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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
H by Hine VSOP Cognac (750ml)
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email
Dried raisin, vanilla, cherry, an absolutely gorgeous bouquet. Incredibly smooth, no heat at all, which allows the chocolate notes to go on, and on, and on...
Price:
$44.99
Nikka "Coffey Grain" Japanese Whisky (750ml)
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/5/2018 | Send Email
Light and fruity, slight oily texture, like those fruit cocktail packs you used to get in your lunch in elementary school. A bit of red apple skin, incredibly smooth in the mouth, like a fluffy rum cake, but with a more whisky-like caramel sweetness. Delicious, an awesome intro to Japanese whisky.
Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux "Brut de Fut" K&L Exclusive Premier Cru de Cognac Grand Champagne Cognac
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/4/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 3/4/2018 | Send Email
The color is so intense and intriguing and the nose is nothing short: mint, dried stone fruit, and dark molasses. The Cognac is vibrant on the palate; the flavors really stick to the taste buds and continually evolve and show different complexities. Super interesting. All this without any additives. An amazing example of how deep and complex a Cognac with the right age can be.
Price:
$199.99
La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 2/28/2018 | Send Email
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 2/28/2018 | Send Email
Classic Cremant de Loire, and on of the best sparkling wine values we have had at K&L for long, long time. Cool yellow fruits, rich yeast notes and a crisp finish. It drinks well above it's price point.
Price:
$14.99
YOLA Mezcal (750ml)
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email
By: Jeffrey Jones | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email
This is a delicious Mezcal. The nose is pretty with citrus and and subtle light smoke. In the mouth it is round and clean with soft citrus notes that lead to complex and layered flavors. The smoke comes through to help complete the package.
Price:
$39.99
Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 2/26/2018 | Send Email
The younger aged statement of my absolute favorite whisky, the 10 year shows a mind-boggling amount of flavor that'll make your head spin in delight. Super complex, everything in harmony in balance, and you can truly taste everything down to the malty goodness. This age statement feels a bit briny-er than the 15, with a bit more of an orange zest and tropical hue to it. Super smooth, medium-rich texture, like a mouthful of sunshine. No wonder people cant decided between the 10 and the 15...
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/24/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/24/2018 | Send Email
Incredibly, a magnum of Baron-Fuente is priced lower than some bigger name 750 ml bottles of Champagne – the value is almost unbelievable! Concentrated fruit with a hint of spice, luxurious toastiness, and creamy finish, this Meunier-based Champagne is both expressive and easygoing, with more pronounced acidity in this larger format. And while there’s technically better aging potential to the 1.5L, it’s tough to keep this cellared when it’s so exciting (and affordable) to pop at a party.
Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/23/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 2/23/2018 | Send Email
Leesy with coveted brioche notes, pear fruit, and bright acid – and much more vivid than the other offerings by one of our favorite Direct Import producers – the “7” is the most sophisticated Baron Fuente I’ve tasted. It’s aged for seven years on the lees and it shows: this is astonishing quality for the price, with lovely texture and focus.
Capurro Estate Grown Single Vintage Quebranta Premium Pisco (700ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email
Capurro is known for their single vintage, single variety Piscos and their extreme commitment to quality. While the minimum resting period for Peruvian Pisco is 3 months, Capurro rests theirs until they feel it has achieved its maximum expressive potential - in this case 39 long months! The Quebranta is a Pisco varietal that has parentage in the California Mission Grape. The aromatics are more savory than fruity. They have an earthy, almost dusty tone to them. The flair really comes in the weight and texture of the Quebranta. It's heavier than the other varieties and emulsifies the best for egg based cocktails. If you're making tons of Pisco Sours this will make your life a little easier. The added weight of the Pisco also lets you cut back the sugar in the cocktail just a little.
