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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
Four Roses "Small Batch Select" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
This is a blend of six and seven year old bourbons. For fans of Four Roses it is a must try, and for those who don't already know Four Roses bourbons, it is a chance to see how good this distillery is. The nose is all sweet and brown sugar like. In the mouth it is complex with a nice richness that is on the dry side. It opens up with a little water and becomes a little softer.
Four Roses "Small Batch Select" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
I typically adhere by the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It seems Four Roses disagrees. With three solid core offerings, they decided to double down on the small batch, offering this great, mid-tiered whiskey at a higher proof (you won't hear me complaining). On the nose I get sweet notes of candy corn and golden raisins with a slight hint of ripe green plum. The palate is definitely kicked up a notch from the regular small batch (which incidentally was my gateway bourbon). Sweet apple notes, with a bit of saigon cinnamon spice make their way forward and leave my tongue tingling with a bit of oak and a small hint of vanilla and finishing with sweet white peaches. The regular small batch got me into bourbon and Four Roses whiskey, and this new Select offering brought me back.
Singani "63" Bolivian Muscat Brandy (750ml)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
Super aromatic and just plain pretty. This muscat based Bolvian brandy gives off aromas of tropical fruits, sweet green apples, and night blooming jasmine. The palate is soft and sweet and reminds me of a tropical fruit punch jolly rancher but with a dry finish. A fun, summery spirit that would work great in a number of cocktails (think cucumbers, limes, basil, and punches) or would be great in a spritz or just on the rocks.
Price:
$29.99
2018 Cheval Blanc, St-Émilion
By: Ralph Sands | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
By: Ralph Sands | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
Bright aromas of just ripe red fruits on the nose, broad and silky on the palate with good power. Wonderful rounded tannins finish off this lovely wine. A wine of great harmony and taste! 2.5 Stars Ralph Sands
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 4/27/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 4/27/2019 | Send Email
Champagne is about as classic as it comes, so it's super cool to see growers trying new, delicious styles that keep the area dynamic and fun after all this time. This is an incredible, chestnut pastry driven mouthful elegantly juxtaposed against the lemon curd background, with staying power on the palate and a sherry-ish finish that begs for anther drink. Fresher than the flavor notes would have you think, this is a steal at the price and one of my favorite wines to surprise my friends with.
Price:
$39.99
Darroze Les Grand Assemblages "20 Year Old" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 4/18/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 4/18/2019 | Send Email
The Armagnac discussion has recently been dominated by single cask, vintage, ultra rare bottlings. While that focus is well deserved due to exceptional quality, rarity, and affordability, I think that has come as the disservice of some of the classic blends. Marc Darroze and his family have been distilling Armagnac for farmers for decades. By taking payment for their services in the form of distillate, they have amassed one of the greatest collections of Armagnac stocks on the planet. Marc's prowess as a blender is unmatched and the results I think reach an apex of quality/price in the 20 year assemblages. It's nearly impossible to beat for complexity of flavor, accessibility of profile, and pure deliciousness. All for just a hundred bucks. The nose is packed with fruit, wood spice, and a touch of sweet tobacco leaf. The palate is expansive and soft without ever being flabby. An unparallelled finish where everything lingers in its purest and clearest form, is the true achievement and mark of unrivaled quality.
Cotswolds Non-Chill Filtered English Dry Gin (700ml)
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 4/17/2019 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 4/17/2019 | Send Email
There is a lot of hand labor that goes into producing this gin and the taste certainly reflects those efforts. They peel hundreds of limes and grapefruits every week to get that fresh citrus note in there and all other botanicals are hand-selected for purity of expression. This gin is creamy and lively, showcasing floral and citrus notes, with just a touch of spice. Don't be alarmed if your gin turns cloudy after adding tonic or ice - that's just the incredible amount of botanical oils left in for phenomenal flavor.
2018 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 4/16/2019 | Send Email
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 4/16/2019 | Send Email
One of my favorite Pessac reds in the vintage, Domaine de Chevalier shows a signature textural refinement that carries a core of bright red fruit. The best examples we tried showed great layers with a bright finish and slightly chalky tannins that highlighted a great sense of place. Very compact and composed, there is a bright future for DDC's 2018 and it certainly be a noteworthy vintage for them.
