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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
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
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 7/24/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 7/24/2018 | Send Email
This is a really cool take on Champagne with a solera style barrel being the base wine. The added richness and complexity from the perpetual blend adds tons of character with aromas of toasted hazelnuts, spice cake, chalk and roasted apple. A really incredible bottling and completely unique, especially considering the price point. Stunning!
Price:
$39.99
Rieger's Midwestern Missouri Dry Gin (750ml)
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/19/2018 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/19/2018 | Send Email
The story of this gin is amazing- the master distiller of Tanqueray taking on a passion project in the midwest, but the spirit itself is even more so! This runs straight down the middle with firm juniper flavor married to a flawless, creamy texture. The quality is just higher than most in this style, and the price is considerably lower than most gins of this superlative quality. I never thought I would fall in love with a gin from Missouri!
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 (700ml)
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.
Jean-Louis Denois "Bulles d'Argile" Brut Nature Cremant de Limoux (No Sulfites Added)
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 6/19/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 6/19/2018 | Send Email
This sulfur free bubbly is the perfect sparkling wine for any occasion. Bright, fresh and youthful, this little value sparkler is a steal. Crisp Asian pears, Anjou pear pastilles and green banana give this easygoing wine quaffability, and before you know, the bottle will be empty! It can easily be sipped alone as an aperitif or paired with light picnic or party friendly fare.
Price:
$29.99
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.
Woodinville Straight 100% Rye Whiskey
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 6/9/2018 | Send Email
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.
Mas Codina Brut Rosé Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 6/5/2018 | Send Email
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
Laurent-Perrier "Harmony" Demi-Sec Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email
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
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!
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (375ml)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email
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!
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (1.5L)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 5/31/2018 | Send Email
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.
The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/21/2018 | Send Email
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
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
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
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
Montechiara Prosecco
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 5/14/2018 | Send Email
Bright, lively and refreshing this is a real popular sparking wine. It is classic Prosecco, light and easy with just a kiss of sweetness. Great alone, it will enhance a cocktail such as a spritzer with Aperol.
Price:
$10.99
Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde
By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 4/30/2018 | Send Email
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
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
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
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
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!
Avuá "Prata" Cachaça Brasil (750ml)
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 4/2/2018 | Send Email
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.
Wiston Estate Brut West Sussex England
By: Heather Vander Wall | Review Date: 3/26/2018 | Send Email
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!
2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 3/15/2018 | Send Email
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!
2012 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/15/2018 | Send Email
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!
Kilchoman "Machir Bay" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Cody Roderick | Review Date: 3/14/2018 | Send Email
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
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