Price:
$34.99
Capurro Estate Grown Single Vintage Acholado Premium Pisco (700ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/21/2018 | Send Email
While Capurro Pisco is always single vintage and typically single varietal, the Acholado is a blend of the other 3 grape varieties. The balance here is tremendous and if you're looking for your first great Pisco experience, this is it. There is a great balance between stone fruits and an earthy flavor that offers a faint hint of grass. The texture and finish here are excellent and it will emulsify easily in your Pisco Sour - the key to any good egg based cocktail. Not just for mixing, this also offers a great drinking experience when served neat or with a dose of citrus.
Price:
$34.99
Montechiara Prosecco
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email
The perfect bubbles to pop for any occasion without breaking the budget. "Extra Dry" is the minimum level of dosage to create the secondary fermentation, so no excess sweetness on this Prosecco. Fresh fruit flavors, zippy acid, and a dry mouthfeel, what more could you want for the price?
Price:
$10.99
2014 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 2/20/2018 | Send Email
A very elegant nose of black currant, plums, brown sugar, coffee and graphite, which follows on the palate. It is all a bit restrained now, not surprising being such a young wine, but it is all there. The body is medium to full, and the acidity gives it a nice freshness throughout It will blossom into an incredible wine. I liked very much. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
Egrot Brut Champagne
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 2/16/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 2/16/2018 | Send Email
This bottling from Elisabeth Goutorbe showcases why our direct imports are such a steal. Balanced, elegant and charming, all under $35. The palate is rich and complex while also having tons of fresh minerality and bright acidity. Tons of black cherry with a little toast and hazelnut. One to grab for any occasion or gathering and sure to please even the most finicky of palates.
Price:
$37.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
This is a new producer for K&L and a great bottle for those who like their bubbly in a darker and richer style. 100% Pinot Meunier give this volumes of sweet red fruit flavors along with a touch of spice and hints of marzipan, maple, apricot and dark plum. A bottle of Champagne this flamboyant and exotic for only $25 is hard to believe.
Price:
$29.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
This 100% Pinot Meunier wine sees some skin contact resulting in a vivid pink color and even a touch of structure on the back end. Dried cherry and ripe raspberry aromas and flavors jump from this bracing wine and there is a savory note on the long, dry finish. There is the faintest tannic tug on the end allowing this to stand up to hearty fare. Surf and turf anyone?
Price:
$34.99
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Alex Schroeder | Review Date: 2/14/2018 | Send Email
This is the best value I've ever see from Champagne. The quality from this flagship of Marne producer Baron Fuente is unbelievable for the price. It has beautiful expressive flavors of apricot, Gala apples, and honeysuckle with a touch of spice and herbs and a rich, subtly toasty creaminess on a finish that just keeps going and going. What a value on such a crowd pleaser!
Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne
By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 2/13/2018 | Send Email
By: Joe Bruno | Review Date: 2/13/2018 | Send Email
I had the pleasure of trying this Champagne about a week ago along with a couple other Billecart-Salmon offerings. This was my favorite, for its inherent richness. The aroma was very reminiscent of a white Burgundy; dried orchard fruit, custard, and chalky minerality. On the palate, creamy fruit, lemon juice, and pear flavors play with an elegant toast and round mouthfeel. Acidity is still elevated; the chalkiness also comes through. This Champagne's power and balance come together wonderfully; worth every penny!
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email
A most intriguing Champagne. Nice lifted fleshy fruit with small bubbles and a smokey mineral character with a long finish that reminds me of fuji apples. Fascinating enough to recommend trying something new and exciting!
Price:
$29.99
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/9/2018 | Send Email
This wine is made from 100% Grand Cru fruit from Avize, Cramant and Oger. The palate is clean and subtly floral, but is fairly robust and has hints of under-ripe tropical fruit, a testament to the warmer vintage. With a dry, soft finish, this is an elegant wine sure to please the most discerning.
