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| 2021 Marques de Murrieta Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It's very Rioja, with clout, elegance and freshness and the elegant tannins that are the signature of 2021 ... Bravo!" - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Declared "one of Rioja's most iconic labels" by Decanter's Clive Pursehouse, Marques de Murrieta is a bastion of classically styled Rioja. These top-scoring flagship Reserva, the signature Gran Reserva, and the highly coveted Castillo Ygay are all emblematic of the estate's reputation for benchmark Rioja expressions with top-tier cellar potential. A standard bearer for value every vintage, the double 96-point 2021 Rioja Reserva seems to have hit a new benchmark for this flagship cuvée in "one one of the finest vintages in recent times," as Luis Gutiérrez describes the 2021 campaign in Rioja. "Even more outstanding than the 2020" (which garnered big press in its own right), this rendition is the epitome of an overachiever. For under $30, you can enjoy a world-class Rioja tonight or you can stack the cellar. "Elegant yet perfectly structured ... It offers immediate appeal but will age gracefully for many years to come," declares Decanter. Simply put, wine lovers of all stripes will be hard pressed to find better bang for their buck. | ||
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| 2019 Belle-Vue (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2023 Eric Forest Macon-Pierreclos Clos des Charmes (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Maconnais, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More His name doesn't appear much in the critical press these days, but Eric Forest quietly remains one of Pouilly-Fuissé most engaging and talented winemakers. Our Burgundy team recently paid a visit to his cellars, and they were thrilled to discover Eric and his wines in exceptional form. The range of 2023s got nods all around, but the Les Crays 1er Cru was the undisputed standout. "One of the top three wines from our recent trip to Burgundy, and we’re thrilled to get it directly from the domaine’s cellars." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer The Les Crays vineyard itself boasts every feature that makes a quintessential Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay - southerly exposure, very poor soils of broken limestone, moderate slope, and old vines (these planted between 1930 and 1966). At the foot of the famed Roche de Vergisson, Les Crays is terroir excellence in a nutshell, and Forest's 2023 "is a head-turning expression that shows why this vineyard is a bona fide 1er cru," according to Andrew. It's a complete wine in every sense that is already starting to synch its components into a harmonious whole that will only gain in complexity and personality over the coming several years. Further underscoring the excellence of Forest's domaine holdings are his old-vine, single-vineyard gems from Terre Noire in St-Véran and Clos des Charmes in Mâcon-Pierreclos. The former comes from a small, 100-year-old parcel on dark clay over bleached white limestone, and it's "easily the most concentrated and intense wine in Forest’s line-up," tightly wound today but with utterly compelling cellar potential for the medium to long term. The latter, by contrast, is an "upfront, charming yet precisely crafted gem ... with real style and substance that does everything it’s supposed to." Today's Burgundy market is a wild place, and when you find a top-notch, single-vineyard expressions like these under $60, you jump at them, plain and simple. | ||
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| 2020 Le Cinciole Petresco (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco (1.5L) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Rouge (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2019 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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| 2023 Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Cornas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vincent Paris continues to craft distinctive, age-worthy Cornas, as evidenced once again during my most recent visit..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Our direct-import portfolio has taken some major steps in the past year and landed some big names, and now we can add Cornas icon Vincent Paris to that list. Thanks to some very fortuitous connections, we gained domaine-direct access to this perennial superstar producer and his benchmark wines. The outstanding 2023s have just landed in stock. Made from Paris' younger parcels on 30% slopes (and now with vines almost 30 years old), the 96-point 2023 Granit 30 exhibits fantastic signature elements of its granitic soils, as well as Paris' ultrafine winemaker's touch. "This is always the most forward and approachable of Paris's cuvées and will put a smile on your face right out of the gate," declares Dunnuck. Paris' wines are renowned for their cellar potential, but that doesn't mean you can't pop and pour the Granit 30 tonight. After all, it's "an accessible Cornas that’s packed with remarkable energy and freshness all the way through," so stocking the cellar is an easy choice. Next up, as the name suggests, the 97-point 2023 Granit 60 comes from three plots of old-vines on steep granite slopes, densely planted and low-yielding. Paris' winemaking methods are traditional yet meticulous, so he's able to showcase his prime terroir in crystal-clear