K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2022 Gemstone "Facets" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 2/1/2026 | Send Email

Yummy, yummy, yummy! A seamless full-bodied fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose oozes with herbal notes (mint, cinnamon, thyme, and sweet vanilla), chocolate, fennel, dusted black cherries, and violets. On the palate, plushy and soft fruit, super fine tannins, and popping dark fruit that lingers on the tongue. When California gets it right, it's easy to remember why Napa Valley is considered one of the great premium wine regions in the world. This baby is ready to crack open tonight and add a dash of luxury and sophistication to your evening.

Price: Hidden

DC: 95

2022 Benjamin et David Duclaux "La Germine" Côte-Rôtie

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 2/1/2026 | Send Email

I am very excited to welcome the wines of Duclaux into our Direct Import program. On my most recent visit to the Northern Rhône, I had the opportunity to taste with the Duclaux brothers, and the wines were truly revelatory. La Germine comes from one of the notable lieux-dits near Tupin, where gneiss-driven soils produce wines of finesse and elegance. The wine is brimming with dark berry fruit and roasted plum, layered with hints of bay leaf and graphite that speak clearly to the region’s character. The tannins are supple and inviting, yet there is a core of fruit that recalls the more traditional expressions of the Northern Rhône—never overt, always balanced and poised. This is a tremendous new addition to our portfolio and fits beautifully alongside our other standout producers from the region, including Domaine Barge and Clos de la Bonnette.

Price: $64.99

JD: 93

Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2006)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 1/30/2026 | Send Email

After a few spins in the glass, the initial whiff of tart lemons mellows out with scents of baked golden apples and almond cake. It is a very nicely complex nose which made me anticipate what the palate would be like. It does not disappoint! The palate is also quite tart (upfront) with a softer touch of lemon and citrus. The upper palate exhibited some fresh ginger flavors, almonds and pine nuts, with white fruits (apple and pear) and rich baked caramel. The latter flavors come out more after some slight warming in the glass. The finish is very long and citrus evident. This one should age beautifully, even though it is already 20 years old! I have several bottles of the 2004 version of this and have opened those over the past few years. They were still fresh and tasty, with a very small bead. So, you can take your pick and either drink it today or put it into the cellar for further aging. Quite the wine for under $80.00!

Price: $79.99

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

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/30/2026 | Send Email

If you want to see just how transformative a finishing barrel can be, look no further. The Found North team continues to uncover exceptional spirits and showcase blending skills that are rarely seen from our neighbors to the north. This particular release is a wild one. Finishing the blend in cherry liqueur casks might suggest an overly sweet result, but that is not the case here. The cherry is certainly present, yet it weaves seamlessly into the hearty grains and earthy notes that form the backbone of the whisky. Fruit still leads the charge, with the nose offering rich cherry preserves and baked Fuji apples, followed by cassia bark, kola nut, and cedar cigar box. On the palate, this is far from a cherry bomb. Spice does much of the heavy lifting, shaping the profile into something closer to a cherry-spiced compote with a savory edge. A peppery basil note appears briefly before fading behind cinnamon and clove, hinting at how beautifully this would pair with roasted duck or a creamy brie. The spices carry through the finish, which is rustic, comforting, and exactly what you would want while sitting beside a fire in an old Canadian log cabin on a snowy winter night. Another stellar expression from one of the most impressive blending houses working today, and further proof that properly constructed Canadian whisky can stand shoulder to shoulder with its southern counterpart.

Price: $119.99

Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2006)

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/29/2026 | Send Email

There's Champagne that's aged a while on the lees and then there's the Fallet-Dart Clos Du Mont. This is all 2006 vintage, and was aged on the lees for over 15 years. The result is something complex, deep, and a little nutty on the finish. The nose is wide and round, with a back note of sourdough and then loads of lovely classic fruits buried underneath, golden apples and lemon with a little wisp of jasmine in the very back. The palate is similar, very citrus forward while there's some baked apples in the background along with all toasty lees and a little touch of honey on the finish. This is an incredibly structured and deep Champagne that I want to have with a roast chicken or a meatier fish with. -- Recently had a bottle of the newest drop and it's still everything you want it to be.

Price: $79.99

2024 Domaine d'Abrigeon "Coquelicot" Grenache Vin de France Rouge

By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 1/29/2026 | Send Email

This is exactly the kind of bottle I love to recommend from the shop floor. The 2024 Domaine d’Abrigéon “Coquelicot” Grenache is an organic, thoughtfully made Vin de France that truly overdelivers at $19.99. It’s pure, juicy Grenache, driven by fresh raspberry fruit and a soft cinnamon note that adds warmth and lift without distracting from the wine’s natural freshness. Bright, honest, and incredibly drinkable, it still shows real intention and care in the winemaking. A genuine smart buy, this wine is wonderfully versatile at the table and equally enjoyable for everyday drinkers and seasoned wine lovers alike.

