2008 Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley South Australia ($13.99)

92 points, a "Smart Buy" and one of the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "Smooth and creamy, the polished texture supporting an explosive range of lemon meringue, pear, pineapple and spice flavors that ease into the long, vivid finish. Drink now through 2012." (11/09) Australia has not always been my go to region for white wine. Recently though, I have discovered incredible Rieslings from Margaret River, delightful Semillons from Hunter Valley and now this exceptional Viognier from Eden Valley. Yalumba is still one of Australia's oldest continuously owned and operated family wineries and it shows in the details of this broad flavored wine. It possesses a wide range of floral aromas, pineapple, citrus and a vibrant long finish. I was almost transported to Condrieu, home of the world's best Viognier producers! Factor in the price and this truly is one of the most remarkable buys anywhere. (Keith Mabry, K&L Hollywood)

2004 Rolf Binder "Hanisch" Shiraz (Was $59.99) ($39.99)

95 points Robert Parker: "Binder's flagship offering, produced from a vineyard planted in on sandy, gravelly, loamy soils, is his Shiraz Hanisch. The 2004 was aged in a combination of French and American oak, more than half of which was new. It boasts a beautiful blue/purple color, great stuffing, and a fabulous perfume of crushed rocks, smoked meats, blackberries, cassis, and flowers. This thick, opulent, powerful Shiraz needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 20-25." (10/06) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and juicy, with a lively frame supporting blackberry, black cherry, floral and black olive flavors. Hints at eucalyptus as the finish sails on and on against refined tannins. Best from 2008 through 2016." (10/06)

2007 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe "La Crau" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pre-Arrival ($59.99)

96+ points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provencal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier." (10/09) 95 points and #3 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone-filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2030." 90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Saturated ruby. Youthfully brooding nose displays dark berries, tobacco and licorice, plus an undercurrent of smoky minerals. More powerful than what I expect from this estate, boasting deep, chewy cassis and bitter cherry flavors and a late note of bitter chocolate. Impressive for its richness and size..." (Jan/Feb '09) (12/09) ETA: Late 2009 - Spring 2010

2007 Tardieu-Laurent "Cuvee Speciale" Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pre-Arrival ($64.99)

94-96 points Robert Parker: "A 100% Grenache cuvée from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more."(10/2008) 95 points Wine Spectator: "This is gorgeous, with wood spice and tobacco notes leading the way for a massive core of black Mission fig and warm currant preserve flavors. This has the opulent fruit of the vintage, but maintains an edgy minerality as well. The long finish ripples with lavender and black tea. Grenache. Best from 2010 through 2023." (11/09) 92-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Glass-staining ruby. Extremely sexy aromas of dark berries and kirsch, with anise and candied flowers adding complexity. Powerful black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors coat the palate, picking up lavender pastille and apricot notes with air. Lush, creamy and seamless, with excellent finishing sweetness and thrust."( Jan/Feb 2009) ETA: Feb 2010.

2007 Roger Sabon "Prestige" Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($61.99)

95 points Robert Parker: "The brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige (60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and the balance almost every other authorized red grape of the appellation) is produced from parcels that average 90 years of age or older. It reveals the essence of Provence in its dense plum/purple color and powerful aromatics of sweet creme de cassis, black cherries, licorice, lavender, pepper, and incense. The wine possesses terrific depth, a blockbuster, opulent, multilayered texture, and a finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This sensational Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 15-20 years."(10/2009) 90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and dried flowers. Deep and chewy, offering lush dark berry compote flavors and slow-building tannins. Becomes sweeter and more lively with air, finishing with notes of fresh red and dark berries." (Jan/Feb '09) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Very silky, with nice deceptive depth to the perfumy crushed plum, toast, pepper and kirsch notes. A hint of shiso leaf extends the mineral- and red fruit-filled finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,012 cases made." (11/09) 15%abv. ETA: Early Nov 2009.

1998 Clynelish 11 year old, Unchillfiltered Signatory Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($49.99)

Clynelish is one of the Northern Highland's most underappreciated distilleries. This 11 year old unchillfiltered example captures the essence of the distillery perfectly. The nose is honeyed with a touch of salt and spice. On the palate, there is honeycomb, orange marmalade and summer flowers with a restrained oakiness and a hint of smoke. Very well balanced and well priced. Don't forget to add a touch of water or this unchillfiltered malt will keep all its secrets locked away.

2007 Bodegas Olivares "Altos de la Hoya" Jumilla ($9.99)

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky purple color. Strongly floral nose displays a seductive bouquet of dark berries, lavender, rose and smoky Indian spices. Vibrant blackberry and candied cherry flavors are lifted by zesty minerals, becoming deeper and sweeter with air. The impressively brisk and focused finish features pure berries. Here's another crazy value." (09/08) On the Wine Advocate's list of recommended wine values under $25. Produced from old, ungrafted vines that rise from the beautiful, almost surreal bleached white landscape of lime rich, sandy soil in the cooler La Hoya de Santa Ana sub-zone of the Jumilla region (Murcia, southeastern Spain). There is always something quite different about this Monastrell-based wine that sets it apart from the hosts of other $10 versions out there. The fruit leans more towards red (as opposed to the more typical black fruit one finds in Jumilla), there is brighter than usual acidity, and a definite terroir stamp that manifests itself in a spicy, intense brand of minerality. What we have here is a serious bottle of bargain wine, an $18 bottle in $10 clothing." (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)

2008 Big House White California ($7.99)

#1 on the "Top 100 Best Buys of 2009" and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast: "Continues the solid trend of this label producing some of the best values in California. Dry, crisp and delicious, with mineral-infused flavors of oranges, honeysuckle and buttered toast. A blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Roussanne." (10/09) Once owned by the rapscallion Randall Graham of Bonny Doon fame, the Big House label has gone through many permutations over the years, but none of its wines has ever achieved the level of success of the 2008 Big House White. This blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Roussanne has created quite a buzz and was recently awarded the #1 wine spot on the Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 Best Buys of 2009." With its dynamic aromatics of lychee, passion fruit, bubble gum, lemon meringue and wintermint, and its sassy flavors of wet stone, blood orange flesh, mango and overall floral nature, we think it is going to be a huge hit. It's wildly affordable at well under $10 a bottle and simply hard to put down before the entire bottle is gone. This is a perfect "Holiday Season" party wine, stock up now while you can. (Bryan Brick, K&L)

2004 Philippe Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon "Grains Nobles" 500ml ($75 Elsewhere) ($28.99)

95 points Wine Spectator: "Seems very rich at first, with blood orange, persimmon and ginger notes, but then the fine minerality takes over, carrying it to a long elegant finish thanks to its rapierlike acidity. Each sip makes you want another. Drink now through 2020." (11/06) An extremely rare wine - only 250 cases made - selling at 60% off due to a supplier change and inventory liquidation, making this an unreal bargain. Philippe Delesvaux, a Parisian, was not born into viticulture, but came to the vine while working on his agricultural studies on a cereal farm in the Loire Valley in the early 1980s. By 1983 he had purchased some vineyards and was working out of a shed in Anjou producing some of the most concentrated botrytis wines the area had ever seen. His philosophy is simple, "A good wine cannot be made without good grapes. The wines are born of the grape, and nothing but the grape." To this end, he works biodynamically in the vineyards and naturally in the cellar, using wild yeast fermentations to fully capture the essence of Anjou. The Selection de Grains Nobles is produced only from hand picked 100% botrytis Chenin Blanc vines averaging 40 years of age, planted to soils containing sedimentary rock, slate and coal. The genius of Delesvaux is his ability to produce extremely concentrated and soil expressive botrytis wines that are never cloying or too heavy, but are rejuvenating and light on their feet.

2005 Philippe Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon "Grains Nobles" 500ml ($75 Elsewhere) ($64.99)

98 points Wine Spectator: "Very lush and racy at the same time, this starts with creamy layers of mango and papaya before giving way to persimmon, fig paste and crème brûlée notes, all carried by well-embedded acidity. The superlong finish lets date, spice cake and green tea notes linger endlessly. Yet another classic for this amazing wine. Drink now through 2032." (11/07) Philippe Delesvaux, a Parisian, was not born into viticulture but came to the vine while working on his agricultural studies on a cereal farm in the Loire Valley in the early 1980s. By 1983 he had purchased some vineyards and was working out of a shed in Anjou producing some of the most concentrated botrytis wines the area had ever seen. His philosophy is simple, "A good wine cannot be made without good grapes. The wines are born of the grape, and nothing but the grape." To this end he works biodynamically in the vineyards and naturally in the cellar, using wild yeast fermentations to fully capture the essence of Anjou. The Selection de Grains Nobles is produced only from hand picked 100% botrytis Chenin Blanc from vines averaging 40 years of age planted to soils containing sedimentary rock, slate and coal. The genius of Delesvaux is his ability to produce extremely concentrated and soil expressive botrytis wines that are never cloying or too heavy, but are rejuvenating and light on their feet.

2001 Abadal Reserva Pla de Bages ($19.99)

90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2001 Abadal Reserva is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah that spent 14 months in used French and American oak. This purple-colored wine coats the glass with glycerin. It offers up an impressive bouquet of vanilla, spice box, pencil lead, and black currants which have benefitted from the extra bottle age. It is the most densely packed to this point, with layers of black fruit flavors, a supple texture, and surprising elegance. It has excellent balance and a long, fruity finish. Drink it over the next 4-6 years." (02/07) A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, the 2001 Abadal is in a wonderful place right now: juicy black plum and currant fruit, rich but focused, is also supported by wonderful secondary flavors of sweet herbs and a warm earthiness. Without a doubt, the fruit intensity and character of the excellent 2001 vintage, which many consider to be the vintage of the decade in Spain, is on full disply here. Supple, rounded, and just an incredibly tasty drink, this is a terrific buy for any fan of mature Bordeaux or Napa Bordeaux blends. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish Buyer)

2004 Domaine Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($35 Elsewhere) ($19.99)

90 points Wine Spectator: "Lovely pure beam of red currant and red cherry fruit supported by hot stone and mineral notes. Hint of tobacco on the minerally finish. Should flesh out nicely in the near-term. Best from 2007 through 2017." (11/06) And, from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright red. Smoky red fruit aromas are complicated by espresso and chocolate. Fresh and precise, with bitter cherry and anise flavors supported by firm tannins. Bright, persistent finishing flavor of tangy redcurrant." (Jan/Feb '07) The Beaurenard is one of those double-take deals that will have you checking to make sure that we didn't misprice this wine. Don't worry, it is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape and it is under $20! There are so many great things to say about this wine, but most important is how nicely it has developed over the last few years since its release. The wine shows layers of red fruit, fig paste, tobacco, cedar and a touch of leather on the finish. A hint of potpourri on the nose and this wine sings. This wine is so versatile, it will pair well with Indian, Moroccan or Middle Eastern cuisines beautifully. (Keith Mabry, K&L Hollywood)

2005 Domaine Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Was $44 Elsewhere) ($29.99)

92 points Wine Spectator: "This has lots of juicy grip, with a strong, briary undertow supporting red and black licorice, hot stone, currant paste, tobacco and chestnut notes. The long, muscular finish is typical of the vintage. Best from 2010 through 2025." (04/08) 90 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a very aromatic display of white chocolate, black cherry, roasted herbs, pepper, and espresso. The wine has excellent concentration, lush tannins for the vintage, and a round, opulent mouthfeel. It is almost atypical for a 2005 in its fullness and headiness. Certainly the tannins have melted effectively over the last year. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." (10/07) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright ruby. Spicy red berries on the nose, with suave cinnamon and clove qualities adding interest. Ripe cherry and blackberry flavors are supported by supple tannins, which add subtle grip to the long, juicy finish. Balanced to age but delicious now." (Jan/Feb '08)

1999 Pio Cesare "Il Bricco" Barbaresco (Was $99.99) - 0 available ($54.99)

93 points Wine Spectator: "Solid and racy. Plenty of generous ripe fruit, with plum, berry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, with firm, silky tannins and loads of ripe fruit. Very long and powerful. Well-done. Better than the 1998. Best after 2008." (11/03) 91-93 points Stephen Tanzer: "(aging in mainly barriques, most of which are new) Full deep ruby-red. Aromas of black fruits, licorice and dark chocolate. Big, rich, vinous and deep; a large-scaled, ample, complete Barbaresco. Finishes very long, chewy and ripe, with full, mounting tannins. Very promising." (Jan/Feb 2002) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "A rich, velvety wine that falls firmly into the modern camp without losing its regional or varietal identity. The 1999 Il Bricco boasts aromas of toast and vanilla layered against a backdrop of ripe cherries and plums, adding in notes of cinnamon and clove. It’s rich and velvety in the mouth, with substantial, supple tannins on the long finish." (11/04)

2000 Pio Cesare "Il Bricco" Barbaresco (Was $119.99) ($64.99)

94 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe and rich Barbaresco with loads of velvety tannins, toasted oak and ripe fruit. Full-bodied, round and unctuous. Hard to resist now but will age very well indeed. Best after 2006." (02/05) 92 points Stephen Tanzer: "Saturated ruby-red. Textbook Barbaresco nose of tar, dried flowers, chocolate and coffee, with an overlay of spicy oak. Fat and dense but backward and not especially sweet in the middle palate, with somewhat medicinal dark fruit flavors. Then turned increasingly rich and sweet on the back half, with sheer fruit extract overwhelming the wine's oakiness and buffering its substantial tannins. Still, this distinctly medicinal Barbaresco calls for at least five or six years of cellaring." (Nov/Dec 2004) 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2000 Barbaresco Il Bricco, made from a proprietary vineyard in Treiso, is sterner stuff, darker in color, more expressive on the nose with expansive aromas of herbs, tobacco, and plums, and the concentration and weight are significantly higher than the regular bottling. Drink: 2006-2014." (08/05)

2003 Aleph Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza ($19.99)

This is the tastiest Cabernet Sauvignon I have yet to taste from Argentina, and certainly one of the best cabs I've tasted from anywhere all year. Roberto Rodriguez Canal, part time San Francisco resident, is one of the partners in Platense wines, the company who produces Aleph and brings it to market. According to Roberto: "We do not produce wine to please mass demand. Our wines are not over extracted and definitely not over oaked, we produce limited quantity of wine with its own character." The Aleph name is a tribute to a short story penned by the great master of fiction, Luis Borges. Fruit is sourced from a 3,600 ft high vineyard in the Tupungato sub-zone of Mendoza. Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and the oak aging is a judicious 6 months in French barriques, both of which surely contribute to the overall sense of balance and elegance in the wine. A nose of deep, brambly dark fruit leads to a palate showing terrific, pure dark fruit, with a bit of a meaty character and traces of cocoa powder. The roundness, softness of the tannins and overall balance is a testament to the skillful winemaking and aging time in bottle. This is, without a doubt, my new favorite Argentinean Cabernet. The best part might just be its humble $20 price tag. (Joe Manekin, K&L Argentinean wine buyer)

2003 Thomas Fogarty Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($50 elsewhere) ($24.99)

93 point and a "Cellar Selection" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "To begin with, it’s a very fine, well-structured Cab, rich and vibrant in cassis and smoky oak flavors. It shows the deep integrity that the best Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernets possess. However, it’s quite tannic, which gives it a palate astringency. So, will it age? Odds are strongly in favor of it. Best 2009-2015." (7/1/2008) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 08: "($50) Ruby-red. Cherry, dark berries and tobacco on the nose. Spicy cherry and bitter chocolate flavors coat the palate... picking up dusty tannins along the way... there's plenty of fruit here, and zero rough edges." 1 Puff from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "10% Malbec; 9% Merlot; 4% Cabernet Franc. Attractive hints of root beer and creme brulee sweetness merge nicely with a fair bit of ripe-cherry fruit first in the nose and then again in the flavors of this rich, relatively full-bodied wine. Tannins kick in a bit early, but there is enough richness at work to keep this one in contention, and a few years in the cellar should make for a more polished package." Rarely do we find a wine aged and ready to drink at such a fantastic price. This cabernet is a beautifully balanced Santa Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon. Black and blue fruit with a just a touch of spice and chocolate. The wine is full bodied and the tannins have really softened. This wine overdelivers. (Mike Jordan, K&L Wine Merchants)

2005 Domaine de Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Was $40 Elsewhere) ($21.99)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Reasonably priced for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2005 Vieux Lazaret displays lovely kirsch aromas balanced by subtle spice, remarkably pure fruit flavors and a rich, creamy texture. This full-bodied effort is drinking well now, and should continue to do so for at least 10 years." (12/31/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: "Medium red. Gently spicy, red berry-dominated bouquet suggests dried lavender, anise and rose. This is awfully seductive already but at the same time attractively understated. Juicy raspberry and cherry flavors are gently firmed by silky tannins, which add subtle grip to the long, sweet finish." (Jan/Feb 2008) According to Robert Parker: "The slightly darker colored 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same mold as the 2006, with impressive raspberry, blackberry, and sweet cherry notes intermixed with spring flowers, licorice, and some loamy soil notes. It is full-bodied, has lush texture, decent acidity, and very ripe tannin, which is a good sign in this vintage. Drink it over the next 10-12 years." (10/07)

2005 Domaine de Vieux Lazaret "Cuvée Exceptionelle" Châteaunuef-du-Pape (Was $60 Elsewhere) ($34.99)

94 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Exceptionnelle has turned out to be significantly better than I thought last year when I tasted it prior to bottling. The greatest wine Quiot has ever made in my opinion, this wine shows a dense ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, blackberry, kirsch, some roast beef and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with great intensity, beautiful purity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a spectacular finish of close to a minute, this is a fabulous effort from Quiot and should drink well for close to two decades." (10/07) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Has a solid core of blackberry, melted licorice and coffee flavors, with hints of briar and currant paste on the mineral- and earth-driven finish. There's solid, latent grip. This fleshes out as it airs. Best from 2010 through 2020." (02/09)

1997 Lanessan, Haut-Médoc ($19.99)

According to Robert Parker: "An excellent wine for the vintage, the evolved, complex aromatics exhibit cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, and copious quantities of red and black fruits. Medium-bodied and supple-textured, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 10-12 years." (4/00)

1997 Berliquet, St-Emilion ($34.99)

First off, the vineyards of Ch. Berliquet are in a great location, situated next to Magdelaine and Canon. Second, the 1997 vintage was quite significant here, since that is when the owners hired Patrick Valette of Ch. Pavie to consult and oversee winemaking. The nose is expressive with spice and earth aromas and dried fruit at the back. The palate is smooth, with integrated acidity and tannins, spice, dried fruit and some mushroom/earthy flavors. The finish is long, dominated by spice. The wine is integrated, ready to drink and only $34.99. If you want to try a Bordeaux that is drinking at its peak for a great price, this is the wine. (Steve Greer, K&L Hollywood)

1997 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan ($34.99)

According to Robert Parker: "Undoubtedly a sleeper of the vintage, this exceptionally charming, complex, elegant 1997 is neither big, weighty, nor powerful, yet it offers cedar, roasted herb, and sweet plum/cherry fruit in its aromas and flavors. The taster is seduced by the wine's silky, seamless texture, gorgeous aromatics, low acidity, and lovely levels of fruit." (04/00) And, from Wine Spectator: "Very good for the vintage. Deep ruby color. Fabulous aromas of berries, spices and tobacco. Full-bodied, with well-defined, soft and succulent tannins and a medium finish..." (01/00)

1997 Labegorce, Margaux (1.5L) ($69.99)

K&L's Bordeaux buyer Clyde Beffa liked this wine so much, he's drank 6 bottles in the first 10 days we've had it in stock. The wine is perfect right now. Old school Bordeaux, with sweet cassis fruit, some minerality and lingering finish. Served with a steak, it goes down quickly and offers immediate gratification. Decant 15 minutes and enjoy. According to the Wine Spectator: "A light '97, with good ripe fruit character ... Drink now." (01/2000) A magnum of 10 year-plus mature Bordeaux for $69.99 - unheard of in this day of sky high Bordeaux prices. And the cases came directly from the Chateau. (Clyde Beffa, K&L Wine Merchants)

2008 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($17.99)

Bacchant Wines, the title of the collaboration between Master Sommelier Sara Floyd and the Pisoni family, bring you this incredibly tasty and wildly affordable Pinot Noir. From fruit sourced through the Pisoni family's deep connections in the Santa Lucia Highlands and made by Jeff Pisoni, the winemaker for Lucia, this is one Pinot this season that can't miss. The densely fruited nose is packed with red cherry and framboise tones, all the while a subtle lace of black pepper runs through the aromatics of the wine. On entry the wines comes of as ripe, yet it has a refreshing tang to the red fruits that are so abundant here. Pitchy in the mouth, this has plenty of weight for the fans of heavier Pinots, but it also has enough tartness to keep this feeling alive and electric on the tongue. Bottom line, this is a steal for less than $20 (Bryan Brick, K&L) The Luli label is a project created by the Pisoni family (Lucia, Garys' Vineyard) and Master Sommelier Sara Floyd. Sourced from sustainbaly farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine is a showcase for cool climate fruit. Fermented using native yeasts with only 20% new French oak, the 2008 Luli Pinot is fresh and bright, with strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, supple tannins, ebullient acidity and a bit of spice.

2007 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha ($12.99)

90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "An alluring aromatic array of pain grille, smoke, violets, black cherry, and blackberry that jumps from the glass. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied with gobs of ripe fruit, succulent flavors, soft tannins, and excellent balance." (02/09) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, incense and cocoa powder are complemented by a suave smoky quality. Plush, creamy dark berry flavors possess plenty of weight but are energized by racy minerality. Chewy tannins arrive with air, adding grip to the broad, sappy, persistent finish. Complex enough to enjoy now." (Sept/Oct '09) 90 points Wine Spectator. Definitely a mouthful of Tempranillo-based wine with some real character, the Volver Tempranillo La Mancha has great pedigree. Let me explain. Cuttings are from one of the classic Rioja bodegas, Cune. Winemaker Rafael Canizares is a sixth generation winemaker who was born and raised in La Mancha, well aware of many of the best situated vineyards in this huge region, and adept at making the best use of his great raw material. Dark fruits and ground coffee aromas lead to an intensely flavored, pure, dark-fruited palate, with good length and persistence. I'd confidently stack this up against any Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Toro Tempranillo based wines out there right now in terms of the amount of structure and value you get for the money. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)

2005 Hidden Ridge Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon (Was $70) ($39.99)

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "A very fine Cabernet that combines the modern cult style ripeness with old-fashioned structure to produce a wine of exceptional appeal. It's rich in mountain-intense black currants, bitter chocolate, spices and smoky oak, wrapped into splendid tannins, and the finish is throroughly dry. The grapes are from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain, and the winemaker was veteran Marco DiGiulio." (11/09) According to the Wine Spectator: "Smoky, toasty roasted herb and berry flavors are rich and full-bodied, showing plenty of oak and ending with dried currant, mineral and cedar flavors." (11/09) Hidden Ridge is a very young winery with a very big future. If this wine is any indication, Hidden Ridge is on the road to becoming a classic Sonoma Cabernet producer. Former Langtry winemaker Marco DiGiulio is the winemaker guiding this young winery on it's way to stardom. The 2005 is big bright and smoky with big lush tannin and beautiful mid palate of black fruit and chocolate. There is a hint of vanilla, herbs and oak that round out this Cabernet. For this price, this wine outperforms most wines that cost twice as much. Drink now to 2011. (Mike Jordan, K&L Wine Merchants)

2005 Planeta "Burdese" Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99)

92 points Wine Enthusiast "Inspired by the Bordeaux tradition and made from a blend of Cabs Sauvignon and Franc, Burdese is a rich and perfumed wine with penetrating notes of blackberry, currants, tobacco and exotic spice. It is full bodied and concentrated without being overextracted thanks to its vibrant red fruit flavors, silky tannins and long finish." (02/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar "Inky, saturated red. Initially tight nose opens slowly to reveal cassis, cedar, sweet spices and minerals. Rich, uncommonly deep blackcurrant and red cherry flavors are brilliantly delineated by sound acids. This impeccably balanced wine is so graceful that you would never guess it was carrying 14.5% alcohol. Finishes smooth, long and refined-the most classically structured of all of Planeta's reds." (May/June '08) I thought this was the most expressive version of this wine I've ever tried. Sicilian Cabernet blends don't often get me fired up, but this wine was instantly something way beyond everyday Cabernet.And at this price, it's just a stunning wine. You will enjoy this! (Greg St.Clair, K&L Italian wine buyer)

2004 Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Ursules" (Was $50 Elsewhere) ($35.99)

Of the 2004s I have tried recently this was nothing short of truly impressive and lovely. Quite frankly, it's delicious and a terrific value. And at 30% off the original price, it won't be around for long. The focused black fruit notes are followed by a long and spicy finish. It is just starting to develop elegant secondary aromas, with some notes of sous bois. No trace of the dreaded "Green Meanies" in this wine! (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer, 10/09) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "One of the flagship wines of Louis Jadot, this wine comes from a seven-acre vineyard that is a Jadot monopoly. This is a delicate wine, very elegant, with roundness and sweetness from ripe fruit. The heart is tannins, suggesting that the wine will age well." (03/07) Stephen Tanzer writes: "Good medium red. Red cherry, raspberry and minerals on the nose. Supple and fine, with raspberry, leather and cocoa powder flavors lifted by floral and peppery nuances. Finishes juicy and persistent, with pure red fruits and minerals and captivating aromatic lift. This is lovely." (03/07) 89 points Wine Spectator: "Big and chewy, with dense tannins, plenty of cherry and iron aromas and flavors. Robust and satisfying, with concentrated fruit standing up to its beefy tannins. Hearty food required. Best from 2008 through 2015." (05/07)

2006 Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi Pre-Arrival ($84.99)

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Geppetti has produced another gem in her 2006 Saffredi, a French-oak aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. This textured, explosive wine boasts considerable depth and richness in its dark fruit, flowers, minerals and graphite. The wine remains extremely primary and in need of considerable bottle age in order to offer its best drinking but it is unquestionably formidable. The style combines elements of power and elegance, achieving a level rarely seen in these parts. Simply put, this is stunning juice. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026." (08/09) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Displays a lovely nose of flowers, dark fruits and Tuscan rosemary. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and gorgeous, refined fruit. Complex and seductive. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alicante and Syrah. Best after 2013." (10/09) ETA: Late 2009/Early 2010.

2006 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva - 0 available ($18.99)

91 points Wine Spectator: "Shows sweet blueberry notes, with mineral and lilac. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and vanilla and bright fruit flavors. Clean and racy. Best after 2010." (10/09) The Castello di Nipozzano was built in 1000 in the heart of the Chianti Rufina zone as a fortress. Fortunately for us, its defensive intentions are no longer necessary, and today it is used as the cellar where the Nipozzano wines are made and aged. The rich clay and limestone-rich soils, combined with the dry climate, make for full-bodied, structured fruit, which in turn produce wines that are decidedly age-worthy. Black cherry, plum and raspberry aromas are punctuated by hints of violet and vanilla that make the nose of this wine quite exotic. The wine is very dense on the palate with lyouthful tannins and lots of dark fruit and savory herbs. (K&L Wine Merchants) Very ripe black fruit aromas, with undertones of fresh licorice, stony minerals and dried herbs. Great palate entry. Full-bodied, with fine, well-integrated tannins and a long licorice finish. Will cellar well 5-10 years. (Clyde Beffa Jr, K&L Wine Merchants)

2005 Aalto "PS" Ribera del Duero, Spain - 0 available ($99.99)

98 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Aalto PS is 100% Tinto Fino from vineyards over 60 years of age. It was aged for 32 months in 70% new French oak. Saturated in appearance, the wine offers up notes of pain grille, balsamic, crushed stone, floral notes, and wild black fruits. Exceptionally powerful, focused, and beautifully proportioned, this full-bodied wine is dense, rich, and structured for the long haul. Give this super-long, impressive effort a decade in the cellar and drink it from 2018 to 2040. Patient purchasers will be well rewarded." (02/08) ETA for this wine is late Fall 2009.

2006 Santa Rita "Medalla Real" Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley ($14.99)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky ruby. Impressively complex bouquet of red- and blackcurrant, lead pencil, tobacco and sexy oak spices. Sweet and incisive, offering vivid raspberry and cassis flavors, with suave cola and baking spice qualities gaining strength with air. The spiciness persists through the long, sappy finish, adding cut to the sweet dark fruit. This is balanced to age." (Mar/Apr '09) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Few $20 Cabs from anywhere are going to deliver like Medalla Real does. From first impressions, which include aromas of toast, coffee, prune and devilish berry, you know it's a good one. The feel is generous and the balance spot on, so the plum, berry, coffee and chocolate flavors have structure and support. A complete wine with length, mint and lavish tannins." (05/09) Ripe red and black fruit aromas mingle with leather and spice, exquisitely balanced by wood notes evoking vanilla and toast. Supple tannins and a majestic structure conclude in a complex and persistent finish. This hearty, delicious red is great with steaks, wild game, hearty stews, casseroles and ripe, semi-creamy cheeses 91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe and concentrated, with a broad swath of macerated currant, fig paste, espresso, loam and black licorice notes all carried by dense but integrated tannins. The finish lets sage and mint notes chime in. Best from 2010 through 2012." (05/09)

2005 Doisy-Védrines, Sauternes ($34.99)

93 points Wine Spectator: "Intense aromas of honey, dried pineapple and botrytis spice. Full-bodied, very sweet and very powerful, with loads of dried fruit and sweetness on the finish. Lots of clove and orange peel. Same quality as the 2001. Best after 2013." (03/08) 90(+?) Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright, pale yellow-gold. Peach and vanillin oak dominate the nose. Quite sweet and fruit-driven in the mouth, with powerful flavors of yellow peach, citrus fruits, marzipan and brown spices. A bit alcoholic today but rich and strong on the back end, in need of time in bottle." (Jul/Aug 08) K&L's barrel tasting notes - Lush mouthfeel and great balance. Pineapple and peaches. Not overdone. Very good. *1/2 (Clyde Beffa, K&L Bordeaux buyer)

2005 Rieussec, Sauternes (375ml) ($38.99)

96 points Robert Parker (04/08) 96 points and a Highly Recommended from the Wine Spectator: "Shows enticing aromas of toffee, cream, dried apricot and caramel. Full-bodied, very sweet and thick, with honey and caramel flavors. Long and rich, oozing with sweet, ripe fruit, this is like liquid candy. Best after 2016." (06/08) 93 points Stephen Tanzer: "Full yellow-gold. Expressive aromas of pineapple, coconut, sweet vanillin oak and spices. Then wonderfully thick, fat and sweet, with the exotic coconut character carrying through in the mouth. Finishes saline and powerful, with palate-staining flavors of pineapple, coconut and spicy oak. Conveys a strong impression of solidity." (Jul/Aug '08)

2005 Haut Charmes, Sauternes ($24.99)

Haut Charmes is a very special Sauternes bottling, made from the younger vines of the region's most legendary château. While we aren't allowed to actually reveal the source, it's safe to say its location in the Ciron Valley exposes the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon fruit to conditions perfect for the development of botrytis. Charming, elegant and an exceptional value for what's in the bottle; Wonderful pineapple and coconut aromas that follow to the palate stunning wine just like its big brother. This is the best sticky value in the world, and we think if you knew its provenance you'd buy it by the case!

2005 d'Yquem, Sauternes ($599.00)

The most legendary sweet wine in the world. 95-100 points Wine Spectator: "Floral, lemon, apple and cream with dried pineapple and apricot. Full-bodied, but very focused and refined. It starts slowly and then, wham! It goes on and on. Spicy, dried fruits and spices. Full-bodied, medium-sweet. So long and exciting. Incredible. It is very close to 2001. We will see." (03/06) 95-98 pointsd Robert Parker (04/08) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "So pure, it is almost a straight line of ripe, honeyed fruit and dense spices. There are flavors of marmalade and ripe pear, and steely, tight acidity. As always, the best." (6/20/2006)

2006 Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99)

90 points Robert Parker: "Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years." (12/08) 89 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium red-ruby. Aromas of black cherry, currant, menthol, licorice, minerals and tobacco, plus a whiff of superripeness. Plump, broad and smooth, with an early sweetness making this accessible from the outset. Combines good weight and freshness." (May/June '09) According to Wine Spectator: "Supple, elegant and well-balanced, mixing ripe currant, herb, anise and mineral notes. Ends with fine-grained tannins and a touch of green tea. Drink now through 2013." (11/09)

1997 Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L) ($159.00)

93 (+?) points Stephen Tanzer: "Very good deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of crystallized red berries, cassis, graphite and grilled nuts. Lush, sweet and minerally; already displays compelling inner-mouth complexity and superb delineation. Youthful fruit flavors show less of the meaty quality that characterized some recent vintages of this wine. Very strong underlying backbone. The wine's lovely sweetness carries through to the very long finish, which features dusty, even tannins." (May/June '00) 92 points Robert Parker: "As for the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, this wine seems more subdued than it did last year and might be going through a relatively closed stage. As it sat in the glass, it took on an almost Ducru-Beaucaillou or Leoville-Las Cases St.-Julien-like character, with notes of minerals, cedar wood, black currants, tobacco, and spice. This is a rich, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with very complex aromatics, medium to full body, tight structure and plenty of tannin in the finish. There are 20,000 cases. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025." (12/00) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Very tight nose, with blackberry, coffee and cocoa notes, this is a big wine that shows great intensity and depth. Quite closed now, the dark profile keeps its cards close to the vest. One thing for sure: this is definitely one for the cellar. The finish is lengthy, with brisk tannins as well as espresso and bitter-chocolate notes. Hold for eight to ten years; this wine should keep til 2020."

2005 Robert Mondavi Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Was $109.99) - 0 available ($79.99)

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a very fine, high level Cabernet that shows the impeccable nature of Mondavi Reserve. Yet it’s also very tannic and far from being drinkable. Shows a vast repository of black currant, blackberry, black cherry and new oak flavors wrapped into a smooth, velvety mouthfeel whose finish goes on forever. Masculine and authoritative, it should continue to improve for many years. Drink now, with decanting, and through 2017, at least." (12/08) 94 points Wine & Spirits: "Genevieve Jannsens has been working with To Kalon fruit, on and off, since 1978. Her blend for Mondavi Reserve includes several of the oldest dry-farmed blocks in this historic vineyard, some dating to 1945. She sets out to make a wine of elegant power and intensity, and this 2005 is a triumph. It presents cabernet sauvignon as an aristocratic wine, with just enough supple richness to fill out the austere tannins. A hint of green herb and a gloss of cocoa integrated from the new oak add complexity as the profound, earthy flavors open and expand with air. A classic Napa Valley wine to age for ten years or more." 92 points Wine Spectator: "Sleek, elegant and polished. A refined yet rich and complex effort, with a mix of mint, currant, bay leaf, sage and dusty berry flavors. Firms up on the finish, where the tannins are firm yet supple and integrated. Best from 2009 through 2015." (10/08)

2007 Passopisciaro Passopisciaro Sicily IGT ($29.99)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The just-bottled 2007 Passopisciaro is a weightless yet powerful wine redolent of sweet candied cherries, flowers, herbs and minerals. The wine reveals lovely density and purity, even if a few days of rain towards the end of the growing season in November robbed it of the intensity that informs the very finest vintages. Still, there is gorgeous purity to the fruit that insures this will be fascinating wine to follow over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Andrea Franchetti wasn’t content to just make profound wines at his Tuscan estate, Tentua di Trinoro, so he set out to replicate that success at Passopisciaro, his property on Mount Etna. These new releases are nothing less than breathtaking." (04/09)

2007 Dei Sancta Catharina IGT Pre-Arrival ($39.99)

95 points Wine Spectator: "Complex and dark, with blueberry, licorice and mahogany. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fabulous core of fruit. Builds on you. Goes on for minutes. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best after 2013." (10/09). 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The estate's 2007 Sancta Catharina is a blend of Prugnolo Gentile, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot that was aged in French oak. In this vintage the wine is remarkably harmonious and well-balanced with no hard edges and terrific balance. The attractive dark fruit carries through all the way to the long, rewarding finish." (08/09). ETA: Late-2009/Early 2010.

2007 Talley Edna Valley Chardonnay ($19.99)

92 points from Wine Enthusiast: "Crisply dry but very rich, even exotic, in fruit, this Chardonnay is a good value for the money. It's flamboyant in tropical pineapple jam, pears, vanilla custard and buttered toast, with a stony minerality." (09/09) 91 points from Wine Spectator: "Elegant and stylish, with a subtle mix of ripe apple, pear and citrus, turning delicate despite its full body. Ends with a creamy finish. Drink now through 2011. 445 cases made." (06/09)

2000 Trevor Jones Cabernet-Merlot Barossa Valley South Australia (Elsewhere $29.99) ($9.99)

The next in what has become a list of mind-boggling deals in the wine world, is the Trevor Jones Cabernet-Merlot. The wine sells elsewhere for $30 and that's not a bad deal, so $10 is off the charts. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot and sees a mixture of new and seasoned French oak. The nose has elements of plum, cherry, cedar, tobacco, earth and sandlewood. On the palate, the wine shows the developed character of an older wine with soft tannins, but still good acidity, giving the wine a juicy mouthfeel. At 13% ABV this is not your big, over the top Aussie wine, but rather a wine of restraint from a winemaker with more than 30 years of experience in the Barossa Valley.

2008 Plince, Pomerol Pre-Arrival ($9.99)

Robert Parker says: "A chunky, straightforward, monolithic Pomerol, the 2008 Plince reveals good depth, but not a great deal of character. It reveals a rustic side along with good flesh and pure, plum, black cherry, and berry fruit." Wine Spectator had this to say: "Some good berry and cherry fruit, with medium body and a clean and simple finish." Alex Pross K&L Wine Club Buyer: "Pomerol is considered the "Burgundy" of Bordeaux because the wines come from much smaller domaines than the rest of Bordeaux, cost more on average than other regions in Bordeaux and because of their terroir usually have a high-tone red fruit characteristic with greater acidity than other Bordeauxs. To be able to find a Pomerol under $20 in today's marketplace is quite unusual. ETA: All 2008 Futures are scheduled to arrive between Jan 2011 and Dec 2011.

2008 Latour a Pomerol, Pomerol Pre-Arrival ($29.99)

90-92+ points Robert Parker: "One of the strongest efforts from this estate in many years, this dense ruby/purple-hued 2008 displays a full-bodied, masculine, structured style not dissimilar to that of Trotanoy (one of the vintage’s stars). Pure black currant and black cherry fruit are accompanied by underlying notions of minerals, roasted herbs, caramel, and plums. This layered, concentrated, full-bodied wine requires 5-6 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades."-(04/2009). 88-91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Full ruby. Sexy aromas of spicy blackcurrant, espresso, licorice and toasty oak. Juicy and penetrating, with lovely floral lift and a solid spine to the dark fruit, mineral and coffee flavors. At once more intense and better balanced than the young 2007, this conveys a deceptive impression of lightness. Finishes with a menthol freshness and firm but harmonious tannins."-(May/June 2009). 89-91 points Wine Enthusiast: "The fruit here is restrained, almost austere, while the tannins are dark and dry. Only finally does some juiciness appear. A wine that will need aging."-(04/2009). ETA: All 2008 Futures are scheduled to arrive between Jan 2011 and Dec 2011.

2008 Belair-Monange, St-Emilion Pre-Arrival ($49.99)

93-95+ points Robert Parker: "The 2008 is clearly a product of fully ripened fruit and physiologically mature tannins, something the previous administration rarely sought, too frequently harvesting under-ripe fruit with green, astringent tannins. The results were always predictable - reprehensible wines from an extraordinary terroir. That has all changed under Christian and Edouard Moueix’s guidance. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 reveals an extraordinary aromatic display of crushed rocks, spring flowers, and abundant kirsch and black raspberry fruit. The wine possesses good acids, unreal minerality, and superb intensity, texture, and length. The harvest was extremely late, between October 14-21, and after the selections were done, the final yield came to 12 hectoliters per hectare - commercial madness. The result is an amazing effort that should evolve for 30 years.Formerly known as Chateau Belair, 2008 is the first vintage in which Christian Moueix, his son, Edouard, and new oenologist, Eric Murisasco, had 100% control at Belair-Monange, and they have admirably demonstrated just what this great terroir is capable of producing. Cropped at an unreal 18 hectoliters per hectare, it appears ready to compete with its near-by neighbor, Ausone."-(04/2009). ETA: All 2008 Futures are scheduled to arrive between Jan 2011 and Dec 2011.

2008 Petrus, Pomerol Pre-Arrival - 6 available ($2,999.99)

98-100 points Robert Parker: "The 2008 is destined to be one of the greatest Petrus’s ever made, ranking alongside the 1989, 1990, 1998, and 2000, and even eclipsing the 2005. An inky/red/purple color accompanies an unevolved, but promising nose of sweet red and black fruits intermixed with hints of earth, spice box, and caramel. It possesses a formidable personality of great intensity, awesome texture, amazingly well-integrated sweet tannin, and a freshness and precision that are hallmarks of this vintage. Given the tiny production, there will not be much of this sensational wine. Like most recent Petrus vintages, a decade of patience will be required despite the sweetness of the tannin. It should evolve for at least 50 years."-(08/2009). 95-97 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "The wine is finely balanced, with an impressive tension between sweet fruit, acidity and tannins. A wonderful waft of perfumed minerality, just ripe fruits, finished with dark tannins. Obviously for long aging."-(04/2009). 93-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium-deep ruby. Exotic, perfumed aromas of dark cherry, spicy plum, soy sauce and Oriental spices. Full and voluptuous on the palate, this boasts exceptionally ripe, decadent red cherry flavors lifted by soy sauce and cinnamon nuances. Very long and silky, with unbelievably fine-grained tannins. With its texture of liquid velvet, this should make a memorable Petrus. Le Pin."-(May/June 2009). ETA: 2011

2008 Pascal Janvier Jasnières ($16.99)

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Janvier's 2008 Jasnieres features white peach, Persian melon, quince, mint, licorice, and lime, with honey and a hint of caramel offering counterpoint to its bright fruit and glistening minerality. Subtle peach kernel bitterness is nicely integrated into the finish thanks to persistently mouth-watering acidity as well as a judicious hint of sweetness. The deeply rich, bitter-sweet, orange rind-, sassafras-, and licorice-tinged finish remains thirst-quenching and invigorating, with chalk, salt, and iodine inflections. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years." (09/09) If you don't know the appellation of Jasnières, get to know it through the wines of this talented vigneron. Jasnières will never be mainstream. It hails from a tiny, stony hillside along the Loir River (a tributary of the Loire River), north of Vouvray, and the grape grown here is the Pineau de la Loire, otherwise known as Chenin Blanc.

2003 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino ($19.99)

La Velona's winery sits in the south east corner of the Montalcino growing zone just outside of the tiny hamlet of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, where it's warmed by the southern exposure and blessed with sunlight from the open view to Mount Amiata across the Orcia river valley. These vineyards always produce fully ripe grapes and 2003 was one of the hottest summers on record in Tuscany. The expectation was that the wines would all be cooked! Vineyard management is not a predictable science - when you're growing sangiovese it is an art form. So when I first tasted the 2003 La Velona Brunello at Vinitaly 2008, I was expecting some over ripe and burnt version, like a BBQ'ed Brunello! I was truly stunned by what I tasted, the elegance, balance, clean and fresh aromatic fruit character, vital and focused nature of this wine was anything but cooked. However after many reviewers pooh-poohed the vintage years before the actual release of the wines most 2003 Brunello did not have an awaiting public. Throw in a scandal, world financial crisis and it seems that there is still some of this really delicious Brunello out there and the owners need to move through it to get to the next vintage. Synopsis: You get a wonderful Brunello, drinkable now for less than a $20 bill! Stock up! (Greg St.Clair, K&L)

2007 Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône ($10.99)

Just across the Rhône river from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this 88-acre estate is owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a UC Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe (in Châteauneuf). Montfaucon's 2007 Cotes du Rhône is a classic of Montfaucon. The focus is to express with finesse and elegance the intense fruit characteristics that Côtes du Rhône terroir can offer. The wine is a blend of classic Rhône grape varieties which include 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 15% each Cinsault and Carignan. It has been fermented and aged in concrete tanks only, without any influence from oak barrels.Enjoy this lovely wine now and over the next several years with a variety of dishes, including roast pork loin with sage or roasted rabbit with wild herbs. 14% abv.

2007 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Côtes du Rhône ($17.99)

89+ points Robert Parker: "A new discovery for me, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone (a 4,000+-case blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise) is a seriously built, concentrated, powerful effort displaying notes of garrigue, pepper, lavender, kirsch, and black currants. It also exhibits that wonderful seaweed wrapper (nori) scent that seems to be a characteristic of many southern Rhone wines. This full-bodied Cotes du Rhone will benefit from another 1-2 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 7-8 years." (10/09) Just across the Rhône river from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sits this 88-acre estate, owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a UC Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe (in Châteauneuf). The cuvée Baron Louis is a special assemblage from select parcels with vines between 50-90 years of age. The 2007 is a blend of 40% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and 10% each of Carignan, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Aging takes place over 12 months in small oak barrels. A step up in intensity and length from the regular Côtes du Rhône, the Baron Louis can be enjoyed now, however it will be superb with several years of additional cellar time. Try it with heartier fare like sirloin steaks dusted with fresh herbs. 14% abv.

2007 Château de Montfaucon "Vin de Monsieur Le Baron de Montfaucon" Vin de Pays du Gard ($39.99)

91 points Wine Spectator. "Aromatic and very stylish, with alluring blackberry, spice and incense notes leading the way for silky-textured plum, red currant and fig fruit. The long finish reveals toast and graphite hints while keeping its fresh, elegant profile. Grenache and Syrah with Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Alicante, Carignan, Tempranillo, Muscat, Aubun, Viognier, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. Drink now through 2013. 490 cases made." (09/09) Château de Montfaucon's "Vin de Monsieur Le Baron" is an exceptional blend of 15 Rhône varietals harvested by hand, cofermented and aged 12 months in French oak barriques. The wine is racked into barrels straight after fermentation, as they did in the old days. This wine, unique in its style, is all in finesse, fruit, flower and elegance. It is a unique timeless wine for wine lovers, connoisseurs and collectors. Red grape varieties include: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscat, Aubun, Alicante and Tempranillo. White grape varieties inlcude: Viognier, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul. 13.5% abv.

2006 Lewelling St. Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 0 available ($44.99)

93 points from Robert Parker: "The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dead-ringer for a Napa version of the famed Pauillac, Pontet-Canet. Charcoal, creme de cassis, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and earthy characteristics are present in its fragrant bouquet. It possesses sweet tannin, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and immediate accessibility, although it can be cellared for 15 more years." (12/08) Another fabulous release from Lewelling, who undoubtably prove themselves again and again, vintage after vintage. Their 2006 St. Helena Cab is aged for 16 months in 96% French and 4% American oak, the latter adding texture and exotic spice on the nose and palate. This is the earthier of the two Lewelling wines K&L carries, with deep briary fruit and bittersweet cocoa flavors that linger on your palate along with substantial tannins. While this wine is quite approachable now, it will benefit from some air or age. ETA: October 13, 2009.

2006 Lewelling "Wight Vineyard" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - 0 available ($74.99)

94 points from Robert Parker: "Slightly deeper, fuller, and more structured, with noticeably higher tannin is the opaque purple-hued 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard. Sharing many of the same characteristics as its less expensive sibling, it also reveals notes of creme de cassis, smoky charcoal, graphite, and earth as well as a bigger framework and structured tannins, both nicely supported by an extravagant wealth of fruit and richness. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 25 years." (12/08) The Lewelling Estate is one of few domestic producers that can even begin to compete with Old World longevity. Established in 1864, it is one of the oldest continuously-owned family vineyards in the Napa Valley, and that heritage of winemaking comes through in the wine. Mouthwatering aromas of black cherry, raspberry and plum are underscored by professorial pipe smoke that makes you think of courderoy jackets with patches on the elbows. The palate is decidedly modern, though, with flavors of tobacco and minerals, smoke and sweet black fruit framed by gripping tannins and sweet vanilla on the finish. Just 541 cases produced. ETA: October 13, 2009.

2007 Sequana "Sundawg" Russian River Pinot Noir - 0 available ($49.99)

97 points Wine Enthusiast: "This distinctive Pinot Noir's source is a tiny vineyard in cool Green Valley; the winegrower is James MacPhail, whose own MacPhail Pinot Noirs are so good. The wine itself is totally dry and silky and firm in acidity, yet soft in fine tannins. You might call it noble. It's eruptive in cherries, sweet smoky bacon, raspberry granola and oaky sandalwood. Gorgeous, seductive and brilliant, a truly great Pinot Noir that's impeccable now." (09/09) And, according to Wine Spectator: "Big and full-bodied, with a concentrated mix of savory herb, cherry, berry, mineral and pebble, ending with a complex berry earthiness. Drink now through 2014." (09/09) A very focused Pinot Noir that shows nice balance between power and finesse. Loads of Bing cherry fruit, spice and cola flavors are all held together with racy acidity. A few years in a cellar will help flesh out this wine - if you can wait! (Trey Beffa, K&L Wine Mercants)

2007 Sequana "Sarmento" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir - 0 available ($24.99)

92 points Wine Spectator: "Deliciously complex, with a rich range of flavors built around loamy currant, blackberry, plum and sassafras. Gets more interesting with every sip. Best from 2010 through 2015." (08/09) And, according to Wine Enthusiast: "Dry, silky and crisp in acidity, this Pinot offers easy flavors of red cherries, cola, licorice, orange zest and cedar, with a vast array of peppery spices. At its best now." (09/09) Winemaker James MacPhail describes the setting for the Sarmento vineyard as "nothing short of spectacular." Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Sarmento Vineyard is a family-owned, sustainably-farmed vineyard. The wine shows pretty aromas of bright Bing cherries and strawberries, along with a delicate mouthfeel and texture, which finishes fresh and silky. The wine is complex, balanced and focused in the mouth, this medium body Pinot can be enjoyed right now with some air. (Trey Beffa, K&L Wine Merchants) ETA: Wine is due to ship mid-October.

2007 Dutton Estate "Karmen Isabella" Russian River Pinot Noir ($36.99)

95 points Wine Enthusiast! (12/09) According to Wine Spectator: "Complex and focused, with a mix of wild berry, raspberry and plum, joined by touches of spice, floral and mineral notes. Ends with an earthy dryness. Drink now through 2013." (09/09) The Karmen Isabella vineyard is located in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River and expresses itself with red fruit character. This isn't one of those over-the-top Pinots you might confuse with Syrah - it is filigreed, with a lush texture and hints of mineral on the finish.

2007 Dutton Estate "Dutton-Thomas Road Vineyard " Pinot Noir ($44.99)

95 points Wine Enthuisast! (12/09) The Thomas Road Vineyard is located in the northeastern portion of the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River. The soils are rockier than other parts of the valley, which contributes to this wine's bigger character. Earthy, mushroomy qualities on the nose complement the dark red fruit that continues onto the palate. The wine's silky mouthfeel, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity mean this powerful wine tastes great today, and will evolve gracefully in your cellar for years to come.

2006 Beringer "Sbragia Limited Release" Napa Chardonnay (Was $40) ($32.99)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: 'Like the 2005 vintage, this bottling has 100% new French oak. But the wine feels more balanced and fatter than its predecessor, and over all more satisfying. The mineral-infused roasted pineapple, candied ginger and crème brûlée flavors finish dry and crisp and elegant. Great job from Beringer's winemaker emeritus, Ed Sbragia." (09/08) 92 points Wine Spectator: "A rich, complex style that veers to opulent without being excessive, offering layers of ripe fig, honeydew melon, hazelnut and spicy nutmeg notes. Deeply concentrated. Drink now through 2010. 5,775 cases made." (05/08) 92 points Stephen Tanzer: "Good pale, bright yellow. Complex aromas of apricot, pineapple, honey, hazelnut, toasted bread and smoky oak. Silky, opulent and open-knit, offering very good volume but also shape and lift. The longest of these chardonnays. The alcohol here is 15.3%, and the texture is in fact quite glyceral. This is a 'vineyard and barrel selection,' according to winemaker Laurie Hook." (May/June '08) 92 points Robert Parker: "Another offering that is more restrained than it used to be is the 2006 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release. It reveals an opulent tropical fruit character, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and hints of hazelnut, brioche, and honeysuckle as well as abundant glycerin and length. Good acidity provides balance and overall zest. Drink it over the next 3-4 years." (12/07)

Highland Park 8 year old, Gordon & Macphail, Isle of Orkney Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($34.99)

There's only one thing you need to say about this bargain-priced dram from the Isle of Orkney's finest producer Highland Park - you really get your money's worth of whisky. The straw colored spirit is soft, elegantly sweet and gentle on the entry. It gives way to notes of dried fruits and hints of caramel on the finish. It has all the grace of the 12 year, despite its younger age, and is one of the most easygoing whiskies we've tasted all year. Every staff member who has tried it has reserved at least one bottle for themselves, so you're going to have to compete with them. Undoubtedly a great bottle for yourself and so generally pleasing that it would make a great gift for any whisky lover.

2000 Caol Ila 8 Year Old, Murray McDavid Ridge Zinfandel Finish Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($49.99)

A golden amber color, with a slight rose tint. This independent bottling of Caol Ila is powerful with rich toffee and spicy notes on the palate. Besides the color, the red wine influence from the Ridge Zinfandel casks also shines through in the nose, where dried red fruits intermix with subtle chocolate flavors. The flavor profile is very complex for such a young Islay malt, but the price tag is very low for something so interesting. This is one of the most exciting whiskies we've found in a while.

1999 Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Murray McDavid Chateau Margaux Finish Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($72.99)

One of the most revered Islay malts married with perhaps the most beloved wine in all of France: a young Laphroaig whisky meets the decadent Chateau Margaux. The color is a delicate amber and rose tint, but that's where the delicacy ends. Big smoky flavors dance with iodine, seawater, saline notes, and seaweed with rich meaty flavors on the finish and hints of dried red fruits - this is as Islay as it gets without succumbing to the heavy influence of peat. A second taste allows you to prepare yourself for the flavor onslaught and see past it into the rich Cabernet flavors of the Margaux wine. Not for the weak of heart and not for the uninitiated - this is a serious dram!

2007 Tablas Creek "Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge" Paso Robles (375ml) - 0 available ($19.99)

95-97 points Robert Parker: "The profound 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel (a 4,200-case blend of 44% Mourvedre, 29% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 6% Counoise) boasts a glorious perfume of roasted herbs, Peking duck, soy, blueberries, blackberries, and bouquet garni. This elegant yet powerful, dense, multilayered wine saturates the palate, possesses multiple dimensions, beautiful nuances, and a stunningly long finish that lasts over 40 seconds. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-15 years." (08/09) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is one of the Richer Rhône-style reds coming out of Paso Robles. It's potent in blackberry and cherry pie filling, blueberry, anise, dark chocolate and smoky cedar flavors. The richness is balanced with fine, silky tannins. Best now-2013." (10/09) ETA: Mid October 2009.

2007 Tablas Creek "Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge" Paso Robles - -31 available ($39.99)

95-97 points Robert Parker: "The profound 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel (a 4,200-case blend of 44% Mourvedre, 29% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 6% Counoise) boasts a glorious perfume of roasted herbs, Peking duck, soy, blueberries, blackberries, and bouquet garni. This elegant yet powerful, dense, multilayered wine saturates the palate, possesses multiple dimensions, beautiful nuances, and a stunningly long finish that lasts over 40 seconds. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-15 years." (08/09) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is one of the Richer Rhône-style reds coming out of Paso Robles. It's potent in blackberry and cherry pie filling, blueberry, anise, dark chocolate and smoky cedar flavors. The richness is balanced with fine, silky tannins. Best now-2013." (10/09)

2007 Tablas Creek "Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge" Paso Robles (1.5L) - 0 available ($89.99)

95-97 points Robert Parker: "The profound 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel (a 4,200-case blend of 44% Mourvedre, 29% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 6% Counoise) boasts a glorious perfume of roasted herbs, Peking duck, soy, blueberries, blackberries, and bouquet garni. This elegant yet powerful, dense, multilayered wine saturates the palate, possesses multiple dimensions, beautiful nuances, and a stunningly long finish that lasts over 40 seconds. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-15 years." (08/09) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is one of the Richer Rhône-style reds coming out of Paso Robles. It's potent in blackberry and cherry pie filling, blueberry, anise, dark chocolate and smoky cedar flavors. The richness is balanced with fine, silky tannins. Best now-2013." (10/09) ETA: Mid October 2009.

2006 Hall "Kathryn Hall" Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($74.99)

96 points and #20 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "A big, dense, concentrated wine, with wonderful aromas marked by chewy tannins, yet the core currant and blackberry flavors and savory herb and earth nuances provide a solid foundation. Best from 2010 through 2016." (08/09) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Outstanding for its purity, and the incredibly fine tannins, not to mention the compelling flavors. Black and red cherries, currants, cola, mushrooms, cedar, anise, and spice flavors mingle into a long, rich finish. So balanced and elegant. Made from 95% Sacrashe Vineyard fruit, in the Rutherford AVA." (06/09) 90+ points Robert Parker: "Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years." (12/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: "Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins." (May/June '09)

2007 Lewis Cellars Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($76.99)

The 2007 California vintage is revealing itself to be quite impressive. The Wine Spectator's Jim Laube wrote this spring (2009): "I expected 2007 to be a great year for California wine, and indeed it's shaping up that way across the board for all varietals...What made 2007 so good is that one the winter rains stopped, spring was dry, the set was good and winegrowers were able to farm the vineyards the way they wanted to. The growing season was dry, warm and mild, with a harvest that came off with few hitches." With this in mind, and their impressive showings in the past vintages, we're not suprised that the 2007 Lewis Cabernet is so spectacular. A perennial K&L favorite, the Lewis Napa Cab is a "do not miss" wine of the highest order. A great example of what is to come with the 2007 Napa Cabs! The '07 Lewis Cabernet is big, rich, fleshy and focused. It is loaded with cassis, black cherry fruit, mint, and mocha flavors. The wine is seamless in the mouth and the tannins are ripe and velvety. Give it another few months in the bottle to really round out and give it some air when opening! (Trey Beffa, K&L Wine Merchants)

2007 Slipstream Sauvignon Blanc Western Australia ($9.99-$12.99 Elsewhere) ($5.99)

From Stephen Tanzer's IWC: "Light gold. Spicy lime, lemon, white peach and mineral aromas, with a kiss of jasmine; avoids the herbaceous quality of most Southern Hemisphere versions of the variety. Clean and brisk, offering racy citrus zest and peach skin flavors along with dusty quinine and honeysuckle. Finishes clean and brisk." And from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc comes from low yields of 2 tons per acre and was tank-fermented. Medium straw-colored, it has an alluring bouquet of fresh herbs, citrus, and gooseberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with round, concentrated flavors, good depth, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish." (08/08) Dan Pannell makes this wine at Picardy in Western Australia with fruit sourced from the cool Pemberton region. The wine is crisp and clean with aromas of citrus, herb and honeysuckle. On the palate, there is a wonderful creamy texture with mouthwatering acidity and a long, refreshing finish. An absolute steal. (Jim Chanteloup, K&L Aussie wine buyer)

2008 Melville "Estate-Verna's" Santa Barbara Pinot Noir ($19.99)

91 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright red. Fresh red berries and Asian spices on the nose, with notes of rose and magnolia adding complexity. Lively and precise in the mouth, showing nervy redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a pungent floral quality. Finishes with very good seamless length and a strong echo of sweet red berries." (Nov/Dec '09) The new Verna's Estate Pinot Noir is a perfect example of the frugal drinkability Melville has to offer. From the get-go the nose tells you that you are going to be in for a wildly delicious ride. Strawberry, lavender, Rainier cherry are all presented on a crisp, vibrant frame. The lightweight nature here is nothing to fear, remember this is Pinot and Greg Brewer, more prominently know for his work with Brewer-Clifton and Diatom, makes some of the most feminine, and yet flavor-packed Pinots in California. Using 12% new French oak and 33% whole cluster fermentation, Greg keeps the raw materials in full view. The red fruited nature of this wine resonates throughout backed by echoing flavors of beef carpaccio, flowering thyme, spearmint and Asian plum. Is it too early to start thinking about turkey? (Bryan Brick, K&L)

2006 J Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay ($19.99)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: "A fine wine that shows the classic structure of Russian River Chardonnay, and also a steely minerality that makes it a partner for food. That doesn’t mean it’s without fruit. The flavors of apricots, pears and more exotic tropical fruits are explosive, enhanced with smoky oak. Likely to develop bottle complexity over the next four years." (11/08) Winemaker George Bursick combines Old World techniques with New World fruit, and the results are quite tasty. Lemon and stone fruit aromas are balanced by hitns of almond butter and honey sandwiches on brioche. On the palate, the vanilla and caramel flavors swirl around the fruit, never over-powering it, but carrying through to the finish.

2006 Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)

92 points and one of the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009: "Dense and chewy, but with a nice lift of acidity and freshness as the finish rolls in, framing the cherry, blackberry, coffee and smoke flavors as they linger expressively. Best from 2011 through 2018." (07/09) One star from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "7% Merlot; 2% Cabernet Franc. All analogies to Merlot here are strictly intentional. There is rich, somewhat gentle character and the openness of Merlot fruit to this wine, and it is better off for it even though some will ask where Cabernet's tough side has gone. Not us, however, because the likeable red cherry fruit and light, creamy oak create their own charm and make the wine a delight to drink right now." (08/09) And, according to Stephen Tanzer: "Good deep red. Oaky redcurrant dominates the nose. Supple, sweet and easygoing, with round, oak-driven red fruit flavors." (Nov/Dec '08) A great buy for under $20! This approachable Cabernet is a great pick for a user-friendly, every day Cab! The wine shows ripe red cherry, and currant fruit with a hint of spicy vanilla, which coats the palate on the finish. Tasty! (Trey Beffa, K&L Wine Merchants)

2007 Robert Weil Estate Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken ($35 Elsewhere) ($19.99)

According to the Wine Spectator: "Nicely balanced between the dry character, lively acidity and juicy peach and lemon fruit. Needs a little time to settle down, but has both intensity and elegance. Best from 2009 through 2019. 200 cases imported." (Web Only, 2008)

2004 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino ($29.99)

91 points Wine Spectator Insider: "Aromas of mushroom, berries and dried flowers, with a hint of cereal, follow through to a full body, with sweet and ripe fruit and lots of toasty oak. But this is pretty and fruity. An excellent value. Best from 2010 through 2015." (04/09) Can this price be correct? Absolutely! The members of our Signature Red Wine Club sucked up the 250 cases 2003 vintage we bought faster than you could say "across the street from Altesino"! Situated in the northern extremities of Montalcino this tiny property has only been making wine for a few years but they really make wine with character and value! This 2004 is not lightweight. It is powerful, focused, full of ripe wild cherry flavor, chocolaty intrigue, gamey and just luscious on the palate. In short, a really superb wine. (Greg St.Clair, K&L Italian buyer) Wine is due September 2009

2007 Lewis Cellars Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($76.99)

The 2007 California vintage is revealing itself to be quite impressive. The Wine Spectator's Jim Laube wrote this spring (2009): "I expected 2007 to be a great year for California wine, and indeed it's shaping up that way across the board for all varietals...What made 2007 so good is that one the winter rains stopped, spring was dry, the set was good and winegrowers were able to farm the vineyards the way they wanted to. The growing season was dry, warm and mild, with a harvest that came off with few hitches." With this in mind, and their impressive showings in the past vintages, we're not suprised that the 2007 Lewis Cabernet is so spectacular. A perennial K&L favorite, the Lewis Napa Cab is a "do not miss" wine of the highest order. A great example of what is to come with the 2007 Napa Cabs! The '07 Lewis Cabernet is big, rich, fleshy and focused. It is loaded with cassis, black cherry fruit, mint, and mocha flavors. The wine is seamless in the mouth and the tannins are ripe and velvety. Give it another few months in the bottle to really round out and give it some air when opening! (Trey Beffa, K&L Wine Merchants)

2005 Grand Puy Lacoste Pauilliac ($84.99)

95 points Robert Parker: "The brilliant 2005 Grand-Puy-Lacoste exhibits classic Pauillac aromas and flavors of creme de cassis along with stony/floral notes. Proprietor Xavier Borie has created a wine that should rival the brilliant 1982, 1990, 1996, and 2000. Full-bodied with sweet tannin and superb length (a 40+ second finish), the purity of this beauty’s black currant fruit is something to behold. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030." (04/08) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Has subtle blackberry, licorice and currant on the nose, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a very pretty texture. Caresses everything. Refined and balanced. A beautiful wine that's hard to keep your hands off now. Best after 2012." (03/08). 93 points Stephen Tanzer: "Medium red. Very ripe aromas of plum and musky brown spices; redder in character and less precise than the 2006. Then big, sweet and plump on the palate, with full, mellow flavors of red berries, tobacco and mocha, plus a light smoked meat note. Finishes with sweet tannins and lingering, fully ripe fruit. This is showing its lush side today and is hiding its underlying structure." (May/June '08) ETA: Sept 25, 2009.

2006 Domaine Pierre Matrot Meursault (Was $36 Elsewhere) ($29.99)

Allen Meadows writes: "This is also very ripe with hints of exotic fruit that includes mango and papaya that leads to big and impressively rich flavors brimming with dry extract and just as this starts to become a bit top heavy, firm acidity rides to the rescue on the solidly long finish. This is a powerful and concentrated villages wine that will drink well almost immediately." (Burghound, 07/08) Domaine Matrot is the exception to the rule in Burgundy. Here, there are two different labels, but only one winemaker and one wine, whatever the label says...

2006 Domaine Pierre Matrot Meursault 1er Cru "Charmes" (Was $60 Elsewhere) - 0 available ($36.99)

90 points from Allen Meadows: "A very fresh nose that is distinctly exotic in character gives way to round and exceptionally rich medium-bodied flavors that carry the illusion of sweetness onto the beautifully complex and seductive finish. This isn't classic in style but it's delicious and stylish in its fashion." (Burghound, 07/08) 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Matrot 2006 Meursault Charmes smells and tastes of ripe white peaches drenched in honey and brown spices, with bitter grapefruit rind and lemon pip accents adding a pleasing contrast to the sense of sweetness engendered by high ripeness and glycerin. Creamy and enveloping, this is deeply rich and savory, harboring some real mystery, yet without obtrusive heat from its 14.8% alcohol. " (12/08) Our Notes: When I tasted this wine with Thierry, I was surprised at how hedonistic it was, with sweet fruit and a lush mid-palate. This is seductive Meursault to be consumed, rather than put away for a decade. But that is something I am happy to have on hand. Thanks to a very special purchase from the importer, we have this at a terrific price, more than 35% off of the original. (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer, 10/08)

2006 Domaine Pierre Matrot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Combettes" (Was $60 Elswewhere) - 0 available ($36.99)

91 points Allen Meadows' Burghound: "An atypical nose for this appellation features notes of straw, melon and white flower serves as the preface for very fresh and bright flavors that possess the best vibrancy and punch of any wine to this point while culminating in a classy, refined and pure citrus-infused finish. The nose is certainly atypical but the overall impression is a ripe wine of style and grace. Worth a look." StephenTanzer writes: "Superripe peach and orange aromas are complicated by dried fruits and hazelnut; more typical of the Matrot style the previous samples. Then fruity and solidly built, with orange and apricot flavors offering good density but a lighter touch than most of the other '06s here. Very ripe and not exactly elegant but with good structure-and more restrained alcohol and better balance for aging than most of the other Matrot '06s."