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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
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 8/28/2018 | Send Email
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 8/28/2018 | Send Email
This stands front and center as the undisputed staff and customer favorite of the K&L Champagne portfolio. Made entirely from the Grand Cru Chardonnay grown on the Cotes des Blancs outside Mesnil, this is the pinnacle of quality-to-price value in Blanc de Blancs Champagne. It has a zesty, floral bouquet brimming with chalky minerality, bright citrus and melon fruit, creamy richness and a subtle nutty toast. Only Launois gives you this level of richness and balance for such a low price, which is why it sells out so quickly.
Price:
$39.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
An easy pick for any fan of Blanc de Noirs, the Cuvée Tradition presents opulence at a beyond reasonable price. The smell alone conveys the Pinot Meunier's richness exuberantly. Unctuous flavors of dried fruit and candied almonds envelop the palate but finish cleanly. Instantly appealing for anyone who wants more body in their bubbles, this makes a strong case for being one of the best values in Champagne right now.
Price:
$29.99
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
There's not a lot more to say about this one, it a no-brainer! Grand Cru Champagne of this quality at this price is just not to be missed.
Price:
$39.99
Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
This lower pressure Champagne, coming from the single vineyard Chetillons is another astounding deal from Launois. The soft creamy feel of the mousse and the long lingering palate feel showing sweetcake and creamy apple richness mid-palate flows to a long lingering finish (another Grand Cru at this price!) .... what's not to like?
Price:
$49.99
Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
I love the freshness of the Veuve Clemence. From pickings on the upper and lower parts of the slopes in all Grand Cru vineyards. The Champagne is wonderfully complex, but the crisp apple fruit component of the palate shows through brilliantly and subtle hints of spices are woven throughout. Another incredible deal in Grand Cru Champagne.
Price:
$44.99
Launois "Severine" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
Wow, this is something special and different! All Mesnil fruit in oak barrels made from Mesnil Oak - like a double Grand Cru. The Mesnil Oak lends a delicious oaky note with a wonderfully unusual and enticing oily texture. Mid slope Mesnil pickings give classic GC fruit and power
Price:
$59.99
Launois "Severine" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 8/23/2018 | Send Email
The Launois Severine is 100% Mesnil Grand Cru that is fermented in barrels. The barrels are made from oak timbered from their property right there in Mesnil. The wood has now been used a number of times, and although the first few batches were very oaky, the current release is super well balanced. This Champagne has the breadth and richness of a full on barrel fermented Champagne, but also the crisp precision of Mesnil Chardonnay. It is a fantastic Champagne, best suited to cuisine. I love it with grilled salmon -- especially done on a cedar plank!
Price:
$59.99
2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
Well there isn't a lot I can add to the description of this wine, but having just tasted it blind at our most recent Champagne tasting I felt compelled to add my two cents. Blind tasting is a funny thing. It's a great way to force someone to evaluate a wine on it's own merit, not the branding/marketing/preconceived notions that go with it. Every single staff member in our tasting loved this wine. No one had a clue what it was, but the spectacular richness, bright acidity and extraordinary complexity made it clear that we had something special. And truly, that is all you can ask of the world's greatest brands: be just as special as you hope they will be. 2008 Cristal absolutely delivers.
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
This is a great sophisticated take on Prosecco. It's leaner, complex, and has a more mineral-driven style than most of the others on the shelf. It tastes more expensive from its everything it has going on, but is still incredibly affordable. Clean, fresh, bright, bubbly - what more could you want?
Price:
$15.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
A light, delicate Brut Rose for those that prefer an understated style. Ripe strawberry and smashed raspberry give way to a slight spice note with a touch of limestone minerality. A bit of structure makes this a fantastic wine for the dinner table. A killer Brut rose for under $30!
Price:
$34.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
This is fun, easy drinking prosecco, with an effortless balance between ripe appley fruit and fizz. It finishes dry, not bone dry, and is just really easy to drink! Wildly popular bubbles, and with good reason.
