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Staff Favorites
| If you’re going to have Robert Parker or Stephen Tanzer over for dinner, selecting a wine they’ve rated highly will be a nice choice. However, when you’re buying wines for yourself, we’d love to see you find wines that match up your unique palate and pocketbook. We have a large staff of friendly and knowledgeable wine professionals that taste hundreds of wines each week. They can put you in touch with bottles that you are likely to love, often at a much lower cost than the highly-rated gems that often see a run-up in price and frequent availability issues. Like any great group of opinionated professionals, our staff has varied tastes themselves. Often our customers will find a particular staff member with a style that corresponds to their own. That concept works extremely well in our retail stores, and this section is our effort to bring you the same online. Don’t get us wrong, we love the highly rated wines from the press and will continue to offer them, but we think you’re missing out if you’re not augmenting those selections with picks from our excellent staff. Here are their favorites. (Click on a name to see their other selections - or to drop them a line.) Cheers! |
Reviews
Larceny 7 Year Old "Sylvia Suffers No Fools" K&L Exclusive Private Single Barrel #7757818 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)
By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
While the history of the wheated bourbon mashbill dates back to William Larue Weller’s original recipe from the 1840s, the style was not truly popularized until after Prohibition. During that era at the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery, Julian Van Winkle acquired another notable brand known for producing wheated bourbon, one named after former U.S. Treasury bond agent John E. Fitzgerald. Together, Weller and Old Fitzgerald came to define the wheated bourbon style, at least until Maker’s Mark entered the picture in the 1950s.
Today, with Heaven Hill owning the Fitzgerald line and Sazerac controlling the Weller and Pappy labels, a friendly rivalry persists over what constitutes the “real” wheated bourbon. In my opinion, it simply does not matter. What does matter is that Old Fitzgerald, along with its little brother Larceny, tends to fly under the hype radar that surrounds the others.
This Larceny private barrel can easily go head-to-head with a Weller Full Proof. It comes in one proof point hotter at 126, is seven years old, and delivers a profile that is just as sweet and bold, if not more so. The nose offers dry cedar, pineapple frond, dusty vanilla, Bing cherries, and butter croissants. On the palate, rich butterscotch and caramel lead, joined by peanut brittle, a touch of sea salt, and a layer of nectarine sweetness.
The finish evokes fresh sourdough bread in an old barn, with rich wood and grain settling together in perfect harmony. This is a beautiful and accessible wheated bourbon, and a legend in the making.
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2023 Rafael Cambra "Soplo" Garnacha Valencia
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
Rafael Cambra is a leading figure in the "new wave" of Valencian winemaking, known for his dedication to the preservation of rare indigenous grape varieties and working with a gentle hand in the winery. Growing up in a family that runs one of Spain’s most prestigious vine nurseries, supplying iconic estates like Vega Sicilia, Cambra brings a deep viticultural pedigree to his own project, established in 2001. His winemaking philosophy has gradually shifted from a traditional style to a more "hands-off" approach, utilizing organic farming, wild yeasts, and diverse aging vessels including egg-shaped concrete tanks, all in the quest to let the terroir speak. His 2023 “Soplo” Garnacha, made from 80% Garnacha, blended together with Monastrell and the rare Forcallà variety, is a vibrant, pure expression of this rugged Mediterranean region, balancing brooding bramble fruit notes with spicy, herbaceous undertones of wild fennel frond and dried oregano. Soplo translates to "breath" or "gust", and this wine is just that – a fresh approach to both Garnacha and Valencian wines. Favoring a slightly darker fruit profile than most Spanish Garnachas, with tart blackberry and juicy black currant notes, it also has the gently gripping tannins that make it an excellent option for pairing with a cheese and cured meats, or even grilled meats. And at under $15, this is a no brainer to pick up by the case to have on hand for quiet nights in!
2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
What an incredible bottle of Bordeaux! While this wine is dark and has an explosive nose of cassis and clean Pessac gravel, it remains very elegant in the mouth. This is the trick that only the best vineyards can perform, richness without heaviness, power with grace- balance. If you love Bordeaux, this is a great bottle to put in the cellar!
