K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 6/9/2018 | Send Email

I can't say that my experience with 100% Rye Whiskeys is all that extensive, mostly because it's so finicky to make, people don't usually bother. I was struck by how light the nose was and how fresh the taste. I was expecting bitterness and punch, but what I got was floral and modern. The palate was smooth and a little woodsy and herbal. If this is the style of 100% rye we should come to expect, I plan on drinking them much more frequently. I'm very excited to see something so unique on the shelves and will definitely be adding this to my bar for something original.

Price: Hidden

WE: 91

Mas Codina Brut Rosé Reserva Cava Penedès

By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 6/5/2018 | Send Email

This is one of our perennial favorites here at K&L. Due to the warm climate in Catalonia, the Pinot Noir grapes used in production are picked in early August to preserve the acidity and freshness of the wine. Light strawberry flavors and a crisp, mineral finish make this rosé bubbly hard to beat - and especially at the under-$15 price point! Enjoy on its own or with a wide array of cheeses and charcuterie

Price: $14.99

2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne

By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 6/5/2018 | Send Email

The world has been patiently awaiting the arrival of the highly anticipated 2008 vintage of Cristal from Roederer, and in this instance the patience will prove particularly rewarding. The vintage was marked by a very long, cool growing period that allowed for that special combination of high ripeness and acidity that marks truly great champagnes. This shows bright, fresh and concentrated flavors of stone fruit, citrus, apples, ranier cherries and white flowers, with subtle notes of hazelnuts and saffron. The flavors are fresh, balanced and integrated, indicating incredible aging potential, and the finish just goes on and on. This will be a collectors vintage, so grab yours before they snap them all up.

Price: $449.99

2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/5/2018 | Send Email

The most anticipated Champagne in my 20 years in the wine business is finally for sale. This has been so hyped up with 100 point scores that I figured it couldn't possibly be as good as the critics say... But it is. This is the most concentrated, long finishing Cristal I have ever tasted, and so loaded with chalky minerality and bright vivacious acidity that one could mistake it for a blanc de blancs. But then the hazelnut cream Verzenay Pinot Noir swells up to balance everything out, leaving me at a loss for words. The big shame is how much will be drunk down immediately (it is all too delicious right now) since the real story is the long term ageability of this masterpiece!

Price: $449.99

Laurent-Perrier "Harmony" Demi-Sec Champagne

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email

Very bright considering the higher dosage, this elegant release from Laurent-Perrier is a natural for dessert, balancing sweetness with lift, and pairing with everything from appetizers to cake.

Price: $59.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (187ml)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email

Small in size but not in taste, this adorably-sized version of L-P is everything I love abouttheir classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Perfect for party favors!

Price: $19.99

JS: 93

WE: 90

WS: 90

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (375ml)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email

Picnic perfect! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point, even in the half bottle. Drink now!

Price: $32.99

JS: 93

WE: 91

WS: 91

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (1.5L)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email

Wow! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Plus the Magnum ages beautifully, much appreciated with the larger Chardonnay component. A beautiful choice for your next party.

Price: $129.99

JS: 93

WS: 91

DC: 90

The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/21/2018 | Send Email

On the bottle of this single malt it says "Balance, Light, Vibrant" and I think that this is a true and to the point statement.This is a whisky to relax with and enjoy its soft and nuanced flavors.

Price: $65.99

The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/18/2018 | Send Email

Ok, so for the normal $60 retail this whisky is just ok. It's a solid classic Speyside bottled at 80 proof and aged for 15 years. But cut that price in half and this becomes one of the GREATEST values we've ever seen. It beats all the big 12 year olds in the same price range hands down. It's not as light and easy as Glenlivet and its softer and smoother than Fiddich. There's absolutely no reason not to load up on this right now to have a solid aged single malt that you can throw around, give as gifts or make use for cocktails without feeling like your giving away the farm. We'd buy 1000 cases of the stuff at this price if they'd let us, but they limited us to 50 so once it's gone the price will go back up and we'll simply not sell it anymore...

Price: $65.99

The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 5/17/2018 | Send Email

With the continued rise of whisky prices, it is always exciting to me when I see that we are able to reverse that trend even briefly. If the whisky is actually really good too? Well, that makes me do a little happy dance. I would highly recommend picking up a couple of these bottles should you care to join me in that little happy dance. Sweet golden apple, soft vanilla, a touch of honey, and a spectacular bit of minerality. I mean this is just a steal, I think the move here is one for drinking and one for making awesome cocktails with. I mean for $35 why not.

