Inventory Clearance - Home of the Wine Rogue

91 points and listed as a "Spanish Wine Bargain Under $20" by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, no tasting note given. 90 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Saturated purple. Smoky raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a sexy mocha quality adding complexity. Fleshy, round dark fruit liqueur flavors caress rather than pummel the palate. Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit." (Sept/Oct '07) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

A tight, reserved bouquet slowly opens to ripe black cherries and a wink of spice.A rich, classic Cabernet palate of cassis and cedar wood is given volume by an elegant tannin structure. A lingering finish wraps it all up with distinct black currant notes. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah and 2% Petit Syrah. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

"Outstanding Top value" according to Allen Meadows: "A very fresh and intensely floral nose also reflects hints of lemon-lime and earth, both of which can also be found on the nicely rich and round flavors that are not only intense and delicious but also deliver better than average complexity. A fine effort at this level." (Tasted: Jun 01, 2010) Wine Spectator writes: "A round, fresh and fruity white, featuring crisp acidity to keep it balanced. Moderate length. Drink now." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

In a terrific vintage like 2005, this drinks WAY above its price-point. As Allen Meadows writes about Girardin in this vintage: "the last few vintages really do seem to corroborate what he's saying about wanting to make more classically styled wines. And to this end Vincent told me that he "used up to 60% of the stems in his wine from the Côte de Nuits and up to 30% in those from the Côte de Beaune. 2005 is an aristocratic vintage that isn't at all fruity or forward and thus I did long but soft vinifications with no punch downs, only pump-overs. And I'm... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

"Wow, what a tremendous deal from South Africa. This wine was made from selected hand harvested grapes from vines cropping at less than 2 1/2 tons per acre. Fermentation occured in open top tanks with a manual punch down every 3 hours for 8 days. After malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel, the wine spent 30 months in 225 litre new French and American oak with a total production of 50 barrels. The bouquet offers notes of violets, blueberry, blackberry, grilled meat, vanilla, earth, minerals and a hint of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

This is solid wine that appeals to both the French and California Chardonnay lover. It has a pretty lemony note on the nose, nice richness on the mouth, and an interesting nutty quality and some minerality at the finish. This is a terrific value for summertime sipping! 70% of the fruit comes from Meursault, with the remainder from the Mâcon. It is fermented in a combination of barrel and tank, and then aged in French oak. At this price, it is unlikely to hang around for long. (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer, 05/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Mas Donis Barrica is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon using old-vine Garnacha (80+ years) and Syrah (30+ years). The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a gr... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

ANCHOR SUMMER is the first American wheat beer in modern times. Our first brew of this light and refreshing beer was in the summer of 1984. Anchor Summer is an all-malt beer, and over 50% of its malt comes from malted wheat. It is fermented with a traditional top-fermenting “ale” yeast because we prefer the clean flavors developed by this yeast. We believe that this style best celebrates the refreshingly light flavor of malted wheat. You may notice that the head on this beer is unusually abundant, with a consistency similar to whipped egg whites. This is... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

90 points from The Wine Spectator: "A plush texture carries flavors of black cherry, tobacco, cedar and tar in this plump red, which has an alluring sanguine tang and stays fresh and firm through the spicy finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2012." (Dec 15, 2008) This is a delicious Rioja for drinking now. Showing nice development, with an appealing soft texture, and a savory meaty quality. Along with the cherry fruit and brightness of the acidity, this is a very tasty Rioja to be sure. Enjoy with grilled lamb, fresh grilled ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

90 points Wine Spectator: "Lots of blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. Full-bodied, with chocolate, vanilla and berry. Soft and balanced. Best after 2013." (03/08) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Casal García is one of Vinho Verde giant Quinta de Aveleda's labels. They produce a lot of wine, but they are extremely organized, quality oriented, and produce the first rosé I ever tasted from the Vinho Verde region. Produced from Azal tinto, barraçal, and Vinhao grapes. Like white vinho verde, this is slightly effervescent, fresh, invigorating stuff. Just a hint of residual sugar balances out the red fruit, acidity, and fizz. Chill this one and drink it in warm weather for a real treat. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

Inventory: Hollywood San Francisco

90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Made almost exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a deeply colored, reipely rich young wine that shows masses of blackberries. There are supporting notes of paine grille, anise, violets, anise and smoky oak, with a firm grounding of minerals. Shows some tartness and astringency that strongly suggest time in the cellar. Try beyond 2012." (04/12) One of Stag's Leaps signature wines, the Artemis blends fruit from the winery's Arcadia, Fay and SLV vineyards. Briar fruit and wild rosemary aromas and flavors open up to revea... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

This organically grown merlot is chock full of blackberry fruits, plum and floral notes. Smooth and juicy, with supple fine tannins and no oak whatsover make for pure unadulterated drinking pleasure. This is the little red that could! Enjoy with just about anything..pizza, meatloaf, spaghetti, and be sure to have a couple bottles on hand at all times, as it has been my personal experience that an open bottle of this little gem will not last long. (Mulan Chan, K&L Southern French buyer) 13.5% abv. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

94 points from the Wine Enthusiast: "Beautiful now, with decanting, due to the generous fruit flavors and the way the oak shows them off. Dry and smooth, it brims with blackberry, cherry, red and black currant, blueberry, cocoa, anise and sandalwood and smoky flavors that go on and on. Should age, too. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Petit Verdot. Now-2014." (12/09) According to Wine Spectator: "Tight, structured and full-bodied, with firm, ripe dried currant, blackberry, mineral, anise and sage flavors that have a touch of black licorice bef... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Not every deal is worth taking when a supplier looks to close-out a wine- but this one sure was. The 2005 Roland Thevenin Rully was a little firm upon release but now that it has rested for a few years, the flavors have come together and it is showing the promise that comes with a couple of years of bottle age. According to the Wine Spectator: "A firmly structured, tightly wound red, this needs more time for all its elements to come together. The flavors are cherry, raspberry and spice on a sinewy frame. Fine length. Best from 2011 through 2018. 250... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Night harvest; destemming, cold maceration; pigeage three times a day; malolactic fermentation in barrels. This awesome pinot noir from the south of France exhibits an intense ruby red color as well as a fresh fruit nose of black cherry, strawberry and raspberry. It is a rich, smooth and silky wine, displaying a supple palate with elegant and delicate cherry and raspberry flavors. A lovely Pinot Noir with a great structure. Pairs well with poultry, ham, lamb, pork and creamy cheeses. 13.5% abv. 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Killer value in perfectly aged Cabernet from one of the "icons" of way Down Under. This is is spicy and complex, with green tea and blackberry notes and subtle coffee and vanilla characters. Great with grilled lamb chops and one heck of a steal at this price. "Not much to say here...Coonawarra Cabernet with age on it with great storage for $10? The 2001 has a bit more acidity with a savoury note than the 2000, but, shows the Coonawarra earth, mineral and tobacco leaf character with dusty black cherry and dark plum fruit character. Very Limited" Jim Chant... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Ripe, with silky depth to the cherry pie, wild berry, dried herb and spice flavors. Violet, sandalwood and slate nuances add intrigue, with lithe tannins, cedar and lingering lemon thyme tones. Drink now through 2011." (05/08) " Austrian born and trained winemaker Rudi Bauer, ended up becoming one of the early pioneers of the still relatively young history of winemakers to choose Central Otago in New Zealand to craft their wines. The grapes come from volcanic soils mixed with shattered quartz in the sub-region of Bendigo... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

89 points Wine Spectator: "This silky-textured white is fresh and fragrant, with lots of floral and white pepper overtones to its pear and apricot flavors, lingering well. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Nice acidity and crispness are followed by the rich mid-palate that is the hallmark of good rully. This also shows some very attractive citrus/lemon notes, both on the nose and palate. A terrific white burgundy for a song. (Keith Wollenberg, 06/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle is a wine of distinction, made in the traditional Champagne method to achieve elegance and finesse, at a cost that fits in with mere mortal proportions. This blend of 38% Pinot Noir and 62% Chardonnay from Bendigo, Central Otago shows Granny Smith with a hint of strawberries and cream on the nose with fruity acidity and leesy notes. Focused, fresh and crisp with a beautiful balance and length. Yum! 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon The Maitre D’ was raised in 50% new French and American oak for 11 months. Opaque purple-colored with legs that ooze down the glass, it displays a reticent bouquet that with coaxing reveals wood smoke, violets, black currant and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with a glossy texture, succulent fruit, and excellent concentration. This pleasure bent effort can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years." (Dec 09) A Cabernet-lover’s dream with layers of dark fruit, dark ch... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

Giovanni Blason and his consulting enologist Andrea Rossi have turned this 37-acre property into a juggernaut of affordable quality wines. Giovanni and his wife Valentina own this winery in Gradisca d’Inzonzo, 3.75 miles from the Slovenian border and about 20 miles north of Trieste. Franconia is rarely seen in the U.S. (the name of the grape has nothing to do with Franken wines of Germany), and it's a shame. This is a ruby red wine, with a distinctively herbal aroma and flavor, and a velvety mouth feel. Best of all, it is quite low in alcohol, making it ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This rosé, typically named 'Cerasuolo,' is a shocking value given the prices of some of the well-known rosés from southern France. (The Montepulciano grapes are crushed, the skins macerage for 12 hours or so, then the wine is vinified off the skins like a white.) Good solid deep pink color; aroma and flavor of strawberry, with some herbal notes; lively and fresh on the palate but flavorful enough to stand up to all sorts of food. Grilled chicken or salmon come to mind. 

Inventory: Hollywood San Francisco

Primo with duck breast, a Tajine or couscous, Le Rendez-Vous du Soleil emphasizes full fruit and a touch of cassis. Born in 2001 as a second pure carignan, in 2005 Le Rendez-Vous du Soleil became a syrah, cabernet and carignan barrel aged blend. In 2006, RdV got some Mourvedre and Grenache Noir as well. Winemaker Nicole Bojanowski and the famous chanteur Charles Trenet were both born in Narbonne Both sang: Le soleil avez un rendez-vous avec la lune (mais la lune n'est pas la et le soleil il l'attend...!) 13.5% abv. 

Inventory: San Francisco

A stunning, cherry and cranberry-filled Pinot Noir wrapped up with an earth and spice bow. The fruit comes from Foley's Rancho Santa Rosa, part of the original Spanish Land Grant, and one of Santa Barbara's most historic properties. Planted into a steep hillside in one of the coolest parts of the Santa Ynez Valley, the site is ideal for growing bright, structured Pinot Noir. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels, which smooth the wine's texture and add spicy notes that complement the crisp acidity. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse

92 points Wine Spectator: "Very dark and juicy, with lots of boysenberry, fig and blackberry fruit backed by ganache, dark licorice, roasted vanilla bean and a long, structured finish, where a nice hint of black tea chimes in. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2009 through 2025." (06/08). 15% abv. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

We have been working with Champagne De Meric since the beginning of their renaissance, and now their first vintage Sous Bois has been released. It is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from the villages of Ay, Avize, Cramant, Oger, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Mutigny. It has a fantastic nose of fresh cream and bread dough and the palate has great black cherry Ay Pinot Noir power. There are subtle hints of orange peel and vanilla underneath, almost certainly coming from the all-wood fermentation. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Intense, with spicy, loamy earth, mineral and pebble notes mixed with dried currant and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and tannic, yet the flavors push through on the finish. Drink now through 2016." (11/09) 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

This fantastic Champagne was made by De Meric as a tribute to Mr. Rene Collard, and it is one of the greatest Champagnes that we stock at any price. It is made exclusively from biodynamic meunier from the village of Crouttes-sur-Marne in the western part of Champagne. It was aged in old, small oak casks before bottling in 2003. The color is a gorgeous light gold, with an amazingly compact and powerful bead. On the nose it is explosively spicy with caramel apple and freshly-toasted bread notes heading a long list of adjectives. On the palate it is savory,... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Always a charming wine, this Pinot Noir is from several vineyards, mostly on the border between Volnay and Pommard, and is supple and delightful on the palate. Now at a special price, this represents a terrific value. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

90+ points Robert Parker (02/09) K&L's notes - This wine brings together the South of France, Spain and Australia with a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Tempranillo and 20% Shiraz. The bouquet opens with notes of raspberry, blueberry, dark plum, cedar and spice. On the palate, the sweetness of Grenache combines with the earth and leather of Tempranillo and is framed by the structure of Shiraz. There are fine tannins that are coated by a dusting of coco powder that lead to a fine finsh. (Jim Chanteloup, K&L Australian buyer) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

The famous Montepulciano and Sangiovese are at the heart of this full-bodied and wonderfully tannic red from Italy's Marche region. Think of Rosso Conero as an insider's Chianti Classico. Our Direct Import makes this an even greater value! 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Our Notes: "This dense and charming wine was an absolute delight with a grilled steak last week. It's supple, with pronounced black and some red fruit notes. The wine is structured in the mid-palate, with a terrifically long finish and that hallmark sappiness of Vosne Romanée from a great vintage. It's easy to see why Vosne is regarded as the home of some of the top wines in all of Burgundy, and a joy to drink at an affordable price. Decant this and enjoy it now, or put it in your cellar - either way, you will be happy you did." (Keith Wollenberg, K&L... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This vineyard is located just across the road from Corton Charlemagne, on almost identical soils. The site has a Western exposure, which can be more difficult in cooler vintages, but in a terrific year like 2005 presents no issues. It is really very Corton Charlemagne-like, except that it is more forward in character. But if you like the thread of minerality accompanied by richness that a good Corton brings, but want to get it for a song, here is your opportunity! 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

95+ points Robert Parker: "The 2006 Insignia (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; 16,000 cases produced) is a superb effort in this vintage. Another 30+ year wine, it boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as abundant notes of licorice, black currants, charcoal, black olives, and graphite. Full-bodied, pure, and rich with moderately high tannins, it represents a California version of a Bordeaux from Pauillac or St.-Julien. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2045." (12/09) 95 points Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Already amazingly seductive w... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This release of Luca Sanjust’s monumental Merlot is more subdued than the previous vintage, but what it lacks in intensity it makes up for in elegance. Instead of bursting red fruit and thick density, this feminine wine offers bite-size bursts of soft cherry, forest floor and toasted almond. It’s smooth and supple in the mouth." (04/08) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Galatrona (Merlot) is even more compelling. Floral aromatics lead to a fresh, vibrant expression of ripe fruit intermingled with sweet toasted... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

The Giulietta is made from Pelaverga Piccolo and has a nose full of strawberry, rose petals and white pepper. It's very delicate in a Pinot sort of way. Enjoy it now with aged cheeses and your favorite risotto. 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

Alain Gras is one of the more reliable producers in the tiny village of St. Romain. His vines average 40 years of age, and he hand-harvests, uses about 20% stems, and ages in oak barrels, with less than 25% new oak to keep the wine more open and show off the minerality and delicacy that is the hallmark of St. Romain. This is a terrific value in White Burgundy. (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer) As Clive Coates writes: "Alain Gras is the leading grower in Saint-Romain. The view from his courtyard, up in Saint-Romain-le-Haut, perched above a 100-fo... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

91 points from The Wine Advocate: "The 2007 MP Cabernet Sauvignon S2 spent 16 months in French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it emits enticing notes of cedar, leather, earth, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, this firm Cabernet has enough structure to evolve for several years. It has excellent depth, savory black fruit flavors, plenty of spice, and good length. This well-balanced effort should be at its best from 2010 to 2017." 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

Each year, the enterprising Denis Barraud finds some new parcels he can get, generally in metayage (share-cropping). This is a single vineyard, and that rarity in Burgundy, a monopole, which Denis has direct control over. It is just over one acre in size (.45Ha). This wine has more drive and energy than the Les Folles or Chataigniers, and also more evident minerality. It is vinified entirely in small oak barrels, from 5-10 years in age. The leesiness of the wine seems to be almost oaky in its richness, but the old barrels are certainly neutral. Th... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

90-92 points Robert Parker: "Another terrific discovery in the southern Rhone, this blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah from the cool-climate village of Vinsobres possesses an inky/ruby/purple color as well as black cherry, black currant, underbrush, forest floor, and crushed rock-like aromas and flavors. It is medium to full-bodied and pure with good acidity and a long finish. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years." (02/09) 15% abv. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse San Francisco

According to the Wine Enthusiast: "Shows a welcome return to form after the disappointing 2004. The tannins that always have highlighted this Merlot are still there, but the cherry and currant fruit have returned. Bone dry and astringent, it needs a little time. Best after 2009." (12/15/2008) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Soft and round up front, with blackberry, pomegranate, black pepper and fresh herb flavors highlighted by mineral tones and tangy tannins. Drink now through 2010." (02/07) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 07: "Good full red. Complex aromas and flavors of red berries, minerals, spices and smoke. Dense and nicely concentrated pinot noir with a pliant, fleshy texture and a lingering, ripe finish. No rough edges here." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This is the third vintage of Chris Ringland Cote Rotie Shiraz. The 2008 was sourced from 20-60 year old Barossa vines and aged in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Deep purple-colored, it emits a captivating, already complex nose of smoke, incense, Asian spices, and blueberry. Velvety-textured, intense, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, this rich effort will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a steal at the modest asking price." 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

97 points Wine Spectator: "A tad more intensity and concentration than the gold cap, with fresh peach, kumquat and cinnamon notes. Unevolved, with fine clarity and integration and excellent length on the finish. Has a long life ahead. Best from 2008 through 2030. 50 cases imported." The Würtzberg has an incline of up to 75 degrees and its soil consists of red and blue slate, but has larger amounts of sandstone and clay mixed in. This results in weightier, broader, fuller bodied wines. They tend to be ready to drink at an earlier age and have a well inte... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Opaque ruby. Pungent raspberry and blackberry aromas are complicated by minerals and dried flowers. Lively red fruit flavors gain depth in the middle palate and pick up a deeper cherry pit quality. The finish repeats the cherry note and leaves notes of licorice and smoky minerals behind. I'd give this a few more years of aging, at the least." (Jan/Feb 10) 92 points Robert Parker: "Revealing a deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color, the full-bodied 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve exhibits ple... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

Champagne Mumm is one of the largest land-holders in all of Champagne, with over 600 acres total under vine. They have very large holdings in Cramant, the richest cru in the Cote de Blancs and in Verzenay, the most intriguing village on the Mountain of Reims. This wine is composed of 60% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 10% meunier. It is all grand and premier cru and rates at 98% on the eschelle de cru---higher than Critstal! It is toasty and leesy but finishes bright and light. It is a simple, cheerful bottle of bubbles at a great price. (Gary Westby, K&... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City

90 points Allen Meadows: "Mild reduction does not really detract from the rosemary oil, citrus and floral aromas that merge into detailed, punchy and impressively complex and intense middle weight flavors that stain the palate on the solidly persistent finish. Very good quality here." (Tasted: Jul 01, 2009) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco