K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/3/2025 | Send Email

Frank August is a refreshing take on the bourbon category. Not caught up in any old tropes, this is just really well put together bourbon from a couple of good guys who seem to know everybody. Again, Kentucky is all about who you know and while very little can be divulged about the sources and methods here, I think the whiskey speaks for itself. It's safe to say that this is coming from a well-regarded distillery and the blending is done by an industry veteran who has taken the idea of small batch to a whole new level. Blends matter a lot at this scale and this inaugural batch is tasting pretty stellar. The style isn't a baseball bat to the palate like some of the geeks might want these days, but instead a subtle and elegant expression of bourbon that's rarely on display in the modern market. Let's taste it! The lovely reddish hue tells us that this one is maybe a bit older than some others on the market. The nose is a deft and well-aligned bouquet of caramel candies, toasted vanilla, baked clove, and other aromatic spices. Hints of cacao, burnt sugar, and dried fruit support. The texture is rather rich and unctuous with a full body but no heat at 100 proof. No oddness or distinctive flavors beyond the classic, elegant, and well-rounded character of an excellent medium-aged Kentucky bourbon. The finish is long and inviting, offering tons of sweetness and tempering the spice that lingers on the front palate. It's hard to say where this was sourced exactly, but very few of the luxury brands offer such opulence and well-rounded charisma. I'd say it's safe to say that this is better than most every new product we've come across, and there are many. Frank August might sacrifice power for elegance and completeness, but no good bourbon drinker will be disappointed and the openness allows even the most novice entry into this still somewhat hard-to-parse category. Plus the bottle looks awesome and doesn't scream or shout, just looks pretty on the bar for as long as you can keep it full, which likely won't be long.

Price: $74.99

2023 K&L Discovery Series Rhône, Gigondas "Tank 11 by Moulin de la Gardette"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 12/2/2025 | Send Email

Super fruit-filled nose that jumps out of the glass at you, bright and juicy red and black fruits present upfront, black cherry, black currant, raspberry, a little bit of sweet cranberry, and then there's this laurel leaf component that jumps out towards the end of the bouquet. The palate is super juicy too, but the combination of acidity and tannin kind of work together to give the palate a bit of a gentle decrescendo that pushes towards more savory mid-palate notes and a mixed finish where the fruit and the savory compete. The mid-palate has dried green herbs, a little hinted touch of oil cured olive, and a bit of barrel spice showing. This is really such an easy and nice bottle of wine for the price, proving yet again that these Discovery wines are an excellent bang for the buck. In my opinion, they still overdeliver for their price considering what they are, and this is so exception. This is just such a really nice Tuesday wine for the price, and it really gives a lot more than other $20 bottles in the same range. This is special stuff, and I really enjoyed it.

Price: $19.99

2023 K&L Discovery Series Rhône, Gigondas "Tank 11 by Moulin de la Gardette"

By: John Downing | Review Date: 12/2/2025 | Send Email

Tasting this wine has only reinforced my confidence in our Discovery Series of imported wines. For me, it's remarkable that we can offer a world-class Gigondas at a Cotes-du-Rhone price point. It captures the essence of Southern Rhone as it combines expressive red fruit flavors with classic Mediterranean accents. This is a classic that comes with our highest endorsement!

Price: $19.99

2023 K&L Discovery Series Rhône, Gigondas "Tank 11 by Moulin de la Gardette"

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 12/2/2025 | Send Email

When I was in the Rhône this past March and April, I visited dozens of producers and spent several days at a traveling wine fair, tasting with dozens more. But it would have been criminal of me not to carve out time for Jean-Baptiste Meunier of Moulin de la Gardette, one of my favorite producers in one of my favorite crus—Gigondas. We’ve worked with JB for decades now, and I consider his wines among the truest, most terroir-driven expressions in the region. Part of this buying trip was reconnecting with our longtime partners, scouting new talent, and hunting for opportunities for our Discovery Series label. Naturally, JB was my first stop in Gigondas. His wines have always felt like pure Gigondas—capturing the essence of the marl and limestone soils and layered with the perfume of the surrounding garrigue. That coastal scrub, rich with natural oils from thyme, bay, and lavender, subtly inflects the wines with the unmistakable character of the place. During our visit, I noticed a tank off to one side and asked about its contents. This was the wine JB uses to top off barrels, round out his cuvées, and eventually sell the remainder to a négociant for blending. The vessel was simply marked Tank 11. Out of curiosity, I asked to taste it—and was immediately surprised. The wine was vibrant and fruit-filled, bursting with black raspberry, lavender, strawberries, and that classic hint of bay leaf. It was fleshy yet lifted, expressive yet effortlessly drinkable. JB’s Tradition and Ventabren bottlings tend to be deeper, more savory, and more structured—beautiful wines that reward time in bottle. What struck me about Tank 11 was its accessibility: supple, open-knit, and welcoming, yet still unmistakably Gardette and unmistakably Gigondas. It captured the region’s personality with a truly user-friendly attitude—exactly what we look for in a Discovery wine. As an aside, the wine has just landed in our warehouse, and I opened my first bottles upon arrival. There’s always a moment of suspense—tank samples can shift as they settle into bottle. But tasting it again, I was transported right back to the cellar several months ago. All of its generosity, brightness, and openness are intact. This is one of the most delightful Gigondas I’ve tasted in years and exactly what the Discovery Series is meant to highlight: wines of place, character, and value. I think you’ll agree—this is one of the best-drinking Rhône wines on our shelves right now.

