| 2022 Schoffit Riesling Sommerberg Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The wines are compelling in a rather quiet way, understated but so convincing." - Anne Krebiehl, Vinous "They are of a consistently high quality and, in my opinion, still far too rarely on the radar of importers, retailers and sommeliers." - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Alsace as a whole is often considered an under-the-radar region, so when we come upon a domaine that is known as "under the radar," it's safe to say it's probably far under the radar. The shame is, as Wine Advocate's Stephan Reinhardt notes above, that wines and domaines like these deserve far more attention. However, clued-in and savvy wine collectors can reap serious benefits in the form of world-class cellar contenders at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality and pedigree from Burgundy, Champagne, or virtually anywhere else in France. Domaine Schoffit's vineyard stable is loaded with prime sites, but the unquestioned jewel in the crown is the Clos St-Théobald in the Rangen de Thann Grand Cru, inarguably the finest vineyard in Alsace. At 6.5 hectares, the Clos is now a monopole since Bernard Schoffit completed his ambitious reclamation project to unite the entire site under his domaine. The super-steep slopes and volcanic soitls produce one of the world's most distinctive Rieslings, and the 97-point 2022 ranks among the greatest vintages ever made of this wine. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling is another singular standout, this from granitic soils that shine in the wine's stunning combination of aromatic purity and textural intensity. Finally, the 2022 Harth Gewürztraminer showcases Schoffit's great sites around Colmar with fantastic varietal precision, particularly "the glorious spice of Gewürztraminer" as Anne Krebiehl notes. It bears repeating – these wines belong on the short list of Alsace's finest names along side the Weinbachs, Trimbachs, and Zind-Humbrechts, so if you're a serious Alsace fan or collector of the world's best Rieslings, make room in the cellar. You'll be so glad you did. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Faugeres (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| Glenglassaugh Sandend Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ||
| From Portsoy, Highlands, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "It’s gentle yet complex, but above all it’s an easy sipper you can just sit back and enjoy." - David Fleming, Whisky Advocate Highland's Glenglassaugh has always been under the radar of most single malt drinkers and whisky fans, as the distillery itself has sat dormant for long stretches of its 150-year history, but since being revived in 2008 and purchased in 2016 by spirits giant Brown-Forman, and after years of gearing up production, reinvestment, and stockpiling juice, the brand's trajectory has taken off, culminating their Sanded bottling's shock win for Whisky Advocate's #1 Whisky of 2023. As David Fleming puts it, "now Glenglassaugh is ready to roll, and judging by this stellar release, patience is being rewarded in spades." The distillery bills its whiskies as "coastal malts," and that moniker is pretty much a perfect fit for this stylish, approachable, yet eminently intriguing profile. Aged in ex-bourbon, manzanilla, and sherry casks and blended by Rachel Barrie (the masterful hand behind the malts of BenRiach), the Sandend is "bright and delicate" on the nose, leading to "a luscious palate ... [with] an explosive and long-lasting finish." The WOTY honors for Sanded may have been your first introduction to Glenglassaugh, but it's safe to say they're on everyone's radar now. Best of all, our new, limited-time, razor-sharp pricing on the Sandend makes it easy to get fully on board with this single malt rising star.
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Pinot Bianco (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Blanc from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Coursodon Saint Joseph le Paradis Saint Pierre Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We're absolutely thrilled to announce a new direct-import relationship with one of the undisputed stars of the Northern Rhône. Domaine Coursodon has been at the very pinnacle of the St-Joseph appellation for the better part of two decades, and their wines represent some of the savviest buys and most artfully crafted renditions in the entire region. When we tasted the range of 2023s at this year's Vinexpo/Wine Paris, we knew we had to get them into our stable. While each and every expression was a surefire winner, the 2023 l'Olivaie is emblematic of what the domaine does best. It has already garnered 93-95 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who notes, "The overall balance and purity here are exceptional." B-21 Rhone Buyer Andrew Kitz echoes that sentiment, praising the wine as "superbly polished and poised without seeming 'constructed', a precise representation of vintage, terroir and domaine style – in short, an archetypal St-Joseph." | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Pinot Grigio (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Grigio from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Wines like this one are what make it fun to be a wine drinker. Not a wine collector, not a wine connoisseur, but a wine drinker. Sure, the 2023 Roth Alexander Valley Cabernet boasts some serious quality for its price point, but at its core, this one is all about pure enjoyment for fans of Cali Cab. First off, the 2023 is a classic showcase of what sets Alexander Valley apart from the rest of California when it comes to Cabernet. Plush, red fruits form the wine's identity, while the dusty but gentle tannins, a signature of the AVA, offer a pleasantly balanced foundation that makes this overachieving value star a perfect match for any weeknight occasion or crowded get-together. With rock-solid press, including a 92-point review from James Suckling, and a must-see, case-buy price, you can stock up with confidence, knowing you've found a new surefire performer to add to your go-to rotation. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "This is a real beauty from the western side of Oakville." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate One of the visionary icons in single-vineyard Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel is still going great guns in the epic 2023 vintage. The latest release of their iconic John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet hits it out of the park with a pair of glowing reviews from Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Advocate, and others sure to follow. The vintage itself is already being hailed as a modern classic for Napa, and Nickel & Nickel's world-class sites will no doubt shine in this special year. The Sullenger Vineyard is the estate's "home vineyard" surrounding the winery in Oakville, planted on clay loam soils that give its wines the utmost Oakville character that makes this arguably the most famous of Napa's sub-AVAs. The 2023 is "another brilliant wine I'd love to have in the cellar, and it will see its 20th birthday in fine form," notes Dunnuck. Advocate's Joe Czerwinski was likewise highly impressed to the tune of 96 points, declaring, "his full-bodied wine is rich, voluptuous and silky on the outside, but underneath that flesh, there's a firm structure and dusty tannins that linger easily on the elegant finish." Finding single-vineyard Napa Cabs of this pedigree, from a lauded vintage, for under $100 is becoming a rare feat these days, making this a super-savvy score for collectors who know a bargain when they see one. The fact that it comes from a true original and pioneer of the category is just icing on the cake. | ||
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| 2021 Rippon Tinker's Field Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop. Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality. For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Friulano (750ml) | ||
| Friulano from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2023 Schiopetto Collio Ribolla Gialla (750ml) | ||
| Ribolla Gialla from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We've taken tremendous pleasure in watching our direct-import relationship with Schiopetto take off, since these are unquestionably some of the most incisive, harmonious, and scintillating Italian white wines out there. Indeed, as Kerin O'Keefe contends, they prove without a doubt that Italy's white wines can reach a level of serious expression to rival many others in the Old World. Several vintages in a row have gotten our B-21 customers acquainted with this range and built up quite a following, and we're happy to report that after a recent tasting of the latest releases, there are even more stunning offerings on tap in the coming months, starting with the 95-point 2023 Friulano. James Suckling describes it as "very minerally and smoky ... medium- to full-bodied, tangy and energetic," while Wine Advocate's Monica Larner found "classic layers of Golden Delicious apple, quince and mineral tones." We were similarly struck with the head-turning, perfumed aromatics, the surprisingly complex and charming flavors, and the lip-smacking finish. Another 95-point varietal benchmark is the 2023 Pinot Bianco. While the grape often gets shorted in reputation and renown, it can nonetheless produce incredibly compelling wines in the right hands. Schiopetto's 2023 is "full and layered with lovely density and freshness" according to James Suckling, with purity and depth to spare. These are just the highlights, but if you're already a fan of Schiopetto, you'll no doubt be making room in the cellar for the whole range, and if you haven't yet tried them, this is a can't-miss opportunity to add a truly world-class estate to your repertoire. | ||
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| 2021 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that's optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barolo Parafada (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just landed a parcel of new releases showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. The 2021 Barolo vintage is one for the record books, and now that the wines are hitting the market, it's clear that they hype is real. Massolino's Barolo normale is "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino, while the single-vineyard wines are simply stunning masterpieces. The 2021 Parafada's critical line is bursting with effusive praise, led by 98 points from Kerin O'Keefe and additional 97-point scores from Wine Spectator, Suckling, and Wine Advocate. The triple 96-point Margheria is likewise "classy and utterly delicious," a resounding triumph for this hallowed Serralunga cru. The icing on the cake, however, is the estate's 2019 Vigna Rionda Riserva, another superlative expression from a benchmark vintage. A pair of 98-point scores from Spectator and O'Keefe shine a bright light on the Vigna Rionda's impeccable pedigree, while Antonio Galloni calls it "a wine of elegance and poise" perfectly in keeping with Massolino's hallmark style, even in a vintage like 2019. Spectator likewise dubs it a "fresh, multidimensional and built for the long haul" that collectors can confidently stock up on for decades of future enjoyment. There's nothing quite so thrilling as a benchmark Barolo estate in an epic vintage, and this set from Massolino provide ample proof that these remains some of the most compelling collectible wines in the world. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Coursodon Saint Joseph le Paradis Saint Pierre Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Marsanne from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We're absolutely thrilled to announce a new direct-import relationship with one of the undisputed stars of the Northern Rhône. Domaine Coursodon has been at the very pinnacle of the St-Joseph appellation for the better part of two decades, and their wines represent some of the savviest buys and most artfully crafted renditions in the entire region. When we tasted the range of 2023s at this year's Vinexpo/Wine Paris, we knew we had to get them into our stable. While each and every expression was a surefire winner, the 2023 l'Olivaie is emblematic of what the domaine does best. It has already garnered 93-95 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who notes, "The overall balance and purity here are exceptional." B-21 Rhone Buyer Andrew Kitz echoes that sentiment, praising the wine as "superbly polished and poised without seeming 'constructed', a precise representation of vintage, terroir and domaine style – in short, an archetypal St-Joseph." | ||
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| 2024 Domaine Coursodon Saint Joseph Silice Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Marsanne from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We're absolutely thrilled to announce a new direct-import relationship with one of the undisputed stars of the Northern Rhône. Domaine Coursodon has been at the very pinnacle of the St-Joseph appellation for the better part of two decades, and their wines represent some of the savviest buys and most artfully crafted renditions in the entire region. When we tasted the range of 2023s at this year's Vinexpo/Wine Paris, we knew we had to get them into our stable. While each and every expression was a surefire winner, the 2023 l'Olivaie is emblematic of what the domaine does best. It has already garnered 93-95 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who notes, "The overall balance and purity here are exceptional." B-21 Rhone Buyer Andrew Kitz echoes that sentiment, praising the wine as "superbly polished and poised without seeming 'constructed', a precise representation of vintage, terroir and domaine style – in short, an archetypal St-Joseph." | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank. Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson. Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it! | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barolo Margheria (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just landed a parcel of new releases showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. The 2021 Barolo vintage is one for the record books, and now that the wines are hitting the market, it's clear that they hype is real. Massolino's Barolo normale is "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino, while the single-vineyard wines are simply stunning masterpieces. The 2021 Parafada's critical line is bursting with effusive praise, led by 98 points from Kerin O'Keefe and additional 97-point scores from Wine Spectator, Suckling, and Wine Advocate. The triple 96-point Margheria is likewise "classy and utterly delicious," a resounding triumph for this hallowed Serralunga cru. The icing on the cake, however, is the estate's 2019 Vigna Rionda Riserva, another superlative expression from a benchmark vintage. A pair of 98-point scores from Spectator and O'Keefe shine a bright light on the Vigna Rionda's impeccable pedigree, while Antonio Galloni calls it "a wine of elegance and poise" perfectly in keeping with Massolino's hallmark style, even in a vintage like 2019. Spectator likewise dubs it a "fresh, multidimensional and built for the long haul" that collectors can confidently stock up on for decades of future enjoyment. There's nothing quite so thrilling as a benchmark Barolo estate in an epic vintage, and this set from Massolino provide ample proof that these remains some of the most compelling collectible wines in the world. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Coursodon Saint Joseph l'Olivaie Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More We're absolutely thrilled to announce a new direct-import relationship with one of the undisputed stars of the Northern Rhône. Domaine Coursodon has been at the very pinnacle of the St-Joseph appellation for the better part of two decades, and their wines represent some of the savviest buys and most artfully crafted renditions in the entire region. When we tasted the range of 2023s at this year's Vinexpo/Wine Paris, we knew we had to get them into our stable. While each and every expression was a surefire winner, the 2023 l'Olivaie is emblematic of what the domaine does best. It has already garnered 93-95 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who notes, "The overall balance and purity here are exceptional." B-21 Rhone Buyer Andrew Kitz echoes that sentiment, praising the wine as "superbly polished and poised without seeming 'constructed', a precise representation of vintage, terroir and domaine style – in short, an archetypal St-Joseph." | ||
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| 2019 Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Massolino is another winery that has been on a roll of late. These new releases are stellar." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous One of Piedmont's leading lights, Massolino is a perennial standout among Piedmont fans for their super-refined, elegant house style. From the village wines to the single-cru expressions, you'll find captivating profiles that have won critical accolades year in and year out. We just landed a parcel of new releases showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. The 2021 Barolo vintage is one for the record books, and now that the wines are hitting the market, it's clear that they hype is real. Massolino's Barolo normale is "a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino, while the single-vineyard wines are simply stunning masterpieces. The 2021 Parafada's critical line is bursting with effusive praise, led by 98 points from Kerin O'Keefe and additional 97-point scores from Wine Spectator, Suckling, and Wine Advocate. The triple 96-point Margheria is likewise "classy and utterly delicious," a resounding triumph for this hallowed Serralunga cru. The icing on the cake, however, is the estate's 2019 Vigna Rionda Riserva, another superlative expression from a benchmark vintage. A pair of 98-point scores from Spectator and O'Keefe shine a bright light on the Vigna Rionda's impeccable pedigree, while Antonio Galloni calls it "a wine of elegance and poise" perfectly in keeping with Massolino's hallmark style, even in a vintage like 2019. Spectator likewise dubs it a "fresh, multidimensional and built for the long haul" that collectors can confidently stock up on for decades of future enjoyment. There's nothing quite so thrilling as a benchmark Barolo estate in an epic vintage, and this set from Massolino provide ample proof that these remains some of the most compelling collectible wines in the world. | ||
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| 2021 Rippon Emma's Block Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop. Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality. For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best. | ||
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