2020 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 (750ml) | ||
Shiraz from South Australia, Australia | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Known by fans of Australian Shiraz for its muscular, boldly structured wines, Penfolds’ 94+ pt. 2020 Shiraz Bin 28 delivers rich, ripe generous dark fruit and velvety, plush tannins, sourced from a blend of multi-regional and multi-vineyard fruit in the same manner as the flagship Grange and crafted in the same “distinctly powerful style” according to Vinous critic Josh Raynolds at an affordable price. Dating back to 1884, Penfolds' founders Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary were among the first to establish vineyards in Adelaide, planting vine cuttings they brought from France and England near the village of Magill around a stone cottage they called The Grange, originally crafting the wine as a "tonic" for the doctor’s patients. Expanding into the next century as a leader in the Australian wine industry, Penfolds' pioneering winemaker Max Schubert crafted the initial release of Bin 28 in 1959, named for the Bin or “Batch Identification Number” referring to its storage area in Penfolds' cellars and sourced from the historic Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard. Now blending Shiraz from four diverse regions with nearly half still coming from the Barossa Valley, winemaker Matt Woo aged the 2020 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 for 12 months in 16% new American oak casks, yielding lush floral and spice aromas with layers of earthy dark fruit and well-integrated tannins promising longevity Exhibiting Penfolds' “remarkable mix of character, consistency and value” according to the Wine Spectator’s Harvey Steiman, the powerfully built 94+ pt. 2020 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 showcases this iconic producer's famously rich and robust style, certain to please Aussie Shiraz fans and delivering outstanding value. | ||
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2019 Chateau Meyney (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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2016 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2019 Marques de Murrieta Reserva (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Marqués de Murrieta is one of the most classical names in Rioja, and they have managed to keep the classical style of the wines but are also completely relevant and up to date with what is happening in the world today. " - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate Declared “one of Rioja's most iconic labels” by Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, Marques de Murrieta is a bastion of classically styled Rioja. These top-scoring flagship Reserva, the signature Gran Reserva, and the highly coveted Castillo Ygay are all emblematic of the estate's reputation for benchmark Rioja expressions with top-tier cellar potential. A standard bearer for value every vintage, the 96-point 2019 Rioja Reserva was aged for 24 months in American oak and spent an additional 14 months in bottle before release, yielding “a harmonious blend” according to Vinous, revealing fresh spiced fruit and balsamic with refined, integrated tannins that allow it to be enjoyed tonight or cellared for several years. | ||
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NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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NV Agrapart 7 Crus Extra Brut (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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2021 Provenance Deadeye Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Medium-bodied with juicy, fruit forward character and polished tannins. Sleek and round-textured."- James Sucklng Fans of lush Paso Robles Cabs seeking a solid value need look no further than the richly textured, 93-point 2021 Provenance Deadeye Cabernet Sauvignon, an appealing, juicy bargain stunner from an outstanding Central Coast vintage with balanced tannins and a silky, polished finish. Considered one of the best vintages ever by Paso Robles growers according to James Suckling, the 2021 growing season was defined by even temperatures with the absence of major heat spikes in an extended growing season, enjoying a combination of long, sunny days and high temperatures that enhanced flavor development and encouraged optimal ripening. While “continued drought led to lower yields from smaller clusters and berries but also concentrated flavors” according to Wine Advocate’s Erin Larkin, the cooling effect of Pacific Ocean breezes flowing through the Templeton Gap resulted in lower nighttime temperatures, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to retain their natural acidity. Harvesting at night to preserve freshness, winemaker Noel Basso aged the plush 2021 Provenance Deadeye Cabernet Sauvignon in a combination of 20% toast and neutral American oak barrels, yielding fresh, aromatic dark fruit with exceptional richness resulting from the small, drought affected berries, balanced by mineral-laced acidity and finishing with pleasing notes of citrusy spice. Among the top-rated Paso value Cabs from an outstanding vintage, the smooth and ready-to-drink 2021 Deadeye delivers one of the region’s top bargain propostions, a delicious and thoroughly satisfying Cab certain to thrill Paso Robles fans and any California Cab lover seeking an outstanding value to enjoy often. | ||
