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| 2022 Famille Paquet Saint-Veran En Creches (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Macon, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our direct-import train keeps chugging down the tracks in Burgundy, this time to the southern Mâcon appellation, where Mathieu Paquet's family domaine has been on a quiet roll in recent vintage, largely unnoticed by Burgundy fans this side of the Atlantic. Our visit with Mathieu earlier this year at Wine Paris confirmed this is a domaine to be reckoned with, not only in terms of sheer quality, but price as well, as you'll clearly see in this pair of spectacular, 95-point 2022s. These are benchmark Mâcon expressions for some of the most sensible pricing you'll see in today's Burgundy landscape. "A rich and suave Saint-Veran," the 2022 Saint-Véran 99 Coupées shows simply gorgeous delineation and uncommon complexity for its appellation. A blend of nine plots in the villages of Davayé and Prissé, it carries all the hallmarks of the excellent vintage, as well as the fine-tuned, meticulous work that Mathieu and Camille Paquet have instituted in the vineyards since taking over their parents' domaine. Their holdings are quite extensive, so it's no small feat to farm such a domaine with these exacting standards, but the results are undeniable. Not only does the 2022 99 Coupées offer up pure white Burgundy class for a steal, it also offers up loads of pure pleasure for a price that makes it easy for anyone to jump on board. Also boasting 95 points from James Suckling's Burgundy critic, Stuart Pigott, the 2022 Saint-Véran En Creches is endowed with "excellent concentration [and] so much chalky energy and citric freshness." This vineyard on the border of Davayé and Vergisson is just downslope from the famed Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru La Roche, and its ideal combination of shallow clay topsoils and limestone sub-stratum makes for the kind of excellent Chardonnay pedigree from which all great white Burgundy comes. In recent years, we've started to see Pouilly-Fuissé prices follow the rising price trend that has long since become the norm in the Côte d'Or, but these utterly charming Saint-Véran is clear evidence of this appellation's incredible penchant for quality and value. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our recently arrived direct-import container brought in a trove of beauties, among them a fantastic roster of must-try overperformers from the world's best source - Bordeaux. That's right, $1,000 First Growths aside, Bordeaux is still the greatest hotbed of superb quality at the value price tier. These 2019s and 2020s from both the Right and Left Banks epitomize the values you can find here, if you know where to look. Haut-Medoc's Larrivaux delivers the goods at the $20 mark, with a pair of eminently charming, approachable winners, while the "wonderfully pure, medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless" 2019 La Prade is a chance to get can't-miss Right Bank class from the winemaking skills of the talented Nicolas Thienpont, all at a case-buy price. Listrac, along with Moulis, is a bargain hunter's paradise, and Fourcas-Dupre is the name to know there, and even collectors shouldn't overlook the 95-point 2019 Cantemerle. ""This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar," declares, Neal Martin of Vinous. Finally, our score of the season on the Right Bank is undoubtedly the 94-point, "utterly delicious" 2019 Rol Valentin, which Neal Martin proclaims, "one of the finest I have tasted in recent years." We recently scored a parcel at a jaw-dropping price that's the best in the world, so this is the trophy value score you've been looking for. Any way you look at it, Bordeaux continues to deliver the goods at this price tier. There are countless unbelievable deals to be found in such a vast and varied regions, but we've done our digging and these are some of the best. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Beaune Les Champs Pimont 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Saint-Peray Version (750ml) | ||
| Marsanne from Saint-Peray, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Crozes-Hermitage Les Malfondieres (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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| 2019 La Prade (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Francs, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our recently arrived direct-import container brought in a trove of beauties, among them a fantastic roster of must-try overperformers from the world's best source - Bordeaux. That's right, $1,000 First Growths aside, Bordeaux is still the greatest hotbed of superb quality at the value price tier. These 2019s and 2020s from both the Right and Left Banks epitomize the values you can find here, if you know where to look. Haut-Medoc's Larrivaux delivers the goods at the $20 mark, with a pair of eminently charming, approachable winners, while the "wonderfully pure, medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless" 2019 La Prade is a chance to get can't-miss Right Bank class from the winemaking skills of the talented Nicolas Thienpont, all at a case-buy price. Listrac, along with Moulis, is a bargain hunter's paradise, and Fourcas-Dupre is the name to know there, and even collectors shouldn't overlook the 95-point 2019 Cantemerle. ""This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar," declares, Neal Martin of Vinous. Finally, our score of the season on the Right Bank is undoubtedly the 94-point, "utterly delicious" 2019 Rol Valentin, which Neal Martin proclaims, "one of the finest I have tasted in recent years." We recently scored a parcel at a jaw-dropping price that's the best in the world, so this is the trophy value score you've been looking for. Any way you look at it, Bordeaux continues to deliver the goods at this price tier. There are countless unbelievable deals to be found in such a vast and varied regions, but we've done our digging and these are some of the best. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau de Vaudieu Les Vieilles Roussanne Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Roussanne from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation. Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing. Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character. This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. | ||
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| Granalta Tequila Blanco (1L) | ||
| From Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Value and craftsmanship collide in this excellent, artisanal blanco ... Dollar for dollar, it might just be the best tequila value in the store." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer The value end of the tequila spectrum continues to be awash in overly manufactured, adulterated juice that can barely be considered tequila, so that's why we're always on the lookout for winners like this exceptionally priced blanco from Granalta. Made with highly traditional methods and absolutely zero additives, this blanco is a serious hitter for its price, especially when you consider the 1-liter bottle. Not only are the agaves roasted extremely slowly in stone ovens with gentle crushing on a roller mill, but inclusion of fibers in the fermentation gives the already excellent raw materials additional depth of flavor and textural intensity that we hardly ever see in this price tier. From the "outstanding, balanced sweetness" to the "textural, full weight and viscosity," the Granalta Blanco is a remarkably versatile offering that's right at home in your favorite cocktail or on its own with a few rocks. We all love a good go-to performer, and this one is perfectly suited to pretty much anything you want to do with it.
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Grands Epenots 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Condrieu DePoncins (750ml) | ||
| Viognier from Condrieu, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Taillepieds 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau de Vaudieu Amiral G. (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation. Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing. Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character. This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau de Vaudieu Val de Dieu (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation. Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing. Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character. This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. | ||
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| 2023 Chateau de Vaudieu Le Clos du Belvedere Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Grenache Blanc from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation. Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing. Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character. This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Santenots du Milieu 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard Les Chanlins 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio this year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but based on the stunning quality of what we tasted at Wine Paris and again at the domaine earlier this year, they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon. The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar. Every bottling is worth a place in your cellar, but it's the Volnay Taillepieds that truly steals the show in 2023. Notching 95 points from the notoriously stingy John Gilman, it's a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish." It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. | ||
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| 2018 Rauzan-Segla (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate "firing on all cylinders," there's no doubt that Super Second Chateau Rauzan-Segla ranks at the top of the Margaux appellation, these high scoring Left Bank blends from outstanding recent vintages offering First Growth depth and cellar worthy complexity at a fraction of the price. Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, the estate undergoing a "no expense spared" restoration and revitalization that has fueled its steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the Grand Vin was sourced from the estate's 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards throughout the appellation with some parcels close to First Growth Chateau Margaux and aged in mostly new French oak for 18 months. Living up to the Chateau's rising star reputation as "an estate that can do no wrong" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these lush Chateau Rauzan-Segla blends boast refined, polished tannins that promise longevity, this offer a perfect opportunity for Bordeaux fans to stock the cellar with top scoring values rivalling its First Growth peers at a best on the market price. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau de Vaudieu L'Avenue (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation." - Jeb Dunnuck Château de Vaudieu is a long-time favorite among Châteauneuf-du-Pape insiders for their ultra-refined style and their impeccable terroir (neighbors to the cult icon Chateau Rayas, so it's no surprise), but their wines are typically very scarce in the U.S. market. So, when we came across a parcel of their dazzling 2022s, we jumped on it without hesitation. Vaudieu's impeccable, sandy soils endow the estate's red wines with uncompromising elegance and finesse, while simultaneously imparting serious concentration to the flavor profiles and structures. "Unquestionably up with the top wines of the vintage" according to Dunnuck, the 2022 Val de Dieu, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, shines in the early-harvest 2022 vintage, capturing all the vintage's bright, sunny character while remaining incredibly sleek and agile. The 96-point Amiral G and 97-Point L' Avenue are every bit the cult-caliber showstoppers that their reputations imply, the latter also "up with the crème de la crème of the vintage" per Dunnuck and the former a "structured and concentrated ... great success" in the words of Advocate's Yohan Castaing. Of course, as Dunnuck notes above, no serious Rhône fan should overlook the Vaudieu whites, benchmarks in every way, starting with the prodigious, 97-point, "Hermitage-like" Clos de Belvedere, a cuvée of 100% Grenache Blanc that's the absolute height of the varietal expression. In the same league of varietal masterpieces, the Vieilles Roussanne is "an enticing white, with simmering, spicy power and dimension" that shows its limestone terroir in perfect clarity along side its pure Roussanne character. This is a standout range the exemplifies one of the appellation's great benchmark estates, offering collectors a bevy of cellar-worthy stunners that can stand toe-to-toe with the very best that Châteauneuf has to offer. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Cornas Jouvet (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Cornas, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Saint-Joseph Reflet (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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| 2022 Francois Villard Condrieu Villa Pontciana (750ml) | ||
| Viognier from Condrieu, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Our new domaine-direct partnership with Northern Rhône reference-point François Villard was unexpected, but when the opportunity came, we jumped on it in a big way. After all, Northern Rhône insiders know these as some of the most classically styled, textbook expressions in the category. While the domaine's calling card is their remarkable trio of Condrieus, serious Rhône connoisseurs also know they produce some of the smartest bang-for-the-buck buys out there in their line-up of impressive reds. Sourced from parcels on granite and quarz soils, the 2022 St-Joseph Reflet is "exquisite," a quintessential appellation benchmark that can stand toe-to-toe with many more well-known names like Coursodon, Courbis, and yes, even cult darling Pierre Gonon. "Clearly the standout in the line-up," as noted by Jeb Dunnuck's 95-point review, the 2022 is a "gorgeous wine" that shows tremendous character in its "pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel and polished tannins." While we're at it, don't miss a pair of spectacular Crozes-Hermitage winners, especially 95-point Les Malfondieres. Jeb Dunnuck declares it "a 'wow' Crozes-Hermitage that should be snatched up by readers," all the more impressive since we rarely see this wine in the US market. As mentioned above, the pride and joy of the domaine are their elite Condrieu expressions from some of the appellation's best vineyards. "The 2022 Condrieu Deponcins is rocking stuff," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This steep vineyard on granite and mica schist is classic Condrieu terroir, and Villard's version shows captivating varietal purity along with the structural balance to be laid down for a few years, a quality not typically associated with Viognier and almost always found only in the very best Condrieus. "Full-bodied, powerful and evocative, the 2022 is a generous Deponcins ... This is outstanding." Likewise, the JD96 Villa Pontciana is "brilliant and classic stuff" from a 50-year-old vines on steep granite mica-schist soils. Vinous' Nicolas Greinacher exclaims, "The 2022 Condrieu Villa Pontciana is a stunner ... a standout Condrieu that’s totally worth the chase." We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and we expect nothing less from one of the appellation's leading producers. | ||
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