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne for just $ 34.99! Lively and rich with flavors of apples some bready notes with a touch of saline and vanilla. Crisp and clean with persistent bubbles. This is a favorite at my house
Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
No this is not a reference to the song " Hootchie Cootchie Man" . The 7 does refer to 7 generations of skilled Champagne production. This is a rich and lifted Champagne that hits all of the buttons. Silky, long, layered, balanced and dry. Just $49.99 . My personal favorite in the Baron-Fuente lineup.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
Pretty apple and tart peach with ginger, almond skin and some saline.Broad on the palate with a light feel. 10% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay & 60% Munier. 100% Malolactic fermentation. A pretty Champagne at a reasonable price. Perhaps a second bottle?
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
By: Jordan Stone | Review Date: 2/8/2018 | Send Email
Pretty apple and tart peach with ginger, almond skin and some saline.Broad on the palate with a light feel. 10% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay & 60% Munier. 100% Malolactic fermentation. A pretty Champagne at a reasonable price. Perhaps a second bottle?
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
I make no secret of my love of Champagne with plenty of Meunier in it. Something about all that big beautiful fleshy fruit just makes super friendly bubbles for my enjoyment. This is a rich and round style with notes of dried cherry, plum, almond and even a little marzipan in there. There is also some spice and plenty of acid here that makes this a perfect dinner companion.
Price:
$29.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
New DI Champagne is always exciting to me, mostly because it means I get to taste Champagne and no matter what that is great. Still better when I find ones I really like. This new Rose is definitely our best priced Rose Champagne, but just because it is less expensive does not mean it is less drinkable. Bright fruit with some lovely structure from a little skin contact this all Pinot Meunier rose is a spectacular buy and a tasty bottle.
Price:
$34.99
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
By: Andrew Stevens | Review Date: 2/7/2018 | Send Email
There is only one thing that everyone in Champagne agrees on, that is their wine tastes best out of a magnum. There are several reasons for this, but rest assured that it is true. Getting to taste Champagne side by side out of different sizes always confirms this, also who doesn't want to show up at a party or event with a large format Champagne? So here we have the best-priced magnum Champagne you will see and it delicious! The extra aging on the lees shows up as big rich yeasty notes with tons of breadth and complexity. There is a lovely golden pear and vanilla note here as well as a dry and long finish. Spectacular bubbles.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Made from 100% Meunier grapes harvested from Troissy, the Cuvée Tradition is uniquely creamy and refined on the palate. Aromatics of red apple skin and walnut highlight the personality of the delicately spicy and red-fruited varietal. With three years on the lees, the bubbles are fine and soft.
Price:
$29.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
This is a Champagne with real depth! The cépage of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier sees some time in barrel, which imparts creaminess and delicate spice notes. With aromas and flavors of subtle fennel and ripe, clean Granny Smith apple, the Cuvée Prestige is very well balanced and has a long, spicy finish.
Price:
$39.99
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Behold, Baron Fuenté Grande Réserve! This wine is easily one of the best values K&L has to offer. With a cépage that is primarily Meunier, the palate is clean, light and slightly spicy, with flavors of crisp, green apple, and a slightly nutty finish with a hint of caramel. The wine spends 3 to 3.5 years on the lees, which creates a fabulous breadth on the palate, not to mention that finish! Persistent and charming!
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
There are many delicious Champagnes at $49, but there are very few in magnum at $49! Baron Fuente ages their magnum over a year longer than their 750s--which are aged twice as long as required--so you are getting a solid 4+ years of lees contact in the bottling. It has the same great richness and toasted brioche that we love from the 750, but being a larger format, that oxygen aging has been delayed. This brings a beautiful freshness and longevity to the wine and really makes the magnums ready for aging!
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Looking for a place to start in the Champagne category? Look no further! Thanks to the efforts of our fabulous Champagne buyer Gary Westby, we are able to bring in this great expression of the variety that won't break the bank. My go-to Champagne for every occasion; be sure to have a few bottles on hand at all times!
Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
From one of our best-priced Champagne producers come a bit of a higher-end bottling. The "7" is aptly named for the 7th generation of family winemakers, 7g/l of sugar at the dosage (which is nice and dry!) and 7 years on the lees! (just a reminder, the minimum is only 18 months). The 7 is made with 1/3 each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier - all estate fruit. The portion of Chardonnay is barrel fermented for a richer mid-palate with a beautiful acidity giving characteristics of lemon preserves spread on warm brioche buns. Absolutely delicious!