Price:
$15.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email
What a delightful Champagne for $25! This 100% Pinot Meunier Champagne is made with over 30% reserves and spends 3 years on the lees. This is fresh, crisp and light on the palate, surprisingly so given the amount of lees contact. The nose has great fruit, freshly sliced apples and lemon drops with lovely seashell minerality and a slight biscuity aroma. Outstanding value!
Price:
$29.99
Fukucho "Moon on the Water" Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/20/2018 | Send Email
Moon on the Water will show Sake new-comers what Ginjo is all about! Aromas of honeydew melon, bubblegum, cotton candy, grape and sweet apple. Intoxicating aroma, but skillfully avoids "fruit-bomb" territory with hints of subtle spice and steamed white rice. On the palate, the sake is medium-dry with mild acidity and moderate savoriness. Bubblegum and grape flavors last well into the finish. And, unique to this sake, a texture of firm resiliency like a perfectly cooked grain of rice. It's almost chewy, but in a way that feels silky and elegant. Outstanding.
Price:
$36.99
Tamagawa "Red Label" Heirloom Yamahai Genshu Sake (720ml)
By: Kate Soto | Review Date: 8/17/2018 | Send Email
By: Kate Soto | Review Date: 8/17/2018 | Send Email
This earthy, intense sake is made by the first-ever non-Japanese brewmaster in Japan, Philip Harper. It is very expressive, packed full of umami and mushroom notes. It's full-bodied and gamey, and would be gangbusters with cheese.
Price:
$34.99
Yuho Ishikawa "Eternal Embers" Junmai Sake 720ml
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/14/2018 | Send Email
Eternal Embers is an excellent Junmai to be served either hana-hie (50 degrees) or nuru-kan (105 degrees). Expect flavors of toasted grain, banana, honey, brown sugar, with touches of savory soy and raisin. This classic Junmai is weighty and savory on the palate with enough acidity for balance, and tastes dry despite its mouth-filling richness. The finish is long and flavorful, reminiscent of toasted grains and roasted nuts. An easy recommendation for fans of porters, stouts, or big red wines.
Price:
$26.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/13/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 8/13/2018 | Send Email
This is a delightful little Prosecco that delivers a lot for a small price tag! Fruity and floral, this wine has notes of ripe pears, peach blossoms and key lime pie. It's dry and crisp with a creamy mouth feel and a touch of sweetness to balance the bracing minerality. Truly a steal at $12.99!
Price:
$15.99
Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambery (750ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/10/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/10/2018 | Send Email
A unique style of vermouth that is much less herbal than the Dry, just as sweet as the Rouge but with a fruiter flavor, like a white dessert wine. Fans of white port and botrytised wines like Tokaji and Sauternes would be well-advised to try Dolin Blanc. It is an indispensable ingredient in a Manhattan variation, the El Presidente: Stir two ounces of White Rum with one ounce of Dolin Blanc and a dash each of Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao and home-made grenadine. It is also delicious served on ice with a muddled strawberry and slice of lemon.
Price:
$17.99
Scrappy's Grapefruit Bitters (5oz)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/10/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/10/2018 | Send Email
Ah Scrappy's, my favorite bitters producer. Their grapefruit bitters smell just like fresh grapefruit. But be careful! If you're used to a few strong dashes with classics like Angostura I find that one dash will do with Scrappy's. These are powerful in both flavor and bitterness, so it is easy to go overboard.
My favorite use for the Grapefruit is in a classic 2:1 Martini with a juniper and citrus forward gin. Stir 2 oz Citadelle Gin, 1 oz Dolin Dry with one dash of Scrappy's Grapefruit. Dolin Dry is still a touch sweet and the dash of bitters does a good job of offsetting the sugar. Finish with a lemon twist. Cheers!
Price:
$19.99
Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry (750ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/9/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/9/2018 | Send Email
In a blind sweet vermouth tasting between Dolin Rouge, Cocchi di Torino, Carpano Antica Formula, and Vya, Dolin was the winner for me. Of the four, Dolin is the most temperate. While the Italian vermouths were grandiose in style, and the Californian Vya eccentric, the French Dolin struck an amiable balance of flavor between its wine base and botanical infusion. Not so fragrant as to swamp your spirit with aromatics, nor so sweet as to throw off the balance of your cocktail, Dolin is the standard for vermouth.
Price:
$17.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Mike Parres | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Mike Parres | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
This is a wine of great balance and elegance and an excellent aperitif for all social occasions. A must have for the end of summer and fall seasons, for yourself and if guests drop by. On the nose you will find generous fruit, releasing hints of apples, peaches and tropical fruit, plus wisteria blossoms, wonderful balance and elegance complement a pleasurably spiciness. The Palate is velvety, crisp, and fruity, admirable fullness and length, closely mirroring the nose.
Price:
$15.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
Clean pear fruit backed with a hint of minerality. There is way more wine in this bottle of bubbles than you would expect from a Prosecco at this price point.
Price:
$15.99
Cutty Sark "Prohibition Edition" Blended Scotch Whisky (1L)
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 8/8/2018 | Send Email
An exceptional value in brown liquor. This blended Scotch from Cutty Sark ticks a lot of boxes for a minuscule price point. Tasty enough for three finger pour to drink straight...high enough proof to make a great mixed drink. This may have just pushed aside Bank Note as one of my staples in the home bar.
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 8/7/2018 | Send Email
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 8/7/2018 | Send Email
Always one of our favorite Direct Import deals, the San Venanzio is full of fresh pear and peaches and cream, with a refreshing, mineral driven finish that will make you wonder how that first glass disappeared so quickly!
Price:
$15.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 8/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 8/6/2018 | Send Email
The San Venanzio is an excellent Prosecco. It is bright and refreshing with a kiss of sweetness that is accented with subtle mineral notes. It is great to drink for any occasion and will go well lighter foods. Lovers of prosecco do pass this one up.
Price:
$15.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 8/1/2018 | Send Email
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 8/1/2018 | Send Email
I was stunned by the superlative quality in this vintage of San Venanzio: 2016 has been just an exceptional vintage across Italy and most of Europe and it didn’t skip Valdobbiadene. The fruit in the nose of this wine is so pure, clean and vibrant it outgrows the appellation, the wine has so much minerality, clean focus yet still retains that Prosecco elegance and balance. Sensational finish!
Price:
$15.99
Cutty Sark "Prohibition Edition" Blended Scotch Whisky (1L)
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
The nose of this spirit is layered, shows hints of smoke, herb and a bite of the sea, you’d think I was tasting and Islay single malt but no this is a blend! On the palate the smoke joins with an almost oily texture showing the depth and power of this blended Scotch. Excellent palate presence and balance and with the 100 proof character I’d like one of those big, fat ice cubes to slowly melt the proof down to my comfort level. What! I just saw the price, this is ridiculous quality for this price point, if you’re a Scotch fan at any level you owe it to yourself to try this one.
Cutty Sark "Prohibition Edition" Blended Scotch Whisky (1L)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
Truly my favorite kind of whisky. Cheap and delicious. The Cutty Sark is the perfect choice for drinking pretty much anytime. It's exceptionally smooth for enjoying a couple fingers worth after dinner. It's inexpensive so you don't mind mixing it up in a Rob Roy or Scotch and Soda. And it's so good you'll gladly share it with your closest friends, cause who doesn't love a great deal?
Cutty Sark "Prohibition Edition" Blended Scotch Whisky (1L)
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
This venerable, BBR (Berry Bros. & Rudd) created brand is back, and at $15 the price for a go to every day bottle of Scotch does not get any better. The quality is good, really good. As I was joking earlier today, I'd like to think of this as the Scotch equivalent of a Werther's original that grandpa grabs out of his pocket: old school, reliably tasty, not necessarily the latest and greatest but absolutely classic and delicious.
Cutty Sark "Prohibition Edition" Blended Scotch Whisky (1L)
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/31/2018 | Send Email
Whisky drinkers rejoice! The Prohibition Edition from Cutty Sark is here, and it tastes great. Unlike most blended scotch, even much more expensive bottles, this does not have the raw grain flavor that I don't care for. Instead, it has more than a hint of sherry cask and a solid, medium body. I also appreciate the higher proof- at 100, this is perfect for an ice cube.
