Staff Favorites

2021 Bodegas Muga "Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

I’ve been saying this for a while now, but the 2021 vintage in Rioja is quickly proving to be one of the best in decades. All the wines I’ve tried, though different in style, share a noticeable sense of elegance and restraint, and the 2021 “Selección Especial” Reserva Rioja from Muga is no different. A longtime K&L customer favorite and always a powerhouse of a Rioja, with deep intensity and lush concentration, the 2021 also delivers a gorgeous aromatic profile that is slightly more black-fruited, framed by secondary notes of violet, polished leather and the faintest hint of cedar. Rather than lead with sheer muscle, extra-fine-grained tannins melt into the palate, creating a mouthfeel that is improbably delicate for such a big wine. Twenty-six months in French oak adds notes of vanilla, baking spice and mocha, but the oak is remarkably well integrated with the fruit rather than overwhelming it. This is a classic Muga “Selección Especial” that is somehow both bold and sophisticated at the same time. A classic Rioja with a very modern sense of precision, this wine is rich enough to be appealing now, but structured and complex enough to justify tucking away a few bottles in the cellar. The 2021 vintage is not one to be missed—that much I am certain of.

Price: $44.99

2024 Finca Sophenia "Altosur" Malbec Gualtallary Mendoza

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

One of the most exciting regions in Argentina, and particularly for Malbec, is Gualtallary. Located in the northern Uco Valley at roughly 3,300–5,000 feet above sea level, at the foot of the Andes, Gualtallary is known for its combination of extreme elevation, cool nights, intense sunlight and very poor, rocky soils. Some of the most famous names in Argentina now produce their top wines from this region, many of them commanding equally lofty prices. So when a bottle of the 2024 Finca Sophenia “Altosur” Malbec from Gualltallary crossed my desk, I was intrigued by its very affordable price, as compared to its esteemed neighbors. While many examples of Malbec from warmer, lower lying regions are full-bodied and heavily oaked, this bottle is an excellent example of what makes the region so special. The concentration of red plum, currant and cassis notes is impressive for the modest price, and just the faintest hint of oak frames the wine. The palate is so fresh and bright, speaking to the wine’s high elevation origins, and this bottle achieves concentration and depth while still managing to feel nimble and light-footed on the palate. I’ve said it many times before, but one of the hardest categories of wine to buy are those under $15. There might be a lot available to choose from, but much of it is forgettable. The Altosur Malbec is a wine that stands out in comparison – easy to drink, bright and fresh, this is a just a great weeknight wine.

Price: $12.99

DC: 92

DS: 90

JS: 90

2016 Olivier Rivière "Cadastro" Arlanza Castilla y León

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

A Frenchman by birth, Olivier Rivière was born in Cognac and later studied enology in Bordeaux. After working in both Burgundy and Bordeaux, he seized an opportunity in 2004 to work with the famed Telmo Rodríguez in Spain, helping to convert his vineyards to biodynamic farming. Rivière fell in love with the ancient, own-rooted vines of northern Spain, and unable to afford land of his own in Rioja, he began sourcing fruit from old-vine parcels in some of the region’s lesser-known corners. One of these was Arlanza, a tiny appellation tucked between Rioja and Ribera del Duero that remains remarkably under the radar despite sharing many of the same attributes as its more famous neighbors: high-altitude vineyards, a continental climate, limestone and clay soils, and old-vine Tempranillo. Here, Rivière found exactly what he was looking for: very old vines capable of producing wines with both concentration and freshness. As you might expect from someone with a Burgundy background, site-specific terroir is everything to Rivière, far more important than appellation boundaries or time spent in oak. The 2016 “Cadastro” Arlanza is an excellent example of this philosophy: neither overly extracted nor oak-driven, it is energetic and expressive, with loads of upfront plum, orange peel and fig alongside savory dried herbs and licorice. A small amount of Garnacha interplanted in the vineyards adds juicy red cherry and strawberry notes, while several years of bottle age have softened the tannins. For lovers of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, Arlanza is a region worth exploring, and wines like this prove that you can get the old-vine character, intensity and complexity of those more famous regions without paying a premium for name recognition. This is simply an incredible deal!

Price: $17.99

RP: 94

VN: 93

JD: 92

2016 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

For me, this is right up there with the 2009 and 2010 as one of the finest releases of the modern era at Pontet-Canet. It has that undeniable character the estate does so well, somehow deeply Pauillac and luxurious at the same time, never fussy and always delicious. What stands out in 2016 is the added level of precision and refinement it brings to the richness and sheer appeal that made the 2009 and 2010 so famously adored. That’s no easy feat, and it gives this wine a sense of completeness that puts it among the very best Pontet-Canets of the past two decades. The nose is deep and dark, with black cherry, graphite, plum, and tar, immediately speaking to both the power of the vintage and the character of the appellation. The palate, however, is fresh, focused, and lively, with blackberry, cassis, hints of baking chocolate, and a fine, polished texture that keeps the wine from ever feeling heavy. There’s impressive concentration here, but also real lift and energy, with beautifully integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish that just carries on and on. This is a blockbuster, no question, but one with tremendous poise, balance, and detail. What I love most is how naturally all of those elements come together. It has the scale and depth you expect from a great Pontet-Canet, but also a sense of control and harmony that makes it compelling even at this relatively young stage. There’s plenty of structure for the long haul, but the fruit and texture are already expressive enough to make it enormously enjoyable today with some air. This is one of my favorite Pontet-Canet releases in a long time and still represents remarkable collectible value among the Left Bank’s finest wines from this unforgettable vintage. It has the pedigree to age for decades, but just as importantly, it already has that unmistakable Pontet-Canet quality that makes you want to keep coming back to the glass.

