Staff Favorites

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email

Don't take my word for it. Don't take everyone else's word for it. Try Billecart-Salmon's Brut Rosé and see why it's consistently touted as the creme de la creme. It's subtly full of rosewater complexity and aromatics that dance out of the glass. It's instantly appreciable. It's consistent. This is a slightly bolder style than most rose champagne, due to the red wine added, but it's still pretty enough to be on its own, and merits the attention.

Price: $94.99

Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email

I try to resist the big houses of champagne. I don't succeed very often. Products like this have me inevitably circling back. This is a phenomenal blend of sourced grapes from many different villages (though all grapes used are grand cru). 100% Pinot Noir, this champagne is like a fruit salad on a summers day. Refreshing and crisp, with heaps of strawberries, bing cherries and raspberries mid-palate and a drying finish.

Price: $94.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email

A wine shop's best friend-- the Billecart Salmon Rose consistently defends its title as one of the best-selling products (not just within champagne) in any wine store. It is composed of all premier cru grapes-- 40% Pinot Noir, 40 Chardonnay and 20 Pinot Meunier, but the pretty light red hue comes not from controlled skin contact with the red grapes, but rather by blending Pinot Noir fully vinified red with the rest of the blend that sees zero skin contact. This Pinot Noir comes exclusively from one very old plot, meaning that the overall production of this wine is strictly capped. The result is a wonderfully complex nose with some earth as well as very elegant red fruit.

Price: $94.99

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email

Oh, how I love Bollinger. It's like an old friend that I don't see often enough, and every time we reconnect all these wonderful memories come rushing back. A champagne for the lovers of the toasty, rich bubbles-- packed with honeyed brioche, warm nuttiness (hazelnut and almond), and a long, refreshing finish. All of Bollinger's champagnes (regardless of format) are aged in magnum-- a pricey undertaking-- all in service of providing a truly luxurious drinking experience. As our champagne buyer is fond of saying-- this is "crazy craft!" 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay & 15% Pinot Meunier.

Price: $69.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email

A powerful champagne from a powerhouse producer! The Brut Reserve is incredibly consistent-- which makes a lot of sense given that they commit to using as much reserve wine as necessary (at times up to 50%) to create a steadily delicious product. It has incredible structure, a gorgeous nose of rich honey and fragrant white flowers, and a soft, elegant finish.

Price: $64.99

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 2/7/2019 | Send Email

It's been a little while since I've sat down and evaluated this product thoroughly. A standard in my back bar when I can get it, but I tend to drink and not think this one if you know what I mean. The fact that it's recently become slightly more available (for what will certainly be a short period of time) means I get to take some time to consider this one thoroughly for once. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T Stagg I actually get a strong similarity one of the other famously hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Rock Hill Farms. Maybe it's a warehousing thing or the fact that they're both 100 proof, but the mashbills on the two should be different. The nose still has tons of sweet dark oak spice, strong Tahitian vanilla and caramel. Touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big sweet corn on the palate with a lovely kick thanks to the higher proof. This is the perfect whisky to go in between Eagle Rare and Blanton's and the shoe fits perfectly, figuratively speaking. Sad we don't get to sell this on the regular, but hopefully more stocks will continue to open up on this excellent brand.

Price: $69.99

WA: 90

Limit of 1 per customer

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email

I never thought I'd see the day we could secure enough of this to shout it from the roof tops! Colonel Taylor Small Batch is finally here in more than six-bottle-at-a-time quantities! Hallelujah. If you're a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings and you've never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start. The high corn mashbill in combination with a big woody profile gives an incredible combination of sweet and spicy without relying heavily on rye grain. The 100 proof required by the bottled in bond act is actually a perfect spot for sipping. It's robust enough to stand up in cocktails and sexy enough to enjoy on its own. The flavors are sweet candied corn, mature floral notes and tons of spicy wood and clove and burnt orange peel. It's time to case up, 'cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again.

Price: $69.99

WA: 90

Limit of 1 per customer

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email

Wow! Great classic bourbon is so hard to find and EH Taylor (along with all the stable) is almost always in short supply. Wonderfully spicy and alluring, viscous and showing the slightly sweet corn and oak qualities I love without being cloying or overly woody. Especially for a 100 proof whiskey, it is amazingly smooth on the palate and finishes super fine.

Price: $69.99

WA: 90

Limit of 1 per customer

Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

Laurent Perrier has been one of my favorite Grand Marquee producers since I had the pleasure of writing about their La Cuvee when it first appeared on the scene. Their rose is impressive with a combination of vineyards all given Grand Cru status. The 100% Pinot Noir is more feminine with lovely notes of sweet summer berries that bounce along a richly texture palate.

