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| NV Agrapart Experience 20 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2025 cuvees, that's about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family's historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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| L'Encantada 2017 Lahitte Bas-Armagnac Cask #132 (750ml) | ||
| From Armagnac, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More As one of the world's most traditionally oriented spirits categories, Armagnac doesn't have a reputation for dynamism, but that doesn't mean there aren't forward-thinking pioneers who are trying to move the spirit in an exciting direction. Enter Vincent Cornu and his L'Encantada line. Apart from his meticulous sourcing, Vincent's calling card is his unconventional preference for aging in new oak, which yields expressions of outstanding depth and complexity at a comparatively short time in barrel by Armagnac standards. Thus, we get this astounding 2017 single-cask, a clear picture of Vincent's vision at work. "...an Armagnac like few others I’ve come across." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Whereas many of Vincent's casks come from now-dormant distilleries and domaines, Cask #132 was distilled by a currently working domaine near Villeneuve-de-Marsan. The 10-hectare property is fully polyculture, so Armagnac is only a small part of what they produce, but as a result, they turn out expertly crafted distillate. Vincent selected #132 for the pure quality of the Ugni Blanc/Colombard base spirit, then his aging regimen did the rest to produce "a striking combination of complex depth and youthful energy," as Andrew describes it. As with all L'Encantada expressions, this one saw absolutely zero adulteration or alteration of any kind, so the profile is a pure reflection of the spirit and its barrel. Andrew explains, "the aromatic depth is outstanding for its age, [and] the palate is likewise full of robust complexity riding a rich, viscous texture." Not only will it thrill those seeking a truly authentic Armagnac experience, but it's also a brilliant crossover for the hardcore bourbon fans who want to expand their horizons – a monumental "powerhouse banger" in every way. | ||
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| 2022 Larrivet Haut Brion Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Confirming my expectations, the 2022 Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of the best wines ever produced at this estate." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate As part of the general trend of overperforming Pessac estates in the past decade, Larrivet Haut-Brion's stock is steadily rising among the critical press and Bordeaux enthusiasts alike. Thanks to the guiding hand of famed enologist Michel Rolland, the style of the estate's wines has taken on an unprecedented level of class and polish culminating in the spectacular 2022 vintage. Following the overall character of the vintage, this triple 95-point, sub-$50 standout is "a dramatic, deeply resonant wine" with loads of structural stuffing to go the distance in the cellar. To further emphasize the estate's marvelous recent trajectory, we also have four back-vintage gems on offer that showcase how well Larrivet performs year in and year out. The 2016 is now in its prime drinking window where it will remain for years, while the 95-point 2019 shows "a rich, broad, mouth-filling, spicy, complex and full-bodied style that has loads to love" per Jeb Dunnuck. Keen-eyed collectors also won't sleep on the AG95 rendition from the "off-vintage" of 2017. "Bold, rich and intense, the 2017 exudes tremendous depth and intensity ... Readers should expect a wine of real energy and explosive power," declares Galloni. All in all, we love featuring Pessac, because the appellation is rife with stupendous collectible values, and while collectors often focus on building verticals of Bordeaux's most hallowed names, this line-up proves that you can get tremendous mileage out of doing the same with under-the-radar gems like Larrivet. | ||
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| 2024 Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco (750ml) | ||
| Carricante from Etna, Sicily, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The writing is on the wall ... Mount Etna has established itself as one of the most essential viticultural areas in the world." - Eric Guido, Vinous What was once an afterthought (or even out of thought) of the Italian wine scene, Sicily, and Mount Etna in particular, are now seeing a sky-rocketing level of attention from critics and consumers alike. Homegrown names like Terre Nere (a long-time B-21 favorite) and Pietradolce, as well as cult darlings like Arianna Occhipinti, have put the region on the map, and now we're seeing exceptionally talented winemakers from the mainland set up shop and put their talents to work on the singular varietals and vineyards that dot this volcanic landscape. Giovanni Rosso is the source of perennially acclaimed Barolos from the estate's plots in famed sites such as Cerretto and Vignarionda, and now under fourth-generation winemaker Davide Rosso, the estate has acquired parcels and expanded into Mount Etna with exceptional results. This pair of gems exemplifies both Rosso's pure winemaking philosophy and pure volcanic terroir. The 2022 Rosso has notched 95 points from James Suckling for its "perfumed and graceful" style, while the 94-point 2024 Bianco is "fragrant, [with] a ton of personality ... A delicious, moreish wine," according to Jane Anson. There's no shortage of new discoveries and sleeper stars waiting for you in Sicily, but this pair from Giovanni Rosso should be near the top of your list if you want to get a crystal clear introduction to this amazing, rising-star category. | ||
