K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

Considered Extra Brut, Billecart-Salmon’s “Le Rosé” Champagne is composed of 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 20% Meunier. It luxuriated on its lees for 36 months. Its pale ballet-slipper pink makes my heart skip a beat. Drifting on bright notes of raspberry and fresh rose petals, lifted by finely grated lemon zest and fresh ginger, this is romance in a glass. Like an exquisite Mozart symphony, every note lands exactly where it should—as usual. You can never go wrong with Billecart-Salmon “Le Rosé.” For me, the answer is always oui.

Price: $94.99

Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne

By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

Here's my Valentine’s pick: Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne. Bright strawberry and citrus with a clean, crisp finish—dry, lively, and super easy to love. At $44.99, it’s festive and romantic, a no-brainer to pop, especially for Billecart Rosé lovers on a budget.

Price: $44.99

2019 Fallet-Dart "Pur Meunier" Champagne

By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

The 2019 Fallet Dart Pur Meunier is a textbook example of why Meunier deserves attention, focused, expressive, and beautifully balanced. Fresh pear and orchard apple lead, with chalky minerality and a clean, energetic finish. The mousse is refined, the fruit precise, and the style quietly confident. At $69.99, it’s a smart buy if you want real grower Champagne without the hype.

Price: $69.99

2023 Domaine Renaud Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru "Aux Chailloux"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

I always love the "Aux Chailloux" vineyard because of its close proximity to St. Veran. The vineyard of "Aux Chailloux" is one of the first vineyards you come across leaving St. Veran and entering into Pouilly Fuisse. Always mineral-driven the 2023 Domaine Renaud Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru "Aux Chailloux" is bright and zippy with citrus zest and flinty notes that give the wine great cut and drive. This is a fresh and lively white with excellent acidity and verve.

Price: Hidden

2022 Domaine Renaud Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru "Aux Bouthières"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

This wine is truly a treat, I love the fact that we still have wines left from the stellar 2022 vintage and they are drinking wonderfully right now. The 2022 Domaine Renaud Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru "Bouthieres" is no exception with excellent richness and structure that perfectly compliments the ample amount of Orchard fruits and zesty minerality. This wine has excellent complexity and the layers of flavors unfold to reveal an energetic, bright and bold Pouilly Fuisse.

Price: $39.99

Damien Hugot Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

By: Jackson Kelly | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

While all of Damien Hugot's wine are fantastic, the Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a clear favorite for me. Coming from two Grand Cru vineyards, this mineral-driven champagne is complex and crisp, with notes of brioche, citrus, and stone fruits on the palate and a long, dry finish. For $50, this wine represents some of the best value in Extra Brut champagne, a truly delicious champagne at a killer price.

Price: $49.99

2021 Donvitantonio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

The Donvitantonio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a fun expression of one of Italy's most beloved red grapes. Presenting bold flavors rustic charm and outstanding value. Coming from the rugged hills of Abruzzo this wine captures the spirit of the region where Montepulciano grows in clay, really fertile soil. This region benefits from coastal and mountain breezes. On the nose it opens with ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry. In really Italian style it has notes of tobacco, leather, and wild herbs. The smell is rich and intense. It has really smooth tannins, really easy to drink. I can find notes of dark chocolate, licorice and earthy spice that adds depth. What sets this wine apart is its beautiful balance between original flavor and drinkability. Winemaking methods focus on maintaining the purity of the grapes with stainless steel fermentation and minimal intervention. Montepulciano is incredibly food friendly. For those looking for a classic Italian red wine with unique flavor and character. The 2020 Donvitantonio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a must-try. This is the ultimate relaxing wine. Suitable for a casual evening or large social gatherings. A true taste of Italy's rustic charm.

Price: $13.99

JS: 90

1926 Vaghi Vintage Armagnac

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

What a time capsule we have here. As you delicately open the bottle, you are immediately introduced to 100-year-old liquid that demands your full attention. When a century of history approaches, you listen, you pause, you reflect, you admire, and you savor. This is a true taste of history, and it is well worth your time. The nose greets you with elegant notes of espresso, rich cacao, caramelized brown sugar, and a subtle herbaceous lift that invites you into the journey. On the palate, those themes continue, with coffee and dark chocolate leading the way alongside sweet basil, charred orange oil, and musty, well-aged wood. The finish lasts nearly as long as this beautiful liquid rested, feeling like decades before the rich elegance slowly fades. It is a reminder that time itself is a journey worth taking.

Price: $599.99

2022 Gemstone "Facets" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 2/4/2026 | Send Email

Here's a rare chance to get your hands on a beautifully crafted Napa Cabernet, made by one of the most famed winemakers of a generation, for a price that is almost too good to be true. We have a razor sharp, Insider's Advantage price on this 95-point stunner, made by Julien Fayard! At more than 40% off, this wine out performs anything else in this price point. Lush, rich, full-bodied Cab, with tons of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, new leather, sweet oak spice, and hints of pencil shavings. Very silky, polished tannins, easy drinking, but definitely mouth filling and powerful. Load up and enjoy for the next 5-8 years and beyond.

