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- Gary Westby (541)
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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
Filipa Pato "3B" Rosé Extra Bruto Bairrada
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 1/30/2020 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 1/30/2020 | Send Email
This sparkling wine is unique and delicious. There is a beautiful deep rust color that is very inviting. In the mouth it is very dry with structure of a red wine. It is lively and tasty and,while good alone, will go particularly well with foods like mushrooms and lite cheeses.
Lloyd Distillery Bixby Gin (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 1/30/2020 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 1/30/2020 | Send Email
A splendid gin made as an homage to California's coastal mountains and to Lloyd, the distiller's grandfather. Distilled in Gonzales, CA this gin is true to its roots, both in its geographical sense, and a London Dry sense. It does not lack for a juniper backbone - a fault in so many contemporary gins. It also does not shy away from incorporating its natural surroundings and expressing what it means to walk amongst the trees in Big Sur - it's inspiration. In particular, the sage and California bay stand out, yet blend in perfectly. This gin is equally at home in a G&T or Martini and certainly feels right sitting on your bar.
Price:
$39.99
Knob Creek 12 Year Old Small Batch 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: Andrew Tobin | Review Date: 1/6/2020 | Send Email
By: Andrew Tobin | Review Date: 1/6/2020 | Send Email
Knob Creek has always been a great choice if you're at a bar with a moderate whiskey selection, spicy, nutty, easy-going, what's not to love? Never anything to blow you away, but a perfect little sipper...until this powerhouse was released. I picked up a bottle out of pure curiosity as it had a hefty age statement for bourbon at this price point and I think I finally understand Knob Creek. Dripping in rich spice and caramel, the mouth is round and luscious, there is a note of cherry wrapped up in the middle right between the spice and the nutty finish. I'm amazed that more people haven't jumped on this bottle!
Mas Codina Brut Rosé Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Tim Telli | Review Date: 1/3/2020 | Send Email
By: Tim Telli | Review Date: 1/3/2020 | Send Email
This Cava rose is just so easy to drink. You will be hard pressed to find a better rose bubbly in the store at this price of under $15. Crisp fruit and acid show that Pinot Noir grown on chalky soils in the hot climate of Spain can still make an outstanding bottle of wine that is just plain fun to drink and will be empty before you know it. Perfect party wine.
Price:
$14.99
Orval Trappist Ale, Belgium (11.2 oz bottle)
By: Sean Reilly | Review Date: 12/29/2019 | Send Email
By: Sean Reilly | Review Date: 12/29/2019 | Send Email
This is one of my favorite beers in the world. The fermentation process is rather unique. Wild yeast is introduced and fermentation takes place in the bottle. This beer is evolving with each passing day. It's full of spice notes with a tiny bit of funk. It will pickup sour nuances as it ages.
Brasserie Trappistes Rochefort "6" Strong Ale, Belgium (11.2oz)
By: Sean Reilly | Review Date: 12/29/2019 | Send Email
By: Sean Reilly | Review Date: 12/29/2019 | Send Email
An absolute classic if you're a beer geek or just getting into beer. Brewed by monks, it will make you feel closer to your higher power with each sip. Rich and sultry with hints of molasses and caramel. This pairs just as well with your favorite savory dish as any glass of red wine.
Price:
Hidden
Four Roses "Small Batch Select" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 11/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 11/27/2019 | Send Email
Four Roses combined six of their popular mash bills to create a whiskey that is greater than the sum of the parts, as indicated by its Whisky Advocate recognition as Third Best Whiskey in the World. Supremely sippable at 104 proof, but packing a punch of flavor nonetheless. A perfect combination of baking spice, creamy pear and apricot richness, rye spice, and a touch of mint. At this price, it's the perfect sipping/mixing/nosing bourbon to keep at the home bar, and it's a permanent fixture at the distillery, so supply should be no problem on this one.
Four Roses "Small Batch Select" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 11/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 11/27/2019 | Send Email
We've been quietly cranking through this incredible Four Roses offering since it launched earlier this year. It's become a staple on the bar of nearly ever staff member in our Redwood City store, and with good reason. Now with the major accolades bestowed upon it by Whisky Advocate, I'm guessing it will be on nearly every whiskey lover's bar by the end of the year. It is perfect holiday drinking. Loaded with insane amounts of cinnamon, it would sit next to any dessert splendidly at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Cigar box and cherry fruit notes blend together in a hedonistic concoction worthy of any bourbon lover's adoration. The oak vanillins carry sweetness to every corner of your mouth. The finish hints at the fresh mint and other herbal notes found in Four Roses F yeast strain. It goes on and on and then keep on going thanks to the 104 proof which is absolutely the best decision Four Roses could have made for a blend of this caliber. Huzzah to Brent Elliot — Master Distiller since 2015 and the "Master Mind" behind this great new offering.