Price: $19.99

2023 Domaine Cécile Chassagne Gigondas

By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 1/29/2026 | Send Email

Domaine Cécile Chassange Gigondas feels honest and true to place, offering classic southern Rhône character without excess. Aromas of fresh rosemary, garrigue, and ripe raspberry rise naturally from the glass, followed by a bright, energetic palate that balances juicy red fruit with savory herbal depth. There’s a sense of restraint and freshness here that keeps the wine lively and drinkable, while still delivering the structure expected from Gigondas. At $24.99, it’s a genuine, soulful bottle that reflects its terroir and offers remarkable value.

Price: $24.99

JD: 92

2010 Aultmore 12 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Refill Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/28/2026 | Send Email

Aultmore is one of those distilleries that kind of pisses me off. The owners do not seem interested in selling the product, even though they have gone out of their way to create a new, posh looking package. There is no visitor center or even a website dedicated to the distillery in any meaningful way. I really enjoy the little Aultmore that makes its way here, and I even really like the distillery bottlings, but they are simply impossible to find. So I am excited to taste this wonderful big butt of Aultmore, which yielded nearly 700 bottles, fewer than 80 of which made it to the US. Aultmore in old sherry barrels can be gorgeous, and I very much enjoy the character of this whisky, so I was glad to see one in this style, especially since the previous Aultmore we had was an absolute sherry monster. Here goes. The color is an inspiring old gold (0.6), and I think we will see more malt than wine here. The nose is soft and subtle, quite elegant, with gentle poached fruit and a bright malt base note. There is a third layer as well, almost like wet clay mixed with dry hay, but it is very subtle and does not protrude beyond the fragrant fruity nose. The palate offers a good medium bodied texture, with sweet malt up front and hints of sherry offering subtle spice and zesty citrus. Throughout, baked apples rather than fresh are clearly the star. With water, it becomes all apples and pear pomace, juicy and delicious. It might be a summer whisky, but it is sunny here so I am loving this. All in all, a very appealing and approachable whisky that will suit any lover of the softer Speyside style who is not after a big sherry note, yet still wants a bit more complexity.

Price: Hidden

2007 Craigellachie 16 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/28/2026 | Send Email

Not a lot can go wrong with a nicely aged Craigellachie in a good quality sherry butt. There was a period when many of these barrels showed strong sulfur character, so much so that certain Scotch lovers actively seek out that style, but modern bottlings rarely exhibit those intense flavors. This, however, is not one of the rarer lighter-style Craigellachies that could feel as if they were distilled anywhere. Instead, it is a very classical expression, showing the telltale aromatics of that heady old-school spirit. The label does not indicate that this is a refill barrel, yet the color is not particularly dark, suggesting a somewhat subtler wine influence compared to others we have seen over the years. That bodes well for a balanced, complex, and classical profile, which I typically love. Let me check. The color is amber (0.7). The nose is immediately expressive, with dense aromas of machine shop, cured meats, candied pineapple, and malty syrup. There is a tiny twinge of sulfur funk, but it is well within expected bounds and likely comes from the spirit rather than the cask. The palate is absolutely gorgeous, shedding that hint of funk and instead showing a powerful, oily texture. The sweetness on the front palate is undeniable, with nutty caramel sauce, citrus oils, and sweet fruit, pulled back by dark fudgy cocoa and a subtle salty, earthy finish. This is exceptionally pleasurable and well balanced. I should have tasted it with water, but it is perfectly lovely neat. It also loves oxygen, and the patient drinker will be rewarded as this malt continues to build in the glass. Fabulous value here.

Price: $99.99

2007 Auchroisk 16 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Refill Hogshead Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

This gorgeous barrel of Auchroisk is so classical and creamy it's a real drinker. I'm not sure what qualifies this to have been bottled for the inauguration of Ardnahoe, but if they were going for the most typical in style from this particular distillery, I'd believe it. Let's have a go. The color is white wine (0.1). The nose is big orchard fruit -tangy green apple, Bartlett pear, fresh malt, kiwi skins, graham cracker and creme anglais. On the palate it's equally juicy with big apple-y fruit and more pithy citrus. The creaminess of the nose is lost to some earthy malt character, but a dash of water bring is roaring back. It surely doesn't need the water and will drink nicely if you like the edge of full 100 proof. Perhaps not unusual or bold, but just damn good malty mid-aged Speysider for a wonderful price.

Price: Hidden

2019 Roccolo Grassi Amarone della Valpolicella

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

The 2019 Roccolo Grassi Amarone is a phenomenal wine and a perfect example of why this estate is considered one of the absolute benchmarks for modern, elegant Amarone. Marco Sartori is a master of his craft, producing wines of incredible depth and precision that challenge the stereotype of Amarone as simply a big, heavy wine. This is what I love about Roccolo Grassi: their Amarone is powerful, yes, but it’s also incredibly lifted and energetic. They are meticulous about achieving perfect ripeness during the appassimento (grape drying) process, but they ferment the wine to be almost completely dry. The residual sugar here is super low (4gr), resulting in an Amarone that is defined by its aromatic complexity and structure, not by sweetness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated: the tannins are powerful yet polished and a vibrant acidity provides a backbone of energy that carries the deep, savory fruit to an exceptionally long finish. If you thought, you didn’t like Amarone this is the wine that will make you change opinion. Perfect holidays wine, everyone at the table will be in love this this!

Price: $89.99

VN: 98

2020 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Centenario

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

This is a historic bottling, marking a century of the Visconti Fuligni family's stewardship of this incredible land (1923-2023). To celebrate this milestone, the estate has released a Riserva from the warm and generous 2020 vintage that captures the sheer joy and generosity of Montalcino. Where the 2019 is stern and classic, the 2020 "Centenario" is opulent and welcoming. The warmth of the vintage has given this wine a luscious, velvety texture that is simply irresistible. The nose is explosive, bursting with ripe black cherry, blackberry jam, exotic spices, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping, with tannins that are round, ripe, and polished to perfection. It offers immediate gratification without sacrificing complexity. A fitting tribute to 100 years of excellence, and a wine that drinks beautifully right out of the gate.

Price: $179.99

2019 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

If the 2021 is about ethereal elegance, the 2019 Riserva is about profound depth and classic structure. Coming from a vintage that critics have universally hailed as perfect, this Riserva is built for the long haul. Selected from the estate's oldest vines and aged longer in traditional oak, this is a brooding, serious wine. The nose is darker and more introspection than the annata, showing black plum, truffle, leather, and distinct balsamic notes. On the palate, it is powerful and firmly structured, with the noble, grippy tannins that demand patience. There is a density here that sets it apart, a core of savory fruit that is tightly coiled and ready to unfurl over the next 20+ years. This is a "Grand Cru" level wine for the serious collector.

Price: $169.99

2021 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L)

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

The 2021 vintage is shaping up to be a modern legend, and Fuligni has absolutely nailed it. This is a wine that currently sits at the very pinnacle of the vintage (already sporting a massive 99 Points from James Suckling), and for good reason. This is a masterclass in elegance. Fuligni has always excelled at balancing power with a certain aristocratic finesse, and the 2021 is the epitome of that style. The nose is intoxicatingly perfumed, offering soaring aromas of rose petals, crushed dark cherries, blood orange, and a distinct, stony minerality. It feels almost weightless yet possesses intense concentration. On the palate, the tannins are ultra-fine—like crushed velvet—supporting a core of pure, radiant fruit. It is savory, salty, and incredibly long. While it has the structure to age for decades, the balance is so perfect that it is already a thrill to taste.

Price: $249.99

2021 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

The 2021 vintage is shaping up to be a modern legend, and Fuligni has absolutely nailed it. This is a wine that currently sits at the very pinnacle of the vintage (already sporting a massive 99 Points from James Suckling), and for good reason. This is a masterclass in elegance. Fuligni has always excelled at balancing power with a certain aristocratic finesse, and the 2021 is the epitome of that style. The nose is intoxicatingly perfumed, offering soaring aromas of rose petals, crushed dark cherries, blood orange, and a distinct, stony minerality. It feels almost weightless yet possesses intense concentration. On the palate, the tannins are ultra-fine—like crushed velvet—supporting a core of pure, radiant fruit. It is savory, salty, and incredibly long. While it has the structure to age for decades, the balance is so perfect that it is already a thrill to taste.

Price: $99.99

2023 Fuligni "Ginestreto" Rosso di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/27/2026 | Send Email

This is essentially a "Baby Brunello" from one of the most prestigious names in the appellation. The "Ginestreto" is sourced from the estate's younger vines and a specific plot that yields fruit with incredible vibrancy and perfume. In the 2023 vintage—a year defined by freshness and balance—this Rosso is singing. The nose is a beautiful, high-toned display of wild red cherry, raspberry, and pressed violets, with that signature Fuligni dustiness and a touch of white pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and "crunchy," with a snappy acidity that makes the fruit pop. The tannins are polished and silky, making this incredibly drinkable right now. It’s perfect for a weekday pasta with ragù or a simple grilled steak. A touch of class for the price.

Price: $49.99

1997 The Rare Armagnac Collection 28 Year Old (Domaine de Pouchegu) K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #B2 Ténarèze Armagnac (700ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

The legendary Pouchegu estate stands tall in Ténarèze as one of the highest-quality producers the world has yet to fully appreciate. Only a select group of brandy aficionados remember the great man whose commitment to tradition and quality left a lasting legacy that we still honor today. Now that his ’90s stocks are coming of age, we get to experience a new phase in this master’s patrimony. Let’s explore the 1997. This is 100% Ugni Blanc. The color shows a lovely deep-copper hue (1.0). The pungent nose is absolutely dazzling, offering candied rose, waxy dried fruit, mineral oils, wood polish, bruised mint, dried herbs, and ripe stone fruits. The palate is exceptionally vibrant, adding Seville orange oil, dried plums, sweet menthol, and bitter herbs—tense, juicy, and beautifully lifted. Another stupendous spirit from the hands of an oracle, delivered straight to our glasses.

Price: Hidden

1999 The Rare Armagnac Collection 26 Year Old (Domaine de Pouchegu) K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #D2 Ténarèze Armagnac (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

I won’t be surprised if the other Pouchegu bottlings overshadow this incredible little cask. It seems many people are still stuck in a 2012 mindset, assuming a brandy distilled in 1999 is too young to be exceptional. But here we are, more than a decade after discovering this remarkable domaine, and the late-’90s distillates I’ve tasted carry the unmistakable touch of the master who crafted them. It’s unfortunate that most will overlook this release—and that our allocation at these under-market prices is so limited—but for those willing to trust me and take the plunge, I have no doubt you’ll be reaching out later to say thank you for the nudge. Let’s dig in. The color shows a classic deep copper (1.0). The nose is packed with pungent aromatics: gorgeous tilleul honey, perfectly pulled light-roast espresso, lemon oil, apricot jam, Dunhill Aperitif, sencha, and sandalwood. The palate is juicy and exceptionally well-structured, with a lift and brightness neither of the other two vintages display—more honey, dark underbrush, yellow fruits, and perique-like dried tobacco notes. The finish expands into bold spice and deep black and red fruits. A departure from the more varnished character of the older vintages, perhaps, but an idiosyncratic and deeply satisfying style in its own right.

Price: Hidden

2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Peuillets"

By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

It was especially fun to taste two vintages of this wine side by side. Even in its youth it's blessed with wonderful depth and richness along with just the right touch of lively acidity. It's certainly one of the best offerings I've tasted from Giboulot and I imagine it will only improve with a bit of cellaring. Drinks nicely now with a bit of aeration.

Price: Hidden

2024 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau St-Aubin

By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

After sampling this at a recent staff tasting, I was immediately reminded not only how excellent the wines of Langoureau are but also why we've continue to import them. This wonderful Chardonnay offers soft, ripe lemon fruit and mineral, fresh acidity and exceptional overall balance. Considering the elevated prices of Burgundy, this is an impressive value.

Price: $44.99

2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

Whether you're interested in trying a white Burgundy for the first time or simply looking for serious value, this is an outstanding choice. It's an expressive and refined wine with a pleasing texture, fresh acidity and wonderful length. It would be difficult to find a better Chablis at this price.

Price: $24.99

2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

We've long admired the wines of La Chablisienne for their consistency and quality along with their exceptional price point. While Petit Chablis can be on the leaner side, that's not the case with this generous Chardonnay. It offers up ripe citrus fruit with notes of mineral and honey and plenty of stuffing. This is an awesome value Chablis.

Price: $19.99

2016 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/26/2026 | Send Email

For me, this is the quintessential Pichon-Lalande of the modern era and a reference-point Pauillac, with the kind of potential that the estate’s finest vintages have realized. At this point, there’s no doubting the caliber of the 2016 vintage, but it is still remarkable to see what Nicolas Glumineau and his team crafted at Pichon-Lalande. Aromatically, this is a wine that could come from nowhere but Pauillac, with a heart of Cabernet driving the profile. On the palate, it is incredibly delineated—weightless yet powerful, concentrated without carrying any excess. Nearly a decade in bottle has brought out many of the wine’s charms, yet it will comfortably age for decades to come. A First Growth in everything but name, 2016 Pichon Lalande is one of the all-time greats from the Left Bank and will be a joy to follow over the years. This is a wine that belongs in any cellar of Bordeaux’s best—and for those who already have it, make sure you have enough.

Price: $329.99

Pages Verveine du Velay Verte 110 Proof Herbal Liqueur (700ml)

By: Lesley Jacobs Solmonson | Review Date: 1/25/2026 | Send Email

Bitter liqueurs have been around for centuries, albeit as medicine before we figured out that they are a seriously satisfying recreational pleasure. Verveine du Velay shares many characteristics with Izarra and Chartreuse, thanks to its herbal ingredients. Its creamy mouthfeel and higher ABV of 55% help it go head-to-head with Chartreuse as a cocktail substitute. Where Verveine differs is in its more floral, citrusy quality. Lemon verbena is a key ingredient, but I always get lured in by hints of chamomile tea (that floral element), as well as a woody mace flavor.

Price: $49.99

Larceny 7 Year Old "Sylvia Suffers No Fools" K&L Exclusive Private Single Barrel #7757818 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)

By: Jackson Kelly | Review Date: 1/23/2026 | Send Email

As far as I'm concerned, this 7-year, 129 proof hand-selected barrel from Heaven Hill is among the best wheated bourbons on the market, even in a world full of ultra-rare, highly allocated bottles. On the palate, you get sweet notes led by butterscotch, vanilla cream, and toffee, complimented by hints of brioche, cedar, and oak. A long, smooth finish wrap up this bold bourbon, one I'd recommend to newcomers and experienced bourbon drinkers alike.

Price: $79.99

2024 Passopisciaro Etna Rosso

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/22/2026 | Send Email

This is the wine that introduced the world to the modern elegance of Etna. A blend of old-vine Nerello Mascalese from various altitudes, it is the perfect snapshot of the vintage. The 2024 is bright, nervous, and aromatic, bursting with wild strawberry, ash, and dried herbs. It has the ethereal transparency of Pinot Noir but the tannic grip of Nebbiolo—the signature paradox of Etna Rosso.