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/27/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 7/27/2018 | Send Email
This is a wonderful sparkling wine. It is clean and dry but with nice fruit that rounds this wine out. It is fantastic alone but will go well with fish and fowl.
Price:
$13.99
Blanton's "The Original" Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (1 bottle limit) (750ml)
By: Blake Conklin | Review Date: 7/12/2018 | Send Email
By: Blake Conklin | Review Date: 7/12/2018 | Send Email
You don't need to necessarily hear it from me that Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is easily a fantastic whiskey. It's a well known fact. But I will say, while I'm not the biggest whiskey drinker, Blanton's may easily take me over to the dark side. No joke. Every time I pour myself a glass (neat of course) I immediately want another pour as soon as I'm finished, and now I just want to know what other fun small batch whiskeys I can get myself into. If you're not the biggest bourbon drinker but you're curious enough to try a nice one and it so happens to be available, get your hands on Blanton's.
Clairin Vaval Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum (750ml)
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
This trio of Haitian single-estate rums is downright revelatory. Each fits a particular profile for me in how I would approach consuming them. The Vaval is pure earthy goodness and speaks volumes with a cocktail approach. The aromas of plantain, artichoke and green olives emerge with the potency to stand out and keep their integrity with a little mixology in play. Keep it on the simple side, a daquiri is all you need. Great stuff!
Price:
$64.99
Clairin Vaval Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
Wow the incredible Vaval is easily the equal to the other two Clairins, but a third distinctive style. Not having the vegetal intensity of the Casimir or the clean crispness of the Sajous, it might be the most versatile of the three. The nose is the most phenolic of the three as well. Pungent and bold nose of camphor, fresh soil, sweet grass, pickles, smoked meats, but then freshness behind. On the palate less phenolic but still very meaty -diesel oil, asphalt/gravel, mineral salts and touches of roasted citrus peel. The finish is dry and distinctive with a strong zesty lime note coming through. An absolutely idiosyncratic experience and something I want people to love as much as I do. This one will be extremely fun to mix with as well.
Price:
$64.99
Clairin Casimir Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
My first instinct when I tasted Mezcal was to run away. I loved the much cleaner vegetal and spice tones of Tequila. But my tastes have evolved and I would take a Mezcal over a Tequila almost any day of the week (almost). That first nose on the Casimir sent those same waves down my spine. My mind was discombobulated and the fight or flight instinct arose. I fought and spending even a few more minutes time with it, the savory meaty qualities of this intriguing rum emerged and I was hooked. Aromas of Kalamata olives, cured ham, leeks and ginger engaged my senses and this jumped to the head of the class of one of the coolest and most interesting things I've tasted this year. This is not for the uninitiated but fans of Mezcal and Islay whisky will have an easy time dropping into the Caribbean and feeling right at home.
Price:
$64.99
Clairin Sajous Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
Of these single Haitian estate rums, this is my sipper. I find it the most accessible in flavor profiles for pure clean rum flavors. You have the light vegetal tones of the raw sugar cane notes, but also some sweeter fruit tones and spices that make it so engaging. If I were mixing, a caipirinha would be my drink of choice.
Price:
$64.99
Clairin Sajous Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
Clairin is so hard to pinpoint, but there's no question that these special spirits are the next level for real lovers of distilled spirits who crave complexity and depth. They fall squarely in a round hole. Or is that roundly in a square whole? The sum of the squares is great than the whole. Anyway, expect something in between Agave, Agricole and Islay. Sajous is a pretty different terroir than the other two Clairins and has a slightly different style type, but we're no less impressive. This one can use a bit of water just a tiny drop. Still tons of savory, but less black olive and more castelnuovo, fresh teatree bark, engine oil, sour dough, underbrush and endless bouquet of aromatics. The palate just explodes. It's so delineated and enjoyable I can't stop drinking it. Crushed rocks covered in lime juice. Sea water thrown on a smoldering fire. Mangos covered in Tajin. Just ridiculous. Unfair. Nothing else matters but this...
