K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

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

While this showed really nicely this morning when we opened it, several hours later it's just magnificent. The nose is super plush with raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, and of course a lovely wisp of cassis running through the whole thing. Complementing the fruit is a little green peppercorn, some barrel spices, and a line of minerality in the back. The fruit is dark first, with a brambley core, and an inky tobacco and leather note coming out, showing the first signs of age starting to touch the wine. Don't get me wrong, it has a long way to go and will lay down for years and years to come, but there's a little tertiary just starting to show its pretty little face. The finish is lengthy and a touch savory, ending mostly with a little bit of barrel spice. This is top tier wine, from a top tier producer at a mid-tier price. This wine is most deserving of a fat potato with a nice ribeye and a sufficient green. You owe it to yourself.

Price: $84.99

2021 Anthill Farms "Bertoli Vineyard" Russian River Valley Old Vine Field Blend

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/12/2026 | Send Email

Today we're offering a one-time deal on a one-off wine. This amazing old vine field blend is such a unique and interesting offering. Sourced from a century old planting of vines in the Russian River Valley of mixed varietals all interplanted with one another. The vineyard is farmed organically and without irrigation. The blend for this wine includes roughly equal parts Alicante Bouschet, Carignane, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Zinfandel. Anthill owner / winemaker Anthony Filiberti took this old vine fruit and fermented it whole-cluster and partially using carbonic maceration (sealed tank) to create a unique expression of this historic vineyard. While most old vine blends of this type are big, rich, ripe wines, the Anthill Bertoli is notably medium bodied, with brighter fruit, floral spice tones, and a very modest 12% alcohol. It reminds me a little of the more elegant style of Nebbiolo with it's subtle power and aromatic lift. The wine still has depth and substance, and the 20% Alicante Bouchet means the color is still pretty intense and deep, but it's really fun to see what these old vines without the 15% alcohol and fruit ripeness that one might expect. I think its a wonderfully versatile wine for pizza, pasta, BBQ, burgers. Oh, and our Insider's Advantage price, for such a unique wine, under $20...that's half price and moves it right into the everyday drinker category. This is rocking wine for the price and little piece of history in a bottle.

Price: Hidden

Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Craig Morris | Review Date: 1/9/2026 | Send Email

This wine is exceptional. There's no other way to put it. Golden in the glass, rich and concentrated on the nose, and full of sourdough and citrus on the palate. The acidity here is stunning, and it's balanced against notes of rich brioche, lemon-curd, and almond paste. The finish goes on and on, the citrus and nuttiness just lingering...not helped by the fact that I can't stop sipping. This bottle is grand cru fruit with 8 years on the lees, and all from a base-vintage of 2012! I cannot recommend this bottle highly enough.

Price: $59.99

Torabhaig Signature Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Cask #2018 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 1/9/2026 | Send Email

The gorgeous new Torabhaig distillery on the Isle of Skye is without a doubt one of Scotland's most exciting new distillers. Not only have they built a distillery that looks like it's been there for centuries, but they've created a malt that's completely unique while still capturing the rugged sense of place that exemplifies this special island. We were early adopters and their young whiskies have been extremely approachable, but when a chance to do a single cask was offered, we absolutely jumped at the chance. Their cask policy is rather unique and they have some interesting wood types to choose from, but something about the beauty of a medium peater in an excellent first fill bourbon was too alluring to ignore. Let's have at it. The color is dull old gold (0.6). The nose absolutely piercing the air throughout the room, immediately offering aromas of dense white smoke, salted lemons, ocean spray, lanolin, pithy citrus fruit, oily nuts, capers, etc. With air, the smoke softens and the salt and lemon zest come forward adding thinly sliced serrano, Castelvetrano olives, sweet barley syrup, brine. On the palate, the peat is at the very front and hangs on to those green brine-y notes, but the sweet malt powers up in the mid pallet and continues through to a laser focused finish of burning herbs, lemon oil, and ashy smoke. Water addition adds another layer of maritime complexity - now crushed oyster shells- plus an almost tropical (dare I say) Bowmore like pineapple and mango, salted and smoked. By contrast the pallet relents the green brine-y notes and give so much sweet fruit and malt now. A fabulous spirit of exceptional character. This is NOT one to miss.