Price: $189.99

2022 Montrose, St-Estèphe

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

2022 Montrose has potential legend written all over it. With endless 100-point scores and comparisons to every banner vintage in the estate’s storied history, it’s no wonder many consider Montrose a de facto First Growth in quality, complexity, and, well, just about everything but price. The 2022 vintage also gave the wine a relative accessibility you don’t normally see in Montrose, but beyond that, it has all the hallmarks of an epic St-Estèphe. Deeply pitched but bright fruit lines an incredibly concentrated yet elegant palate, full of cassis, plum, graphite, and a seemingly endless mélange of flavors that coat the perfectly fine tannins and lead into a long finish. It’s one of those wines that keeps showing another dimension with each sip, while everything remains in exactly the right place. A joyful wine, it encapsulates the one-of-a-kind character of this address, and its quality and caliber are already unmistakable at this young stage. It’s a wine you simply want to spend time with. Montrose has made the most of the brilliant 2022 vintage, and when you consider it alongside its peers, whether the First Growths or the pantheon of Montrose’s own legends, it still remains a remarkable collectible buy. This is a wine that will be talked about for decades to come.

Price: $239.99

2022 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

2022 Branaire-Ducru is one of my favorite wines from the entire Left Bank in the 2022 vintage, no faint praise when considering the caliber of the vintage in question. At its heart, this is an incredible buy in collectible Bordeaux: it has the composure and caliber to stand up to peers at multiples of the price, yet is refreshingly and undeniably delicious at a price where it’s all too easy to pull corks. It’s also a great credit to François-Xavier Maroteaux and his team, who have clearly mastered the estate’s state-of-the-art winemaking facility without losing the thread of what has made Branaire distinctive across generations. For all the polish and precision of a top-tier vintage, it remains deeply of its place and quintessentially Branaire. Full of bright red fruits throughout, there’s a viscosity to the palate that speaks to a concentrated wine, but it still comes off bright and airy, with remarkably fine tannins and a long finish that brings out a slight minerality at the end. It is so composed, and somehow retains a classic St-Julien profile. The refinement and detail are just next level. I’ve considered this a special wine since tasting it En Primeur, and it’s done nothing but confirm its status among St-Julien’s elite since then. I’m thrilled to have this in my cellar, and I think anybody with a deep stash of 2022 Branaire-Ducru will be drinking like royalty for years to come.

Price: $69.99

2019 Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

For a limited time, we have exceptionally low, exclusive Insider’s Advantage pricing on this mountain-grown Napa Cabernet from Ink Grade. Ink Grade sits on the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain, overlooking Chiles Valley. Portions of the vineyard fall just below the AVA’s official 1,500-foot elevation line, so the wine is bottled as Napa Valley Cabernet - but its character is Howell Mountain to the core. Much of the estate is dramatically steep, with terraces carved into rocky volcanic slopes. The property is owned by Demeine Estates, which also owns Heitz Cellar and Stony Hill, and is farmed according to certified organic and biodynamic protocols. Winemaker Matt Taylor has worked at a number of top properties, including a long stint just over the hill at the legendary Eisele Vineyard, so it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about crafting classically styled, age-worthy Napa Cabernet. There’s plenty of mountain power here, but this is far from just brawn and brute force. A beautiful aromatic lift captures the wild chaparral character that is so distinctive of Howell Mountain. Briary red fruit, plum, graphite, singed cedar, exotic oak spice, and hot stone unfold in layers. The palate is long and deeply structured, with ample tannin but a polished, refined feel that keeps everything in balance. And what a price we have on this bottle almost 50% off a wine that typically sells for $80-$90! At this level of quality and pedigree, I don’t expect it to last long.

Price: Hidden

2021 Jonive (Moon Dust Vineyard) Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

This bottle shows exactly why the terroir of the Sebastopol Hills is so coveted for producing highly expressive, elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir, and why this specific locale will soon have its own dedicated AVA. The 2021 Pinot Noir has a magical balance of vibrant forest berry fruit, with hints of darker, more brambly fruit emerging with air. Warm earthy spices, sandalwood, clove, blackcurrant leaf, and spiced citrus peel add layers of complexity. The wine is finely poised, refined, and elegant, with impeccable purity and freshness. With a few years of bottle age already under its belt, it’s drinking beautifully now and should continue to evolve gracefully over the next 2–5 years and beyond.

Price: Hidden

DC: 93

WS: 93

2022 Jonive "Moon Dust Vineyard" Russian River Valley Chardonnay

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

The Jonive Chardonnay is pretty close to my perfect bottle of Chardonnay. If you’ve read my reviews before, you probably know exactly what’s coming next: richness and restraint. This wine absolutely nails that balance, combining beautifully textured, ripe, powerful fruit with electric acidity, struck-flint minerality, and wonderful vibrancy and length on the palate. The magic here is really threefold: the significant diurnal temperature swing, which helps concentrate the fruit while preserving natural acidity; the mature vines, which seem to convey a remarkable sense of place; and the pure Goldridge soils, with their ideal balance of water-holding capacity and moderate fertility for naturally balanced vines. Okay, maybe it’s fourfold, because there’s also some seriously dialed-in winemaking from seasoned veteran Vance Rose. All in all, this is a beautiful bottle of Chardonnay, powerful yet precise, richly textured yet energetic, and it drinks exceptionally well right now. At this price, it’s an absolute steal.