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Part of Vigneron Independant, Jacquesson adheres to strict standards of production, and the result is a fine rosé Champagne at an affordable price point. Made from 100% Meunier, the palate is light and obtains its color from a bit of skin contact. With intriguing notes of frozen Bing cherry and savory white pepper, this is not just another pretty rosé in the crowd.
Price:
$34.99
Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
The Baron-Fuente house has found a winner in this newest offering of finely aged juice. The extra time on the lees make for a darker yellow hue, refined and concentrated bubbles, and a long, elegant finish. Combining quality and value in a bottle, the 7 is an absolute must try for any Champagne lover!
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
During our staff Champagne tasting today, this one stood out for me. Based on the 2015 vintage and using their estate-grown Grand Cru Chardonnay (50% of which are reserve), this wine is supple, refreshing, and refined. It checks all the boxes of what Champagne is supposed to be and leaves you wanting for more.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
This was the bottle I brought to my Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve parties last year. There's something about Champagne in a magnum that just screams celebration! There's also a reason it tastes more refined than its counterparts in smaller formats. Longer aging on the lees adds levels of depth and complexity to Champagne that is worth the price difference -- and in this case, that is not much! A $50 1.5L bottle of Champagne is truly worthy of a celebration.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
If you have an itch for something different from the Champagne category, this is a must try! I personally never had a 100% Meunier Champagne before and I was pleasantly surprised. It had a sweet, inviting nose with hints of caramel apple that lead to a tangy and juicy mouthfeel with kick. A great value!
Price:
$29.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
This is a new producer for us and hopefully with great customer feedback, we can start a long-lasting relationship with them! This rosé has a very floral, invigorating nose. Lightly sweetened raspberry jam fills the palate as it lingers on the tongue in a long-lasting and memorable finish. A truly delicious wine that I will undoubtedly be back for!
Price:
$34.99
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
The Franck Bonville Blanc de Blanc was the first Champagne I bought on the first night I worked at K&L, and it will always have a special spot in my heart. What makes it so special is the care and quality Olivier Bonville pours into his wines. Based on 2015, the Blanc de Blanc is half reserve wine from all estate fruit. Some time in barrel gives this Chardonnay a creamy, sweet citrus character, like that of a Meyer lemon or pink grapefruit. The chalky soil is not lost in this wine, either. A soft structure of dry white chalk elongates the palate and adds an extra level of complexity. It is a wine that never disappoints.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
As I mentioned in my review for the Jacquesson Blanc de Noir, one of my one of my favorite things about Meunier-dominant Champagnes is the depth, fullness and polish it adds to a wine (and there are a lot of things I LOVE about Meunier-dominant Champagnes!). This rosé is 100% estate-grown Meunier that is specifically pressed for rosé with skin contact for flavor and color. Abundant aromas of white and red cherries, fresh raspberries and flowers are repeated on the palate with elegant balance in this medium-bodied wine. The finish of the wine is unexpectedly flavorful and never-ending.
Price:
$34.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Cliff Spinola | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
This Champagne is buttery, rich and long lasting. Not a shy wine at all! You can taste the oak contact, but it is elegant and not overpowering at all. New for us, we hope our customers enjoy the Jacquesson wines as much as we do so that we can continue bringing them in!
Price:
$39.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Although this selection has not arrived, I was able to taste a preview of it today. Unlike its siblings, it tends towards higher acidity with Fino sherry notes, almonds, yellow fruits and persimmon. Long finish. Super interesting. Cannot wait until we get this into stock!