Price: Hidden

2022 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/9/2026 | Send Email

Frankly, it’s a bit surprising that there isn’t more of a groundswell around this extraordinary, reference-point Smith Haut Lafitte—but all the better for collectors. You have a multiple 100-point wine from a singular vintage available at a remarkable first-tranche price. Jeb Dunnuck compares it to the 2009, 2010, and 2020 as one of the greatest wines ever produced by the estate, and after tasting it, there’s little room for doubt. Aromatically, it is nothing short of stunning, offering deep, layered fruits alongside notes of licorice and wet stone. On the palate, it initially shows itself as a classic Pessac powerhouse, driven by black currant, gravel, and dark chocolate. Yet with time in the glass, a deeper story unfolds: remarkable finesse and purity emerge, supported by unrelenting minerality, incredibly fine-grained tannins, and a profound sense of character and place. This is a wine that rewards patience and contemplation, inviting you to linger—and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself increasingly infatuated with each successive sip. It’s often difficult to single out a “best” wine from an estate that operates at such a consistently elite level as Smith Haut Lafitte, but the 2022 stands apart as something truly special. It is a wine destined to thrill Bordeaux lovers for decades to come, and one that will undoubtedly earn its place among the estate’s modern legends.

Price: $159.99

Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Lilia McIntosh | Review Date: 1/8/2026 | Send Email

Incredibly complex expression of Pinot Noir Champagne with extra age which brings slightly toasty nuttiness and deepens mineral component in it. Layered and nuanced it's opening up nicely in the glass with red fruit and bright citrus note. Robust and powerful Champagne that can stand up to stronger flavored dishes and aged cheeses.

Price: $59.99

Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/8/2026 | Send Email

What a steal! We were so lucky to get a reload on this fabulous all Pinot Noir champagne! This all Bouzy grand cru champagne is in fact based on the 2012 vintage, and was aged a full eight years on the lees and a further five on the cork. This super long ageing has given us incredible sourdough toast aromas, but anchored by deep, savory, nutty Pinot Noir power. One of the best non-vintages I have tasted in a very long time, this has the depth to please even the most spoiled champagne lover!

Price: $59.99

2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/8/2026 | Send Email

For a high-upside, collectible value Bordeaux, Domaine de Chevalier is usually a go-to name in the conversation. This 2020 is a case in point, and perhaps one of the best ever from the estate. There is a richness and texture to it, but the purity and freshness of the fruit is what really shines through. Deep red to black fruit flavors surround a core of gravelly minerality, a thirst-quenching wine that leaves you coming back for more. I've had the fortune to taste it a few times this year, and each time was left impressed by how rewarding and drinkable it is even an this extremely young stage. That said, in a cool cellar this will evolve beautifully for the years to come. I'm excited to continue to revisit this one as it evolves, and at our going rate, it's not too tough to get a few bottles to do so. Congrats to the team at Domaine de Chevalier for this brilliant achievement.

Price: $84.99

2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Stephanie Moussavi | Review Date: 1/6/2026 | Send Email

This new K&L exclusive release really surprised me, I tend to think of Chablis as something a little more laid back, but this one had a lot more richness and depth than I expected for just $25. Sometimes at first sip you know you found an amazing deal, and this overdelivers in every way that matters. Such purity of fruit, the mineral finish, and the great balance of richness and acid make it an easy choice for me.

Price: $24.99

2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Stephanie Moussavi | Review Date: 1/6/2026 | Send Email

This is a wine that explains why people enjoy Petit Chablis so much. It's easy, with a classic albeit ripe nose, and it's got enough acidity and body to have with whatever you best like to eat. There's a good amount of minerality and a long finish. I'm going to pick up one of these and try it with a roast chicken salad, I'll let you know how it is if you ask me in store.

Price: $19.99

2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/6/2026 | Send Email

The nose is really classic, but I mean this in the best of ways. It's got a real sense of familiarity when you stick your nose in, the brain clicks and goes oh yes, I know this particular creature, in fact we've met before. Well, I guess it's a wine not a creature, but the whole sentiment still stands. Really pretty ripe apple, a little bit of warm pear, and then some pithy citrus zest and white flowers. The palate has this beautiful depth to it that you could almost fall into, and then once you get there it has a bit more weight on the palate, really giving me what I'm looking for here. I absolutely love this bottle and I can already tell I'm going to be taking a few home for sure. I think I'm going to try it with sushi first, I don't know if that's a controversial choice or not but there's a savory note that lingers on the finish that is giving me some strong umami vibes.

Price: $24.99

2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/6/2026 | Send Email

So cool that we have another private label wine, and even better that I like it this much. The nose opens generously, just a little touch of something tropical that almost seems to blow away before coming in with a lot more classic apple/pear with citrus behind it. The palate is decidedly fresh and vibrant, dancing across the palate this great line of acidity with a chalky wake behind it pushes inexorably through until the finish. There's this richness on the palate that is just really so inviting and keeps making me go back for another sip, there's a weight and gravitas to this that I don't expect from a Petit Chablis, and this will be an incredibly easy bottle to put into people's hands.

Price: $19.99

2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/6/2026 | Send Email

What an incredible value in Chablis! Alex Pross did an incredible job in selecting the right partner and the right lots for this exceptional Petit Chablis, and I was impressed with just how much texture, vivacity and length this bottle delivered for under $20. If you are looking for a great, clean bottle of white wine for a very fair price, look no further!

Price: $19.99

2023 Domaine Gérard Tremblay Chablis 1er Cru "Côte de Léchet"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 1/4/2026 | Send Email

Cote de Lechet is a rather large vineyard that is perfectly exposed to the south-east. Here the fruit ripens early and produces wines of intense white fruit with floral hints . The 2023 Domaine Gerard Tremblay is a great example of why Cote de Lechet is so sought after with white flowers, flint and hints of lemon and grapefruit while the palate is bursting with rich citrus notes and subtle hints of flint and stone. This is a ready to drink, full-bodied Chablis bursting with pretty fruit that is impossible to ignore.

Price: $34.99

2023 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 1/3/2026 | Send Email

When I think of the best examples of California-styled Chardonnay, Ramey immediately comes to mind—they’re simply that reliable. Measured and structured, the 2023 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay is redolent with caramel apple, golden flaky pastry, and baking spices, finishing with a subtle touch of jasmine blossom. It’s a lush and satisfying mouthful of deliciousness. I adore it, and that’s all there is to it.

Price: $44.95

2022 Le "C" des Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/2/2026 | Send Email

Le “C” des Carmes Haut-Brion is quickly becoming one of the greatest second wines in the region. For me, the perfect recipe is a mix of pedigree, house character, and a rewarding price—something this 2022 delivers in spades. The Grand Vin for this vintage notched three 100-point scores, making it clear that the team made the most of the growing season, but even this wine benefits from grand-vin-quality press, for what it’s worth. I also believe the secret lies in the estate’s boutique scale and relatively limited production, which lends a hand-crafted quality that shines through in “C” des Carmes. It’s this no-compromise approach that makes Guillaume Pouthier’s wines feel so genuine and distinctive across the board. While most of the Cabernet Franc goes into the Grand Vin, Cabernet Sauvignon steals the show in “C” des Carmes, though the fresh, lively character of the estate still provides an unmistakable signature. For those looking to experience the magic happening at this property, I can’t recommend the 2022 “C” des Carmes Haut-Brion enough—a remarkable buy already, and one that I suspect will reward those with bottles in their cellar for many years to come.

Price: $49.99

2019 Clif Family "Cold Springs Vineyard" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

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

It's not everyday that we get 95-point, single vineyard, estate-grown and bottled Howell Mountain Cab for 50% off! But that is exactly what were offering today! The Clif Family (yep the folks behind those delicious granola bars) have quietly been acquiring great vineyards around Napa Valley for a decade. With sustainability being a core focus for the family, their vineyards are certified CCOF organic and the company is certified BCorp. After graduating from UC Davis and learning her craft at the renowned Fisher Vineyards, winemaker Laura Barrett has now been at the helm of Clif Family for 12 years. Cold Spring Vineyard is located on the southern side of Howell Mountain (the opposite orientation to Croquet Vineyard) at 1,660ft elevation. The soils here are dominated by compressed volcanic ash or tuff. This wine screams Howell Mountain to me with an impenetrable color in the glass, a dark, smoky, almost black fruit profile, graphite, cigar box, crushed rocks. The saturated fruit is draped over muscular, mountain-fruit tannins. Mountain chapparal and briar patch notes add complexity to the heart of darkness core. Wow, this wine is very impressive, and our pricing is just incredible for the quality. Only 300 cases total production. Act fast, this is a truly incredible deal at our very special, 50% off Insider's Advantage pricing!

Price: Hidden

WE: 95

JD: 92

JS: 91

2019 Clif Family "Croquet Vineyard" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

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

It's not everyday that we get 95-point, single vineyard, estate-grown and bottled Howell Mountain Cab for 50% off! But that is exactly what were offering today! The Clif Family (yep the folks behind those delicious granola bars) have quietly been acquiring great vineyards around Napa Valley for a decade. With sustainability being a core focus for the family, their vineyards are certified CCOF organic and the company is certified BCorp. After graduating from UC Davis and learning her craft at the renowned Fisher Vineyards, winemaker Laura Barrett has now been at the helm of Clif Family for 12 years. The Croquet Vineyard Cab comes from just 3 acres of Clone 337 Cabernet planted on a steep hillside on the northeastern slope of Howell Mountain at 1,800 ft elevation. The soils here are iron rich, red, volcanic clay loam. This site produces a concentrated but lush style of Cabernet with rich cassis fruit, ollaberry, hints of vanilla and exotic oak spice. The palate has plenty of structure and tannin to measure up to the bold fruit profile. The wine is full-bodied with a big, decadent mouthfeel. This is classic Howell Mountain with a nice polished fruit profile allowing enjoyment from a relatively young stage. However, as their top wines from the very best estate selections and barrels, these wines are also designed to go the distance and will no doubt age 15-20 years in the cellar.

Price: Hidden

2022 Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/31/2025 | Send Email

When the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages took over this historic property in 2006, little changed in terms of winemaking philosophy or vineyard selection. The estate has long been famous for producing just two wines—one white and one red—and that focused tradition continues to this day. Veteran winemaker Bernard Tranchecoste, who was already overseeing the cellar prior to the Cazes family’s arrival, remains at the helm. The resources brought by the Cazes family have been directed primarily toward vineyard improvements, including thoughtful replanting and new parcels that are now coming beautifully into production. Surrounded by the Bois des Sénéchaux (the “Sheriff’s Woods”), the property itself dates back to the 14th century, grounding these refined, modern wines in deep historical roots. Aging is carried out in larger-format wood, not to impart overt oak character, but to add elegance and refinement to the wines. The 2022—an excellent vintage—shows beautiful notes of wild strawberry, redcurrant, Asian spicebox, and pipe tobacco. It is a beautifully structured wine that drinks effortlessly in its youth while possessing the depth and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more.

Price: $49.99

JS: 95

JD: 93

VN: 92

2020 Celler Pardas "Hermós" Brut Nature Corpinnat (Cava)

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/26/2025 | Send Email

Celler Pardas’ “Hermos” is the epitome of modern sparkling wine production in Spain – intensely mineral-driven, austere and elegantly compact in structure. For anyone who doesn’t think they like Cava, this is also the wine that will almost definitely change their mind. Pardas belongs to the Corpinnat group of producers who broke off from DO Cava in recent years as a protest centered around quality and terroir. The two main arguments of the group were that the best sparkling wine in Spain comes from Penedes, in Catalunya just south of Barcelona (DO Cava permits winemaking in several regions spread across Spain, not just Penedes), and that the vinfication and aging requirements of DO Cava were not stringent enough to compete with the best sparkling wines in the world. In short, these splinter Cava producers believed in the quality and potential of top-shelf Cava and so they came together to form a new label reflective of their commitment to quality. Cellar Pardas is a newer member of the Corpinnat organization, but their contribution to the category undeniably reflects the standards to which the group is committed. I hate to make comparisons to Champagne, but the “Hermos” could easily be mistaken for a Brut Nature Champagne – similarly lean and fresh on the palate, the dominant notes are of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest and button mushroom, all framed by intense minerality and a subtle turned earth note. This is an eye-opening wine that showcases the potential of Penedes and highlights exactly why Corpinnat exists.

Price: $44.98

RP: 95

2024 Lornano "Helena" Toscana IGT

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/26/2025 | Send Email

From the historic Fattoria Lornano in Castellina in Chianti, "Helena" is a bold, modern yet rustic expression that breaks the rules of classic Chianti Classico to deliver something richer and deeper for the winter season. The Nicololai family has owned this estate since 1904, and while they are masters of traditional Sangiovese, this IGT label allows them to flex their winemaking muscles. "Helena" is typically a powerful blend of 80% Sangiovese with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot , selected from the estate’s best vineyard plots. In the glass, expect a deep, impenetrable ruby color. The nose is decadent and warm, offering layers of ripe blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry preserves. These fruit notes are wrapped in luxurious aromas of sweet tobacco, vanilla bean, cedar, and a touch of dark chocolate derived from aging in used French oak barriques. On the palate, this is a true "fireplace wine"—full-bodied, velvety, and smooth. The tannins are polished and soft, coating the mouth without being aggressive. While it retains a signature Tuscan dusting of earth, the finish is long, plush, and satisfyingly modern. This is the bottle you open for the main event of your holiday meal: it screams for prime rib or stew.

Price: $22.99

Wine Club

$19.99

2023 Antonio Camillo Ciliegiolo

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/26/2025 | Send Email

Antonio Camillo is widely considered the "Ciliegiolo Whisperer" of the Tuscan coast, and his "Principio" is the perfect introduction to his masterful touch. For decades, Ciliegiolo (named after ciliegia, the Italian word for cherry) was relegated to a blending partner for Sangiovese. Antonio, however, championed this variety as a solo star, scouring the Maremma for old vines that capture the wild, herbal beauty of the Mediterranean scrub. "Principio" marks the beginning of this journey, crafted from organically farmed vineyards that benefit from warm days and cooling sea breezes. In the glass, the wine pours a bright, translucent ruby that glows with energy. True to its name, the nose is a festive explosion of fresh red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate, woven together with distinct notes of Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, myrtle, and a touch of white pepper. On the palate, this is the ultimate "glou-glou" wine—fresh, energetic, and bursting with crunchy red fruit flavors. Offers a juicy texture with just enough rustic tannin to keep it interesting. It is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser because of its versatility; it pairs effortlessly with everything from a traditional roast turkey and cranberry sauce to a casual Tuesday night pizza. Serve it with a slight chill to really make those bright fruit flavors pop!

Price: $29.99

Wine Club

$24.99

DC: 94

2023 Antech "Cuvée Eugenie" Extra Brut Crémant de Limoux

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/23/2025 | Send Email

Long one of my favorite daily drinkers, Antech has recently begun receiving the critical acclaim it has long deserved. The wines of Françoise and Baptiste Antech-Gazeau have been a staple at K&L for nearly two decades, and they have consistently over-delivered for their price point. A perennial favorite is the Eugénie, which was recently reclassified as Extra Brut—a change that, for me, marked a major turning point. As ripeness levels in the region continue to climb with climate change, lowering the dosage has kept the wines balanced, focused, and—if anything—even more elevated in character. Spiced apple and pear lead the profile, accented by a hint of ginger. It is an effortlessly charming wine, and still sub-$20—making it one of the most difficult bottles to beat in the category.

Price: $17.99

JD: 94

2023 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/23/2025 | Send Email

Any visit to Beaucastel is a highlight of my travels through the Rhône. After several years of major renovation, the estate now stands as one of the most efficiently run and fully carbon-neutral wineries in the region. I was fortunate to see the project at various stages of construction, though I have yet to walk through the finished cellar itself. Why does that matter for the 2023 vintage? Because it offers one more clear demonstration of the care, foresight, and long-term stewardship the Perrin family brings to these vineyards year after year. A cold cellar with a deep library is a luxury; a cellar naturally cooled by a cistern, powered in large part by the mistral winds that sweep across the plateau, is emblematic of a philosophy that places sustainability and precision at the heart of this estate' ethos. The 2023 growing season was dry and warm. I remember the heat clearly when I was there in June, with a splash of rain arriving only after I had returned home. In some years, such conditions can create excessive hydric stress, but Beaucastel’s old vines—rooted deeply into the galets roulés—proved their resilience once again, delivering fruit of remarkable balance and depth. The resulting wine is stupendous. Ripe cherry and strawberry confiture lead the way, followed by crushed herbs, licorice root, and savory tobacco, all carried through on a long, resonant finish. This is another classic Beaucastel—one that may strike the intense tone of 2007 with the length and structure of 2010. It is already a great Beaucastel today, and it should be a great one for decades to come.

Price: $99.99

2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 12/23/2025 | Send Email

Great Chablis doesn’t have to break the bank, and the 2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis Cuvée Centenaire is a stunning value! Pithy notes of orchard fruits, citrus accents, flint, and crushed seashells leap from the glass, while the palate unfolds with vibrant iodine, citrus, and orchard fruit flavors on a sleek, layered texture. This wine is smooth and vibrant, with excellent acidity and balance. It’s so good, it feels more like a 1er Cru than a village-level offering. Enjoyability here is off the charts—definitely a solid 10 out of 10.

Price: $24.99

2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 12/23/2025 | Send Email

Thank God for Petit Chablis! It’s the source of delicious, under-$20 Chablis that consistently flows from Burgundy’s northernmost appellation. The 2023 La Chablisienne K&L Collaboration Petit Chablis is absolutely brilliant, with beautiful notes of sea breeze, flint, citrus zest, and white flowers. On the palate, it’s bright and zippy, with flavors of lime, pear, and other citrus notes, all perfectly balanced against the crisp acidity. This gives the wine great length, complexity, and persistence—remarkable for a humble Petit Chablis. It’s a stellar offering and a wonderful introduction to Chablis at an incredibly affordable price.

Price: $19.99

2022 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/22/2025 | Send Email

Tasting the 2022 vintage of Tignanello was a powerful reminder of why this wine remains the undisputed benchmark for the Super Tuscan category. If the 2021 was a celebration of balance, the 2022 is a triumph of terroir over the elements. In a vintage characterized by intense heat, Tignanello didn’t just survive; it thrived, proving once again that Marchesi Antinori understands this hillside better than anyone else. From the moment it hit the glass, the wine displayed a darker, more brooding personality than its predecessor. The color is an intense ruby, almost purple at the rim. The nose is incredibly expressive and surprisingly fresh given the warm year—bursting with ripe black cherries, bramble fruit, and blood orange, layered with complex notes of violet and a distinct graphite minerality that speaks to the limestone soils of the Tignanello vineyard. The tannins are velvety and satiny, wrapping around a core of savory fruit and sweet spice. The finish is exceptionally long, polished, and precise.

Price: $169.99

2021 Mt. Brave Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 12/22/2025 | Send Email

We have the best price in the country on this stunning 99-point mountain-grown Cabernet from winemaking legend Chris Carpenter. 2021 Mount Brave Mt Veeder Cab for well under $100! This wine combines the power and concentration of rich Napa fruit with the savory complexity and a structural prowess that Mount Veeder delivers time and time again. During his long tenure at Mt Brave, Lokoya, La Jota, and Cardinale, Chris Carpenter has cemented his reputation as the king of mountain-grown Cab in the region. He has almost super-natural abilities to produce wines of incredible intensity and power but at the same time, somehow refined the tannin structure that often makes wines like this need decades in the cellar before they can be enjoyed. Not so with this beauty - it's already drinking beautifully with lush, dark, exotic fruit, laced with wild chaparral, leather, singed cedar, oak spice and dark chocolate. Mouthcoating and saturated, but not overly tannic or grippy. It's a big, muscular wine, but it's polished and pure with great balance and length on the palate. When you consider the Lokoya wines sell for over $500, this is an absolute bargain as your getting the same winemaking expertise and quality for a fraction of the price. Drink now or anytime over the next decade or more. This is a lot of wine for the money!

Price: Hidden

2014 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release)

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 12/19/2025 | Send Email

We have a very special offering today: an absolutely delicious, beautifully aged Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the valley’s most iconic and historic estates, Freemark Abbey. I recently secured a small parcel of 2014 Cabernet directly from the winery’s library, and with nearly a decade in bottle, this wine is squarely in its sweet spot. The 2014 vintage continues to impress me. Initially overshadowed by the acclaim surrounding 2013, it has proven to be a true sleeper, delivering wines that have aged with remarkable grace. This Cabernet shows lush dark fruit and cocoa powder, layered with the compelling secondary aromas and flavors that only time can bring. The nose is expressive and beautifully balanced, offering notes of mulberry and plum alongside dusty earth, hints of cedar, unsmoked cigar, and subtle barrel spice. On the palate, the wine is velvety and refined, with excellent concentration at its core as those secondary nuances begin to weave seamlessly around the fruit. The tannins have softened nicely, yet still provide structure and definition across the palate. This is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a perfectly mature Napa Cabernet—nearly 12 years old—sourced directly from the winery’s cellar. I secured every bottle available, and quantities are extremely limited. I recommend acting quickly, as this is truly a one-time offering. Cheers!

Price: $69.95

DC: 95

JS: 93

RP: 92

2020 Paringa Estate "Peninsula" Shiraz Mornington Peninsula Victoria

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 12/18/2025 | Send Email

I'll be the first to admit as the K&L Burgundy Buyer I don't drink a lot of Shiraz, but this is definitely a great value in Shiraz. It comes from an extremely cool climate and feels very Northern Rhonish in style and aromas. There's tons of baking spice, fresh herbs and hints of pepper with a palate flush with red and black fruits and more notes of pepper make this an ideal food wine thanks to its racy acidity and freshness. At under $20 there are few if any Syrah based wines that I would rather have.

Price: $19.99

WE: 94

2020 Paringa Estate "Peninsula" Shiraz Mornington Peninsula Victoria

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/18/2025 | Send Email

This is a delicious, highly drinkable expression of cool-climate Shiraz that is likely to change a few minds about what Australian Shiraz can be. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, just south of Melbourne, Paringa Estate produces lean, elegant wines marked by finesse and precision, shaped by the region’s marginal climate. The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s coolest wine-growing regions—cooler even than the Yarra Valley or Adelaide Hills. Surrounded by water on three sides, strong onshore winds moderate temperatures, reduce vine vigor, and prevent fruit from over-ripening, leading to bright wines with moderate body and alcohol. While the region is best known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Shiraz here is similarly refined, offering tension and elegance reminiscent of the Northern Rhône. Paringa’s 2020 “Peninsula” Shiraz is a compelling expression of the unique geography and maritime influence of the region. Notes of wild blackberry and blueberry compote weave together with classic black pepper, hints of smoke, and olive tapenade, while subtle florals of lilac and wisteria linger in the background. Forest floor and bramble notes add a touch of wildness, beautifully balanced by the vibrant fruit. The structure is impeccably polished, with refreshing acidity evocative of cool ocean breezes. Medium-bodied and taut on the palate, the wine is driven by bright natural acidity and fine, savory tannins rather than weight or sweetness. A Shiraz of finesse and tension that seriously overdelivers for the price, I highly recommend picking up a bottle or two.

Price: $19.99

WE: 94

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

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email

Mars Shuzo is the quiet giant of Japanese whisky. The best kept secret in the whisky world are the two exceptional distilleries, Komagatake and Tsunuki. While both have been available on occasion in single malt form, they are almost never seen in the US as single casks, and typically a single barrel of either commands a significant premium. The company can trace its roots to the origins of Japanese whisky through their founder, Kiichiro Iwai. Just like Suntory, Hombo Shuzo was there from the start. It was in fact Iwai who enlisted Masataka Taketsuru to travel to Scotland in order to learn the age old techniques for making the world’s most complex whisky. Upon his return, Hombo was not able to construct the distillery, so Taketsuru-san took the plans to Suntory. But in 1949, Kiichiro Iwai would complete his dream of building pot stills and distilling Hombo’s own malt whisky. And while Iwai-san represents one of the three pillars of Japanese whisky, their modern commitment to the category rests squarely on the shoulders of one great man, Kazuto Hombo. Hombo-san is a true lover of the finer things, and his love of whisky kept the wonderful old stills running. His belief that Japanese whisky would one day be a worldwide success is singularly connected to the construction of the Nagano plant where the original stills were moved, and while Hombo-san was ahead of his time, the plant would see very little production over the next 30 years. He was ready when the whisky boom began and production restarted in 2014. Now Komagatake is making some of the world’s best whisky. Stylistically, the distillery offers an elegant and refined malt, but this single cask is truly superb. Peated to 20 ppm, you might expect something very smoky and forward, but instead you have an elegant, ultra complex expression of malt that is on par with the very finest available anywhere. Let’s dive in! One of the old single casks out there. The color is a shimmering yellow gold (0.5). The nose is an explosive mixture of maritime flavors and sweet orchard fruit: oyster shell, yuzu peel, galangal, creosote, white ash, pear preserves, licorice root, salted grilled lemons, and lanolin. The palate is razor sharp and chiseled, with a big citrus note and a strong saline character up front, followed by similar white ashy smoke, which does not dominate whatsoever the fresh, juicy fruit: greengage, apricot, green grapes. It absolutely adores water, softening the smoke and reminding me of a well matured, less tarry style Caol Ila. An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.

Price: $179.99

Limit of 6 per customer

2021 La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email

The 2021 La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino is the quintessential example of balance and one of the most consistently delicious wines in the appellation. While the single-vineyard bottlings explore specific terroirs, this normale bottling is the perfect synthesis of the estate's two distinct souls: the cool, aromatic elegance of Canalicchio (north) and the ripe, structured power of Castelnuovo dell’Abate (south). For those who don't know the history, the heart of La Gerla is the Colombaio podere, which originally belonged to the Biondi Santi family. This pedigree shines through in every glass.

Price: $69.99

KO: 96

2021 La Gerla "La Pieve" Brunello di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email

While most collectors know La Gerla for their elegant "Vigna gli Angeli" from the northern slopes, the "La Pieve" is the insider’s secret weapon—a single-vineyard Cru that showcases the powerful, brooding side of the estate. Sourced exclusively from their holding in Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the warm southern sector of Montalcino, this wine offers a striking counterpoint to the ethereal style of the north. The 2021 vintage is nothing short of majestic here. The vines, planted in 1997, have reached a level of maturity that translates into incredible depth and complexity. The nose is intense and captivating, offering layers of dark wild cherry, black plum, and blood orange, all framed by the signature savory herbs and balsamic notes that define the Castelnuovo terroir.

Price: $89.99

KO: 100

The Hearach 7 Year Old "Single Cask" K&L Exclusive First Fill ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel #1281 Cask Strength Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email

The wonderful little distillery on Harris consistently over delivers ultra high quality products at surprisingly reasonable prices. This barrel, the 2nd we've had from the lovely lightly peated Island, is takes the ocean-y house style up and turns it up to 11. There aren't many new distillers able to offer such exciting juice at a youthful age, but if you like anything off the western coast you'll surely love this beautiful barrel. It has some of the brackish notes of Skye, the elegance and serenity of Oban, the subtle oily character of Ben Nevis and the vibrant intensity of Caol Ila all wrapped up into one, not so peaty package. I'm a huge fan of this special distillery with many unique idiosyncrasies, yet unprecedented approachability, its certain to be one of the whisky world's favorites in the coming years.

Price: Hidden

The Hearach 7 Year Old "Single Cask" K&L Exclusive First Fill ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel #1281 Cask Strength Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 12/16/2025 | Send Email

What a lovely expression we have from the Island of Tweed itself. That’s right, the famous Harris Tweed of dapper suit fame originates on this very island, and this whisky comes from the first legal distillery ever built here. Appropriately enough, this is a sharply dressed dram. Aged for seven years in a first-fill Buffalo Trace barrel, this lightly peated whisky shines with a pale golden hue, immediately noticeable as you open the stunning, thoughtfully layered packaging. Inside, you’ll find detailed information on the whisky alongside a charming booklet celebrating the Isle of Harris and its history. On the nose, the dram bursts with green apples, honeysuckle, caramel candies, and a touch of wet granite. The first sip leans into its maritime roots, with a focused minerality wrapping around orchard fruits, tart cherries, mascarpone, smoked vanilla beans, and warm winter spices. Salty smoke carries the finish, with toffee-covered apples riding ocean waves until the next sip begins the journey all over again. This is a beautifully composed and impeccably dressed expression of both barrel and place, balanced in true island harmony.