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| 2009 Luis Pato Vinha Barrio (750ml) | ||
| Baga from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2024 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Branco (750ml) | ||
| Bical from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 1990 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Branco (750ml) | ||
| Bical from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2021 Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Grand Mont (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Touraine, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "... [a] hidden-gem domaine that is also one of the benchmarks for the Bourgueil appellation." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer We had been searching for the wines of Pierre and Rodolphe Gauthier at Domaine du Bel-Air, since tasting the full range early last year, and finally the opportunity materialized in late autumn. Now, we not only have access, but we have direct access. The latest addition to our Loire direct-import stable is a benchmark of red wine excellence, all the way from their stunning, old-vine, single-vineyard cuvees to the entry-level 2023 Les Vingt Lieux Dits, "a classic, old-school Loire Cab Franc in all the best ways," as B-21 Buyer Andrew Kitz describes it. As you might assume, this Cabernet Franc is a blend of up to twenty of the domaine's micro-parcels in Bourgueil, with average vine ages of 40 years. Long, cold-soak maceration, natural yeast fermentation, and aging for 12 months in used barrels all contributes to the wine's classic expression of youthful Cabernet Franc. The cooler vintage resulted in a wine with restrained yet concentrated fruit, assertive mineral backbone, and varietally pure character all the way through. The 2023 vintage very much favored the Gauthier brothers' style, which is to say this is a structurally solid Cabernet Franc with real substance and cellar potential, all for an incredible $20 price. As good as the Vingt Lieux-Dits is, it's the single-vineyard cuvées that cement the domaine's reference-point reputation, and the Grand Mont is the crown jewel in the stable. Vinous' Rebecca Gibb describes the 2021 single-vineyard wines as "long-lived, elegant classics" and the 94-point Grand Mont in particular as "savory and serious ... precise, balanced, and full of sinew." Much like 2023, the 2021 vintage was cool growing season that favored the domaine style, and the Grand Mont is an impeccable example of the very best qualities of classic, top-end Loire Cabernet Franc. | ||
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| 2018 Larrivet Haut Brion Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Confirming my expectations, the 2022 Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of the best wines ever produced at this estate." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate As part of the general trend of overperforming Pessac estates in the past decade, Larrivet Haut-Brion's stock is steadily rising among the critical press and Bordeaux enthusiasts alike. Thanks to the guiding hand of famed enologist Michel Rolland, the style of the estate's wines has taken on an unprecedented level of class and polish culminating in the spectacular 2022 vintage. Following the overall character of the vintage, this triple 95-point, sub-$50 standout is "a dramatic, deeply resonant wine" with loads of structural stuffing to go the distance in the cellar. To further emphasize the estate's marvelous recent trajectory, we also have four back-vintage gems on offer that showcase how well Larrivet performs year in and year out. The 2016 is now in its prime drinking window where it will remain for years, while the 95-point 2019 shows "a rich, broad, mouth-filling, spicy, complex and full-bodied style that has loads to love" per Jeb Dunnuck. Keen-eyed collectors also won't sleep on the AG95 rendition from the "off-vintage" of 2017. "Bold, rich and intense, the 2017 exudes tremendous depth and intensity ... Readers should expect a wine of real energy and explosive power," declares Galloni. All in all, we love featuring Pessac, because the appellation is rife with stupendous collectible values, and while collectors often focus on building verticals of Bordeaux's most hallowed names, this line-up proves that you can get tremendous mileage out of doing the same with under-the-radar gems like Larrivet. | ||
