Top Quality Store
| 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Trois Sources (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An impressive, limited production CDP lauded by critics and coveted by Rhone enthusiasts, the richly textured 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux reveals powerful, mineral-tinged aromas and fresh layered fruit matched by fine acidity, its firm, muscular tannins built to evolve over the next decade - simply a brilliant Chateauneuf du Pape that collectors will want to reserve a spot for in their cellars. Located at the northeastern corner of the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne has been owned by the Daumen family since 1905, its highly rated Southern Rhone blends crafted by talented fifth generation winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen for the last three decades. One of the first estates in the region to convert to biodynamic practices under Jean-Paul, the domain farms 15 hectares in the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, a single contiguous north-facing vineyard sheltered from the extreme heat and planted with mostly Grenache in a mosaic of limestone and quartz soils in the Mont Redon lieu-dit. While some of the estate’s Grenache are over 100 years of age, winemaker Daumen focuses his cuvees on specific terroirs rather than the age of the vines, the Les Hauts Lieux cuvee a field blend of hand harvested grapes grown at the highest elevation, blended together parcel by parcel from vines averaging 70 years of age. Employing what he calls “severe” selection while dramatically limiting yields, Daumen co-fermented the blended grapes with natural yeasts in cement tanks, then aged the 2020 Les Hauts Lieux CDP in large oak foudres for 18 months, bottling without fining or filtering with additional time in the cellar to yield rich concentration and superb depth. Consistently garnering critical praise including a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2020, the Wine Advocate declared, “Jean-Paul Daumen continues to fashion some of the top wines of the vintage, in just about every vintage” - the elegant 97 pt. 2020 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Les Hauts Lieux offering an outstanding opportunity for collectors and fans of the finest Chateauneuf du Pape rouge to stock the cellar with this meticulously crafted, hard to acquire gem at an unheard of price. | ||
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| 2016 Xavier Vignon Arcane La Papesse (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More ARCANE/är'kan/: secret; understood by few. No secret to B-21 Southern Rhone fans and collectors, this selection of stunning Arcane wines from the masterful Xavier Vignon offers a range of one of a kind, impeccably crafted cuvees sourced from the Southern Rhone’s top terroirs and representing some of the region’s best values, now offered at unbeatable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Arriving in the Rhone Valley in the mid-1990’s and consulting for such luminaries as Marcoux, Raymond Usseglio and La Nerthe, the combination of Xavier Vignon’s insider access to some of the oldest vines across the valley and creative passion for the region’s varied terroirs and grapes inspired him to create the series of Arcane wines, naming each unique release after a card in the Tarot deck with matching illustrations on the labels. Xavier's meticulous winemaking requires some detailed descriptions for full appreciation, so let's dive in.
Crafted as singular releases with the goal of capturing the perfect intersection of time and place in the vineyard, these one of a kind wines from Xavier Vignon represent a range of truly exceptional Southern Rhone gems at incredible value prices, and while their tarot namesakes may not reliably predict the future, Xavier Vignon’s Arcane label guarantees Southern Rhone fans some seriously enjoyable drinking every time a cork is pulled. | ||
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| 2021 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an outstanding vintage for fans and collectors of California Pinot Noir, these top rated 2021 selections offer a comprehensive range of styles matching an array of individual tastes, all value priced for stocking up on a favorite and perfect for mixing a case. Regardless of which microclimate it hails from, Pinot Noir in the Sonoma Coast AVA enjoyed consistently moderate growing conditions in 2021, with warm weather in the early part of the year kicking off the growing season early. The summer was marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions without prolonged heat spikes that yielded even ripening with extended hangtime and steady yields. Calling the 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinots “fabulous,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes them as “potent, brooding wines with dark fruit profiles and tons of textural depth” their deep structure and superb balance promising longevity. Situated about 350 miles south of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Central Coast also enjoyed a cooler growing season in 2021, described by Jeb Dunnuck as an “undeniably great vintage” that “will be loved by those who prioritize finesse and elegance.” Experiencing a long even growing season without any heat spikes, dry conditions in the Central Coast required a judicious use of irrigation in 2021 that produced healthy fruit but smaller yields, the top talent in the region producing rich and age worthy Pinot. Jeb Dunnuck describes the 2021 Central Coast Pinots as “fresh, vibrant, yet concentrated wines with the up-front purity and charm to drink well today, yet the structure and depth to age gracefully,” while Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared the favorable conditions produced “a wide range of exceptional, world-class wines.” Summing up the 2021 vintage for California Pinot, the Wine Spectator’s Aaron Romano declares “2021 has all the makings of a banner year for California, especially for Pinot Noir. There were no extreme heatwaves and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into reds with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy,” these impressive 2021 Cali Pinot Noir selections showcasing a range of styles offered at value pricing to enjoy now and over the next decades. | ||
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| 2011 Vinedos de Paganos El Puntido Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A hidden-gem Rioja collectible typically only well-known by insiders and collectors, the single-vineyard El Puntido Gran Reserva is the kind of terroir-specific wine that is growing more prominent in this classic Spanish wine region. Entirely Tempranillo from a small, high-elevation plot of 60-year-old vines in the Páganos village of Rioja Alavesa, the 2011 is just entering a long prime drinking window. "I love its overall balance, mid-palate depth, and length, and it's drinking brilliantly today, with another decade or more of overall longevity." - Jeb Dunnuck James Suckling likewise describes it in his 95-point review as "full-bodied, extremely integrated and polished [with] a super long finish." The vineyard's elevation, combined with an extremely unique ambient yeast only present in one other vineyard in Rioja, give the warm-vintage 2011 rendition a fascinating underlying freshness that's seldom found among its comtemporaries. Whether you're a fan of Rioja or just a savvy collector of the world's best small-production, terroir-driven expressions, the 2011 El Puntido is perfectly poised to shine in your glass tonight or anytime over the next 10 to 15 years. | ||