fashion in each of his wines. There's tons of Cornas soul here, but the wines avoid the rustic, untamed nature that's sometimes associated with this appellation. Instead, we get ""a full-bodied 2023 that's beautifully balanced, elegant, and layered ... another smoking value from this incredibly talented vigneron." according to Dunnuck. Finally, boasting serious press from prominent voices like Suckling, Dunnuck, and Vinous among others, the 98-point 2023 Geynale is an outstanding collectible proposition that ranks with the region's elite names. This magnificent showstopper, made from the oldest vines in two of Cornas' most prized sites, is "full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, the classic, wild, sauvage character of the appellation, and a great finish," while Wine Spectator declares, "Massive in scale yet achieves perfect harmony between its ripeness, texture and energy." We brought a staggering number of top-tier domaines into our direct-import fold in 2025, but Vincent Paris might just take the cake. These wines are built to age with incredible panache, so make room, stash a few away, and get ready to enjoy some of the most consistently excellent Northern Rhône Syrahs on the market. | ||
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| 2020 Clos des Papes Blanc (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2023 Clos des Papes Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2022 Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. The 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 94-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, don't miss the trio of top-flight, single-vineyard Zinfandels, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| Lochlea Our Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Ayrshire, Lowlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The flagship Our Barley is about as fan-friendly as a whisky can get, and although it’s hard to look past the super-stylish packaging, once you get into the juice itself, you’ll be hooked." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer One of the more exciting yet under-the-radar rising stars in the Scotch scene, Lochlea should (and probably will) be on every single malt fanatic's list of must-try discoveries in short order. Founded in 2018, they've already racked up some impressive critical accolades across their range, and as the distilling team hits their stride, there's no telling how high their star will climb. As B-21's Andrew Kitz declares, "If you’re looking for a new, boutique single-malt distillery to go nuts over, here’s your champion." The Lochlea property itself, once belonging to the immortal Scottish poet Robert Burns, was historically a cattle farm, and that's what owners Neil and Jen McGeoch had in mind when they purchased it in 2006. However, it was soon apparent that cows wouldn't cut it financially, and they turned to the property's other historical cash crop. Now, 50 acres of malting barley are the backbone of this grain-to-glass operation, with the old cattle-farming structures and facilities converted into a modern, functioning distillery in 2016. Long-time Laphroaig master distiller John Campbell set the standards with the first batches, and that uncompromising quality is now seen across the board in every release. You'll no doubt see more from this fabulous, bootstrapped project in the near future, but the flagship Our Barley is the perfect dram to sink your teeth into as you fall in love with a true star in the making in boutique Scotch whisky. | ||
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| 2023 Eric Forest Saint-Veran Terre Noire (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Maconnais, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More His name doesn't appear much in the critical press these days, but Eric Forest quietly remains one of Pouilly-Fuissé most engaging and talented winemakers. Our Burgundy team recently paid a visit to his cellars, and they were thrilled to discover Eric and his wines in exceptional form. The range of 2023s got nods all around, but the Les Crays 1er Cru was the undisputed standout. "One of the top three wines from our recent trip to Burgundy, and we’re thrilled to get it directly from the domaine’s cellars." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer The Les Crays vineyard itself boasts every feature that makes a quintessential Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay - southerly exposure, very poor soils of broken limestone, moderate slope, and old vines (these planted between 1930 and 1966). At the foot of the famed Roche de Vergisson, Les Crays is terroir excellence in a nutshell, and Forest's 2023 "is a head-turning expression that shows why this vineyard is a bona fide 1er cru," according to Andrew. It's a complete wine in every sense that is already starting to synch its components into a harmonious whole that will only gain in complexity and personality over the coming several years. Further underscoring the excellence of Forest's domaine holdings are his old-vine, single-vineyard gems from Terre Noire in St-Véran and Clos des Charmes in Mâcon-Pierreclos. The former comes from a small, 100-year-old parcel on dark clay over bleached white limestone, and it's "easily the most concentrated and intense wine in Forest’s line-up," tightly wound today but with utterly compelling cellar potential for the medium to long term. The latter, by contrast, is an "upfront, charming yet precisely crafted gem ... with real style and substance that does everything it’s supposed to." Today's Burgundy market is a wild place, and when you find a top-notch, single-vineyard expressions like these under $60, you jump at them, plain and simple. | ||