Price: $65.99

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 5/15/2018 | Send Email

Summer sippin goodness in a bottle. That is what I thought the first time I tried this wine a few years ago and that thought has remained each time I taste it again. Perfect thirst quenching, low alcohol, slightly fizzy sipping goodness. This is the wine to grab by the case and find a reason to open on a beautiful afternoon.

Price: $9.99

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 4/30/2018 | Send Email

A light, fresh, and juicy white from Portugal that will be sure to please. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and orchard fruit. Hints of white flowers additionally. Flavors of bright citrus and green apple. I love the slight fizziness the wine exhibits as well. This is a summer-sipper staple; be sure to grab some for your next get together!

Price: $9.99

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

By: Sharon Kelly | Review Date: 4/25/2018 | Send Email

Fun, fun, fun! Crisp, refreshing, and spritzy this is THE quintessential, eazy-breezy, zippy summer sipper. You're going to want to keep this on hand for poolside sipping, or for enjoying with salads, cheese and yes, even crab.

Price: $9.99

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

By: John Downing | Review Date: 4/16/2018 | Send Email

San Venanzio Brut certainly stands out amongst its peers and remains one of the finest quality Proseccos we've come across at this tremendous price. Known for its vibrant fruit, bright florals, minerality and exceptional balance, this creamy, fresh sparkler continues to impress.

Price: $15.99

Allimant Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Rosé (1.5L)

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/2/2018 | Send Email

I would say this is the very best Rosé sparkling we carry at this moment. Very elegant and delicate and yet it has raspberry and strawberry galore on the nose and on the palate. Very focused and quite dry. Beautiful!

Price: $47.99

Allimant Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Rosé

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/2/2018 | Send Email

I would say this is the very best Rosé sparkling we carry at this moment. Very elegant and delicate and yet it has raspberry and strawberry galore on the nose and on the palate. Very focused and quite dry. Beautiful!

Price: $21.99

JS: 91

Avuá "Prata" Cachaça Brasil (750ml)

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/2/2018 | Send Email

Very nice Cachaça. Very floral, soft and with a touch of honey. Great for tropical cocktails.

Price: $34.99

WE: 91

Wiston Estate Brut West Sussex England

By: Heather Vander Wall | Review Date: 3/26/2018 | Send Email

As a big fan of sparkling wine generally, I am always eager to see what different regions bring to the table. Lately, I have fallen in love with the truly fabulous wines coming from England. Wiston Estate is one of the top producers there, and this NV Brut is a great example of the unique quality of English sparkling wine. The wine feels quite dry on the palate with lively acidity and heavily laden with chalky minerality. On the palate the fruit is surprisingly round, with pleasant apricot and nectarine dominating. Well worth putting a bottle or two aside for your next sparkling adventure!

Price: $39.95

DC: 96

WE: 95

VN: 92

2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 3/15/2018 | Send Email

On the nose, soft bing cherry, raspberry fruit aromas with a subtle toasty autolytic character and bristling minerals. On the palate, the fruit is soft and subtle up front, with the rich texture and minerals taking the forestage, until the fruit explodes with flavor on the back palate, where the vibrant acidity makes itself present for a crisp, everlasting finish. Excellent vintage rosé from one of the best!

Price: $59.99

2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/15/2018 | Send Email

When it comes to vintage Champagne, Roederer is clearly one of the best. They start in the vineyard, and manage the vines for this rosé very differently than the sites that are used for the Blanc de Blancs, Cristal and regular Brut vintage. In the case of this wine, they use their steep sites in the Premier Cru of Cumieres to get the ripest Pinot Noir possible in the cold Champagne region. While the Pinot is macerating, they infuse Chardonnay from the coolest sites in the Grand Cru of Chouilly both to slow down the set of the pigment and add freshness and acidity to the wine. The 2012 vintage was a great one in Champagne, marked by low yields and warm harvest conditions, and this is a great example of the concentration and texture that this great year is capable of. The color is only a pale copper strewn pink, but the finish has great black cherry Pinot power. The top class chalk of the Chardonnay make this a long finishing, lengthy treat that should not be missed!