Price: $19.99

2021 Raineri "Perno" Barolo

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/1/2025 | Send Email

Perno is a fascinating cru in Monforte. It sits on a ridge that catches the wind, often producing wines that are more austere and “intellectual” than their neighbors. Raineri’s take is stunning. It opens with notes of wild mint, iron, and crushed rose petals. On the palate, it is tense and vertical, with fine-grained tannins that grip but don’t punish. This is Barolo for purists—elegant, savory, and precise. A wine that will evolve beautifully for decades.

Price: $49.99

DC: 94

JS: 93

2024 Raineri (Ca Dei Folli) Piemonte Barbera

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 12/1/2025 | Send Email

Barbera is the wine that fuels Piedmont, and this is Barbera as it should be: juicy, vibrant, and unpretentious. Sourced from the Ca’ dei Folli vineyard, this is all about bright red cherry fruit, zippy acidity, and a soft, approachable texture. It’s a wine made for the table—perfect for a plate of tajarin or a simple pizza. It reminds you why Barbera is the people’s wine.

Price: $14.99

Green River "Owensboro's Aqueous Ore" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Non-Chillfiltered Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 11/28/2025 | Send Email

With a history dating back to 1885, Green River has recently surged back into the spotlight, earning multiple awards for its whiskey lineup. Their bourbons showcase exactly why the 10th-oldest license in Kentucky still matters. This K&L Private Barrel pick, affectionately named “Owensboro’s Aqueous Ore,” is a beautiful example of the character that makes their bourbon so compelling. It strikes a seamless balance of sweet and savory, fruity and herbal, woodsy and spicy, all wrapped into one generous pour. The nose opens with orange peel, caramel popcorn, caraway, roasted peanuts, and a subtle hint of soy sauce. The palate follows with touches of cacao, charred oak, cloves, anise, spearmint, and a whisper of forest floor. It all comes together in a finish that marries rye spice and vanilla with impressive poise. At 121.6 proof, it carries some heat, so a splash of water helps settle the structure and reveals even more kettle corn, spicy sweetness, and a lingering herbal lift. A confident, layered bourbon from a revitalized classic well worth savoring.

Price: Hidden

Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Crémant d'Alsace

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 11/28/2025 | Send Email

Love everything about Rose Champagne except the price? I have the perfect solution for you, drink Pierre Sparr Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose which at more than 50% off most Roses from Champagne gives you an almost identical experience. Sour cherry, spice, red licorice and subtle red flower aromas greet you on the nose while the palate is fresh and bright with cherry, red licorice and spice notes all intertwined perfectly against a brisk backdrop of acidity and verve. Surprisingly complex and full-bodied this a wonderful Rose that you can afford to drink more often.

Price: $19.99

WE: 93

Pierre Sparr "Réserve" Crémant d'Alsace Brut

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 11/28/2025 | Send Email

This wine is an exceptional value!! It easily stands toe-to-toe with any sparkling wine from around the world in a similar price point. A rich, creamy mousse is followed up by white flower and zesty citrus notes with an underlining note of limestone that echoes throughout this wonderful sparkler. A great everyday or special celebration wine I cannot believe the quality here for such a low price, if you have been buying Prosecco, Cava or sparkling wines from other regions of the world you owe it to your self to check out the Pierre Sparr Cremant d'Alsace Brut.

Price: $19.99

DC: 95

WE: 92

Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 11/25/2025 | Send Email

What a bottle! The lavish use of reserve wines in this bottling really set it apart from anything else that we have in stock; this wine has a texture, a drinkability, and a hidden complexity that is rare to find in any bottle, let alone one that is under $50. The value that our large volume buy has delivered is top notch. Grand Cru, especially Côte des Blancs Chardonnay Grand Cru is hardly ever spoken about as a bargain, but this is an exception. It has always been my dream to supply the champagne drinker, the champagne lover top notch wines that can be purchased by the case and consumed, and for me, this is one of bottlings that has made my dream come true. All I wanted in it was everything- classy baguette toast, subtle white flowers, a creamy texture, and a fresh finish with chalky minerality for days. And, as usual, the Bonville family delivered!

Price: $44.99

2021 Cristom "Meredith Mitchell Vineyard" McMinnville Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/25/2025 | Send Email

Fairly bold and expressive on the nose, this opens up strong with dusky cherry, raspberry, just a touch of something lightly creamy, and then a couple kinds of spice on the finish. The palate is very similar, with a kind of friendly boldness, the fruit is super juicy, both due to it coming across super fresh and also the great line of acidity that pushes through the whole palate, shoving tannin aside as the fruit and acid mix on the lingering finish, a little bit of barrel spice coming through as well but outmatched in the end. This is definitely a bit more friendly to pop and pour with how expressive the fruit is, but I would absolutely put this on my holiday table as well or just whenever I wanted a little bit more assertive of a Pinot Noir that still has great acidity and a good structural depth overall. This is fantastic.

Price: Hidden

Kilchoman "Sanaig" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: Stephanie Manning | Review Date: 11/24/2025 | Send Email

There are some whiskies that feel like old friends, and for me, Sanaig is one of them; it was the very first whisky I drank on my very first trip to Scotland. One sniff, and I’m back on Islay’s ragged coast at sunset, waves crashing. It has since become one of my favorite daily drams, an absolute go-to when the weather begins to turn crisp. It opens with a captivating blend of peat smoke and fruit (I taste ripe blackberry), interwoven with rich chocolate and a touch of maritime salinity. Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso barrels, the dried fruit from the sherry tones down the 50 ppm peat level, creating an expertly balanced slow sipper. Upon visiting Kilchoman, I was struck by its remoteness; one can walk miles without seeing another soul. A 25-minute stroll leads to the pristine sand beaches of Machir Bay (the namesake of their other signature release). Family-owned, the distillery gets close to being entirely farm-to-table; they own their own peat bogs and barley fields, but must source a portion of their grains from the mainland to meet demand. Whisky nerds should know that Kilchoman is one of the few distilleries that still practice floor malting, giving them more control over their finished product. For those who want to explore a range of flavors in a single glass, who like a touch of peat and sweet without the heat— this is the dram for you.

Price: $69.99

2024 Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/24/2025 | Send Email

Forget everything you think you know about Lambrusco! This is the real deal—a seriously delicious, bone-dry, sparkling red that is the absolute life of any party. The Medici Ermete "Concerto" is an icon and a game-changer. It was the first Lambrusco to ever win the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award, and it continues to rake in accolades for a reason. Made from 100% Lambrusco Salamino, this wine explodes from the glass with a gorgeous ruby-red color and a lively violet froth. The nose is all about pure joy: think a bowl of fresh-picked strawberries, tart cherries, and wild raspberries. On the palate, it's crisp, vibrant, and totally refreshing. This is not sweet; it's a perfectly balanced, dry bubbly with a light tannic grip that makes it ridiculously food-friendly. It’s the hero of the December dining table, built to slice through rich holiday foods. Serve this chilled with... well, everything! From the holiday charcuterie board and prosciutto-wrapped dates to a rich lasagne or even the Christmas ham. Must try with Bolognese Pasta!!!

Price: $24.99

Wine Club

$17.99

2023 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/24/2025 | Send Email

Before Ridge’s 2023 Lytton Springs was awarded Wine Spectator’s #3 Wine of the Year in 2025, it had already picked up a casual 98-point score from Jeb Dunnuck! As one of the most historic vineyards and wineries in the state, the team at Ridge never take their status and success for granted. They’re always looking for ways to improve their farming and winemaking, and take their role as stewards of these 100+ year-old vineyards very seriously. The 2023 Lytton is truly magical. The very cool growing season and late harvest in 2023 really played to the strengths of these historic, heritage vineyards. The wine possesses a natural old vine concentration, great depth and layered complexity from the field blend, but also wonderful purity and freshness from the pristine fruit. A legend in the making here.

Price: $49.95

JD: 98

DC: 96

WS: 95

Ca' Del Bosco "Cuvée Prestige" Franciacorta

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 11/21/2025 | Send Email

Ca' Del Bosco "Cuvée Prestige" Franciacorta blends 75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco, and 15% Pinot Nero, all made with remarkable attention to detail. This sleeping beauty rested 25 months on its lees. The final assemblage includes 20–30% reserve wines from top vintages, adding depth and complexity. Subtle notes of pear, quince, and zesty Meyer lemon curd mingle with hints of lightly toasted bread, while a smoky, flinty minerality brings elegance and a serious personality. This is unmistakably not Champagne—and that’s precisely what makes it so intriguing. Consider me a fan!

Price: $49.99

2022 Raúl Pérez "Ultreia St-Jacques" Mencía Bierzo

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 11/21/2025 | Send Email

Often cited as one of the Spain’s most visionary winemakers, Raúl Pérez pioneered the "New Spain" movement and played a crucial role in highlighting the cool-climate Bierzo region in Northwestern Spain and its signature Mencía grape. The Ultreia St. Jacques is his signature entry-level red, made from a Mencía-dominant field blend that also includes Bastardo (Trousseau), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Palomino, and Doña Blanca, all from old vines planted between the 1890s and the 1940s across Bierzo. The grapes are fermented in very large open top wooden casks (13000L) and 50-60% whole clusters are included to add floral and spicy notes. Perez also includes a 60-day post-fermentation maceration, followed by aging in neutral oak barrels and puncheons. Perez’s winemaking philosophy is centered on minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's unique character to express itself with transparency and elegance. The resulting wine is brilliantly fuchsia in color, and juicy, vibrant, and expressive on the palate with crunchy pomegranate and wild blackberry notes, subtle licorice spice, faint lilac, and distinctive minerality. A subtle underlying current of forest floor, fallen leaves and wild herbs ties everything together. This is a wild that perfectly balances wild – almost sauvage – forest notes with elegance, finesse and restraint. Gently reminiscent of a Cru Beaujolais or a Northern Rhône Syrah, this is a wine that showcases another side of Spain – one that is centered around elegance, terroir and quiet power.

Price: $24.99

JG: 93

JS: 93

RP: 93

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 11/20/2025 | Send Email

Bruichladdich is one of those rare distilleries that has consistently pushed the boundaries of expression and innovation in Scotch whisky. As a historic non-peated whisky from Islay, a true outlier in its region, its return to prominence in the early 2000s and its expansion into peated lines like Port Charlotte and the ever-evolving Octomore has given us some of the most fun and unique scotches in the world. The distillery often draws heavily from its cask program, experimenting with nearly every type of barrel imaginable. They even show you online exactly which casks went into any particular batch, making the entire process transparent and easy to explore. One of my favorite things about Bruichladdich is that no matter the expression, there is always something in the foundational spirit that reveals its identity. Shortbread and a touch of paper mâché seem to hide under the dominant flavors of the first-fill casks, and I love it. Getting our own expression that rested for eighteen years in a refill hogshead, a cask that offers less influence from any prior liquid and more from the oak’s natural maturation, is a wonderful way to get closer to what makes this distillery so special. The shortbread shows itself immediately, like Nilla wafers tossed into an orchard fruit salad coated in honey. The palate dances between dry and sweet, offering raw vanilla bean, dried apricot, hard caramel candies, and a hint of ginger. The ginger carries through the finish, merging with the pastry notes and leaving a lingering wave of spicy fruit. A touch of water tames the 57.6 percent ABV and reveals even more caramel, butterscotch, and soft baking spice. This is a stellar expression from a stellar house and worth enjoying during the holidays or any time of year.

Price: $225.00

2013 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon" Extra Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 11/20/2025 | Send Email

This spectacular rosé has been my favorite release all year for this category. The masters of pink bubbles at Billecart pulled out all the stops for this 2013, and I think this might be the best Elisabeth I have ever tasted. With an incredible subtle brioche and maraschino like pinot nose and a texture that only over 9 years of ageing on the lees can provide, the best part about this wine is the finish. The ultra long finale has pure clean pinot, deep white chalk in a peacock tail like display carried on a wave of fresh acidity. Don't miss this one- it is for the ages!

Price: $229.99

VN: 97

JS: 96

Alexandre Le Brun "Tradition" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/19/2025 | Send Email

Alexandre Le Brun, a 9th generation winemaker, has created another gem of a bubbly. Due to its low dosage, minerals jump out of the glass on the nose. Newest release shows a touch of butter, stone fruits, apricot and oak spice. Main flavors are golden apple and roasted nuts, with light savory spice. Wonderfully delicious! On the palate, it comes across more fully with rich yellow fruits and bright red cherries. The fullness of the palate is balanced very well by the long finish, which has lingering acidity and minerality. The magnums represent an extremely wonderful value combined with age ability. I keep one (at least!) in the cellar at all times. I find that this bottling can be used as a wonderful apéritif before a dinner or can be served with pork, fowl and fish dishes amongst mant other foods. Alex is our smallest small-estate producer, and his wines are very limited, so don't wait. a magnum of this quality under $100.00 is not to be missed!

Price: $79.99

2013 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon" Extra Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/18/2025 | Send Email

My goodness, what an absolute treat. I'm not typically someone who likes surprises, but if more surprises were like this, I would probably be much more amenable. This is the latest vintage release the Cuvee Elizabeth, and why oh my this is just all kinds of wonderful. The nose is just shining with these really pretty hints of rose, and this super pure Alpine Strawberry note, then there's a little bit of red apple skin, and this little touch of lemon oil on the finish all with this kind of slightly toasted brioche note wafting through the whole bouquet. The palate is so crisp and refreshing, with this kind of hidden juiciness that pops in on the mid palate and works through the finish. There's a touch of blood orange, lemon peel, green apple, more brioche, and a lingering mineral finish really pushes it over the edge. This is one of the best Champagnes I've tasted this year, absolutely outstanding and worth every penny. I might have this one for my birthday that's coming up, it really tickled a lot of the right places for me.

Price: $229.99

VN: 97

JS: 96

2022 De Conciliis "Bacioilcielo" Paestum Rosso IGP Campania Aglianico

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/18/2025 | Send Email

De Conciliis “Bacio al Cielo” is a juicy and delicious Aglianico wine. This showcases the grape’s more approachable side, although Aglianico is often known for its outstanding structure and potency. But this wine has a softer, fruitier character. This makes it the perfect match for casual gatherings and barbecues. On the nose, “Bacio al Cielo” greets you with aromas of ripe red and black fruits. Think blackberries, cherries and plums, with subtle herbal and spice notes. The taste of the wine is fresh and lively, with juicy fruit flavors and balanced acidity that make the wine bright and easy to pour. Although they have the tight tannins typical of Aglianico, they are softened by the wine’s natural juiciness. This makes the wine incredibly versatile and food-friendly… Located in the Cilento region of Campania, De Conciliis is known for their commitment to organic viticulture and producing wines that reflect the warmth and vibrancy of their terroir. “Bacio al Cielo” is a perfect example of this. It offers a more relaxed and approachable Aglianico style. than the variety but still retains its signature sophistication. This wine is the ideal choice for barbecues, grilled meats or even pizza nights. Due to its juicy nature and being liked by people. It is also a good introduction to Aglianico for those who might find its more powerful expressions too harsh. For anyone looking for a fun, juicy, deep and unique red, De Conciliis “Bacio al Cielo” is a great choice that will elevate any casual meal.

Price: $18.99

2022 Giscours, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 11/14/2025 | Send Email

One of the most deserving properties in Bordeaux just received Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year: 2022 Giscours. A long-time K&L favorite, the team there has always produced one of the most classic and rewarding wines of Margaux, but recent vintages have taken it to another level. The 2022 is the perfect example of that ideal balance you find at this estate; from a rich vintage they were able to craft a wine that's full of Margaux character, retains a modest 13.5% abv, and delivers a classically proportioned wine that shows both the property's terroir and the transparency of traditional Bordeaux. Its ability to occupy both worlds is one of Giscours' many charms. It is also a wine that is remarkably well priced for what it delivers on the scale of classified growths. And while it's not the flashiest wine (perhaps all the better for it), it is one of those bottles that always leaves us marveling when tasting, inspiring that "why don't we buy more Giscours?!" energy. With this new Wine of the Year acclaim, that may soon be a thing of the past. I can imagine the 2022 Giscours becoming an all-time best seller for us, and I think the wine deserves all the acclaim it's getting now, and will continue to receive in the future. Congratulations to Alexander van Beek and the remarkable team at Giscours on their landmark 2022.

