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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
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- International Wine Cellar
- Wine & Spirits
- Wine Enthusiast
- Wine Spectator
- The Wine News
- Malt Advocate
Reviewers
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Staff Favorites - Cindy Westby
Cindy Westby
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In her current incarnation as K&L Human Resources wizard, Cindy spends her time managing management and making the most of our talented staff. Her previous lives include: HR generalist at Cisco Systems, sommelier at the Village Pub and retail sales at Ridge Vineyards. She's the real sparkle in Champagne buyer Gary Westby's eye and enjoys drinking more than her fair share of traditionally styled wines from the classic wine regions of the world. Her long term goals include: figuring out how to use her iPhone, growing a decent tomato, and adding as many Westbys as possible to the K&L staff.
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Reviews
Krug "Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 6-11-2009
Because you can never be too rich...or have too many bubbles! This Grand Cuvee is truly grand - very concentrated, with a silky smooth texture and length for days. Drink it on your private island, while sitting on your treasure chest and eating a foie gras cheeseburger! (tasted 6/10/09)
Price: $124.99
2004 Adega Cartuxa "Évora" Alentejo
Review Date: 5-20-2009
I can't believe how many of my co-workers have "discovered" this wine before me. C'Mon guys - when a wine is this good, please tell me! We had it with a grilled rib-eye steak and Israeli Couscous. I thought it had generous fruit, with balanced structure from both tanin and acidity - and lots of complexity. All for under $20 - excellent!
Price: $19.99
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof, Bottled in Bond 750ml
Review Date: 5-20-2009
Adding a couple of ice cubes to this 100 proof spirit really tames the beast, bringing out the sweetness and rye-bread aromatics. A wonderful digestif after dinner - with a very reasonable price tag.
Price: $19.99
2007 Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 5-19-2009
Just keep a bottle of this in your fridge at all times. You will sip it while making dinner, pour some INTO your dinner, drink it in *place* of dinner? Also a very nice party wine, this Sauv Blanc is done in a fresh classic style that everyone will enjoy.
Price: $10.99
2005 Viña Real Crianza, Rioja
Review Date: 5-19-2009
I just enjoyed this wine with rabbit and chorizo Paella over the weekend. On the lighter side with juicy flavors and a waft of american oak that really complemented the smoky pimenton spice.
Price: $17.99
Ariston Aspasie Brut Prestige Champagne
Review Date: 4-9-2009
Fun fact about Ariston: their winemaker Paul-Vincent uses the best juice from his younger vines for the Vintage champagne...and the best juice from his older vines for the'Aspasie'! I popped a bottle last night and was instantly transported to Brouillet. Mature old vine flavor, dry and classy! Drink it cool but not ice-cold to capture all the flavors...
Price: $39.99
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 4-9-2009
It blows my mind. $32.99, really? Small production grower rose champagne, aged on the lees for 5 years?? Are you sure, only $32.99? Beautiful to behold with its tawny pink color - and a joy to consume with layers of flavor and aroma. Enjoy alongside baked ham, herbed quiche - or even smoked almonds as an afternoon treat!
Top Value!
Price: $32.99
Collard-Picard Cuvee Selection Brut Champagne
Review Date: 12-29-2008
I love the family resemblance between the Rene Collard and the Collard-Picard wines! Still the earthy and savory meunier flavor, but with a lighter hand and more zing! This wine is a great choice when you want that mature champagne flavor, without the wait!
Price: $34.99
2000 Bruno Michel Cuvee Clement Blanc de Noir Brut
Review Date: 11-18-2008
Not just for SF Giants fans, this champagne with the bright orange label is something special. This particular bottling is new to K&L and I splurged on myself to try it. As I relished my frosty flute, I noticed fresh minerality up front, a big rich savory middle from the old vine fruit and a spicy carnation-flower finish. Although certain to sell out in the next few weeks, I imagine enjoying this wine again in the Fall. Maybe with some warm nuts or sautéed wild mushrooms on crostini. Is it October yet? I'm definitely looking forward to it!
Price: $54.99
2006 Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel (organic)
Review Date: 10-14-2008
Oh no, I am out of wine! I still have a few bites of braised beef cheeks left...and the rest of my table is talking about having desert - what should I order??
Well, this is what I ordered - and I was very, very happy. The Bucklin Old Hill Zin helped me finish the beef and took me right on through to the home-made chocolate peanut butter cup dessert. Rich and ripe, but with some oomph, the perfect balance between savory and sweet!
Price: $31.99
2006 Baudana Dolcetto d'Alba (Was $19.99)
Review Date: 7-14-2008
I recently discovered this wine at my favorite local Italian restaurant. It was SO delicious with their wood oven pizza, that the very next day at work, I was compelled to fling myself onto the floor, and pound my little fists until Mike "Guido" Parres agreed to buy it for K&L! Maybe it was just the right wine, with the right food, on the right night - but I was crazy for the rich aromatics and the cool black cherry flavors. It has enough ripeness to pair with tomato sauce and enough "cut" for meat and cheese. You could even go uptown and serve it with eggplant parmesan, italian style meatloaf or lamb shanks with olives and tomatoes.
Price: $13.99
1997 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 7-7-2008
I'm told this is the last we will carry of this vintage. Don't miss the opportunity to buy classic, mature Bordeaux for less than $40! Find yourself a friend, a friday night, and a juicy grilled steak. My idea of a very, good time.
Top Value!
Price: $39.99
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