Price: $44.99

JS: 93

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old "K&L Exclusive - County Seat" 114 Proof Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/20/2026 | Send Email

Bardstown Distillery has quickly earned a place in the upper echelon of whiskey producers, especially in an industry that feels increasingly crowded. Their strength shows not only in their in-house distillates, but also in their thoughtful blending and sourcing. As a result, they have released some of the highest-rated bourbons of the past few years, and this six-year-old is no exception. Built on a high-rye mashbill, sweet spice leads the charge. The nose opens with cinnamon and clove, followed by paprika, spearmint, mandarin, rhubarb, and turmeric, all resting on a velvety caramel foundation. The palate carries that same citrus and earthy character while adding notes of strawberry jam and apple cider. The finish circles back to its bright, playful spice-driven core. A small splash of water unlocks a subtle nuttiness that invites you back for another sip. This is a beautiful cask and well worth a spot on the shelf, though I doubt it will stay there for long.

Price: Hidden

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old "K&L Exclusive - County Seat" 114 Proof Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/20/2026 | Send Email

Visiting Bardstown Distillery is always a blast. They've built out this swanky tasting bar with a view inside the warehouse. The restaurant is great, the staff is always so welcoming and down to earth, plus they have a sneaky vintage bourbon bar with an incredible array of ultra-rare old bottles. They also typically give you a little chemical breakdown of each barrel with the cycle graph of the elements they believe to be the most important flavors and their respective levels in that particular sample. Both our last two barrels scored 10 out of 10 on the gallic acid register, which implies a high intensity of complex woodiness. Now unfortunately, this year’s samples did not get the graph treatment, so I have no idea where this barrel would have scored, but what is clear is we have a very different style from previous barrels. Firstly, this is the lowest proof barrel we have had by a significant margin, likely the result of aging on the lower floors, I assume. Let’s have a taste. The color is deep copper (1.0). The nose bursts from the glass. It’s extremely fruity and while the oak is there, it’s not as forward as previous barrels, instead its full of sweet cornbread, dried peaches and toasted vanilla bean. On the palate, the confectionery character does not hold back, with a syrupy sweetness and more dried stone fruits. It is not until the midpalate that the rye spice kicks up and starts to build against the ultra-decadent sweetness of the nose and entry. This battle persists through the finish to culminate in a soft, peppery, woodsy tone that frankly gives it an exotic character. A lovely style that I hope to see more of from this exceptional and always exciting distillery.

Price: Hidden

2022 Le Haut Medoc de Giscours, Haut-Médoc

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/20/2026 | Send Email

We tasted this last autumn, and it was a consensus winner with both our NorCal and SoCal teams among a lineup of simply stunning wines from Giscours. It’s purely coincidental that, in the time since, the Grand Vin from this estate went on to win Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year from the very same vintage. The vines for this wine sit just outside the Margaux appellation, yet share much of the same terroir and are crafted by the same winemaking team. The result is a wonderful value that speaks clearly to Margaux typicité while remaining approachable and classically styled. Notes of deep red fruit and beautiful florals are complemented by a lifted palate, along with impressive tannic structure and texture. The 2022 vintage adds a touch of extra volume, and the finish is long and complex. This wine reflects a benchmark winery operating at a remarkable level—all at a superb price. A terrific under-the-radar buy that I’d urge you not to miss.

Price: $34.99

DC: 93

JS: 92 - 93

JD: 90

2020 Beau-Séjour Bécot, St-Emilion

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/18/2026 | Send Email

I keep saying it again and again and can’t stress it enough—the folks at Beau-Séjour Bécot are making some of the finest wines in Bordeaux today, and it’s time they’re taken seriously. All it takes is a sip of this brilliant 2020 to prove the point. While we’ve enjoyed many charming vintages over the years—and can’t deny the remarkable terroir in the heart of Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau—what Julien and Juliette have accomplished in recent years is nothing short of astonishing. Gorgeous, perfumed aromatics lead the way, but the palate steals the show, delivering juicy black fruits, an absolutely seamless texture, incredibly fine tannins, a hint of salinity, and a long, driven finish. It’s elegant yet full of flavor, one of those wines that begs for another sip. I can’t wait to see how this ages, but even now it feels like a masterpiece—a brilliant tribute to what’s been happening at this address in recent years. A stunning Bordeaux of refinement and complexity from one of the Right Bank’s great vintages, it’s a wine I can’t recommend highly enough.

Price: $79.99

2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir Malleco Valley

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/18/2026 | Send Email

The cork was just pulled on this about a minute ago, and already the nose is opening and really showing very prettily. There's this mélange of red and black fruit, little hints of some darker cherry, but there's also bright raspberry and a little touch of blackberry. The palate is medium with a little bit of plushness to it, there's like this little touch of crunchy fruit but it's mostly fairly ripe and juicy. The finish is fairly lengthy and there's a good amount of acidity and body here, this is just a nice little budget Pinot Noir that overdelivers. There's a little lingering minerality on the finish towards the end, but ultimately I while I feel like this would make a nice little cocktail wine I do want to have a bite with it. I just feel like a little nosh would really bring out a little more. But overall, at this price, it's a nice little wine and something I'll be bringing home when I'm not sure what I want, but I know I want it to be easy.

Price: $17.99

2021 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

Securing an allocation of Gianni Brunelli is always a race against time, but with the perfect 100-point score from Kerin O'Keefe for this 2021 vintage, it has become the ultimate "unicorn" of the year. This is a pre-arrival opportunity to secure a piece of Montalcino history before it physically lands and inevitably disappears. To understand why this wine is so profound, you have to look at the unique architecture of the estate. Laura Brunelli, who has managed the winery with incredible passion since Gianni’s passing, masters a blend of two distinct and complementary terroirs that is unlike anything else in the region. The heart of the estate is the "Le Chiuse di Sotto" vineyard in the north. This is sacred ground—ancestral lands of the Biondi Santi family—sitting at 320 meters elevation. Here, the soils are cool, rich in clay, and ventilated by constant breezes. This site provides the "nervous system" of the wine: the high-toned aromatics, the electric acidity, and the vibrant energy that makes Brunelli so distinct.

Price: $89.99

Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old "K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

What a fantastic first private barrel of Mars Komagatake we have here, and this feels like just the beginning of many great things to come. The spirit and maturation at the Komagatake distillery, perched high in the Japanese Alps of Nagano at roughly 2,600 feet above sea level, take on fresh mountain character in a truly striking way. The nose is bright and expressive, with wisps of smoke from the lightly peated malt at 20 ppm, alongside grilled pineapple, salted licorice, lemon custard, and roasted honey. On the palate, those flavors broaden into apricot Danish, ocean brine, star anise, and a hint of campfire, before settling back into bold citrus and warming spice. Water is more than welcome here. It softens the edges, enhances the delicate sweetness of the smoke, draws out more tart pastry notes, and expands the spice profile. We’re lucky to have this one, and you will be too.

Price: $179.99

Limit of 6 per customer

2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

I'll admit it. Chablis is one of my very favorite white wines. I generally prefer Sauvignon Blanc but, when Chardonnay is clean, crisp and pure, I love it. That is definitely the case with this bottling. Such beautiful apple and pear fruit buoyed up by soft citrus and clean minerals. A very fine edge of acidity adds additional interest. This is also a great selection if you are trying to experiment with Chardonnay from France that is eminently affordable. In fact, this bottling tastes much further up the dollar scale! Chablis of this caliber and price is not going stay in inventory very long!

Price: $24.99

2022 Leeuwin "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

Simply put, Leeuwin Estate is an icon of Australian winemaking, consistently crafting wines that rival the best in the world. One of the five founding wineries of the now-famous Margaret River appellation in Western Australia, Leeuwin Estate was initially a cattle property purchased in 1969. With early guidance from legendary Napa Valley winemaker Robert Mondavi, who identified the site as ideal for premium wine production, Leeuwin Estate was gradually transformed into the remarkable vineyard and winery it is today. The estate is most famous for its prestigious Art Series range, which represents the pinnacle of their production. Each year, the winery commissions leading contemporary Australian artists to create original paintings for the labels, a tradition that began after a successful 1980 Chardonnay vintage caught the attention of the international wine community. The flagship Art Series Chardonnay is consistently rated as one of the best in the world, frequently compared to top-tier Burgundies for its balance of power and precision. The Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is equally celebrated for its structured elegance and savory complexity. Both wines are included in the prestigious Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, a recognition reserved for the 100 most highly sought-after Australian fine wines, recognized for their consistent performance and demand at auction. Today, the estate remains a family-owned operation under the stewardship of three generations, continuing to set the benchmark for Australian viticulture and winemaking.

Price: $114.99

2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Serpentières"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

The Serpentieres is neither the heaviest nor the lightest of the Giboulot 1er Cru foursome. This wine has pretty aromas of bitter chocolate, red flowers, wild strawberry and crushed rock with a beguiling palate of gorgeous pure red fruits that start to enter the purple and black fruit range with subtle hints of chocolate and oak along with mineral accents. The acidity holds multi-layered, complex, fruit forward offering together and gives it an energetic and long finish. An understated beauty that definitely merits your attention.

Price: $49.99

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$44.99

2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Gravains"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

The Gravains vineyard is always the most powerful of the Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru vineyards. A deep fruit core displays black plum, currant and spice with subtle aromas of the same fruit notes crackling with racy mineral notes while ample tannins and oak accents abound. This is a structured, deep red wine that shows multi-layers of complexity while consistently delivering pure fruit from the very first sniff of the glass all the way to the long, lush finish.

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2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Peuillets"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

I always love the Domaine Jean Michel Giboulot Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Peuillets" because it is easily the most elegant of the four 1er Crus. It is incredibly deceiving because of how effortlessly this wine unfurls across the palate with its subtle notes of red fruits, spice and barely discernible oak notes. This feels like a water color painting where the colors are vibrant yet almost opaque. Fans of balanced, nuanced offerings will love this Savigny-les-Beaune.

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2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Fournaux"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 1/16/2026 | Send Email

Jean-Michel Giboulot fashions one of my favorite Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru "Fournaux"'s. He is able to coax out beautiful fruit notes that oscillate between red and dark red fruits with subtle hints of raspberry, fresh strawberry and molten rock. There's an energy and drive here that makes this wine so easy to drink and enjoy and should pair marvelously with most meat dishes. The depth and complexity here combined with intoxicating aromas and pure fruit make this a 1st class 1er Cru!

