K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2024 Hirsch "Bohan-Dillon" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

I really like Hirsch, it's a really interesting winery that feels like a purposeful accident in how it came about, lots of right place and right time and they've made it pay off so well. This wine is always a favorite around here, and not just because it has a cat on the label, but that doesn't hurt. This is that super pretty and elegant style that I really have come to love, there's cherry, raspberry, strawberry, with maybe a bit of frozen cranberry grated on top and it's got this really great line of mouthwatering acidity while having enough tannin to stay interesting. This is more approachable and immediately drinkable style and it shows in the best of ways, it's an easy bottle of Pinot Noir to love.

Price: $49.95

VN: 90

2024 Union Sacré Monterey County Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Another perennial favorite, this is kind of the essence of the crunchy California Pinot Noir. Bright and full-fruited nose that's pushing towards pretty but has this little touch of something vaguely rustic on the edge, there's some floral notes around the outside. The palate is crunchy, lots of cranberry skin, underripe cherry, raspberry leaf, and some pomegranate seeds as well. It's easy and light and I could definitely see putting a little chill on this. It's just such an easy and friendly bottle, and a great wine to serve your friends who only drink European wines while still staying fairly local.

Price: $19.95

WE: 94

2024 Union Sacré Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

You would be forgiven for thinking that I'm full of it for some of what I'm about to write in this review, because catch this... Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon... at just 12.9% alcohol, and with a really great and high-toned acidity but pretty and pure fruit on the front. Bonkers right? Well, here we are and it's just $20. This is an absolutely easy answer for a picnic bottle for the people who say they don't drink white wine. Sus. There's really pretty ripe fruit on the nose, but the acidity is a cleansing typhoon that pushes through the tannin and gives a super mouth-watering finish. This is a mystifying bottle of wine, but at this price it's worth checking out. I don't know if I've had a wine that made me think "Summer Cabernet Sauvignon" quite as hard as this.

Price: $19.95

WE: 94

2023 Land of Saints (Tribute to Grace) Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

There's a bit of, I was told, purposeful reduction on the nose, a little bit of that kind of matchstick flintiness. That's not really my bag, so I swirled to get that blown off a bit more and really enjoyed what I uncovered. There's really clean fruit and really pretty depth here with this really great texture, bruised pear and apple doused with fresh lemon, but it's still not tart and instead just has great acidity. This is so well made, and it comes across.

Price: $21.95

2025 Desire Lines "Shake Ridge Ranch" Amador County Rosé of Mourvèdre

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

So, for those of you that have those guests who look at your rosé wines and give a little sniff and say they prefer something from Provence, you can take this bottle of your fridge and wave it mockingly in their face before you pour them a glass. This is perfect for people who want a rosé that is a little bit less fruit forward in that lighter and more crisp lean style. It's just great and this is beautiful beautiful wine, the nose is light and ethereal, little touches of watermelon, raspberry candy, and lemon. The palate is just gorgeous with a little bit of fruit here and there, but it's more about texture and acid than anything else. I want to have this with fried chicken, or maybe poached salmon, or even just some nigiri sushi. It's all out banger. Drinking Window: Between now and when you get it cold enough. Glass optional but recommended.

Price: $22.95

JD: 92

VN: 91

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Ryan Woodhouse, super genius, has done it again. We've got another Anonymous wine in and it's an absolute clutch one for the summer. All from Napa's Oakville district and for under $25, this is quintessential and almost definitional California Sauvignon Blanc. Pretty and fully-fruited tropical nose this just smells like summer from the get, the palate is bright, super citrusy with a little bit of pineapple and passion-fruit around the edges and a great push of acid without going over the top or coming across as tart. This is refreshing, crisp, and a super lean 12.5%, exactly the kind of crushable and quaffable bottle that you need once the temperature starts edging up again. Get it nice and cold and finish the bottle in a sitting, you deserve it.

Price: Hidden

2023 Favia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

While this is another big and bold Napa wine, this one definitely is a slightly different creature. There's fruit on the very front, and lots of fruit on the nose, but the palate is surprisingly dusty and savory, leather, cigar box, cured olive, and dried tobacco all intermingle with the dark and dusty fruit. There's more than enough acid and the tannin has a firm grip, I would say this is a prime candidate to lay down but you have this with a nice steak or something with enough fat and substance, this is absolutely delicious right now. I really thought I wasn't going to enjoy this and it might have been one of my favorites in the whole tasting, normally I have a much more affordable red wine palate but not today. Great wine.

Price: $149.95

DC: 98

JS: 98

2011 Blair Athol 11 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

The vast majority of the liquid from this Highland distillery that dates back to 1798 ends up in the Bells line of blended scotch whisky, but among enthusiasts, it’s highly regarded when found in independent bottlings. This one in particular highlights the classic highland style, dominated by the toasted oaky spice from the four-and-a-half year secondary aging in toasted French barrique casks. Honey and orchard fruits emerge in plenty, with the creamy toasted oak connecting the dots between floral and butterscotch notes. It finishes with a touch of nuttiness that emerges through the oaky spice. This is a lovely, rich dram that defies its age.

Price: Hidden

2024 Assiduous "Regan Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Pure fruit. This is just a fruity little fun guy, just super enjoyable and fun to hang out with but also delicious and easy going. This is a super juicy Pinot Noir that also has a nice structure and great acidity, making it one of the easier bottles to recommend to people on an ongoing basis. It's always got super pure and pretty fruit on the front, and this vintage is no exception,. Cherryberry in the best of ways, there's that strong line of acidity pushing through driving the fruit and cutting through the tannins with every sip. Another absolute banger from Assiduous.

Price: $29.95

2024 Assiduous "Volkmann Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

While I love all the Assiduous Pinot Noirs, the Volkmann is the one that feels the most "Santa Cruz Mountains" to me, which may somehow be controversial, but we eagerly court controversy here in Aaron's Tasting Corner, a place I just made up. There's this kind of dried herb loamy note in the very back that just smells like home and makes me think of my drives through the mountains and this one wrong turn I made once. There's pretty fruit on the front, but it's got these herbal and loamy arms wrapped around it giving it a big squeezy hug and working to fully integrate itself. The palate has great acid pushing through, there's tannin but its losing the battle to acid. and the fruit is a little plump up front but the palate quickly takes a more savory and earthy turn before giving a little more fruit on the finish. Lots of cherry, raspberry, a little stewed strawberry, and then more herby earth coming in to play. Another fantastic wine. Love it.

Price: $29.95

JD: 94

2024 Assiduous "Lilo Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

I don't think I've met him but Keegan Mayo is easily one of my favorite winemakers in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He's got a great smile and he makes just crazy delicious wines, and this is, obviously with all this front-loading, no exception. Woodhouse told us that he doesn't get the chance to make this every year, but I'm glad he did in 2024, it adds a new wine to arsenal to suggest to people. The nose is lean and high-toned, promising to be crunchy, with cranberry, cherry skins, underripe strawberry, and a little something kind of like herby brambley to round out the bouquet. The palate is really beautifully focused with more cranberry, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, and red cherry. Very pretty and fairly light, definitely would shine with food but doesn't require it. It sits at this really nice mid-point in our Pinot Noir lineup. Not as much fruit as the Regan and less herbacious than the Volkmann, it's a delight as it is.

Price: $29.95

JD: 93

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

The benchmark for the region. It offers the ethereal transparency of Pinot Noir with the volcanic grip of Nerello Mascalese.

Price: $32.99

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche- Salice" Etna Bianco Superiore

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

A rare expression from the Milo zone (East slope). Because it is a "Superiore," it must be 80% Carricante. It is incredibly sapid, with a vibrating saline finish.

Price: $59.99

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche - Santo Spirito" Etna Bianco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Sourced from deep volcanic ash. This is the most floral and "finesse-driven" of the whites—think white peach and crushed jasmine.

Price: $59.99

WS: 93

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche - Montalto" Etna Bianco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

From vines on the southern slope (higher up, cooler). This is vertical and precise, with a piercing citrus nerve.

Price: $59.99

WS: 94

2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Pyramid Valley was purchased in 2017 by Master of Wine and storied winemaker Steve Smith and his good friend Brian Sheth. They have continued the level of excellence that began with the founders and are releasing world class wines. This wonderful white offers a very refined interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc that highlights bright citrus and guava fruits along with a pleasant hint of herbs. There's a tiny percentage of Pinot Gris added for depth and complexity. Outstanding.

Price: Hidden

BC: 94

SK: 94

JS: 90

2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Nautilus is always at the top of my list when customers are looking for outstanding New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs under $20. Complex aromas and flavors of citrus and tropical abound along with a creamy palate with fresh acidity and length.