Littlemill "Old Malt Cask" 29 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 11/22/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 11/22/2019 | Send Email
This one is a bit unfair. Littlemill falls into two categories. Gross and great. Those two categories exist under one umbrella, impossible to find. But what we don't see is great Littlemill at a seemingly sane price. Even if this weren't a closed distillery that's impossible to find I don't think this would be an absurd price to ask for a great old nearly 30 year old malt whisky, but when the owners of the brand are selling their 25 year old version for upwards of $4000, I think we can consider a 29 year old version at less than 1/10th the price a legendary deal. Also, this one TASTES great. The nose starts with tons of toasty oak, but that doesn't overwhelm the wild tropical fruit, mango, exotic spices, hints of fancy tea, savory herbs, a slight briny quality and the tiniest whiff of almond oil. The palate is zesty, totally alive, big fruit and big spice, not at all tannic or over oaked. This one only needs the tiniest drop of water, if that, to tame the toasty oak and bring out the freshness and wild fruit. An obvious choice, but also soon to be ghost.
Price:
$399.99
Littlemill "Old Malt Cask" 29 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 11/18/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 11/18/2019 | Send Email
Littlemill was Scotland's oldest licensed distillery, so expertise and quality can be guaranteed in their output. Sadly decommissioned in the 1990s and then lost to fire in 2004, bottles from this distillery are now treasures and time-capsules of a forgotten era in Lowland whisky-making. Leather and honey melts into toffee brittle. There's a light orchard fruit component to the nose that gets bolstered by beautiful sharp spice of cayenne, white pepper, and mace. Spice, wood, and vanilla hover in the air above the glass. The palate is zippy and tongue-tingling with bold spice and bright citrus freshness. The body is light, but there's still a rounded soft texture that's fun to roll around the mouth. The flavors stay bright and get more tropical into a medium-long finish.
Price:
$399.99
Littlemill "Old Malt Cask" 29 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 11/18/2019 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 11/18/2019 | Send Email
A treat from a closed distillery. This is a chance to taste the excellent single malt that Littlemill was able to produce. The nose is sweet, complex and pretty. In the mouth it is complex with rich honey flavors. This single malt is light bodied and there are no smoke flavors. With a touch of water it really opens up and is fuller bodied.
Price:
$399.99
2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne
By: Blake Conklin | Review Date: 11/1/2019 | Send Email
By: Blake Conklin | Review Date: 11/1/2019 | Send Email
It's often hard to justify the price of a very high-end Champagne—at least in my book it is... usually. However, the 2008 Cristal is simply worth the hype. Like, whoa, seriously? There is so much going on in this bottle, and when I was drinking it, I only wished I had a magnum to share with everyone. Fresh yeasty character, followed by white peach, a nice brioche note, and so much more... I'm going broke this Christmas because I need to share a bottle of this with my dad.
K&L Logo 6-Bottle Tote (2979)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 11/1/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 11/1/2019 | Send Email
There was brief period when these were out of stock, followed by a time when they were just plain Burgundy variety, but now they're back in full force, and with the K&L logo to boot! These are environmentally friendly and handy for carrying 6+ bottles. Thanks to the supportive plastic insert on the bottom, and cloth dividers, it is possible to carry a varying number of bottles with success. These totes are better than your average wine carrier, and will save you the ten cent bag fee. What's not to love?
Price:
$4.99
Pierre Péters "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 10/29/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 10/29/2019 | Send Email
Finally, we have enough of this in stock to stack! A classic grower-producer based in the esteemed Grand Cru village Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Pierre Peters really exemplifies the style of Côte des Blancs Champagne. This elegant Cuvée de Reserve Brut is 100% Chardonnay, aged 24 months of the lees. It is sleek and racy, with vivid acidity, chalky minerality through the palate, and a super long finish.
Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila (1L) (Local Delivery Only)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 10/22/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 10/22/2019 | Send Email
German Gonzalez has become one of the most respected and important distillers in Mexico. His work at Chinaco and his other projects have solidified him as one of the categories very best. Here he's partnered with our dear friend Enrique Fuenteseca to create the masterful product unlike anything else on the market. If German could improve his reputation anymore this was the product to do it. Originally created for his private drinking stock, ultra limited amounts of this wild elixir are now available to the public. They begin with agave at peak ripeness, hand selected by the master himself. After roasting in stone ovens and maceration, the aguamiel is fermented using German's proprietary yeast. This ultra slow fermentation allows for the deepest possible flavor. Double distillation on small copper pot stills before being put into American oak barrels for at least 3 years. After this stage, the exact aging regiment isn't totally clear, but we do know that after the initial maturation, the tequila is transferred for at least another year into the following types of wood: ex-Cognac french oak, ex-Single malt scotch barrels, ex-Sherry Butts. The final blend is a selection of those and maybe other types of wood all around 5 years bottled at 96 proof. The added proof provides richness and texture, but no additional heat. A stupendous example of what a skilled artisan can do when cost is of no object. And while it's not inexpensive, it represents a great value among the super elite and ultra premium tequila category.
Price:
$275.00
Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Champagne
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 10/17/2019 | Send Email
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 10/17/2019 | Send Email
This Brut Nature Blanc de Blanc is intended for an apertif, but I think it would pair so well with food (think sushi!) and it delivers! The beautiful aromatic nose with hints of candied almonds pairs so well with the balanced acid, minerality and salinity on the palate. It's the linear finish that really got me. From start to finish, each note represented the fresh, clean and elegant champagne Laurent Perrier is known for. We don't have much in stock so get yours before we run out!
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 10/14/2019 | Send Email
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 10/14/2019 | Send Email
With 3 year aging on the lees and 1/3 reserves used to make this bottle, the Baron Fuente Grande Reserve is by far the great value champagne anyone will enjoy! On the nose there's good amount of lees-y and toasty notes and subtle bright pear undertones. Bright acid, ripe green apples mid-palate and mineral undertones finishes off this delicious bottle of bubbles. It is seriously a steal for a great quality of bubbles!
J. Lassalle "Cachet d'Or" 1er Cru Brut Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 9/24/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 9/24/2019 | Send Email
What a lively, historic Premier Cru grower-producer Champagne! A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the J. Lassalle "Cachet Or" is still made using a traditional wooden press, and aged three years on the lees! A lot of work goes into this tiny production (farmed from just 16 hectares on clay and limestone soil in Chigny-Les-Roses), which features three generations of women at the helm. This release sings with tangerine and orchard fruit, tempered by a slightly herbaceous, almost camphor, nose and a chalky finish. There is subtle toastiness from the lees, but mostly this is easygoing, bright Champagne – my notes literally read “crushable.” I can’t wait to enjoy a bottle al fresco as summer heat gives way to fall.
Paul Bara "Réserve" Brut Grand Cru Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 9/24/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 9/24/2019 | Send Email
An exceptional value for fans of Bouzy Pinot Noir, Paul Bara’s Réserve Brut Champagne exemplifies the rich, powerful style for which this Grand Cru village is best known. In fact, Paul Bara himself wrote the history of Bouzy, and his tiny production (10,000 cases) is all top quality fruit. His daughter Chantal is making the wines now, and her deft winemaking style stays true to Paul’s vision. This release is 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and shows bright berry fruit on the nose with a tight, racy core of acidity. This is a food-pairing dream, with enough body to stand up to heavier, less traditional choices and a brightness that keeps it light enough on its feet to be served as an aperitif. Stunning.
2015 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 9/23/2019 | Send Email
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 9/23/2019 | Send Email
The 2015 Branaire Ducru is a textbook perfect example of a magnificent Saint-Julien. The ripe fruit nose and palate profile is full of cassis, plums, pencil lead and cola. The fruit is framed by its perfectly ripe tannins. It is a very pleasant experience to drink this now, but make no mistake, this wine will easily last another 20 years or more. So, a couple of cases in the cellars, and some bottles on the wine fridge are in order...
Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: John Majeski | Review Date: 9/22/2019 | Send Email
By: John Majeski | Review Date: 9/22/2019 | Send Email
"I serve Champagne to my real friends and real pain to my sham friends." Attributed to Irish-born artist Francis Bacon who, when he wasn't nocturnally torturing the canvas with his brush, held court at the Colony Room Club, a louche drinking establishment fashionable for writers like William Burroughs, royalty (Princess Margaret), and later rock stars (David Bowie). But my own preference of course is 'Champagne for all, friend or foe!', for what better way to generate goodwill than the sound of popping corks? And what better choice than this coveted Grand Cru from Launois, a stylishly dry rendition that rested a full four years on the lees before its release, promising notes of lemon curd, apples, chalk, wildflowers and brioche, brilliant and pure and seductive enough to charm your own coterie of sophisticates, aesthetes and artists.
Price:
$44.99
Mulholland New World Gin (750ml)
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/13/2019 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/13/2019 | Send Email
This floral smelling gin has a light nose with (light) herbal spices and clean clay scents. Starts out slightly weighty in the palate and brightens quickly with spice, juniper and cream. The juniper is nicely integrated, as it is more in the background and not one of those slap you in the face monsters that make you think you just ate a juniper branch. I tried it "neat" and it was very nice just like that. With the delicacy of this style, I would imagine that it would be just wonderful with the Fever Tree Indian tonic. Gluten free, peeps!
Price:
$27.99
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
The Fallet-Dart house has a mind blowing history with 17 generations behind the line to perfect their Champagne and perfect it they have. With majority Pinot Meunier and four years of aging sur lees this bottle shows a richer, toastier style while still showcasing brightness and freshness hard to achieve with this blend. I love that Fallet-Dart is not afraid to experiment with a Pinot Meunier heavy blend, though it is not by chance it turned out phenomenally with the clear dedication and hard work in the craft they put in year after year.
Price:
$34.99
Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
The Fallet-Dart Champagnes all represent fantastic values, and there are a number to choose from depending on your preference and budget. Each on shows a lovely toasty note from their preference for long lees contact.The Grande Selection adds 15% Chardonnay to the cuvee but still has the Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier dominant. It shows a bit more of a creamy refined character with lovely plump white fruits and a tangerine hint on the edges. It shows a nice bold mouthfeel and a long finish.
Price:
$37.99
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
The Fallet-Dart Champagnes all represent fantastic values, and there are a number to choose from depending on your preference and budget. Each on shows a lovely toasty note from their preference for long lees contact. The Grand reserve is rich but has a lovely crunchy crispness of fresh citrus over red apple fruit. It finishes up with a very refreshing clean snap
Price:
$34.99
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 9/5/2019 | Send Email
Champagne Fallet-Dart's Reserve is one of our top values in Champagne. It is a rich, toasty style which earned its brioche aromas and flavors the old fashioned way, with time on the lees. It is aged for four years and has the additional benefit of 1/3 reserve wines to make this a smooth customer with a perfect bead. This round, full bodied Champagne is generous in every way, and does not have an austere bone in its body. The finish is dry, long and makes me want to come back for more!
Price:
$34.99
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Gin (375ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/26/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/26/2019 | Send Email
The first time I saw it we were in Scotland. I full on freaked out at a small spirits shop in Edinburgh when I noticed this quirky bottle of gin sitting on the shelf. For years, the Monkey 47 had been unobtanium, a regrettable situation for the knowledgeable and gin soaked. None of us had experienced this legendary gin yet, but thanks to the UK's lax wine shop regulations -the old "taste whatever you like" rule was in full effect. We were soon dunking our noses in a few splashes of its magnificence. I think tasting this after several other gins really put into perspective how special it really is. Created through the confluence of British aesthetics, Indian flavors, and the distinctly Teutonic natural treasure that is the Schwarzwald, The Monkey packs an enormous amount of complexity into that little bottle. It's the sort of gin that will save that cocktail you're about to ruin. You could have just as well served it straight because it sips beautifully even at room temperature. It’s quite a departure from your standard recipe gin, although some familiar elements are layered throughout. There is a strong yet soothing evergreen presence. A keynote if you will, but by no means the only focus. On the nose a dried floral aroma is accented by a twinge of spicy ginger. At the front, what seems like a citrus or chamomile quickly morphs into tea tree and sweet herbs, lemon verbena -now cucumber peel and pepper, it just keeps on going. No point in continuing to describe its flavor, its not working. It has a glorious tendency to be completely different with each sip, a true roller-coaster of flavors. Every single one of its 47 botanicals is tuned to the same perfect frequency. It's wild and utterly fabulous, but not in an awkward way. Instead, it seems to be all very deliberate, even stoic. I gladly forked over the £s the shop was asking, as did my colleagues. We nearly cried when we heard it would finally be arriving stateside.