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| 2019 Domaine de Montille Les Rugiens-Bas 1er Cru (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Pommard, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Boasting fresh, lively fruit and balanced acidity, these spectacular 2019 Domaine de Montille Burgundies come from a vintage that "hit the bullseye" according to critic James Suckling, offering a "rare combination of excellence and great consistency." Benefiting from our long-standing relationship with the Domaine, this part two of our exclusive Domaine de Montille offering features Burgundies from the estate's vineyards heading south from Volnay through the Cote d'Or to Saint Aubin, ranging from a value-packed entry level Red Burgundy to a vast array of exquisite Premier and Grand Cru Whites, all exceptional wines offering outstanding value, many offered in large format perfect for cellaring. Now considered a pioneer in the region for being among the first to estate bottle his wines and craft ageworthy Burgundy with a sense of place, Hubert de Montille took over his family's estate at the age of 17 in 1947 after it had dwindled to only 2.5 hectares and set about rebuilding the domaine's holdings while establishing a stellar reputation. Taking the reins after his father's 50-year tenure, Hubert's son Etienne was among the first in the region to convert to organic and then biodynamic practices, while continuing to expand the estate with the acquisition of some of Burgundy's most highly regarded vineyards, including those of Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet in 2012. Now with 35 hectares of holdings spanning an astounding 20 separate top appellations throughout the region, Domaine de Montille's top Chardonnay parcels south of Volnay include Puligny Folatières, a premier cru with two prestigious neighbors, Leflaive and Leroy, the rock-covered Meursault Poruzots next to the famous "Les Genevrières" vineyard and Saint Aubin En Remilly, located just behind the revered Grand Cru Le Montrachet. Crediting the influence of his brother-in-law, the masterful Meursault winemaker Jean Marc Roulot, Etienne employs a restrained use of new oak for the whites depending on the specific plots, aging for up to a year on the lees and preserving the acidic backbone while crafting complex, balanced wines that will evolve over decades. From the exceptional 2019 Bourgogne Blanc "Clos du Chateau," boasting the rich profile of Puligny Montrachet at a fraction of the price, to the magnificent 2019 Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru, an ultimate expression of refined, long-lived Chardonnay from a tiny .23 hectare parcel, and including one Red Burgundy, the bright and energetic 2019 Bourgogne Rouge, these selections from Domaine de Montille rank among the top in the region, superbly expressing each terroir with alluring freshness and elegant length. Produced in a vintage with significantly lower yields guaranteeing excess demand, now is the time to secure your allocation of these magnificent 2019 Burgundies today and look forward to enjoying them for years to come. | ||
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| 2017 Georges Vernay Maison Rouge (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Georges Vernay, founded by Francis Vernay in 1937, is a third-generation, venerable wine producer, located in the heart of Condrieu, France. The efforts of Francis Vernay were instrumental in the creation of the official Condrieu appellation in 1940. In later years, Francis was succeeded by his son Georges, who played a key role in restricting the geographical boundaries of Condrieu, preserving the character of the appellation and ensuring its future greatness. In 1996, Christine Vernay, Georges' daughter, took over as winemaker and General Manager of the Estate. Recognized as one of the great winemakers in France, several of her wines have recently been awarded the coveted 100 points in the world’s top wine publications; remarkable - since the 2011 vintage, not a score below 96 from Jeb Dunnuck for the Coteau de Vernon. Among the top two or three Condrieu in any vintage, the Coteau de Vernon comes from very old vines planted in 1936 and 1960, on the steep granite slopes just behind the Vernay estate. | ||
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| 2018 Enzo Boglietti Brunate (750ml) | ||
| Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by the Wine Advocate as crafting “some of the richest, most deeply flavored Barolos in Piedmont,”, this selection of highly rated Cru Barolos from Enzo Boglietti rank among the Piedmont’s top bargains, each sourced from small family-owned parcels spread across Barolo’s top Cru’s and all promising to age over the next decade or more at an incredible value price. Ending his family’s decades’ long practice of selling grapes to the local coop, Enzo Boglietti established his La Morra winery with 3 hectares of vineyards in 1991, counted among the group of rebellious young winemakers at the time producing a more modern style Barolo crafted to be immediately accessible. Over the years Enzo has moderated his approach, limiting the use of new French oak barriques and reducing extraction times during fermentation to produce elegantly styled, site expressive Barolos from some of the region’s top Crus, his vineyards now spanning 20 hectares across the Langhe. Described by James Suckling as “clean and fresh”, the appealing 92 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Boiolo is sourced from a 1.95 hectare parcel at 300-350 meters above sea level on the northern border of Rocche dell’Annunziata, while the aromatic 94 pt. 2016 Enzo Boglietti Fossati expresses the typical character of the Fossati cru with floral aromatics and balsamic nuances, summed up by the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson as “graceful yet packs a punch.” From the warmer, protected Cru situated between the upper portion of Fossati and Cerequio, James Suckling calls the 96 pt. 2015 Enzo Boglietti Case Nere “impressively refined” while describing the 95 pt. 2016 Enzo Boglietti Brunate as “fullbodied” and finishing “tight, dense and long,” sourced from a tiny half hectare Brunate parcel known for producing elegant, silky Barolo with deep complexity. From the southernmost Cru in Serralunga that exhibits a “distinctly wild, feral quality strong on iron and mineral” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the refined 95 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Barolo Arione is his most “pinot-like” Barolo according to Enzo, while the 94 pt. 2018 Enzo Boglietti Brunate delivers Brunate’s legendary combination of elegance and power “balanced by juicy, acidity” according to the Wine Independent’s Susan Hulme with “a lovely fresh finish.” Described as “a young producer on the rise” crafting “sumptuous Barolos” by critic Antonio Galloni over a decade ago, these elegantly crafted Cru Barolo selections from Enzo Boglietti overdeliver in a big way, priced at a mere fraction of his competitors and offering a terrific opportunity to mix a case and enjoy Boglietti’s full range of top scoring Cru Barolo reflecting the region’s diverse terroirs for years to come. | ||
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| Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're looking for a new range of expertly crafted, boutique American whiskies to enjoy, look far to the west, all the way to the edge of the continent. There, in Sonoma County, you'll find Redwood Empire. This small-production distillery is a paragon of forward thinking and vision. Using a variety of mashbills and unconventional blends of different mashbills, Redwood Empire turns out thrilling releases, each named for an iconic California coastal redwood tree and each offering a highy distinctive profile, which gives the ardent whiskey fan a prime opportuntiy for exploration and discovery. From small production quotas (only four barrels a day) to innovative sustainability practices to their grain-to-glass ethos, they're initimately tied to their surroundings. The distillery's consistent upward trajectory is borne out in a bevy of excellent recent press puts the spotlight on a must-try line-up unlike any other in the category. Whether it's a classic bourbon profile you're looking for or a high-rye powerhouse, or a unique blend of the two different styles for that matter, you'll find it here. | ||