Price: $17.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

RP: 91

2022 Domaine FL "Le Cochet" Anjou-Villages

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Considering how excellent their white wines are, I figured this red would be every bit as impressive and i wasn't wrong. Personally, I thought it was a much pricier wine due to its depth and richness. It's smooth and polished with loads of flavorful black fruit and wonderful length. Definitely one of the best value reds in our Loire section.

Price: Hidden

JS: 91

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/22/2026 | Send Email

Perfection! Pale green-gold color. Lively, piquant nose of lingonberry, green apple skin and summer grass, with a promise of beautiful acidity. The palate gives the same lingonberry/blueberry with slight notes of chamomile and clover honey, A refreshing glass to enjoy at any time.

Price: Hidden

2023 Marabino Muscatedda

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

Let’s clear something up right now. When most people see the word "Moscato," they immediately brace for a sweet, fizzy, cloying mess that belongs at a thoughtless Sunday brunch. This bottle completely annihilates that stereotype. Down in the extreme southeastern corner of Sicily, in the blinding white limestone of the Val di Noto, Moscato Bianco transforms into a fiercely dry, deeply savory animal. If you are looking for a lazy sugar bomb, you are in the wrong place. The nose plays a brilliant trick on you. It explodes from the glass with that classic, intoxicating perfume—wild jasmine, orange blossom, and ripe apricot. But right beneath that high-toned floral wave is a profound, almost aggressive hit of sea salt, wild fennel, and sun-baked Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, this is where Marabino's rigorous biodynamic farming shows its teeth. The tension just slaps you. It is entirely bone-dry, completely bypassing any flabby, tropical weight to drive forward with a massive, nervous electric current. The acidity is razor-sharp, leaving a "crunchy," mouthwatering saline snap that lingers for minutes. This is a wine with serious attitude and uncompromising grip. It screams out for raw seafood, sea urchin, or heavily spiced dishes. A total mind-bender and exactly the kind of radical coastal white I am always hunting for.

Price: $22.99

VN: 91

2023 Altavia Vermentino di Ponente

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

Let's be brutally honest about Vermentino for a second. Ninety percent of what hits the US market is lazy, flabby, tropical juice made for tourists to gulp down without thinking. It lacks any kind of spine, and frankly, it bores me to death. But when you head to the Riviera Ligure di Ponente—where the Alps practically crash right into the Mediterranean—the grape becomes a completely different animal. The 2023 Altavia is exactly the kind of white wine I am constantly hunting for. It doesn't sit heavy or sweet in the glass. It is a straight-up slap in the face of sea salt, crushed pine needles, and wild coastal scrub. You smell this and you are instantly standing on the cliffs in Liguria. On the palate, it’s all about nervous energy. It is razor-sharp, completely bypassing any hint of sweet melon or fat fruit to deliver a crunchy, electric hit of lemon peel and bitter green almond. The acidity acts like a live wire, driving a bone-dry, mouthwatering saline snap on the finish that absolutely demands a plate of fritto misto or raw seafood. If you want a lazy, thoughtless pool wine, look elsewhere. If you want a coastal white with serious architectural tension, uncompromising cut, and pure Ligurian attitude, stock up on this immediately.

Price: $37.99

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Jackson Kelly | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

An absolute masterclass in Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Clean and crisp with the perfect level of acidity, this wine has notes of green apples, peaches, honey, and lemon on the palate. A delicious, easy drinking white wine from an acclaimed winemaker at a wonderful price.

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

A brand-new release from the Anonymous line. In perfect sync for warm weather sipping! A fresh nose of white peaches, tart apples and ripe cantaloupe. Floral and inviting! On the palate, some very nice and rather rich mouthfeel, with melon, juicy stone fruits, sour apples and lemon cream on the finish. Like the nose, delightful and refreshing!

Price: Hidden

High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

The folks at High West know what they're doing, and their streak of outstanding creations continue to delight. Although this latest release may not appeal so much to the more discriminating rye aficionados, I think it will please most whiskey drinkers, and it may even attract new ones. It's flavor-packed with an overall complexity and balance that delights. A very impressive arrival from the great state of Utah.