Price: $94.99

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

One of the best priced Grand Marque Champagnes we have on the shelf, especially when taking account the quality of the wine. More than one third of the wine is barrel fermented and more than one third is reserve wine aged for a minimum of 10 years in magnums before blending creating possibly one of the most complex champagnes I have tasted yet. Some cracker or fresh brioche aromas mixed with fresh yellow apples draw you into a textured yet lively palate that doesn't stand still!

Price: $69.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

There is a reason the Billecart Salmon rose is one of the top selling rose's in the store. The darker pink color comes from the Premier Cru Pinot Noir grapes that also impart the wonderful aromas and flavors of sweet cherry and strawberry. A polished style champagne with a long finish filled with summer berries!

Price: $94.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

One of the great things about Grande Marque Champagnes is the consistency of house style. You know that the Billecart Salmon Brut you are opening tonight will have the same fresh and focused character you remember from before. Billecart has had a long, cold fermentation practice since the late 1950's aiding in their bright and lively personality. Over two years on the lees gives some texture to the tart apple and dry stone finish.

Price: $64.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

This is a true staff favorite. Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve and Lay's potato chips is among my emeritus choices for best food pairing ever, and I'm not alone in that appraisal. Light honey coated pom fruit and refreshing acidity are the understated role players in this incredibly delicate, balanced cuvee. Drink now, drink often.

Price: $64.99

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

Who doesn't love Bolli! 007, The gals from Ab Fab, and us! Seriously this has always been a favorite, likely due to its generous use of reserve wines and meticulous winemaking, the bold rich and nutty presence and light zesty lemon peel highlights are truly hard to resist

Price: $69.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

Billecart Salmon is one of the most consistent and ever reliably great rose Champagnes. A constant favorite with customers and staff alike, it's hard to find fault with anything about this one. Richly bold and lovely red fruit flavors dominate this true classic.

Price: $94.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

K&L has a long and happy relationship with Billecart Salmon and the Brut Reserve is as lively and exuberant as ever. Lovely lemony fruit and an enticing candied citrus peel not are lifted by the brightness and clarity. Always a hit!

Price: $64.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

Enough good things simply cannot be said about Baron Fuente. I first took home a bottle not long after starting with K&L to experiment with champagne cocktails. It seemed an easy choice-- being the most affordable champagne on a price/quality scale. I found a small panel of friends compassionate enough to sit down and accept free booze, and we began by tasting the champagne on its own before mixing. Not much was accomplished in the way of mixology that night-- because we all sat, gob-smacked, discussing the sheer elegance and drinkability of this top value bubbly. Candy apples, golden delicious cider, and a touch of wild sour-cane fill the nose and palate. And if this is a deal-- the magnum offering (priced with no large-format premium) is an absolute steal, and the clear choice for your next large gathering.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

With twice as much aging on the lees then required, the Grand Reserve has a rich toasted nose with scents of brioche and broad inviting earthiness. Mostly Meunier brings soft elegance and fineness along side deep fruit characters by adding depth and complexity to the wine. A bit of red apple fruit and fresh sweet citrus carry the warm palate from start to finish.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email

If you've made it to here you already know most of the staff are huge fans of this amazing bargain. True Champagne at this price can make one doubt, but one glass will prove it to you. It's no cheap knock off, this is the real deal!

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

2011 CVNE "Imperial" Gran Reserva Rioja

By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 1/31/2019 | Send Email

Cune's Imperial is always one of the Gran Reserva releases that I most look forward to. The profile, one might say over in Rioja, is "alta, alta" - meaning, it comes from vineyards in the coldest part of Rioja Alta. This is the epitome of structured, nicely chiseled, high-toned Rioja that is built for the long haul. I would concede that 2011 was a particularly warm and dry year, which from my experience really benefited Rioja Alta wineries that have the ability to select and blend from many excellent sites. Drinking beautifully now, this will continue to blossom in bottle and develop complexity over the next decade, while it will drink well and last well beyond that. A gran reserva that is not to be missed!

Price: $124.99

2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 1/9/2019 | Send Email

Another stunning vintage release from one of our favorite of the Grandes Marques! Although Roederer's MO is to only produce rosé when conditions are right, they recently experienced so many great harvests that the hits keep coming! The 2012 Roederer Rosé is elegant and accessible, somewhat softer and more cherry-fruited than the crisp 2010, but no less fresh. Hailing from Champagne’s “miracle vintage,” this release uses the labor-intensive saignée method, resulting in a more textured palate without sacrificing any minerally acidity. This is concentrated but bright, and great with food. Plus, a bonus with this half-bottle size is that it ages a bit quicker than larger formats, so you can fast forward the complexity development!

