2009 Plungerhead Dry Creek Zinfandel ($14.99)

90 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "Plungerhead has sourced Zinfandel from all over the place, but this bottling is their best ever. It defines Dry Creek Valley Zin, being richly tannic and soft, with deep, sweet fl avors of wild raspberries, white chocolate, espresso and gingerbread cookie. The alcohol is high, but that’s Dry Creek Zin." (02/12)

2009 Viticcio "Bere" IGT Tuscany ($11.99)

90 points Wine Spectator: "Boasting dark cherry and berry aromas and flavors, this polished red is vibrant and harmonious. Lingers on the finish, with a tight, fruit- and spice-filled aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2013 through 2020. 2,000 cases imported." (10/11) 90 points James Suckling: "Lots of berry, chocolate and hints of cappuccino. Full and velvety, with plenty of fruit and a clean, bright finish. Delicious now. Good name for this. Drink it! Yummy. Made from 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot." 12-27-2011

By:Greg St. Clair | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 09, 2012 This is a really well made wine, it shows the classic earthy Sangiovese side but with lots of fruit behind it. Great mid palate balance with a long and lingering finish. This reminds me of wines from the 1990's as Chianti was going through big changes and quality wines were emerging all over, but at higher prices. This wine has all of that richness, spice and intrigue but at a bargain price. This is a buy a case kind of wine.

By:Mike Parres | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 08, 2012 I love drinking this wine. It is just the kind of wine you want when you sit down with a little bread and cheese or when you open something to drink while cooking dinner. Rich and complex, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Super Tuscan & Super Price !

By:Chris Miller | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 08, 2012 In a sea of exceptional bargains here at K&L, this is certainly one of the best bang-for-your-buck buys in the store. Big, juicy and rich, this is certainly polished and modern enough to appeal to a "new world" wine drinker, but also has enough "Italianess" to please the purist. Lots of bright cherry fruit and acidity from the Sangiovese, spice and tannic structure from the Cab, and a velvety richness and hint of chocolate from the Merlot. So friendly it could be sipped on its own, but more than enough to stand up to a veggie lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or a big roast. "Bere" means "to drink". Heed that advice.

2009 Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" ($26.99)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Chablis Vaillons is wonderfully alive in the glass. A gorgeous, well-articulated bouquet resonates on the palate, where layers of crystalline fruit emerge with notable pedigree. The Vaillons shows terrific energy and focus all the way through to the finish. Hints of lemon peel, grapefruit and jasmine linger on the pointed finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Droin. The Vaillons was aged 20% in wood. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024. This is an exciting set of wines from Benoit Droin, one of the generation of rising stars in Chablis. The estate farms nine hectares of vineyards. Benoit Droin told me his choice of when to start picking in 2009 was deeply influenced by 2006, a year in which he felt he waited too long. The 2009s were brought in beginning in early September. The wines were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in steel and/or barrel, depending on the specific wine, as noted above." (08/11) 90 points Burghound: "(from 6 different climats that saw 15% of new and one year old wood). An intensely floral nose reflects notes of white pepper, lemon zest and tidal pool, all of which also characterize the rich, round and generous flavors that maintain good balance and a fine sense of harmony on the solidly persistent finish. This overtly saline effort is really quite pretty." (10/11)

2010 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin "Valmur" Chablis Grand Cru ($59.99)

93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Chablis Valmur is another big, spherical wine that covers every corner of the palate with expressive fruit. It shows fabulous overall balance and a stunning personality. This is ripe, deep and super harmonious. The 40% oak is very well integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030." (08/11) 92-95 points Burghound: "(from 50+ year old vines aged in 50% wood but only a "small" percentage was new). Here the wood is all but invisible with a brilliantly classic Chablis nose of mineral reduction, sea shore nuances and ripe yet cool green fruit. There is surprisingly good detail to the opulent, even lush flavors that possess almost painful intensity on the impressively persistent and, despite the generosity of the mid-palate, a borderline austere finish. I very much like this." (10/11)

2010 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin "Les Clos" Chablis Grand Cru ($69.99)