Price: $74.99

High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

High West's Double Rye already carries a reputation for lively spice and attitude, but this exclusive single barrel, finished in Moscatel cask, shows a softer, more charming side of the whiskey. The nose hints at gentle sweetness and light confectionery notes, setting the stage for a palate that opens with subtle brown sugar and mellow baking spice. The Moscatel finish seems to round the corners just enough, lending a touch of sweetness and polish without burying the rye's natural character. Bottled at cask strength, you might expect the usual blast of heat, but instead the whiskey arrives quite composed. The texture is light, controlled, and pleasantly clean. All told, this single barrel manages a neat trick. It keeps the personality and spice that make "Double Rye" such a crowd favorite while adding just enough Moscatel sweetness to make it feel a bit more dressed up. This is a playful but polished rye that drinks far easier than its proof may suggest.

Price: $74.99

High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

High West is easily one of the most reliable names in American craft distilling. Since starting up in Park City back in 2006, they’ve consistently turned out great everyday bottles alongside stellar annual releases that enthusiasts hunt for year after year. While they still source a good portion of their liquid, they’ve become masters at blending those stocks with their own house-made spirit. Their private barrel program was actually on hold for a few years, so we’re beyond excited to have this one back on the shelf, with a couple more landing in the coming months. For this selection, we have the classic "Double Rye", which uses a foundation of reliable 95/5 MGP rye blended with High West’s own 80/20 rye and malted rye mashbill, all aged between four and seven years before being finished in Moscatel casks for about 16 months. As a brighter, honeyed dessert wine, Moscatel brings a soft green grape and sweet coconut element to the whiskey, which is a nice departure from the heavier red fruits you usually get from Sherry or Port. The nose leads with roasted honey and bright cotton candy grapes, backed by cinnamon bark, canned peaches, and sarsaparilla. That first sip brings out the rye spice you’d expect from this base, along with burnt marshmallow, gooseberry crème brûlée, nutmeg, and apple cider. The finish hits a lovely balance of spice and bright sweetness, with more of that dark roasted honey and root beer bringing the journey to a close. Thankfully, another sip is always right around the corner.

Price: $74.99

High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

This beautiful barrel of rye whiskey perfectly matches aromatic sweet wine with dry, spicy mountain rye. If you know anything about me, you know I'm extremely skeptical of wine-finished bourbon. While there are certainly great examples out there, I rarely feel that adding a wine finish significantly improves the whiskey. More often it simply makes the spirit taste different, which is fine I suppose, but if you're going to go through all that effort, why not make it better? Otherwise, it feels like a wasted opportunity. Rye whiskey, however, has far more potential for added depth and nuance in my opinion, and this barrel is a perfect example. First, we have a relatively uncommon type of sherry cask that even in Scotland is rarely encountered, paired with a classic rye recipe from one of the original distillers of the American craft movement. Let's have at it. The color is solidly dark, no doubt thanks to more than 16 months of finishing, a deep mahogany (1.6). The nose bursts forward with sultanas, jasmine, Seville orange, roasted clove, and sweet fresh herbs like fennel and dill. The pungent raisinated fruit blends beautifully with dark herbal tones and bright citrus zest. On the palate, the sweetness of the wine arrives immediately and in the most pleasurable way. It reminds me somewhat of Angel's Envy Rye, but instead of molasses you get a more balanced profile built around zesty citrus and plummy fruit. The mid-palate carries just enough spice to keep the whole package from feeling overly dessert-like, but not so much that it dries out the finish. Altogether a lovely cask that proves those guys up in the snow can still surprise us when they want to. This is an easy bottle to recommend to nearly anyone with even a passing interest in American whiskey, but it also has the kind of broad appeal that could pull plenty of new drinkers into the fold.

Price: $74.99

2025 Zephyr Riesling Marlborough

By: Vanessa Serrano | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

This Riesling is not shy! From the moment you take your first sip, you're hit with notes of petrol and stone fruit. This develops into dried nectarine and finishes with notes of tart tamarind. There are about 10g of residual sugar in this bottle, but you almost don't feel it from the acidity. If you're looking to explore Riesling outside of Germany and Alsace, this is a great start. Full of character and charm, this pairs well with anything savory or spicy.

Price: $18.99

JS: 91

2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: Vanessa Serrano | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

I love New Zealand whites for how expressive they are, and this is no exception. This is the kind of wine I want to drink with friends on a hot summer day. It's fresh and fun, with notes of grapefruit and sweet citrus on the nose that persist on the palate and give way to light notes of white nectarine on the finish. The acidity is fresh, balanced, and makes this a great wine for the summer.

Price: $17.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

RP: 91

St. George "Lot 25" Single Malt Whiskey

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

This is the 25th-anniversary release from the absolute pioneers of American single malt, and frankly, it is a staggering achievement. St. George has been playing this game since 1982, long before "American Single Malt" was even a legal category, and this bottling is a deep dive into their incredible library of casks. We are talking about a blend that incorporates some of their earliest distillations, with the oldest juice in the bottle hitting that 25-year mark. What makes St. George so unique is their bartender’s palate approach to maturation. They aren't just using ex-bourbon barrels; this release is a complex tapestry of Kentucky bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, American oak, French oak, Port, and Sauternes casks. It is a masterclass in blending that managed to keep the distillery's signature cocoa and pear DNA while layering on a quarter-century of wood-driven complexity. This is bottled at 48% ABV, which provides just enough structural integrity to carry the massive weight of those older stocks without losing the delicate floral top notes that make St. George so recognizable. Diving in, the nose is an absolute kaleidoscope of aromas. It leads with that classic St. George roasted cocoa bean and ripe Bartlett pear, but it is quickly joined by deeper notes of manuka honey, dried apricot, and a hint of sandalwood. As it sits in the glass, you get this wonderful old library mustiness that only comes with genuine age. The palate is incredibly plush and oily, delivering waves of salted caramel, dark chocolate, and orange marmalade. There is a refined cardamom spiciness here that balances the honeyed sweetness from the Sauternes casks. The finish is epic, trailing off with a whisper of pipe tobacco and a lingering, resinous oak that stays with you forever. This isn't just a whiskey; it is a piece of California distilling history.

Price: $99.99

2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

One of the most well-known names in New Zealand for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pyramid Valley Vineyards has looked further afield from their North Canterbury estate in recent years, now offering their take on a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – and the result couldn’t be more delicious. This is such an elegant, restrained and mineral-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc, miles above the simpler, tropical fruit-forward wines the region is famous for. Delicately herbal on the nose, subtle tarragon and chervil notes mingle with classic lime leaf and grapefruit zest. Juicy white nectarine and kumquat follows quickly behind, along with a faint grassy note. On the palate, the wine has an almost electric feel. It’s just so fresh and crisp, with a brightness and nervy tension that lingers. The wine is also incredibly textural and ever so slightly savory, most likely thanks to a small inclusion of Pinot Gris in the fermentation, making it a great option for pairing with seafood, sushi or salads. With warmer days on the horizon, this is a serious example of Sauvignon Blanc to stock up on.

Price: Hidden

BC: 94

SK: 94

JS: 90

2024 Giant Steps "Circle of Fifths" Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

Perfumed and elegant, this Pinot Noir opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, layered with subtle spice and earthy undertones. The palate is vibrant and finely structured, with bright red fruit, silky tannins, and lively acidity giving the wine energy and lift. A gentle savory note adds complexity, while the finish remains long and refined. A beautifully balanced Yarra Valley Pinot that highlights finesse, purity, and precision.

Price: $49.99

2024 Vasse Felix "Filius" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

Fresh and beautifully balanced, this Chardonnay opens with aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and subtle almond, with a touch of flinty minerality. The palate is vibrant and precise, combining bright citrus and orchard fruit with a gentle creaminess and well-integrated oak. Margret River's natural freshness shines through, giving the wine lift and energy without sacrificing texture. A polished, modern Chardonnay that overdeliver, offering both approachability and classic structure.

Price: $23.99

JS: 93

JH: 91

Found North "Season 6 - Cherry Liqueur Finish #6138" Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky (750ml)

By: Jonathan Goldstein | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

For the record this is Batch 6 Cask 6138 A combo of 12Yr Rye, 21 Yr Rye, 15Yr Corn, 17 Yr Corn, 22 Yr Corn and 25Yr Corn – this makes the composition 49% Rye, 48% Corn and 3% Barley. Among all the brands that we actively follow right now, Found North is one of our favorites. We have been fans for a long time and when the opportunity presented itself to us to obtain a barrel, we were excited to say the least. Immediately this cask spoke to us – at least on paper – a cherry liqueur finished product could have easily been aged too long. Upon sampling, we were all very surprised at how subtle the liqueur showed. We equated this whisky to a Manhattan but only in the best – least cocktail like way. More as if you poured a shot of whisky into a glass that previously served a Manhattan – again subtle.