Price: Hidden

DC: 95

2016 Mastrojanni "Vigna Schiena d'Asino" Brunello di Montalcino

By: Jackson Kelly | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

2016 was a wonderful year for Sangiovese and Mastrojanni's 2016 "Vigna Schiena d"Asino" Brunello is a true testament to the greatness of the vintage. The nose opens with red fruit and licorice, the palate has notes of black cherry, herbs, and a touch of salt, and the finish is long and smooth, complemented by a salty note and nice minerality. A truly exceptional wine, buy while you can.

Price: $189.99

2021 Gaja Barbaresco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

The "Annata" is shaping up to be a modern classic. 2021 was a vintage of structure and tension. This wine is tight, focused, and built for the long haul—a true cellar candidate.

Price: $349.99

2024 Rendez-Vous Côtes-du-Rhône Villages by K&L Wine Merchants

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

On the nose, there's a beautiful freshness that shows the relative youth of this wine. There's something hauntingly dark and brambley on the nose, which I don't normally expect this kind of depth at this price. Blackberry, a little bit of dried herbs, a touch of blue fruit, this is promising to be kind of a big guy. Alright, it's got big fruit that has a little bit of creaminess to it, but the tannins are really super well-integrated and subtle giving the whole wine a real juiciness and approachability. This is your every day easygoing bottle of wine that you open up when you get home, have a glass to wind down, another one while you cook and the rest with dinner. It's just so easy and friendly. Good job, Keith.

Price: $12.99

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

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

A very full nose gives me pause for a moment, note because I mind, but just because it has a rich complexity to it that I really find engaging. There's citrus in the back, and applepear in the front, but along the edges there's lots of white flowers and a touch of barrel spice both kind of dangling out there. The palate is surprisingly rich and robust, lots of depth and beautiful line of acidity tracing around the outside. There's just so much going on here, I want to take more time, but the play must go on and there are more reviews to write. This really has everything that you want a bottle of Champagne to have, including a slightly more fancy looking bottle. Don't ever forget, we drink with our eyes first.

Price: $99.99

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

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

Really lovely nose with this kind of jasmine note with really lovely rich pear note that floats through the whole thing and really makes this so precious. The palate is just gorgeous with more pear, but some crisp green apple comes in as well, and more white flowers with this really striking chalky finish that really makes you want to take another sip. This is just a perfect bottle of Champagne that you just love to love. It's so easy and generous and at the top of the mid-range price-wise, but dollar for dollar you get what you are paying for here without a single doubt. Lovely. I said that before, but it's just so lovely you want to overuse a word, you know?

Price: $64.99

A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

This is from a perpetual reserve from 2005, and it really has all the benchmarks of something like that. There's this abyssal depth that just draws you in such a deep and lovely nose and then an equally deep and lush palate. This is just fantastic, and for the age of the overall solera, incredibly fresh, with this incredibly deep apple note that I really love. This is such an amazing bottle of Champagne at this price, and really is one of the best values that we have for sale right now in Champagne.

Price: $39.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

I mean, yeah. This is the one for most people, including myself, that when they think about that indulgent bottle of Champagne that they splurge on now and then. Unless you're of a higher tax bracket than myself, in which case, it's the go to Champagne that you know you're going to enjoy. Either way, it's a great rosé and really the epitome of a light rosé Champagne for most people. The nose is a little more fruit-forward than I remember from the past, but nothing wrong with that for me. It's got bright and ripe strawberry along with a little bit of lemon curd behind that, the palate is delicious, with really bright raspberry twining with the lemon as it moves through your palate. Top notch acidity, of course, and just a really beautiful very slightly pithy finish. Me likey.

Price: $94.99

Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

While most Champagne houses make their rosé Champagne by adding red wine to white, Laurent Perrier makes it through the saignée method which is 100% Pinot Noir cold soaked to impart color from the skins. All that being said, this is pretty darn good, it's a slightly richer style of rosé than others but there's nothing wrong with that at all. The nose has a little bit of spice from being full Pinot, there's really pretty and precious fruit there with raspberry flowers and a seared strawberry on the nose, and then the palate is lovely and ripe with a mid-richness and touches of crunchier fruits, with a little bit of cranberry to accompany the raspberry and strawberry, and then a little lemon to tie the whole thing together. This is a great bottle of Champagne from one of the greatest Champagne Houses. Need I say more?

Price: $94.99

Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

I really love a light and pretty rose, there's something beautiful about drinking the ephemeral and whenever I get the chance I always opt for something pretty over something robust. This is just so pretty, so light and lovely and that translates to the nose, this is so fresh with a little bit of strawberry, some apple, and then lemon on the nose. The palate is light with just the faintest little grip from the red wine added as part of the whole process, and there's a little raspberry note singing in the background to accompany the strawberry, along with some blood orange, and just delicious and slightly deep lemon curd. This is just fantastic and exactly what you need after a hard day, it's like a liquid hug. At least it is for me, your mileage and experience in hugs may vary. It's absolutely worth the price of admission, and some other Champagne houses would charge twice as much for the same quality... and do. This is your smartest light and pretty rosé by a longshot.