Price: Hidden

WE: 95

WS: 91

Sazerac K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: Eric Goldstein | Review Date: 8/13/2026 | Send Email

When we received the opportunity to get our hands on an uncommon single barrel of Sazerac Rye for the New York location, we all looked at each other with a smirk and a knowing head nod. Months later, the K&L pick arrived and those nods persisted albeit a little more emphatically. Coming in at 6 years and 10 months old, this 90-proof classic out kicked the coverage in every way. The nose is generous with hits of caramel covered apples, bing cherries, wafts of well-worn leather and herbal spices. The palate is super balanced carrying that signature Sazerac cinnamon, more caramel, tea leaves and rye spice which all give way to a surprising chocolate-mint on your pillow surprise. In the end it’s the rye spice and a dash of pepper that sits around awhile, like a party guest that doesn’t understand the evening is over. A great choice for fans of Sazerac and just really good rye.

Price: $34.99

2023 Trois Noix "Rancho Pequeño Vineyard" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 8/12/2026 | Send Email

The Araujo family’s own east-Oakville estate, on red volcanic loam off the Vaca alluvial fan—and it wears that pedigree quietly. Cassis, black cherry, and dark plum framed by cedar, crushed rock, and violet. Just 25% new French oak and modest ripeness make for a restrained, elegant style: firm but polished tannins, real freshness, and a long, savory finish. This is Oakville Cabernet with the volume dialed back and the detail turned up—serious wine at a fraction of its usual ask.

Price: Hidden

DC: 97

There Does Not Exist "Black Antler" Black Barleywine w/ vanilla, California (500 ml.)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 8/12/2026 | Send Email

Stunning Barleywine! The nose is brimming with vanilla bean, espresso, biscotti, black currants and toasted oats. Weighty on the palate and velvety smooth. Starts off sweeter and ends with clean hop bitterness. On the palate, black currants and plums up front that transition into dark chocolate and toasted oats. This is definitely one that can be drank now or aged for a couple of years.

Price: $11.99

2024 Trois Noix "Ryan's Vineyard" Oak Knoll District Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 8/12/2026 | Send Email

The Sauvignon Musqué does the talking here: jasmine, citrus blossom, and white peach lift out of the glass, backed by lychee and honeydew. Six months of neutral oak on fine lees builds a supple, faintly creamy texture without ever weighing down the fruit. Bright, focused acidity carries a long, mineral-laced finish. Oak Knoll’s cool nights and big diurnal swings show in the tension—this is barrel-fermented Napa SB with Sancerre ambitions, not a supermarket pour. A staggering steal at this price.

Price: Hidden

JS: 94

TWP: 94

2022 Croix de Labrie, St-Emilion

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 8/11/2026 | Send Email

Axelle and Pierre Courdurié are crafting some of the finest wines in Bordeaux at Croix de Labrie, a fact made unmistakable when tasting their absolutely stunning 2022 vintage. Sourced from hillside parcels between Troplong Mondot and Larcis Ducasse, this tiny, cult‑caliber estate feels almost Burgundian in scale and humility, yet the wine is unmistakably Bordeaux in character. I love how this wine delivers endless depth of flavor while maintaining extraordinary elegance. The texture is perfect, the tannins seamless, the acids bright, and a beautiful mineral thread runs throughout. It’s so thoughtfully composed and endlessly delicious. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting it with the team on multiple occasions, and it has been one of the most impressive wines in every setting. If you want a first-hand experience with one of the region’s ascendant properties—or to add a true under‑the‑radar gem with immense potential to your collection—this is it. The 2022 Croix de Labrie is a masterpiece, and one I cannot recommend highly enough. They produce only a few hundred cases per year, so our property‑direct allocation represents a meaningful share of what exists for the world. It’s a get‑it‑while‑you‑can wine, made even more compelling by the soaring success of the benchmark 2022 vintage.

Price: $124.99

2024 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Menetou-Salon

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 8/11/2026 | Send Email

Talking about Sancerre vigneron Anthony Girard of Clef du Récit is one of my favorite pastimes. We have been working directly with Anthony for nearly a decade now, and I have had the opportunity to visit him several times over the years. Every visit comes with a sense of adventure and usually a hint of mischief. We have taken off-the-beaten-path journeys through the forest to pick flowers for his daughter’s school project and visited his brother’s goat farm to watch the goats being prepared for chèvre season. I sometimes refer to Anthony as the king of the side quest. That same curiosity has led him beyond Sancerre to explore some of the Loire’s neighboring appellations, including Quincy and nearby Menetou-Salon. His Menetou-Salon is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and is handled much like his regular Sancerre, fermented and raised entirely in tank to preserve freshness and purity. The difference is in the terroir. The fruit comes primarily from Terres Blanches, the clay-limestone soils that tend to give Sauvignon Blanc more weight, texture and richness. You can see that character on full display here. Candied lemon peel and white peach are layered with wild thyme and a streak of salinity. It is inviting and fresh, but with a little more depth and richness than you might expect. Every journey with Anthony seems to turn into a new adventure, and his Menetou-Salon is definitely a side quest worth taking.