Price:
$39.99
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Gin (1L)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/26/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/26/2019 | Send Email
The first time I saw it we were in Scotland. I full on freaked out at a small spirits shop in Edinburgh when I noticed this quirky bottle of gin sitting on the shelf. For years, the Monkey 47 had been unobtanium, a regrettable situation for the knowledgeable and gin soaked. None of us had experienced this legendary gin yet, but thanks to the UK's lax wine shop regulations -the old "taste whatever you like" rule was in full effect. We were soon dunking our noses in a few splashes of its magnificence. I think tasting this after several other gins really put into perspective how special it really is. Created through the confluence of British aesthetics, Indian flavors, and the distinctly Teutonic natural treasure that is the Schwarzwald, The Monkey packs an enormous amount of complexity into that little bottle. It's the sort of gin that will save that cocktail you're about to ruin. You could have just as well served it straight because it sips beautifully even at room temperature. It’s quite a departure from your standard recipe gin, although some familiar elements are layered throughout. There is a strong yet soothing evergreen presence. A keynote if you will, but by no means the only focus. On the nose a dried floral aroma is accented by a twinge of spicy ginger. At the front, what seems like a citrus or chamomile quickly morphs into tea tree and sweet herbs, lemon verbena -now cucumber peel and pepper, it just keeps on going. No point in continuing to describe its flavor, its not working. It has a glorious tendency to be completely different with each sip, a true roller-coaster of flavors. Every single one of its 47 botanicals is tuned to the same perfect frequency. It's wild and utterly fabulous, but not in an awkward way. Instead, it seems to be all very deliberate, even stoic. I gladly forked over the £s the shop was asking, as did my colleagues. We nearly cried when we heard it would finally be arriving stateside.
Price:
$79.99
Krug Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/16/2019 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/16/2019 | Send Email
Even though I am a bit of a Krug fiend, actually I'm very much a Krug fiend, I just love this Brut Rose! It has an elegant nose of rose petals, tart strawberries and white pepper. A bright forefront with raspberry fruit merges into a tart strawberry and spicebox flavors at the back of the palate. Absolutely lovely! Will make a great cellar addition for the next 4-5 years.
Update: 15 August, 2019: My gosh! Almost exactly 6 years since I've tasted this?! Yikes! As per my previous review, the Rose petals and pepper are still there. Now, there was also a scent of dark, black, cherries. This edition is vinous and complex and deep, deep, deep. Cherry fruit dominates with that Krug nuttiness and toastiness. As with everything Krug, the finish is fine, dry, and mineral driven. This is one of those rare champagnes that can hold up to a steak dinner. The only question is why has Gary let me languish so long without trying this beauty again? Poor me! Waaaaah! (P.S. Please don't weep for me too much, Krug was the first thing I had this morning .)
Krug Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 8/16/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 8/16/2019 | Send Email
The nose opens with Meyer lemon and pear before moving to scents of soft berries, strawberries & cream, and fresh peaches. The palate has great acid, but the fresh fruit notes from the nose are replaced here by richer and more savory flavors of stewed orchard fruits, baking spices, and gentle florality.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne 375ml
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 8/13/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 8/13/2019 | Send Email
Subtly richer than the standard 750 ml bottle thanks to advanced aging through a larger bottle-opening-to-surface area-ratio, the 375ml format of Bollinger’s classic release, the Special Cuvée, is one of my go-tos when looking for a Grande Marque. The half bottles are drinking perfectly now and the wine shows a quicksilver character: nimble and bright enough to cut through fried foods, yet lush when complementing classic seafood dishes. Bollinger somehow offers both the big name and relative value - the quality feels higher than other prestige brands at similar price point. Make your next picnic luxurious!
Kizakura "Bushido Way of the Warrior" Ginjo Genshu Sake (180ml can)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 8/13/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 8/13/2019 | Send Email
Silky in texture with citrus notes and a clean finish, Kizakura "Bushido Way of the Warrior" is a genshu – undiluted – sake that hits hard but goes down easily. A beautifully classic, dry Ginjo sake, perhaps its most intriguing selling point is the packaging: awesome cans with reusable lids! Refreshing and portable, this 180ml release from Kizakura is perfect for an al fresco sushi stop.
