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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 - Scott Beckerley
Scott Beckerley
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I wear a number of “hats,” so to speak (covers my bald head well). I am an assistant manager at the SF store. I also manage the SF tasting bar and work sales as well. Working the sales floor allows me to explore different vineyards and regions. Luckily, there are opportunities at K&L to bounce around a lot. I’ve developed a preference for wines that are drier, more tart and more complex. Fruit bombs are not my thing like they were when I was, ahem, younger. I definitely prefer more terrior and wines that are “earthy,” particularly with some age on them. My advice? Trust yourself and try to keep track of what you have had that you like. Don’t let anyone tell you what you are supposed to like. Everyone has a different palate and that’s what makes this business interesting.
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Reviews
Ariston Aspasie Cepages d'Antan Champagne
Review Date: 11-10-2009
Wow! I can honestly say that I have never tried a Champagne like this before! I first had it at our Champagne Tent Event in Redwood City and again last week (11/3). A very exotic blend of Pinot Blanc, Meslier and Arbane. White fruits such as pear, lychee and white nectarine. Add toasted pine nuts, some chalk and you have it. One of the most interesting Champagnes in the company. You already love the Rose, now try something very different. Versatile enough to start a meal with or to have with a main course. The Ariston family has done it again!
Price: $99.00
2007 Comte Louis de Clermont-Tonnerre "Très Vieilles Vignes" Côtes du Rhône-Villages
Review Date: 11-10-2009
Another fantastic buy from the awesome 2007 vintage. A big style with dark fruits, a bit of glycerin and loads of black cherries. Big mouthfeel with great texture. Drinking well now and will also age for the next 4-5 years. Fruit from vines that average 60-70 years old. A great buy!
Top Value!
2006 Newton "Unfiltered" Napa Chardonnay
Review Date: 11-10-2009
To be brutally honest, I generally do not like California chardonnay's. No how, no way. However, the unfiltered Newton is an exception. This wine is big, big, big! When I tasted it at the vineyard, Su Hua Newton actually served it AFTER the red wines. Very pretty nose of coconuts, almonds and caramel. Luscious in the mouth with golden aplles, butter, oak and honey. Hint of minerality on the finish. This is NOT a flabby, overdone chardonnay. It is a big, fascinating and pleasurable wine. A perfect foil to white meats with spicy overtones. Well done, Su Hua!
2005 St-Hilaire, Médoc
Review Date: 11-10-2009
A great 2005 vintage Bordeaux for an unbelievable price.A blend of 50% cabernet savignon, 45% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Only 8000 cases made! A full, rich nose of red and black fruits with a hint of cassis and spice. Rich on the palate, with soft tannins and new oak. A perfect wine to pair with grilled foods!
Top Value!
Price: $16.99
2008 Barber Cellars "Lazarie" Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 10-12-2009
Well, it looks like Mike "Babs" Barber did it again (with the help of his lovely wife, of course!). His second vintage of sauvignon blanc has the hallmarks of his first....a dry, almost Sancerre style with a hint of nuttiness. On the palate, grapefruit, granny smith apples and toasted almonds. Lingering finish. A great alternative to fruity or grassy sauvignon blancs. Just think of it as U.S. Sancerre! Wonderful with custaceans or fish!
Top Value!
Price: $14.99
2007 Château de Montfaucon "Vin de Monsieur Le Baron de Montfaucon" Vin de Pays du Gard
Review Date: 10-12-2009
Hello! Hello! Helllllooooo! This is one amazing bottle of wine! I tried it after our customer tasting of 10/11/2009 and it was great! Deep, with black fruits, lavender and pencil lead on the nose. In the mouth red and black plums, figs and (yes!) more lavender. Never tasted lavender? Find a recipe that requires it and just do it! Then you'll know what this wine is all about. Our customers loved it on the 11th, as well. Don't wait too long to buy it. It is definately limited. One of the best Rhones that I have tasted this year.
Price: $39.99
De Chanceny Cremant de Loire Rosé
Review Date: 10-11-2009
This is one really surprising, inexpensive pink bubbly! Rich and bright red fruits with teeny, tiny bubbles. Raspberries, bing cherries and just a hint of nectarine. Lively, with a nice, fairly long finish. The fruit even comes from 20 to 30 year old vines. At this price! Buy it while we have it in stock and just tell Eric to order more!
Price: $12.99
De Meric Grande Reserve Sous Bois Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-11-2009
A very complex bubbly that is primarily (80%) Pinot Noir. It has complex, golden apple fruit and a lightly toasty quality that is offset nicely by the acidity on the finish. The best of all worlds with this one! Elegant and well-structured. Fine by itself but, also excellent with whitefish, scallops or roasted chicken. Very versatile.