Price: Hidden

2023 Bruno Giacosa "Valmaggiore" Nebbiolo d'Alba

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/16/2025 | Send Email

The 2023 Bruno Giacosa "Valmaggiore" Nebbiolo d'Alba is, year in and year out, one of the most distinguished and sought-after bottlings of the variety produced outside of Barolo and Barbaresco. If there were a classification system for the Roero region, the steep, sandy amphitheater of Valmaggiore would undoubtedly be a Grand Cru, and the Giacosa family has long been its unrivaled interpreter. This is a wine that consistently outperforms its appellation. In the 2023 vintage, which offered generous fruit and wonderful balance, this wine is simply singing. The Valmaggiore vineyard is famous for its steep slopes and almost pure sandy soils, a unique terroir that imparts a level of perfume and silkiness that the clay-heavy soils of the Langhe simply cannot replicate. The nose is an ethereal masterpiece of high-toned aromatics: crushed wild strawberries, raspberries, and white pepper are enveloped in a cloud of rose petals and violet pastille. It is incredibly fragrant and inviting. On the palate, the wine is defined by its elegance and finesse. It is medium-bodied with tannins that are remarkably fine and sandy, providing structure without any aggressive bite. This is Nebbiolo at its most graceful and transparent. It offers the complexity of a serious Barbaresco with the immediate drinkability and charm of the Roero. While it will certainly age beautifully for a decade, its primary appeal lies in its stunning perfume and silken texture right now. A benchmark wine that proves you don't need a heavy DOCG label to find greatness in Piedmont.

Price: $69.99

DC: 94

JS: 94

2023 Dusty Nabor "Bentrock Vineyard" Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 12/15/2025 | Send Email

The very name of this vineyard in the western Sta. Rita Hills is entirely fitting for the wines that this radical terroir expresses. The soils here are made up of huge chunks of flint or chert. This dense, hard rock was created as the diatomaceous parent material was bent, compressed and heated in the earth's crust by the unimaginable forces of the tectonic plates. The hills that skirt the south western edge of the appellation are formed from an uplift of this ancient seabed rock. The wines coming from here have a distinctive liquid rock, stony, salty mineral quality that is captured perfectly in this complex Chardonnay from Dusty Nabor. A young, up and coming winemaker, producing some of the most exciting wines from the region, Dusty's wines are not to be missed by folks of love more savory, mineral driven styles with tension, focus and precision. If you've enjoyed wines from Tyler, Domaine de la Cote, The Hilt, Sandi, and Ojai etc, you have to check these wines out. Really distinctive, compelling wines. And, of course, we have amazing pricing!

Price: Hidden

WE: 95

2021 TerraNoble "Azara" Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email

Founded in 1993, TerraNoble has built its reputation on producing high-quality Chilean wines that express the country’s diverse terroirs. Originally established in the Maule Valley, the winery now farms more than 360 hectares across Maule, Colchagua, and Casablanca, allowing it to highlight the distinct character of each region. TerraNoble’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity and balance: fermentations typically begin in stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness, while carefully managed aging—often with neutral French oak—adds depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Colchagua Valley, one of Chile’s premier red-wine regions, known for its warm days, cool nights, and strong influences from both the Andes and the Pacific coast. TerraNoble draws fruit from two contrasting sites: the Los Lingues vineyard (located in the Andes foothills) and the Los Cactus vineyard in Marchigüe (a coastal zone). The Andean vineyards feature deeper soils and a cooler climate, leading to later ripening, greater elegance, and round, polished tannins. In contrast, the coastal vineyards have thinner, sandier soils that produce firmer structure, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant tension on the palate. After destemming, the berries underwent a 3–4-day cold maceration, followed by 8–12 days of fermentation at 25–26°C with manual punch-downs for gentle extraction. The final blend—90% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 10% Syrah—was aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak, resulting in a full-bodied wine with expressive red fruit notes, a distinct herbal undertone, smooth and supple tannins, and a clear sense of place.

Price: Hidden

DS: 92

JS: 90

Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/11/2025 | Send Email

Olivier Bonville is one of the greatest winemakers in Champagne, not just in the Cotes du Blanc. I have more bottles created by him in my Champagne collection than from any other winemaker. This brand-new Maison 76, handpicked by Gary is a delicious addition of Olivier's other bottlings. There is a very fine bead and mousse with a creamy texture. The flavors are a delicious mix of tart (not overly so) citrus and crisp orchard fruits. Lemon cream and pear tartlets come to mind with the additional notes of shortbread and vanilla. The price is just as spectacular as the bubbles are. Don't wait!

Price: $44.99

Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Lilia McIntosh | Review Date: 12/10/2025 | Send Email

I love everything about this Champagne! It's creamy, it has freshly baked brioche and croissant like notes, its acidity is in perfect balance with lovely citrus fruit and it has lingering lemon curd note on the finish. This is perfect Champagne for large gatherings and any celebrations, stock up by the case!

Price: $44.99

2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Rabaja" Barbaresco Riserva