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2015 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2019 Chateau Cantemerle (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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 Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2022 The Calling Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Established by legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and entrepreneur Peter Deutsch, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Russian River Pinot Noir boasts rich aromas of ripe, spiced red fruit shimmering with bright acidity and layered with lush, silky tannins, a classic, vibrant expression of Russian River Pinot delivering top value among its higher profile peers at a bargain price. Crafting its first wines in 2012 with grapes from existing family-owned vineyards, the Calling was inspired by its co-founders’ mutual admiration of their fathers, naming it for their parents’ unwavering encouragement to pursue their life’s calling. Working with growers throughout the diverse microclimates of the Russian River, the grapes for the 2022 The Calling Pinot Noir were hand-picked and hand sorted with an emphasis on the quality of the fruit and crafted with a minimal intervention, “berry to bottle” approach according to The Calling's acclaimed winemaker James MacPhail. Considered one of the region’s top veterans with over 100 different 90 pt. plus scores, winemaker MacPhail fermented the grapes for the 2022 Russian River Pinot with indigenous yeasts and aged it in 30% new French oak barrels for 11 months, yielding an “elegant and expressive” wine according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Tom Capo revealing beautifully textured red fruit and bright acidity with a hint of minerality on the long finish, ready to deliver pleasurable drinking over the next five or more years. Continuing the estate’s upward trajectory as a top producer in the AVA, the appealing 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Russian River Pinot Noir is a delicious and expertly crafted Pinot sourced from exceptional fruit that over delivers value, a winning combination "calling" all Russian River Pinot Noir fans to stock the cellar at an unbeatable price. | ||
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2020 Labegorce (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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2021 Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec (750ml) | ||
Malbec from Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More “An expression of terroir in a glass...” - Decanter Described as “an Argentine winemaker with rock star appeal” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Schachner, the remarkably talented 100 pt. winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti is at the forefront of crafting vineyard-driven Malbec in the Uco Valley, his blockbuster 96 pt. 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage revealing fragrant, concentrated dark fruit with refined, silky tannins on a long, mineral finish, boasting the complexity of old vine Malbec to enjoy over the next decade at a remarkable value price. Located southwest of the City of Mendoza, Argentina’s Uco Valley has enjoyed a rise in popularity among wine travelers over the last two decades, its stunning scenery framed by the snowcapped Andes Mountains home to a new wave of high-end luxury wine resorts earning it the title “Argentina’s Napa Valley” from critic Tim Atkin. Boasting a diverse range of high altitude terroirs inspiring a new movement towards “wines with an authentic sense of place” according to Vinous critic Joaquin Hidalgo, Uco Valley native Marcelo Pelleriti has been a pioneer of vineyard driven wines in the region for nearly two decades, gaining international recognition as the first Argentinian-born winemaker to garner a perfect Parker score for his 100 pt. 2010 Chateau La Violette Bordeaux and establishing his personal label Mendoza winery on his family’s 110-year-old farm in La Consulta in 2007. Forming a collaborative partnership with Miguel Priore to craft terroir expressive Grand Cru wines from the region’s old vine Malbec, Marcelo sourced the 2021 Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage cuvee from the Altamira vineyard situated at 1,100 meters above sea level, planted with pre-phylloxera Malbec vines over 60 years of age in a rugged terrain of rocky alluvial soils that produce intensely concentrated, tiny thick-skinned berries and naming the cuvee for being “held hostage” by the vineyard’s alluring old vine Malbec. Fermenting the hand harvested grapes with native yeasts in stainless steel, the refined 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and 12 months longer in bottle, revealing a harmonious, beautifully balanced Malbec described as “supple, smooth and polished” by critic Tim Atkin with a fresh solid core of fruit boasting distinct minerality on a backbone of ripe, polished tannins. Among “the most dynamic winemakers in Argentina” according to James Suckling, the impressive 96 pt. 2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Heritage Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec showcases Marcelo’s remarkable expertise for transparently expressing the distinctive Uco Valley terroir, a thrilling old vine Malbec at an unheard of price worthy of stocking the cellar to enjoy over the next decade. | ||
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2010 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2019 Ormes de Pez (750ml) | ||