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2023 Rafael Cambra "Soplo" Garnacha Valencia

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 1/15/2026 | Send Email

Unlike many other affordable Garnacha's from Valencia, this one has some stuffing! It shows on the nose of boysenberry and deep black raspberry. Very pretty and extra interesting due to the additional scents of herbs and just a touch of licorice root. On the palate, it is very nicely clean with fresh (and deep!) dark red fruits. The dark red fruits are complimented by roasted meat herbs and lighter savory flavors. This wine is super versatile, and the mid-palate richness makes it work well with barbecued and grilled meats and vegetables. It is so affordable that there is no guilt involved when buying in quantity!

Price: $14.99

RP: 92

2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir Malleco Valley

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 1/15/2026 | Send Email

This super value bright star of a Pinot Noir has a fragrant nose of black raspberry and bright cherry with background scents of earthy spices and fresh (clean!) wood. In the mouth, the brightness carries over and then becomes deeper and quite generous with riper cherries, moderately dry tannins and some rather sweet baking spices. The finish is clean and on the long side and a subtle bit of minerals. Hard to beat at this quite astounding price!

Price: $17.99

There Does Not Exist "Skeleton Trees" Imperial Stout, California (500 ml.)

By: Michael Pires | Review Date: 1/15/2026 | Send Email

TDNE did a phenomenal job with this one! A Generous and rich stout that is silky smooth. Flavors are nicely integrated with no notes overpowering the other (as can be common with other stouts with vanilla and coffee added). Flavor notes include dark chocolate, cacao nib, biscotti, hazelnut, oats, coffee, and vanilla bean. There is some sweetness to this one, but not as pronounced as a pastry stout would have. Another wonderful beer from the crew over at TDNE!

Price: $17.99

Larceny 7 Year Old "Sylvia Suffers No Fools" K&L Exclusive Private Single Barrel #7757818 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

While the history of the wheated bourbon mashbill dates back to William Larue Weller’s original recipe from the 1840s, the style was not truly popularized until after Prohibition. During that era at the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery, Julian Van Winkle acquired another notable brand known for producing wheated bourbon, one named after former U.S. Treasury bond agent John E. Fitzgerald. Together, Weller and Old Fitzgerald came to define the wheated bourbon style, at least until Maker’s Mark entered the picture in the 1950s. Today, with Heaven Hill owning the Fitzgerald line and Sazerac controlling the Weller and Pappy labels, a friendly rivalry persists over what constitutes the “real” wheated bourbon. In my opinion, it simply does not matter. What does matter is that Old Fitzgerald, along with its little brother Larceny, tends to fly under the hype radar that surrounds the others. This Larceny private barrel can easily go head-to-head with a Weller Full Proof. It comes in one proof point hotter at 126, is seven years old, and delivers a profile that is just as sweet and bold, if not more so. The nose offers dry cedar, pineapple frond, dusty vanilla, Bing cherries, and butter croissants. On the palate, rich butterscotch and caramel lead, joined by peanut brittle, a touch of sea salt, and a layer of nectarine sweetness. The finish evokes fresh sourdough bread in an old barn, with rich wood and grain settling together in perfect harmony. This is a beautiful and accessible wheated bourbon, and a legend in the making.

Price: $79.99

2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir Malleco Valley

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

Pinot Noir is notoriously one of the most finicky varieties to cultivate, especially so in extreme cool-climate regions. Considering this, the 2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir is a head-turner of a wine – dark, dense, and brimming with black cherry and plum notes – all at a price that seems too good to be true. Made from fruit grown in Chile’s Malleco Valley, the southernmost winegrowing region in the country, this wine balances a high concentration of just ripe black fruit notes with sprightly acidity and gently gripping tannins. The climate of the Malleco Valley is marginal, on par with other regions perched at the edge of what’s feasible, such as New Zealand’s Central Otago region, or Germany’s Ahr region. Much like wines made the former and the latter, this wine has a distinct intensity, wrapped up in a nervy, linear structure. With just a faint hint of oak on the palate and a subtle green note, like freshly harvested tender herbs, the finish of the wine is so long and lingering, it’s hard to believe that it's under $20. Simply one of the best values I’ve had the pleasure of trying recently, this is a wine to snap up while still available.

Price: $17.99

2023 Rafael Cambra "Soplo" Garnacha Valencia

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

Rafael Cambra is a leading figure in the "new wave" of Valencian winemaking, known for his dedication to the preservation of rare indigenous grape varieties and working with a gentle hand in the winery. Growing up in a family that runs one of Spain’s most prestigious vine nurseries, supplying iconic estates like Vega Sicilia, Cambra brings a deep viticultural pedigree to his own project, established in 2001. His winemaking philosophy has gradually shifted from a traditional style to a more "hands-off" approach, utilizing organic farming, wild yeasts, and diverse aging vessels including egg-shaped concrete tanks, all in the quest to let the terroir speak. His 2023 “Soplo” Garnacha, made from 80% Garnacha, blended together with Monastrell and the rare Forcallà variety, is a vibrant, pure expression of this rugged Mediterranean region, balancing brooding bramble fruit notes with spicy, herbaceous undertones of wild fennel frond and dried oregano. Soplo translates to "breath" or "gust", and this wine is just that – a fresh approach to both Garnacha and Valencian wines. Favoring a slightly darker fruit profile than most Spanish Garnachas, with tart blackberry and juicy black currant notes, it also has the gently gripping tannins that make it an excellent option for pairing with a cheese and cured meats, or even grilled meats. And at under $15, this is a no brainer to pick up by the case to have on hand for quiet nights in!

Price: $14.99

RP: 92

2023 Domaine Fabien Coche Aligote "Vieilles Vignes"

By: [email protected] | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

Aligote is no longer relegated to being the wine that you throw into a Kir Royale, or as Burgundy's lesser-known grape. It's shining brightly as a serious, standalone variety in this fabulous bottling by Fabien Coche, who comes from four generations of winemaking. The no-brainer here is the fact that this is all Aligote planted in Meursault territory. It puts on a dazzling show of expression and vibrance in the glass with ripe pomace fruit, honeyed apricot and impeccable tension and weight that can extend beyond aperitif hour.

Price: $39.99

2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

What an incredible bottle of Bordeaux! While this wine is dark and has an explosive nose of cassis and clean Pessac gravel, it remains very elegant in the mouth. This is the trick that only the best vineyards can perform, richness without heaviness, power with grace- balance. If you love Bordeaux, this is a great bottle to put in the cellar!

Price: $84.99

2022 Martin Ray Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

We have an incredible trio of sub-AVA Cabs from Martin Ray on offer today. For many years Martin Ray have sourced exceptional parcels of fruit from across Napa Valley in beyond based on decades of relationships in the business. The Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Mount Veeder bottlings represent the pinnacle of their production sourcing the best-of-the-best barrels for the small-production, AVA specific wines. The Mount Veeder bottling comes from a highly renowned but non disclosed site off Wall Road in the northern part of the AVA. This site has long produced some of the most highly acclaimed wines from the region. The wine is fermented in small, open-top fermenters, punched down by hand, and gently basket pressed. The wine is handled gently so as to not over extract the wine and overwhelm the incredible detailed nuances of the site. Ageing for the Veeder sees a more modest 50% new French oak for 18 months. The wine is a very classic expression of Veeder with mountain chaparral, cedar, leather and crushed volcanic rock intermingled with a more red fruited profile. Serious and structured but with elegant, long chain tannins. I love Veeder Cab for its retention and even amplification of the savory aspects of the grape that I love so much in Bordeaux and other cooler climate regions where it's grown. The vines here sit at significant elevation and the daytime highs are significantly cooler than the valley floor below. So, even in warm vintages like 2022, the Cabernet-ness doesn't get ripened out of the grapes. A beautiful wine with a more classically styled flavor profile. Our long relationship with Martin Ray allows us to bring you this incredible wines, with massive scores to you at very reasonable price points. Enjoy!

Price: Hidden

JS: 95

2022 Martin Ray Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email

We have an incredible trio of sub-AVA Cabs from Martin Ray on offer today. For many years Martin Ray have sourced exceptional parcels of fruit from across Napa Valley in beyond based on decades of relationships in the business. The Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Mount Veeder bottlings represent the pinnacle of their production sourcing the best-of-the-best barrels for the small-production, AVA specific wines. The Diamond Mountain bottling comes from one of the most historic sites in the region. Previously known as Constant Diamond Estate, this vineyard has a legacy dating back to the 1890s. Planted at the top of Diamond Mountain at 2,200ft elevation, many vines are terraced into the steep volcanic hillsides. The wine is fermented in small fermenters and matured 60% new French oak for 18 months. The wine has a vibrant, inky purple color, notes of graphite, lavender, tobacco box. The fruit is focused and pure, cassis, mulberry, and some briary tones add savory complexity. Quite structured and serious with a clear upside for ageing and positive development in the cellar for 5-8-10 years or more. Our long relationship with Martin Ray allows us to bring you this incredible wines, with massive scores to you at very reasonable price points. Enjoy!

Price: Hidden

JS: 95

2022 Le Haut Medoc de Giscours, Haut-Médoc

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email

Sometimes you come across a wine that just says something to you. This said to me that for $30 you can sure get a hell of a banger bottle of Bordeaux for your table. This is just phenomenal for the price, I already know that most of the 2022 Bordeaux I've had have been just great, but this really feels like it's another level, and for a second wine that's pretty outstanding. Bright and pure cassis on the front, with cherry and bramble on the back of the nose. The palate is generous and lush, beautiful fruit, but with enough tannin that you really want a little fat, a little food, to make it just perfect. At least I did, but I'm kind of a tannin wuss sometimes. The fruit on the palate is super pure and lovely, there's oak in the back but it's playing second fiddle and just accentuating the beauty of the wine. This is just one of those bottles I could ramble about for ages, but just know it's a great wine at a great price and you'll have a great time. It's just great.

Price: $34.99

DC: 93

JS: 92 - 93

JD: 90

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