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Wine Scores
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
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Staff Favorites - Mulan Chan-Randel
Mulan Chan-Randel
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Mulan Chan-Randel is the French Regional and Rhone Valley wine buyer for K&L Wine Merchants, and has just completed the two year Diploma certification through the London based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. From 2004-2006, and concurrent to her position at K&L, she served as the wine director at San Francico's Bambuddha Lounge. Mulan has participated in the San Francisco Chronicle wine tasting panel and was also selected as an instructor in the UC Berkeley Extension Wine Studies Program. She has written for Chow Magazine ,Chow.com and contributed to such wine trade publications as The Wine Spectator, Wine and Vines and Patterson's Beverage Journal. Mulan regularly offers food and wine pairing advice at www.intowine.com, and has spoken at numerous venues including the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco. She is also a candidate for the prestigious Master of Wine qualification.
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Reviews
2008 Porcupine Ridge Syrah
Review Date: 8-12-2009
With 2008 Porcupine Ridge had delivered a knockout syrah at a seriously knockout price. Lovers of of all wines from the Northern Rhone, this wine was made for you. But South Africa you say? Believe me, if I could find a Northern Rhone syrah that delivers such quality at this price point I'd be buying pallets of it. Deep cherry, violets, savory notes, slight roasted herb note on the edges..with fine tannins and a snappy finish. Well done Porcupine Ridge!
Price: $9.99
2008 R Wines "Permutations" Pinot Noir Victoria
Review Date: 8-12-2009
What a lovely little pinot surprise. When it comes to finding a complete pinot noir at less than $20 I am generally pretty sceptical. Mind you, I am not looking for power, ripeness or even something super fruity. What I want and look for is balance and correctness. Fresh fruit, perhaps a hint of spice, sprightly, and acidity! The Permutations passes with flying colors on all accounts. Think of more like a delicate Hersheys Kiss rather than a big ol' Butterfinger. Big surprise, big smile!
Price: $13.99
2006 Tulbagh Mountain Syrah Swartland
Review Date: 8-12-2009
Note to (my)self: If you don't know South African wines, get to know South African wines! Case in point, the 2006 Tulbagh Mountain Syrah. Wow, wow wow!
Intense, but not overbearing, the Tulbagh smells of black cherry, damp earth and a whiff of roasted herbs.
Fine, silky tannins and good acidity leave me thinking that this tastes like something familiar and delicious from my neck of the woods,(Northern Rhone)but where? Crozes-Hermitage? St. Joseph? No, Swartland, South Africa!
Price: $18.99
2008 Château Viranel "Tradition" Saint Chinian Rosé
Review Date: 7-22-2009
For those of you who enjoy a lighter, more delicate rose a la provencale, the Chateau Viranel is your wine. Whisps of wild strawberry, mint and mineral on a totally dry frame, make the Viranel rose my go to when I a more delicate pink is what I desire. Located deep in the Languedoc, the appellation of Saint Chinian is one of the most charming regions in the Midi, and one producing excellent wines as well.
Price: $12.99
2006 Château Viranel "Tradition" Saint Chinian Rouge
Review Date: 7-22-2009
Chateau Viranel's Saint Chinian rouge is chock full of berry and savory goodness. This medium bodied red is my house wine, and one that I have enjoyed many times while munching on pre-dinner snacks like salami, olives, bruschetta or pate. It is a wonderful example of the value and flavor that so many wines from the Languedoc can offer.
Price: $12.99
2005 Domaine Costeplane "Plan de Savoulous" Vin de Pays d'Oc
Review Date: 7-22-2009
Ripe blackcurrant notes, supple tannins, and just the slightest hint of moist earth and coffee bean are what I most enjoy about this robust wine. It is wildly aromatic, yet avoids being too tooty fruity or over ripe. Crack open a bottle of the Costeplane with a selection of olives, cheeses or pork roast.
Drink from
2009
to
2013
Price: $13.99
2008 Domaine de Guillemarine Picpoul de Pinet
Review Date: 7-22-2009
I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this Picpoul de Pinet ever since I tasted it in France earlier this year. Its light, fresh, super zippy characteristics remind me of warm weather, sandals and sprinklers. Picpoul is otherwise known as "lip stinger" and the Guillemarine is certainly bitey, but in a delicious way! Enjoy a glass at the end of a long day, at the dinner table with grilled fish or salads, or at your next pool party!
Price: $8.99
2007 Domaine De La Butte (Jacky Blot) Bourgueil "La Pied de la Butte"
Review Date: 7-22-2009
This cabernet franc gets an A+ in my wine book. Nice rich, dark cherry and plum fruits are complemented by hints of moist earth and black tea. No overtly green or herbaceous flavors here. Try it with a grilled steak and pommes frites, or roast duck, or even a Tuesday night burger!
Price: $15.99
2006 Domaine Duclaux "La Germine" Côte Rôtie
Review Date: 7-22-2009
I am absolutely blown away by the wines from Domaine Duclaux. Not good, but great, both La Germine and Masion Rouge are beautiful examples of why the northern Rhone and more specifially Cote Rotie is considered hallowed syrah ground. La Germine is presently more open and accessible, with dark currant fruits and a deep mineral core that begs for a couple more years of cellar time, or at least a few hours of decanting and a nice leg of lamb! Maison Rouge is one for the cellar, and best cracked open 2012-2020. I will definitely be squirreling away a few of each.
Price: $49.99
2006 Domaine Duclaux "Maison Rouge" Côte Rôtie
Review Date: 7-22-2009
I am absolutely blown away by the wines from Domaine Duclaux. Not good, but great, both La Germine and Masion Rouge are beautiful examples of why the northern Rhone and more specifially Cote Rotie is considered hallowed syrah ground. La Germine is presently more open and accessible, with dark currant fruits and a deep mineral core that begs for a couple more years of cellar time, or at least a few hours of decanting and a nice leg of lamb! Maison Rouge is one for the cellar, and best cracked open 2012-2020. I will definitely be squirreling away a few of each.
Price: $59.99
2008 Hecht & Bannier Syrah Vin de Pays du Côtes de Thau Rosé (was $9.99)
Review Date: 7-22-2009
H&B's 2008 rose offering is in my opinion their best to date. Composed of 100% syrah, this dry pink is one of the most value driven and versatile wines from the south of France. Try a glass this summer with fresh tomato salad and basil, chickpea salad or a swiss chard omelet (a la south of France!)
Price: $7.99
Jean-Louis Denois Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
Review Date: 7-22-2009
Oh what pure joy it is to sit back, and relax with a glass of Denois' Brut rose pinot noir! Dry, yet fruity, with just a hint of spice, I don't think that this sparkling wine could be any better than it possibly is. What does it pair with? What doesn't it pair with!! Try a flute (or two) with devils on horseback (bacon wrapped dates) or basil scented savory cookies.
Price: $14.99
2007 Jean-Louis Denois Syrah "Saint Louis" Vin de Pays d'Oc
Review Date: 7-22-2009
The 2007 Saint Louis syrah reminds me of one thing. Crozes Hermitage. Plush berry fruits, matched by just a hint of lavender and wet stone make this syrah one that I recommend most often to customers looking for a more elegant, yet modestly priced rendition of this varietal. My latest succesful encountere with this wine involved a selection of cheeses, tapenade on grilled bread, and several slices of pissaladerie (Nicoise, olive, onion and anchovy pizza). Delicious!
Price: $14.99
2005 Les Clos Perdus "Mire la Mer" Corbières
Review Date: 7-22-2009
This mourvedre based red has one phenomenal bouquet! Deep and brooding, reminiscent of blackberries, smoky tea, forest floor and gamey notes, it is the perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats. For fans of Bandol rouge, the Mire la Mer is not to be missed.
Price: $24.99
2006 Les Clos Perdus "Prioundo" Corbières
Review Date: 7-22-2009
The Prioundo is one of my current favorites from the south of France. Red berry fruits, along with rosehips, dried sage and white pepper make for an elegant and memorable red. I like the Prioundo with grilled tuna or braised lamb with spring vegetables.
