K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

The new 2023 anonymous pinot has arrived for fall, this time from Anderson valley! full of brambly red fruit, anise and a good bit of menthol on the nose, its followed by bright red fruit on the palate, quite savory despite the ripe fruit with really fine tannin on the end and a good bit of acidity.

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Boy oh boy do I love our Anonymous wines, which a customer this afternoon referred to as Unianimous wines, which really kind of speaks a truth since unanimously is how much people have enjoyed these wines. They're all fantastic examples of what they are at a price that can't be beat except by wineries in foreclosure. What a deal at the price we're selling this at!

Price: Hidden

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

By: Michael Benoit | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Brambly red fruit, cedar wood, anise, and menthol waft from the glass of this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. On the palate, ripe berry fruit and savory wild herbs mingle, buoyed by bright acidity. Delicious now, and with definite aging potential, this bottle delivers well above its $20 price tag!

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

By: Michael Benoit | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Another absolutely delicious Chardonnay in our Anonymous lineup, this bottle from the Sonoma's marine-cooled Petaluma Gap opens with a flinty, mineral nose with bright lemon curd aromas. Beautifully round and rich on the palate, but lifted with bright acidity, for me the word for this wine is balance. A great example of coastal California Chardonnay for under $20!

Price: Hidden

2024 Anonymous Wine Collective Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

After tasting the Petaluma Gap chardonnay and the Anderson Valley pinot noir, this (also) brand-new cabernet was my last stop for the day. With the other two being outstanding, especially for the $, I had high expectations for this one. This one was quite the change! The other two leaned more into brightness and acidity. This lil monster looked very deep and brooding in the glass. It almost looked unfiltered. I'm not sure if it is but, it kind of appears that way. For me, that is a very good thing. After letting it breathe, out came the black currant, tobacco, cedar and chocolate cherry scents. In the mouth, quite formidable with mouth-coating fruit of more currants, dusty red cherries, earth, clean wood and milk chocolate. Initially the finish starts smoothly, gathers speed and become tart with the clean (and fresh) wood dominating. A very, very light bit of smooth chalk also comes into play, if there is such a thing. Like the other two Anonymous wines that I tried today, this one is a bargain, and it will certainly age for quite a few more years.

Price: Hidden

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

I tasted this immediately after the brand-new Petaluma Gap chardonnay, which was bonkers good. Adjusting my nose and palate from a mostly crispy white to a more earth-driven nose of wild strawberries, white pepper and anise seed. Very intriguing! On the palate, the fruit is warming with boysenberry, cranberry, cedar, light tobacco and dark strawberries on the finish. It is bright and silky at the same time, while leaning a bit more toward the brightness. Go into the light and buy a bottle! The price is certainly outstanding for what you get!

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

The newest Chardonnay in this series is also one of my favorites. I do love Sonoma and Santa Cruz County chardonnay's the best! This one has a very clean and inviting nose of sea salt, underripe apples, lemon curd, and a little whiff of white flowers. On the palate, definitely more mouth-filling! A nice combo of yellow and green apples with freshly made caramel and a nice (light) bit of cleaner oak. Once the weight settles in, it is replaced by a long, clean finish with bright stone fruits and tart citrus. This is one to please those who like their chardonnay both tart and rich. A very winning combo!

Price: Hidden

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Mystery producer, serious pedigree. The fruit comes mostly from 40-year-old vines on Franciscan sandstone, and it's built from the Pommard, Swan, 667 and 115 clones. It was fermented with native yeasts and 30% whole clusters, then aged 18 months in mostly seasoned French oak. The cool 2023 vintage shows in every sip. Bright red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry are layered with forest floor, blood orange, and that savory, almost briny Anderson Valley edge. The stems add lift and a little spice, and the tannins are fine-grained with lively acidity. It's drinking beautifully now and should keep improving over the next 5 to 7 years. If you want Burgundian restraint at a California price, start here. Pair it with duck, mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon.