Price: $119.99

2019 Clos St. Antonin Chateauneuf-du-Pape

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 3/19/2026 | Send Email

Though Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famed for its galets roulés (the giant rolled stones that cover the regions surface), Grenache sometimes shines even more brilliantly on sand. When Isabelle Sabon of Domaine de la Janasse acquired the Clos St-Antonin property, she deliberately transferred its sandy parcels to focus on crafting a pure Grenache from these cooler soils—and the results have been remarkable. Freed from the heady ripeness often associated with galets, the wine shows a lifted, precise profile: red currant, strawberry, and black cherry layered with striking minerality and wild Provençal herbs. This is a refined, expressive take on Grenache, and given Isabelle Sabon’s track record at Janasse, it promises to evolve beautifully for many years in the cellar.

Price: $74.99

JD: 99

WE: 97

RP: 93

2025 Zephyr Riesling Marlborough

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Bright, zesty, and a wonderfully expressive, this Riesling shows juicy lime, green apple, and white peach with a refreshing lift of acidity. A hint of floral perfume and citrusy snap makes it feel vibrant and clean from start to finish. Perfect for someone who is looking for an aromatic white with plenty of energy and charm.

Price: $18.99

JS: 91

2018 Tyrrell's "Vat 1" Semillon Hunter Valley New South Wales

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

A benchmark expression of Hunter Vally Semillon, this wine is restrained but deeply complex. The nose is subtle, showing lemon zest, green apple, and hints of wet stone. The palate is light bodied and razor-sharp, driven by piercing acidity and clean, almost citrus profile in its youth. With time in the bottle, it develops remarkable depth, gaining notes of toast, honey, and waxy richness while retaining freshness. A classic, age-worthy Semillon defined by precision, longevity, and understated power.

Price: $67.99

JH: 97

JS: 97

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Our new Anonymous Sauvignon Blanc is a warm climate tropical masterpiece! On the nose and palate, melon, papaya, guava, pineapple, green apple, and peach, framed by flowers and spice. This is a beautiful wine, just everything you want from a white wine on a hot day or on the dinner table.

Price: Hidden

Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

The goal of every Grand Siècle release is to create the "perfect year," and Iteration #26 is as near perfect as you can get. The 100-point Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration #26 is a blend from three exceptional years - 2007, 2008, and 2012. The 2008 and 2012 vintages are two of the highest rated Champagne vintages of the 21st century! The cepages is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from 8 Grand Crus from 2012 (65%), 2008 (25%), and 2007 (10%) - all traditional cold weather vintages - and is aged for 10 years on the lees in LP's seven miles of caves dug out the Champagne's famous chalk soils. I've been very fortunate to taste man Grand Siècles and this is the best one I'ver had. It definitely lives up the hype of 100-point sore. A must have for your cellar or special event!

Price: $249.99

2016 Fallet-Dart Brut Champagne

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Bright nose of bosc pear. Dry, yet full palate with delightful bubbles. Highly drinkable. Enjoy!

Price: $49.99

Dérot-Delugny "Retour en Avant" Brut

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Pale yellow color. Beautiful, crisp nose of yeast/marmite, toast & brioche. The palate gives young green melon while fine bubbles coat the palate. Pair with tonkatsu, fried whole fish, risotto and shrimp etouffee.

Price: $49.99

2024 Union Sacré Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Deep garnet color. Lush, illustrious nose of bramble, mountain forest (Jeffrey's butterscotch pine) and honey. The palate gives a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel of rich fruit and alpine herb with a slight note of sage. Fantastic!

Price: $19.95

WE: 94

Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne

By: Michael Benoit | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

The house of Laurent-Perrier shows their blending prowess yet again with this iteration of Grand Siecle. Based around the 2012 vintage with 25% of reserves from 2008 and 10% from 2007, this champagne is elegant and fresh, but with an underlying brooding complexity from 10 years of ageing. Ripe citrus, Marcona almonds, and rich brioche aromas burst from the glass and continue on the palate, where they are joined by crisp apple flavors with an undercurrent of brambly berries and toast. With a bright, fresh attack, and a clean dry finish, this champagne is easy drinking, but with so much vinous power and complexity at its core. Grab a couple bottles while you can - this is drinking great today and will have even more to offer after a few years in your cellar!

Price: $249.99

Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

This current iteration of the Grand Siecle is one of my very favorites! Even up there with my ultimate favorite Iteration, No. 22 in the magnum size. The No. 26 is an extremely memorable release! A nose of honeysuckle, nectarine, hazelnut, peach, and light smoke. On the palate, even better, with mellow citrus flavors, apricot, white peach, saline and toasted almond. There is a lot going on here and this release is at the top of the heap!

Price: $249.99

2024 Folk Machine "White Light" California White Blend

By: Elizabeth McManus | Review Date: 3/18/2026 | Send Email

Bright, light, and ultra-smooth, this five-varietal Californian blend is utterly drinkable and punches well above its weight. The melon, citrus, and slight licorice on the nose give way to an aromatic and refreshing glass. The producer, Folk Machine, is a subset of Hobo Wine Company and is known for their inventive and esoteric blends. If this bottle were a movie, it would be '10 Things I Hate About You' (1999) – a flirty crowd-pleaser well on its way to becoming a classic.

Price: Hidden

Binder's Stash Distilled By Willett 9 Year Old "Single Barrel #745" French Oak Wave Stave Cask Strength Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/17/2026 | Send Email

We have here the first highly anticipated release from a celebrated partnership between one of the more lauded non-distiller producers in bourbon and one of the most legendary distillers in Kentucky. This single cask offering from Binder’s Stash features some of the experimental Willett distillate produced about a decade ago when they were still dialing in their house style. Because it was aged in a highly experimental barrel, the result is one of the most stunningly unique bourbons I have ever encountered. While the wheated mash bill is present, it does not show up in the standard way. Instead of the typical soft, cereal-forward aroma, this comes in robust with deep roasted caramel, musty oak, and cedar. You get notes of petrichor, black cherries, and carrot cake, followed by blood orange zest and Earl Grey tea. The special spiral-cut barrel really shines on the palate, with a combination of char and raw oak leading the way before baked red fruit, maple soot, anise, and pumpernickel take over. The finish seems never-ending, bringing you right back to that unique woodiness and forest herbaceousness that guided the journey. This is a truly singular expression. If it is a sign of what is to come from this partnership between Binder’s Stash and Willett, we are all in for some incredible bottlings.

Price: $360.00

2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/17/2026 | Send Email

Really pretty example of a slight step up in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a little bit of a more typical nose. There's a nice little spot of peach, some grapefruit zest, a little touch of jalapeno skin, and then a little touch of something edging up on tropical fruit. The palate is delicious and crisp, not overly fruited with some really nice savory notes at the beginning and middle, there's some softer fruit between and a driving line of acid that really pushes everything forward in a really delicious way. This is absolutely fantastic Sauvignon Blanc in a style that isn't overly flashy and has a good body to it. Definitely going to be picking up a few of these for the Summer. Heat's already here, white wine and rose is the vibe.

Price: Hidden

BC: 94

SK: 94

JS: 90

2024 Giant Steps "Circle of Fifths" Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/17/2026 | Send Email

One of my favorite wines from the tasting this morning, this really is just so pretty. The nose is bright and really pure fruited, bright red cherry, cranberry skin, the smell of pomegranate seeds in a cup, and a little bit of something slightly darker in the background, and then a little bit of anise and raspberry leaf are just floating in the far back, existing. The palate is bright and juicy with really great mouthfeel and enough acidity that the watering finish just goes on and on, but not so much that it remains tart for more than a brief moment, the moment I call "the pairing moment" where food would completely sand off that littlest edge and smooth out everything perfectly. This is really delicious and well-priced for the quality that you get, definitely recommended.

Price: $49.99

2023 Aurore Dezat "Les Montaignes" Sancerre

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/16/2026 | Send Email

This wonderful Sancerre takes things to the next level. It's fuller and rounder than their regular cuvee and the use of some amphora along with a small amount of large oak barrels adds complexity and textural depth and roundness. The finish is long and satisfying. Great on its own but it shines at the dinner table.

Price: $34.99

2024 Domaine de Reuilly "Les Pierres Plates" Reuilly Blanc

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/16/2026 | Send Email

This remains one of my favorite value priced Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs. Reuilly hails from the Eastern side of Loire and has soils very similar to Chablis. This impressive white is not only subtle and refined but also offers lively intensity, especially on the mid-palate. It's an immensely satisfying wine that punches above its price.

Price: $22.99

Reviewers

K&L Email Alerts

Staff Favorites

Reviews