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| 2018 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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| 2019 Chateau Chasse-Spleen (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis, 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 Bernard Fouquet Domaine des Aubuisieres Vouvray Cuvee de Silex (750ml) | ||
| Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Loire, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Over his many decades at the renowned Domaine de Aubuisieres, Bernard Fouquet has done as much as anyone to define the Vouvray appellation on the world stage, and the wines have long been fan-favorite best-sellers at B-21. Having entered retirement in 2023, Fouquet handed his treasured domaine to a new generation of talent in winemaker Charles Lesaffre, who continues Fouquet's excellent track record for quality and value. We've cultivated quite the fanbase for the domaine's entry-level Cuvée de Silex, and after a recent tasting of the newly arrived 2023 vintage, we can confidently say it's another value standout that will thrill long-time fans. Made from 60-year-old vines on ... you guessed it, silex soils, the 2023 conveys its terroir in exceptional fashion. Flinty and mineral to the core, the profile is also imbued with approachably ripe, exotic fruits that make a true crowd-pleaser and cuisine friendly pairing in every sense. Not often do we find benchmark examples with top-tier pedigree for under $20, but the 2023 Cuvée de Silex more than maintains the world-class value reputation that has made it such an admired wine for our clients over the years. | ||
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| 2019 Caiarossa (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Located a few miles north of coastal Bolgheri in the Cecina River Valley, the Caiarossa estate boasts a hilly terrain covered with the brilliant red or “rossa” gravelly soil for which it is named, enjoying a steady rise in quality since its purchase in 2004 by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château du Tertre and Château Giscours in Margaux. Divided into distinct parcels and located at around 600 meters of altitude, Caiarossa’s 31 hectares of vines are spread across three sites on the wooded 70 hectare estate, planted with eight different red varietals including Bordeaux grapes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Rhone’s Syrah, Grenache (Alicante), and Mourvedre, and Tuscany’s native Sangiovese, all farmed biodynamically. This trio of acclaimed recent vintages shows why the estate is a true Tuscan insider's favorite, led by the stunning 96-point 2019, an artful, elegant Super Tuscan blend balancing fresh, layered dark fruit and refined, smooth tannins with powerful structure, showing “impressive depth and textural richness” according to Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner. Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2020 "the best wine I have tasted off this property in some time, perhaps ever" on his way to tagging it with an impressive 95 points. Finally, the epic 2021 Tuscany vintage is on full display with Caiarossa's flagship rendition. Larner remarks, "These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core" in her 95-point review, one among a bevy of glowing press across the board from every prominent voice in the critical sphere. | ||
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| 2019 Orma (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Orma means footprint in Italian and certainly the Sette Ponti estate’s Super Tuscan blend Orma has established a large one – upon its initial release in 2005, wine critic James Suckling declared, “this Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri is a challenger to Sassicaia and Ornellaia.” Nestled between these two estates near the west coast of Tuscany, pioneering proprietor Antonia Moretti and celebrated consulting winemaker Giuseppe Caviola craft the flagship Orma cuvee of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, these top Orma vintages rivalling their high-profile neighbors in a range of formats and each delivering exceptional value at a fraction of the price.
As Orma continues its stellar trajectory vintage over vintage, B-21 collectors and fans of Bordeaux inspired Italian blends will agree with Antonio Galloni of Vinous who declared “Antonio Moretti’s Orma seems to keep getting better with each passing vintage,” this vertical offer a rare opportunity to mix a case and enjoy Orma’s thrilling evolution at unbeatable value pricing. | ||
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| 2019 Joanin Becot (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “This wine made a significant impression on me.”- Yohan Castaing,Wine Advocate From the lesser travelled Right Bank region producing cooler climate Bordeaux blends with an “enviable reputation” according to Decanter’s James Lawther, the lush and elegant 93 pt. 2019 Joanin Becot offers fresh aromatic and juicy dark fruit with supple, chalky tannins on a lengthy, luxurious finish, a lavish Cotes de Castillon described as a “pure, incredibly elegant, balanced beauty” by Jeb Dunnuck and value priced at a fraction of its St. Emilion neighbors to stock the cellar and enjoy over the next decade. Located in the commune of Saint Philippe d'Aiguilhe, Chateau Joanin Becot is situated on Bordeaux’s Right Bank on a limestone plateau at some of the highest elevations in the Cotes de Castillon, considered the finest terroir in the region and purchased as a “father-daughter” project of Gerard and Juliette Becot in 2001, the family also well-known as the owners of St. Emilion’s Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot. Home to a number of high-profile vintners including Stephan von Neipperg of Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere and La Mondotte and famed consulting enologist Stephane Derenoncourt, Joanin Becot’s 15 hectares of vineyards in the Cotes de Castillon are planted in clay and limestone soils to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the vines averaging around 40 years of age including a parcel of Cab Franc that dates back to 1870. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, winemaker Juliette Becot employed strict plot by plot selection of the hand harvested grapes before aging the 2019 Joanin Becot in a mix of 50% new French oak barrels along with vats, amphorae and tuns, yielding a “vibrant, elegant, yet still concentrated and impeccably made Bordeaux” according to Jeb Dunnuck built to evolve over the next decade and beyond and summed up as “great stuff” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson. Declaring the estate one of his favorite producers in the region, the Wine Advocate’s Yohan Castaing noted “what is striking about this estate is the aromatic brilliance of the wines, the precision of the palate and the great value,” the rich and refined 93 pt. 2019 Joanin Becot delivering exceptional quality from an outstanding vintage at a bargain price for Bordeaux collectors to pull the cork and pour freely whenever a taste of Right Bank Bordeaux beckons. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau La Vieille Cure (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as “one of the clear go-to wines in Fronsac” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the opulent 93 pt. 2019 Chateau La Vieille Cure boasts fresh, ripe dark fruit hinting of spiced chocolate with rich, velvety tannins on an elegant finish, an under the radar gem that “dazzles from start to finish” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous and a top value for Bordeaux fans to stash away and savor over the next decade. Declared “so reliable” by critic Jane Anson that it’s “a bellwether to the success of a vintage,” Chateau La Vieille Cure is considered a benchmark in the region, its exceptional consistency over the last decade driven by winemaker Jean Luc Thunevin, the well-known consultant and owner of Valandraud who took the reins in 2013. Considered one of the top terroirs in Fronsac, the 20-hectare Chateau La Vieille Cure vineyard is situated in a single contiguous plot facing Pomerol, planted mostly to Merlot averaging 40 years of age with the oldest vines over 75 years in limestone-rich clay soils mixed with chalk sloping up to 65 meters, its southwest exposure encouraging optimal ripening. Fermenting the hand harvested grapes with indigenous yeasts, the seductive 2019 La Vieille Cure is a blend of 75% Merlot with 22% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a third new French oak barrels, yielding a luscious, full-bodied Bordeaux blend that's already a pleasurable pour and summed up by Jeb Dunnuck as a “classic Right Bank beauty to drink over the coming 10-12 years.” From an outstanding vintage producing rich and structured reds with “wonderful freshness and brightness” according to James Suckling, the elegant 93 pt. 2019 Chateau La Vieille Cure offers stunning quality matching many of the wines of nearby St. Emilion at a bargain price, “a year-in, year-out best value” according to Jeb Dunnuck that “does everything right” and an easy call for Bordeaux bargain hunters seeking a thrilling wine at an equally thrilling price. | ||
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| 2020 Tardieu Laurent Crozes Hermitage Vieilles Vignes (750ml) | ||
| Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From an excellent Rhône vintage boasting “a wealth of beautiful wines” according to Jeb Dunnuck, these top scoring 2020 Tardieu Laurent selections offer Rhône fans and collectors a bounty of outstanding values, meticulously crafted by legendary negociant winemaker Michel Tardieu and his son from low-yielding, old vines throughout the Rhone and well-priced for mixing a case. Collaborating with a network of long-time growers from bud break to harvest, Michel Tardieu and his son Bastien transport the fermented wines from each grower to their cellars in Provence, employing a unique aging regimen for each cuvee utilizing a mix of new and used French oak barrels and foudres and bottling without filtration or fining. Powerfully concentrated 100% Syrah from the Northern Rhone, the vines for the full-bodied 93-point 2020 Tardieu Laurent Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes are over 60 years of age, its bright fruit and velvety texture “already delicious” according to Dunnuck, ready to enjoy now with the complexity to evolve over time. From the Northern Rhône 's most iconic appellation, the intense and powerfully built 96-point 2020 Tardieu Laurent Hermitage comes from 100% Syrah over 60 years of age, “a sizable and mighty wine” according to Decanter’s Matt Walls, promising two decades or more of longevity. Rhône fans and collectors can rely on these top-rated, impeccably sourced 2020 Tardieu Laurent selections to overdeliver value and present a terrific opportunity to stock up on a trio of surefire bets from a master of Rhône terroir, all at unbeatable pricing. | ||
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| 2022 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "...the rate of improvement at this address has surpassed anything I thought possible, and this is now clearly an estate to watch closely." - William Kelley,Wine Advocate One of the great recent renaissance stories in Burgundy, Domaine des Malandes has enjoyed a meteoric rise in quality of late, driven by oenologist Guenole Breteaudeau and estate manager Richard Rottiers, whose own acclaimed Beaujolais domaine has propelled that region's upward trajectory through the last decade. An enviable stable of prime vineyard parcels now produces a benchmark line-up that is garnering serious attention once again. We tasted the entire line-up recently, and we can unequivocally say that these 2022s are absolutely enchanting. Described by Neal Martin of Vinous as “lovely” and “well balanced,” the 92-point 2022 1er Cru Mont de Milieu shows the character of the growing season in its rich tropical notes and bright acidity, while the 93-point 2022 1er Cru Cote de Lechet is a classically styled, steely Chablis with crisp, vibrant fruit and a lengthy, flinty finish, dubbed a “top choice for Chablis purists” by Martin. From two of the region’s best known 1er Crus and both aged in 20% used oak, the 2022 Montmains offers fresh, pure fruit flavors with a “subtle note of wood” according to Decanter’s Andy Howard that’s “all kept in check by some lovely, direct acidity,” while the 2022 Fourchaume boasts “a rich core of fruit, good concentration and bright acids” according to Wine Advocate’s William Kelley. Two outstanding Grand Crus sourced from old vine parcels showcase the heights of the domaine's potential excellence. The WA93 “satiny and suave" Vaudesir is “a fine success," while Kelley describes the 94-point Les Clos as “deep and layered” with 15 or more years of aging ahead. Both are matured in a mix of mainly neutral large oak barrels and stainless steel and rank among Kelley’s top picks of the vintage, along with Chablis royalty Raveneau and Dauvissat. As Martin notes, Chablis "continues to offer a slew of affordable alternatives to Cote de Beaune whites,” clearly demonstrated in these selections from Domaine des Malandes, which are easily among the region’s most undervalued gems. | ||
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| 2019 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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| 2015 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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| 2019 Pedesclaux (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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| 2022 Schiopetto Collio Pinot Grigio (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Grigio from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A dazzling selection from the exceptional northern Italian producer “who put Friuli on the map” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these top rated Schiopetto selections are crafted as unique and transparent expressions of their northern Italian terroir, providing an opportunity for anyone seeking to explore the exceptional range of white wines from the Collio region as well as two high scoring red cuvees at outstanding pricing. Among the first to prove “Italy can make serious whites” according to Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, Schiopetto is one of the oldest wineries in northeastern Italy, now spanning 30 hectares of estate vineyards planted on the ancient sea beds of marly clay and limestone known locally as ponca. While all the Schiopetto wines offer aromatic fruit and distinct minerality, here are some unique highlights of each selection:
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| 2022 Antinori Cervaro della Sala (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Umbria, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Twenty-six generations of the Antinori family have built upon a family dynasty dating to 1385 when Antinori's ancestors joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners. Having developed estates in Tuscany's finest and most progressive viticultural areas of Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Montepulciano, they turned their sights to Umbria, and the 14th century Castello della Sala in the city of Orvieto. Originally owned by one of the most powerful, noble families of Orvieto, the Monaldeschi – feudatories of Charlemagne, King of the Franks – the Castello della Sala represents the ancient history of Umbria, passing through multiple noble families until being acquired by the Antinori family in 1940. Fast-forward to 1979, Renzo Cotarella arrived, and, in less than ten years, created the wines which would come to symbolize this historic estate. A famous, professional agronomist, Cotarella launched an ambitious project of varietal substitution; a program aimed at producing white wines of greater personality than those produced in the Orvieto Classico appellation at the time. Chardonnay would become the backbone of Cotarella's new masterpiece, with the local Grechetto grape utilized (10-15%) for balancing acidity. Cervaro della Sala stands as a benchmark today; a wine which resonates so forcefully within its category that it has become emblematic of the category itself. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Arme (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon 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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| 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
| Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a Burgundian style expressing “purity, minerality and depth of fruit” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these top scoring 2022 selections from cult favorite Willamette Valley winery Walter Scott are not to be missed by fans of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a range of exceptional 2022’s declared “wildly successful” by critic Guido and all boasting complexity built for a decade or more of evolution. Founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow in the Eola-Amity Hills, Walter Scott was named to honor Ken’s late grandfather and nephew, producing its first vintage in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and moving the operation over to Evening Land Vineyards where Ken went to work in sales and in the cellar under the tutelage of Dominique Lafon. Now produced in a small winery leased from the Casteel family of Bethel Heights Winery, Walter Scott continues “to raise the bar across their portfolio” according to Jeb Dunnuck critic Audrey Frick, “producing exceptional wines with purity and balance” and sourcing their wines from some of region’s top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. Produced from four vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, the bright 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott La Combe Verte Pinot Noir offers pure, earthy fruit “back by juicy acidity and silky tannins” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty, calling the entry level offering a “great buy.” A cellar selection bridging the gap between the La Combe Verte and the single vineyard cuvees, the fresh and vibrant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir boasts “ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity” according to Eric Guido of Vinous, describing it as “wonderfully complex and refined, making it a fantastic value.” From the iconic vineyard located in the new Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, the dark fruited and intense 97 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is “silky and fresh” according to the Wine Advocate’s Erin Brooks with rich, velvety tannins on a palate that’s “seamless yet powerful.” Boasting “masses of ripe orchard fruits and salty minerals,” Eric Guido of Vinous calls the 95 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Chardonnay “a beast of a wine" boasting a silky texture and substantial depth. The elegant 94 pt. 2022 Walter Scott Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir is “a wine of intense brilliance” according to Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse with layers of velvety tannins that will “undoubtedly transform beautifully over time." From their benchmark Chardonnays that are “easily some of the best examples I have tasted” according to critic Eric Guido to their “pretty amazing” Pinots, these 2022 Walter Scott selections are well priced for their loyal fans to stock up as well as lovers of Oregon wines looking to explore this exceptional portfolio – echoing Vinous critic Neal Martin who counts Walter Scott among his great discoveries, “If you have not tried these wines yet, do yourself a favor." | ||
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| 2022 Frank Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, 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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| 2021 Avignonesi Rosso 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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| Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit B-21 Single Barrel Select Bourbon (750ml) | ||