Price: $24.99

2023 Baker & Hamilton Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/11/2026 | Send Email

The Baker & Hamilton Cabernet is a total sleeper wine that continues to fly under the radar for many folks. The second wine of Vine Hill Ranch (VHR), this entirely estate-grown and produced Cabernet comes from one of the most highly regarded and critically acclaimed parcels of vines in all of Napa Valley. VHR’s flagship wine regularly earns perfect 100-point scores and costs $325 per bottle. Baker & Hamilton comes from the same estate vineyards and is made by the same winemaker. Vine Hill Ranch sits at the southwestern end of Oakville, right on the border with Yountville, nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains. Immediately to the south lies Dominus Estate. To the east is Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper, once part of Vine Hill Ranch. Just to the north are Harlan Estate and Martha’s Vineyard. This is truly sacred ground for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines grow on an ideal alluvial fan of coarse gravels washed down from the mountains over millennia. The peaks to the west also provide critical afternoon shade, helping preserve varietal character, acidity, and freshness through the growing season. The wine is made by famed winemaker Françoise Peschon, whose résumé includes decades of producing world-class Cabernet at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Araujo Eisele Vineyard, Accendo, Heimark, and others. Trained at UC Davis and in Bordeaux, including a stint at Château Haut-Brion, Peschon has a remarkable ability to combine power and grace seamlessly. In a strong vintage like 2023, second wines can be an especially savvy choice. There was a bounty of top-quality fruit, and the long, cool, near-perfect growing season allowed winemakers to pick exactly when they wanted, without major heat spikes or other issues compromising fruit quality. In the cellar, the top parcels and barrels are selected for the premier VHR bottling. The remaining estate lots are blended into Baker & Hamilton and sold for a fraction of the price while retaining much of the same pedigree, character, and quality. At a recent staff tasting, the sales team and I kept coming back to how much this wine reminded us of Dominus right next door. There’s beautifully detailed red and black fruit, a suave, silky texture from refined tannins, subtle earthy spice, and savory notes of leather, tobacco, and seared meat. It’s an incredibly refined, perfumed, detailed Cabernet. There’s plenty of power and lush fruit, but that’s almost a given in Napa Valley. What I love about this wine is the refinement, purity, and sense of place that are hallmarks of this magical parcel of land. I think it absolutely crushes many wines costing significantly more and will continue to do so for a decade or longer in the cellar. This is an extremely smart buy in the world of high-end Napa Cabernet.

Price: Hidden

2021 Viña Bujanda Crianza Rioja

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 8/10/2026 | Send Email

From a family winery founded in 1889, the 2021 Viña Bujanda Crianza is composed of 100% Tempranillo sourced from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa estate vineyards. The vines average roughly 30 years of age. This Crianza fermented in stainless steel and aged 12 months in American oak barrels. For the price, this is a no-brainer. First off, the 13.3% ABV is immediately appealing for sensible mid-week and casual enjoyment. Second, it’s absolutely delicious as it opens in the glass. Blackberry, blood orange, leather, dried herbs, black tea, and touches of ferrous red earth in the finish. Due to the cool vintage, this will appeal to the Bordeaux palate and is one of those rare hidden treasures that drinks orders of magnitude better than its price tag. It's a terrific case buy opportunity! I expect it will blow out of here pretty quickly once people catch on.

Price: $11.99

OB: 91

VN: 90

2025 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 8/10/2026 | Send Email

Vacheron remains one of Sancerre's benchmark producers, and the 2025 vintage is a clear reminder why. Bright grapefruit and Mandarin orange peel lead the charge, grounded by fresh pea shoots and Meyer lemon for that unmistakable Sancerre profile. A wisp of smoky flint adds nuance to the wine's texture, while taut acidity keeps everything precise and focused. Always limited—and always a treat.

Price: $47.99

Limit of 6 per customer

2022 Château du Perry Malbec Cahors

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 8/10/2026 | Send Email

It has been a couple of years since we first offered the 2022 Château du Perry, and it proved every bit as popular as the 2020 that preceded it. We sold through our original allocation, but recently had the opportunity to secure another small parcel of the 2022 vintage—and we were more than happy to bring it back. One look in the glass and you understand why Cahors was historically known for its “black wine.” Deep, dark and nearly opaque, it stains the glass and immediately hints at the concentration to come. The 2022 is a touch bigger than the 2020, with sumptuous flavors of black raspberry and currant layered with grilled meat and savory spices. It practically erupts from the glass. What we loved about this wine the first time around remains true today. It captures the depth and character that make Cahors distinctive, but in a style that is accessible, generous and ready to drink. This is a LOT of wine for under $15 and an easy recommendation for fans of Cabernet, Bordeaux and, of course, Argentine Malbec. We were thrilled to get another shot at the 2022, especially at this price. Quantities are limited, and this may well be our last opportunity to feature this vintage.