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| 2022 Philippe Alliet Chinon L'Huisserie (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "What a great scoop for our Loire direct-import portfolio to have Philippe Alliet and his son Pierre join the fold ... these wines are easily among the very best in Chinon." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer While not extremely well-known on this side of the Atlantic, Domaine Philippe Alliet is one of the Chinon appellation's leading lights, standing in strong company right alongside the likes of Charles Joguet. Father and son Philippe and Pierre employ meticulous methods to their prized vineyard holdings (some of the very best in all of Chinon), spearheading a new wave of viticulture that emphasizes very low yields and optimally ripe fruit at all costs. The resulting wines are nothing short of revelatory, reference-point expressions, which we saw first-hand during a tasting last fall. The entire range is superb, but the 93-point 2022 Vieilles Vignes offers a perfect introduction to this remarkable, must-know estate.Selecting from the oldest vines in their various plots, all at least 70 years old, the Alliets vinify and age the VV entirely in cement vats, while full de-stemming only adds to the sheer allure of the wine's personality and expression. As Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate writes, "This vintage is one of the most precise and pure expressions of Vieilles Vignes I have ever tasted. Kudos!" Turning to the single-vineyard cuvées, the 2022 L'Huisserie hails from a south-facing on Chinon's most favored hillside, the clay and flint soils imparting both a round, fleshy, full-fruited character as well as a firm mineral signature to the wine. This "multidimensional wine" showcase the Alliet style to a T, with none of the rusticity that often follows Chinon Cab Franc. Finally, the 2023 Coteau de Noiré is a stupendous expression of a Chinon "grand cru" site with similar clay and marl soils and a much steeper 40% incline. The wine exhibits a firm structural foundation, sappy mid-palate, and brooding fruit profile for what amounts to a pinnacle expression of cellar-worthy Cabernet Franc. Best of all, we're bringing you the Alliet wines directly from the domaine as new additions to our rapidly expanding Loire direct-import range, so the quality for price, which was already outstanding, becomes essentially unbeatable in the category. | ||
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| 2024 Clos des Papes Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Margaux (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2023 Philippe Alliet Chinon Coteau de Noire (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "What a great scoop for our Loire direct-import portfolio to have Philippe Alliet and his son Pierre join the fold ... these wines are easily among the very best in Chinon." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Loire Buyer While not extremely well-known on this side of the Atlantic, Domaine Philippe Alliet is one of the Chinon appellation's leading lights, standing in strong company right alongside the likes of Charles Joguet. Father and son Philippe and Pierre employ meticulous methods to their prized vineyard holdings (some of the very best in all of Chinon), spearheading a new wave of viticulture that emphasizes very low yields and optimally ripe fruit at all costs. The resulting wines are nothing short of revelatory, reference-point expressions, which we saw first-hand during a tasting last fall. The entire range is superb, but the 93-point 2022 Vieilles Vignes offers a perfect introduction to this remarkable, must-know estate.Selecting from the oldest vines in their various plots, all at least 70 years old, the Alliets vinify and age the VV entirely in cement vats, while full de-stemming only adds to the sheer allure of the wine's personality and expression. As Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate writes, "This vintage is one of the most precise and pure expressions of Vieilles Vignes I have ever tasted. Kudos!" Turning to the single-vineyard cuvées, the 2022 L'Huisserie hails from a south-facing on Chinon's most favored hillside, the clay and flint soils imparting both a round, fleshy, full-fruited character as well as a firm mineral signature to the wine. This "multidimensional wine" showcase the Alliet style to a T, with none of the rusticity that often follows Chinon Cab Franc. Finally, the 2023 Coteau de Noiré is a stupendous expression of a Chinon "grand cru" site with similar clay and marl soils and a much steeper 40% incline. The wine exhibits a firm structural foundation, sappy mid-palate, and brooding fruit profile for what amounts to a pinnacle expression of cellar-worthy Cabernet Franc. Best of all, we're bringing you the Alliet wines directly from the domaine as new additions to our rapidly expanding Loire direct-import range, so the quality for price, which was already outstanding, becomes essentially unbeatable in the category. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Paris Saint-Joseph (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vincent Paris continues to craft distinctive, age-worthy Cornas, as evidenced once again during my most recent visit..