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| 2021 Clos Apalta (750ml) | ||
| Carmenere from Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “So balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades” James Suckling Reflecting a record of astounding consistency including garnering the coveted #1 spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100, the powerful 100 pt. 2021 Clos Apalta reveals gorgeous aromatics of rich, dark concentrated fruit with impressive depth and flawless balance on a lingering, silky finish, a pinnacle of Chilean wine making standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s greatest red wines and an outstanding value for collectors of age worthy red wines. Perched on a steep hillside northeast of Santa Cruz, the stunning architecture of the Clos Apalta winery is marked by massive slats of Chile’s native red-toned rauli wood resembling barrel staves stretching over two stories high, its gravity-fed winery below comprised of seven underground floors descending over 100 feet into solid granite. Arriving in the Colchagua Valley in 1994, French Grand Marnier heiress Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet hired renowned French oenologist Michel Rolland to lead the construction of their Bordeaux-style estate, restoring its century old vineyards of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon and tapping their son Charles-Henri de Bournet to take over as CEO in 2013. Boasting a distinct micro-climate that creates optimal conditions for ripening while maintaining the grapes’ freshness and acidity, the estate’s 53-hectare horseshoe shaped vineyard is located at the entrance of the Apalta Valley, its oldest vines from stocks imported from France dating back to 1907 and enjoying the natural protection of the Tinguiririca River and the Andes foothills from extreme heat. Blending 75% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, winemaker Andrea Leon aged the refined 2021 Clos Apalta for 21 months in 78% new French oak and the remainder in second use barrels before bottling without filtering or fining, yielding a rich, harmonious blend of “exceptionally good quality” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson with “a weightless structure that shows class and verve” according to James Suckling. Described by Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous as “one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style,” the elegant 100 pt. 2021 Clos Apalta boasts a fresh, vineyard expressive character from a cooler growing season crafted in the estate’s powerful signature style, a delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend reflecting its exceptional Chilean terroir that promises savvy collectors over two decades of pleasurable drinking. | ||
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| 2XO The Kiawah Blend Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's the most anticipated time of year for whisky fanatics as Whisky Advocate comes out with its annual Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list. Yesterday's reveal of the full list completes a week of excitement for collectors and buyers alike, as we see which of our favorites made the cut. So, it's a great thrill for us to feature six of the top contenders on the list today, including the collectible trophy Bruichladdich 18 Year Old at the #2 spot and the simply stunning Lagavulin "The Ink of Legends" 12 Year Old Special Release Single Malt, which landed in the #3 spot for its thrilling expression of hallmark Lagavulin peated malt finished in Don Julio Anejo tequila casks. Heaven Hill's innovative Grain to Glass series rounds out the top five with the 6 Year Old Straight Bourbon, and a trio of insider's favorites all make an appearance as well. Ardbeg's The Spectacular takes the well-known and loved peat monster proflie of this famous single malt and rounds it out in balanced luxury with finishing in ruby port piples, a first for the distillery. Finally, a pair of Kentucky stalwarts do the Bluegrass State proud. Knob Creek's Bourbon x Rye is an expert blend that captures the best of both categories in one bottle, and 2XO's The Kiawah Blend shows the masterful blending skill of one Dixon Dedman, the genius behind the cult phenom bourbons of Kentucky Owl, and it's available at a market-best price, no less. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the whisky enthusiast in your life (or if you are that whisky enthusiast), these are can't-miss winners that have just seen their cachet rise in remarkable fashion. Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece or three of whisky royalty. | ||
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| 2022 Chapelle St Theodoric Le Grand Pin (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Chapelle St. Theodoric might not be a household name on the greater Châteauneuf scene, but insiders and savvy collectors have long prized these wines as reference-point classics, and the professional press always seems to be on board with what's going on at this under-the-radar address. "Chapelle St. Theodoric is turning out some of the most compelling wines from Châteauneuf du Pape ... These are wines worth seeking out..." - Joe Czerwinski,Wine Advocate We've just secured our allocation of the remarkable 2022s, and once again they hit the trifecta — top critical acclaim, pristine Southern Rhône class and sophistication, and unbeatable pricing that you likely won't see anywhere else. Sourced from a miniscule plot within the Les Pignan lieu-dit, the 2022 Le Grand Pin is the quintessential expression of the St. Theodoric profile. Notching 96-98 points from Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, it's full of classic garrigue character to go with pure, old-vine Grenache fruit and seamless structure. In short, "it's going to be brilliant," as Jeb Dunnuck declares. Likewise, its stablemate, the 2022 La Guigasse from sandy soils in the eponymous lieu-dit, comes in at a full 98 points from Decanter's Matt Walls, who dubs it "a very complete wine that's hard to fault, showing whole-bunch southern Rhône winemaking at its best." There's no denying the appeal of these two paragons of world-class, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. | ||
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| Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From Sonoma County, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're looking for a new range of expertly crafted, boutique American whiskies to enjoy, look far to the west, all the way to the edge of the continent. There, in Sonoma County, you'll find Redwood Empire. This small-production distillery is a paragon of forward thinking and vision. Using a variety of mashbills and unconventional blends of different mashbills, Redwood Empire turns out thrilling releases, each named for an iconic California coastal redwood tree and each offering a highy distinctive profile, which gives the ardent whiskey fan a prime opportuntiy for exploration and discovery. From small production quotas (only four barrels a day) to innovative sustainability practices to their grain-to-glass ethos, they're initimately tied to their surroundings. The distillery's consistent upward trajectory is borne out in a bevy of excellent recent press puts the spotlight on a must-try line-up unlike any other in the category. Whether it's a classic bourbon profile you're looking for or a high-rye powerhouse, or a unique blend of the two different styles for that matter, you'll find it here. | ||