Price: $13.99

2025 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 8/10/2026 | Send Email

There is rosé, and then there is Bandol Rosé. Among the great estates of the appellation—a group that includes Tempier and Pibarnon—Terrebrune keeps the very best company. Mourvèdre dominates here, setting Bandol apart from greater Provence, where Grenache and Cinsault tend to drive the blends. It is what makes these wines so distinctive. Mourvèdre can produce rich, full-bodied and deeply structured reds, but as a rosé, it takes on an almost ephemeral quality. It is elegant yet textured, intense yet nuanced and graceful. The new vintage of Terrebrune is one of the best rosés of the season. That may sound like hyperbole, especially when you’ve heard me talk about favorites like Pradeaux and Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, but this ranks right alongside them. It captures everything I look for in great Bandol Rosé. Expressive notes of ruby red grapefruit and wild strawberry are accented by more subtle tones of wet stone, anise and bay leaf. Fuller-bodied but never heavy, it carries remarkable freshness and a bright, vibrant finish. Bandol Rosé as a category transcends what we typically think of as Provence rosé, and Terrebrune is proof in the glass. This is superb to drink now, but it has the structure and depth to continue developing beautifully for several years to come.

Price: $34.99

RP: 94

2024 Domaine Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 8/7/2026 | Send Email

I’m not embarrassed to admit that, though the 2024 Domaine Seguinot-Bordet Petit Chablis was one of the least expensive wines in a recent Burgundy tasting, it was one of my favorites. It’s like a pair of jeans that fits just right. You can dress it up or down. It’s easy breezy. Baked apple, fresh pear, jasmine, green tea, and lemon swirl across the palate. The finish brings pear, soft jasmine, and lemon peel, followed by a chalky seashell note that speaks directly to the Kimmeridgian soils on which the 25- to 35-year-old vines are planted. The wine is aged in temperature-controlled tanks for precision and purity, both of which come through clearly on the palate. This is what you drink while waiting for cherished Burgundy collectibles to get some beauty rest. A winner-winner for a chicken dinner, too.

Price: $24.99

2025 Trois Noix "Kajita Vineyard" Sonoma Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 8/7/2026 | Send Email

This project delivers exactly the pale, whisper-pink Provence homage the glass promises. Pinot Noir picked early and pressed straight to salmon-onionskin color, then coaxed into something taut and mineral. Expect wild strawberry, white peach, blood orange rind, and a saline-crushed-stone lift that keeps it honest. Bone-dry, high-toned, and cut with the kind of acidity that makes you reach for the bottle again before you’ve decided to. This is patio wine with a résumé—serious enough for the table, easy enough to drink without thinking. Chill hard, pour into a real glass, and don’t overthink the pairing: oysters, a niçoise, a roast chicken with too much lemon. Drink now through summer; rosé rewards nobody who waits. 2025 closes the book on Trois Noix rosé; the final vintage, and worth stocking your fridge accordingly.

Price: Hidden

2024 Domaine Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/6/2026 | Send Email

Another super bargain Chablis has arrived! From its clean nose with the perfect amount of saline and white orchard fruit scents to the palate of clean acidity, lemon/lime and a light sea salt infused finish. There are even some light background mid-palate white peach flavors. Previously, the entire line of the Seguinot Chablis sold out quite quickly and I assume that this very nice Petit Chablis will do the same!

Price: $24.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

Here's an honest Champagne that delivers elegance and pure delight without unnecessary pomp and posturing. Dry and refreshing, Baron Fuente Grande Réserve Brut Champagne is a blend of approximately 60% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Noir vinified in stainless steel and aged three years on the lees. Crisp green apple and lemon curd on toasty brioche - - zesty, yet rich and rewarding. There's a little bit of almond croissant on the finish, no doubt due to ample time maturing on its lees. Delicately textured, it's truly one of the best bubbles for the buck in the store - - perfect as an aperitif to greet guests or as a bottle to have chilling in the fridge at all times. Pop cork in case of emergency. Aaah...that's better. Cheers!

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

2024 Domaine Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

This is exactly what a Petit Chablis should be, vibrant, zesty, fresh brimming with racy acidity and salty notes as well as fresh citrus accents. Easy to drink and enjoy this is a wonderful summer white that won't break the bank and is incredible versatile. 100% stainless steel this wine is all about freshness, fruit and lip-smacking enjoyment.

Price: $24.99

2018 Baron-Fuenté "Rebelle" Brut Nature Champagne

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

All estate-grown, the 2018 Baron-Fuenté "Rebelle" Brut Nature Champagne is made of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Meunier. This generous zero-dosage Champagne is a rebel in the best sense of the word. It likes dancing and it looks divine as it dazzles the palate with an unexpected note of ripe, juicy Rainier cherry. Cherry. Yes, cherry. I went back, retasted, and confirmed. Oh, it’s so there. This bold fruit is framed by toasted caramel, almond, a hint of lemon peel and wisp of flinty smoke. You could rock this beauty on its own as an aperitif, but I’m eager to pair it with a sous vide fillet mignon, seared in butter and finished with Maldon sea salt. Hot tramp, I love you so.