2022 Martin Ray Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
We have an incredible trio of sub-AVA Cabs from Martin Ray on offer today. For many years Martin Ray have sourced exceptional parcels of fruit from across Napa Valley in beyond based on decades of relationships in the business. The Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Mount Veeder bottlings represent the pinnacle of their production sourcing the best-of-the-best barrels for the small-production, AVA specific wines. The Mount Veeder bottling comes from a highly renowned but non disclosed site off Wall Road in the northern part of the AVA. This site has long produced some of the most highly acclaimed wines from the region. The wine is fermented in small, open-top fermenters, punched down by hand, and gently basket pressed. The wine is handled gently so as to not over extract the wine and overwhelm the incredible detailed nuances of the site. Ageing for the Veeder sees a more modest 50% new French oak for 18 months. The wine is a very classic expression of Veeder with mountain chaparral, cedar, leather and crushed volcanic rock intermingled with a more red fruited profile. Serious and structured but with elegant, long chain tannins. I love Veeder Cab for its retention and even amplification of the savory aspects of the grape that I love so much in Bordeaux and other cooler climate regions where it's grown. The vines here sit at significant elevation and the daytime highs are significantly cooler than the valley floor below. So, even in warm vintages like 2022, the Cabernet-ness doesn't get ripened out of the grapes. A beautiful wine with a more classically styled flavor profile. Our long relationship with Martin Ray allows us to bring you this incredible wines, with massive scores to you at very reasonable price points. Enjoy!
2022 Martin Ray Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/14/2026 | Send Email
We have an incredible trio of sub-AVA Cabs from Martin Ray on offer today. For many years Martin Ray have sourced exceptional parcels of fruit from across Napa Valley in beyond based on decades of relationships in the business. The Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Mount Veeder bottlings represent the pinnacle of their production sourcing the best-of-the-best barrels for the small-production, AVA specific wines. The Diamond Mountain bottling comes from one of the most historic sites in the region. Previously known as Constant Diamond Estate, this vineyard has a legacy dating back to the 1890s. Planted at the top of Diamond Mountain at 2,200ft elevation, many vines are terraced into the steep volcanic hillsides. The wine is fermented in small fermenters and matured 60% new French oak for 18 months. The wine has a vibrant, inky purple color, notes of graphite, lavender, tobacco box. The fruit is focused and pure, cassis, mulberry, and some briary tones add savory complexity. Quite structured and serious with a clear upside for ageing and positive development in the cellar for 5-8-10 years or more. Our long relationship with Martin Ray allows us to bring you this incredible wines, with massive scores to you at very reasonable price points. Enjoy!
2022 Le Haut Medoc de Giscours, Haut-Médoc
By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email
By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email
Sometimes you come across a wine that just says something to you. This said to me that for $30 you can sure get a hell of a banger bottle of Bordeaux for your table. This is just phenomenal for the price, I already know that most of the 2022 Bordeaux I've had have been just great, but this really feels like it's another level, and for a second wine that's pretty outstanding. Bright and pure cassis on the front, with cherry and bramble on the back of the nose. The palate is generous and lush, beautiful fruit, but with enough tannin that you really want a little fat, a little food, to make it just perfect. At least I did, but I'm kind of a tannin wuss sometimes. The fruit on the palate is super pure and lovely, there's oak in the back but it's playing second fiddle and just accentuating the beauty of the wine. This is just one of those bottles I could ramble about for ages, but just know it's a great wine at a great price and you'll have a great time. It's just great.
2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email
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.
2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email
By: John Downing | Review Date: 1/13/2026 | Send Email
Felsina remains one of the top estates in the Chianti region. They have managed to successfully blend traditional methods and modern techniques with exceptional results. Their 2022 Chianti Classico represents another outstanding wine that showcases the finest qualities of Sangiovese. Rich, flavor-packed berry fruit combined with soft tannins and fresh acidity make this ideal at the dinner table and versatile with a variety of dishes. It's also excellent with firmer cheeses and lighter fare.
2021 Anthill Farms "Bertoli Vineyard" Russian River Valley Old Vine Field Blend
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/12/2026 | Send Email
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.
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2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/11/2026 | Send Email
By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 1/11/2026 | Send Email
Very pretty almost slightly translucent in the glass, it's just this really gorgeous kind of deep blood ruby color. Remember, you drink with your eyes first. The nose just smells super classic in the best of ways, there's this dusky bramble-fruit and cherry compote note that dominates the front and then just a little bit of tomato leaf, and a high toned bright red note in the very back that mingles and mixes with some purple florals. The palate is bright with a little bit of tobacco at the very front that quickly gives way to bright red cherry and raspberry, but also some darker notes, black cherry and a little touch of blackberry but not too much. Then the acidity takes over the palate and cleans the way through, the tannins are relatively soft and incredibly approachable, the acidity easily winning the fight. This is such a stellar and drinkable bottle for just $20, it's got everything you want your Chianti to have and has this really gorgeous purity of fruit. Such a QPR King.
Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Craig Morris | Review Date: 1/9/2026 | Send Email
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
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.
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2022 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 1/9/2026 | Send Email
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.
Paul Clouet Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Lilia McIntosh | Review Date: 1/8/2026 | Send Email
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
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
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.
2023 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay
By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 1/3/2026 | Send Email
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.
2019 Clif Family "Cold Springs Vineyard" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/1/2026 | Send Email
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!
2019 Clif Family "Croquet Vineyard" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 1/1/2026 | Send Email
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.
2022 Mas de Sainte Croix "Passion d'Une Terre" Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Valréas
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/31/2025 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/31/2025 | Send Email
Vigneron Julien Coipel has always been an incredible host. Valréas sits a little off the beaten path, in the northern reaches of the Southern Rhône. It takes some effort to get there—winding roads and quiet countryside—so I usually save the visit for a Sunday, when Julien is available and generous enough to carve out time on his weekend. More often than not, the day ends with a long country lunch. On my last visit, his wife showed me her pottery studio, where I attempted to make my very first “vase.” At least, that’s what I was going for…
We tasted the newly bottled 2022s, and as always, Passion stood out immediately. It’s remarkable how much quality lives inside this bottle at such a humble price point. The vineyards sit at higher elevation, gently sloping hillsides that capture the softer morning sun. The wine opens with bright red raspberry fruit, layered with savory notes of tobacco and a subtle hint of sandalwood. There is plenty of fruit on the palate, but the tannins are polished and the finish impressively long and refined. Only neutral vessels are used, keeping the expression pure and transparent.
These are some of the most honest, authentic daily drinkers on the shelf—wines that feel as genuine and quietly thoughtful as Julien and his family themselves.
2020 Celler Pardas "Hermós" Brut Nature Corpinnat (Cava)
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/26/2025 | Send Email
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.
2023 Antonio Camillo Ciliegiolo
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/26/2025 | Send Email
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!
2023 Antech "Cuvée Eugenie" Extra Brut Crémant de Limoux
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/23/2025 | Send Email
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.
2022 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/22/2025 | Send Email
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.
2021 Mt. Brave Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 12/22/2025 | Send Email
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!
2014 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release)
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 12/19/2025 | Send Email
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!
2020 Paringa Estate "Peninsula" Shiraz Mornington Peninsula Victoria
By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 12/18/2025 | Send Email
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.
2020 Paringa Estate "Peninsula" Shiraz Mornington Peninsula Victoria
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/18/2025 | Send Email
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.
2025 Clos Henri "Estate" Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email
This brand spanking new arrival is the perfect Sauvignon Blanc for those of you who don't like grassy and sour Sauvignon Blancs. It has what you expect from NZ in the form of zingy acidity and minerality. What is not expected is the very pretty white flower and fresh key lime nose. On the palate, green fruits, green melon, kiwi and more lime. Slightly tropical edge. It finishes very clean with very nice acidity. This one is sure to convert fans of domestic Sauvignon Blanc over to those from New Zealand!
2021 La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/17/2025 | Send Email
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.
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
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.
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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
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.
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2023 Bruno Giacosa "Valmaggiore" Nebbiolo d'Alba
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/16/2025 | Send Email
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.
Cesar Florido Moscatel Especial Chipiona (375ml)
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email
What a fun style of sweet Sherry! Medium brown in the glass, with enticing aromas of roasted figs, brown sugar, golden raisins and spiced Christmas cake, this wine is sweet but not tooth-achingly so. Lighter on its feet than a PX, but still rich and unctuous on the palate, this would be a great pairing for dark chocolate or a crème Catalan, though to be honest it’s pretty delicious on its own, too.