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| 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port (1.5L) | ||
| From Douro, Portugal | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More After returning from Portugal's spectacular Duero River Valley, I am happy to report that 2016 is unanimously declared a vintage by the Port trade. Lunching in Oporto with Rupert Symington, who reigns over the top Port houses Dow, Warres, Graham's, Cockburn and Taylor. He related 2016 to be unique but a hypothetical combination of 2007 and 2011 but with intense floral aromatics not in recent memory. Having tasted a number of dry reds from 2016 the unique aspects of the vintage are clear to me; aromatics, concentration, intensity – in particular old vines at higher elevations. At Fonseca, vineyard vine age exceeds 35 years. The extraction, concentration, combined with floral perfumes, finesse and a lengthy elegant finish with fine tannins define the vintage for both sweet and dry reds. 2016 Ports were just bottled in the recently, so not many reviews are out yet from the professional critics, but you should know that vintages are only declared with the wines are superb, This happens roughly three times a decade, similar to vintage Champagne. I am confident offering Fonseca, and at early-bird prices that won't be matched. This is a Port vintage that will be drinkable early on and hold for decades. | ||
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| Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From District of Columbia | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Now is the time of year where bourbon collectors think about making a splash, whether it's for your own stash at home or for a gift that will leave a lifelong impression on your favorite fellow bourbon fanatic. Today's offer features a quintet of collectible standouts from some of the category's most coveted names, at limited-time pricing that's perfect for the holidays. Leading off, Barrell Craft Spirits' Gray Label Straight Bourbon shows one of the country's most dynamic operations at the top of its game with a big-time 94-point score from Whisky Advocate and a sub-$150 price. Joseph Magnus' access to superb old Indiana stocks from MGP is what put this Michigan-based distillery on the map, and their expert finishing regime based on the brand's pre-Prohibition history is what sets them apart. The Cigar Blend is every bit the luxury performer you'd expect from a bourbon crafted specifically for cigar pairing and aged in ex-Armagnac casks. The 2XO Gem of Kentucky is another masterclass in artful barrel finishing from master blender Dixon Dedman of the cult phenom Kentucky Owl. A single-barrel, high-rye (35%) gem subjected to a unique double-barreling regimen, the Gem of Kentucky is a class all its own, both technically and stylistically. Finally, the George Dickel 18 Year is a cornerstone in any enviable whiskey collection, and right now they're all available at some of the sharpest pricing in the market. | ||
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| The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow Single Malt Scotch (750ml) | ||
| From Craigellachie, Speyside, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More What better way to kick off the renaissance of our spirits email offers than a triple feature from the most famous name in single malt Scotch? Macallan is the undisputed standard bearer for Highland whisky, and their limited-release bottlings are always hot commodities among collectors. The trio on offer today represent everything that the distillery's legions of hardcore fans know and love - singular Highland character paired with unmatched luxury from the most desirable name in collectible Scotch. Leading off, we have the newly arrived A Night on Earth Jerez de la Fronterra, the third release in the Night on Earth series, celebrating the distillery's heritage as a visionary leader in sherry-aged Scotch as well as the vibrant cultural Jerez touchstone of Nochevieja, the region's traditional New Year's Eve festival. Aged in top-tier European and American oak cooperage, Night on Earth Jerez is the perfect combination of the classic Macallan Highland profile and full-on sherry influence for a truly memorable limited release. Macallan fans will also know the pair of Harmony Collection releases as two of the most sought-after in recent years from the venerable distillery. The Intense Arabica and Amber Meadow fully live up to their names in their respective profiles, delivering one-of-a-kind expressions that are also pure Macallan at heart. Best of all, in anticipation of the newest forthcoming release, we're offering both renditions at limited-time pricing that's the best in you'll find in the Florida market, so Macallan fans will want to strike quickly on a rare opportunity at a collectible trifecta. | ||
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| 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of the most undervalued AOC’s in Southern France, legendary Saint Emilion winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin and Roussillon-born grower Jean-Roger Calvet have crafted a selection of powerful blends from old vine fruit that Southern Rhone fans won’t want to miss, an exciting range of delicious, age worthy reds among the Languedoc's finest values at affordable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Hiking in the French Pyrenees past the magnificent centuries' old fortresses perched above the Roussillon plain, a chance meeting two decades ago along the Route de Cathar trail became a windfall for wine lovers, resulting in a partnership between local Cotes du Roussillon grower Jean-Roger Calvet and Bordeaux vigneron Jean-Luc Thunevin of Chateau Valandraud, the superstar Saint Emilion winemaker called “a major force in the global wine world” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss. Intrigued by the magnificent black schist soils and rugged terroir around the Roussillon village of Maury, Thunevin invested in a small parcel of vines to supplement Jean-Roger's existing vineyards in the region, crafting their first vintage in a makeshift winery in 2001 and expanding the estate to 65 hectares to produce small amounts of terroir-focused wines from sustainably farmed Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. A blend of 60% Mourvedre and 40% Grenache from vines averaging 30 years of age, the entry level 93 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages l'Amourette was aged 16 months in concrete vats, its rich spiced and peppery fruit balancing earthy minerality and finishing long and fresh with smooth tannins built for years of enjoyment. A blend of mostly Grenache with about a third Syrah from vines ranging from 40 to more than 100 years old, the “formidable” 94 pt 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Hugo is “a joy to drink” according to Jeb Dunnuck, offering bright dark fruit hinting of graphite and toasted spices while the rich and muscular 2019 95 pt. Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divaea has a “balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length,” the blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache sourced from vines averaging 40 years and aged in new French oak for 18 months. Crafted from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah ranging from 80 to 120 years old, the powerful and elegant 97 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie is the estate’s top cuvee aged for 18 months in large oak foudres, layering concentrated dark fruit with impeccably balanced, plush tannins and promising another decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. From a region remaining decidedly off the beaten track much like the Route de Cathar trail itself, Antonio Galloni of Vinous called the best of the Cotes du Roussillon reds “the world’s sexiest, most inexpensive wines,” these top rated 2019 Thunevin-Calvet cuvees offering a terrific introduction for newbies to the Languedoc’s most exceptional terroir-expressive reds as well as a great deal for savvy Southern Rhone fans seeking delicious, age worthy blends that deliver outstanding value. | ||