Price: $595.00

2022 Giscours, Margaux

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 11/14/2025 | Send Email

One of the most deserving properties in Bordeaux just received Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year: 2022 Giscours. A long-time K&L favorite, the team there has always produced one of the most classic and rewarding wines of Margaux, but recent vintages have taken it to another level. The 2022 is the perfect example of that ideal balance you find at this estate; from a rich vintage they were able to craft a wine that's full of Margaux character, retains a modest 13.5% abv, and delivers a classically proportioned wine that shows both the property's terroir and the transparency of traditional Bordeaux. Its ability to occupy both worlds is one of Giscours' many charms. It is also a wine that is remarkably well priced for what it delivers on the scale of classified growths. And while it's not the flashiest wine (perhaps all the better for it), it is one of those bottles that always leaves us marveling when tasting, inspiring that "why don't we buy more Giscours?!" energy. With this new Wine of the Year acclaim, that may soon be a thing of the past. I can imagine the 2022 Giscours becoming an all-time best seller for us, and I think the wine deserves all the acclaim it's getting now, and will continue to receive in the future. Congratulations to Alexander van Beek and the remarkable team at Giscours on their landmark 2022.

Price: $99.99

2024 Cullen "Dancing in the Sun" Sauvignon Blanc Blend Margaret River Western Australia

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 11/13/2025 | Send Email

The 2024 Cullne “Dancing in the Sun” is a lively, youthful blend of 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon, 14% Chenin Blanc, 4% Chardonnay and 1% Verdelho. The 2024 season was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record for Cullen, with minimal rainfall from September through to May, resulting in small yields and concentrated fruit. As a result, the fruit for this wine was harvested early (between January 11 and February 11) to maintain freshness. The resulting wine is crisp and inviting, bursting with notes of freshly cut grass, grapefruit zest and Granny Smith apple. There is a subtle waxy texture on the palate, and the finish is persistent, with lingering citrus pith and faint salinity. This is a bright, modern take on a Sauvignon/Semillon blend imbued with surprising structure and concentration from the warm 2024 vintage.

Price: $17.99

JS: 93

JH: 92

Egrot Brut Champagne

By: Mariah Mier | Review Date: 11/13/2025 | Send Email

This is a stylish and polished champagne that strikes a delicate balance between clean mouth-watering acidity and rich silky texture. The finish is almost salty and lingers longer than you might expect for a palate so crisp. Incredibly versatile for dinner and parties alike, the quality far outmatches the price.

Price: $37.99

2023 Anonymous Wine Collective "Pagani Ranch - Ancient Vine" Sonoma Valley Zinfandel

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/13/2025 | Send Email

An absolute classic rendition of Zinfandel this legendary, historic site. There tons of rich, brambly fruit from the old vine Zin, but also real substance and complexity from the inclusion of Alicante Bouchet and a Primitivo clone brought here by Italian immigrants over a century ago. The wine shows a real sense of place with a crushed rock and ferrous mineral tone from red iron-rich loam and volcanic cobblestones that define the soils of the site. The picture perfect growing season in 2023 gave this wine lots of vibrancy and focus to balance all that old vine concentration and potency. The subtle use of both French and American oak is a well known signature when combined with this beautiful fruit. The value here, as with all the Anonymous wines is simply outstanding! Enjoy!

Price: Hidden

2024 Bodega Chacra "Barda" Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 11/13/2025 | Send Email

The 2024 Bodega Chacra “Barda” Pinot Noir is an approachable, food-friendly expression of Patagonian Pinot. Bright notes of cranberry, wild strawberry, and hibiscus weave together with subtle undertones of baking spices and a freshly rolled cigar. The palate is supple yet energetic, carrying its fruit with effortless grace and a whisper of savoriness. It’s a versatile Pinot that would elevate a quiet dinner at home with a roast chicken or serve alongside a more refined meal. It's unpretentious, elegant, and simply delicious.

Price: $34.99

Mars Shinshu Iwai Rye Style Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 11/12/2025 | Send Email

“Hey, can I get some of that Japanese scotch?” they’d often ask, sitting down at my bar. Hiding my deep-seated instinct to snark them into oblivion, I’d choose the hospitality route, which was one of information delivered through kindness. “Scotch,” I’d reply, “is simply whisky made in Scotland. This is Japanese whisky, which just means it was made in Japan, though it does emulate the Scottish style in many ways.” Since its inception more than a century ago, Japanese whisky has been directly associated with and compared to Scotch for understandable reasons. Malt whisky and grain whisky made in the style Masataka Taketsuru first learned in Scotland in the early 1900s resemble the Scotch we know and love in countless ways, even with some wonderful Japanese innovations and variations. And while they’ve experimented with other grains like rice, one thing the Japanese have done extremely well is blend whiskies from around the world in their own elegant style. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, has never really been thought of as elegant in the traditional sense. It’s the rugged, pre-Prohibition, spicy northern style of whiskey that early American settlers first made. But now our friends at Mars have decided to create a fun new counterpart to their bourbon-forward Iwai 45, blending their own classic 70% corn and 30% pot-stilled unmalted barley whisky aged in ex-bourbon barrels with some 95/5 rye aged in new charred oak and imported from Tennessee. The result brings lovely grain and spice, cherry and cocoa, nutty and herbal notes, plus berries and tea to the glass in a style that’s ready for your favorite cocktail or highball. And the price is perfect for mixing. But to be clear, this is not a rye whisky made in Japan, in the same way traditional Japanese whiskies aren’t Scotches. It’s an easy-drinking, supremely mixable rye-style whisky from blenders who’ve made a name for themselves combining liquid gold from around the world into a final product as unique and inviting as Japan itself.