Price:
$23.99
2025 Clos Henri "Estate" Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email
If on first sip you think this wine is Sancerre, you might be forgiven – Clos Henri is, after all, owned by Domaine Henri Bourgeois of the Loire Valley. They are Sauvignon Blanc specialists, producing both Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, but when they wanted to expand their holdings, they settled on the cool climate Wairau Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand. The newly released 2025 Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc fully represents the best of both countries – stunning minerality, racy acidity and French winemaking sensibility, balanced perfectly with the impeccable fruit purity of New Zealand. The estate draws organically-grown, dry-farmed fruit from three distinct soil types — glacial stones, wind-blown clay, and greywacke river gravels — which contribute structure and textural complexity. The palate is bursting with zesty grapefruit and pithy lime zest, but the palate is pure stony minerality, making you guess where exactly in the world this wine comes from. So restrained and elegant, this is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that defies expectations of what the country can produce and blurring the lines between the Old and New Worlds. Most importantly, it’s simply delicious – a refreshing, stony and citrus-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc that will have you reaching to pour a second glass.
2021 TerraNoble "Azara" Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua
By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 12/12/2025 | Send Email
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.
Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/11/2025 | Send Email
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
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 "Rio Sordo" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
Rio Sordo presents itself as a smooth and full-bodied wine with dark fruit flavors and a wide mouthfeel. The wine stands apart from others because of its round shape and soft tannins which make it easy for people to enjoy.
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Muncagota" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
Muncagota wine features a balanced character and bright personality which combines freshness with spicy notes. The wine exhibits detailed characteristics but lacks the thickness of Rabajà and Montestefano. Close observation of this cru produces satisfying results.
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Pora" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
The Pora vineyard produces its wines with the most open character because it grows its vines in sand-based soils along the Tanaro River. The wine presents soft floral notes while offering charm and it becomes drinkable first but improves with time.
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Paje" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
Pajè presents itself as a wine that links the intense structure of Montestefano to the lightness of Ovello through its combination of smoothness and earthy flavor. The wine shows its characteristics through tobacco notes together with iron and cherry skin aromas. The wine possesses refined complexity while remaining understated in its nature.
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Montefico" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
The wine Montefico presents itself as elegant while remaining compact in shape and delivers notes of graphite alongside roses and taut red berries. This wine appeals to wine enthusiasts who want a pure experience because it presents lifted scents together with mineral complexity. The Riserva wines from this cru typically display the highest level of transparency.
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco "Ovello" Barbaresco Riserva
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/5/2025 | Send Email
Barbaresco’s northernmost and largest cru, Ovello, creates structured Barbaresco wines that display high tones. The wine presents red fruit along with dried herbs and sharp acidity that will endure aging while offering the most energetic profile of the lineup.
2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/4/2025 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/4/2025 | Send Email
I was so excited to see this on the Douglas Laing list I jumped at the chance to taste this distillate. When the samples arrived I knew we had something special. Some might point to this barrel and exclaim about the price, and yes compared to many lesser names, this is an expensive 18 year old. But compared to other single barrel Bruichladdich this is EXTREMELY affordable. Single barrels of Bruichladdich from our friends at Dramfool traded for over $300 in the 10-12 year range. An 18 year from the Douglas Laing's rival Hunter Laing trades for over $400! So it's really a pretty good deal and simply the only old single barrel in the market. But all of that doesn't matter if you don't like how it tastes and for those expecting the big extracted wine-y style that many older Bruichladdichs exhibit (I'm looking at you Black Art) or even the toast-y character of the distillery 18, you'll be disappointed. Those who love the purity and character of old rugged Bruichladdich spirit on full display without any dressing or make-up - you'll rejoice. Let's see what we've got. The color is a minimalistic pale gold (0.3). The gorgeous nose offers classical aromatics - lemon oil, canary melons, cream of wheat, salty rocks, fresh salt meadows, butter cookies, barley tea, hints of industrial machinery, and old boats. The palate has plenty more of the lemon-y stuff with a big malt-y core and buttered salted biscuits. It's just a gorgeous old school version of this most modern malt that is seemingly not in existence elsewhere at the moment. Perhaps for some of the most discerning - this will be the whisky of the season.
Price:
$225.00
2013 Caol Ila 12 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/4/2025 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/4/2025 | Send Email
If you weren’t aware, I’m a total sucker for Caol Ila. It’s a very large distillery, but only a fraction of its total production makes it out as single malt. I’ve even heard rumors that significant quantities of unpeated malt are produced for their blending needs. One thing I love about Caol Ila is that, like some of its Islay neighbors, it’s remarkably multifaceted. It’s difficult to determine whether these stylistic ranges are intentional, like Bruichladdich, or seasonal, like Laphroaig, but we have three barrels this year of different styles and ages, each in classic refill hogsheads. The idea was to capture three faces of Caol Ila and present them at stupendous prices.