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| 2021 Monte Branco Trincadeira (750ml) | ||
| Tinta Amarela from Alentejo, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2017 Larrivet Haut Brion Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Confirming my expectations, the 2022 Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of the best wines ever produced at this estate." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate As part of the general trend of overperforming Pessac estates in the past decade, Larrivet Haut-Brion's stock is steadily rising among the critical press and Bordeaux enthusiasts alike. Thanks to the guiding hand of famed enologist Michel Rolland, the style of the estate's wines has taken on an unprecedented level of class and polish culminating in the spectacular 2022 vintage. Following the overall character of the vintage, this triple 95-point, sub-$50 standout is "a dramatic, deeply resonant wine" with loads of structural stuffing to go the distance in the cellar. To further emphasize the estate's marvelous recent trajectory, we also have four back-vintage gems on offer that showcase how well Larrivet performs year in and year out. The 2016 is now in its prime drinking window where it will remain for years, while the 95-point 2019 shows "a rich, broad, mouth-filling, spicy, complex and full-bodied style that has loads to love" per Jeb Dunnuck. Keen-eyed collectors also won't sleep on the AG95 rendition from the "off-vintage" of 2017. "Bold, rich and intense, the 2017 exudes tremendous depth and intensity ... Readers should expect a wine of real energy and explosive power," declares Galloni. All in all, we love featuring Pessac, because the appellation is rife with stupendous collectible values, and while collectors often focus on building verticals of Bordeaux's most hallowed names, this line-up proves that you can get tremendous mileage out of doing the same with under-the-radar gems like Larrivet. | ||
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| 2021 Grande Birra Miguel Silva Baga (750ml) | ||
| Baga from Bairrada, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2019 Monte Branco Tinto (750ml) | ||
| Alicante Bouschet from Alentejo, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2019 Susana Esteban Procura Tinto (750ml) | ||
| Alicante Bouschet from Alentejano, Alentejo, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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| 2023 Susana Esteban Vinhas Centenaria (750ml) | ||
| From Alentejo, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Portuguese wine is so much more than port or even the dry wines of Douro. The country is nearly covered by designated wine regions, and two of the most dynamic and promising for adventurous wine lovers are the centrally located Bairrada and the southern region of Alentejo. Alentejo is still relatively unknown in wider wine circles, but the region's benchmark producers, such as Susana Esteban and Luis Louro's Monte Branco, are upping their game in a big way, producing some truly noteworthy wines that are among the more intriguing discoveries in the Old World, and they're now getting serious recognition in the U.S. press from the like of Wine Advocate. Bairrada's relatively gently rolling terrain and coastal climate make it an ideal habitat for the native Baga varietal, the wines of which are notoriously structured and long-lived. The visionary pioneer that has come to define the Bairrada region, Luis Pato has been an avant garde genius pushing the envelope for nearly five decades now, and this latest set of releases shows that he's not content to rest on his laurels, even as his career can by considered an unqualified success many times over. The Vinhas Velhas Tinto and Branco are two of the most age-worthy wines in their price tier, each with sterling press from Wine Advocate. Of the former, Luis Gutierrez writes, "It's really fine-boned and elegant, with superb balance, depth and complexity ... This is one to buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade... or two!" The WA93+ Branco is likewise a firm, mineral-driven specimen that is all about long-term development. Unique to almost any winery, you can also find perfect-provenance library gems like the 93-point 2009 Vinha Barrio or the 1990 Vinhas Velhas Branco. That's right, it's a current release direct from the winery's cellar. In a recent 95-point review,Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez noted, "This is a monumental white close to 35 years of age! And it should still continue for a few more years." Needless to say, you're in for an experience like no other with this one. When exploring unfamiliar regions like these, it's often a daunting task to decipher which wines are worth the pursuit, so we've done the hard work and curated this list of proven winners to get you off on the right foot in your journey of discovery through Portugal's hidden treasures. | ||
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