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Our direct-import portfolio has taken some major steps in the past year and landed some big names, and now we can add Cornas icon Vincent Paris to that list. Thanks to some very fortuitous connections, we gained domaine-direct access to this perennial superstar producer and his benchmark wines. The outstanding 2023s have just landed in stock. Made from Paris' younger parcels on 30% slopes (and now with vines almost 30 years old), the 96-point 2023 Granit 30 exhibits fantastic signature elements of its granitic soils, as well as Paris' ultrafine winemaker's touch. "This is always the most forward and approachable of Paris's cuvées and will put a smile on your face right out of the gate," declares Dunnuck. Paris' wines are renowned for their cellar potential, but that doesn't mean you can't pop and pour the Granit 30 tonight. After all, it's "an accessible Cornas that’s packed with remarkable energy and freshness all the way through," so stocking the cellar is an easy choice. Next up, as the name suggests, the 97-point 2023 Granit 60 comes from three plots of old-vines on steep granite slopes, densely planted and low-yielding. Paris' winemaking methods are traditional yet meticulous, so he's able to showcase his prime terroir in crystal-clear fashion in each of his wines. There's tons of Cornas soul here, but the wines avoid the rustic, untamed nature that's sometimes associated with this appellation. Instead, we get ""a full-bodied 2023 that's beautifully balanced, elegant, and layered ... another smoking value from this incredibly talented vigneron." according to Dunnuck. Finally, boasting serious press from prominent voices like Suckling, Dunnuck, and Vinous among others, the 98-point 2023 Geynale is an outstanding collectible proposition that ranks with the region's elite names. This magnificent showstopper, made from the oldest vines in two of Cornas' most prized sites, is "full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, the classic, wild, sauvage character of the appellation, and a great finish," while Wine Spectator declares, "Massive in scale yet achieves perfect harmony between its ripeness, texture and energy." We brought a staggering number of top-tier domaines into our direct-import fold in 2025, but Vincent Paris might just take the cake. These wines are built to age with incredible panache, so make room, stash a few away, and get ready to enjoy some of the most consistently excellent Northern Rhône Syrahs on the market. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Branaire-Ducru (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2021 Clos des Papes Rouge (1.5L) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Avril family, their renowned parcels planted adjacent to the ruins of the old papal towers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, have been consistently bottling brilliant wines for decades. Among my very favorites – my personal collection spans multiple vintages – these are wines of unmistakable breed and character; a complete joy to experience. Originally established in the 18th century, their primary parcel is augmented by seventeen old vine plots throughout the appellation, adding further dimension to a wine already at the very highest levels of quality. Over the last few vintages, my notes indicate ever improved character. Paul-Vincent has bottled even more in a long line of rock stars. Draconian selections followed daily passes through each of his parcels, painstakingly clipping each vine for nothing but the very finest berries. | ||
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| 2021 Le Cinciole Petresco (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2022 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from the same vineyard as its iconic flagship cuvée, the 96-point 2022 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos is a stellar, age-worthy second wine from the makers of Chile's legendary Clos Apalta and bargain priced at a fraction of the grand vin. First crafted in 2014 as a youthful, approachable expression of the Clos Apalta terroir, the Le Petit Clos is made from a mix of mostly younger vines planted in the granite soils of the estate's organically and biodynamically farmed El Condor vineyard, its unique microclimate in the shadow of the towering Cordillera Mountains creating optimal conditions for ripening Carménère while maintaining its freshness and acidity. The result is a beautifully balanced, harmonious blend with a rich, velvety texture and layered complexity structured for a decade or more of evolution. "So pleasing ... Layered and charming. Great freshness that leaves you wanting more with a lively and long finish." - Decanter The 96-point 2022 delivers what we've come to expect from this wine - "A deep, complex nose with multiple layers" and a "rich yet contained and elegant" palate that conveys its Carménère base with gorgeous varietal character and precision. If you're a fan of this wine, then 2022 is going to put a smile on your face. Or if you want to experience cult-caliber class from an iconic Chilean estate without breaking the bank, our sub-$40 price makes it as easy as can be. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau D'Aiguilhe (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Acknowledging that 2019 is already a heralded vintage, the salient question is whether it represents the summit of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 triumvirate. 'Yes' is the answer. I have always felt that is the case." - Neal Martin, Vinous Of course, you may or may not agree with Martin in terms of 2019 place in the "trifecta," but it's undeniable that is a truly spectacular Bordeaux vintage that has more than lived up to its day-one hype since the wine's have hit the market, hit collector's cellars, and found their way into the glasses of impatient enthusiasts. Best of all, pricing has always been highly favorable compared to 2018 and 2020 (to say nothing of 2022), so the 2019s have also been some of the sharpest collectible buys on the market from the get-go and remain so today. We've just landed a must-see treasure trove from this heralded campaign at ... you guessed it ... razor-sharp pricing cross the board, with superb performers in every classification and price tier. | ||