Price:
$39.99
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Consistently my favorite go-to bubble for its freshness, deft touch and biscuity aromas, the Fuente has always punched well above its fighting weight. Much like Goldilocks, I put Fuente in my "Just Right" category. It hits all the marks of balanced fruit, doughy yeast and crunchy acidity to give me everything I want in Champagne. The magnum is the most ideal of Champagne formats as the wine lays a little longer on its lees before disgorgement, offering even more perfume, toast and spiced layers. I always grab a magnum or two to have on hand for instant party needs when those few extra guests inevitably make the rounds.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
A bit different than the other Gilbert Jacquessons we have in house, the Cuvee Prestige is a blend of all three varieties and has some barrel contact. While his other bottlings are elegant and medium-bodied, this Champagne is bold and powerful! Concentrated yellow apples and dry wood stand firm on the palate while a savory, almost smoky character sneaks onto the finish--just enough for you to wonder what is it. I would be super interested to pick up a few bottles to cellar and see how they age!
Price:
$39.99
Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Literally 10 minutes after trying the Billecart Salmon BdB from 750, I purchased one of the magnums we have in store. I was blown away with this wine, as I've often skipped over the any of the Billecart Salmon Champagnes that weren't their Brut Rose, thinking they were a one trick pony. However, this Blanc de Blanc really stood out to me. A richer style for the house, this 100% Chardonnay goes through partial malolactic fermentation to bring a creamy citrus character, almost like lemon meringue pie (just without the nutty, pastry aspect you may find in oaked Blanc de Blanc as this doesn't see any oak). A balanced acidity keeps the wine elegant and active from start to finish. I decided to purchase the magnum since the vintage blend is often a few years older than that of the 750 and currently the base vintage is 2008! Grab them before the staff buys them up!
Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
I've often skipped over the any of the Billecart Salmon Champagnes that weren't their Brut Rose, thinking they were a one trick pony. Today I was proven wrong. We tried five of their bottlings that we carry in store and each one was elegant and complex in its own right. However, this Blanc de Blanc really stood out to me. A richer style for the house, this 100% Chardonnay goes through partial malolactic fermentation to bring a creamy citrus character, almost like lemon meringue pie (just without the nutty, pastry aspect you may find in oaked Blanc de Blanc as this doesn't see any oak). That richness is elegantly balanced with long lived acidity that keeps each sip active on the palate. An undertone of chalky minerality from the Grand Cru soils adds just the right amount of depth needed to complete the wine. 10 minutes after tasting, I bought myself the magnum!
Baron-Fuenté "7" Brut Champagne
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
The name says it all: 7 years on the lees! With this much time gathering richness and complexity, "7" displays savory, green aromas, and a nutty, slightly oxidative characteristic that only comes from extended aging of a fine Champagne. 100% estate fruit, and a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir, the wine bursts on the palate with flavors of delicate maple, ripe quince and golden apple, and finishes clean, with great length.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L)
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Christina Stanley | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Of all the formats of the Baron Fuenté Grande Réserve, this one is my favorite. With the most time on the lees, the wine is mineral driven, complex and dry, with a broad palate and toasty, savory and slightly green aromatics. This is always a big hit at events and celebrations.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 2/6/2018 | Send Email
Consistently my favorite go-to bubble for it's freshness, deft touch and biscuity aromas, the Fuente has always punched well above its fighting weight. Much like Golidlocks, I put Fuente in my "Just Right" category. It hits all the marks of balanced fruit, doughy yeast and crunchy acidity to give me everything I want in Champagne and for sub-$25 it even qualifies as daily drinker (or couple times a week drinker). The Grande Reserve is always satisfying from whatever angle you approach it and for sheer value, cannot be beat.
Domaine Hubert "K&L Exclusive" Pays d'Auge Vieux Calvados (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 2/4/2018 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 2/4/2018 | Send Email
If you're buying your bottle of Hubert in 2018, then you're getting the domaine's new blend based primarily on the 2008 vintage with bits of 2006 and 2010 blended in. It's textbook Astrid—friendly, feminine, but with a bit of a spicy kick. At thirty bucks, to think we can offer an apple brandy of this quality that's mostly 9 years old with 11-year and 7-year added for good measure is astounding. There's a reason this is the top selling Calvados in our store's history. 2000 bottles and counting!!
Price:
$34.99