Review Date: 5-18-2009

Not in love with this one -- I'm guessing it's targeted at the Napa Valley Tourist. Bubbles are rough and excessive out of the gate, and I think the WS 92 score is 5 points high. For $23, K&L has many other names (such as Jean Lois Denois, $15) that you should definitely try first.

Review Date: 5-18-2009

At 24.99, I wonder if there is a better '05 Cornas for the money out there at the moment. I paired this one with short ribs and served to a party of 20. It rocked the house. My only suggestions: decant an hour before drinking now. I've got 4 bottles left and I'm going to TRY (!) to let them age another 3 years...which is when I think the leathery and peppery notes will shine brighter...just a guess...

Review Date: 5-18-2009

Whoa Nelly. This was a walk on the wild side for a guy who usually drinks the nutty, toasty names like Heidsick. Fleury shoots out of the gate with tart cherry, lemony acid that stays on the tounge through its long finish. And magically, a little sweet butterscotch comes from out of nowhere at the midpalate. Certainly, this is a unique flavor set for highly targeted dish...miyagi oysters on the half shell with a flake of salt (no acids, cocktail sauce) is my best guess at this point. This would be a great wine for a small group of friends who appreciate boutique champagnes and a cook who is up for a pairing challenge.

Review Date: 5-18-2009

This dense, super rich wine is one of the best 07s from K&L (quality for the dollar) I have purchased thus far. A cross between new and old worlds. I agree that this one needs time for the tanins to soften and the grenache to become a bit more gamey...this will happen, right Mulan?

Review Date: 4-19-2009

This is superb wine, likely worth double the price or more. But I have to differ with Y'all on decanting --I suggest 30 mins then serve. Wine was too oxidized at the two hour mark. I am also thinking that the tannins will soften in 3+ years.

Review Date: 3-20-2009

Score is based on my assessment of quality for price. I have yet to find a better California syrah in the low teens...truly amazing. L'hiver drinks like a new world style Crozes-Hermitage at half the cost.

Review Date: 3-17-2009

K&L team - I feel a little duped by your writeup. I bought a couple bottles on your 'get this wine before the reviews come out', but then saw the vintage reviews for 2006. Not the barn burners of 04 and 05. Not likely gonna be a mid 90pt wine.

Review Date: 3-4-2009

This is a fruit bomb made from an awesome vintage, but is not my style. I prefer more earthy tones and restraint. Luckily, there are 30+ killer values from 2007 Rhones that I have to choose from at K&L! (See my other reviews.)