Price:
$6.49
Leopold Bros. "Summer" Limited Edition Gin (750ml)
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 8/9/2019 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 8/9/2019 | Send Email
Personally, I remain adamant that if you're going to use a gin in cocktails, it should be perfectly palatable without adulteration. Leopold's Summer Gin accomplishes that feat with aplomb. It smells like a summer breeze through a picturesque garden complete with citrus trees on the outskirts. The juniper here is ever-present, but by no means aggressive. Clean, fresh, and right on the mark in every respect, it carries its weight with poise and finesse, but there's nothing pretentious about it. This gin would do just as well with a single ice cube as in an extravagant cocktail that looks like a peacock in a Collins glass and costs you an arm and a leg in Hollywood. I highly recommend picking up a bottle before it hibernates for the winter.
Price:
$34.99
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/27/2019 | Send Email
This is a classic and easy to enjoy gin. The nose has nice juniper and citrus aromas. In the mouth this gin is soft and focused with subtle citrus notes. This will be a great gin for cocktails and is soft enough for a martini.
Price:
$24.99
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 7/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 7/27/2019 | Send Email
Juniper and citrus aromas jump out of the glass with an underlying malty sweetness. The palate mirrors the aromas almost to a T; juniper with lemon peel with a sweet background as a little bit of heat hits you on the way out. Perfect in G&T's or a Negroni!
Price:
$24.99
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/26/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/26/2019 | Send Email
The only 86 Co product that isn't going away - and thank the cocktail gods. This is the answer to all of your gin mixing needs. Intentionally built to highlight every key flavor profile in all of the gin classics this works in everything from a G&T to a Ramos Fizz to a Bee's Knees, Martini, Negroni, Aviation, Last Word or anything inbetween and beyond. It's a true work of art and a no brainer as to why Brown Forman wanted to add this London Dry classic to their portfolio. A big pop of juniper keeps the ship steering straight as you cruise through coriander, angelica, citrus peels, orris, cassia, and a touch of jasmine to name just a few. It's also one of the most affordable gins on the shelf and should be a staple in every bar you know, home or otherwise.
Price:
$24.99
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 7/21/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 7/21/2019 | Send Email
A classic gin profile. This London Dry style gin comes straight out of England and starts with UK-grown grain. Bright juniper notes come right at you with pine freshness and a supporting citrus peel character. There's a subtle floral bouquet as well, but it never gets in the way or becomes perfumy. The palate presents the spices and herbaceousness displaying coriander, angelica, and then the citrus elements become more distinctly grapefruit-oriented. This will work in every gin cocktail you can find, and at this price you might as well try them all.
Price:
$24.99
Hibiki "Japanese Harmony" Blended Japanese Whisky
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 7/21/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 7/21/2019 | Send Email
This whisky contains single malt from both Yamazaki and Hakushu, so there are chops to this blend. Toasted grain, vanilla syrup, new wood, and light tropical fruit notes on the nose with just a touch of spice to keep things playful. The palate has more caramel and honey characteristics balanced by more tingly spice. There's a great salinity here as well with a gentle medicinality and robust malt character.
Hibiki "Japanese Harmony" Blended Japanese Whisky
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 7/11/2019 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 7/11/2019 | Send Email
I was particularly excited to try the 'Hibiki Harmony' since it seems all of the Japanese whisky's are becoming so popular they sell out before most people get a crack at them. There is a definite sherry note present on the nose, and the palate is light, yet rich simultaneously. The Japanese whisky's generally seem to show as more elegant and prettier than those from other countries and this one fits that description perfectly. Though we did receive good stock this time, it won't last with the following the 'Harmony' has. Don't miss this opportunity because it probably won't come again and it's only going to become harder to acquire.
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 7/11/2019 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 7/11/2019 | Send Email
With most Gin's sitting in the $30+ price range these days, it's really nice to see one of this quality at an affordable everyday price, because I will be drinking it everyday this Summer. Super smooth and full of citrus, jasmine, with a slight sweetness from the wheat, this may be the best London Dry Gin on our shelves.
Price:
$24.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/6/2019 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/6/2019 | Send Email
This is a dry Champagne that offers nice and beautiful round fruit that is framed with a refreshing crisp finish. In between the beginning and the finish there are subtle mineral notes. Easy to enjoy and an unbelievable price.
