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Staff Favorites - Christie Cartwright
Christie Cartwright
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I was first introduced to the fabulous world of California wine in Napa where I spent weekends bike riding and wine tasting with my parents up and down the Silverado Trail. Growing up in the East Bay Area it was only a hop...skip...jump away from wine country where my family would venture to relax and play every possible moment. It wasn't until my senior year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo that I realized I had a passion for the wine industry. My first encounter with the working world of wine was my volunteer internship at Edna Valley Winery where I traveled to a number of tasting events with the marketing manager for the winery and realized I needed to get in the business. I added a minor in wine and viticulture to my communications studies major and ended up writing my thesis on the differences in wine marketing throughout a choice number of Paso Robles wineries. My first "real job" in the wine industry was at the smallest tasting room with the biggest personality in Paso Robles named Four Vines Winery. I worked there for almost three years while going to school and fell in love with not only central coast wines, but also with the business of sales and all those who loved, appreciated, and enjoyed our fruitful product. After graduation in 2007 I loved the central coast so much I decided to make a go for it and stay in this blissful paradise of beach and vines. I became fond very fond of making trips to Los Olivos and Santa Ynez valley quite often and in the mean time also became employed at Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo and 15 degrees wine bar in Templeton. In the summer of 2009 I decided to take a chance and move to Hollywood for more opportunity. Being from northern California I wanted to expand my horizons and see what the LA lifestyle was all about. I knew this was where I belonged the moment I stepped into this oasis of wine and cuisine. Never had I been to a place where I could find so many restaurants, bistros, wine bars, and the like within a 4 mile radius, and I don't have to get on the freeway! I'm in heaven. When I walked into the infamous K&L Hollywood Store it was love at first sight! I'm thrilled to be working here doing what I love, and love the incredible people here who share this passion and commitment with me.
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Reviews
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2009 Mercedes Eguren Cabernet Sauvignon Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Review Date: 4-27-2012
A delightful Spanish Red comprised of mostly Cabernet that is priced to keep you coming back for more! I love this because it has great fruit, but also those rustic savory flavors that Spanish wines are known for. Nice tobacco, cedar, spice, fleshy mouthfeel, with bright acid and polished tannins. This is the perfect Spanish Tapas Red that will pair with almost everything!
Price: $9.99
2009 Ministry of the Vinterior "The Messenger" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 4-1-2012
A delicious new find for domestic Cabernet! Ripe on the nose with subtle spice notes of cedar and herb. Very lush and drinkable on the palate with just the right amount of acid and polished tannins to be drinkable now! From a small producer with a limited supply so hurry and get yours before its gone!
Price: $21.99
2008 Maison Jacques Bavard Rully Blanc
Review Date: 3-21-2012
My favorite new white Burgundy for under $20! I love how its rich without being heavy, and is full of crisp minerality and bright acidity to keep it light on its feet. Beautiful honeysuckle and citrus undertones with just a touch of brioche. A perfect wine for everyday and versatile enough to go with everything from shellfish to roast chicken!
Price: $17.99
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 1-27-2012
My favorite Rose Champagne for the price! Amazing bright and vibrant red-pink fruit with a broad and creamy mouthfeel with racy acidity to keep it all in balance. As far as I'm concerned it's my Billecart Rose for a quarter of the price! Always elegant and delightful!
Price: $32.99
Franck Bonville "Brut Selection" Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 12-14-2011
The best deal in direct import Blanc De Blanc Champagne Yet! Its an entire staff favorite here at K&L, and once you try it you'll understand why. Its elegant and pure but has a richness on the palate that is creamy and fulfilling. This is my personal house Champagne! My favorite Champagne under $50 by far! This has no hard edges at all; it's completely seamless from start to finish. Crisp, with elegance, round and creamy richness, the Bonville is full of bright fruit and mineral notes. As much fun as bubbly gets! Try it ASAP!