Price: $15.99
2007 Boeckel Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes
Review Date: 5-20-2009
One of the best values at K&L from a qualitative standpoint is this delicious Sylvaner from Domaine Boeckel. Although Sylvaner is not considered a "noble" grape variety, the Grand Cru Zotzenberg vineyard is one of the best sites for this varietal to shine, and shine it does. Medium-bodied and clean, with hints of green apple, quince and lentil, reminiscent of an equally high quality Gruner Veltliner. This special white really flys low on the radar screen.
Price: $14.99
2005 Bonny Doon "Le Pousseur" Syrah
Review Date: 5-20-2009
BBQ chicken, Chinese spare ribs, grilled portobello mushrooms, what do all of these foods have in common?
Answer: They go great with Bonny Doon's Le Pousseur Syrah! What I like so much about this Syrah is what it isn't. It isn't over-extracted. It isn't too alcoholic or over-oaked. Like so many of the wines from Bonny Doon and Ca del Solo, this wine doesn't try to be bigger than its britches, or showboat its big oak muscle. Rather, it is like a great conversationalist, seamlessly fitting into just about any social or culinary occasion and complementing rather than dominating the conversation.
For these reasons, I give it a b-jillon points!
Price: $14.99
2005 Château la Coustarelle "Cuvée Tradition" Cahors
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Are you a fan of Malbec? I sure am. The Argentines do a fantastic job of producing many high quality, lush and very food friendly reds of which I a am a huge fan. However when it comes to Malbec, my heart belongs to the more husky ones from the Cahors region of Southwest France. Chateau La Coustarelle produces a fine example, full of red plum, dried hibiscus and a bit of damp earth to provide real country character. Wash down a glass of this juicy red with some saucisson or cassoulet.
Price: $12.99
Fouet Crémant de Loire Rosé
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Domaine Fouet makes some seriously good wine, and their Cremant de Loire rose is one of my favorite sparkling wines in the store. A light pink hue, tiny bead, and delicate nuances of strawberries make for a fantastic way to start, go through, or end the evening. Equally great with tuna sashimi, or a bag of potato chips!
Price: $21.99
2007 Francois Villard "Version" Saint Peray
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Francois Villard is perhaps best known for his world-class Viognier from Condrieu. However, I am really impressed with this less effusive white from the appellation of St-Peray. Composed of 100% Marsanne, this Northern Rhone white reminds me of white nectarine, Anjou pear and blanched almonds. Cool, creamy and bright. I recommend it with sauteed chicken breasts and fresh herbs served with asparagus.
Price: $29.99
Kalinda Riesling Sekt Dry
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Riesling in bubble form...what could be be better? In my wine world, not too much! Along with being deliciously refreshing and light, this Sekt has the telltale apple and lemony notes that taste so perfect at the end of a long day. Sekt makes me so happy!
2006 Mas des Dames "La Dame" Côteaux du Languedoc
Review Date: 5-20-2009
What a delicious and vibrant red from the south of France! For those of you less familiar with wines from the Languedoc, the Mas de Dames "La Dame" is a terrific place to start. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan make for a medium-plus bodied red chock full of mixed berries, subtle spicebox nuances and super-fine tannins. I especially like this with a simple rosemary roast chicken and simple salad.
Price: $16.99
2005 Raspail-Ay "Reserve" Gigondas
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Gigondas from this venerable domaine-owned and run by Dominique Ay is consistently one of my favorite reds from the appellation. Do you like '70s jams? Roller skates, vinyl records? Like these old school beats, this wine is old school. No overipe monster, no new wood, no filtering or fining. Just a beautifully integrated Grenache-dominated wine with subtle notes of roasted herb, dark chocolate and mineral. Truly authentic. Try it with roasted pork and sage.
Price: $24.99
2007 Reynon "Old Vines" Bordeaux Blanc
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Denis Dubourdieu is the undisputed master of white wine in Bordeaux. Witness the 2007 Reynon Bordeaux Blanc, which I think is the best Reynon to date. Unlike super-mineral-laden Sauvignon Blancs (which I love), the Reynon weighs in with a more medium body, sleek lemongrass notes and just a hint of rich lemon curd. This is punchy, vibrant and an excellent value.
Price: $14.99
2007 Weingut Allram Gaisberg Riesling
Review Date: 5-20-2009
What a pretty and lithe little number this 2007 Riesling from Allram is! White flowers, nectarine, and Bosc pear are complemented by a great mineral core and vibrant acidity. This wine is so deceptively stuctured that it lasted for more than three days open in my fridge.
Price: $18.99
Clairette de Die Raspail "Grande Tradition"
Review Date: 12-30-2008
This Clairette de Die is truly one of the most versatile sparklers that we have in the store. Just a touch of residual sugar imparts a delicate sweetness that make this the perfect wine to pair with salty appetizers like salumi or potato chips! It works great with spicier, more exotic fare like Indian curries and spicy Thai cuisine, too. An open bottle never seems to last longer than five minutes at dinner parties.
Price: $16.99
2006 Domaine Ilarria Irouleguy Rouge
Review Date: 12-30-2008
Delicious red fruit notes along with subtle hints of spicebox and mineral are what I enjoy most about this unusual wine from French Basque country. Although it is composed primarily of Tannat, the monster truck varietal made famous in the nearby appellation of Madiran, the Ilarria is lighter and brighter and treads a bit more lightly on the palate. I really like it with a nice selection of charcuterie, assorted sheep's milk cheeses or a traditional poulet Basquaise!
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $9.99
Antech "Emotion" Cremant de Limoux Rosé
Review Date: 11-19-2008
This sparkling dry rosé from Domaine Antech has been my favorite wine as of late. It makes a delightful accompaniment to Chinese food, sushi or potato chips! Composed of Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and Pinot Noir, the Antech Emotion is a great alternative to many higher-priced Champagnes of lesser quality.
Drink from
2008
to
2010
Price: $14.99
2007 Jean-Francois Merieau Gamay de Touraine "Bois Jacou" (was$18)
Review Date: 11-19-2008
I really, really like this wine. In fact, I am a huge fan of all three wines that K&L carries from this talented winemaker. 2007 was very good to reds from the Loire Valley, endowing many of them with ripe juicy red fruit nuances, good acidity and supple tannins. Chill this 100% gamay down just a few degrees, pop open and enjoy with a Tuesday night burger, pork chop or something fancier like seared duck breasts in pomegranate sauce!
Price: $7.99
2007 Jean-Francois Merieau Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 11-19-2008
I really, really like this wine. In fact, I am a huge fan of all three wines that K&L carries from this talented winemaker. The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is plenty dry and crisp, yet with just enough fruity juice to not make your mouth pucker. The Merieau is a great everyday alternative to more expensively priced Sancerre.
Drink from
2008
to
2009
Price: $13.99
Jean-Francois Merieau "Bulles" Touraine Sparkling
Review Date: 8-19-2008
This dry chenin blanc/chardonnay combo has been my go to wine of choice as of late. Just about everytime I think that I should try something new, I am reminded of just how refreshing and vibrant this tasty little sparkler is. Delicate notes of quince, fresh herbs and a whiff of wet clay mineral accents...all of this from organically grown grapes! It is just the thing to sip on at the end of a hard days work. Really!
Price: $17.99
2005 Domaine Belle "Cuvée Louis Belle" Crozes-Hermitage
Review Date: 8-18-2008
The Cuvée Louis Belle is named after Philippe’s grandfather and hails from the oldest vines in the Les Pierrelles vineyards. The average vine age here is 40 years old and the fruit is not destemmed before fermentation. The wine is aged completely in oak barrels (30% new, 70% one-year-old). Black currant, smoked meat, black olive and nuances of mineral will develop further and reward those of you who are patient with an exceptional wine drinking experience in 5-10 years.
Price: $29.99
2006 Domaine Jaume "Altitude 420" Vinsobres (was $12.99)
Review Date: 7-9-2008
In terms of value, drinkability, and character, Domaine Jaume's 2006 Vinsobres hits it out of the ballpark. I really, really like this wine! It is a blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah and hails from 30+ year old vines. A full and concentrated palate of deep red and black fruits along with a light notes of roasted herbs and damp earth make for a delicious Rhone drinking experience!
Price: $9.99