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| 2019 Le Cinciole Camalaione (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a "gem of a producer" by Decanter, Podere Le Cinciole may well be the ultimate insider's Tuscan estate, these high scoring, under the radar selections expressing the estate's exceptional "golden" terroir in Chianti Classico's high altitude terrain and quietly gaining the lesser known Le Cinciole a reputation among critics including Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "one of the leading estates in all of Italy," each of these artisan-crafted red wines also among the region's top values. Situated on a biodiverse 30-hectare hilltop estate that includes an olive grove of 1,000 trees, Le Cinciole owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Vigano produce their measured, thoughtful wines from 11-hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Conca d'Oro, the amphitheater-shaped "golden basin" considered the Grand Cru of the region, planted in galestro soils of clay and schist ranging from 400 to 450 meters above sea level at one of the highest elevations in the region. Described as "one of the most distinctive wines in the appellation" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the remarkably expressive 93 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico and 92 pt. 2020 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico entry level cuvees were crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 12 months in medium French oak barrels and a year in concrete before bottling, yielding seductive, earthy fruit and elegant tannins and described as "a perennial overperformer" by Decanter's Michaela Morris that's not to be missed. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged well beyond the minimum requirement of 30 months for Chianti Classico's elite Gran Selezione category, Decanter critic Morris named the elegant 96 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi one of her Top 10 wines of 2021, its luscious core of rich Sangiovese fruit and balanced mineral driven acidity boasting "quite a wow factor," while Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate describes the "bold" 95 pt. 2018 Gran Selezione Aluigi as having "a lovely defined character" and Antonio Galloni of Vinous praises the 96 pt. 2019 Gran Selezione Aluigi as setting the gold standard for the classification, exclaiming "what a gorgeous wine this is." A deeply layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, the exquisite 95 pt. 2016 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "absolutely gorgeous" according to critic Galloni, boasting lush dark fruits with remarkable persistence and balanced acidity, while the powerful 94 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Camalaione "packs a huge punch" and the enticing 96 pt. 2018 Le Cinciole Camalaione is "a knockout," describing the atypical blend as offering "stunning depth and textural intensity." Sourced from 100% Sangiovese grown in a single vineyard at the estate's highest elevation, Antonio Galloni calls the flagship 97 pt. 2017 Le Cinciole Petresco "breathtaking" while the 98 pt. 2019 Le Cinciole Petresco boasts "notable depth and intensity," and like all Le Cinciole's top cuvees, both are built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade and beyond. While Panzano and the Conca D'Oro have gained notoriety among collectors as the home to high profile producers like Fontodi, Le Cinciole's top scoring wines remain among Tuscany's hidden treasures, still seeming "to fly under the radar" according to Antonio Galloni and a rare opportunity for lovers and collectors of bold Tuscan reds to "strike gold" and scoop up a stash of Le Cinciole's purely irresistible wines at unbeatable prices. | ||
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| 2023 Petrolo Galatrona (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Val d'Arno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Widely considered one of the world's finest collectible Merlots, Petrolo's Galatrona hits astounding heights in this three-vintage mini-vertical. The Galatrona vineyard in the southeast Chianti hills is ideally suited to Merlot, with southeast exposure and loamy clay soils rich in marl, shale, and sandstone that retain plenty of moisture in the hot Tuscan summers. This superb terroir allows for a beautifully expressive wine seemingly regardless of vintage conditions, and what's more it routinely stands along side iconic bottlings like Masseto and Messorio at a mere fraction of their prices. "The 2023 Galatrona,100% Merlot, is soft, plush and sensual ... not a huge Galatrona The 2023 Galatrona is another highlight-reel effort from this elite estate, with 98 points from James Suckling, as well as effusive praise from Antonio Galloni and Decanter. "Absolutely delicious" and "a gorgeous wine" are but a few of the accolades the 2023 has already racked up. The vintage gives us a refined and precise expression of Tuscan Merlot that is built to cruise on finesse rather than power - "One for the cellar," as James Suckling calls it. "This is just a tremendous wine by any measure." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The 2021 Galatrona has garnered huge press from across the critical spectrum, with a pair of 98-point scores and a pair of 97-point scores for good measure. Antonio Galloni describes "a feeling of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere," while Wine Spectator calls it "seamless and luxuriously saturated ... more about finesse and elegance than power, with a vibrant profile and superlong finish." "The Petrolo 2019 Galatrona is soft and luscious ... with elegance and sweeping intensity." - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate Finally, the 2019 Galatrona is a hallmark modern rendition that flirts with perfection to the tune of 99 points from James Suckling, who calls it "muscular, yet agile. Pure and poised. A unique definition of merlot in Tuscany." This exceptional Tuscan vintage is on full display in the balanced, graceful, plush character of the wine, even as it carries the substance to age with the world's best Merlots. The only drawback is the miniscule quantity we have left. Galatrona's track record is iron-clad, one of the finest in the region and certainly in the top echelon of Italian Bordeaux-varietal wines, and this trio is all teed up to become legends in the making for this iconic Tuscan superstar, at a razor-sharp pricing that's nearly unbeatable in the market. | ||
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| 2024 Hartford Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More The Hartford Family's roots in Sonoma's Russian River Valley are second to none, and they farm some of the Golden State's most prized plots of old-vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Their reference-point range runs the gamut from incredible single-vineyard expressions to some of the greatest bang-for-the-buck values in the appellation. The 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. The 2023 Russian River Chardonnay is "a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2022," displaying classic, richly textured Russian River fruit, vibrant acidic balance, and a luxurious finish that reveals its world-class pedigree. Fans of California Chardonnay may have grown used to overpaying for underwhelming quality, but this 94-point, sub-$20 beauty is ideally suited to buck that trend. Turning to the estate's wheelhouse, don't miss the trio of top-flight, single-vineyard Zinfandels, highlighted by the WS96 Highwire Vineyard from the acclaimed 2023 vintage. "Zin rarely shows this much focus and tenstion," notes Wine Spectator, and we couldn't agree more. Whether you're looking for an easy everyday go-to or a top-tier reference-point expression for the cellar, this range from Hartford has it in spades. | ||
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| 2023 Eric Forest Pouilly-Fuisse les Crays 1er Cru (1.5L) | ||
| Chardonnay from Maconnais, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More His name doesn't appear much in the critical press these days, but Eric Forest quietly remains one of Pouilly-Fuissé most engaging and talented winemakers. Our Burgundy team recently paid a visit to his cellars, and they were thrilled to discover Eric and his wines in exceptional form. The range of 2023s got nods all around, but the Les Crays 1er Cru was the undisputed standout. "One of the top three wines from our recent trip to Burgundy, and we’re thrilled to get it directly from the domaine’s cellars." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer The Les Crays vineyard itself boasts every feature that makes a quintessential Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay - southerly exposure, very poor soils of broken limestone, moderate slope, and old vines (these planted between 1930 and 1966). At the foot of the famed Roche de Vergisson, Les Crays is terroir excellence in a nutshell, and Forest's 2023 "is a head-turning expression that shows why this vineyard is a bona fide 1er cru," according to Andrew. It's a complete wine in every sense that is already starting to synch its components into a harmonious whole that will only gain in complexity and personality over the coming several years. Further underscoring the excellence of Forest's domaine holdings are his old-vine, single-vineyard gems from Terre Noire in St-Véran and Clos des Charmes in Mâcon-Pierreclos. The former comes from a small, 100-year-old parcel on dark clay over bleached white limestone, and it's "easily the most concentrated and intense wine in Forest’s line-up," tightly wound today but with utterly compelling cellar potential for the medium to long term. The latter, by contrast, is an "upfront, charming yet precisely crafted gem ... with real style and substance that does everything it’s supposed to." Today's Burgundy market is a wild place, and when you find a top-notch, single-vineyard expressions like these under $60, you jump at them, plain and simple. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 (1.5L) | ||