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| 2019 Paul Jaboulet-Aine Hermitage La Chapelle (1.5L) | ||
| Syrah from Hermitage, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Driving through the Northern Rhône Valley past the steeply sloping hillsides south of Tain L’Hermitage, first time visitors might notice a small centuries old chapel perched unassumingly among rows of vines. But lovers of Northern Rhone Syrah recognize this landmark as the hallowed ground of one of the greatest wines in the world, La Chapelle. Planting vineyards here almost two centuries ago, Antoine Jaboulet was at the forefront of establishing Hermitage (the region in fact named for the hermit who used to live in the chapel) as one of the most important wine producing regions of the world and later giving his name to the company – Paul Jaboulet Ainé (Ainé meaning the elder in French). It is always with great excitement that we offer a selection of the outstanding, highly rated wines of Jaboulet at incredible pre-arrival pricing, from the exceptional 2019 vintage. Passed down from generation to generation and expanding through the years, Jaboulet now owns 120 hectares, producing fine wines from twenty six other appellations. Ten years after the untimely death of Gerard Jaboulet and a subsequent decline in quality, the Frey family, also owners of Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and part-owner of Champagne house Billecart-Salmon, purchased Jaboulet in 2006. Oenologist Caroline Frey implemented new winemaking practices (including a new barrel program from Bordeaux) and viticultural improvements (including a shift to organic and biodynamic vineyard practices), spearheading the estate’s recent renaissance and culminating in the stellar 2019 vintage. The extraordinary 2019 Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage is made from 100% Syrah from their top vineyard sites including Les Bessards, Le Meal and Les Rocoules. Formerly known as “Le Petite Chapelle,” the 2019 Jaboulet Hermitage Maison Bleue is sourced from the Rocoules section of the Hermitage hill, making it more approachable at a younger age. Sourced from the pebble-strewn lieu-dit Les Chassis, a vineyard owned by Jaboulet since its founding in 1834, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert exhibits Hermitage-like truffle nuances and velvety tannins. And for fans of Hermitage Blanc, the Marsanne-dominated 2019 Hermitage Le Chevalier De Sterimberg Blanc is elegant and cellar-worthy. Upon taking over at Jaboulet, Carolyn Frey stated her aim for the estate was a simple one - “Nothing less than perfection.” The 2019 Jaboulet wines hit the mark, establishing a new standard for excellence upon a centuries-old tradition of excellence, offering exceptional quality now for an exceptional price. | ||
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| 2020 Domaine Giraud Tradition (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Domaine Giraud is a relative newcomer in the Southern Rhone, crafting its first wine in 1974 from 4 hectares of rented vines and producing its first estate cuvee in 1998 under second generation siblings Marie and Francois Giraud. Spanning over 17 hectares spread over 64 separate parcels across the appellation, Giraud’s estate owned vineyards are planted with vines averaging 60-80 years of age in a diverse mix of pebble, sand, clay, and limestone soils, each parcel farmed organically with minimal treatments and managed manually from harvesting to sorting. Sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache including parcels in Les Gallimardes and La Crau, the elegant 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Rouge is a blend of 80% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre aged for 18 months in cement vats and 15% Syrah matured in used Bordeaux barriques and bottled without filtering or fining, crafted in a vineyard-driven style with “relatively simple, unadorned winemaking” according to Wine Advocate’s Joe Czerwinski with fine-grained tannins that frame the intense, luscious fruit and predict a long and satisfying evolution in the cellar. A small-production cuvee that wasn’t produced at all in 2021 due to frost damage, the enticing 95-point 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge comes from a terroir-expressive vintage “producing athletic, elegant wines of intensity and panache” according to Decanter’s Matt Walls, an under-the-radar gem priced far below the region’s higher profile estates and expertly crafted to reward savvy collectors with over a decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. | ||
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| 2017 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Perched on a hilltop overlooking northwest Montalcino, Castello Romitorio has built a solid reputation over the last three decades for its exquisite, age worthy Brunello di Montalcino wines, producing a range of highly rated selections “able to deliver the most classic and profound expressions of Brunello from nearly every vintage,” according to Vinous critic Eric Guido and certain to thrill Brunello fans and collectors at best on the market pricing. Surrounded by dense, verdant forests with a history dating back to Roman times, the abandoned, partly renovated Castello Romitorio was purchased in 1984 by esteemed Italian artist Sandro Chia, who set about completing the manor house renovations and overhauling its vineyards with the goal of reestablishing its rich winemaking legacy. Located at altitudes ranging from 220 to 500 meters, the northwest-facing vineyards are cooler than most of Montalcino, divided into smaller one to two hectare parcels and grown in a patchwork of varied soils including galestro, clay and albarese that are vinified separately before blending, the diversity contributing balance and depth. Crafted by Sandro’s son and winemaker Filippo Chia, the fresh and perfumed 94 pt. 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is a harmonious expression of terroir and vintage boasting bright fruit and vibrant acidity, described as “a total success” by Eric Guido of Vinous offering “so much value.” Sourced from Romitorio’s oldest plots planted in 1987 with local Sangiovese clones sourced from Biondi-Santi and Soldera, the powerful and lush 98 pt. 2015 Riserva has been crafted only 9 times in the last 40 vintages, described as “full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish” by James Suckling while summed up simply as “flat out stunning” by Eric Guido. Situated on the lowest slopes of Romitorio directly in front of the Montosoli hill and considered one of the best areas of Montalcino, the Filo di Seta vineyard is named for a nearby creek (Filo de Seta translating as “thread of silk”), the rich and dense 95 pt. 2017 Filo de Seta called “one of the top wines” of the vintage by Eric Guido who describes it as “mixing the most delicate and vivid fruit with the body of a well-muscled dancer.” Boasting distinctive labels featuring Sandro’s original paintings, each of these Castello Romitorio selections reflects the combined dedication and artistic perfection of Sandro and his son Filippo, all elegantly transparent and impeccably balanced Brunello wines to make room for in the cellar and enjoy over the next decade or more. | ||
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| 2018 Clos Apalta (1.5L) | ||
| Carmenere from Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Powerful, intense, concentrated and breathtaking – these are the words critics use again and again to describe the mighty Clos Apalta, a singular wine from over 100-year-old vines from world-class producer Casa Lapostolle. The legendary Carmenere-based Bordeaux style blend, first released in 1997, has gone on to garner the top praise of critics across the board, including three 100pt ratings in the last five vintages. Wine critic James Suckling summarizes it best, "There’s no doubt that Clos Apalta is one of the world’s greatest red wines." This release of the exceptional 2018 Clos Apalta is the opportunity to secure your allocation of this iconic wine, at the best price available anywhere for a limited time. With a vision of producing a premium quality wine using a blend of French expertise and Chilean terroir, French Grand Marnier heiress Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet tapped renowned French oenologist Michel Rolland to exclusively lead the winemaking team (Rolland was contractually prevented from working for any other Chilean winery), setting the now eponymous Chilean winery and its signature blend on the fast track to success. Sourced primarily from two blocks of old vine Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon dating to the 1920s planted on granitic soils, the unique microclimate created by the surrounding Cordillera (or Coastal Mountains) creates a shadow yielding less sunshine overall paired with frequent morning mist, optimal conditions for ripening Carmenere yet maintaining its freshness. Now under the direction of their son Charles-Henri de Bournet, the 2018 Clos Apalta exhibits the signature aromatics of spice, chocolate and roasted pepper, with plush dark plum fruit and juicy tannins, and rippling layers of complexity on the lingering finish. With past vintages named five times to the Wine Spectator Top 100 (including being the only South American wine ever to garner the coveted #1), the 2018 Clos Apalta indeed stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's greatest red wines. | ||
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| Barrell Gray Label Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
| From | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Now is the time of year where bourbon collectors think about making a splash, whether it's for your own stash at home or for a gift that will leave a lifelong impression on your favorite fellow bourbon fanatic. Today's offer features a quintet of collectible standouts from some of the category's most coveted names, at limited-time pricing that's perfect for the holidays. Leading off, Barrell Craft Spirits' Gray Label Straight Bourbon shows one of the country's most dynamic operations at the top of its game with a big-time 94-point score from Whisky Advocate and a sub-$150 price. Joseph Magnus' access to superb old Indiana stocks from MGP is what put this Michigan-based distillery on the map, and their expert finishing regime based on the brand's pre-Prohibition history is what sets them apart. The Cigar Blend is every bit the luxury performer you'd expect from a bourbon crafted specifically for cigar pairing and aged in ex-Armagnac casks. The 2XO Gem of Kentucky is another masterclass in artful barrel finishing from master blender Dixon Dedman of the cult phenom Kentucky Owl. A single-barrel, high-rye (35%) gem subjected to a unique double-barreling regimen, the Gem of Kentucky is a class all its own, both technically and stylistically. Finally, the George Dickel 18 Year is a cornerstone in any enviable whiskey collection, and right now they're all available at some of the sharpest pricing in the market. | ||
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| Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 6yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) | ||
| From Bardstown, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's the most anticipated time of year for whisky fanatics as Whisky Advocate comes out with its annual Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list. Yesterday's reveal of the full list completes a week of excitement for collectors and buyers alike, as we see which of our favorites made the cut. So, it's a great thrill for us to feature six of the top contenders on the list today, including the collectible trophy Bruichladdich 18 Year Old at the #2 spot and the simply stunning Lagavulin "The Ink of Legends" 12 Year Old Special Release Single Malt, which landed in the #3 spot for its thrilling expression of hallmark Lagavulin peated malt finished in Don Julio Anejo tequila casks. Heaven Hill's innovative Grain to Glass series rounds out the top five with the 6 Year Old Straight Bourbon, and a trio of insider's favorites all make an appearance as well. Ardbeg's The Spectacular takes the well-known and loved peat monster proflie of this famous single malt and rounds it out in balanced luxury with finishing in ruby port piples, a first for the distillery. Finally, a pair of Kentucky stalwarts do the Bluegrass State proud. Knob Creek's Bourbon x Rye is an expert blend that captures the best of both categories in one bottle, and 2XO's The Kiawah Blend shows the masterful blending skill of one Dixon Dedman, the genius behind the cult phenom bourbons of Kentucky Owl, and it's available at a market-best price, no less. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the whisky enthusiast in your life (or if you are that whisky enthusiast), these are can't-miss winners that have just seen their cachet rise in remarkable fashion. Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece or three of whisky royalty. | ||
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| 2014 Pehu-Simonet Grand Cru Fins Lieux #1 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Grower and artisan producer David Pehu’s terroir-driven cuvees are a Champagne lover’s dream, a selection of highly rated Champagnes sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru estate vineyards in the Montagne de Reims that Vinous critic Antonio Galloni sums up simply as ”Impressive,” priced to deliver amazing value. Located in the Grand Cru village Verzenay, fourth generation David Pehu sources his cuvees from 7.5 hectares of organically farmed estate vineyards, mostly planted to Pinot Noir in the Montagne de Reims. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, the N/V 94 pt. Pehu-Simonet 'Face Nord Brut' was aged mostly in stainless steel with 20% in barrique for 30 months, balancing the lush red fruit flavors of Pinot Noir with Chardonnay’s crisp, flinty minerality on a delicate mousse. Described as “gorgeous” by critic Galloni, Pehu crafted the 94 pt. 2013 Pehu-Simonet Fins Lieux #7 from 100% Chardonnay sourced from his Premier Cru parcel in Villers-Marmery, aging it for 72 months in stainless steel to yield an elegant Blanc de Blancs with energetic fruit hinting of chalk and tantalizing acidity. Sourced from 100% Pinot Noir from his Verzenay Grand Cru parcel, the 94 pt. 2014 Pehu-Simonet Grand Cru Fins Lieux #1 was aged in barrique for 60 months, boasting powerful, rich flavors with creamy hints of vanilla floating on a raft of fine bubbles. Crafted in a range of styles from exquisite vintage Blanc de Blancs and powerful Blanc de Noirs to an elegantly balanced N/V blend packed with Grand Cru fruit at a bargain price, these luscious and complex Pehu-Simonet Champagnes deliver exceptional value - whether choosing a favorite cuvee or mixing a case, in the words of Vinous critic Antonio Galloni , “it’s pretty hard to go wrong with any of these wines.” | ||
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| Bruichladdich 18yr Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) | ||