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Dérot-Delugny "Retour en Avant" Brut

By: Craig Morris | Review Date: 11/12/2025 | Send Email

"Retour en avant" literally translates to "return forward," as in, going back to your roots. What roots, you say? Well, this Champagne is made from 100% Pinot Gris. Yes, they are allowed to grow Pinot Gris in Champagne, but it is uncommon nowadays and near-extinct in the region. The founding family of Derot-Delugny were big fans of Alsatian wine, particularly Pinot Gris, so over 30 years ago they planted a small plot and that's where this comes from. So, yes, it is an oddity, but it is also delicious! I was genuinely impressed. Full of brioche with great acidity, and just a touch more fruit than a blanc de blanc, but still elegant. Also, full of minerality! Pinot Gris is tricky to grow in Champagne, and so they do not make this bottling every year, so pick it up while you have the chance. I could not stop revisiting this bottle all evening!

Price: $49.99

Egrot Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/11/2025 | Send Email

Really pretty nose, little bit of baguette along with ripe and sweeter green apple and lemon curd. The palate is just lovely, really lush with a moderate richness not quite approaching cocktail/aperitif style but that's mostly due to the acid being a touch too much to accommodate that style. There's a beautiful red apple note along with some lemon curd and a little lemon juice. There's a really delicious slightly saline minerality to the finish rounding the whole thing out and encouraging me to take another sip each time. This is a perfect champagne for pairing with a slightly richer and bigger meal, I could still see this with oysters because I can see all Champagnes with oysters, but also some roast chicken and even salmon would be good as well.

Price: $37.99

2020 Ca' Del Bosco "Bosco Selva della Tesa" Chardonnay Lombardia

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/11/2025 | Send Email

When people hear Ca' del Bosco, they think of their legendary Franciacorta, but for me, the true insider's wine is this Chardonnay. The "Bosco Selva della Tesa" is their "Burgundian" expression—a profound, serious, and complex white that shatters expectations. The 2020 is a stunning example of their craft. Sourced from 35-year-old vines and aged in French oak, this is a wine of incredible structure and depth. The nose is a captivating mix of golden apple and toasted hazelnut, leading to a full-bodied and rich palate that the winery rightly compares to the structure of a red wine. It’s a sophisticated, gastronomic Chardonnay, perfect for roasted chicken or veal. An exceptional and powerful white from a master of the craft.

Price: $79.99

2016 Ca' del Bosco "AnnaMaria Clementi" Cuvée Franciacorta Rose Riserva

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/11/2025 | Send Email

Everything that makes the Annamaria Clementi legendary, but in Rosé form. This is 100% Pinot Nero from three specific old-vine parcels, with the color coming from a brief skin maceration. It, too, spends years on the lees, developing a stunning spectrum of wild strawberry, pomegranate, blood orange, and smoky, savory spice. It’s one of the most serious, structured, and gastronomic sparkling rosés made anywhere in the world.

Price: $119.99

JS: 97

VN: 94

2019 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/11/2025 | Send Email

This is a purist's Brunello from a legendary vintage. The 2019 Poggiarellino is a wine that perfectly captures the magic of this small, old-school estate. As I've said before, this is a tiny, 3-hectare farm in the northern part of Montalcino that does things the traditional way: native yeast in cement and long, slow aging in giant Slavonian oak casks. The 2019 vintage, with its perfect balance, classic structure, and brilliant acidity, was tailor-made for this style. This is not a fruit-forward, modern wine; it's a beautifully aromatic and structured expression of Sangiovese. The nose is all about precision: wild cherry, dried rose petals, leather, and savory herbs. The palate is firm and linear, with the noble, dusty tannins and vibrant energy that define a great, cellar-worthy Brunello. This is a true "rough diamond" and a fantastic example of the 2019 vintage's greatness. It’s a wine built for the long haul. It demands patience and a hearty meal, and it will reward those who cellar it for another 10-15 years. A must-buy for any lover of classic, soulful Brunello.

Price: $34.99

JS: 91

WE: 91

2016 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/11/2025 | Send Email

This is a wine for the purists. The 2016 Poggiarellino Riserva is a throwback to a style of Brunello that is becoming harder and harder to find, and it comes from one of the greatest vintages of our lifetime. This is not a flashy, modern wine; it's a profound, soulful, and uncompromisingly traditional expression of Sangiovese from a tiny, family-run estate. Poggiarellino is a small, 3-hectare farm in the northern part of Montalcino, and they do things the old-school way: sustainable farming, native yeast fermentation in cement tanks, and incredibly long, slow aging in large Slavonian oak casks. For this Riserva, the wine rested for a full 4.5 years in barrel, allowing it to develop incredible complexity and a noble, tertiary character. The 2016 vintage was a dream for producers like this, blessing the wines with perfect balance, electric acidity, and a firm, tannic structure built for the ages. The result is a wine of immense depth and character. The nose is a captivating display of dried cherry, forest floor, walnut skin, and leather, with underlying notes of truffle and dried herbs. On the palate, it is firm and savory, with a core of pure, rustic fruit framed by powerful, dusty tannins and that signature 2016 freshness. A true, authentic Brunello for those who love the classic style.