Price: $59.99

Kilchoman "Machir Bay" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By: Cody Roderick | Review Date: 3/14/2018 | Send Email

As an avid fan of Islay whisky, I was thrilled with the quality and value of this bottle. Although a young whisky, this still delivers the characteristics you would expect from the region ranging from peat to the natural elements of the island. It has an extraordinarily soft mouth feel along with a smooth and delicate finish despite delivering the initial smoke and brine flavor. This would be a great introductory bottle for those considering a move into the world of Islay.

Price: $64.99

Bruichladdich "Classic Laddie" Scottish Barley Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/13/2018 | Send Email

I love Islay Malt, but find that many of them just end up filling up my liquor cabinet, as I am not drawn to drinking them the same way that I am impressed by tasting them. The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley from Bruichladdich is not at like that, and is super drinkable and moreish. This is the perfect malt for having a second dram of, since the fabulously salty complexity does not come with a bunch of excessive fat and heat. This is a very high quality malt, especially for the money.

Price: $49.99

2015 Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers"

By: Sharon Kelly | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email

A powerhouse wine with a sophisticated edge, this is well-structured with succulent dark fruits, classic spice and sensual texture. It is everything you want in a Premier Cru from Bourgogne. This is a tough one to resist now, but I suggest tucking it away in your cellar for several years. It will enhance what is already stellar about it. Good things come to those who wait.

Price: $199.99

H by Hine VSOP Cognac (750ml)

By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email

Dried raisin, vanilla, cherry, an absolutely gorgeous bouquet. Incredibly smooth, no heat at all, which allows the chocolate notes to go on, and on, and on...

Price: $44.99

Nikka "Coffey Grain" Japanese Whisky (750ml)

By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email

Light and fruity, slight oily texture, like those fruit cocktail packs you used to get in your lunch in elementary school. A bit of red apple skin, incredibly smooth in the mouth, like a fluffy rum cake, but with a more whisky-like caramel sweetness. Delicious, an awesome intro to Japanese whisky.

Price: $54.99

WA: 92

WE: 90

Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux "Brut de Fut" K&L Exclusive Premier Cru de Cognac Grand Champagne Cognac

By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/4/2018 | Send Email

The color is so intense and intriguing and the nose is nothing short: mint, dried stone fruit, and dark molasses. The Cognac is vibrant on the palate; the flavors really stick to the taste buds and continually evolve and show different complexities. Super interesting. All this without any additives. An amazing example of how deep and complex a Cognac with the right age can be.

Price: $199.99

2015 Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers"

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 3/3/2018 | Send Email

Another 2015 red Burgundy with a pretty nose, which seems to be the trademark of this vintage. Dark red fruited nose with cocoa and a hint of smokiness. Fleshier on the palate with boysenberry and black currant fruit. Generous minerality on the finish, which lingers. Tempting to drink now, with a bit of decanting, but, it will also shine over at least the next decade.

Price: $199.99

La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut

By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 2/28/2018 | Send Email

Classic Cremant de Loire, and on of the best sparkling wine values we have had at K&L for long, long time. Cool yellow fruits, rich yeast notes and a crisp finish. It drinks well above it's price point.

Price: $14.99

YOLA Mezcal (750ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email

This is a delicious Mezcal. The nose is pretty with citrus and and subtle light smoke. In the mouth it is round and clean with soft citrus notes that lead to complex and layered flavors. The smoke comes through to help complete the package.

Price: $39.99

Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email

The younger aged statement of my absolute favorite whisky, the 10 year shows a mind-boggling amount of flavor that'll make your head spin in delight. Super complex, everything in harmony in balance, and you can truly taste everything down to the malty goodness. This age statement feels a bit briny-er than the 15, with a bit more of an orange zest and tropical hue to it. Super smooth, medium-rich texture, like a mouthful of sunshine. No wonder people cant decided between the 10 and the 15...

Price: $109.99

WE: 92

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/24/2018 | Send Email

Incredibly, a magnum of Baron-Fuente is priced lower than some bigger name 750 ml bottles of Champagne – the value is almost unbelievable! Concentrated fruit with a hint of spice, luxurious toastiness, and creamy finish, this Meunier-based Champagne is both expressive and easygoing, with more pronounced acidity in this larger format. And while there’s technically better aging potential to the 1.5L, it’s tough to keep this cellared when it’s so exciting (and affordable) to pop at a party.