| From Lawrenceburg, Kentucky | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Fans of the Russell Family magic will not be disappointed with this one." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer Half the fun of being a whiskey fanatic is discovering the endless array of nuance and detail in your favorite styles and brands. The best way to do that is often in single barrels, and this hand-picked, B-21 exclusive from the iconic Wild Turkey is a prime example. The Russell family's benchmark distillery has been setting the tone in Kentucky bourbon for generations, starting with their first-in-the-game, single-barrel bottlings. The Kentucky Spirit line offers singular profiles that still bear the hallmark Wild Turkey character, and that's exactly what we found in barrel #22-0310. An unmistakably spice-driven aromatic profile practically shouts this bourbon's reference-point pedigree, while the palate takes the familiar 101-proof intensity up a notch with nuanced opulence and sweetness that bring an extra dimension to the characteristically savory flavors. If you're a fan of Wild Turkey, this barrel will give you everything you're looking for and then some. | ||
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| 2016 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva (750ml) | ||
| Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Bodegas Muga's status as an all-time Rioja reference-point is reaffirmed with a Prado Enea for the ages. Muga's flagship bottling is always a coveted item, and this WA97+ rendition is already showing legendary pedigree that will thrill collectors and connoisseurs of Spain's finest. "The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making ... with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle." - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate A universally lauded expression of this classic Rioja Gran Reserva, the 2016 boasts towering press including no fewer than four 97-point scores, putting it in rarified air among the greatest vintages of this Spanish icon in the 21st century. "A brilliant wine with a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it" per Jeb Dunnuck, this is collectible Rioja class at its very best. | ||
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| 2021 Marietta Angeli Cuvee (750ml) | ||
| Zinfandel from Sonoma, 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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| Jacquesson Cuvee 746 (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Champagne, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Champagnes of naked purity and brilliance...” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous The elegant. 95-point Jacquesson Cuvee No. 746 is a silky, richly layered Champagne revealing a core of fresh, mouthwatering fruit with a delicate, finely beaded mousse on a long, racy finish, an irresistible, vineyard-driven cuvee from a top grower estate unbeatably priced for Champagne lovers and collectors to stock the cellar. Just a few minutes from Epernay in the small village of Dizy, Champagne Jacquesson has a long history as an innovator in the region as one of the Champagne’s oldest houses, among the first in the region to plant vines in rows under the advisement of pioneering viticulturist Dr. Jules Guyot, patenting the wire basket known as the muselet that continues as the standard for holding sparkling wine corks in place and predating Champagne Krug by nearly a half century before Johann-Joseph Krug left his role as cellarmaster at Jacquesson to form his eponymous house in 1843. Eventually purchased by the Chiquet family in 1974, brothers Jean-Herve and Laurent Chiquet have been the force behind the estate’s laser focus on producing vineyard driven Champagne, sustainably farming their 28 hectares of Grand Cru and 1er Cru vineyards while lowering yields and transforming their business with the creation of the sequentially numbered, vintage-based Cuvee, numbering the first release in 2004 as Cuvee 728 to mark the estate’s 728th wine produced. Described by Champagne expert Peter Liem as “consistently one of the best non-vintage Bruts on the market,” the Jacquesson 746 consists of mostly Chardonnay with smaller amounts of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sourced from three Grand Crus (Ay, Avize and Oiry) and two 1er Crus (Dizy and Hautvillers), consisting of a base from the exceptional 2018 vintage blended with about 25% from one of the oldest reserve wine collections in Champagne. Vinified in large old oak foudres, the enticing Jacquesson 746 aged on the lees for 4 years before disgorgement and was bottled without filtration with a minimal dosage of 2 grams per liter, offering both “immediacy as well as structure,” according to Jeb Dunnuck's Champagne critic Audrey Frick, that will continue to provide lasting enjoyment over the next decade and beyond. Described as “absolutely delicious” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the luxurious 95-point Jacquesson 746 is a testament to the quality legacy of the Chiquet brothers bottled prior to the estate’s sale to Artemis Domaines in 2022, ranking among the region’s top values at a fraction of the price of similarly crafted Grand Marque cuvees and a great deal on an impressive artisan Champagne worthy of celebrating and sharing. | ||
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| 2023 Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire (750ml) | ||
| Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Clearly a level up from the regular cuvée ... This is worth seeking out." - Neal Martin,Vinous In a single generation, the Brocard family has gone from 1.5-hectares of vines to one of Chablis' household names and a top-selling favorite among Burgundy fans at B-21. With the latest arrivals from the 2023 vintage, it's clear that the domaine turned out another fine range of sharp buys, led by the always reliable, "very haromnious" Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire. Made from vines all planted before 1970, this is as consistent a performer as you'll find in its price tier, the latest rendition being "well balanced with a fine line of acidity, quite tensile with pleasing weight," according to Martin. Redolent of old-vine complexity with "clearly a greater weight of fruit," the 2023 VV Sainte-Claire is that perfect go-to candidate that will offer Chablis fans all the hallmark terroir character that they're looking for at a best-in-market price that makes it easy to open on any occasion. | ||
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| 2020 Mazzei Siepi (750ml) | ||
| Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese’s structure and acidity, the outstanding 98 pt. 2020 Siepi boasts ripe, plush fruit hinting of savory herbs and spice with “enormous elegance and depth” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, hinting at its potential for evolving greatness and of course a Top 100 from James Suckling. Just eight miles from Siena in the historic village of Fonterutoli, 24 generations of the Mazzei family have been owners of the Fonterutoli Castle in Chianti Classico since 1435, boasting a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines as one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy and the world. Known for being the first winery to plant Merlot in the region over three decades ago, Mazzei’s 2020 Siepi is a 50-50 blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, sourced from vines ranging from 22 to 35 years of age. Located on a southeast-facing plateau between 220 and 310 meters above sea level, the organically farmed 14-hectare Siepi vineyard is planted on a well-draining alberese mix of clay and marl encircled by forests that cools the vineyard and prevents over-ripening in warmer years like 2020. After hand harvesting the grapes and fermenting the parcels in stainless steel, winemaker Gionata Pulignani aged the varietals separately, Merlot for 18 months in 70% new French barriques and Sangiovese for 16 months in 70% new tonneaux, before blending the 2020 Siepi, aging it an additional 4 months in concrete tanks and 4 months in bottle, yielding a powerful, harmonious blend with elegant, integrated tannins described as “an exceptionally beautiful wine” by Decanter’s Georgina Hindle. Crafted to offer immediate and youthful enjoyment but built for the long haul, the outstanding 98 pt. 2020 Siepi seamlessly integrates the best qualities of Merlot and Sangiovese, offering vibrant energetic fruit with mouthwatering acidity and “fabulous length” according to critic James Suckling, with layered complexity to “age gracefully for decades,” delivering exceptional value and one that collectors and lovers of Italian wine will want to make room for in the cellar. | ||
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| 2022 J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia, Washington State | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted in a cooler 2022 Washington State vintage producing “aromatic, elegant and approachable” wines according to Eric Guido of Vinous, the silky and plush 93 pt. 2022 J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromatic ripe dark fruit layered with supple, integrated tannins, one of the year’s top scoring Columbia Valley Cabs unbeatably priced to enjoy often. After building a solid reputation in viticulture in California’s San Joaquin Valley, pioneering Washington state grower Jerry Bookwalter moved to the Columbia Valley in the early 1970’s to manage the plantings of three famed Washington vineyards, Sagemoor, Bacchus and Dionysus, and eventually became manager of the Conner Lee Vineyard, renowned as the source of richly textured, balanced and complex wines. Providing grapes to many small, high-quality wineries including Leonetti Cellars and Woodward Canyon, Bookwalter was inspired to launch his own winery in 1982 and with the help of his son John, changed the winery’s focus to produce higher end reds from Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1990’s under the J. Bookwalter Winery label. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Syrah and 3% Petit Verdot sourced primarily from the Conner Lee Vineyard, the refined and full-bodied 2022 J. Bookwalter Foreshadow was aged for 18 months in a mix of new and neutral French oak, yielding a luscious, structured Cab with a lingering, spiced finish and substantial velvety tannins built for a decade or more of evolution. Described by the Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish as “a rich source for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon reds at moderate prices,” the bold and appealing 93 pt. 2022 J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon tops the list of Columbia Valley Cabs that overdeliver value, a welcome opportunity for lovers of robust, age worthy Cabs seeking a great deal to stock up on one of the region’s best at a bargain price. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Giscours (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A sweet deal on top scoring Bordeaux blends built for the cellar, these “six lollipop” selections are unbeatably priced under $60, an array of high scoring Left and Right Bank reds at terrific value pricing whether choosing a favorite or mixing a case.
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| 2021 Robert Mondavi The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is straight-up fabulous..." - Jeb Dunnuck No name in California wine history is as synonymous with Napa Cabernet as Robert Mondavi. Sourced from this revered estate's iconic To Kalon vineyard, an undisputed California "grand cru," the 2021 The Estates Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon makes the most of its pedigree and this acclaimed Napa vintage. A bevy of glowing praise, including 95 points from Decanter and 94 points each from Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck, confirms the wine's place as yet another benchmark expression of the valley's most famous AVA. "A wine of gravitas and power, the 2021 has a lot to offer," notes Galloni, who goes on to praise "a new level of energy and vibrancy in the Mondavi wines that is compelling." Rather than rest on their laurels, the team at Mondavi have redoubled their efforts to keep turning out stunning renditions such as this, and fans of expertly crafted Napa Valley Cabernet can add it to their cellars at a remarkable, sub-$60 price that's handily beats the rest of the market. | ||
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| 2021 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos (750ml) | ||
| Carmenere from Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “Indulgent, plush and rich on the palate, the 2021 vintage is indeed a standout for Clos Apalta.” - Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Sourced from the same vineyard as its iconic flagship cuvée, the 96-point 2020 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos boasts fresh dark fruit hinting of graphite and cedar spice with fine-grained abundant tannins on a long-lived finish, a stellar, age worthy second wine from the makers of Chile’s legendary Clos Apalta and bargain priced at a fraction of the grand vin. First crafted in 2014 as a youthful, approachable expression of the Clos Apalta terroir, the Le Petit Clos is made 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 Carménère while maintaining its freshness and acidity. The result is a beautifully balanced, harmonious blend with a rich, velvety texture and layered complexity structured for a decade or more of evolution. Declared “one heck of a second wine” by Jeb Dunnuck, the elegant 96-point 2021 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos continues the cuvée’s thrilling evolution as the region’s top-scoring, top-value Bordeaux blend, expertly crafted to express the terroir of Clos Apalta and promising savvy collectors who stock the cellar an equally thrilling evolution at an unbeatable price. | ||
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| 2020 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion (750ml) | ||
| Cabernet Franc from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described over recent vintages as “one of Bordeaux’s stars” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these high scoring 98-100 pt. selections from Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion are among Pessac-Leognan’s most unique and age worthy blends from three top vintages, reflecting Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s “distinctive, Cabernet Franc-driven DNA” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley and all incredibly priced well below its First Growth neighbors. Situated just a few rows of houses away from Chateau Haut-Brion, Les Carmes Haut Brion was once part of the First Growth with roots dating back to the 16th century, enjoying a stratospheric rise in quality led by the former winemaker of iconic Rhone producer M. Chapoutier Guillaume Pouthier along with renowned consultant Stephane Derenoncourt under the ownership of Patrice Pichet since 2010. Described as “a magical terroir” by Jeb Dunnuck, the Grand Vin is sourced from the top 7.6 hectares of the estate’s sustainably farmed 30 hectares of vines planted mostly to Cabernet Franc and Merlot with about a fifth Cabernet Sauvignon, the best terroir near the Chateau boasting Cab Franc vines dating back to World War II. Declared “a dead ringer for Haut-Brion” by Jeb Dunnuck, the magnificent 100 pt. 2018 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot matured in 75% new French oak barrels along with 16% foudres and 9% in terracotta amphoras for 24 months, revealing intensely aromatic, concentrated earthy black fruit with crushed stone and seamless, supple tannins, described as a “wine of dazzling intensity and stature” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and summed up as “a total knockout” built to deliver the goods over the next 30 plus years. A blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot aged for 24 months in 84% new French oak barrels with 7% in foudres and 9% in terracotta amphoras, the elegant 98 pt. 2019 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion is called “a gorgeous 2019” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson layering fresh, luscious aromatic fruit with refined, integrated tannins and boasting “a drinkability that makes you want a glass now, but could happily be enjoyed decades from now” according to Decanter’s Georgina Hindle, ranking #18 on Decanter’s Top Wines of 2023. Described as a “heavenly wine” that “you probably couldn't have too much of in the cellar” by Jeb Dunnuck, the full-bodied 2020 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot aged in 80% new French oak barrels along with 11% in foudres and 9% in terracotta amphoras for 24 months, yielding a thrilling and exquisitely balanced blend summed up by Vinous critic Neal Martin as “a serious Les Carmes Haut-Brion with a very long future ahead.” Summing up the magical, riveting qualities of Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Jeb Dunnuck offers unequivocal advice: “Believe the hype,” these top vintages of Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion promising the epic ageability of its First Growth neighbor and value priced for Bordeaux collectors to stock the cellar at a fraction of the price. | ||
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| 2019 Schiopetto Rivarossa (750ml) | ||
| Merlot from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Italy | ||
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B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More A dazzling selection from the exceptional northern Italian producer “who put Friuli on the map” according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous, these top rated Schiopetto selections are crafted as unique and transparent expressions of their northern Italian terroir, providing an opportunity for anyone seeking to explore the exceptional range of white wines from the Collio region as well as two high scoring red cuvees at outstanding pricing. Among the first to prove “Italy can make serious whites” according to Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe, Schiopetto is one of the oldest wineries in northeastern Italy, now spanning 30 hectares of estate vineyards planted on the ancient sea beds of marly clay and limestone known locally as ponca. While all the Schiopetto wines offer aromatic fruit and distinct minerality, here are some unique highlights of each selection:
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