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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.
- Allen Meadows - Burghound
- Connoisseurs Guide
- Gambero Rosso
- James Halliday
- James Suckling
- Malt Advocate
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- International Wine Cellar
- Wine & Spirits
- Wine Enthusiast
- Wine Spectator
- The Wine News
- Malt Advocate
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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
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Philippe Gonet "3210" Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 11-6-2010
Remember the old song "How dry I am'? Well, the Gonet 3210 answers that question and the answer is "very dry"! Those of you who are fans of no-dosage or "ultra" Brut champagnes are sure to love this one. Made from 100% chardonnay and zero dosage, this baby is as bright as the sun. Super crisp minerality, fresh citrus fruit and just a hint of nectarine. Break out the oysters, uncork the bottle and plan for a memorable evening. Or afternoon. Whatever floats your boat.
Price: $59.99
Pommery "Brut Royal" Champagne
Review Date: 11-6-2010
This release from Pommery is an excellent value. It has the signature creamy and soft style of Pommery and a very affordable price. Peach fruit, cream and a hint of citrus zest on the nose. On the palate, pears, vanilla and subtle acidity. For those of you who like an elegant style that is feminine and treads softly.
Top Value!
Price: $32.99
Deligeroy Cremant de Loire Brut
Review Date: 8-3-2010
Excellent bubbles for a budget! Lively peach and pear fruit with tiny bubbles and an excellent bead. Well-rounded, delicate, with a fresh, crsipy finish. Excellent as an apertif and with a salad. A price too good to pass up!
Price: $11.99
Urbanite Cellars "Redart" Red Blend
Review Date: 6-4-2010
An excellent blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah and zinfandel. Fresh, deep red fruit with a nice depth of spice and balanced acidity. So inexpensive that it affordable enough for everyday. Perfect with everything from pizza to barbecue!
Top Value!
Price: $9.99
J Pear Liqueur By J Wine Company 375ml
Review Date: 4-9-2010
While I rarely drink liqueur, I did have the pleasure of tasting this one from J Wine Company. Lush, with sweet pear flavors and no heat, this liqueur is not overdone or too sweet. Balanced and delicious! It is the perfect compliment for a fruit tart!
Price: $23.99
Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 2-12-2010
Okay, I haven't written up a Chamapagne for a long time now, so I'm going to indulge myself. Ruinart has been around since 1729 and makes some of the best Blanc de Blanc and Rosé on the market. The Rosé is a wonderful example of a clean, somewhat delicate, classic style Rosé. Wonderful raspberry, strawberry notes with great depth, acidity and minerality. Well worth the money. Personally, I enjoy it by itself or with a mild, creamy cheese. No need to mask any of the flavors coming from this beauty.
Price: $44.99
Ariston Aspasie "Cepages d'Antan" Brut 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
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
Baron Fuente "Galipettes" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 12-27-2008
Wonderful all-estate fruit with a 1/3 blend of each of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Biodynamic. Rich with cherry fruit, cocoa and bread dough accents. Crisp at the back of the palate. An upcoming feature Champagne for February!
Price: $39.99
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: $32.99
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
Charles Baur Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé
Review Date: 10-8-2008
A fantastic buy in bubbles! A delicate nose of raspberries and roses. In the mouth, a very fine bead with a slight hint of minerality, more raspberries, vanilla and tart cherries. A really great bubbly to have by itself or with a light, fruit-based tart.
Price: $19.99
Franck Bonville "Belles Voyes" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 10-2-2008
Once the bottle is opened, a nose of lemon curd, citrus and brioche wafts up at you, immediately letting you know that there is a lot going on with this wine. Nutty background notes lend interest and make this a memorable Champagne. In the mouth, apricot, pineapple and cream are the primary flavors with Granny Smith apples and hazelnuts in the background. The citrus aspect of the chardonnay really comes out on the finish and lends a bit of zippiness to the overall impression.
Price: $67.99
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!
Price: $34.99
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