Price:
$29.99
Cotswolds Non-Chill Filtered English Dry Gin (700ml)
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/1/2019 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/1/2019 | Send Email
This is a wonderful tradition gin. It has everything that a gin needs to be tasty and enjoyable. It has an elegant and integrated nose with juniper aromas with a hint of spice. In the mouth it is soft and round . This will be great to drink alone and will go well in cocktails.At a recent staff tasting it was very popular with the staff.
Tamagawa Kinsho "Heart of Gold" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/28/2019 | Send Email
What an incredible experience! We were lucky enough to taste with expert Kerry San and Tamagawa Kinsho’s Philip Harper, the first non-Japanese sake master. Philip’s sakes are elegant but verge on non-interventionist: perfect for those interested in the natural wine movement. The cleanest option in his range, Heart of Gold is bursting with melon fruit and fresh salinity, with an underlying earthiness, bordering on umami character. The silky texture will impress up front, but it’s the quality and creativity behind the brewery that will keep me coming back. This is easily one of my favorite sake discoveries.
Price:
$49.99
Hakushu 12 Year Old Peated Japanese Single Malt Whisky
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/27/2019 | Send Email
This expertly crafted single malt has extraordinary balance for a peaty style and a refreshing salty lightness that makes me come back for more. I love that this has the smoke and complexity of peat, but doesn't get bogged down with oily heaviness. To the contrary, this is a refreshing Whisky that is fantastic to enjoy after a big meal!
Price:
$159.99
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Les Amoureux" Pinot Blanc Champagne
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
You don't see many 100% Pinot Blanc champagnes out there (a unicorn if you will) and if you're curious to try something different (and delicious!) then the Jean Jacques Lamoureux champagne is perfect. You get pretty white flower and elegant fruit aromas paired with racy acidty, toasty notes and finishes with the perfect amount of minerality. As we say in the industry, "...it just keeps going!" We only get so many of these so I'd say try it and stock up before we run out.
Price:
$49.99
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Les Amoureux" Pinot Blanc Champagne
By: Muriel Sarik | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
By: Muriel Sarik | Review Date: 6/26/2019 | Send Email
I love this champagne! When I popped the cork, a burst of aromas popped out too, enticing us before we got it in the glass. Lots of floral and citrus at first, then the fruit, like pears, golden apples and white nectarines. It is amazing on the palate, and borrowing a visual from my colleague Miles, below, all of this comes in leaps and bounds as the vivid acidity and lingering minerality mingles in. The texture is silky and the finish is extremely long.
What a treat! Only 300 bottles available.
Price:
$49.99
Asahi Shuzo Dassai "45" Junmai Daiginjo Nigori Sake (300ml)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/25/2019 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/25/2019 | Send Email
One of the driest Nigori sakes I've ever tasted, Dassai's 50 Junmai Daiginjo is made only for the US market, and we’re lucky enough to carry it. Fresh with cantaloupe fruit and a super satisfying creamy texture, this is subtly sweeter than unfiltered sake, yet the finish is bright and crisp. Lovely.
Price:
$12.99
2009 Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/20/2019 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/20/2019 | Send Email
I tasted this with Florent Fresse, export manager from Chateau Mouton Rothschild when he came to do a staff seminar in Redwood City. The 2009 Chateau Mouton Rothschild lived up to its billing as a super star of a super vintage, and was extremely expressive at 10 years old for a first growth. This is a chocolaty, full blown Cabernet style with deep dark fruit and vanilla aromas and flavors. This wine has lots of body and texture but does not in any way feel ponderous or fat. In fact, it finishes dry, bright and long. It is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 % Merlot. It was an extraordinary treat.
2005 Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (1.5L)
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/20/2019 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/20/2019 | Send Email
This was the highlight of the tasting we did with Mouton Rothschild export director Florent Fresse. I loved the pure cassis, subtle cola and saddle leather aromas and flavors and was very impressed with the rich, full body and silky texture. To have so much ripe Cabernet flavor and mouth feel without heat or overweight notes is a unique experience. The wine was so aromatic and giving, yet completely dry and fresh. The finish expanded and went on forever- a truly top-notch experience! This wine is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Les Amoureux" Pinot Blanc Champagne
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 6/19/2019 | Send Email
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 6/19/2019 | Send Email
This Champagne slices and dices! Racey, vibrant, crunchy, rich and creamy white fruit makes this my new favorite right quick! I am biased as Amoureux makes my anniversary Champagne but, man oh man, this is awesome! DO IT!
Price:
$49.99