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| 2019 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Called “one of the most traditional addresses in Rioja” by the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez, the lush 92 pt. 2019 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi delivers outstanding bang for the buck for fans of classically crafted Rioja, an elegant ageworthy Riserva offering fresh, aromatic red fruit with balsamic notes of vanilla, caramel and spice balanced by soft, fine tannins on a long, silky finish, already drinking beautifully and value priced for everyday enjoyment. Founded as a cooperative effort of five enterprising families in 1890, La Rioja Alta merged with the Ardanza Winery in 1904 and became renowned for their signature Vina Ardanza Reserva, crafting their first release of the Vina Alberdi in 1970 as a fresher expression of Tempranillo while maintaining their exceptional criteria for extended aging. Spanning over 400 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, La Rioja Alta sourced the Tempranillo for the 2019 Vina Alberdi from estate vineyards situated in Rodezno and Labastida at 500 to 600 meters above sea level, the low yielding Tempranillo vines averaging over 40 years of age planted in a nitrogen-rich mix of clay and limestone that retains water throughout the hot growing season and enhances concentration. Employing strict selection in the vineyards, the hand harvested grapes are transported under refrigeration and fermented with natural yeasts before being transferred to barrels custom crafted in La Rioja Alta’s onsite cooperage. Employing four rackings from barrel to barrel while separating the sediment by candlelight, the refined 2019 La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi was aged in new American oak barrels for the first year and in four-year-old American oak barrels for the second year, yielding “a delicate Rioja Red” according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo revealing intensely aromatic, juicy spiced fruit with vibrant acidity and layers of ripe tannins promising a decade of longevity. Described by critic Tim Atkin as exhibiting the “elegance and American oak sweetness” of the estate’s flagship Vina Ardanza, the appealing 92 pt. 2019 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Alberdi offers the full-bodied richness of age worthy Tempranillo in an approachable style, an affordable luxury declared a “Smart Buy” by the Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus and an outstanding value for Rioja fans seeking a delicious everyday pour. | ||
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| 2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "One of the headline wineries in Montepulciano..."- Monica Larner, Wine Advocate B-21 fans of classic Tuscan reds won’t need convincing to stock up on the 93-point 2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a powerful Sangiovese revealing bright, aromatic red fruit hinting of wild herbs and earthy spice with a smooth, enduring finish, earning a coveted spot on this year's Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023 and an outstanding value promising pleasurable drinking for years to come. Situated in the spectacular countryside southeast of Siena in Tuscany’s oldest appellation, Cantine Dei produces terroir-driven Sangiovese from the vineyards surrounding the medieval town of Montepulciano. The 2019 Vino Nobile was awarded the top rating of tre bicchieri or “three glasses” by Italy’s most prestigious wine publication Gambero Rosso, known by insiders as the “Wine Bible of Italy.” Producing its first wines in 1985, the Cantine Dei estate extends over 100 hectares in the rolling hills of the historic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, its 60 hectares of organically farmed vineyards located throughout the region and reflecting its diverse terroir. Sourced from the estate’s Martiena, La Ciarliana, and Cervognano vineyards, the Sangiovese vines for the 2019 Vino Nobile are planted in a mix of tuff, limestone and sandy clay soils at 250 to 350 meters above sea level, the high-altitude vineyards producing richly concentrated fruit with well-balanced acidity. A blend of mostly Sangiovese fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, this 2019 offers “a skillful interpretation of terroir and vintage” according to Decanter’s Michaela Morris with textured fruit and layers of well-integrated tannins promising longevity. Ranked among an elite group of 2019s from a region “that should be on everyone’s radar” according to Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, the 2019 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “continues to be one of the benchmarks in its category and an amazing value as well” according to Vinous' Eric Guido, matching in quality to its higher profile Tuscan neighbors at a bargain price and a sure bet for lovers of bold Sangiovese wines seeking an outstanding value to enjoy whenever a taste of Tuscany calls. | ||
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| G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut Rose (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From one of Champagne’s largest and most historic houses, this superb deal on the 95-point G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut Rosé offers a terrific opportunity to pop the cork more often, its fragrant, elegant fruit beautifully balanced by crisp acidity on a tantalizing, fine-beaded mousse, all at a price for stocking up by the case to enjoy often and without hesitation. The Grand Cordon Rosé is adorned with its trademark red sash resembling the Grand Cross of the French Legion of Honor, the country's highest civilian award and now a signature of the house. The Grand Cordon Rosé is sourced from 120 different crus, a blend of mostly Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, with smaller amounts of Chardonnay from Cramant and Avize and Pinot Meunier from the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Aged in the bottle for two years, the "simply delicious" Grand Cordon Brut Rosé balances lively, intense aromas and flavorful bright fruit with creamy complexity on a persistent stream of rising bubbles, bargain priced to be a spontaneous grab from the cooler and worthy of having a few extra cases on hand to pour freely for fellow lovers of Champagne and sparkling wine, no special occasion required. | ||
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| Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 244 (750ml) | ||
| Sparkling from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “...the finest release of the house's reimagined non-vintage Brut to date.” - William Kelley, Wine Advocate A gorgeous non-vintage Champagne produced by the team behind the legendary Cristal, the 94-point Louis Roederer Collection 244 offers fragrant, ripe fruit with saline-tinged acidity on a fine, creamy mousse for a “vibrant, wonderfully crystalline Champagne” that “impresses from beginning to end” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous. Created to replace Roederer’s non-vintage Brut in 2017, the Champagne Collection series labels each release with a unique ascending number akin to Krug’s non-vintage Grande Cuvée. Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon crafted the third release Collection 244 from 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 26% Pinot Meunier with over half of the blend comprised of the exceptional 2019 vintage. Sourced evenly from Roederer’s La Riviere, La Montagne and La Côte estates, the Collection 244 includes 36% perpetual reserve wines created in 2012 that are stored in stainless steel and topped off every vintage, along with 10% from previous years and young plots on the Cristal estate aged in French oak foudres. The remaining 54% from 2019 grapes was fermented mostly in stainless steel with 15% in oak, the final blend then aged for four years in bottle on the lees, yielding remarkable complexity in a non-vintage Champagne. Wine Advocate’s William Kelley calls it “the finest release of the house's reimagined non-vintage Brut to date.” Its mouthwatering, textured fruit is beautifully balanced by lively acidity that finishes long on a steady stream of finely beaded bubbles, making for a marked departure in style from what most grand marque houses seek in their non-vintage cuvées. From “one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small” according to Galloni, the Collection 244 is crafted by one of the region’s most talented winemakers with the same meticulous attention to detail as the house's legendary tête de cuvée Cristal, delivering benchmark class and quality at its price point. | ||
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| 2023 Diatom Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Bright, aromatic, and vibrant, the 2023 is lights out ... This is a stunning wine for its price." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous Fans of winemaker Greg Brewer won't need convincing to stock up the new vintage of his pure and precise 2023 Diatom Chardonnay. Transparently expressing the essence of fragrant Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay with shimmering minerality on a vibrant, saline finish, it's a “screaming value” according to Jeb Dunnuck. Sourced from low-yielding vines in the the Mission Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos and fermented and matured in 100% stainless steel, the refined 2023 Diatom Chardonnay beautifully balances bright, lively fruit with refreshing, mineral-tinged acidity, reflecting Brewer’s signature style of “vibrant purity and freshness, with plenty of textural richness on the palate” according to Jeb Dunnuck, with a mouthwatering finish that begs for another sip. "A total stunner" per Antonio Galloni's own 94-point review, the 2023 Diatom once again affirms its place as one of the smartest buys in California Chardonnay, at a price that makes it a perfect candidate to stack high and deep by the case. | ||
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| 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Reserva (750ml) | ||
| From Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Spanish wine fans searching for a "steal of a deal" on great Rioja need look no further than the outstanding, 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voché Reserva, offering deep, mouth-coating flavors of dark, earthy fruit and spiced vanilla with powerful, satiny tannins structured to age at an incredible value price. While Voché is a relatively new project from Bodegas Manzanos, the Manzanos family has been making wine along the Ebro River in Rioja for five generations, founding the oldest winery in Haro in 1801. Focusing on old-vine fruit, the Voché Reserva is a blend of mostly Tempranillo and the lesser-known Graciano, an inherently spicy, dark-skinned grape that enhances aromas and adds structure and freshness. The vineyards for the 2016 Voché Reserva include the oldest Graciano parcel in Rioja called El Barranco, its 70-year-old vines planted on sandy soil with pebbles at around 400 meters. After fermenting in stainless steel, the 2016 was aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% second year French oak, then 24 months longer in bottle, finishing “long and compact” according to Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson and built to evolve over the next decade. From an exceptional vintage, one of Spain’s “all-time greats” according to Decanter’s Michael Schachner, the muscular and opulent 93-point 2016 Bodegas Manzanos Voché Reserva delivers layers of bold flavors with smoky, earthy undertones that will have Rioja fans reaching for it again and again over the next decade, easy to do at this price. | ||
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| 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “These wines compete with the best of Napa” Jeb Dunnuck Building on its well-earned reputation for producing some of the best value, highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon blends from California, the powerful 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve delivers the goods, revealing intensely aromatic ripe dark fruit hinting of graphite, cedar and earthy spice with lush tannins on a long, velvety finish, an elegantly crafted Paso Bordeaux blend affordably priced to enjoy often. Set at the highest point overlooking Paso Robles at the same altitude of Napa’s Howell Mountain, the opulent Daou Vineyards tasting room offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the hills beyond, surrounded by meticulously manicured grounds at 2,200 feet above sea level on the steep slopes of the Adelaida District. Once described by legendary consulting winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements," the sustainably farmed Daou vineyard is situated on a western hilltop close to the Pacific Ocean above the coastal fog and away from the heat of eastern Paso Robles, its unique combination of high altitude, calcareous limestone soils and a cooler climate allowing the grapes to attain full ripeness while balancing acidity. Produced in a hot and dry Paso vintage yielding smaller clusters and greater concentration, the refined 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Daou estate and top vineyards across Paso blended with 23% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, yielding rich, silky dark fruit layered with herbal and mineral notes and smooth, balanced tannins from a vintage producing “early drinking, accessible wines built on elegance and ripe fruit” according to Eric Guido of Vinous. Earning 90 plus point ratings for over a decade and counted among “the greatest Bordeaux blends I’ve tasted from Paso Robles” according to Jeb Dunnuck, the rich and robust 95 pt. 2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reflects the Daou legacy for exceptional quality and consistency from the first taste, a delicious and beautifully balanced Paso Cab ready to enjoy at a price that makes it easy to pull the cork. | ||
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| 2023 Invivo X, SJP Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc (750ml) | ||
| Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Garnering a steady string of 90 plus pt. ratings vintage over vintage, the appealing 93 pt. 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker is the real deal, offering classic Marlborough flavors of fresh aromatic passionfruit, peach and grapefruit with bright acidity on a smooth and juicy finish, appearing multiple times on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 since its first release in 2019 and a solid choice for fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc seeking outstanding value. Gaining global stardom with her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series Sex and the City (yes, THAT Sarah Jessica Parker), seasoned TV and film actor “SJP” was approached by Invivo co-founders and fellow New Zealanders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron to partner in a quality portfolio of wines that overdeliver value, attracted by the pair’s down to earth approach to wine and signing on with the caveat that she would have a key role in determining the final blend of each cuvee. Featuring Parker in live-streamed blending sessions and tastings, Invivo’s social media presence may capitalize on her celebrity status, but much of the critical acclaim for the Sauvignon Blanc has been earned outside of it through completely blind tastings including a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. A blend of five estates located across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, the appealing 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc SJP balances fresh tropical fruit flavors with lithe acidity and a subtle hint of oak, yielding a fresh and vibrant Sauv Blanc described as “young” and “zippy” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Pickard and crafted in a style that’s “seriously drinkable” by the Wine Spectator’s MaryAnn Worobiec. From an excellent Marlborough vintage producing Sauvignon Blancs that are “pure, juicy and fresh, with zesty acidity,” according to Rebecca Gibb of Vinous, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Invivo X Sauvignon Blanc Sarah Jessica Parker boasts an appeal that goes far beyond celebrity and loyal SJP fans, a terrific choice for anyone seeking a delicious, easy drinking white as well as lovers of New Zealand Sauv Blanc looking for an affordable, everyday pour and an unbeatable bargain for stocking up by the case. | ||
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| 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A Rioja lover’s dream assortment, these traditionally styled selections from Lopez de Heredia come from one of the region’s most esteemed Bodegas with over a century of expertise as grower-producers, their legendary, long-lived Riojas released only after lengthy aging in their famously moldy and cobweb-laced cellars, perfect for mixing a case or two at a price that “seems like a steal” according to Wine and Spirits. As the last remaining family-run Bodegas in Rioja, winemaking at Lopez de Heredia has remained remarkably unchanged since its inception in 1877, crafting its wines in the Vina Tondonia winery in Haro with only estate-grown fruit, fermenting with natural yeasts and aging for extended periods in wood before bottling without filtration and further aging in the bottle. Summing up the long-lived aging potential of each of these Lopez de Heredia selections, critic Neal Martin declares “a bottle of Lopez de Heredia is an individual and each time you meet, you may see a different side to its personality,” reflecting the pure authenticity, remarkable ageability and striking complexity of these top vintages and promising pleasurable drinking ahead for Rioja fans and Spanish wine collectors who act quickly to secure their picks from this value packed offer. | ||
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| 2020 Avignonesi Grifi (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as masterful expressions of their Tuscan terroir, these top rated Avignonesi selections range from two 100% Sangiovese wines to a highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, an array of deliciously savory Tuscan reds crafted near the medieval town of Montepulciano at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. After purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate’s holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade, becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Located in Italy’s first and oldest red wine appellation at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the estate’s rolling vineyards in western Tuscany are planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study and vinified separately in Avignonesi’s state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 6 months in oak barrels, the fresh and juicy 91 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montalcino is described as “a pure expression of the Tuscan grape” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner boasting fragrant, lightly spiced fruit layered with silky tannins on a refined, mineral finish and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. While many wineries in the region adhere to the minimum 70%, the enticing 94 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, revealing bright fruit “with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson that will continue to evolve for another 10 years or more. Described as “long, fresh and juicy” by James Suckling, the elegant 93 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing robust, luscious fruit and harmonious acidity with layers of tannins promising nearly a decade of enjoyment. From the Tuscan estate Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls a "reference point in Montepulciano," these delicious and age worthy Avignonesi selections all offer “a terrific value proposition” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, an array of top scoring Tuscan gems unbeatably priced for stocking the cellar. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you missed any of these outstanding selections the first time around or simply need to restock, here's a chance to acquire some top rated Bordeaux blends from the exceptional 2019 vintage at bargain prices, all scoring 92 pts. and above in a range of styles, perfect for mixing a case or two or choosing a few favorites and all impressive values under $35. Described as “superb” by Neal Martin of Vinous, Bernard Magrez's 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the producer of Chateau Pape Clement, this Cru Bourgeois estate “making some of the best value wines of the Medoc” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Sourced from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 92 pt. Chateau Senejac offers “great energy and brightness” that’s ready to enjoy now according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted of even parts Cab Franc and Merlot by superstar Stephane Derenoncourt, Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel “impeccable,” and “especially fine for Lussac where the wines are rarely this polished,” while the Delon’s family 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail as their iconic Grand Vin from Chateau Leoville Las Cases and “showing beautifully” according to Jeb Dunnuck, calling it a “wine to buy in multiples or a case.” Named a Cellar Selection by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, the stunning 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Laffitte Carcasset “packs a ton of punch” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, while the 93 pt. 2019 Clos Marsalette is “impeccable from start to finish.” Calling it “a consistently successful Neipperg wine in Pessac,” from the owner of Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux notes the muscular 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney has “plenty of texture and swagger” promising over a decade of evolution ahead. Boasting ageworthy structure promising years of enjoyment, these highly rated 2019 Bordeaux bargains offer Bordeaux lovers and collectors an opportunity to stock up and enjoy top scording Bordeaux often without breaking the bank, delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market prices. | ||
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| 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a warm vintage yielding lush Cabs “built on elegance and ripe fruit” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, the alluring 93 pt. 2022 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon hits the mark for Paso Robles fans seeking an outstanding everyday pour, revealing rich, aromatic dark fruit hinting of balsamic spice balanced by vibrant acidity on a silken, velvety finish, a widely appealing, bargain priced Cab that over delivers value. Established east of downtown Paso Robles in the mid-1990’s, Vina Robles’ founders Hans Nef and Hans–R. Michel planted the first of what would later become six vineyards in Paso Robles, gaining notoriety as one of Paso’s top growers and releasing their first critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999. Now spanning over 1,800 acres of vineyards, Hans’ daughters Michele and Nicole sourced the 2022 Vina Robles Cab from three sustainably farmed estate vineyards in distinctly different areas of the AVA: the hilly Huerhuero Vineyard benefiting from moderating Pacific breezes, the high altitude Creston Valley Vineyard boasting shallow, granulated limestone soils that limit yields, and the Bear Valley Vineyard known for producing small, flavorful berries. Picking the optimally ripened grapes early in the morning to ensure quality, winemaker Kevin Willenborg aged the parcels for 8 months in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels before conducting extensive blending trials, adding a little Petit Verdot to the final blend and aging the 2022 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon an additional 12 months longer in barrel, yielding a juicy and harmonious Cab with plush texture, opulent fruit and ripe tannins that will have Paso Robles Cab lovers reaching for another pour. Summed up by James Suckling as “very balanced and complete” and ready to enjoy over the next five or more years, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon continues its legacy as one of the region’s top values, a rich and satisfying Paso Cab at an unbeatable price. | ||
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| 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “an absolute delight” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the alluring 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine reveals fresh, aromatic brambly red fruit layered with juicy acidity and integrated, firm tannins, sourced from some of California’s most iconic old vine vineyards and a top value bargain-priced for Zinfandel lovers to enjoy often. Established in 2007 by the son of Ravenswood founding winemaker Joel Peterson, Bedrock Wine Company’s Morgan Twain-Peterson and long-time business partner Chris Cottrell craft their wines from a who’s who list of the region’s most historic vineyards, sourcing the old vine Zinfandel from centuries’ old sites throughout Sonoma and Contra Costa counties including the Peterson’s own Bedrock Vineyard. Described by Antonio Galloni as “among the most pedigreed vineyard sites anywhere in the world,” Bedrock was the first California vineyard to be replanted in 1888 following the devastation of phylloxera, boasting a Zinfandel-dominated field mix planted in volcanic rocks and cobbly loam soil and farmed organically by the Petersons without irrigation. Blending 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and small amounts of other varieties averaging 80 years of age and fermenting with native yeasts, Morgan aged the lush 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine in a combination of French oak and Austrian oak puncheons and foudres with about 10% new, yielding a fresh and delicately spiced Zinfandel with layered fine tannins that’s ready to enjoy and will continue to mature gracefully over the next few years. Crafted by “one of the most talented winemakers of his generation” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the impressive 93 pt. 2022 Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine is blended from many of the iconic sites that go into Bedrock’s single vineyard Zins at a fraction of their price, delivering a transparent expression of rich, old vine Zinfandel at an unbeatable value price. | ||
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| 2022 Neyers 304 Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A delicious everyday white wine from veteran California vintner Bruce Neyers, the fresh and juicy 92 pt. 2022 Neyers 304 Chardonnay offers crisp, aromatic stone fruit and citrus with bright acidity on a mouthwatering mineral finish, making it an outstanding value for fans of unoaked California Chardonnay and anyone seeking an easy drinking, food-friendly white to stock the cooler at a bargain price. Bruce was inspired by his experience with Chablis producers to create the Neyers 304 Chardonnay, the name “304” an insider reference to the grade of stainless steel used in the winery’s aging tanks. Fruit is sourced from the family-owned Paul Larson Vineyard in Carneros, planted in a rocky outcropping that yields smaller, more concentrated clusters and enhances minerality, while the cooling maritime influence of San Pablo Bay preserves the grapes’ freshness and acidity. Among the best values in unoaked California Chardonnay, this impressive, WS92 offering remains lesser known among the region’s high-profile producers while overdelivering value as a top-scoring, ready to enjoy Chardonnay affordably priced for stocking up by the case. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau Cantemerle (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A sweet deal on a cellar worthy assortment of high scoring Bordeaux, all under $30! From some of the region’s most undervalued estates, these “three lollipop” selections hit the sweet spot for Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of age worthy blends unbeatably priced for Bordeaux bargain hunters to stock the cellar and enjoy often.
Whether deciding on a few favorites or finding it hard to choose, these high scoring Bordeaux blends are bargain priced for mixing a case, a sweet deal for anyone seeking to pull the cork on a terrific Bordeaux more often. | ||
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| 2019 Chateau La Vieille Cure (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Always a winner, I can't remember the last vintage of this cuvée that didn't put a smile on my face." - Jeb Dunnuck Declared “so reliable” by Jane Anson that it’s “a bellwether to the success of a vintage,” Château La Vieille Cure is considered the standard bearer for Fronsac, its exceptional consistency over the last decade driven by winemaker Jean-Luc Thunevin, the original garagiste pioneer and owner of Château Valandraud, who took the reins in 2013. The 20-hectare La Vieille Cure vineyard is situated in a single, contiguous plot facing Pomerol, planted mostly to Merlot vines averaging 40 years of age with the oldest at over 75 years. This duo of value stunners from 2018 & 2019 puts Anson's words into full perspective, as each rendition captures the quintessential character of the vintage while offering the unmistakable signature of this benchmark Fronsac terroir. Defined by the vintage's power and opulence, the seductive 2018 La Vieille Cure "is a total pleasure bomb" according to Antonio Galloni, "In a word: fabulous." Jeb Dunnuck likewise sums it up as "a smoking wine that readers should snatch up!" The slightly more refined and approachable 94-point 2019 (again, a hallmark of the vintage) is "just an impeccably made, satisfying, classic Right Bank beauty." These confirm that Bordeaux continues to be a hotbed of unbeatable values, offering wines of superb sophistication and cellar potential for prices that allow anyone to load the cellar and reap the rewards for years to come. | ||
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| 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described by Eric Guido of Vinous as masterful expressions of their Tuscan terroir, these top rated Avignonesi selections range from two 100% Sangiovese wines to a highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, an array of deliciously savory Tuscan reds crafted near the medieval town of Montepulciano at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. After purchasing the historic Avignonesi winery in 2009, energetic owner Virginie Saverys began transforming the estate vineyards to sustainable viticulture while expanding the estate’s holdings to 175 hectares over the next decade, becoming the largest biodynamic certified winery in Italy. Located in Italy’s first and oldest red wine appellation at altitudes ranging up to 375 meters above sea level, the estate’s rolling vineyards in western Tuscany are planted in sedimentary soils of calcareous limestone, clay and sand, each parcel identified through an extensive geographic study and vinified separately in Avignonesi’s state-of-the-art cellars. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese and aged for 6 months in oak barrels, the fresh and juicy 91 pt. 2021 Avignonesi Rosso di Montalcino is described as “a pure expression of the Tuscan grape” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner boasting fragrant, lightly spiced fruit layered with silky tannins on a refined, mineral finish and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. While many wineries in the region adhere to the minimum 70%, the enticing 94 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, revealing bright fruit “with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson that will continue to evolve for another 10 years or more. Described as “long, fresh and juicy” by James Suckling, the elegant 93 pt. 2020 Avignonesi Grifi is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and large Slavonian oak casks, revealing robust, luscious fruit and harmonious acidity with layers of tannins promising nearly a decade of enjoyment. From the Tuscan estate Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls a "reference point in Montepulciano," these delicious and age worthy Avignonesi selections all offer “a terrific value proposition” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, an array of top scoring Tuscan gems unbeatably priced for stocking the cellar. | ||
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| 2019 La Dame de Montrose (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you missed any of these outstanding selections the first time around or simply need to restock, here's a chance to acquire some top rated Bordeaux blends from the exceptional 2019 vintage at bargain prices, all scoring 92 pts. and above in a range of styles, perfect for mixing a case or two or choosing a few favorites and all impressive values under $35. Described as “superb” by Neal Martin of Vinous, Bernard Magrez's 93 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Grands Chenes offers lush dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from the producer of Chateau Pape Clement, this Cru Bourgeois estate “making some of the best value wines of the Medoc” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Sourced from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 92 pt. Chateau Senejac offers “great energy and brightness” that’s ready to enjoy now according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted of even parts Cab Franc and Merlot by superstar Stephane Derenoncourt, Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 93 pt. 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel “impeccable,” and “especially fine for Lussac where the wines are rarely this polished,” while the Delon’s family 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Potensac is produced with the same meticulous attention to detail as their iconic Grand Vin from Chateau Leoville Las Cases and “showing beautifully” according to Jeb Dunnuck, calling it a “wine to buy in multiples or a case.” Named a Cellar Selection by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, the stunning 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Laffitte Carcasset “packs a ton of punch” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, while the 93 pt. 2019 Clos Marsalette is “impeccable from start to finish.” Calling it “a consistently successful Neipperg wine in Pessac,” from the owner of Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux notes the muscular 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney has “plenty of texture and swagger” promising over a decade of evolution ahead. Boasting ageworthy structure promising years of enjoyment, these highly rated 2019 Bordeaux bargains offer Bordeaux lovers and collectors an opportunity to stock up and enjoy top scording Bordeaux often without breaking the bank, delivered in perfect provenance at best on the market prices. | ||
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| 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Carneros, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Frank Family Vineyards has earned a loyal following for their consistently outstanding wines priced well below their fellow Napa competitors, and these Napa Valley selections are no exception, a spectrum of ready-to-enjoy wines from outstanding California vintages, ranging from their opulent Carneros Chardonnay to a top-scoring Napa Cab described as “superb” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, all delivering exceptional value. Working from 380 acres of estate vineyards in Carneros, Rutherford, and Capell Valley, long-time winemaker and GM Todd Graff employs the same barrel aging across the entire Napa line-up, utilizing a mix of one-third new French oak barrels with one-third once-used barrels and one-third twice-used barrels. Sourced from cooler climate vineyards in Carneros, the luscious 2023 Frank Family Vineyard Chardonnay balances rich, fragrant fruit and a creamy texture from lees stirring with bright acidity, while the aromatic 2022 Frank Family Pinot Noir reveals fresh, juicy fruit hinting of earthy spice with vibrant acidity on a satiny finish. The 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Zinfandel offers ripe, dark bramble fruit layered with pepper and spice from estate vineyards in Capell Valley and Rutherford, while the smooth and satisfying, 2021 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains well-integrated tannins that promise a decade of longevity. A range of deliciously appealing Napa Valley wines that over-deliver, these Frank Family Vineyards selections reflect Frank Family’s trademark consistency and quality, guaranteed to please at a price that won’t break the bank. | ||