| Syrah from Cornas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vincent Paris continues to craft distinctive, age-worthy Cornas, as evidenced once again during my most recent visit..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Our direct-import portfolio has taken some major steps in the past year and landed some big names, and now we can add Cornas icon Vincent Paris to that list. Thanks to some very fortuitous connections, we gained domaine-direct access to this perennial superstar producer and his benchmark wines. The outstanding 2023s have just landed in stock. Made from Paris' younger parcels on 30% slopes (and now with vines almost 30 years old), the 96-point 2023 Granit 30 exhibits fantastic signature elements of its granitic soils, as well as Paris' ultrafine winemaker's touch. "This is always the most forward and approachable of Paris's cuvées and will put a smile on your face right out of the gate," declares Dunnuck. Paris' wines are renowned for their cellar potential, but that doesn't mean you can't pop and pour the Granit 30 tonight. After all, it's "an accessible Cornas that’s packed with remarkable energy and freshness all the way through," so stocking the cellar is an easy choice. Next up, as the name suggests, the 97-point 2023 Granit 60 comes from three plots of old-vines on steep granite slopes, densely planted and low-yielding. Paris' winemaking methods are traditional yet meticulous, so he's able to showcase his prime terroir in crystal-clear fashion in each of his wines. There's tons of Cornas soul here, but the wines avoid the rustic, untamed nature that's sometimes associated with this appellation. Instead, we get ""a full-bodied 2023 that's beautifully balanced, elegant, and layered ... another smoking value from this incredibly talented vigneron." according to Dunnuck. Finally, boasting serious press from prominent voices like Suckling, Dunnuck, and Vinous among others, the 98-point 2023 Geynale is an outstanding collectible proposition that ranks with the region's elite names. This magnificent showstopper, made from the oldest vines in two of Cornas' most prized sites, is "full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, the classic, wild, sauvage character of the appellation, and a great finish," while Wine Spectator declares, "Massive in scale yet achieves perfect harmony between its ripeness, texture and energy." We brought a staggering number of top-tier domaines into our direct-import fold in 2025, but Vincent Paris might just take the cake. These wines are built to age with incredible panache, so make room, stash a few away, and get ready to enjoy some of the most consistently excellent Northern Rhône Syrahs on the market. | ||
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| 2023 Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale (1.5L) | ||
| Syrah from Cornas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Vincent Paris continues to craft distinctive, age-worthy Cornas, as evidenced once again during my most recent visit..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Our direct-import portfolio has taken some major steps in the past year and landed some big names, and now we can add Cornas icon Vincent Paris to that list. Thanks to some very fortuitous connections, we gained domaine-direct access to this perennial superstar producer and his benchmark wines. The outstanding 2023s have just landed in stock. Made from Paris' younger parcels on 30% slopes (and now with vines almost 30 years old), the 96-point 2023 Granit 30 exhibits fantastic signature elements of its granitic soils, as well as Paris' ultrafine winemaker's touch. "This is always the most forward and approachable of Paris's cuvées and will put a smile on your face right out of the gate," declares Dunnuck. Paris' wines are renowned for their cellar potential, but that doesn't mean you can't pop and pour the Granit 30 tonight. After all, it's "an accessible Cornas that’s packed with remarkable energy and freshness all the way through," so stocking the cellar is an easy choice. Next up, as the name suggests, the 97-point 2023 Granit 60 comes from three plots of old-vines on steep granite slopes, densely planted and low-yielding. Paris' winemaking methods are traditional yet meticulous, so he's able to showcase his prime terroir in crystal-clear fashion in each of his wines. There's tons of Cornas soul here, but the wines avoid the rustic, untamed nature that's sometimes associated with this appellation. Instead, we get ""a full-bodied 2023 that's beautifully balanced, elegant, and layered ... another smoking value from this incredibly talented vigneron." according to Dunnuck. Finally, boasting serious press from prominent voices like Suckling, Dunnuck, and Vinous among others, the 98-point 2023 Geynale is an outstanding collectible proposition that ranks with the region's elite names. This magnificent showstopper, made from the oldest vines in two of Cornas' most prized sites, is "full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, the classic, wild, sauvage character of the appellation, and a great finish," while Wine Spectator declares, "Massive in scale yet achieves perfect harmony between its ripeness, texture and energy." We brought a staggering number of top-tier domaines into our direct-import fold in 2025, but Vincent Paris might just take the cake. These wines are built to age with incredible panache, so make room, stash a few away, and get ready to enjoy some of the most consistently excellent Northern Rhône Syrahs on the market. | ||
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