This second barrel from Old Particular is starting to offer a wilder side of the wonderful north shore distiller. The color is a bright yellow gold (0.4). The nose is powerful with green pepper, lime zesty, dense green peat and tense ashy smoke. There's some lovely soft oak to mellow a bit to already and hints of smoked meats. Dense dark ash smoke envelopes the palate and doesn't relent. Smoking embers, mesquite, dark roast wood, and a tense salty finish. A totally wonderful and unexpected side of this fabulous distillery.
Price:
$79.99
2022 Alexandre Le Brun "Cuvée Revelation" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
A true masterpiece of Meunier from some of the oldest living vines I have seen in Champagne. Half of the plot was planted in 1903, before both world wars. This comes from one plot behind the Le Brun family home and winery in the cold climate of Monthelon. This wine has a generous bouquet of both crisp pear and toasty pie crust, and in the mouth reveals real tarte tatin greatness, while never becoming heavy or loosing its balance. The combination of old vines, cold climate and Alexandre's long, slow fermentations has given you a chance to have one of the longest finishing, crisp, yet rich champagnes at a great price. Don't wait to long, he only made 2100 bottles, and he only allocated the USA 300 of them.
Price:
$69.99
Green River "Bronze & Beautiful" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Non-Chillfiltered Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
This wild barrel is such a contrast to the other one we bought, I simply couldn't say no. It's so open and lively, it simply jumped out in the tasting and was an immediate yes for me. Nothing more to add, so let's get to tasting. This one is a full two shades darker than the other barrel, clocking a solid tawny (1.4). The nose is absolutely explosive, offering dense raisin-y fruit, sweet crema di mocha, candied nuts, cinnamon apple fritter, and heated aspen. It's like eating an absolutely decadent dessert in an absolutely pristine dry sauna. On the palate, it's rich and sweet with burnt sugar, exotic wood, cooked peaches, pipe tobacco, and vanilla extract. With air, the density and intensity of both the nose and palate continue to smolder and build. This is simply a massive and powerful whisky that will likely shock some who snag it blindly.
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Green River "Owensboro's Aqueous Ore" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Non-Chillfiltered Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
The two barrels we have from Green River right now may change some skeptics' minds. There's an unfortunate negativity in the bourbon industry that exists with regards to Owensboro production, one stemming from some of the previous owners' early experimental efforts to accelerate the aging of the bourbons produced at this facility through somewhat questionable means, but the current production is perfectly lovely and certain barrels are downright exceptional. This 6.5 year old barrel of cask strength bourbon comes from the classic Green River mashbill at 21 percent rye and is simply delicious. A splendid chestnut color (1.2). The nose begins dark and nutty, but with just a bit of air it's clear there's a huge amount going on here. Sweet, almost molasses-like dense fruit, chocolate chip banana nut bread, cedar, sandalwood, toasted pecans, baking spices. It's very festive. On the palate it reminds me of OESQ from Four Roses with the candied floral and soft vanilla character right up front, honeysuckle, sweet tea, caramel candied, followed by a dark spicy finish. It's a totally fabulous and unique expression that kind of does different things on nose and palate and continues to evolve for ages in the glass.
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Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email
Frank August continues to impress with every new release. Their first rye was a tiny batch of Limited Edition, and now they're back with an always available small batch rye and winning equal praise from all who taste it. What I love about Frank's rye is that it isn't trying to be bourbon. So many Kentucky ryes rely on this to appeal to bourbon drinkers, but what they fail to realize is that if they'd make rye for rye drinkers, there would be more bourbon drinkers who consider themselves rye drinkers. Anyway, I like it. Let's have a taste. A sumptuous chestnut color (1.2). The nose opens slowly in the glass and offers beautiful evergreen and deep herbal character. As it unfolds, the sweetness of the oak melds lovingly with the dense peppery rye grain, giving it an almost antique vibe along with hints of nougat, chocolate, dill, pecan brittle, and clove. The palate is beautifully dusty and unabashedly rye driven with a huge core of dried citrus and stone fruit in the middle intermingled with robust savory herbs and tobacco. The medium finish offers soft pepper, dried mint, bitter orange, and smoldering oak. A truly lovely and unapologetic rye that straddles the modern and historic styles extremely lovingly.
Price:
$74.99