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| 2022 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Santa Maria, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from a single vineyard planted with some of the oldest vines on California’s Central Coast, the elegant 94-point 2022 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia’s Vineyard is a stunning California Pinot at an equally stunning value, offering bright aromatic fruit hinting of earthy spice with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, a beautifully crafted expression of Santa Maria Valley’s cool-climate terroir unbeatably priced to reach for often. Named to honor the founders’ youngest daughter, Julia’s Vineyard is planted with a diverse array of Pinot Noir clones in sandy, alluvial soils of fossilized seashells, shale, and limestone between 400 and 800 feet above sea level, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderating temperatures and allowing for extended hangtime. After fermenting the single-vineyard, estate fruit in 100% stainless steel, winemaker Jill Russell aged the flagship 2022 Julia’s Vineyard in 22% new French oak, yielding a classically styled Pinot Noir with bright red fruit flavors and seamless, balanced tannins, and “a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir” as described by Jeb Dunnuck. Named an “Editor’s Choice” by the Wine Enthusiast as “the best Pinot at this price on the market,” the enticing 94-point 2022 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia’s Vineyard is a sure bet for California Pinot fans seeking outstanding value, an overachiever among some of the most esteemed wine producers of Santa Barbara County that's bargain priced for stocking up. | ||
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| 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “crystal clear expression” of Rioja by Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous, Bodegas Muga fans and Rioja collectors won’t need convincing to stock up on the irresistible 95 pt. 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial, a silky and concentrated Rioja offering fresh, ripe dark fruit with earthy minerality and integrated, polished tannins built to enjoy over the next decade and beyond at a terrific price. Located among the region’s most historic wineries, the iconic tower of Bodegas Muga marks its location in Haro's Barrio de la Estacion, the winery complex built in 1971 with an on-site cooperage managed by Spain’s only master cooper and where all of Muga’s oak barrels and casks are made. Produced from vines averaging over 37 years of age, the 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano sourced from clay-limestone terraces located on the cooler slopes of Montes Obarenes and Sierra Cantabria, the specially selected grapes coming primarily from high altitude vineyards between 430 and 450 meters above sea level stretching from Villalba to Abalos. Fermenting with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, third generation winemaker Jorge Muga aged the enticing and long-lasting 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial for 26 months in 40% new French oak barrels and 18 months longer in bottle before release, yielding a “complex and nuanced” Rioja according to the Wine Advocate’s Luiz Gutierrez with “abundant, fine-grained tannins and a long, dry and tasty finish.” Crafted in the style of a traditional Reserva with extended aging, the impressive 95 pt. 2019 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial is ready to enjoy and built to evolve well over the next 15 years, “a structured, polished delight” according to critic Tim Atkin and a winning choice for Muga’s loyal cult-like following and collectors of age worthy Rioja seeking outstanding value. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Christo (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From a California vintage described as “amazing” by James Suckling, these highly rated 2021 Marietta Cellars selection are crafted in a “deliciously drinkable style” according to Jeb Dunnuck, a wide range of vineyard-focused cuvees sourced exclusively from estate fruit and affordably priced for stocking up by the case. Established by third generation Sonoma native Chris Bilbro over four decades ago, Marietta Cellars has continued its founder’s legacy of producing exceptional, reasonably priced California wines under his son Scot since 2012, sourcing the portfolio from over 400 acres of organically farmed estate vineyards. Crafted from mostly old vine Syrah dating back to the late 1800’s, the sumptuous 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Christo boasts ripe, succulent dark fruit hinting of peppery herbs with zesty acidity, a silky Rhone blend with integrated tannins promising to evolve over the next decade. The powerful 93 pt. 2021 Marietta Arme is an impressive Bordeaux style blend dominated by rich California Cabernet Sauvignon described as “incredibly elegant” by the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks. Sourced from the 35-acre Angeli Vineyard first planted in the late 1880’s, the 96 pt. 2021 Marietta Angeli is a blend of old vine Zinfandel with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Syrah aged in neutral barrels, offering bright, spiced fruit with a seamless, silky texture and harmonious tannins built to satisfy a Zinfandel craving over the next decade and called “absolutely delicious” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni.. Sourced from old vine Syrah planted over a century ago, the powerful 95 pt. 2021 Marietta Gibson Block Syrah is “intensely bold and savory” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, revealing richly concentrated fruit hinting of graphite with refined, integrated tannins and vibrant acidity, summed up as “absolutely delicious” by critic Galloni and promising to mature gracefully in the cellar for another ten years or more. Living up to Marietta’s long-time reputation for over delivering value, Antonio Galloni of Vinous declared “Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range,” these unbeatably priced 2021 Marietta selections an opportunity for Marietta fans to stock up on their favorites and for newbies to mix a case and enjoy Marietta’s combination of exceptional quality and outstanding bang for the buck. | ||
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| 2007 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A Rioja lover’s dream assortment, these traditionally styled selections from Lopez de Heredia come from one of the region’s most esteemed Bodegas with over a century of expertise as grower-producers, their legendary, long-lived Riojas released only after lengthy aging in their famously moldy and cobweb-laced cellars, perfect for mixing a case or two at a price that “seems like a steal” according to Wine and Spirits. As the last remaining family-run Bodegas in Rioja, winemaking at Lopez de Heredia has remained remarkably unchanged since its inception in 1877, crafting its wines in the Vina Tondonia winery in Haro with only estate-grown fruit, fermenting with natural yeasts and aging for extended periods in wood before bottling without filtration and further aging in the bottle. Summing up the long-lived aging potential of each of these Lopez de Heredia selections, critic Neal Martin declares “a bottle of Lopez de Heredia is an individual and each time you meet, you may see a different side to its personality,” reflecting the pure authenticity, remarkable ageability and striking complexity of these top vintages and promising pleasurable drinking ahead for Rioja fans and Spanish wine collectors who act quickly to secure their picks from this value packed offer. | ||
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| 2023 Flowers Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Driving up California’s Highway 1 from Bodega Bay with stunning Pacific Ocean vistas in view, it may be easy to see why Joan and Walt Flowers fell in love with the rugged landscape of Camp Meeting Ridge, but it’s hard to imagine how they ever thought the steep, high altitude terrain would become a prime site for growing Chardonnay. Despite the advice of UC Davis that the area was inhospitable for growing grapes, the Flowers’ hands-on experience as nursery owners led them to establish Flowers Vineyard and Winery on the property in 1998, producing Burgundy style Chardonnay boasting “elegance and intensity with great balance” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Melanie Wynne and attracting an influx of elite winemakers including Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Peter Michael and Williams. Credited with “helping to set a new standard of quality“ in the region according to the Wine Spectator’s Kim Marcus, the Flowers’ partnership with Quintessa owner Agustin Huneeus since 2009 has taken Flowers “to a whole new level” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the strategic investments including hiring top Burgundy winemaker and consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac to work alongside winemaker Chantal Forthum since 2016. Sourced from the estate’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge as well as several coastal partner vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, winemaker Forthum aged the enticing 2023 Flowers Chardonnay in 18% new French oak for 10 months, yielding a beautifully balanced Chard boasting savory fresh fruit with vibrant acidity and chalky minerality that promises pleasurable drinking over the next 5 or more years. From an exceptional Sonoma vintage producing vibrant acidity and remarkable balance, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reflects Flowers' long standing reputation for“capturing the pedigree” of its coastal terroir according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, an easy call for fans of cool climate California Chard to stock the cooler with a Top 100 wine at a bargain price.Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing “a classic elegant Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that does everything right,” the elegant 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast lives up to the winery’s reputation as the standard bearer for cool climate Chardonnay from the windswept Pacific coastal region, a delicious, refreshing Chardonnay offering lush, aromatic stone and citrus fruit with a creamy texture and bright acidity on a long, minerally finish and one of the top values on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024. Sourced from an excellent Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegantly aromatic 93 pt. 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir comes from the Flower’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate as well as select family-owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and was aged in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding a fresh and delicious Pinot with enticing dark berry fruit hinting of spice and earthy forest on a backbone of flinty, mineral-driven acidity, built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade. | ||
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| NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Henri Giraud's artfully crafted Champagnes are mainstays at B-21, with a thrilling line-up anchored by the overwhelming fan-favorite Esprit Brut Nature. We've always considered it an overperforming value, and now we've secured special pricing, under $50 for a limited time. "Medium-bodied, round and sappy, it's slightly creamy, with an elegant, fresh mid-palate that segues into an ethereal, long finish..." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Add to our must-see pricing some new, impressive reviews, and you have a can't-miss Champagne proposition that any devoted bubbles fan would be wise to jump at. An already glowing 95-point review from James Suckling earlier in the summer is complemented by Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing, who recently tagged the Esprit with his own solid 93-point review on his way to declaring "the Champagnes from this house to be among the finest, most elegant and most precise that I tasted on my last trip." This latest release is another notch of success in the estate's transition to a much more elegant, refined style in recent years, and it shows the kind of tremendous upward trajectory that makes today's opportunity to stock up at a steal all the more compelling. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Here’s a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of top-rated wines from Patz & Hall, experts in California cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourced from Sonoma’s most iconic vineyards and offered at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. Sharing a mutual passion for Burgundian style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, veteran winemaker James Hall joined with partners Donald Patz, Anne Moses and Heather Patz to establish Patz & Hall in 1988, sourcing their wines with the region’s most prestigious growers including Dutton Ranch and maintaining those long-term relationships over the last three decades. Retaining his role as head winemaker after its purchase in 2016 by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, James recently bought back the winery with his investment partners, continuing the Patz & Hall legacy of producing vineyard-designated and regional blends of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have consistently earned 90 plus pt. scores. Sourced from a collection of eighteen single-vineyard quality sites that reads like a who’s who of Sonoma’s vineyards including Dutton Ranch, Gap’s Crown, Zio Tony and Durrell, the rich and harmonious 93 pt. 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay aged on the lees in 26% new French oak barrels for 10 months, yielding bright lightly spiced fruit with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity, described by Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck as finishing with “a nice flourish of decadence” and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. A silky and mouthwatering Russian River Chardonnay, the 95 pt. 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch was aged for 16 months in 25% new French oak, described as called an “elegant wine” that “seduces you slowly” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon, who calls its crisp, clean expression of California Chard “a breath of fresh air.” The elegant 94pt 2020 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir offers aromatic juicy spiced fruit structured by grainy tannins and bright acidity, a seamless, silky Pinot sourced from sixteen diverse vineyards and aged in 40% new French oak that’s beautifully approachable now and built to enjoy over the next five or more years. Described as “one of California’s most consistently outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, these high scoring Patz & Hall selections range from the enticing entry level and single vineyard Chardonnays to “a classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that won’t break the bank” according to Jeb Dunnuck, an easy call for fans of California cool climate wines seeking outstanding value to stock up and enjoy often. | ||
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| 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Russian River, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Here’s a terrific opportunity to stock up on an array of top-rated wines from Patz & Hall, experts in California cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourced from Sonoma’s most iconic vineyards and offered at bargain pricing perfect for mixing a case. Sharing a mutual passion for Burgundian style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, veteran winemaker James Hall joined with partners Donald Patz, Anne Moses and Heather Patz to establish Patz & Hall in 1988, sourcing their wines with the region’s most prestigious growers including Dutton Ranch and maintaining those long-term relationships over the last three decades. Retaining his role as head winemaker after its purchase in 2016 by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, James recently bought back the winery with his investment partners, continuing the Patz & Hall legacy of producing vineyard-designated and regional blends of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have consistently earned 90 plus pt. scores. Sourced from a collection of eighteen single-vineyard quality sites that reads like a who’s who of Sonoma’s vineyards including Dutton Ranch, Gap’s Crown, Zio Tony and Durrell, the rich and harmonious 93 pt. 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay aged on the lees in 26% new French oak barrels for 10 months, yielding bright lightly spiced fruit with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity, described by Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck as finishing with “a nice flourish of decadence” and ready to enjoy over the next five or so years. A silky and mouthwatering Russian River Chardonnay, the 95 pt. 2021 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Dutton Ranch was aged for 16 months in 25% new French oak, described as called an “elegant wine” that “seduces you slowly” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon, who calls its crisp, clean expression of California Chard “a breath of fresh air.” The elegant 94pt 2020 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir offers aromatic juicy spiced fruit structured by grainy tannins and bright acidity, a seamless, silky Pinot sourced from sixteen diverse vineyards and aged in 40% new French oak that’s beautifully approachable now and built to enjoy over the next five or more years. Described as “one of California’s most consistently outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers” by the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, these high scoring Patz & Hall selections range from the enticing entry level and single vineyard Chardonnays to “a classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that won’t break the bank” according to Jeb Dunnuck, an easy call for fans of California cool climate wines seeking outstanding value to stock up and enjoy often. | ||
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| 2018 Chateau Leoville Poyferre (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Sourced from over 80 hectares of estate vineyards in some of St. Julien’s best terroir, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Leoville-Poyferre boast Cabernet’s Sauvignon’s expressive dark fruit with elegant textured minerality and smooth, silky tannins, all luxurious, balanced Left Bank Bordeaux blends earning 94 plus point ratings and delivered ex-Chateau in perfect provenance at impressive value pricing. While dating back to 1638, Chateau Leoville-Poyferre’s modern renaissance began in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier became the first member of his family to take charge of the estate after studying winemaking under the legendary Emile Peynaud. Implementing an extensive renovation of the vineyards with massive replanting and nearly doubling the estate’s holdings, Didier hired renowned consultant Michel Rolland to manage the harvest and refine the final blend, shifting the estate’s emphasis to Cabernet Sauvignon and crafting the Grand Vin in a richer, more opulent style by harvesting later to ensure even ripening. Revisiting it at a retrospective tasting in 2021, James Suckling describes the full-bodied 100 pt. 2009 Leoville-Poyferre as “A red that gives wonderful pleasure now but will continue to do so for decades ahead.” Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the 95 pt. 2014 Leoville-Poyferre “Gorgeous” and “Super impressive” while Jeb Dunnuck describes the 97 pt. 2015 Leoville-Poyferre as an “unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty." Dunnuck calls the 98 pt. 2016 Leoville-Poyferre a “brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine,” while the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!” James Suckling calls the “serious” 95 pt. 2017 Leoville-Poyferre “one of the best of the appellation” while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss named both the 2017 and 2018 Cellar Selections built for the long haul. Finally, the “legendary” 100 pt. 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a “a total thrill that tops my scale” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck while Antonio Galloni declares the perfect 2018 “dazzles from start to finish,” earning it the #7 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021. All poised to reward Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, these perfectly cellared, top releases from Second Growth Chateau Leoville-Poyferre delivers powerfully concentrated fruit of exceptional depth and length with rich, ripe tannins, now offered at specially negotiated pricing, some ready to enjoy and all set to evolve in the cellar. After a recent retrospective tasting over the last two decades, Vinous critic Neal Martin summed it up: “Leoville-Poyferre has really taken flight” often "challenging the First Growths" and now offered in perfect condition at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Driving up California’s Highway 1 from Bodega Bay with stunning Pacific Ocean vistas in view, it may be easy to see why Joan and Walt Flowers fell in love with the rugged landscape of Camp Meeting Ridge, but it’s hard to imagine how they ever thought the steep, high altitude terrain would become a prime site for growing Chardonnay. Despite the advice of UC Davis that the area was inhospitable for growing grapes, the Flowers’ hands-on experience as nursery owners led them to establish Flowers Vineyard and Winery on the property in 1998, producing Burgundy style Chardonnay boasting “elegance and intensity with great balance” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Melanie Wynne and attracting an influx of elite winemakers including Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Peter Michael and Williams. Credited with “helping to set a new standard of quality“ in the region according to the Wine Spectator’s Kim Marcus, the Flowers’ partnership with Quintessa owner Agustin Huneeus since 2009 has taken Flowers “to a whole new level” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the strategic investments including hiring top Burgundy winemaker and consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac to work alongside winemaker Chantal Forthum since 2016. Sourced from the estate’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge as well as several coastal partner vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, winemaker Forthum aged the enticing 2023 Flowers Chardonnay in 18% new French oak for 10 months, yielding a beautifully balanced Chard boasting savory fresh fruit with vibrant acidity and chalky minerality that promises pleasurable drinking over the next 5 or more years. From an exceptional Sonoma vintage producing vibrant acidity and remarkable balance, the refreshing 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reflects Flowers' long standing reputation for“capturing the pedigree” of its coastal terroir according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, an easy call for fans of cool climate California Chard to stock the cooler with a Top 100 wine at a bargain price.Described by Jeb Dunnuck as producing “a classic elegant Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that does everything right,” the elegant 93 pt. 2023 Flowers Sonoma Coast lives up to the winery’s reputation as the standard bearer for cool climate Chardonnay from the windswept Pacific coastal region, a delicious, refreshing Chardonnay offering lush, aromatic stone and citrus fruit with a creamy texture and bright acidity on a long, minerally finish and one of the top values on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024. Sourced from an excellent Sonoma vintage where “Pinot Noir leads the way” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the elegantly aromatic 93 pt. 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir comes from the Flower’s organically farmed Sea View Ridge estate as well as select family-owned vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and was aged in 20% new French oak for 11 months, yielding a fresh and delicious Pinot with enticing dark berry fruit hinting of spice and earthy forest on a backbone of flinty, mineral-driven acidity, built to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next decade. | ||
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