Price: $59.99

Tamagawa Kinsho "Heart of Gold" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 1/7/2019 | Send Email

After tasting Tamagawa's impressive Red Label Junmai I knew I had to try the Daiginjo. I'm glad I did. The nose is an alluring blend of anise, mint, white pepper, pear, honeydew, and subtle nuances of white blossom and grassy green tea. The aroma is a delight, and one that changes as the sake warms. Heart of Gold is best enjoyed right out of the refrigerator but don't keep it chilled. As it warms in the glass, the anise changes to sweeter licorice and the fruit elements better balance the non-fruit spicy qualities. Structure is big for a daiginjo with a stout body, intense flavors and savory texture. If subtlety and elegance it what you're after, Takasago's Divine Droplets or Kokuryu's Crystal Dragon would better serve. However, those brews don't have the twang of crisp acidity or tingle of spicy white pepper on the finish that Heart of Gold does. A sake for Syrah and Gin drinkers, Heart of Gold is like Red Label in that there is no other sake like it.

Price: $49.99

2015 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien

By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 1/5/2019 | Send Email

This property next to Chateau Beycheville produced a smooth, rich and somewhat sexy wine with plenty of underlying structure and tension. For now lush black raspberries and sweet cherries take center stage along with flowery aromas, but there are touches of smoke, spice and earth poking through the creamy middle.

Price: $89.99

Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill "Tom Cat" Barrel Aged Old Tom Vermont Gin (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/28/2018 | Send Email

Caledonia Spirits had me hooked the moment I opened a sample of the outrageous honey they use to make their gin. This veritable nectar of the gods could literally make anything delicious. Now take an ultra high quality gin, age it in good quality oak, and add just enough honey to feel it, but not enough make it particularly sweet and you've got one of the most dangerous concoctions on the market. Aromatically unique, encompassing a huge variety of complex flavors, Barr Hill has created one of the most successful barrel aged gin I've yet come across. Sip it straight or in the place of whiskey in certain spirit driven cocktails.

Price: $42.99

WE: 90

Kokuryu "Crystal Dragon" Daiginjo Sake 720ml

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 12/20/2018 | Send Email

Kokuryu's house yeast, as well as locally sourced soft mountainous snow-melt water and locally grown Gohyakuman-goku rice, gives this sake an incredibly clean and nuanced flavor. Imagine a chablis-like minerality with fruity aromas of kiwi, green grape, green apple and lemon yogurt. Light in body and restrained in umami. Finishes dry and crisp; it almost vanishes from the palate. Refreshing acidity. Brilliant, one of the best sakes I've tasted made in the restrained, elegant style.

Price: $39.99

Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne (1.5L)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 12/5/2018 | Send Email

Do not sleep on this: our best selling Direct Import Champagne in an age-worthy size! Crisp and linear with an incredible, almost creamy, texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc des blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect. When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: this sells out quickly! I am so proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines - do not miss this value-driven stunner.

Price: $89.99

Tamagawa "Red Label" Heirloom Yamahai Genshu Sake (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email

Good god Mr. Harper, what a magnificent sake you have created. Intense fruity and savory aromas of gummy candy, strawberry, kiwi, marshmallow, mushroom and toasted nuts. One of the most complex, delicious, unique, intoxicating aromas on a sake. One sip and you know this is as good on the palate as it is on the nose: incredibly powerful but velvety and shockingly easy to drink. Structurally, this is maxed out straight down the line: the highest levels of umami, acidity, alcohol, and flavor intensity with the longest finish. Flavors of oily marcona almond and mushroom fried rice can be tasted for minutes. An unconventional masterpiece!

Price: $34.99

Tensei Kanagawa "Song of the Sea" Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email

Lovely stuff. Aromas are classic Junmai Ginjo: fresh honeydew, lemon, lime, pear and green apple with a touch of lemongrass. Intensity is neither robust nor restrained; just right. Light but not thin-bodied on the palate. Acidity is clearly present but does not distract from the subtle flavors of fresh pear and lemon. Finishes clean and lingers just long enough and with a faint impression of sweetness. Extremely well made example of a delicate Junmai Ginjo.

Price: $39.99

Konteki "Tears of Dawn" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/13/2018 | Send Email

A clean, polished brew. Bright, clear aromas of green apple, green grape, honeydew, rice flour, lemon and white blossom. The sake feels light but not watery on the palate, with a unique chalky grip not unlike fine-grained tannin of a quality aged red wine. A subtle flavor, and one that reminds me of fresh tart fruit rather than ripe sweet fruit. Acidity and umami are understated as well; there is just the right amount to offset the sake's faint sweetness and provide lift. Finish is crisp and tidy. This is one to sip slowly and contemplate, or to enjoy with the delicate flaky white fish and sashimi.