94 points Allen Meadows: "A highly expressive ripe nose of white flower, spice, stone and pear leads to impressively rich and broad-scaled flavors that possess ample amounts of extract that coat and stain the palate on the strikingly long finish. Like the Grenouilles, this is not especially refined but it is certainly imposing yet for all of the size and weight, the balance is impeccable." Burghound, 10/11) 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Chablis Les Clos is pure seduction. Sweet floral notes are woven throughout a core of expansive fruit in this richly textured wine. The Clos possesses fabulous balance and length, with a bright, zesty finish that balances some of the more overt aromas and flavors. This is another hugely promising wine. Like the Grenouilles, the Clos was aged 50% in oak, but here the wood is integrated with greater harmony." (08/11) 92-94 points Stephen Tanzer: "Aromas of orange peel, smoke and flowers quickly shut down in the glass. Intensely flavored and powerful, with a slightly exotic quality to the high-pitched soft citrus flavors. Strong minerally acidity on the back half gives this wine excellent tension and grip. Conveys a chewy impression of extract, with a smoky silex note in the deep background. This youthfully taut wine should enjoy a slow evolution in bottle." (Jul/Aug 11)

2008 Franciscan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.99)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "A solid Cabernet, dry and fullbodied, showning classic flavors of blackberries, currants and oak, with hints of vanilla and toast. Feels rich in the mouth, a wine to enjoy through a long finish. Great price, and it could even develop in the bottle over the next few years. Editors' Choice ." (11/11)

2008 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend ($179.99)

99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years." (12/10) 95 points James Suckling: "This is very pure fruit for Dominus. This will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. 2008 was a very small crop. Very perfumed and beautiful, with currants, flowers, and notes of mint. Full bodied, with round velvety tannins that lead up to a chocolate and ripe berry finish. This is showing great fruit, and a great finish. Structurally this is like a 2005 La Mission. This will be out in May 2011." (12/10) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine offers good acidity and tight tannins, delivering complex flavors of loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral notes sprinkled in. My favorite young Dominus of late. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022." (11/11)

By:Michael Jordan | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 02, 2011 I have tried this wine twice this year and it continues to develop into something special.Bright, fleshy with solid structure and tannin. The nose on this wine was so beautiful. Floral, currant, spice and chocolate. I tucked myself away in a corner at a public tasting and admired this wine for at least 10 minutes. As with all Dominus, 5 to 10 years is the minimum before drinking. Buy a case, pull one bottle out. Decant for 2 hours and enjoy. It will give you a hint of what is to come for the next 10 -20 years.

2010 Tinto Negro Malbec Reserve Uco Valley ($11.99)

In our opinion, there is no better value in Malbec right now. Within the huge region of Mendoza, the Uco Valley lies towards the south where a combination of a cooler climate and, in this particular case, a much thinner layer of topsoil create one very compelling Malbec value. Fruit sourced from three different 20- to 25-year-old vineyards shows the classic darker - think black cherry and maybe some blueberries as well - slightly more acid driven fruit of this zone. Grapes for this new project, headed by two veterans from the world reknowned Catena winery (most importantly, one of them, Alejandro Sejanovic, was the vineyard guy!) are harvested at slightly different times to highlight the natural acidity in the wine. Oak ageing is kept to a minimum - 9 months in 20% new barrels and the rest used. The delicious, intensely fruity results are in the bottle.

2008 Chateau St. Jean "Robert Young Vineyard" Alexander Valley Chardonnay ($14.99)

91 points from Robert Parker: "The non-malolactic, steely, crisp, Wheat Thin-scented and -flavored 2008 Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard displays honeyed pear and a hint of white currant in a crisp, lovely, fresh style. It sells for a song as well. Readers looking for a bevy of outstanding white wines at remarkably fair prices need look no further than the copious number of selections from Chateau St. Jean. There’s a lot to like at all different price points, but the under $25 grouping is especially strong, as evidenced by the following tasting notes." (Feb. 2011)

By:Susan Thornett | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2011 Really impressive, crisp structure for a fifteen dollar chardonnay! Roast hazelnut and nutmeg on the nose, lovely salted apple caramel notes and peach kernel on the palate, fresh and firm with a super long finish.

2009 Edge Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99)

92 points and an Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A tremendous value. Hard to believe it's so good, considering the price. The details of its origins and winemaker are mysterious, but it's worth a special search. Rich and dry, it's packed with classic blackberry, black currant, blueberry and cedar flavors, wrapped into firm, smooth tannins. Drink now 2016." (02/12) This Cab is virtually guaranteed to rise toward the top of our bestsellers lists. It was made by noted winemaker Ray Signorello and gives you a reason to believe you can still get delicious Napa Cab under $20. An earlier vintage was voted "Best Cabernet under $20" by Food and Wine Magazine several years ago, and this beautiful '09 continues to live up to the reputation.