Merlot from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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2017 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2009 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2018 Chateau Pontet-Canet (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Alfred Tesseron and his team, led by estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, have completely transformed both the vineyards and identity of Château Pontet-Canet by embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Recognizing the extraordinary terroir of Pontet Canet – the heart lies in a plateau outcropping of Garonne Gunz gravel which overlays limestone bedrock, these poor soils allow drainage that’s optimal for Cabernet. The center of this plateau is planted to Cabernet Franc which is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is planted on the gravelly clay soils that meet the perimeter of the gravel plateau. Tesseron's campaign for biodynamic agriculture began in 2004 and tasting results confirmed this to be the estate's future; the Medoc's first Classified Growth dedicated to biodynamics. Pontet Canet received its organic certification in 2010 and Demeter in 2014 – the world's largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture used in 50 countries. Three Breton draft horses were added to the estate's stable replacing tractors in 2008, now at total of seven horses tend the vineyards. With great terroir and extraordinary dedication to excellence, Tesseron has elevated Pontet Canet beyond its historic performance; now among the top estates in Bordeaux. | ||
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2019 Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial Sardon de Duero (750ml) | ||
Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Traveling along the N-122, following the River Duero in the direction of Vega Sicilia, we reached the small town of Sardon del Duero. Just outside this town, about a mile down the road in Retuerta, the Count of Castile commissioned the construction of a series of Abbeys in the 12th century. One of the most important was the monastery of Santa María de Retuerta (Abadia de Retuerta), built in a beautiful enclave on the banks of the Duero River – of all the monasteries built during this period, Abadia de Retuerta is one of only two in existence today. Stunning, awe-inspiring, eye-popping in every sense – just plain nuts... this place is beautiful. Restoration began on the buildings as well as the Abbey in the 1990s. The current owners are heirs to this place and they did it right. A majestic spa, a Michelin starred restaurant, a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel, guided tours via helicopter.... Quoting Maître de Maison, Andrés Araya, "Every architectural detail has been immaculately preserved. The monks’ cells are now guestrooms, the chapter house is the lounge bar, and the refectory is now a sumptuous restaurant." Friends, it's THAT amazing! As for the vineyards, they are planted to the north facing slopes, on the south side of the River Duero. As with their famous neighbors – Vega Sicilia – these hillside vineyards on the south side of the river gradually ascend, topping out at 2,500 feet from their base near the River of 2,100 feet elevation. Working with world-renowned winemaker Pascal Delbeck (Chateau Petrus), the team here isolated the best parcels (pagos – 54 in all), planting 510 acres to a combination of soils ranging from clay and gravel near the river to limestone mixed with boulders and stones on the upper reaches of the hillside. Mostly Tempranillo, along with varying percentages of Cabernet and Syrah gives us Retuerta's fascinating, classically unique flavor profile. Planted in the 1990s (Petrus' winemaker as their guide), the only major difference between the vineyards here and Vega Sicilia is vine age... the bang for the buck is unbelievable! | ||
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2019 Chateau du Glana (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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2021 Le Pupille Saffredi (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "The 2021 Saffredi is one of the most vivid, profoundly beautiful wines I have ever tasted from Elisabetta Geppetti." - Antonio Galloni,Vinous Fattoria Le Pupille's Saffretti is a unanimous Tuscan collectible benchmark, so it's no surprise to see this all-time favorite reach epic heights in the fabulous 2021 vintage. The result of an ideal growing season, the 2021 is a masterpiece achievement. As Galloni puts it, "There is a level of finesse here that I have never seen before in Saffredi ... it is the wine's total sense of harmony that leaves me speechless." Add to that additional effusive praise from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and a 99-point score from James Suckling, and you have a bona fide cellar trophy that could certainly blossom into a perfect wine in the due course of time. Our razor-sharp pricing is a clear invitation for collectors and fans to stock up on a wine that has unparalleled upside potential for those who get their hands on it now. | ||
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2019 Chateau Poujeaux (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Moulis-en-Medoc, Bordeaux, France | ||
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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2017 Agrapart Mineral Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml) | ||
Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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2021 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml) | ||
Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla, Washington State | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More From the acclaimed Walla Walla winery of former Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Bledsoe, it’s no surprise that the 94 pt. 2021 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is a winning choice for lovers of powerful, age worthy Washington State Cabs, crafted with the same passion and dedication that was the hallmark of his pro football career and declared “championship-level by any standard” by the Wine Spectator’s Ben O’Donnell at best on the market pricing. Trading the gridiron for winemaking in 2007, Drew Bledsoe returned to his home town of Walla Walla and crafted his first Cabernet Sauvignon with friend and top Washington State winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellars, the inaugural vintage earning a spot on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 List. Hiring Figgins’ assistant winemaker and protege Josh McDaniels, Drew established Bledsoe Family Winery in 2017 to craft a value-driven Cab sourced from Bledsoe’s diverse vineyards across the Walla Walla AVA, blending mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec to add complexity and depth. From an outstanding vintage described as “a stellar year for Washington state” by Jeb Dunnuck, winemaker McDaniels aged the elegant 94 pt. 2021 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon for 22 months in a mix of 64% new French oak, 6% concrete tulip and 30% neutral oak, yielding richly concentrated, dark fruit hinting of sagebrush and graphite with layers of silky tannins, a lush, textured Cab that's ready to enjoy and promises a decade or more of longevity. Described by the Wine Enthusiast’s Michael Alberty as “a rich yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers optimal pleasure the minute it is opened,” the fresh and balanced 94 pt. 2021 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon exceeds its high achieving founder's goal of making a world-class Cab that over delivers value, offered at an unbeatable price that makes it an easy play-call for Washington Cab lovers to stock the cellar and enjoy often. | ||
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2022 Hartford Pinot Noir (750ml) | ||
Pinot Noir from Russian River, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "Medium-bodied, it has a lot of charm and a good, weightless feel, with fine tannins and a clean finish ... 100% Russian River Valley in character." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com Hartford Court has long since written the book on class and value in the Russian River Valley, and this latest rendition of their fan-favorite AVA bottling delivers everything that long-time fans of the estate are looking for. Pure Pinot Noir charm is on full display in vibrant, ripe fruit, silky texture, and, most importantly, superb balance. The winemaking team selects from choice barrels vinified from several sites across Russian River, so they're able to achieve remarkable stylistic consistency in each vintage, all at an easy price that makes this undisputed crowd-pleaser accessible to a broad audience. If you're a California Pinot fan and you want to take your everyday roster up a notch or two, be sure to stock up at our exceptional sub-$30 price that beats the rest of the market by a wide margin. | ||
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2022 Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc (750ml) | ||
Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More "[Boudignon's] attention to detail in the winemaking process, precise viticulture, dedication and passion for the terroirs mark him as one of France’s foremost vignerons and winemakers today." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate Few winemakers have achieved such rapid ascent to cult status in the past two decades as Thibaud Boudignon. Once the long-time winemaker at Domaine de la Soucherie set out on his own, the critical and collectible aficionados took quick notice of his utterly uncompromising style and craftsmanship, and demand has been on an upward trajectory ever since. It's rare to find Boudignon's wines in any meaningful quantity, so tight are the allocations relative to their fanbase, so when we were offered this trio at jaw-dropping pricing, we jumped at it without a second thought. Leading off, the 93-point 2022 Anjou Blanc is the perfect introduction to this remarkable domaine. "Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced with a seamless, layered texture," and displaying flawless varietal purity, it should be on the shortlist of anyone who's a fan of cult-caliber class for a bargain. Venturing into the single-vineyard wines, we truly see Boudignon's elite skills at work. The 94-point 2022 Clos de Fremine and 97-point 2021 Clos de la Hutte demonstrate clearly why Yohain Castaing declares, "[Boudignon] offers wines of purity, tension and finesse with virtually no rivals in Savennières." Showstopping terroir clarity and the potential for decades of cellar evolution put this duo firmly in the company of France's savviest cellar-worthy white wine buys, but as you might guess, our quantities are very limited, so collectors would be wise to strike quickly at this opportunity, especially at our must-see, market-best prices across the board. | ||
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2019 Mastroberardino Radici (750ml) | ||