Price: $39.99

Wakatake Onikoroshi "Demon Slayer" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/12/2018 | Send Email

Similar in some ways to K&L’s other Shizuoka prefecture Junmai Daiginjo, Doi brewery’s Takatenjin “Soul of the Sensei” in that both of these brews have juicy, gushing fruit aromatics and big flavor. However, while Soul of the Sensei is a bit drier on the palate with more honeydew melon and nectarine aroma, Super Demon Slayer is sweeter and more tropical with ripe banana, cantaloupe, and peach yogurt with honey. A touch of aniseed keeps things from getting cloying. Let the sake warm up to room temperature and swirl some air into your glass like a wine and be treated to more traditional “Junmai” aromas like savory soy. On the palate, peach, banana, and honey flavor lingers well into this brew’s long finish. Acidity, while there, feels light due to its balance with a kiss of sweetness. The sugar, joined with the slightly elevated alcohol and generous ripe fruit flavor, gives an impression of a silky, soft, creamy texture.

Price: $49.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: William Beare | Review Date: 11/6/2018 | Send Email

Founded in 1812, the Laurent Perrier house has been a pioneer of the use of stainless steel in champagne production. For those who remember an era before the "La Cuvee" brand-- the differences in their entry-level release are subtle, but important. Six months was added to the lees time (for a glorious total of 42 months), in addition to moving the cepage towards Chardonnay (50 Chard, 30 Pinot Noir, and 20 Pinot Meunier). The final product has 9 grams per liter of residual sugar, and is phenomenally well-balanced, delightfully racy champagne. Traces of white peach, citrus blossoms, and sweet grapefruit peel.

Price: $59.99

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake (300ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is a sake that I consider to be a standard in the category. Best served around hana-hie (50 degrees); at this temperature you will be treated to intense aromas of cantaloupe, honeydew melon and banana with hints of sweet mochi. Although the nose is aromatic, it never comes across as cloying or ostentatious. On the palate the sake is very well balanced; the body is moderately full without weighing down the palate and with just enough acidity, sweetness and umami to support the sake without distracting from its delicious fruit flavor and clean, silky finish. It is everything a quality Junmai Ginjo should be at a fantastic price and is impossible to disappoint!

Price: $11.99

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is a sake that I consider to be a standard in the category. Best served around hana-hie (50 degrees); at this temperature you will be treated to intense aromas of cantaloupe, honeydew melon and banana with hints of sweet mochi. Although the nose is aromatic, it never comes across as cloying or ostentatious. On the palate the sake is very well balanced; the body is moderately full without weighing down the palate and with just enough acidity, sweetness and umami to support the sake without distracting from its delicious fruit flavor and clean, silky finish. It is everything a quality Junmai Ginjo should be at a fantastic price and is impossible to disappoint!

Price: $24.99

Domaine du Manoir de Montreuil "Reserve" Calvados Pay d'Auge (750ml)

By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 10/31/2018 | Send Email

I first discovered Calvados here at K&L; being from Vermont and a big fan of its apple products, I had to try this distillate for myself. I was instantly drawn to this spirit. Domaine du Montreuil only furthers its positive impression: smooth, "fresh" apple flavor, and just enough seriousness to let you know you're drinking a masterfully crafted eau de vie from a region with a long history in its production. Perfect as an afternoon aperitif or after a large meal, yea worth a try in your cooking recipes as well!

Price: $44.99

VN: 92

Compass Box "Story of the Spaniard" Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email

This latest release from Compass Box reflects the mastery of their blending techniques in a bottle everyone can enjoy. Cozy scents of sea air, marzipan and apricot greet you immediately, imploring you to sit and savor the dram. Though relatively light in body, it provides impressive concentration of flavor. Its complex charactger pairs candied citrus and salty caramel with delicate spice and a savory finish. I consider myself fortunate to sample such a friendly, generous whisky; I encourage you to treat yourself to a taste.

Price: $64.99

WE: 93

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email

Bollinger forever to me has been elegant champagne that shows true class. 30% of Bollinger’s wines are aged in wood and all of their reserve wines that make up their very ‘special cuvee’ are aged in magnums which is pretty well agreed upon between all the growers and champagne houses that this yields the most complex aromas. That is what you get with Bollinger, complexity. Wonderful balanced richness with piercingly fresh acidity with just the right amount of richness making this champagne one of my favorites.

Price: $69.99