ... so much pent-up energy ... [and] lovely, persistent length," the Montet is a hallmark of modern, age-worthy Cabernet Franc . Contrasting perfectly with the 2021 Montet, the 2022 Clos du Noyer, from a 1.24-hectare site on sandier soils, "is sleek, intensely concentrated and full of substance." The racy, medium-weight profile conveys a real sense of elegance and complexity already, and it will blossom into a fascinating counterpoint to the Montet over the coming decade. Simply put, this pair of sleeper hits from Grosbois is can't-miss opportunity for fans of Loire reds to get acquainted with two of the very best examples out there. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau Suduiraut (1.5L) | ||
| Semillon from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Featured in a range of formats and vintages cellared in perfect conditions, Sauternes fans and those looking to explore them won't need an excuse or special occasion to enjoy this thrilling, top scoring selection from Chateau Suduiraut, boasting fresh, opulent honeyed fruit perfectly balanced by savory acidity, offering a not to be missed opportunity for both collectors and newbies to stock up on at bargain pricing and enjoy over the next decades. Set among exquisite gardens designed by the creator of the Sun King's grounds at the Palace of Versailles, the majestic two-story turret-flanked Chateau Suduiraut is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful estates, located just to the north of Chateau d'Yquem with 92 hectares of sloping organically farmed vineyards planted with mostly Semillon vines averaging 30 years of age. After harvesting the botrytized grapes over multiple passes with strict selection employed in the vineyard, longtime technical director Pierre Montegut vinified the Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes in French oak, blending mostly Semillon with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, then aged it on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels for 18-24 months, yielding its signature perfumed aromas with rich and decadent spiced fruit, balanced with energetic acidity and epic length. Describing it as "a mood altering wine," the 95 pt. 2004 Suduiraut boasts "a range of honeyed flavors that never seems to stop" according to Wine and Spirits, while the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. declares the 95 pt. 2006 Suduiraut "unctuously textured, with superb, full-bodied richness, good underlying acidity, and a stunning finish." Boasting "a beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity that effortlessly slices through all that pure botrytised fruit," Neal Martin of Vinous calls the 98 pt. 2009 Suduiraut a "benchmark Suduiraut" and declares the 96 pt. 2010 Chateau Suduiraut "simply magnificent" and "a candidate for best Sauternes of the vintage." Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares the "fabulous" 97 pt. 2016 Suduiraut "such a gorgeous wine," delivering a remarkable combination of flavor and intensity yet remaining "gracious and classy," while the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss calls it "a great wine with a long-term future." Whether selecting a few favorites or mixing a case, these magical vintages of Chateau Suduiraut are crafted to reveal their layered complexity over the next decades, their rich palate deftly balanced by an energizing lift of acidity, guaranteeing a pleasurable evolution for years to come. Christian Seely, AXA's charismatic managing director behind Chateau Suduiraut, describes tasting these elegantly crafted Sauternes well: "It is above all a supremely pleasurable wine, and one that needs no excuse, context or pairing: You can just open it for the sheer pleasure of the thing." Never more true at these exceptional bargain prices. | ||
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| 2021 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Ric Forman's status as a cult Napa pioneer is well-established, with a critical track record to match the best of them. His 11-acre Howell Mountain property is the source of his expertly crafted, classically styled Cabernets, which he has been turning out since 1983. Perfectly justified in resting on his laurels, Ric instead keeps knocking out the hits, as we clearly see in the stellar, 96-point 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. "This stylish, mid-weight Cabernet is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine that is sure to delight Forman fans." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Three distinct parcels make up Forman's vineyard, and each one lends its own particular touch to the finished wine, while Forman's own traditionalist winemaking methods ensure a consistency of style and excellence that few in Napa can match. The wine's "classy, deep, and exceptionally well-tuned" personality is a hallmark Forman calling card, and it portends a long life in the cellar, as is the case with almost every vintage he's ever made. We just sourced a must-see parcel at unbeatable pricing, not only on the regular 750ml format, but also on large-format 1.5L magnums and 3L jeroboams. It's a can't-miss opportunity for serious Napa collectors to load up on a genuine classic from a generational winemaking talent. | ||
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