Price: $32.99
Graham's "Six Grapes" Port
Review Date: 11-10-2011
The best value I've tasted for a full 750ml bottle of Ruby Port! Dark and deep in color with loads of black fruit, spice, and chocolate on the nose. Richly intense with a creamy mid-palate with plenty of good acidity to balance it out. I'll be definitely buying some for the holiday season!
Price: $19.99
2001 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 11-3-2011
This, for me, is the way Napa Cab should be made: deep, complex, and savory, with notes of spice and herbs, polished tannins, not over-ripe...and not over-priced! It will be my go-to for my next special occasion dinner when I want an exceptional Cabernet to show well yet drink better than younger Napa Cabs. It could use another 3 to 6 years of cellering, though, if you prefer less primary fruit and relaxed grip in your Cabs. Highly recommended!
Price: $79.99
Pol Roger "White Foil" Brut Reserve Champagne
Review Date: 8-11-2011
One of my new favorite finds at K&L! This is a gorgeous Champagne. Lots of focus and elegance showing from start to finish. Just slightly toasty, this Brut is full of integrated acid and fresh minerality that will have your taste buds tingling and salivating for more! An amazing value for under $40 as well! Stock up for the holidays before its gone!
Price: $39.99
Franck Bonville "Belles Voyes" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 6-1-2011
On of the most elegant yet powerful Blanc de Blancs Champagne I've had this year. I also think its one of the houses best cuvee's they've made that you can enjoy now or cellar for years! All 2004 vintage old vine fruit shows lovely integration on the palate. The nose is crisp and minerally with subtle sweet sugar cookie dough essences. Freshly smashed ripe apple crisps up on the palate with notes of allspice! A very amazing Champagne...treat yourself before its gone!
Price: $67.99
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 4-16-2011
If I could pick any Champagne to drink on a daily basis regardless of price, it would be the Beautiful Billecart Salmon Rose! Without a doubt your last sip will still taste as good as the first. And your obsession will start at your first sip. This is a clean and elegant style that will impress just about any level Champagne drinker
Price: $74.99
Deligeroy Cremant de Loire Brut
Review Date: 3-9-2011
Its a beautiful thing to have an exceptional sparkler for an amazing price! This is always one of my favorites to always keep on hand at home because it is so fresh, minerally, with crisp acidity, elegant zesty bubbles, what more could you ask for from the Loire Valley? Its perfect day and night!
Price: $11.99
Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne
Review Date: 2-9-2011
Although I am usually a fan of our smaller producer direct import Champagnes I really loved the Laurent-Perrier for the price! And we have the best price for this in town by the way. I love the crisp and elegant nose with a mousse filled mid-palate and a clean and toasty finish.
Price: $31.99
Charles Baur Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé
Review Date: 2-2-2011
This is not your average Alsatian Sparkling Rose! This is complex, elegant, yet approachable and perfect for sipping day or night! Full of great flinty minerality and bright racy acid for texture, yet still has a brilliant aroma of strawberry seed and wild flowers. This will keep your loved one wanting more...perfect for lovers day!
Price: $19.99
Sorelle Bronca Prosecco
Review Date: 2-2-2011
This is K&L's best selling Prosecco by far! No matter who your entertaining, even yourself, you will revel in the masterpiece of sweet seduction! Perfectly balanced Italian style...Not too sweet, not too dry, but just right! Day time Brunch, or evening pre-dinner cocktail, this Prosecco is so pretty and elegant you just can't get enough!
Price: $16.99
Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne
Review Date: 1-5-2011
Ariston has done it again! They have created a Blanc de Blanc Champagne that is so unique and special compared to all the typical blanc de blancs on the shelf. Right off the bat after the Champagne Pop you get a whiff of the aromas of fresh baked brie, ripe apple, and Gruyere fondue...followed by a mysterious mid-palate chalk full of minerals and body. This isn't your typical super racy and tight blanc de blanc. It is fully developed into a mature ready to drink state of mind. Finishes with caramelized fruit and nuts...Enjoy!!
Price: $34.99
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