Aglianico from Taurasi, Campania, Italy | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Described as a “drop dead classic” and “impossible to ignore” by Eric Guido of Vinous, the stunning full-bodied 95 pt. 2019 Mastroberardino Radici boasts vivid silky-textured fruit with bright energetic acidity and beautifully ripe tannins, a broad-shouldered Taurasi from Campania’s benchmark estate built for a long and epic evolution over the next few decades and offered at an equally thrilling value price to enjoy often. Returning from World War II to find his family’s Irpinia estate in Italy’s Southern Apennines in ruins, ninth generation Antonio Mastroberardino set about bringing the historic property back from the brink of near devastation caused by war, economic depression and phylloxera, his efforts over the next decades credited with relaunching viticulture in the Campania region. Tasked with replanting the vineyards, Antonio made a critical decision to eschew the pressure to plant popular international grape varieties and instead is credited with nearly single handedly preventing the region’s indigenous grapes including the red Aglianico from extinction and establishing Mastroberardino as the region’s benchmark for quality, earning Taurasi the nickname of “the Barolo of the south” and helping it gain DOCG status in 1992. Overseen by his son Piero for the last two decades, Mastroberardino’s 260-hectare estate spans a biodiverse mix of sustainably farmed vineyards, forest and olive groves, the low yielding Aglianico vines for the Radici planted on steep slopes in a mix of clay and sandy volcanic and limestone soils across two diverse subregions ranging from 350 to 650 meters above sea level. Crafted by winemaker Massimo di Renzo with a minimal focus on extraction and fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, the powerful flagship 2019 Mastroberardino Radici was aged for 24 months in a combination of French oak barriques and Slavonian oak casks with an additional minimum 24 months in bottle, yielding rich aromatic black fruit with nuances of graphite and smoke, the deep and complex Taurasi described by Eric Guido of Vinous as “notably energetic, with a beautiful purity of fruit and tannins that promise further development.” Crafted by the region’s reference point producer considered “the royal family of Campania,” Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls Mastroberardino’s Taurasi “a legendary wine that can rival the best from any region,” highly recommending it for “readers seeking to build a collection of fine, cellar worthy wines” without breaking the bank, the impressive 95 pt. 2019 Mastroberardino Radici unbeatably priced for lovers of bold Italian reds to stock the cellar and enjoy its thrilling evolution for decades to come. | ||
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NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru (1.5L) | ||
Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash. Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork). | ||
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Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Whiskey (750ml) | ||
From Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're looking for a new range of expertly crafted, boutique American whiskies to enjoy, look far to the west, all the way to the edge of the continent. There, in Sonoma County, you'll find Redwood Empire. This small-production distillery is a paragon of forward thinking and vision. Using a variety of mashbills and unconventional blends of different mashbills, Redwood Empire turns out thrilling releases, each named for an iconic California coastal redwood tree and each offering a highy distinctive profile, which gives the ardent whiskey fan a prime opportuntiy for exploration and discovery. From small production quotas (only four barrels a day) to innovative sustainability practices to their grain-to-glass ethos, they're initimately tied to their surroundings. The distillery's consistent upward trajectory is borne out in a bevy of excellent recent press puts the spotlight on a must-try line-up unlike any other in the category. Whether it's a classic bourbon profile you're looking for or a high-rye powerhouse, or a unique blend of the two different styles for that matter, you'll find it here. | ||
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Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) | ||
From Sonoma County, California | ||
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More If you're looking for a new range of expertly crafted, boutique American whiskies to enjoy, look far to the west, all the way to the edge of the continent. There, in Sonoma County, you'll find Redwood Empire. This small-production distillery is a paragon of forward thinking and vision. Using a variety of mashbills and unconventional blends of different mashbills, Redwood Empire turns out thrilling releases, each named for an iconic California coastal redwood tree and each offering a highy distinctive profile, which gives the ardent whiskey fan a prime opportuntiy for exploration and discovery. From small production quotas (only four barrels a day) to innovative sustainability practices to their grain-to-glass ethos, they're initimately tied to their surroundings. The distillery's consistent upward trajectory is borne out in a bevy of excellent recent press puts the spotlight on a must-try line-up unlike any other in the category. Whether it's a classic bourbon profile you're looking for or a high-rye powerhouse, or a unique blend of the two different styles for that matter, you'll find it here. | ||
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