Price:
$64.99
Clairin Casimir Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2018 | Send Email
The Clairin Casimir is truly one of my favorite spirits in the store of any kind. Understanding why these rums (the Clairins) are so special is as easy as pouring that first glass. But appreciating the incredible story behind these wonderful rums, true products of place, makes the sensory experience all that much more impressive. To compare the Clairins to single village mezcal is appropriate and even comparing the actual products to Agave isn't a big stretch. Instead of smoke we get a deep rancio funk in the background, but the structure and attitude of the spirit is similar. The nose on the Casimir is one of the most complex of any white spirit I've ever experienced. Deep tones of savory tomato puree, black olives, salted roasted herring and dense dried herbal characters are pointed by hints of ripe tropical fruit, citrus, sweet tea and grass. On the palate, the overwhelming savory quality takes a back seat and the gorgeous fruit aromas come through. Bright citrus peel, strong ginger and cassia notes. Not nearly as dark and brooding as the nose might imply. The whole thing stays wonderfully balanced and precise with salty citrus being the prominent quality to the end.
Price:
$64.99
A. Smith Bowman "Isaac Bowman" Port Barrel Finish Virginia Straight Bourbon (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/5/2018 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/5/2018 | Send Email
So I almost always dislike Port Finished bourbon. It’s not that they’re always bad, but often they don’t ADD much to the already wonderful whisky that went into those barrels. Indeed some work well. Angel's Envy and the tiniest kiss of sweet red fruit the port adds would be an example. But others simply over do it, adding a syrupy saccharine quality to already sweet spirit or even worse providing an overt bitterness from too much time in French oak. In general I believe it draws away from the inherent character of the a good bourbon, assuming you started with good bourbon. That said this new offering from Bowman strikes the perfect balance. It's not as mild as the Angel's, yet remains as balanced and delicious as all the Bowman Bourbons. Expect dense dark red fruit popping out from the first moment. Slight hints of candied stone fruit balanced by big sweet oaky vanilla and spice. This morphs into dense roasted nuts and cinnamon apple tart on the palate. Definitely on the sweet side, but avoiding the overtly sugary flavors with the highish proof and bold spice. A totally wonderful new addition to the Bowman line and my new go to pair for almost ANY dessert.
Vilmart "Cuvée Grand Cellier" Brut Champagne
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 7/2/2018 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 7/2/2018 | Send Email
I had an opportunity to re-evaluate this wine on Friday, the 29th of June and it is still just spectacular! It has a lively nose of citrus (lemon/lime and a touch of tangerine) and cream with (light) bread dough. Super intriguing! On the palate, a super fine bead, with tiny bubbles, yellow (and green) fruits and fine cream. Absolutely delicious! A long, citrus and mineral finish, as well. Super elegant and just flat out delicious. It was favored (100%) by our staff over the other selections that were offered on that evening.
Brasserie Dupont "Saison Dupont" Farmhouse Ale, Belgium (750ml)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
The original! Six or seven breweries in Belgium make true Saisons, and the undisputed classic of the style is Saison Dupont. While there may be some hipper variations that seem more in demand lately, this holds its own against the hyped versions. Saison Dupont is refreshing, with a brightness that is balanced by underlying earthiness. Plus the price is a steal considering the quality, and the fact that this is a 750 ml bottle. At once both crisp and funky, Saison Dupont is a clean, yeasty, satisfying beer, perfect for summer nights.
Price:
$15.99
Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin (750ml)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
This tastes like what sitting by the Mediterranean, dining alfresco on olive tapenade must feel like. The botanicals are fresh up front, with a notable lavender floral component, but the finish is textured and mouth-coating. This is a unique take on gin that enhances cocktails or could easily be enjoyed with just a bit of ice and soda.
Price:
$36.99
Charles Heidsieck "Brut Réserve" Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
Layered and heady, this Brut Champagne is composed mostly of reserve wines dating back to the 1990s, yet still shows a crisp core of minerality, with a satisfyingly long finish. There's even that coveted hint of brioche character. The value here is really incredible, especially considering Charles Heidsieck's smaller operation, storied history, legendary caves, and quality.
Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 6/30/2018 | Send Email
This is a wonderful single malt for those looking for an easy drinker. The the nose is light and pretty with a hint of bees wax. In the mouth it is light and delicate with the sherry aging adding juicy notes. What makes this single so nice is that all of the flavor aspects are balanced and harmonious. There is a delicious finish.
Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 6/25/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 6/25/2018 | Send Email
Filled in 3 different barrel types, this dram showcases American Bourbon casks, Spanish Olorosso butts, and unctuous Pedro Ximenez casks. This cask regimen does several things. The bourbon highlights the inherent fruity, vanilla cake, and creme brulee character of the spirit. The Olorosso adds gobs of cocoa, nuttiness, and toffee. And of course, the PX dials up a beautiful sweetness, intensity, and raisined fruits. While this triple casks regime adds layers of complexity, body, and richness, it also belies the notion that Lowland whisky is light and simple. At just $56.99 this is a shameless sherry dram for every day enjoyment. While the lowlands does have some highly coveted bottles, it's this kind of easy enjoy-ability that makes it such a special place for whisky.
Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 6/22/2018 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 6/22/2018 | Send Email
The Three Wood beautifully showcases the movement away from age statements and toward creative cask finishes. On the nose, it immediately offers enticing aromas of dried fruit, orange peel, caramelized sugar and ample spice. On the palate, it tastes full and complex despite its three distillations. Vanilla and dry sherry dominate at first but give way to soft tones of toffee and raisins. Typical of lowland malts, the finish brings a lingering nutty sweetness, but with a hint of charred wood. Altogether, it makes for an endlessly enjoyable dram that satisfies most any palate. I highly recommend this bottle for fans of bourbon or Irish whisky trying to break into Scottish single malts. It's also a great pick for scotch drinkers looking for something new in a sherry-focused style.
A. Smith Bowman "Isaac Bowman" Port Barrel Finish Virginia Straight Bourbon (750ml)
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 6/18/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 6/18/2018 | Send Email
If you've never had a "Port barrel finished" bourbon, this is a great place to start. If you love whiskey and want to try something new, look no further. What begins as a fantastic bourbon on its own spends the last bit of it's ageing period in ex-Port barrels. Take a big whiff and you'll immediately see the influence: red apple skins, gentle, dried raisins, and fresh cut flowers. On the palate, it is full of complexities, like a layered onion. Just add an ice cube and you're rocking!
Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 6/18/2018 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 6/18/2018 | Send Email
I recently revisited this delicious Lowland Scotch that had once been a regular favorite of mine, and was quite pleasantly surprised that I had forgotten how great it is. The aging of this whisky in Bourbon barrels along with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks gives the spirit deep richness. On the nose I get luscious ripples of dark chocolate, salted nuts, leather, and dried dark berries. The whisky provides flavors of salted caramel with cacao nibs, black cherry, light tobacco, leather, and woody sweet finish. Treat yourself to this Scotch after dinner like dessert in a glass.
Woodinville Straight 100% Rye Whiskey
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 6/13/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 6/13/2018 | Send Email
This Rye has a certain restrained richness and is on the dry side for a Rye.There are spice notes and it is complex and delicious.It is a classic and a high quality product.
The finish is juicy and long. A splash of water softens and opens it up. The Woodinville Rye should make most Rye drinkers very happy.
Woodinville Straight 100% Rye Whiskey
By: Stephanie Vidales | Review Date: 6/12/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephanie Vidales | Review Date: 6/12/2018 | Send Email
Rye fans should definitely check out this Washington handcrafted whiskey. You immediately know it’s rye from the nose by it’s rye bread and spice aromas. On the palate there’s cinnamon, cedar, spearmint, subtly fruity notes and oak character throughout. The overall body is rich and full and is a perfect candidate for your rye cocktails.
Woodinville Straight 100% Rye Whiskey
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 6/10/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 6/10/2018 | Send Email
You can't help but be struck by the nose on this Rye. It is ethereal. I was taken aback by the wonderful fruitiness to it. The baking spices make an obvious appearance and meld with the fruity tones perfectly. The palate is full of honey, bits of pepper, a touch of fresh cut grass, and cinnamon sugar. The most impressive achievement here though is certainly in the finish. It is outstandingly clean and long. While this rye is perfect to sip on its own, it is a dream in a Manhattan or Vieux Carre.