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 4/12/2019 | Send Email
By: Elsa Baez | Review Date: 4/12/2019 | Send Email
There is so much going on with this bottle of champagne it's hard to know where to start. The blend is from fruit aged between 2007-2014 and considered to be from some of the best grapes from the vineyards. The nose is powered with hazelnut and sourdough toast with floral notes intermingling in between. And it keeps going.. rich with a good amount of acid, green apples and an airy mousse-like texture. It's definitely on my top 10 of champagne I cannot live without!
Price:
$39.99
2018 Cheval Blanc, St-Émilion
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 4/11/2019 | Send Email
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 4/11/2019 | Send Email
Very compact and nuanced, Cheval Blanc's 2018 is luxurious on the palate and pulls through with a resounding, long finish. It is built around a mid-palate full of pure red fruit and a seamless texture. It is a wine full of class and has lots of stuffing that hold tremendous potential for patient collectors.
Paolucci Amaro CioCiaro Liqueur (750ml)
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/8/2019 | Send Email
Very interesting amaro, with delicious notes of cola, and loads of bitter orange followed by a soft sweetness that will make a perfect digestive for those new to the amaro world. Highly recommended.
Uncle Nearest "1856" Tennessee Whiskey (750ml)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 3/22/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 3/22/2019 | Send Email
Another whiskey with a neat little story behind it. Coming from a polytechnic schooling, I’d typically ask for sources but the juice seems to speak for itself. The nose is sweet and rich with notes of vanilla, orange peel, stewed figs and a bit of sweetgrass. The palate is soft with a light sweetness that hits the tip of your tongue. Then the sarsaparilla and oak notes start coming through and the finish is drawn out with a bit of sweet mint at the end. At 100 proof, it drinks beautifully and is something I wouldn’t mind having on my bar cart at this price point.
El Caballito Cerrero "Agave Chato" Blanco 46 Jalisco Destilado de Agave (750ml)
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 3/21/2019 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 3/21/2019 | Send Email
This bottle is a must-try for agave aficionados - a perfect example of the complex, rustic flavors of a properly made agave-driven spirit. Earthy, vegetal aromas create a dramatic first impression that quickly develops secondary characteristics of bright acid and tropical fruits. The palate is marvelous, marrying grassy herbs, saline and roasted peppers in a voluptuous, mouthwatering texture. The finish is remarkably clean, carrying an impressive mineral quality and a more meaty flavor than "proper" blue weber tequila. The chato displays a wonderful umami that I rarely see in the other steam-cooked spirits coming out of Jalisco. I wish we could see more products like this, rather than the homogenized recipes created by some of the stricter regulations in the state.
Price:
$84.99
2016 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 3/14/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 3/14/2019 | Send Email
Brane Cantenac is a pure and beautifully classic second growth Margaux that has been over-performing for years now. The 2016 benefits from their slow and careful increase in the percentage of Cabernet in the blend. Long, elegant, velvety and expressive, the flavors and textures in the 2016 are irresistible. The elegance of the wine and the complex layers of flavors and aromatics make this an easy choice for your cellar.
Gray Whale Gin (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 3/13/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 3/13/2019 | Send Email
A certified 1% For The Planet company, Gray Whale Gin not only makes great gin, they put their money where their mouth is and donate 1% of proceeds to Oceana, an environmental non profit dedicated to protecting the oceans. The selection of botanicals from along the whales' migratory route at first feels a bit kitschy, but one sip and you'll let that feeling go. It's a splendid combination of mint, juniper, and limes set off by a pop of fir, floral notes, and a touch of salinity from sea kelp. An interesting take on terroir (wateroir?), Gray Whale makes a wonderful martini, G&T, or even Negroni, making it a triple threat in your cocktail collection.
Charanda Uruapan Blanco Single Blended Rum (1L)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
Full disclosure: I had heard/knew about this product prior to it being imported to the U.S. and it had a lot of hype behind it. People whom I respected and trusted the palates of vouched for it and sang its praises. Prior to cracking the bottle and trying it, the contrarian in me wanted to find something to criticize. Alas, my counterparts were correct in touting this to be one of the most unique and interesting spirits in its category (maybe even outside of it). First off, you can’t beat the price; this is one, 1-litre bottle you’ll want to keep stocked in your home bar. Sipped neat on its own, on the rocks, or wow guests and yourself by mixing it into a refreshing rum cocktail, this Charanda spirit is sure to enlighten. I was so blown away by the aroma that I had to pass my glass around the office, almost frantic, trying to get others to share in the experience of deciphering the smells wafting from the chalice. Notes of pickle brine and light dill danced harmoniously with sweet notes of star fruit, green plantain, and musk melon. The palate was harder to nail down as the chameleon-like flavors seemed to constantly change and then change back. Light fruity notes came to the forefront and the image of a prickly pear popped into my brain as I sampled the spirit. There was also something there that reminded me of Ramune (Japanese marble soda) that I used to covet as a kid. The finish was pleasantly smooth and had a nice, dry, Meyer lemon peel taste to it. Just as it was to me, I would highly recommend this to any rum and/or spirits fan.
Price:
$24.99
Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
Why was this gone for 50+ years?? Whatever the reason, I’m glad we got it back. The nose was so alluring it captured the attention of passerby’s and many members of the staff ended up sampling this new addition to the Spot line up. Marzipan, Mexican hot chocolate, strawberries and cream, apple flesh and sweet oak all seemed to intermingle together putting the nose to the glass. Even after the vessel was devoid of liquid I found that I couldn’t stop putting my nostrils to the rim and inhaling like it was the first scent I ever smelled. On the palate the apple note translated well on the taste buds followed by semisweet chocolate and sweet oak with hints of candied anise seed and cream soda. The fruity, strawberry note made a reappearance on the finish with other fruity tones and something that faintly reminded me of Apple Jacks cereal. Definitely a great offering to add to the line up.
Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 2/26/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 2/26/2019 | Send Email
This newest offering from the makers of Yellow Spot and Green Spot is a delicious Dublin single pot still whiskey matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and Marsala casks. The nose is rich, buttery, and a little sweet. Layers of caramel peel back to open on dried red fruits and apple. There's a nice allspice note that bends and binds with a gentle medicinality and leather scent. On the palate, the first thing I notice is the voluptuous mouthfeel - this whiskey has a wonderful texture. The red fruit flavors play off of nuttiness quite well, and the whole while there's a nice tongue-tingling quality. The medium-long finish keeps the fruit and spice notes going and going.
Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao (750ml)
By: Adam Winkel | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
By: Adam Winkel | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
Mixing to the highest tiki standards, I picked up a bottle of this to make the classic mai tai and zombie. I had always kept a bottle of Grand Marnier on hand to round out my margaritas, but when I ran out of Grand Marnier I substituted this Ferrand concoction in my margarita instead and I liked it even better... a small measure brings a complex bass note without the candied sweetness. I also don't miss those squat Grand Marnier bottles hogging shelf space in my liquor cabinet so I can pour 3/4oz now and then. They shall not return. Ferrand's dry curacao is my one-stop orange liqueur now.
Egrot Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
The quality of the Egrot Brut based on 2008 isn't as surprising when you consider that it is almost all Grand Cru Ay fruit (80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chard)and benefits from the wonderful talents of the Egrot team. The small does of Mutigny fruit provides a lovely texture and creamy notes layered over a nicely chalked minerality. Superb!
Price:
$37.99
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
A fantastic wine, gorgeously presented by a house that was established before the industrial revolution will always have a place in this world, and Laurent-Perrier's "Cuvée Rosé" is no exception. Luxuriously rich, with strong fruit notes on the nose and a light spice wrapped in creme on the palate, this is a bubbly rose for the special occasion. Pairs wonderfully with food and is a great remedy for the early spring chill!
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
At the moment Bollinger is my favorite big house and the non-vintage "Special Cuvee" is a big part of that position. Ripe fruit underneath a wet stone wash gives way to a sweeter, almost flan like mid-palate that finishes in a mouth watering citrus zest. A classic for a reason.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
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.
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
This is such an interesting champagne. I don't know of a single other like it. The entire production comes out of one giant barrel. Each year, the best selections are added to it to replace what comes out-- so production is limited to 2,000 liters per year. How it manages to be one of our most affordable options in the store boggles my mind. It has a deep, sourdough bread richness, with notes of fresh green olive and white roses. The "Louis Victor" provides a refined, aged champagne-drinking experience (there is wine in the barrel as old as 2007), and it will only continue to evolve in the coming releases. This is a good NV to hold on to, carefully marking which year the bottles were released to taste them against the new.
Price:
$39.99
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
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.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
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.
Egrot Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
The "brut" from Egrot could not be more different than the "extra brut," but for the fact that they are both very well-made champagnes. while the later sees long lees contact, the former is aged "sur lie" for even longer (over five years), expanding the toastiness and adding dark fruit character-- sweet cherry and black raspberry. A perfect party champagne-- this has clean and refreshing elements as well as a wonderful brioche richness that will suit any tastes.
Price:
$37.99
Egrot Extra Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
This is another producer whose pedigree for grape growing goes far beyond their own label. Egrot sells most of what they grow to larger producers, keeping a small amount for their own production. As is often the case in situations such as these (think Alexander Le Brun), the resulting wines are smashing values with true wine-making mastery behind them. The extra-brut is an excellent food-champagne. Dosed at two grams of sugar per liter, it is an honest-to-god extra brut-- no sweetness whatsoever, but a toasty richness from patient contact with the lees that rounds out the racey qualities. Loads of minerality. Begging for shellfish!
Price:
$39.99
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
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.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
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.
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
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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
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.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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!
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
I was surprised to see that I didn't already have a review for this wine since it is one of my favorite champagnes in the store! The first time I had this champagne was at a dinner with my coworkers. I was blown away by not only the story of the wine, but its concentration and complexity. I guess that is what happens when you have the best juice from over a decades worth of vintages in one barrel! While the texture screams aged champagne and some of the savory notes agree, there is a freshness that is describable.
Price:
$39.99
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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!
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Egrot Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
Based on the impeccable 2008 vintage with reserves of 2006 and 2007 as well, the Egrot has a pretty weighted mid palate with a richness of toasted brioche and cinnamon. Like their extra brut, all notes about this wine will say it is aged for 3 years on the lees (already twice the legal minimum), but it is usually much more- sometimes up to 8! The textural palate is still focused with a long, mineral driven finish which to me, shows the power of the 2008 vintage.
Price:
$37.99
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Egrot Extra Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
While this wine is wonderfully lean and dry, my first thought on the aromas was cinnamon toast. This is the result of the extended lees aging. Although it is noted the wine is aged for three years on the lees (already double the minimum) it is normally much more (sometimes as much as 8 years!). The lower sugar level on the dosage allows for the fruit to show its pure cherry beauty while the lovely textured and concentrated toasted qualities add depth before reaching the long balanced finish.
Price:
$39.99
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
Here's a very unique, complex and rich Champagne that any Champagne lover needs to try. Powerful with rich hazelnut, exotic fruits and spice box notes, lovely citrus peel and a layer of beautiful sweet chalky minerality. The long ageing in a 'solera' style adds to the unusual complexity and intrigue of this Champagne. All this at an unbelievable price for the quality.
Price:
$39.99
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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!
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
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!
Egrot Extra Brut Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
It's made to be crisp and clean, it should be crisp and clean, and it is crisp and clean, but it also is so much more than that. People ask about dosage all the time as a tell-all reference for sweetness and warmth of champagne, but even with the low dosage of 2 grams per liter, this extra brut has a nice evenness right up to the finish ,which is really where the austerity lies if anywhere. Oysters are the obvious choice here, but most seafood, particularly served cold, would work here. I'm looking forward to this and fish tacos, or even cerviche, if you try it first let me know how it is!
Price:
$39.99
2011 CVNE "Imperial" Gran Reserva Rioja
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 1/31/2019 | Send Email
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!