Price: $49.99

WE: 95

2021 Viña Bujanda Crianza Rioja

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

The 2021 vintage in Rioja was excellent, and now that many of the wines have been released, it’s evident that it might even be one of the best vintages in recent memory. The collectible wines, of course, are standouts, but what’s even more exciting, in my opinion, is that this high level of quality is evident even in the most modest of weeknight wines. A great example of this is the 2021 Viña Bujanda Crianza Rioja, easily one of the most impressive sub-$15 wines I’ve had this year – from any region. As a vintage, 2021 in Rioja was cooler and later than average, and most of the wines favor elegance over power. In this wine that translates as bright red fruit flavors of pomegranate, red cherry and plum, along with very fresh, elevated acidity. Classic savory notes creep in on the palate – tobacco, graphite, shitake mushroom – and the tannins are so fine-grained, they weave together seamlessly on the palate. With some air in the glass, this wine expands aromatically even more, with orange peel and subtle potpourri notes. Tasting this wine, I’m struck by the level of complexity and concentration for the incredibly low price – it makes me wonder why this winery is not charging more! This is just a fantastic wine to pick up by the case to have at home for weeknight dinners and casual get togethers. I would snap this one up while it’s available, which surely won’t last long.

Price: $11.99

OB: 91

VN: 90

Goldeneye North Coast Brut Rosé Traditional Method Sparkling Wine

By: Noah Schwartz | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

If you're in a hurry and need to grab a bottle of sparkling wine- this is an excellent choice. It's fruity and fresh, with balanced acidity that adds brightness without taking over the whole experience. The value for money is incredible- for $20 you get a traditional method sparkling wine that spent 26 months on the lees. You really don't have to think twice about picking this one up. It's an easy crowd pleaser for a casual get-together or just a relaxed day.

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Goldeneye North Coast Brut Rosé Traditional Method Sparkling Wine

By: Devin Elting | Review Date: 8/5/2026 | Send Email

A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this crisp, refreshing sparkling rosé comes from California's North Coast. After 26 months on the lees, it picks up subtle toasty notes that pair beautifully with bright, fresh red fruit. An easy-drinking bottle that's perfect for making the most of the last days of summer.

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2024 Clos de Luz "Agras" Pais Cachapoal

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 8/4/2026 | Send Email

Chillable reds are so versatile that I'm mystified they aren't more popular. Unfussy and easy to love, they sip well on their own with casual snacks and are a refreshing counterpoint to rich or meaty meals. The 2024 Clos de Luz "Agras" País Cachapoal brings it on home by way of País sourced from 100-year-old vines with a wee splash of Moscatelle, lending an alluring floral rosiness. Grapes are 100% destemmed for a pure fruit expression and supple tannins, then foot-stomped and aged 10 months in oak barrels. With only 375 cases produced, it tastes like the kind of wine only lucky locals are privy to and somehow never makes it beyond their borders. Bright cranberry and hibiscus are layered with red rose petals, cinnamon, black pepper, and a whisper of smoke. The 12% ABV makes it a great mid-week or early afternoon wine. Though great on its own for chit-chat with friends or movie night, it would be fantastic with charcuterie, burgers, pulled pork, baby back ribs, street tacos.

Price: $17.99

DS: 93

TA: 90

2021 Strala Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/4/2026 | Send Email

What do you think it would cost to take ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from a highly renowned vineyard in one of Napa Valley’s most exclusive and expensive sub-regions, then have it crafted into wine by one of the valley’s most sought-after cult winemakers? Now put that wine into a beautiful screen-printed, hand-waxed bottle and add a 96-point score from a top wine publication. What would you expect to pay - $150? $200? Well, today we have exactly that, exclusively through Insider’s Advantage, for under $50! Here are the details: the 2021 Strala Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced predominantly from La Montagne Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, with celebrated neighbors including Colgin, Bryant, Ovid, Realm, and Chappellet. The wine was made at Atelier Melka by superstar winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, whose résumé includes Screaming Eagle, Lail, Dalla Valle, and Checkerboard. This is a stunning bottle, inside and out, delivering truly luxurious, cult-Napa Cabernet character at a price that seems practically impossible given the wine’s pedigree. Powerful, bold, and unapologetically modern, it oozes class from the first pour. Hedonistic layers of ripe dark fruit, crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, and exotic oak spice unfold across a rich, mouth-filling texture. Yet for all its decadence and generosity, the wine never loses sight of its mountain origins. Powerful structure, savory graphite, a volcanic mineral core, and hints of wild mountain herbs and chaparral bring complexity and definition beyond the opulent fruit. This is a wine that both looks and tastes seriously expensive, yet thanks to our huge Insider’s Advantage discount, is remarkably affordable. It is sure to strike a chord with a lot of Cabernet lovers, so don’t sleep on it. This is a one-time deal, and it will sell out.

Price: Hidden

DC: 96

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 8/3/2026 | Send Email

Incredibly delicious, this might be my favorite release of the Billecart BdB that I've had yet. The dosage is just perfect to keep it clean and refreshing without quite going electric and it's just such an easy and perfect bottle. The nose is soft and pretty with lemon candy, a little bruised yellow apple, some fresh crisp green apple. The palate has that perfect acidity pushing through the whole thing and bringing the freshness that you want from a bottling like this. I love it and I'm glad that one of my go-to Champagnes is back.