| From Islay, Islay, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's the most anticipated time of year for whisky fanatics as Whisky Advocate comes out with its annual Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list. Yesterday's reveal of the full list completes a week of excitement for collectors and buyers alike, as we see which of our favorites made the cut. So, it's a great thrill for us to feature six of the top contenders on the list today, including the collectible trophy Bruichladdich 18 Year Old at the #2 spot and the simply stunning Lagavulin "The Ink of Legends" 12 Year Old Special Release Single Malt, which landed in the #3 spot for its thrilling expression of hallmark Lagavulin peated malt finished in Don Julio Anejo tequila casks. Heaven Hill's innovative Grain to Glass series rounds out the top five with the 6 Year Old Straight Bourbon, and a trio of insider's favorites all make an appearance as well. Ardbeg's The Spectacular takes the well-known and loved peat monster proflie of this famous single malt and rounds it out in balanced luxury with finishing in ruby port piples, a first for the distillery. Finally, a pair of Kentucky stalwarts do the Bluegrass State proud. Knob Creek's Bourbon x Rye is an expert blend that captures the best of both categories in one bottle, and 2XO's The Kiawah Blend shows the masterful blending skill of one Dixon Dedman, the genius behind the cult phenom bourbons of Kentucky Owl, and it's available at a market-best price, no less. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the whisky enthusiast in your life (or if you are that whisky enthusiast), these are can't-miss winners that have just seen their cachet rise in remarkable fashion. Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece or three of whisky royalty. | ||
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| 2020 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos (1.5L) | ||
| Carmenere from Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Bright, brooding and intense” Georgina Hindle, Decanter Sourced from the same vineyard as its iconic flagship cuvee, the rich 95 pt. 2020 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos boasts fresh, vibrant dark fruit hinting of cedar and spice and soft, plush tannins on a long-lived finish, a luscious Bordeaux-inspired blend described as “one heck of a second wine” by Jeb Dunnuck expertly crafted by the Clos Apalta team for an unbeatable value price. Commissioned by owner and Grand Marnier heiress Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, the stunning Clos Apalta winery in Santa Cruz is an architectural marvel, a spectacular seven level underground complex built into the granite hillside, its cylindrical roof surrounded by wooden slats depicting the staves of an open air barrel and the excavated rock repurposed throughout the structure from floor tiles in the gravity fed cellars to a rooftop sundial. Established in 1997 to craft a world class wine in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, Clos Apalta founders Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet hired renowned French oenologist Michel Rolland to produce a uniquely Chilean blend of the indigenous Carmenere with Bordeaux varietals crafted with French winemaking expertise, garnering unanimous acclaim over the next decades including becoming the only South American wine ever to garner the coveted #1 spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. First crafting the second wine in 2014 as a youthful expression of the Clos Apalta terroir, winemaker Jacques Begarie sourced the 2020 Le Petit Clos from a mix of mostly younger vines planted in the granite soils of the estate’s organically and biodynamically farmed El Condor vineyard, its unique microclimate in the shadow of the towering Cordillera Mountains creating optimal conditions for ripening Carmenere while maintaining its freshness and acidity. Blending 40% Carmenere, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, Begarie aged the elegant 2020 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos for 26 months in a mix of 53% new French oak barrels and 47% in second use French oak barrels, bottling it without filtering or fining to reveal fresh, luscious fruit hinting of peppery spice with bright acidity and outstanding length promising to age gracefully over the next decade. Reflecting its exceptional Chilean terroir, the lush and powerful 95 pt. 2020 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos is a delicious and enticing second wine crafted with same meticulous attention to detail as the iconic Clos Apalta at a fraction of the price, a terrific opportunity for Clos Apalta collectors and fans of top tier Chilean reds to pull the cork more often. | ||
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| 2018 Amiot-Servelle Charmes Chambertin (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Based in the historic Burgundian village of Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Amiot-Servelle is a small, highly sought-after artisan estate in the Cotes de Nuits, first established in 1920. Composed of eight hectares in total, the Domaine took on its current name for owners Christian Amiot (son of renowned Morey St. Denis producer Pierre Amiot), and his wife Elisabeth Servelle in 1990, farming seven out of the eight hectares in Chambolle-Musigny and the remaining hectare split between village appellation Morey-Saint-Denis and the two grand crus Charmes-Chambertin and Clos Saint-Denis. Sourced from an excellent vintage with ideal harvesting conditions, these outstanding 2018 red Burgundies are produced in Amiot-Servelle's elegant house style boasting great precision, balanced extraction and restrained use of oak, offering lovers of red Burgundy and fans of elegantly crafted Pinot Noir incredible value at each price point. Assuming the role of winemaker in 2011, Christian's daughter Prune has continued to raise the bar at Amiot-Servelle, garnering higher ratings year over year and critical praise from Burghound's Allen Meadows and Neal Martin of Vinous. Employing organic viticulture since the early 2000s, the Domaine's vines are planted in limestone soils enhancing minerality, with the unique terroir of each premier cru contributing nuanced flavors. Balancing the density of the old vine fruit with tension and acidity, Prune has made subtle changes in the winemaking over the last decade such as varying the amount of whole bunches used in vinification and employing more gentle extraction, enhancing aromatics and adding tannic structure. While the use of new oak at Domaine Amiot-Servelle varies from 10-50% with the premier and grand crus receiving the most, all the wines are aged in barrel for 18 months, yielding ripe, elegant wines that will evolve over time. Demonstrating immense purity of fruit with an energetic expression of terroir, the 2018 Domaine Amiot-Servelle Burgundies are skillfully crafted and specially selected for over delivering value. From the entry level 2018 Morey St Denis to the extravagant 2018 Amiot-Servelle Clos St Denis Grand Cru and a range of stand-out premier cru Chambolle-Musigny in between, Burgundy fans will appreciate these undervalued small production wines for their finesse and longevity, now attractively priced well below comparable quality domaines. | ||
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| 2019 Vina Sena Sena (1.5L) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Eduardo Chadwick is one of the most important people of the vine in Chile – the world for that matter – facing multiple obstacles throughout his impressive career. For nearly a decade Eduardo worked to rebuild the iconic Viña Errázuriz, restoring his family's 19th century estate to its former glory. As Eduardo was gaining ground, California's most famous man of the vine paid the country a visit in 1990. Robert Mondavi fell in love with Chile and would soon be introduced to his counterpart in the region. By 1995, the two had reached a pioneering agreement – Seña was born. For four long, grueling years the two passionate visionaries toiled over vineyard sites in search of the perfect terroir for their dream wine. This was to be Chile's icon above all others. Site was paramount. Located in the Valle de Aconcagua, on a 42 hectare colluvial vineyard of well drained gravel, rock and loam, the Seña vineyard is planted to the perfect mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. The slightly cooler temperatures of this elevated, sloping site allow for long, slow ripening. The Seña vineyard is often harvested two weeks after its nearest neighbor. Precious few wines in the country will compete; perhaps none – after all, perfection is incredibly rare. This is a wine above all others ever bottled in Chile. A wine which is rightly described by Neal Martin as "The peripatetic wine that goes around the world challenging and, let it be said, often defeating First Growths in blind tastings." | ||
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| 2022 Chapelle St Theodoric La Guigasse (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Chapelle St. Theodoric might not be a household name on the greater Châteauneuf scene, but insiders and savvy collectors have long prized these wines as reference-point classics, and the professional press always seems to be on board with what's going on at this under-the-radar address. "Chapelle St. Theodoric is turning out some of the most compelling wines from Châteauneuf du Pape ... These are wines worth seeking out..." - Joe Czerwinski,Wine Advocate We've just secured our allocation of the remarkable 2022s, and once again they hit the trifecta — top critical acclaim, pristine Southern Rhône class and sophistication, and unbeatable pricing that you likely won't see anywhere else. Sourced from a miniscule plot within the Les Pignan lieu-dit, the 2022 Le Grand Pin is the quintessential expression of the St. Theodoric profile. Notching 96-98 points from Wine Advocate's Joe Czerwinski, it's full of classic garrigue character to go with pure, old-vine Grenache fruit and seamless structure. In short, "it's going to be brilliant," as Jeb Dunnuck declares. Likewise, its stablemate, the 2022 La Guigasse from sandy soils in the eponymous lieu-dit, comes in at a full 98 points from Decanter's Matt Walls, who dubs it "a very complete wine that's hard to fault, showing whole-bunch southern Rhône winemaking at its best." There's no denying the appeal of these two paragons of world-class, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. | ||
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| 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divae (750ml) | ||
| Grenache from Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of the most undervalued AOC’s in Southern France, legendary Saint Emilion winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin and Roussillon-born grower Jean-Roger Calvet have crafted a selection of powerful blends from old vine fruit that Southern Rhone fans won’t want to miss, an exciting range of delicious, age worthy reds among the Languedoc's finest values at affordable pricing perfect for mixing a case. Hiking in the French Pyrenees past the magnificent centuries' old fortresses perched above the Roussillon plain, a chance meeting two decades ago along the Route de Cathar trail became a windfall for wine lovers, resulting in a partnership between local Cotes du Roussillon grower Jean-Roger Calvet and Bordeaux vigneron Jean-Luc Thunevin of Chateau Valandraud, the superstar Saint Emilion winemaker called “a major force in the global wine world” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss. Intrigued by the magnificent black schist soils and rugged terroir around the Roussillon village of Maury, Thunevin invested in a small parcel of vines to supplement Jean-Roger's existing vineyards in the region, crafting their first vintage in a makeshift winery in 2001 and expanding the estate to 65 hectares to produce small amounts of terroir-focused wines from sustainably farmed Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. A blend of 60% Mourvedre and 40% Grenache from vines averaging 30 years of age, the entry level 93 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages l'Amourette was aged 16 months in concrete vats, its rich spiced and peppery fruit balancing earthy minerality and finishing long and fresh with smooth tannins built for years of enjoyment. A blend of mostly Grenache with about a third Syrah from vines ranging from 40 to more than 100 years old, the “formidable” 94 pt 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Hugo is “a joy to drink” according to Jeb Dunnuck, offering bright dark fruit hinting of graphite and toasted spices while the rich and muscular 2019 95 pt. Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Divaea has a “balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length,” the blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache sourced from vines averaging 40 years and aged in new French oak for 18 months. Crafted from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah ranging from 80 to 120 years old, the powerful and elegant 97 pt. 2019 Thunevin-Calvet Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie is the estate’s top cuvee aged for 18 months in large oak foudres, layering concentrated dark fruit with impeccably balanced, plush tannins and promising another decade of pleasurable drinking ahead. From a region remaining decidedly off the beaten track much like the Route de Cathar trail itself, Antonio Galloni of Vinous called the best of the Cotes du Roussillon reds “the world’s sexiest, most inexpensive wines,” these top rated 2019 Thunevin-Calvet cuvees offering a terrific introduction for newbies to the Languedoc’s most exceptional terroir-expressive reds as well as a great deal for savvy Southern Rhone fans seeking delicious, age worthy blends that deliver outstanding value. | ||
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| Lagavulin 12yr 2023 Release Single Malt Scotch (750ml) | ||
| From Lagavulin, Islay, Scotland | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More It's the most anticipated time of year for whisky fanatics as Whisky Advocate comes out with its annual Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list. Yesterday's reveal of the full list completes a week of excitement for collectors and buyers alike, as we see which of our favorites made the cut. So, it's a great thrill for us to feature six of the top contenders on the list today, including the collectible trophy Bruichladdich 18 Year Old at the #2 spot and the simply stunning Lagavulin "The Ink of Legends" 12 Year Old Special Release Single Malt, which landed in the #3 spot for its thrilling expression of hallmark Lagavulin peated malt finished in Don Julio Anejo tequila casks. Heaven Hill's innovative Grain to Glass series rounds out the top five with the 6 Year Old Straight Bourbon, and a trio of insider's favorites all make an appearance as well. Ardbeg's The Spectacular takes the well-known and loved peat monster proflie of this famous single malt and rounds it out in balanced luxury with finishing in ruby port piples, a first for the distillery. Finally, a pair of Kentucky stalwarts do the Bluegrass State proud. Knob Creek's Bourbon x Rye is an expert blend that captures the best of both categories in one bottle, and 2XO's The Kiawah Blend shows the masterful blending skill of one Dixon Dedman, the genius behind the cult phenom bourbons of Kentucky Owl, and it's available at a market-best price, no less. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the whisky enthusiast in your life (or if you are that whisky enthusiast), these are can't-miss winners that have just seen their cachet rise in remarkable fashion. Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece or three of whisky royalty. | ||
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