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Don't let the blacked-out label fool you. This comes from a well-known site in the heart of the Petaluma Gap, where near-constant wind off the Pacific keeps yields low and acidity bright. It was barrel fermented and aged 10 months in mostly seasoned French oak (30% new), so it lands right in the sweet spot. Crisp green apple and pear lead, with lemon curd and a little white peach. Toasted brioche and hazelnut stay in the background instead of taking over, and the cobbly alluvial soils show up as a stony, saline finish. At 13.9% it's generous without being heavy. It's a great answer for the "not too oaky, not too lean" customer, and it's a steal for a single-vineyard Sonoma Coast-style Chard. Pour it with roast chicken, crab, or scallops in brown butter.

Price: Hidden

Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

A really solid Champagne that punches above its weight. The Sous Bois style brings plenty of richness and depth, with notes of baked apple, pear, toast, and a subtle creamy nuttiness. There’s still plenty of freshness and acidity keeping everything in check. Polished, layered, and very easy to recommend when you want something with a little more weight and complexity.

Price: $99.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

A really lovely Rosé with a unique, beautiful color that immediately catches your eye. The nose is just as inviting, with fresh red fruit jumping out of the glass, especially strawberry and raspberry. There’s a touch of citrus keeping things bright, while the palate stays fresh and elegant. Fruity without being overly sweet, and just a really pretty Champagne inside and out.

Price: $34.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

Now this one feels special. A really expressive Champagne with lovely cider notes and plenty of orchard fruit, especially ripe peach. Baking spice notes add some warmth and complexity to the nose, while the palate has plenty of punch and energy. There’s a nice richness here, but the acidity keeps it from feeling heavy. Distinctive, layered, and definitely a step up from the standard Brut.

Price: $39.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

The Meunier really shines here, giving this Champagne a unique and wonderfully savory profile. Rich, decadent butter notes come through on the palate, but there’s plenty of bright acidity to keep everything fresh and balanced. A little richer and more distinctive than your typical Brut, with tons of character.

Price: $29.99

Egrot Extra Brut Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

A noticeably different style from the Brut, with a much richer, more expressive nose showing ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and a touch of toast. The palate takes a sharper turn, with crisp acidity and a drier, more focused finish. Rich up front, leaner on the palate, and a fun contrast to the Brut.

Price: $39.99

Egrot Brut Champagne

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 10/3/2026 | Send Email

A really easy Champagne to recommend, with a light, creamy style and a lovely, supple texture. Think crisp orchard fruit, soft citrus, and a touch of brioche coming through, with fine bubbles keeping everything fresh. Approachable, balanced, and very easy to keep coming back to.

Price: $37.99

2022 10 Ninths "Estate" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

Organically grown and sourced from a renowned property once known as Hilliard Bruce, the 2022 10 Ninths "Estate" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay radiates luxury and elegance. The nose carries beautifully onto the palate: graceful notions of pear tarte Tatin—baked pear layered with caramel, soft spice, and a flaky crust. A vivid lemon zest finish with a touch of orange blossom water keeps the wine on point and ethereal. Whole-cluster pressed and slowly fermented with native yeast, it has a delicateness that shines from entry to finish.

Price: Hidden

WE: 96

JS: 94

VN: 94

2024 Lucien Lardy Moulin-à-Vent "Les Thorins"

By: Thomas Zacharia | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

Before the famous windmill gave Moulin-à-Vent its name in 1936, the wines from this hillside were sold as "Thorins," and the slope was so well regarded that the village of Romanèche added it to its own name. Les Thorins is still the heart of the appellation, a bank of pink granite shot through with manganese where Gamay stops being the easygoing grape of the family and starts behaving like something a bit more serious and contemplative from the Côte d'Or. Lucien Lardy ferments his Gamay in whole bunches the traditional Beaujolais way, but with one twist: a grid pins the fruit down under the fermenting juice, so the wine keeps all the violets-and-crushed-berry perfume the method is famous for and picks up the color, grip and depth that most carbonic wines never get. 2024 was a patience-testing year in Beaujolais, with a rainy August and a cool September that pushed picking back, and the growers who kept their vineyards clean were rewarded with wines of unusual lift and crunch. Fortunately for us, this is just one of those wines! The 2024 Lardy Moulin-à-Vent leans bright and red-fruited: crushed raspberry and violets abound, with a lick of iron and cracked pepper, and a juicy, palate thrilling finish. Truly a delicious bottling, and a stunning value in Moulin-à-Vent!

Price: $19.99

2024 Matt Connell "Rendition" Pinot Noir Central Otago

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

Central Otago is one of the most exciting wine regions in New Zealand right now, and the 2024 Matt Connell “Rendition” Pinot Noir is a spectacular example of what makes this region so special. As the southernmost winegrowing region in the world, farther south than Tasmania or even Patagonia, the climate here is marginal – at the edge of where winemaking is even possible. Unlike most of New Zealand, Central Otago has hot, dry summers and cold winters, with significant day-to-night temperature swings. The long, sunny days during the growing season, however, help grapes ripen, while cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. The result is incredible precision and purity – there is a sense of cool freshness that feels almost electric. The brilliantly colored label of this wine is a perfect preview for what’s inside: vibrant notes of Bing cherry, pomegranate and wild strawberry, along with subtle lilac, forest floor, baking spice and dried thyme – a kaleidoscope of flavors that build onto each other. There’s also a wonderful tension here: the wine feels almost ballerina-like in its lightness and grace, while delivering surprising length, intensity, and muscularity beneath its elegant frame. Meticulously farmed and made by hand, it is also one of the best values we carry from this niche wine region. At $29.99, this both a compelling value and an absolute must-buy for anyone who loves fresh, energetic, and fine-boned Pinot Noir. If you want to understand why Central Otago Pinot is having such a moment, this is an outstanding ansd affordable place to start.

Price: $29.99

SK: 95

BC: 93

2021 10 Ninths "Radius" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

The 10 Ninths Radius Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir was fermented with native yeast and approximately 40% whole cluster in open-top fermenters, with each block kept as a separate lot. The wine reveals the darker, more masculine side of Pinot Noir, with black raspberry, Bing cherry, Assam tea, and hints of tobacco leaf. Fresh, brisk sylvan notions make me think of skipping through the forest in a purple hooded cape on my way to Grandma’s house. My, what lovely tannins you have. Nice and grippy, they make this an ideal companion for a lovely steak dinner!

Price: Hidden

VN: 95

WE: 94

JS: 93

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

The new 2024 Anonymous Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is perfectly timed for the holidays. This is a pure expression of Anderson Valley's cool, coastal climate - full of dark red fruit (cranberry, blackberry, dark strawberry) and savory notes (forest floor, mushroom, pepper, earth), crisp acidity, and a silky, concentrated texture that's ready to take on whatever feast you're planning!

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

Anonymous Wine Collective continues its tour across California's spectacular wine county and lands in the Petaluma Gap, which has been its own AVA since 2017. Stretching from the Bodega Bay to San Pablo Bay, the Petaluma Gap is defined by its cool climate coastal geography and relentless wind. Barrel fermented and aged in 30% new French Oak, this racy Chard is reminiscent of the butter and oak profiles that were once the rule, but more restrained and balanced. Rich golden fruit paired with bright, vibrant acidity and sea-salt salinity produces a full-bodied wine with great texture, tension, and a long zesty finish.

Price: Hidden

2025 Nervi-Conterno "Il Rosato" Vino Nebbiolo Rosato

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 10/2/2026 | Send Email

I said it last year and I will say it again: this is my favorite rosato, full stop. When Roberto Conterno — the man behind Giacomo Conterno and Monfortino — bought the historic Nervi estate in Gattinara in 2018, nobody expected the rosé to become one of the most talked-about wines in the cellar. Yet here we are. Nervi is the oldest working winery in Gattinara, founded in 1906, and Il Rosato is 100% Nebbiolo from the estate's own vineyards. Roberto dropped the Uva Rara from the old Nervi Rosa to let the grape speak, and he uses fruit from slopes most producers would reserve for their top reds. Fermented in steel and rested four months on the lees in cement, it takes its texture from the lees and its spine from the iron-rich volcanic soils of Alto Piemonte. The 2025 pours a pale coral with copper glints. The nose is Alto Piemonte Nebbiolo in miniature: wild strawberry, blood orange, rose petal, alpine herbs and a flinty, smoky mineral streak. On the palate, it is bone-dry and taut, with electric acidity, a saline grip and the faintest whisper of Nebbiolo tannin on a long, mouth-watering finish. Vinous gave it 93, and I think they were being careful. Forget the calendar. This is not a summer wine; it is a Nebbiolo that happens to be pink, and it belongs on the October table with vitello tonnato, fried anchovies or a plate of salumi as much as it did in July. Conterno pedigree for thirty dollars: buy it by the case before I do.

Price: $29.99

VN: 93

2024 Rendez-Vous Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie by K&L Wine Merchants

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 10/1/2026 | Send Email

Our newest addition to our Rendez-Vous program is an absolute delight of a Muscadet. As with all Muscadet, this is made from 100% Melon, which, for those not that familiar with the grape, has a more apple-forward character and is often marked by notes of salinity and oyster shell minerality. There is an unmistakable maritime quality to the wines from this part of the Loire, where the river makes its final push toward the Atlantic. Think of Muscadet falling somewhere towards Chardonnay—though more along the lines of Chablis in style, as no oak is used here—with a slightly nervier acid structure. There is also a wonderful texture to good Muscadet that keeps it from feeling lean or overly austere. The 2024 expands even further on that traditional profile, adding touches of pineapple and dried papaya that give the wine an exotic quality without sacrificing its freshness. This is exactly the kind of white I love to have on hand at any given time. It makes for a great aperitif to kick off an evening. And of course, Muscadet and shellfish is one of the great classic pairings—oysters, mussels, clams or a big platter of simply prepared seafood would be mighty fine here. Highly drinkable, incredibly versatile and another terrific value for the Rendez-Vous program.

Price: $12.99

2021 10 Ninths "Radius" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 10/1/2026 | Send Email

A lovely, complex bottle of Pinot Noir that really leans into the genuinely cool-climate nature of the region. There’s no cherry-fruit bomb here. Instead, the wine delivers Amaro-like alpine herbs, black raspberry, pomegranate, bramble leaf, forest floor, and damp earth. The fruit is expertly interwoven with more nuanced savory elements of coastal chaparral and earthy tones, creating a wine with real intrigue and dimension. It’s drinking beautifully with a few years of bottle age, but still really unfurls with 30 minutes in the decanter. A captivating Pinot Noir.

Price: Hidden

VN: 95

WE: 94

JS: 93

2022 10 Ninths "Estate" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 10/1/2026 | Send Email

A wonderfully concentrated and flavorful, yet piercingly fresh expression of Chardonnay from this cold, very sandy site. This wine perfectly captures what many folks in the Sta. Rita Hills refer to as “refrigerated sunshine.” The region enjoys long, dry summers, but is constantly cooled by breezes off the Pacific, allowing the fruit to ripen fully while retaining vibrant acidity. The wine really shows the crystalline side of Chardonnay, with beautiful nectarine, zesty citrus, chalky minerals, and struck flint. The length on the palate is incredible, with remarkable tension and persistence. Such a delicious bottle, and one that clearly demonstrates the quality of this special site.

Price: Hidden

WE: 96

JS: 94

VN: 94

2025 Vin Vif (Union Sacre) Central Coast Cinsault

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Composed of 100% Cinsault, the 2025 Vin Vif (Union Sacre) Central Coast Cinsault underwent 20% whole-cluster, native fermentation in stainless steel. Lovingly punched down by hand twice daily, and aged in neutral puncheons for six months, only 300 cases were produced. Bright and fresh flavors of blueberry and tangy fruit leather mingle with delicate notes of black pepper. Thoughtfully made yet unpretentious, serve this with a chill without a care in the world.

Price: $14.95

2024 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

The Denis family, now in their fourth generation, has consistently wowed me with this stellar little Anjou. What is Anjou, you may ask? From a soil perspective, this is where things change dramatically from the limestone found in nearby Saumur and Bourgueil, shifting toward schist and basalt. For reds, Cabernet Franc dominates, with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Grolleau permitted, but for whites, Chenin Blanc is king. Those schist soils give the wines of Anjou a liveliness that makes them feel related to their neighbors, but just a little different. This particular bottling has been one of our stellar values in the category for several years now. It has also recently received some great recognition, earning 95 points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and ranking among the top Chenins in this year's competition. What was once my secret Chenin has seemingly broken through into the mainstream. The new Anjou Blanc showcases rich apple fruit with notes of pear and a touch of baking spice. A crisp minerality keeps the wine refreshing, while that classic Chenin character stays lively on the palate. This has always been one of my favorite value Direct Imports from the Loire for its character, sheer drinkability and accessible price point. The timing couldn't be better, either. This is a wine perfectly suited to fall flavors and a terrific alternative to Chardonnay.

Price: $16.99

DC: 95

2018 Maxime Toubart "Pur Meunier" Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

The contrast between one of the coldest sites in Champagne and the warmest vintage in the regions history have made for something really special here. The over 40-year-old plot that made this single vineyard wine has given us an example of the fresher and lighter side of Meunier, with clean baguette toast and crisp pear aromas and flavors. Meunier champagnes go great with pâté and mushroom appetizers, and this one is clean enough to go with nothing but a glass and good company.

Price: $49.99

2008 Maxime Toubart "Heritage" Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

This long-aged bottle, from the best vintage of my career, is one of the most laughably great deals that I have been able to offer in 26 years as the champagne buyer here at K&L. The super long ageing (this is being released after Bollinger RD and Dom Pérignon P2 2008 after all!) has given this wine the fine brioche, the delicate beurre d’Issigny aromas and the pinpoint stream of fine bubbles that can’t be had any other way. The best vintage of the 21st century has given it concentration, length and a Puligny-Montrachet like lime character. This is a wine that will cellar well, and the long, detailed finish, loaded with freshness and chalk is something one does not expect even from a bottle at twice the price. Don’t wait to case up on this.

Price: $59.99

2024 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

When Rachael Ryan, our Southern Hemisphere Buyer, asked me to taste the new TWR, I cautioned her to temper her expectations. After all, I am the Loire Valley Buyer, and Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are two of my main Sauvignon Blanc categories. But after a little banter, I conceded that I have always been a fan of the TWR wines, going back to when Ryan Woodhouse (formerly our New Zealand buyer and now our Domestic Wine Buyer) first discovered this producer for us. This Sauvignon Blanc has always delivered, and it has always done so at a very reasonable price. In the glass, my expectations were gleefully met, with vibrant citrus and gooseberry tones erupting across the palate. There is certainly no shortage of perfectly good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the world, but this one is special. Its consistency, quality and long history as one of our core Southern Hemisphere producers make it a wine that deserves your attention.

Price: $19.99

Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

It has a baby Krug feel. Billecart's Sous Bois is 100% barrel-fermented in a mix of sizes and shapes. It's built on the 2018 harvest with 37% reserve wines going back to 2006, then dosed at just 3 grams per liter. The blend is close to an even split: 38% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir, 33% Meunier. The result is rich, layered and classy. It's the perfect gift when someone wants a name they recognize for under $100.

Price: $99.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

This is a Meunier rosé with real color and real depth. It's 90% the estate's white Meunier, blended with 10% old-vine Meunier made into red wine. That's no small feat this far north, where getting skins clean enough for red wine takes serious vineyard work. It drinks almost like a red sparkling wine rather than a delicate pink, with a touch of bread underneath. It's named for the couple's daughter, who runs the estate's social media and does it better than some of the big houses. At $34.99, it's one of the best-value rosé Champagnes in the store.

Price: $34.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

This smells like raw croissant dough in the best way. Forty percent of the blend is Meunier drawn from a barrel-aged perpetual reserve started in the early 2000s, so dozens of vintages are layered in. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir split the rest. The wine goes through full malolactic and spends more than five years on the lees. The result is rich, bready and full of character. At under $40, it tastes far more expensive than it is.

Price: $39.99

2021 Finca Valpiedra "Cantos de Valpiedra" Crianza Rioja

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

I’ve been talking about this for a while now, but the 2021 vintage in Rioja is outstanding – easily one of the best in recent memory. Cooler and longer than average, the wines have a gorgeous delicacy and sense of restraint, and the 2021 Cantos de Valpiedra Crianza Rioja is another winner. Miles away from more oaky, extracted styles of Rioja, this 100% Tempranillo wine is instead dominated by incredibly fresh acidity and crunchy red fruit flavors – think pomegranate, Bing cherry and cranberry. Valpiedra sits on an 80-hectare estate along a meander of the Ebro River, and their vineyards are famous for their abundance of “cantos rodados”, which are the large, rounded river stones seen on the label. This feels appropriate, as the wine’s mouthfeel is grippy, with an almost stony minerality that comes through clearly. Faint aromas of oak from 12 months in American and French barrels linger in the background, but the focus here is youthful red fruit and texture. The freshness and energy here is remarkable and very true to the vintage. Simply put, this isn't a big, heavily extracted Rioja. Rather, it’s elegant and polished. I’d open this bottle up an hour or two before serving, and possibly even decant it, to allow the tightly-wound aromas to open up. Given the firm structure, I’d also be curious to revisit this wine in a few years to see how it might evolve – and at this price, there’s no reason not to pick up extra bottles for the cellar for just that. It’s just another fantastic value from a fantastic vintage – estate-grown fruit from a distinctive single-vineyard site, made in a traditional Crianza style with a fresh and modern approach.

Price: $21.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

This Champagne shows the character of pure Pinot Meunier: a generous, fruit-forward style with approachable charm. The nose gives ripe apple, white peach, and a touch of honeysuckle, layered with subtle pastry and almond notes. On the palate it’s rounded and supple, with flavors of stone fruit and citrus zest balanced by a fine chalky minerality. The mousse is delicate yet persistent, carrying through to a clean, slightly floral finish. A well-crafted grower Champagne that’s both elegant and inviting — ideal for aperitif or alongside lighter dishes like sushi or creamy cheeses.

Price: $29.99

Egrot Extra Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Same great Aÿ blend, with less sugar and more time. It keeps the two-thirds Pinot Noir, one-third Chardonnay recipe of the Brut but spends five years on the lees and gets roughly 4 grams per liter of dosage. That leaves the chalk and black cherry core even more exposed. For two dollars more than the Brut, it's for the drinker who wants their Pinot-driven Champagne precise and mineral.

Price: $39.99

Egrot Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Picture black cherry in a bag of chalk. Aÿ pairs some of Champagne's steepest south-facing slopes with its purest chalk, and this bottling shows both: powerful, ripe Pinot fruit (two-thirds of the blend) wrapped around a core of minerality. It's almost all Aÿ Grand Cru, fermented in stainless steel and aged three years on the lees. A faint, clean reductive note, like truffle or struck match, adds intrigue. You may know this estate as Elisabeth Goutorbe. The name changed, but the quality never skipped a beat.

Price: $37.99

Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Dry, elegant, and savory rather than fruity. Wild strawberry, blood orange, and rose petal sit over a mineral-driven core. Crisp, refreshing, and extremely food-friendly — a rosé Champagne for serious drinkers.

Price: $44.99

Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes" Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Old vines bring extra weight and complexity. Ripe citrus, pear skin, and hazelnut meet deep chalky minerality. Broader and more commanding on the palate, yet still precise and elegant.

Price: $99.99

2016 Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Cramant" Blanc de Blancs Millesime

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

A refined and expressive Grand Cru Champagne showing the finesse of Cramant. Lemon curd, baked apple, and crushed oyster shell unfold slowly, supported by bottle age that adds depth without heaviness. Focused, layered, and quietly powerful.

Price: $64.99

Damien Hugot Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Slightly rounder and more generous than the extra brut, yet still clean and mineral driven. Notes of green apple, Meyer lemon, and white flowers glide into the subtly creamy mid-palate before finishing crisp and dry. Elegant, versatile, and beautifully balanced.

Price: $42.99

Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Textural and expressive, offering yellow apple, toasted almond, and subtle brioche over a firm mineral backbone. Calm, confident, and restrained, this Champagne rewards slow sipping and thoughtful appreciation.

Price: $49.99

Damien Hugot Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

Lesser-focused and bright, this champagne is all about purity. Green apple, lemon peel, and crushed chalk lead the way, followed by a saline snap that keeps everything razor-sharp. Bone-dry, precise, and refreshing -- a Champagne for lovers of tension and clarity.

Price: $49.99

2024 Domaine Henri et Gilles Buisson Bourgogne Blanc

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

It has been ages since I can remember a Bourgogne Blanc this compelling at this price. I almost think of it as a throwback—even if we're looking just a couple of years in the rearview mirror. It's comparable to some of our other favorites, like Paul Pernot and Pillot, but even those fantastic wines—which still overdeliver—have gone north of the $30 mark. The Buisson shows notes of lemon curd, Golden Delicious apple, toasted vanilla and a light brioche quality that makes me think of village-level Burgundies at two to three times the price. The attack on the palate is immediately compelling, making you want to slow down and savor it a little longer. But it is just too enjoyable right now to linger over for too long. This is solidly one of the best Burgundy buys on the shelf right now.

Price: $27.99

DC: 93

JS: 92

2024 Domaine Henri et Gilles Buisson Bourgogne Blanc

By: Thomas Zacharia | Review Date: 9/30/2026 | Send Email

When you taste a great 2024 White Burgundy, nothing else can compare for the rest of the day. The light of the sun doesn't warm the skin as it should, the rain won't seem to end, and all you can think about is going back for another glass of that liquid sunshine. It's a vintage that cannot be ignored, and won't soon be forgotten. The 2024 Bourgogne Blanc from Henri and Gilles Buisson is the perfect daily Burgundy for a weeknight thrill. It's a wine that smells, and tastes, like you might be enjoying a $50 (or these days, let's face it, $80) Puligny Montrachet. Sunny, bright, and offering bushels of fresh peaches and pear fruit, it marries an excellent creamy texture with supreme tension and precision. The fruit comes primarily from the brother's young vines in Saint Romain, which recently received the award of one Michelin Grape. The Wine Advocate has dubbed the estate "Saint-Romain's contemporary reference point," and vinous piled on the praise noted they they're "really going places." Stellar White Burgundy under $30 isn't easy to find anymore, but when it comes around, all I can say is, buy it! You'll never regret having an extra bottle (or 10) of these lying around ready to drink.

Price: $27.99

DC: 93

JS: 92

2023 Moulin de la Gardette "Tradition" Gigondas

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/29/2026 | Send Email

The Gardette Tradition is everything you could hope for in a classic Gigondas. A confiture of strawberry and raspberry is accented by notes of pipe tobacco, tea leaf and peppery spice. The palate is juicy and lively, with just the right amount of structure, making each sip more compelling than the last.

Price: $34.99

2017 Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/29/2026 | Send Email

This bargain bottling has a very deep and dark hue. I initially received a nice dose of licorice pastille with violet (the French ones that used to come in the beautiful little tins) and red cassis with a little earth. On the palate, quite mouth coating, with, as everyone else is saying, rich cassis. In my case, dark red cassis. There are also elements of dried orange peel, mellow wood, dried herbs, earth and carryover anise/licorice. The weight and dark red/black fruits say "new world", the earth/wood, etc., say "old world". A nice dose of both worlds for an incredibly low price! Give it a try!

Price: Hidden

2024 Matt Connell "Rendition" Pinot Noir Central Otago

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/29/2026 | Send Email

After admiring the very pretty ruby red colour in the glass, I took the time to enjoy the relatively deep and crisp, red-fruited nose with dried lavender and deep strawberry scents. On the palate, quite mouth-filling, with darker red fruits of black raspberry and ripe strawberry. At the tip of the tongue is a very nice savory spiciness with a bit of clean cedar. It gives you a little "bite" at the top of the palate with some sour and crunchy red fruits. Very nice! It finishes smooth and luxurious.

Price: $29.99

SK: 95

BC: 93

Dornoch Distillery Redacted (Thompson) Bros 9 Year Old "TB/BSW Final Release" Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 9/29/2026 | Send Email

There’s simply nothing more fascinating in the whisky world than the inner workings of the big Scotch industry. From the outside, it looks like an industrial monolith of unfathomable proportions, and it’s easy to forget that the whole thing is run by people doing difficult, often dirty jobs. And people make mistakes! Sometimes someone accidentally empties a tanker of top-tier sherried single malt into a vat containing a tiny amount of young grain whisky. What can you do? In the old days, you might have ended up with a slightly better batch of Cutty Sark. Today, that malt is far too valuable to disappear into an everyday blend. Thankfully, our friends in Dornoch have excellent relationships throughout the industry and get first crack at some extraordinary parcels. Better still, they had the patience to give this one more time. While the front label says nine years, we understand that 99.999% of the contents is sherry-matured single malt from one of Scotland’s most prestigious distilleries, now aged 15 years. Incredible for $65. This is the final batch of this particular parcel, so we’ll have to wait for someone else to make a very expensive mistake before anything like it comes around again. Shall we? The color is a vibrant burnished gold (1.1). The nose is pure oloroso: roasted nuts, oxidative depth, leather, stone fruit compote, marmalade, roasted arabica, and the wonderfully evocative scent of an old dunnage warehouse. The palate opens sweetly with dense stone fruit, mostly apricot, before an oily mid-palate delivers old-school sherry rancio. It’s less sugary and less dominated by red fruit than many modern sherry bombs, but it sacrifices nothing in character. To my palate, these flavors are closer to great old sherry itself than the overtly wine-driven profiles we encounter so often today. This is one of the best Scotch whisky deals we’ve ever offered, a truly special bottle whose quality is immediately apparent, even without knowing the improbable story behind it.

Price: $64.99

2023 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 9/29/2026 | Send Email

Always one of my favorite Rhône wines, the 2023 Ventabren has a lush attack of wild raspberry, dried strawberry, red cherry and oolong tea. Savory notes of wild fennel, smoked tea and fresh bay leaf round out the profile. There is an underpinning of sweetness to the fruit, framed by the wine’s rounded tannins. This is an exceptional showing, capturing both the concentration of the vintage and a remarkable sense of freshness. Another stellar example from one of our core Rhône producers.

Price: $44.99

DC: 95

JD: 94

VN: 92

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