Price: $94.99

2014 Braeval 11 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Oloroso Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/3/2026 | Send Email

This gorgeous barrel of Braeval probably won’t strike a chord with the distillery’s devoted fans because, well, there really aren’t many Braeval fans. That’s not to say we haven’t sold plenty of excellent examples over the years, but the complete absence of official distillery bottlings and lingering confusion around the name, originally Braes of Glenlivet, have kept this excellent little malt off almost everyone’s radar. It doesn’t help that much of the spirit is destined for blending and often filled into less-than-inspiring cask stock, which may explain why only the oldest Braevals have historically achieved true greatness. But take this lovely Highland malt and place it in a fresh Oloroso hogshead, and you have a recipe for something wonderful. Here we go. The beautiful color tells us we’re firmly in sherry-bomb territory, a healthy auburn (1.4). The nose is explosive, with baking spices, roasted almonds, tinned stone fruit, and complex aromas of dark-roasted coffee. The palate is dense and chewy, offering surprising depth of roasted malt and zesty orange oil alongside rich, sweet dried fruit. It’s a classical, if not entirely unexpected, style. We might have assumed that enthusiasm for dense, dark, sherried malt would have faded decades after aficionados first embraced it, but drinkers both new and old still adore this profile. It may never have gone out of fashion, but it has certainly become far more expensive. For sherry lovers, this is the deal of the year. Hands down.

Price: $64.99

2021 Hanzell "Estate" Moon Mountain District Pinot Noir

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/3/2026 | Send Email

Today we have an incredible offer from a winery that simply does not make deals on its wines. Should you choose to read no further, know this: this is absolutely world-class Pinot Noir at a price that is unheard of. A wine capable of standing toe-to-toe with any Pinot Noir-based wine on the planet without flinching. And at a price 50% lower than you'll find it elsewhere. Hanzell is one of my three favorite wineries in all of California. This iconic property possesses an extraordinary combination of history, pedigree, quality, and innovation. First and foremost, Hanzell is one of the most historic wineries in the state. It is home to California’s oldest continuously producing blocks of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, planted in 1953. The winery was also the first to use stainless steel tanks for commercial wine production - commonplace today, but revolutionary at the time - and the first to isolate the strain of bacteria responsible for malolactic fermentation in wine. The estate has long been renowned for producing world-class wines with the ability to cellar gracefully for decades. I have personally enjoyed Hanzell Pinot Noirs from the 1960s and Chardonnays from the 1970s that remained vibrant, complex, and utterly delicious. Given that history and pedigree, you might imagine Hanzell simply resting on its laurels and cruising on reputation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today, Hanzell Estate may be the most progressively farmed vineyard and farm I have ever experienced. Fully explaining the level of detail and intention behind the estate’s holistic farming and commitment to biodiversity would require a thesis-length breakdown of everything the team does in its stewardship of the land. A visit to the property reveals just how extraordinary the farming program has become and why Hanzell now stands as a modern standard-bearer for regenerative, holistic, closed-loop agriculture. I can think of no better example of a more thoughtfully farmed and meticulously crafted true wine of terroir. The sheer amount of care, intention, labor, and craftsmanship invested in these wines is second to none - and I mean that wholeheartedly. The many glowing critical reviews of this wine will provide more than enough aroma and flavor descriptors to communicate just how complex and delicious it is. What I hope to convey here is the larger importance of Hanzell: not only the staggering achievements of the past seven decades, but also the estate’s tireless pursuit of a brighter future. Better farming. Better soils. Healthier ecosystems. Better livelihoods for the people who live and work on the estate. Jason Jardine - president, farmer, winemaker - and the entire team at Hanzell are deeply aware of the estate’s history and significance. Yet rather than allowing that pedigree to become an excuse for complacency, they use it as continued motivation to pursue greater excellence, meaningful progress, and an even more thoughtful expression of this remarkable place.

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2025 Soalheiro Alvarinho Vinho Verde Monção e Melgaço

By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

One of my favorite producers of this varietal (no matter which language you prefer to spell it with). I am particularly charmed with this vintage. It feels a touch lighter and a little more focused than the last few. It has the classic aromatics and flavors with just a little more pop! Mouth-watering acidity pulls the wine to a long finish that expresses its Portuguese origins through the tenor of its minerality.

Price: $21.99

DC: 93

RP: 91

2024 Comando G "La Bruja" Garnacha Sierra de Gredos

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

Comando G is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine producers in Spain. Each vintage their wines seem to grow in popularity, as wine collectors discover these wines that are unlike anything else currently being produced in Spain. Their singular focus is on old vine Garnacha from the Sierra de Gredos region, a rugged, mostly forested area not far from Madrid. Long known for simple, inexpensive country wines, the region has been transformed by the rediscovery of high-altitude vineyards forgotten by many. These old Garnacha vines revealed a surprising character: pale in color yet intensely expressive, with taut, nervy energy and striking minerality rather than the variety’s typical lush power when grown in hotter and flatter areas of Spain. The “La Bruja” is made from 100% Garnacha and is labeled as a “Vino Regional,” serving as an introduction to both the region as to the Comando G style. On the nose, there are classic Garnacha red fruit notes of cherry and raspberry, enhanced by subtle lavender, licorice and scrubby underbrush. Fine-grained, grippy tannins add balance, keeping the wild aromatics in check. The goal of founders Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia is to elevate Spanish Garnacha to the same ranks as Syrah from the Northern Rhône or Pinot Noir from Burgundy, and it’s clear they’re well on their way to attaining this goal. Considering that the top wines of Comando G – nearly impossible to secure – now fetch hundreds of dollars, this is a stunning value from one of the fastest rising stars in Spain.

Price: $42.99

RP: 94

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

The Billiecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs is super a super clean, refreshing champagne. On the nose there is a nice bit of brioche, bright Meyer lemons and a small hint of apple. On the palate its very light, mineral and high acid showcasing a long chalky finish. Love the Meyer lemon notes on this guy!

Price: $94.99

2013 Bowmore 12 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

Those who follow my tastes know that Bowmore is one of the distilleries I consider a true enigma. It remains among the finest whiskies on the planet by any measure, yet the contrast between the distillery bottlings, which are perfectly acceptable but rarely transcendent without spending ungodly amounts of money, and the quality of the independent bottlings currently available to us is truly absurd. Every modern Bowmore cask we have received from our suppliers has been absolutely spectacular, and part of the charm is that no two are ever quite alike. This is the beauty of handmade single malt, and a significant proportion of Bowmore’s barley is still malted by hand. In my opinion, it is precisely that inconsistency that makes these whiskies so compelling. If every cask tasted the same, what would be the point of buying single barrels? So here we go with another beautiful barrel of Bowmore. The color is a perfect deep copper (1.0). The nose offers a remarkable mélange of salty maritime intensity and wild tropical fruit: lychee, sweet saltwater taffy, diesel oil, camphor, roasted almonds, dried mango, pink peppercorn, and malty smoke. The palate is vibrant and angular, with a huge mineral note and dense, billowing smoke. After all that talk about the individuality of single casks, this one feels quintessentially Bowmore in the best possible way. If we continue to find barrels like this, there is no question that we are entering a new era in which Bowmore’s preeminence will once again be more widely recognized.

Price: $79.99

2014 Ariston Aspasie Brut Champagne

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

2014 was the last "cold" vintage in Champagne and age has been very kind to it. There's a real tactile difference between champagne produced pre-2015 and post-2015. Now, the grapes are riper and the acidity is more restrained. The 2014 Ariston Aspasie Brut Champagne harkens back to a bygone era when the acidity was off the charts and the struggle was to ripen the grapes. The 1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Noir, and 1/3 Meunier are sourced from young vines only, which is a key component of Paul-Vincent Ariston's vintage wine philosophy. Vintage champagne must express what nature wrought from a single year and old vines are the opposite of that. A beautifully toasty nose, with notes of bitter almond, caramel, apple, baked pear, and citrus. On the palate, the autolytic character also takes center stage -- toasted baguette, pastry crust, and lees are indicative of Aspasie's extended lees aging, a whopping 11 years and 5 months for the 2014! The young vines produce fresh vibrant fruit and the (last) cold vintage adds zippy acidity to complete the package. A great vintage expression from a house that's been cranking out the bubbly for 232 years.

Price: $49.99

2022 Mallea (Tyler) Santa Barbara County Rhône Red Blend

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

Mallea is back with a new vintage, and once again it’s a strong contender for the best-value bottle of wine in our entire inventory. Now, that’s a bold statement, but let me explain. Mallea is a collaborative project between Eric Mallea of Sanford and Justin Willett of Tyler. Eric is the longtime vineyard manager for Sanford Winery, whose estate holdings include the legendary Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada Vineyards. For Mallea, Eric hand-selects top-notch fruit from other vineyards he farms throughout the region, giving him control over quality from soil to bottle. For the winemaking, he partnered with longtime friend Justin Willett of Tyler Winery fame. Long regarded as one of the most talented winemakers in Santa Barbara County (if not all of California) Justin brings incredible experience and pedigree to the cellar. The Mallea wines were designed to seriously over-deliver in the $25–$30 category. At our massively discounted, winery-direct pricing, this wine is absolutely maxing out the QPR however you look at it. And don’t just take my word for it...ask any of our sales staff. At a recent round of staff tastings, this wine made just about everything else in the lineup look silly. It’s simply unbelievably delicious at an unheard-of price for handcrafted, high-quality, small-production wine. A classic Southern Rhône-inspired blend of Grenache (44%), Syrah (42%), and Mourvèdre (14%), this is made with truly artisanal, small-lot techniques. The fruit is fermented with partial whole clusters and native yeast in open-top wooden vats, then aged in neutral French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine is medium-plus bodied, with lovely deep red and black fruits. The mid-palate is plush yet fresh and vibrant, with polished tannins and savory hints of warm earth, dried garrigue, and hard-ground spices lingering through the finish. So complete, delicious, and beautifully balanced. It’s hard to believe a wine this tasty can be this inexpensive!

Price: $9.95

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne

By: Michael Benoit | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

Crisp green apple, Meyer lemon, and the faintest brioche aromas pop out of the glass of this blanc de blancs stunner from Billecart-Salmon. On the palate it's fresh and electric, with ripe citrus flesh flavors, a delicate bead, and a long, chalky finish. This would make a great aperitif and would drink beautifully with a dozen briny oysters on the half shell!

Price: $94.99

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

This is simply great Blanc de Blanc with golden orchard fruits, minerals, white cake, and sea salt on the nose. On the palate, golden apple and yellow pear flavors with just a hint of caramel, candied ginger and a light mineral/sea salt aftertaste. It has the bonus of an extremely long finish of lemon meringue! Absolutely delicious!

Price: $94.99

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/31/2026 | Send Email

If you like your Champagne clean and refreshing, this is the best bottle that we have for you. Antoine Billecart insists on fermentations that are slow and cold, and the family has developed its own strain of yeast that can work in super low temperatures, resulting in a Champagne that is light as feather and arcs with electric excitement. This wine delivers all of this without any harsh grain, since it has been aged for over sixty months on the lees... A fabulous treat!

Price: $94.99