Price: $44.99

Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

Of all the direct imports that we carry, Fallet Dart is one of the producers you can count on always leaving things on the lees long enough to bring out the brioche-y baguette characteristics that some people are really looking for. Even this, the Grand Selection, their entry point has lots of beautiful touch of baguette crumb in the nose that forms this foci that the fruit surround and kind of dance about as you let the nose evolve. While there's lovely apple, I also get a touch of quince, and lots of bright and sweeter lemon notes. The palate is fantastic, beautiful light and small bubbles a little bit of toasted brioche and then pretty crisp apple accompanied by lemon flowers, lemon candy, and lemon zest. It's just perfect and perfectly fresh while really embodying the more lees-forward style of Champagne. Delicious.

Price: $39.99

Wine Club

$34.99

Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

Dollar for dollar, this has historically been one of my favorite Champagnes that we carry. Now, I admit, I will say that about a large majority of our Champagnes, because they're mostly all my favorites, but that's not the point of this. The point is, that if you want a Champagne that's a little more fruit forward, but with a nice clean freshy finish on the back this is absolutely the one for you. This is an applepear delicious experience the whole way through, and a little bit more depth than some of the other offerings we have, definitely mid-rich with enough around that to justify it and enough acidity to make sure it still ends incredibly fresh. Aaron loves it.

Price: $49.99

2019 Fallet-Dart "Pur Meunier" Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

I know I've mentioned before that Meunier is probably my favorite Champagne grape, it's always been what I've found to be most food friendly for my palate and it just pairs with everything in my experience. This is just amazing stuff, I've enjoyed Fallet-Dart in the past and definitely recommended it but the current lineup we have makes me feel like I've been missing out nonetheless. This Pur Meunier is just ridiculously good, there's this touch of dried pineapple on the nose that is so perfect and pretty it gives me pause. Behind that I smell more yellow fruit, and only then it goes a into citrus with a little touch of blood orange, but also there's a bright lemon shining through at the end. The palate is just everything that I could have dreamed it would be, there's a savory mid-point though there's a lot of fruit around it so it feels shorter, and then there's a slightly saline minerality on the finish that just lingers and holds on. Despite my wide vocabulary I lack the words to adequately explain to you exactly how much I love this particular bottle of Champagne. It's pretty darn tootin' good, y'all.

Price: $69.99

Damien Hugot Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

An almost ephemeral nose on this, it's got little bits of jasmine, a little bit of leesy complexity and then it leans into a soft apple with bright lemon candy. The palate is incredibly fresh with layers of citrus and chalk that really bring everything together, this is absolutely top tier Champagne. We're so fortunate to have these direct imports that Gary has painstakingly sourced. Do I talk enough about how lucky we are to have Gary Westby as our Champagne buyer? He's a phenomenal person and some might say peerless in his particular bailiwick, he brings in these amazing Champagnes that make our jobs a lot easier, since they're all of such impeccable quality. Thanks Gary.

Price: $49.99

Damien Hugot Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 2/3/2026 | Send Email

There's little touches of brioche complimented by the traditional applepear and little touches of a floral lemon. The palate is beautiful, there's a little bit of juiciness from the dosage that keeps it from being too austere, there's both fresh lemon and lemon candy. This is just such a good bottle of Champagne for the price, it's got all the hallmarks of a nice freshy but with just enough on the nose to bring in people who need that bit of baguette or brioche. Phenomenal.

Price: $42.99

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: Hidden

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

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

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

2024 Raineri (Ca Dei Folli) Piemonte Barbera

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 1/23/2026 | Send Email

We’ve all been there—trying to decide what to eat for dinner only to be gripped by option paralysis. Deciding what to drink with pizza, pasta, burgers, or a good movie and snacks also presents its challenges. This 2024 Raineri (Ca Dei Folli) Piemonte Barbera would fit the bill most nights. It’s a delicious red wine—full stop. Fresh, lively, and juicy with bright cherry, pomegranate, finely ground black pepper with a playful red cherry and violet finish. It’s a great bottle to keep on hand for midweek sipping or when friends show up unannounced. Serve with a light chill. Now if only I could not spend an hour deciding what to stream on YouTube.

Price: $14.99

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: Hidden

2005 Verdignan, Haut-Médoc

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

2005 is one of the best recent vintages from Bordeaux, and this Haut Medoc from Chateau Verdignan represents not only some of the best value from that vintage but from all of Bordeaux. This wine is medium-bodied and smooth, with notes of dark fruit, oak, and leather. The finish is long and elegant, driven by velvety tannins that have benefited from 20 years of age.

Price: $29.99

WS: 90

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

2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico

By: Carlo Delgado | Review Date: 1/17/2026 | Send Email

Flavors of black and red cherries, tomato on vine, along with savory notes of thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Some aeration reveals hints of leather, dried leaves, and potting soil. Nicely textured tannins on the long finish. A solid, classic expression of the category with more weight on the mid-palate than other Chianti. This will pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore one of my favorite categories.

Price: $24.99

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: $99.99

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

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

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

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