Price: $49.99

Heidrun "Oregon Radish Blossom" Sparkling Mead, California (750ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

No, this does not taste like the usual radish that you find in a salad or eat raw. Though I do like radishes and their spiciness! This Mead is light and dry with very nice citrus fruits coming through. Like the rest of the Heidrun line, it has fine acidity and a very lovely floral smell and taste. Because it is bubbly, you also get an added dimension of interest and upper palate flavors. Like the orange blossom version, it is very Springlike and can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own or with picnic style foods or anything fried! Fried Calamari with French fries!

Price: $24.99

Heidrun "California Orange Blossom" Sparkling Mead, California (750ml)

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

This line of Mead, for me, are up at the top tier of the best that I've ever had, including those I sampled in the UK. Unfortunately, my first tasting of Mead took place at a number of RenFaire's years ago. Those were really, really bad but, fit the bill at the time. We weren't too picky while dressed in velvet and high boots. Those times definitely changed for the better when I had Mead such as the ones produced by Heidrun. They key is the wonderful acidity and floral (and juicy) delicate orange flavors. The Mead begs to be enjoyed on a sunny afternoon with fresh crisp veggies, fried chicken or even a nice pork chop. Of course, it is perfectly fun and delicious on its own!

Price: $29.99

2023 Ridge Vineyards "Geyserville" Alexander Valley Zinfandel

By: Mariah Mier | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

This wine is a bit tight at first when you pop the cork, but it opens up beautifully after decanting and swirling in the glass. Pomegranate on the nose with hints of cranberry and elderberry on the palate with a whiff of bouquet garni on the finish. Structured yet approachable. This one is a crowd pleaser!

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2023 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

By: Mariah Mier | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

This structured and layered zinfandel is one of those gorgeous wines that manage to be harmonious while each type of grape contributes a recognizable individual character to the blend. The craftsmanship and expertise that is showcased here is unmistakable. This is an iconic wine for someone who wants a fruit-forward red that is not overdone.

Price: $49.95

JD: 98

DC: 96

WS: 95

2021 Groth "Oakcross" Oakville Proprietary Red

By: Mariah Mier | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

Dark brooding fruit, lush and powerful balanced with restraint. Cedarwood and blackberries with firm yet fine-grained tannins. This is drinking well now and for years to come!

Price: $89.95

Ca' Del Bosco "Cuvée Prestige" Franciacorta

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/6/2025 | Send Email

This is the wine that defines the house and, for many, the entire region. It's not a non-vintage, but a "multi-vintage" cuvée, a complex blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco from over 130 different vineyard plots, blended with 20-30% of reserve wines. Aged for over two years on the lees, this is a masterclass in balance. It’s toasty, citrusy, and creamy, with a fine, persistent mousse. It’s the ultimate calling card for Franciacorta's polished style.

Price: $49.99

2023 Domaine Dominique & Janine Crochet "Le Chêne Marchand" Sancerre

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 11/5/2025 | Send Email

The Crochets farm some of the finest vineyards around the village of Bué. La Chêne Marchand is a blend of limestone (the famed Caillottes) and clay, but the Crochets’ parcel includes a unique subset of softer chalk known as Griottes. This distinctive terroir yields wines of remarkable finesse and elegance. A touch of large-format oak aging (600L demi-muids) adds texture and depth, resulting in one of the most refined yet sumptuous Sancerres on our shelves. Expect notes of peach, lemon rind, and a pristine, chalky minerality on the nose. Always among the most sought-after wines from Crochet, it stands shoulder to shoulder with top producers like Pinard and Jolivet—yet remains a far greater value.

Price: $44.99

2023 Brick & Mortar Sonoma Coast Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/4/2025 | Send Email

Pretty little nose with some light and bright red notes, like pie cherry and underripe raspberry, with this little hint of Amarena cherry in the middle of the bouquet, then followed by a soft doughy note. The palate is bright and crisp, the Amarena in the background playing a bigger role overall, the finish is super clean and the acidity is incredibly refreshing. This is like the perfect bottle for when you want to take bubbles but you aren't sure if it's getting opened or not and you want to bring something you want a glass of, but you want it priced so if you just leave it that's fine too.

Price: Hidden

JS: 95

2023 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/4/2025 | Send Email

So very interesting, I love having wines from the same winemaker, same grape back to back and have them be super different. It just shows me it's less about a house style and more about taking what the earth gives and making the best thing you can from it. The fruit here is a bit more high toned, with red cherry and cranberry skin, then slowly giving way to darker fruits, cherries, blackberry compote, and plum skin. The palate has a great density of fruit, stewed cherries, bramblefruit, and a little overripe strawberry, but then it goes into something a bit earthy and dusty before succumbing to a little bit of barrel spice on the very finish, mingling and twining with the fruit.

Price: $49.95

JD: 98

DC: 96

WS: 95

2023 Ridge Vineyards "Geyserville" Alexander Valley Zinfandel

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/4/2025 | Send Email

Who doesn't love Ridge? To many people, myself included, they're part of California Winery Royalty, and anything I'm able to try from them, I typically like it. This is no different, it's a slightly restrained nose, but undeniably Zinfandel with ripe berries, rich mid-notes, and a follow up kind of stewed/ripe fruit finish. The palate has a bright pop of fruit at the front, followed by drying tannins before the acidity then kicks in. This is quintessential California Zinfandel, it's got everything you want but also has some structure that will make this a great wine to pair with whatever you've got on the grill today. It's such an easy choice.