Price: $64.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne

By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/23/2018 | Send Email

Leesy with coveted brioche notes, pear fruit, and bright acid – and much more vivid than the other offerings by one of our favorite Direct Import producers – the “7” is the most sophisticated Baron Fuente I’ve tasted. It’s aged for seven years on the lees and it shows: this is astonishing quality for the price, with lovely texture and focus.

Price: $59.99

WE: 93

JS: 91

Capurro Estate Grown Single Vintage Quebranta Premium Pisco (700ml)

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email

Capurro is known for their single vintage, single variety Piscos and their extreme commitment to quality. While the minimum resting period for Peruvian Pisco is 3 months, Capurro rests theirs until they feel it has achieved its maximum expressive potential - in this case 39 long months! The Quebranta is a Pisco varietal that has parentage in the California Mission Grape. The aromatics are more savory than fruity. They have an earthy, almost dusty tone to them. The flair really comes in the weight and texture of the Quebranta. It's heavier than the other varieties and emulsifies the best for egg based cocktails. If you're making tons of Pisco Sours this will make your life a little easier. The added weight of the Pisco also lets you cut back the sugar in the cocktail just a little.

Price: $34.99

Capurro Estate Grown Single Vintage Acholado Premium Pisco (700ml)

By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email

While Capurro Pisco is always single vintage and typically single varietal, the Acholado is a blend of the other 3 grape varieties. The balance here is tremendous and if you're looking for your first great Pisco experience, this is it. There is a great balance between stone fruits and an earthy flavor that offers a faint hint of grass. The texture and finish here are excellent and it will emulsify easily in your Pisco Sour - the key to any good egg based cocktail. Not just for mixing, this also offers a great drinking experience when served neat or with a dose of citrus.

Price: $34.99

2014 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email

A very elegant nose of black currant, plums, brown sugar, coffee and graphite, which follows on the palate. It is all a bit restrained now, not surprising being such a young wine, but it is all there. The body is medium to full, and the acidity gives it a nice freshness throughout It will blossom into an incredible wine. I liked very much. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot

Price: $139.99

2014 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan

By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email

A very enticing nose of blood oranges, tobacco, forest floor and a touch of vanilla. Very fine tannins on the palate making it all round and balanced. Very nice wine. I expect it to receive high scores for sure. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot.

Price: $129.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email

This is a new producer for K&L and a great bottle for those who like their bubbly in a darker and richer style. 100% Pinot Meunier give this volumes of sweet red fruit flavors along with a touch of spice and hints of marzipan, maple, apricot and dark plum. A bottle of Champagne this flamboyant and exotic for only $25 is hard to believe.

Price: $29.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email

This 100% Pinot Meunier wine sees some skin contact resulting in a vivid pink color and even a touch of structure on the back end. Dried cherry and ripe raspberry aromas and flavors jump from this bracing wine and there is a savory note on the long, dry finish. There is the faintest tannic tug on the end allowing this to stand up to hearty fare. Surf and turf anyone?

Price: $34.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)

By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email

This is the best value I've ever see from Champagne. The quality from this flagship of Marne producer Baron Fuente is unbelievable for the price. It has beautiful expressive flavors of apricot, Gala apples, and honeysuckle with a touch of spice and herbs and a rich, subtly toasty creaminess on a finish that just keeps going and going. What a value on such a crowd pleaser!

Price: $64.99

JS: 90

Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne

By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 2/13/2018 | Send Email

I had the pleasure of trying this Champagne about a week ago along with a couple other Billecart-Salmon offerings. This was my favorite, for its inherent richness. The aroma was very reminiscent of a white Burgundy; dried orchard fruit, custard, and chalky minerality. On the palate, creamy fruit, lemon juice, and pear flavors play with an elegant toast and round mouthfeel. Acidity is still elevated; the chalkiness also comes through. This Champagne's power and balance come together wonderfully; worth every penny!

Price: $99.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email

A most intriguing Champagne. Nice lifted fleshy fruit with small bubbles and a smokey mineral character with a long finish that reminds me of fuji apples. Fascinating enough to recommend trying something new and exciting!

Price: $29.99

Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email

This wine is made from 100% Grand Cru fruit from Avize, Cramant and Oger. The palate is clean and subtly floral, but is fairly robust and has hints of under-ripe tropical fruit, a testament to the warmer vintage. With a dry, soft finish, this is an elegant wine sure to please the most discerning.

Price: $53.99

JS: 92

RP: 92

Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne