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| 2023 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Lieber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. It seems that one vintage after another, this storied domaine finds resounding success, and these newly arrived 2023s continue that trend. From the entry-level cuvées to the coveted collectible icons, the 2023s show the domaine and the family at the top of their game, starting with an undeniable insider's favorite, the V92 Sylvaner from a 70-year-old parcel in the famed Clos du Capucins. Every bit as compelling is the "super-clean and wonderfully harmonious" JS93 Pinot Blanc. Moving to the single-vineyard wines, the domaine's pedigree truly shines in a pair of 97-point stunners. The "dangerously fresh and wonderfully inspiring" Altenbourg Gewürztraminer offers fans and collectors a can't-miss, cellar-worthy expression for a steal, while the Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling is yet another benchmark expression from this hallowed site. The coup de grâce, however, is the near-perfect Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru Cuvée Ste-Catherine, a marvelous expression of "crystalline clarity" that exhibits the inimitable tension of this hallowed terroir, or as Stuart Pigott puts it, "So many aspects of this masterpiece speak of lightness and delicacy, but the other side is all about the dark world down in the soil." Of course, with a reference point domaine like Weinbach in a great vintage like 2023, fans and collectors don't have to be choosy – you can have a field day up and down the range, knowing that you'll get everything you're looking for and more with every option on the table. | ||
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| 2021 Caparsa Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Caparsa remains one of Chianti Classico's under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers. These new releases are nothing short of captivating." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous We still can't believe our good fortune to have the singularly talented Paolo Cianferoni's Caparsa estate in our direct-import stable. Even more so, we still can't believe these wines are not on everyone's radar, so utterly refined, precise, and authentic are their character and substance. After a recent tasting of the full range of 2021 Classicos, we fell head over heels with no hesitation, and we went all in on this spectacular trio. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Caparsino kicks everything off with its pair of 95-point reviews from Decanter and Antonio Galloni, who praises it as "plush and wonderfully deep right out of the gate" making for "a Riserva of uncommon character and distinction." The Caparsino is brought up entirely in concrete tank to give it the purest Sangiovese character possible, something to be desired when the vineyards and fruit are as impeccable as Caparsa's. In contrast to the Caparsino's bright, elegant personality, the 96-point, single-vineyard 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo is "a brooding virile wine," Aged in Stockinger and Mittelberger oak, it boasts an "explosive" profile with "tremendous substance." It's a stunning representation of collectible Chianti Classico that can stand with many wines twice its price. Finally, the DC95 2021 Chianti Classico is "pure drinking pleasure" for a mere song. Few, if any, of the Chiantis we've found in the sub-$30 price range deliver quite the impact and head-turning presence that the 2021 Caparsa does. As Galloni writes, "This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico." After all, Paolo does everything the hard way, which almost always makes the best wines, and we're quite confident in saying that Caparsa is firmly among the elite producers in the region, even if their production and recognition are dwarfed by many of their larger peers. That also means that these are some of the sharpest, cellar-worthy Tuscan wines in our inventory, so you should have no doubts about going big, as they will remain absolutely thrilling expressions for years and years to come. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barbera d'Alba Gisep (750ml) | ||
| Barbera from Barbera d'Alba, 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 sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Massolino Barbaresco Albesani (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, 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 sourced a must-see parcel of some of the estate's finest recent releases, showcasing the impeccable excellence that characterizes every bottle of Massolino. Leading off is the 2021 village Barbaresco, a blend from the Albesani, Starderi, and Serraboella crus. As Galloni explains, "Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco [with] lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins." The triple 95-point, "very impressive and detailed" 2021 Albesani Barbaresco takes things up a notch - "a super-classic wine that ... possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco" according to Galloni. Finally, Piedmont fans shouldn't overlook the other varietal gems in the Massolino stable, highlighted by their lovely, utterly charming 2023 Dolcetto and the 93-point 2021 Barbera Gisep, a blend of three parcels within the Barolo DOCG designation with more serious pedigree than is typically found in this "humble" Piedmont varietal. There's no doubt that Massolino should be on every Piedmont lover's short list, and these latest releases show one of the region's great estates at the top of their game. | ||
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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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| 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Consistently earning critical acclaim vintage over vintage including the #4 spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100, the decadent 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon continues the Faust reputation for over delivering value, an immensely satisfying Napa Cab from the founder of Quintessa offering an enticing combination of fresh, opulent dark fruit and lush, velvety tannins, unbeatably priced for Napa Cab fans to scoop up by the case and enjoy often. Located just past Beringer heading north on Highway 29, Faust chose to open its new sleek tasting and event center in a once run down Victorian on a hillside near Healdsburg, using it as an opportunity to expose visitors to Napa's lesser-known, less-visited Coombsville AVA 20 minutes to the south where the Faust vineyard is located. Recognizing the cooler region's potential for growing Cabernet Sauvignon over a decade before it became an AVA in 2001, former Concha y Toro CEO and longtime California vintner Agustin Huneeus established Faust on the site of a former dairy farm in 1998, the early vintages of Faust establishing the reputation of Coombsville as a site capable of producing high-quality, complex Cabs and attracting a who's who of celebrated winemakers to the area including Andy Erickson and Paul Hobbs. Located just east of the town of Napa, the certified organic 128-acre Faust vineyard is planted in rich gravelly loam and volcanic rock soils that enhance minerality while the nearby cup and saucer like ridge coined the 'Coombsville caldera' funnels winds from the San Pablo Bay and create conditions for extended, gradual ripening. Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc primarily from Faust's Coombsville site, former Harlan and Groth winemaker David Jelinek aged the 2022 Faust for 20 months in 25% new French oak barrels, yielding a bold and pleasurable Cab with elegant, plush fruit and bright acidity built to age gracefully over the next decade. Declaring the AVA "Napa Valley's Rising Star," the Wine Enthusiast called Coombsville a top choice for "buyers that desire something new from Napa," the 2022 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon living up to its reputation as an exceptional, cellar worthy Napa Cab reflecting the pioneering winemaking legacy of Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus at an incredible bargain price. | ||
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| 2021 Giovanni Manzone Barolo Castelletto (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Manzone turned out a fabulous set of 2021 Barolos ... Readers who enjoy savory, classically built Barolos informed by cooler microclimates will want to check these wines out." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Giovanni Manzone is one of Barolo's great hidden gems, and we're excited to kick our direct partnership with them into high gear with the fabulous 2021 vintage. Based in Monforte d'Alba, Manzone owns prime parcels in Castelletto and Gramolere, where today's pair of single-vineyard all-stars comes from. "The 2021 Barolo Gramolere is deep, layered and super-expressive ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty," declares Antonio Galloni of Vinous. This steep south/southwest-facing slope, situated between Castelletto and Bussia, is ideal Nebbiolo terroir, and the wines it produces are consistently classic in style. The rocky, with clay-calcareous soils are too poor to grow anything other than vines, so of course, we're talking about primo raw materials for stunning, single-cru Barolo. Galloni doesn't mince words about the Castelletto either: "This poised, dramatic Barolo has it all. It's one of the very finest wines I have tasted at this address in a very long time. Don't miss it." The 2021 rendition more than lives up to the hype with "a beguiling mix of aromatic intensity, fruit depth and structure." This steep, east-southeast-facing slope of sandy, calcareous soils yields a classical style of Barolo, and the incredible 2021 growing season puts its stamp on this monumental expression. A complete wine in every sense, the 2021 Castelletto is an ultimate Piedmont insider's score, standing with other Barolo masterpieces (like Sandrone's Le Vigne, Burlotto's Casteletto, and Vietti's Cerequio, to name a few) at a mere fraction of their prices. We recently tasted the full range of Manzone 2021s, and they as quintessential in style as you could wish for from a great Barolo vintage – perfect fruit ripeness, exquisite aromatics, and textural brilliance, all in primary form and ready to evolve into something special. | ||
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| 2023 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Altenbourg (750ml) | ||
| Riesling from Alsace, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Domaine Weinbach is an iconic domaine ... The wines are amongst the most elegant and poised in Alsace. They are paradigms of varietal expression and age effortlessly." - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous For four generations, Domaine Weinbach has stood as a standard bearer for Alsace's finest expressions, producing universally acclaimed wines that have few equals in the region or anywhere in France for that matter. Winemaker Eddy Lieber-Faller now helms this treasured estate along with his brother Théo, carrying on the remarkable legacy laid down by their grandmother, mother, and aunt. It seems that one vintage after another, this storied domaine finds resounding success, and these newly arrived 2023s continue that trend. From the entry-level cuvées to the coveted collectible icons, the 2023s show the domaine and the family at the top of their game, starting with an undeniable insider's favorite, the V92 Sylvaner from a 70-year-old parcel in the famed Clos du Capucins. Every bit as compelling is the "super-clean and wonderfully harmonious" JS93 Pinot Blanc. Moving to the single-vineyard wines, the domaine's pedigree truly shines in a pair of 97-point stunners. The "dangerously fresh and wonderfully inspiring" Altenbourg Gewürztraminer offers fans and collectors a can't-miss, cellar-worthy expression for a steal, while the Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling is yet another benchmark expression from this hallowed site. The coup de grâce, however, is the near-perfect Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru Cuvée Ste-Catherine, a marvelous expression of "crystalline clarity" that exhibits the inimitable tension of this hallowed terroir, or as Stuart Pigott puts it, "So many aspects of this masterpiece speak of lightness and delicacy, but the other side is all about the dark world down in the soil." Of course, with a reference point domaine like Weinbach in a great vintage like 2023, fans and collectors don't have to be choosy – you can have a field day up and down the range, knowing that you'll get everything you're looking for and more with every option on the table. | ||
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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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| Privateer Faux Fall Rum Florida Rum Society Cask P913 (750ml) | ||
| From Ipswich, Massachusetts | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "No question as to why the FRS rum geeks picked this one. The Faux Fall Rum cask from Privateer packs a big personality into a very refined and polished package." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer We've had some really fantastic Florida Rum Society cask selections come through our doors in the last year, so when we were approached to be the exclusive online U.S. retailer for their latest selection, we jumped at the chance. After all, these are some of the savviest, most knowledgeable rum fanatics out there, and their picks always deliver the goods. FRS has had a long and fruitful relationship with Privateer distillery out of Massachusetts, and this latest cask might be their best Privateer pick yet. Named Faux Fall Rum for the fact that our autumns in Florida can more accurately be called "summer light," this 5-year-old cask of Privateer's much-loved Navy Yard Rum offers up a fantastic array of dense, savory flavors and aromas that belies its age, taking on the complexity and depth of a much older rum, thanks to the distillery's double distillation and super-premium molasses base. These FRS casks have a devoted following, and this one checks every box that their audience is looking for - outsized complexity, singular personality, and limited availability. In other words, a perfect addition to your collection.
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| 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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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 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets St. Georges (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2021 Giovanni Manzone Barolo Gramolere (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Manzone turned out a fabulous set of 2021 Barolos ... Readers who enjoy savory, classically built Barolos informed by cooler microclimates will want to check these wines out." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Giovanni Manzone is one of Barolo's great hidden gems, and we're excited to kick our direct partnership with them into high gear with the fabulous 2021 vintage. Based in Monforte d'Alba, Manzone owns prime parcels in Castelletto and Gramolere, where today's pair of single-vineyard all-stars comes from. "The 2021 Barolo Gramolere is deep, layered and super-expressive ... a drop-dead gorgeous beauty," declares Antonio Galloni of Vinous. This steep south/southwest-facing slope, situated between Castelletto and Bussia, is ideal Nebbiolo terroir, and the wines it produces are consistently classic in style. The rocky, with clay-calcareous soils are too poor to grow anything other than vines, so of course, we're talking about primo raw materials for stunning, single-cru Barolo. Galloni doesn't mince words about the Castelletto either: "This poised, dramatic Barolo has it all. It's one of the very finest wines I have tasted at this address in a very long time. Don't miss it." The 2021 rendition more than lives up to the hype with "a beguiling mix of aromatic intensity, fruit depth and structure." This steep, east-southeast-facing slope of sandy, calcareous soils yields a classical style of Barolo, and the incredible 2021 growing season puts its stamp on this monumental expression. A complete wine in every sense, the 2021 Castelletto is an ultimate Piedmont insider's score, standing with other Barolo masterpieces (like Sandrone's Le Vigne, Burlotto's Casteletto, and Vietti's Cerequio, to name a few) at a mere fraction of their prices. We recently tasted the full range of Manzone 2021s, and they as quintessential in style as you could wish for from a great Barolo vintage – perfect fruit ripeness, exquisite aromatics, and textural brilliance, all in primary form and ready to evolve into something special. | ||
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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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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges Rouge (375ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains (1.5L) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges 1er Cru Les St.-Georges (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2023 Henri Gouges Nuits-St.-Georges Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Nuits-St-Georges, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Across the board, these were some of the most perfumed, delineated wines we've tasted yet this year, and the structural and textural finesse are almost unbelievable for Nuits-St-Georges." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Burgundy Buyer Our visit to Domaine Henri Gouges earlier this year was revelatory in more ways than one. First, it showed us some of the best 2023 reds we've come across, indicating that, at the top end, this is a super-classic vintage for Burgundy purists to take special interest in. Second, it showed us that Gouges is back on top in a big way. This Nuits-St-Georges benchmark "hits hard" in 2023 according to Andrew, with a standout range that eclipses even some previously acclaimed vintages, in his opinion. The village Nuits is always an "energetic gem that does everything it's supposed to do" in fine fashion, while the 1er crus simply shine, in our humble opinion. The 2023 Clos des Porrets St-Georges is "an indisputably classic 2023 NSG 1er cru in every way," while the Pruliers "takes this site to the level of more lauded crus like its stablemate, the Vaucrains." Speaking of which, this stellar cru produced a potential 96-pointer that Jasper Morris calls "Immediately classy on the nose from this great terroir. Not hugely open, but very fine, and this continues on the palate. A sense of refinement despite the level of energy." Finally, the Les St-Georges makes a fine case for this vineyard as the best in the appellation (perhaps deserving of grand cru status?). Burghound describes the 2023 as "super-sleek, intense and detailed, mineral-driven and muscular," showing all the pedigree of this hallowed site in a vintage that allows it to shine in every facet. Needless to say, when we were offered our allocation, we jumped on every last bottle, so now our Burgundy collectors can stock up on some of the sharpest collectible gems of the vintage at superb, market-leading pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2017 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Chateau Lafite Rothschild (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Representing the upper echelon in the Bordeaux hierarchy, these top scoring vintages from two iconic First Growth estates are guaranteed not to disappoint, whether it's the "complexity, finesse and longevity" of Chateau Lafite Rothschild according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson or the signature "explosive depth" and "breathtaking purity of flavor" of Chateau Haut-Brion according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, another terrific opportunity to fill in the cellar with 100 pt. gems or treat yourself to the one of a kind pleasures that only First Growth Bordeaux can deliver in every vintage at best on the market pricing. Spanning 112 hectares as the largest holding among the First Growths, the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild are located on rolling slopes of gravel up to ten meters deep in Pauillac, planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with less than half of the total production making the final cut and aged for 18-20 months in new French oak barrels made at the estate's onsite cooperage.Exhibiting Lafite's "undeniable class and charm" according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring selections range from the refined 100 pt. 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild that's just entering its realm of approachability, described by Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson as "a truly classic Lafite" that's "understated and lyrical" to the magnificent triple 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Lafite Rothschild promising to "hit its 100th birthday in fine form" according to Jeb Dunnuck, every vintage revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated dark fruit with textbook graphite notes and layered silky tannins promising decades of longevity. Set among the contemporary suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion's vineyards for the red Grand Vin span 50 hectares in Pessac-Leognan, planted almost evenly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small parcels of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot in a complex terroir ranging from limestone to sand to 18-meter-deep gravels interspersed with deep clay, the Grand Vin aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. With every vintage boasting its legendary ability to age, these thrilling selections range from the plush 100 pt. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion offering the estate's signature ripe, opulent fruit elegantly balancing massive tannins to the 100 pt. 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion declared "a legend in the making" by Jeb Dunnuck and "ready to shine as the centerpiece of your collection for the next 40+ years" according to Inside Bordeaux's Jane Anson. A treasure trove of exceptional First Growths that will make it hard to choose, these top scoring blends from Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion range fromsome with over a decade of cellaring to more recent vintages requiring patient cellaring, all promising a thrilling evolution for decades to come and delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market pricing. | ||
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