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2021 Hendry "Estate" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/4/2025 | Send Email

We were fortunate enough to have a tour of the Hendry vineyard with Mike Hendry, and he even let us prune some of his vines. It was incredibly cool. They have everything broken down by blocks and have an idea of where those blocks are going to each year. There are 5 different blocks that go into this Cabernet Sauvignon, and if you go onto their site they have a map of the whole vineyard and you can see what each of those blocks grow and what year they were planted. It's just very nerdy cool. The wine? Oh yeah. The nose has a pretty kind of lushness on the nose, a lot of rich and slightly creamy fruit, along with just a touch of that barrel spice. It's all very dark with just little flecks of brighter red fruit showing through, the palate is no different with a heavy richness of fruit, but also a classic structured grip of tannin and fat line of acidity running through the whole thing. This is absolutely a fat potato and rich steak candidate, but it would stand up to BBQ as well, or a really hearty and rich mushroom ragout could be killer. This is a great bottle of Napa Cabernet made by incredibly nice people and it deserves your monetary vote.

Price: Hidden

WE: 93

2021 Far Mountain "Fission" Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 11/4/2025 | Send Email

The nose on this is almost intoxicating, it's super dark and alluring with ripe blackberries, black cherry, plum skin, purple flowers, and then a firm hit of barrel spice towards the end. It's just tall got that whole tall, dark-haired and handsome vibe going on, and I think I felt it wink at me. There's a sweetness and generosity of fruit on the nose, and then the palate is much darker and more brooding, with the same fruits but they're all dustier and a little inky, with a reasonable acidity and a long finish that fades from fruit to toast and barrel spice. This is an absolutely delicious and polished bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for someone who really does want something dense and chewy in the best of ways. There's an inky core of this that just slowly unfolds in the glass, it's really fun to drink.

Price: $49.99

DC: 94

JD: 94

Cambridge "Three Seasons" Gin (700ml)

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 11/1/2025 | Send Email

A gin that refuses to pick a favorite season. Cambridge's Three Seasons drifts effortlessly from spring bloom to autumn spice, capturing the best of each in a single pour. The nose is bright and floral, the palate smooth and layered - fresh herbs, gentle citrus, and just enough warmth to stick with you. It's elegant without being precious, complex without trying too hard. Perfect for a sunny G&T or a fireside martini.

Price: $99.99

2023 Method California Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 10/31/2025 | Send Email

Who doesn't love a bargain!? I most certainly LOVE finding wines that deliver amazing quality at modest price points. However, I also know that cheap (or should I say inexpensive) often doesn't correlate with great...and life is too short to drink bad wine. So I'm meticulous, demanding, even downright judgemental even on wines that are below $20. Because you can't give bad a wines a pass just because they're cheap. Well, here's a wine that needs no such pass. This wine absolutely explodes the QPR category and sets an extremely high bar for any of the competition. We have been working closely with the Precision Wine Co. Method Cab for a while now and weren't surprised at all when the 2023 Method California Cab was named as the *No.1 Best Buy Value of the Year* by Wine Enthusiast. Now think about, out of tens of thousands of wines reviewed in 2025, this Cab was deemed the Best Value of them all! When you pour a glass you'll understand why. This is serious juice for an extremely affordable price point. Classic varietal aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, cocoa powder, subtle vanilla oak tones. The palate is ripe and juicy with soft, supple dark fruit, hints of dried herbs, and dusty earth. Round, soft and approachable, but never feeling fake or manipulated like so many wines in this category. At it's typical $20 price point this wine is an amazing deal...at our Insider's Advantage pricing is a downright steal. A party wine extraordinaire, load up!

Price: Hidden

WE: 94

Suntory Kanade Yuzu Liqueur (700ml)

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 10/31/2025 | Send Email

Yummy. This smells like how I wanted it to smell, like it's a yuzu trifecta of juice and skin and spirit. I'll be honest, as a current Californian, yuzu reminds me a lot of bougie Meyer lemon, which is already the bougiest of lemons. There's a lot of pretty citrus notes, a floral lemony note, and then there's green herbaceousness in the background. This is fairly sweet, what you would typically expect from a liqueur, but there's a bright acidity and pure yuzu core in there, a little bit of pithy bitterness from the skins and more floral especially on the inhale after you take a sip. This is for people who want to maybe add a splash to a highball or who want something a little more unique in place of a number of orange-flavored liqueurs. Would this make a great margarita addition? Yep! Would I make the martini recipe they have on the back of the bottle? Yep! Will I end up buying this and adding it to a number of things before I find where I think it'll go best? Yep! It's just fun and makes me happy to sip, kind of like getting little little yuzu hugs.

Price: $29.95

Maker's Mark "The Lost Recipe Series: Edition 02" Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml)

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 10/31/2025 | Send Email

So the archived stave for this barrel that they used is the mocha stave. As it follows, quite unsurprisingly, it has a lot of mocha on the front, accompanied by some toffee, orange oil, and some peanut brittle. I'm searching for that Maker's Mark cherry, and it's not really popping out, though there's this really memory spiking scent that I think might be that red-box of chocolate covered cherries you can find most places. I used to get those for my Grandpa every year as part of his Christmas, he loved them. The palate is crazy soft for having as much proof as it does, the bit of peppery heat coming in at the very end, leaving the whole front of the palate just to be deliciously enjoyed. Still a lot of mocha, but there's brighter kind of cherry in the background, orange rind, brown sugar burnt toffee, heavily toasted pecans, and vanilla creme before it launches itself into all the barrel and pie spices, eventually ending with a lingering sweet and toasty finish. Maker's Mark has a soft spot in my heart, they were one of the first bourbons I ever tried and enjoyed long before I was a wine and spirits professional and was instead an eager amateur. This is taking their whole formula both back to when these staves were more available and up a notch overall.

Price: $69.99

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