K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

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

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

Price: $59.99

2015 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien

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

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

Price: $89.99

Montechiara Prosecco

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/21/2018 | Send Email

This is one of (possibly the highest) selling Prosecco for us. It has the classic peachy and creamy character that makes Prosecco so popular. Great as an apertif or for the ever popular Aperol sprtiz!

Price: $10.99

Kokuryu "Crystal Dragon" Daiginjo Sake 720ml

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

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

Price: $39.99

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

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

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

Price: $89.99

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

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

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

Price: $39.99

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

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

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

Price: $49.99

2015 Barde-Haut, St-Émilion

By: James Bradshaw | Review Date: 11/9/2018 | Send Email

After reading the excellent critical reviews, I was excited to try the 2015 Barde-Haut for myself. Well, it one-hundred percent lives up to the hype. It is loaded with ripe blue and red fruits, but the notes of mint and eucalyptus raise this St-Emilion to another level entirely. For those who love a modern style of Bordeaux, this Barde-Haut delivers in spades. Give it a chance to open it up as the wine just keeps evolving with baking spice, tea, and slate flavors emerging. This 2015 is ready to drink now and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues to develop for another 20-plus years. That this bold and dashing red can be had for under $50 makes it all the more appealing. Barde-Haut is at the top of their game and this glorious red makes the case that they are among the most exciting properties in the Right Bank today.

Price: $39.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

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

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

Price: $59.99

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

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

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

Price: $44.99

VN: 92

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

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

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

Price: $64.99

WE: 93

Charles Baur "Emotion" Cremant d'Alsace Brut

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email

Zesty & bright with excellent richness and subtle hints of minerals and petrol notes. Expansive on the palate this is the ideal sparkler to start off your Thanksgiving fun with family and friends.

Price: $24.99

JS: 92

WE: 92

VN: 91

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

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

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

Price: $69.99

JD: 93

JS: 93

WS: 93

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

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

“La Cuvee” is the result of LP’s new Non-Vintage cuvee giving a little more Chardonnay and 6 extra months on the lees for a total of 42 months giving ‘La Cuvee’ a freshness with jus the right amount of toasty richness. This is definitely a crowd pleaser and that includes industry professionals as well.

Price: $59.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

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

Billecart-Salmon is a medium sized champagne house making some beautiful cuvees and their flagship Brut Reserve is no different. Comprised of 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay this cuvee is a champagne classic in style and elegance. Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Reserve exemplifies a champagne of know-how and could (should) be any connoisseur’s go-to.

Price: $64.99

Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 10/7/2018 | Send Email

Fallet-Dart is always a fantastic value and this under $30 bottling is no exception. Aged on the lees for four years, this is rich, powerful and toasty without feeling flabby on the palate. There is a bracing line of acidity that cuts through that leesy richness. The palate has bright, citrusy notes to balance all the richness of the nose. A great value, so go ahead, drink Champagne when you're thirsty.

Price: $34.99

La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut

By: Jeffrey Markavage | Review Date: 9/30/2018 | Send Email

Goodbye Cooks hello Deligeroy! If only everyone knew that you could get a great bottle of bubbles for the same price as the stuff the makes your head palpitate the next morning. I get beautiful notes of tropical fruit, honeycomb, and apple. Maybe even apple pie... I'll have to consult Kirk below.

Price: $14.99

Rihaku "Dreamy Clouds" Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Sake (Unfiltered) (720ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 9/21/2018 | Send Email

A subtle and light nigori to counter the lusciously sweet style, Dreamy Clouds is a fantastic introduction to dry sake. Rihaku brews Dreamy Clouds with the premium rice variety Gohyakuman-Goku, prized for its clean and subdued flavors, polished to 59%. The Ginjo-level polishing ratio qualifies this sake as a Tokubetsu (special selection) Junmai, a designation reserved for brews a Toji is most proud of. The result is a sake with subtle aromas of white flowers and raw pine nuts, with hints of honeydew and bubblegum. On the palate, Dreamy Clouds is dry, lean, and bright with pronounced acidity and just a dash of chewiness from the very fine rice solids. If you've come to associate simple and sweet with the nigori category, be prepared to have your expectations elevated by Dreamy Clouds.

Price: $30.99

Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 9/13/2018 | Send Email

I think that this latest version of this wine is probably the best one yet. It has a rich nose of golden apples and subtle, soft, oak. Also rich on the palate with baked apples, sea salt and a hint of minerals. Rich and round, with excellent acidity and depth. The once controversial champagne (for our staff), has found its sweet spot and is an excellent example of this style of champagne. It is a great pick for both the adventurous and those of you who are really into food and Champagne pairing.

Price: $99.99

Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne (1.5L)

By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 9/11/2018 | Send Email

The mere fact that this cuvee from Fallet Dart has a whopping seven years on the lees should immediately grab your attention. That said, it's not all about the lees, you need to start with great base wine. This is absolutely the case for this delicious bottle of Pinot Noir based bubbles made an hour west of Epernay. A bright nose loaded with citric fruits leads to a focused, lively, fresh and engaging palate. Compared to their also tasty Grande Reserve, this wine comes across as drier and slightly lower dosage. Fantastic value for money, and a likely selection for house Champagne at our place. If you are inclined to do the same, it will be super affordable at under $35!

Price: $84.99

Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne (1.5L)

By: Blake Conklin | Review Date: 9/11/2018 | Send Email

As far as our portfolio of direct imports go, I'm personally a huge fan of everything Fallet Dart has released, and the Grande Selection is definitely one of my all time favorites. If you need a good house champagne, look no further. Grande Selection delivers on so many levels. It's well balanced, the acidity is damn near perfect, and it has a nice toastiness to it like no other. Try it with pizza. Trust me.

Price: $84.99

Asahi Shuzo Dassai "45" Junmai Daiginjo Nigori Sake (300ml)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 9/11/2018 | Send Email

Ahh Dassai 50, possibly the best sake to introduce new drinkers to the ginjo style. It is high quality, well priced, and boasts a powerfully fruity aroma that is hard for anyone to find objectionable. The nigori variant is no different: drinkers are treated to aromas of ripe, juicy fruits like cantaloupe, kiwi, peach, plum and grape with hints of honey. The sake is rich and chewy on the palate with a touch more sweetness than the standard Dassai 50 but not so much as to come off as cloying. All of those delicious sweet fruit aromas can be tasted on the palate and well into the finish. Dassai 50 nigori is, simply, a delicious sake.

Price: $12.99

Inverroche "Verdant" Gin (750ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 9/4/2018 | Send Email

A great addition to the gin selection because it adds a new exciting and delicious taste experience. The Verdant has a light translucent green color. In the nose it has classic juniper and botanical aromas. In the mouth it becomes very interesting with a creamy mouthfeel with licorice and botanical flavors that come together to produce a unique and lovely gin. Inverroche recommends it to be mixed with tonic and a twist.

Price: Hidden

Inverroche "Amber" Gin (750ml)

By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 9/3/2018 | Send Email

When I first saw that K&L had a new gin I thought that there was not need to offer a new one because so many good ones are already in inventory. I was wrong, the Inverroche gins are all both tasty and interesting and add new taste experiences. The Amber is unique and delicious. The nose has subtle and delicate juniper notes that sit on top up a rich and almost burnt honey like aromas. In the the mouth it is full and creamy with a rich honey like and nut like flavors but it is not sweet. It will taste good alone on with tonic water.

Price: $40.99

Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 8/28/2018 | Send Email

This old-vine, estate-grown Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is one of the marvels of our Champagne portfolio. It has dried lemon, granny smith apples and honey-dew fruit flavors, with aromas of flowers and subtle toast and an intense mid-palate richness that’s lifted by chalky mineral texture and bright acidity for a long, sumptuous finish.

Price: $44.99

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 8/28/2018 | Send Email

Launois Quartz is one of this legendary producer’s prestige bottlings. It is made from a single parcel in Mesnil, and is aged at a lower atmospheric pressure level than usual to better showcase the quality of the fruit behind finer bubbles. It has incredible minerality with a touch of saline, beautiful cream, citrus, melon, honey and white floral flavors, and a long precise finish. The elegance, complexity and utter drinkability are what makes this a must-have in prestige Champagnes.

Price: $49.99

Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

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

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

A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne

By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 8/21/2018 | Send Email

This is a stunning wine that overdelivers in every way possible. Crafted from a blend of the best of the base wine barrel selections from 2007-2014, the Cuveé Louis Victor displays incredibly complex, condensed flavors and aromas that sensually drift across the palate, leaving a distinct desire for another taste. Notes of Granny smith and golden apple, even hints of red apple skin and nutmeg trail into a leesy, saline finish that lasts and lasts.

Price: $39.99

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

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

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

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

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

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

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

Small Hand Foods Orgeat Syrup (8.5oz)

By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 8/10/2018 | Send Email

Sure, you could make your own Orgeat. It’s not too hard. All you need is a food processor, toaster, slivered almonds, orange flower water, a pinch of salt and 24 hours to let it all come together. It will taste great but will lack…something. Is it the pressed apricot kernels? The touch of California Brandy? It is rare that a packaged product can equate or even better home-made but Jennifer Colliau has accomplished this with her Small Hand Foods Orgeat recipe. Shake a half ounce of this with one ounce Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, one ounce Clement Rhum Agricole, a quarter ounce Orange Liqueur (such as Dry Curacao, Cointreau or Clement Creole Shrub), a half ounce simple syrup lightly infused with cinnamon and one ounce lime juice for an authentic 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai. Sault!

Price: $14.99

Scrappy's Grapefruit Bitters (5oz)

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

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

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

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

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.

Price: $34.99

WA: 90

WE: 90

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

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

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

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

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