By:Alex Pross | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 05, 2012 Made by Signorello Winery this Cabernet Sauvignon shows a deft winemaking touch. Aromas of black plums, hints of spice and notes of blueberry pie rise from the glass. On the palate the wine shows good vibrancy with flavors of plum, black raspberry, blueberries and chocolate notes. The wine shows nice balance and tension with good acidity the wine holds together and gives the wine both body and lift. This is a nice every day drinking Cabernet Sauvignon that can pair well with food or be enjoyed on its own without breaking your budget.

By:Melissa Smith | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 05, 2012 Yum! Another score for the domestics! This is wonderful with lively fruit(blue and blackberries), a touch of cedar, and a sleek package. The acid in this makes this an ideal everyday dinner wine, at a tad above cellar temp it's actually quite refreshing!

2009 Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" ($26.99)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Chablis Vaillons is wonderfully alive in the glass. A gorgeous, well-articulated bouquet resonates on the palate, where layers of crystalline fruit emerge with notable pedigree. The Vaillons shows terrific energy and focus all the way through to the finish. Hints of lemon peel, grapefruit and jasmine linger on the pointed finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Droin. The Vaillons was aged 20% in wood. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024. This is an exciting set of wines from Benoit Droin, one of the generation of rising stars in Chablis. The estate farms nine hectares of vineyards. Benoit Droin told me his choice of when to start picking in 2009 was deeply influenced by 2006, a year in which he felt he waited too long. The 2009s were brought in beginning in early September. The wines were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in steel and/or barrel, depending on the specific wine, as noted above." (08/11) 90 points Burghound: "(from 6 different climats that saw 15% of new and one year old wood). An intensely floral nose reflects notes of white pepper, lemon zest and tidal pool, all of which also characterize the rich, round and generous flavors that maintain good balance and a fine sense of harmony on the solidly persistent finish. This overtly saline effort is really quite pretty." (10/11)

2001 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Especial Rioja ($29.99)

94 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: "The current release is the 2001 Reserva Especial, a deeply colored wine with a lovely perfume of cinnamon, lavender, incense, balsamic, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, velvety-textured, and already complex, it will continue to evolve for another 5-10 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2036. For those seeking immediate gratification, it has the virtue of being approachable now." (06/10) 92 points Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep red. Sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe raspberry and cherry with suggestions of potpourri, sandalwood and vanilla. Shows more power and darker fruits on the palate...The long, sweet finish hangs on with very good tenacity." (Sep/Oct 10) La Rioja Alta makes some of the very finest wines in all of the region: Arana Reserva, Gran Reserva 904, Gran Reserva 890. It has always been the Ardanza, though, which I've enjoyed the most. It is consistent, always elegant, and just a terrifically balanced, classic Rioja. In the very best vintages, La Rioja Alta designates Ardanza as a "Reserva Especial"; this has only happened two other times, in 1964 and 1973. I have not had the '64, but I did recently taste the '73 and it was superb. Yep, this is a $30 wine which ages gracefully for more than three decades. An incredible wine, and in a time where there is no shortage of wine or deals, this is the real deal, and a genuine bargain.

By:Illya Haase | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2011 Just Outstanding! No wonder it keeps selling out. This is only the third vintage of Vina Ardanza to reach the "Reserva Especial" level through La Rioja Alta's 120 year history, following the great Rioja vintages of 1964 and 1973. It is drinking just beautifully right now. But, if you wait to open it in the next ten years, you, my friend, are in for a treat!

2006 Baccinetti "La Saporoia" Brunello di Montalcino ($34.99)

92 points James Suckling: "A beautiful perfume and sweetness to this wine with plum, dark cherry and flowers. Full and very silky tannins with berry and blackberry tart flavors. Enticing and friendly. Try it in 2013."

By:Mike Parres | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 25, 2011 User friendly for 2006, ripe fruit (Strawberries & Cassis) hints of wood and leather. Very good structure and good balance of acid and tannins. Two big stars !!!

2009 Philip Togni "Tanbark Hill" Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.99)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Tanbark Hill is a rich, voluptuous wine graced with layers of expressive fruit, smoke and tobacco. It shows quite a bit of depth for this bottling. Licorice, crushed flowers, spices and mint wrap around the plush, inviting finish. This is all elegance and class. In 2009 one-third of the production was bottled as Tanbark Hill. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019...Togni hardly needs an introduction to lovers of fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Since his epic 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon at Chappellet, Togni has crafted a series of impeccable, breathtaking wines. It is amazing to consider that Togni's wines remain so reasonably priced when an endless number of new wineries with no track record seem to pop up every day with first releases well over $100 a bottle." (12/11)

2009 Walter Hansel "South Slope Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($38.99)

(92-94) points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Pinot Noir The South Slope comes from the highest elevation parcel owned by Hansel, a 7-acre sector planted with Dijon Clone 777. Another impressive Pinot, it exhibits a more full-bodied, intense style with lots of black cherry, raspberry, foresty, floral notes, a sensational texture, a rich, concentrated, opulent mouthfeel, and a long, luxurious finish. This stunning Pinot Noir is already providing plenty of pleasure and it should continue to do so for 7-8 years. If I were giving out awards for proprietors who combine remarkable humility with high quality, candidates for the top two spots would be Tom Dehlinger and Stephen Hansel. Stephen prefers his 2009s to his 2008s, primarily because they were easier to make and they have shown well since the first pressings of the grapes, always a reassuring sign of quality." (02/11) 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright ruby. Deep, vibrant aromas of black raspberry, red cherry, rose petal, black pepper and oak spices. Densely packed but sharply delineated, with juicy, intense dark berry and cherry compote flavors. For an ample wine this comes as shockingly linear. Finishes with ripe tannins, excellent persistence and a clinging floral note." (May/Jun 11)

2007 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien ($49.99)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "A powerful, extracted wine, very concentrated. The tannins are dense, giving a sense of tight texture, while underneath the ripe fruits are pulsing with fresh acidity as well as sweet berry flavors." (4/1/2010) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Offers subtle aromas of smoky wood, fresh herbs and dark fruits. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and soft, silky tannins. Very well-crafted and polished for the vintage. Much better than from barrel. Best after 2012." (03/10) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium ruby-red. Cassis and minerals on the nose, with complicating notes of mocha, cardamom, black tea, menthol and licorice. A juicy, suave, densely packed midweight with very good energy and intensity to its cassis, graphite and fresh herb flavors. Quite dry but not hard, finishing with building, tongue-dusting tannins and notes of herbs and tobacco leaf." (08/10) Robert Parker: "Grapy, richly fruity, medium-bodied flavors of cocoa, white chocolate, spicy herbs, and black currants jump from the glass of this deliciously evolved, complex wine. It is a soft, easy-going St.-Julien to consume over the next 8-10 years." (04/10)

By:Steve Greer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 06, 2011 This is a phenomenal price for a Second Growth from a vintage that won’t take a quarter of a century to show its stuff. Lots of dark fruit, cassis and coffee on the nose. The spice comes through on the palate with more cassis, coffee and chocolate and a slightly astringent mouthfeel. The spice dominates the long finish.

2009 Caymus "Special Selection" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($99.99)

97 points Wine Enthusiast: "So delicious now, you can hardly keep your hands off it. Blackberry tart, ripe blueberry, cassis, milk chocolate, licorice and sweet, smoky cedar flavors flood the mouth, dramatically huge and memorable, and lasting long into the finish. The tannins are obvious, but sweetly ripe and soft. A brilliant evocation of Napa Cabernet, despite a high production level of nearly 30,000 cases, which is about the same size as a Bordeaux first growth. Shows the class and potency this bottling has exhibited for many years, and believe it or not, the price is a is a relative bargain these days. Drink now -2020. S.H." 93 points Wine Spectator: "Temptingly rich and layered, with complex mocha, plum and wild berry fruit that’s spicy and aromatic. Full-bodied, gaining depth and turning ever more elegant and detailed, with tannins that give this traction. Drink now through 2019." (09/11) A legendary California Cabernet Sauvignon that impresses vintage after vintage for its impeccable balance and longevity. The 2009 is an excellent follow-up to the 94-point (Parker and Wine Spectator) 2008 vintage. It's inky and dark and a little reserved on the nose right now, which is to be expected considering its youth. With air it begins to reveal smoke, pepper and black fruit that just hint at the complexity underneath. Voluptous, almost vixen-like on its entry now with creamy mocha, pepper and black fruit flavors, the wine is reined in by its structure.