Price: $34.99
2005 Gundlach Bundschu "Rheinfarm Vineyard" Mountain Cuvee
Review Date: 10-11-2009
The Rheinfarm Vineyard has been around for a very long tmie and it is still producing some excellent fruit. Smoky, with rich currant fruit on the nose and some herbal undertones. Supple tannins with deep, red fruit on the palate. Touch of minerality and more herbs on the finish. A nice, solid effort that is an excellent buy.
Price: $19.99
Sorelle Bronca Prosecco
Review Date: 10-11-2009
Normally, I have mixed feelings about Prosecco and have to be in the mood to drink it. Sometimes, it is a little too fruity for me. However, this Sorelle Bronca is nice and dry and tart! A pretty nose of orange blossoms, mandarin oranges and toasted nuts. Crisp acidity with citrus fruits and minerality on the palate. A great way to start a meal and a great alternative to Blanc de blancs Chamapgne.
Price: $16.99
2007 Alain Corcia "Hervé" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 9-11-2009
Alain Corcia has done it again! From the super-fantastic 2007 vintage comes this BARGAIN Chateauneuf-du-Pape that will rock your world.Wonderful raspberry fruit on the nose. Intense red and black fruits with an elegant balance of spice makes this a memorable wine on the palate. Mr. Parker is not wrong in his rating this wine very highly. A beauty to enjoy now (with decanting) but, it will evolve magnificently over the next 8-10 years.
Top Value!
Price: $34.99
1998 Dejoria Platinum Brut Champagne ($90+ elsewhere)
Review Date: 9-8-2009
This bubbly is a great buy. Starts out rich and finishes with crisp acidity. Nicely balanced and a good choice for those of you who like their champage rich and full. An excellent buy!
Top Value!
Price: $34.99
2004 Cave de Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel (500ml)
Review Date: 9-3-2009
I was looking for something to serve with a bittersweet dark chocolate cake with caramel sauce and hazelnuuts. This wine matched beautifully. I didn't want anything too sweet and this Vin Doux, with it's nutty, figgy character worked very, very well. Black fruits and restrained sweetness make this perfect for those of you who don't want a dessert wine that is sticky-sweet. A fantastic bargain!
Top Value!
Price: $17.99
2008 Tessier Cheverny Rosé
Review Date: 9-3-2009
A delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, this wine fits the bill for a classic, more lightly styled Rose. Classic nose of tart strawberries and raspberries with a slight touch of minerality. Clean on the palate with bright red fruits, crisp acidity and a nice, long, lingering finish. I served it with prosciutto wrapped cantaloup. I even managed to impress Gary and Cindy Westby with this wine. Voila!
Top Value!
Price: $12.99
2000 Bruno Michel Cuvee Clement Blanc de Noir Brut
Review Date: 8-7-2009
We finally managed to get some Bruno Michel Blanc de Noir into stock and it never sticks around for very long.This Pinot Meunier/Pinot Noir sparkler has an intense nose of chanterelle mushrooms and heavy cream. On the palate, the mushrooms fade nicely into the background with an overall figgy character and surprise(!), a clean finish laden with minerals, a trademark of this Champagne house. Delicious, and able to hold up to smoked meats. For those of you who like to cellar your champagnes, this one will age very well over the next 5-6 years.
Drink from
2009
to
2018
Price: $54.99
2006 Domaine de la Noblaie "Les Chiens-Chiens" Chinon
Review Date: 8-7-2009
This is one wonderful cabernet franc! Dark red and black fruits on the nose, particularly black cherries. A slight touch of lava rock on the nose with some tobacco notes. On the palate, moderate tannins, blackberries, raspberries and cherries. Some earthy notes in the background with a spicy finish. Decant this wine for about an hour. One of the most enjoyable Chinon's that I have had in recent memory.
Top Value!
Price: $15.99
2008 Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Drachenstein "Dragonstone" Riesling Qba
Review Date: 8-7-2009
The first wine that I ever had was a German Spatlese. Over the years, I began to move to other wines and neglected the wonderful riesling grape. Eric Story, our buyer for Germany, introduced me to the Dragonstone and it was love at first sip. Done in a drier style, this wine has zippy lime, grapefruit and mineral notes to accompany the lychee, peach and apricot fruit. This is the PERFECT wine for those of you who have been reluctant to try riesling. Wonderful with spicy Thai food or sushi with loads of wasabe.
Price: $15.99
2007 Vincent Paris Saint-Joseph
Review Date: 8-7-2009
This is one lovely Syrah! Smooth as silk with black fruits, particularly boysenberry, on the nose.Pretty notes of dried roses, as well. Black fruit also abounds on the palate with a good dose of anise and a supple, sweet body that is nearly tannin free. However, make no mistake, this is NOT an overripe, raisiny monster. The perfect wine for roasted meats, barbecue, pork and fowl. Perfect enough for just about any meal!
Top Value!
Price: $24.99
Laetitia Arroyo Grande Sparkling
Review Date: 7-10-2009
While I generally am, shall we say, unappreciative of domestic bubbles (OK-I like J Cuvee 20 and Schramsberg), I found this bubbly from Laetitia to be a great little bargain. It has a very fine bead and generous amounts of cream and golden apples on the palate. A really enjoyable, frothy finish and lush mouthfeel make this a memorable domestic sparkler. I am also a big fan of their elegant Pinot Noir!
Top Value!
Price: $17.99
2007 Cantina Valle Isarco "Aristos" Kerner
Review Date: 7-9-2009
I LOVE this wine! Generally, I do not drink many white wines but, our own (Captain) Kirk Walker insisted that I try this northern italian beauty. The nose is a fragrant blend of mango, pineapple and exotic flowers. On the palate, more pineapple, white peaches and stony fruits. However, this wine is not sweet! It is floral and lovely and perfect with thai food, sashimi or Vietnamese foods.
Price: $25.99
2008 Couly Dutheil Chinon Rosé
Review Date: 7-9-2009
I had to opportunity to taste this with our buyer, Eric Story about three weeks ago. While I love the reds from this producer, I was bowled over by this rose. A pretty nose of rose petals, oranges and minerals. In the mouth, fresh raspberries, strawberries and stones. Medium bodied, so this is for those of you who like a rose with a bit more ooomph. PERFECT with barbecued and grilled foods.
Price: $14.99
2005 Les Allees de Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 7-9-2009
This second label wine from Ch. Cantemerle is a HUGE bargain! From the outstanding 2005 vintage, this beauty is drinking earlier than the 2005 Cantemerle, which needs a bit of time. Big, ripe red fruits with a hint of cocoa and just a pinch of spice. A perfect foil to a fine, grilled steak or a nice rack of lamb.
Top Value!
Price: $19.99
2008 Wildhurst "Reserve" Lake County Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 7-9-2009
A wonderful, clean and crisp Sauvignon Blanc that has loads of citrus fruit, lychee and grapefruit. All stainless steel fermentation and no oak. A perfectly zippy wine that is made for the summertime! Great with oysters, chicken, pork and salad. Inexpensive enough for everyday drinking. For those of you who are not attracted to heavy, oily whites that are over oaked!
Top Value!
Price: $8.99
2006 CL Sonoma Coast Syrah
Review Date: 7-2-2009
This uber-small production Syrah is a new one for K & L. It is an interesting mix of pure Syrah fruit, slight earthy notes and just a hint of minerality due to its cool climate location. For those of you who are tired of overblown, one-dimensional Syrah, this inexpensive beauty is a great alternative. Affordable enough for everyday drinking.
Top Value!
Price: $10.99
2008 Elsa Malbec Mendoza
Review Date: 7-2-2009
This is a hugely popular Argentinian malbec that is unbelievably priced. Lush, with ripe cherries, red plums and raspberries, this little wine is absolutely perfect for everyday and is great with barbecue. The convenient screw cap means that you won't have to have your wine opener at hand. Practically paradise!
Top Value!
Price: $7.99
2005 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas
Review Date: 7-2-2009
It's all about the terrior with this wine. Gardette makes wonderful Gigondas and the Ventabren is at the top of their list. Ripe cherries, anise and smoked meats dominate the character. It has great potential for cellaring but, is enjoyable now as the 2005 vintage was a ripe one. A perfect foil for fowl, roasted pork and mushoom dishes.
Price: $29.99
Antech "Emotion" Cremant de Limoux Rosé
Review Date: 6-22-2009
Bargain bubbles! A really nice bottle of sparkling wine that is elegant and crisp. Fresh raspberry and Bing cherry flavors with a touch of cream. I used it as an apertif with finger foods and it went over so well that I could have used a second bottle!
Top Value!
Price: $14.99
Russian River Brewing Co. Damnation Golden Ale
Review Date: 6-22-2009
A wonderful ale that is rich and smooth yet never lacks character. Golden in color, with a fine yeasty nose. Creamy in the mouth with crisp carbonation and banana-like flavors. Extremely enjoyable. I split this and a bottle of the Salvation with a nun (no kidding!) who also enjoyed it very much.
Top Value!
Price: $7.50
Tarlant Rosé Zero Champagne
Review Date: 5-15-2009
For the first time, we have been able to obtain some of this dynamite no-dosage Rosé from the house of Tarlant. With crisp acidity and minerality, this is the driest sparkling rosé that I have ever had. It is not a one trick pony, however. IO the mid-palate there are flavors of raspberries and cream to add to the interesting style of this bubbly. I first opened it in early winter of 2009 and actually had it open for two days. On day two, it fleshed out nicely and held up very well. Our customers also loved it when we featured on May 2nd.
Price: $49.99
2000 Fleury "Cuveé Robert Fleury" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 3-11-2009
A rather unusual selection from Fleury, this is a
blend of 1/3 each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. Yes, you heard that right, Pinot Blanc!
There are still a few spots in the Aube where it is grown. This is completely barrel-fermented for a nice
bit of toast and minerality on the nose, making it rich, tart and elegant at the same time. Lemon tart
and crème brûlée on the nose. Apples, lemons, peach preserves and caramel on the palate. Although a
rich style, it still comes off light as a feather, and before you know it your glass is empty.
Price: $39.99
Baron Fuente Grande Reserve Brut
Review Date: 1-29-2009
Surprisingly, for such a blend of “dark” grapes, this is very light in color—almost a light straw. On the nose it starts out light and pretty with aspects of fresh-cut flowers and bread dough. In the mouth it has a tight bead with very well-balanced flavors of apples (both green and gold), lemon curd and white cake, in a lighter style that finishes very cleanly. Ten grams of dosage per liter make this a perfect aperitif bubbly.
Price: $34.99
Philippe Gonet Brut Reserve Champagne
Review Date: 1-17-2009
A wonderful bottle of bubbly for those of you who like a richer, slightly yeasty style. Beautiful balance between the fruit, toast and yeast. Golden apple fruit, brioche, bread dough and creme fraiche. A great choice for main courses such as pork roast, broiled chicken and white fish. Better in quality than many other Champagnes costing $50.00+. Chantal Gonet has done it again!
Price: $33.99
Franck Bonville Brut Selection Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 12-27-2008
There is simply no better Blanc de Blanc in the store at this price! Classic Avize minerality with crisp apple-y fruit, lemons, limes and wet stone aspects. A wonderful Chamnpagne with caviar or baked Brie. Too good of a value to pass up. We can also go for months without having this sparkler in stock. Also available in 375ml and magnum. It also comes in a gorgeous 2002 vintage as well!
Price: $29.99
Tarlant Cuvée Louis Brut Prestige Champagne
Review Date: 12-27-2008
Yes, I love this Champagne this much! It has almost everything that one could ask for in a bubbly. Complexity, quality, cellar worthiness and just plain old fantastic taste! Rich and toasty with golden apples, toasted sourdough and cinnamon. I worship at the house of Krug and Tarlant's Cuvee Louis is a chapel on the property. When we have it, buy a magnum! You won't regret it!
Drink from
2008
to
2012
Price: $54.99
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 12-26-2008
Fresh off de boat! Just tried this last Saturday night (4th of July). Those of you who are fans, don't be confused by the new Aspasie label! It's the same wine you have loved for years! Loads of raspberry, strawberry and bing cherry fruit. Hints of minerality hit the tongue and make this a winner for those of you who like the Billecart-Salmon style at a greatly reduced price. We always sell out of this one!
Top Value!
Drink from
2009
to
2012
Price: $32.99
Collard-Picard Cuvee Selection Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-2-2008
a round and full Champagne, with loads of rich fruit. Amazing bubbles, clean and linear. Toasted hazelnuts, sea salt and grapefruit zest on the nose. In the mouth, brown butter, caramel, spice and clean citrus fruit. The finish is where the chardonnay stands out. Unlike other pinot meunier-based champagnes, this one has the unmistakable minerality of fruit from Mesnil to enhance the zippy finish. I highly recommend this Champagne for those of you who are curious about meunier-based sparklers. It is also an ideal pairing for fowl and rustic smoked meats where other champagnes tend to fall flat.
Price: $34.99
Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-2-2008
Although the majority of the blend is pinot noir, the crisp chardonnay fruit stands out on the nose. Refreshing citrus, green apples and minerality are the dominant characteristics and they create
refreshing and clean scents that are reminiscent of a fine blanc de blanc. On the palate, there is also a
crispness that makes for a lighter style of sparkling wine. Pears, limes, nectarines and (again) a hint of
minerality are at the forefront. On the finish and at the back of the palate are cream and vanilla from
the pinot noir. This is a very solid Champagne at an excellent price; it’s a one-time deal, so when we run
out, it’s finis!
Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-2-2008
The NV Launois “Quartz” is a half-pressure (three atmospheres of pressure versus the typical six) bottling in the cremant style. It is at once both delicate and mouthfilling. Composed of 100% chardonnay from the world-renowned chardonnay producing area of Mesnil (and Aviz and Oger), it has flavors of apples, brioche and lemon zest. Loads of cream and vanilla at the back of the palate make this a great way to start a meal with light appetizers.
Price: $34.99
