Locations
Login
Reviewers
- - Operations Culver City (1)
- Aaron Hughes (10)
- Adam Winkel (96)
- Alex Pross (788)
- Alex Leonardini (54)
- Andrew Nunes (1)
- Cary Herrman (3)
- David Othenin-Girard (336)
- Dejah Overby (146)
- Gary Westby (537)
- Gary Lai (55)
- Jackson Kelly (9)
- Jacques Moreira (698)
- Jason Marwedel (73)
- Joel Nicholas (29)
- John Majeski (295)
- John Downing (80)
- John Flanigan (1)
- Jonathan Parnell (3)
- Kate Soto (11)
- Keith Mabry (433)
- Kirk Walker (273)
- Lilia McIntosh (44)
- Matthew Landau Hassan (4)
- Michael Benoit (6)
- Michael Pires (14)
- Orazio Campoli (5)
- Rachael Ryan (2)
- Ralph Sands (222)
- Ryan Woodhouse (900)
- Ryan Moses (609)
- Sal Rodriguez (34)
- Scott Beckerley (302)
- Scott Turnbull (61)
- Simon Li (3)
- Tom Martinez (1)
- Will Blakely (27)
K&L Email Alerts
Sign up to receive custom alerts, new arrivals and the latest happenings from K&L Wines
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
St. George Green Chile Vodka (750ml)
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/8/2015 | Send Email
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/8/2015 | Send Email
Though I’m not a huge vodka drinker, St. George’s Green Chile vodka is like nothing else I’ve ever tasted. It's now an essential bottle in my home bartending repertoire. It smells so incredibly good and the flavors are so fresh – the perfect aromatic blend of chile, bell pepper, and cilantro. The palate is nice and weighty and the flavor profile reminds me of a green chile tamale with notes of salt and olives, and a hint of sweetness. My only gripe is that it doesn’t pack any heat. I suppose the lack of spice does make it more versatile for cocktails, though, and this Green Chile Vodka will add such incredible dimension to your cocktails – even if you just use a splash. Try it. You'll be hooked.
Price:
$26.99
St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur (750ml)
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/8/2015 | Send Email
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/8/2015 | Send Email
Named for the New Orleans-style coffee that inspired it, St. George’s Nola is one of the best coffee liqueurs that I’ve had. It’s not overly sweet and the flavors of chicory and vanilla are very gracefully interwoven with the coffee. If you’re into White Russians, I’d highly recommend St. George’s Vodka too - it has a really luscious mouthfeel and tastes a little bit like toasted marshmallows.
Ventura Spirits "Wilder" Gin (750ml)
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/4/2015 | Send Email
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/4/2015 | Send Email
A true livin' off the land project, Ventura's gin is made with foraged wild herbs and roots growing near the distillery. A few of the herbs I actually had to look up. Chuchupate? Known as "Wild Bear Root" because bears eat it after hibernation or if they're wounded. Yerba Santa? "Holy Weed" to Spanish Missionaries who used it for medicinal purposes. Some of the more familiar additions like juniper and orange peel pop up in there too. The result? A savory, citrusy, refreshing (and possibly curative?) expression of Cali chaparral terroir.
Price:
$29.99
Marie Duffau Napoleon Bas Armagnac (750ml)
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/4/2015 | Send Email
By: Nicole Osmanski | Review Date: 9/4/2015 | Send Email
The Marie Duffau was my introduction to Armagnac. I'd been drinking a lot of bourbon at the time and was thrilled to discover that Armagnac is made very similarly, just with grapes! The Marie Duffau has been a staple on my bar ever since because it is FANTASTIC in cocktails. Try it in a Sidecar with some fresh pineapple and basil - the Duffeau's notes of caramelized pineapple, barrel spice, and vanilla will really pop!
English Harbour 5 Year Old Antigua Rum (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 9/2/2015 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 9/2/2015 | Send Email
This is a spectacular and honest dry rum. Not sweetened after the fact, this rum starts its life as molasses, is distilled in one of only 2 copper column stills in the Caribbean and then spends 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels in a warehouse without temperature control on the island of Antigua. That's it. No game playing here, just a beautiful, honest rum. Clean and retaining the richness of its molasses base, the 5 year also expresses a touch of vanilla, biscuit, and structure from the oak influence. This is an outstanding sipper or wonderful in a very simple rum cocktail like a Cuba Libre.
Potocki Polish Rye Vodka (700ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 9/2/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 9/2/2015 | Send Email
The best vodka in the world. Period. Next!
Drappier "Carte d'Or" Brut Champagne
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 9/1/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 9/1/2015 | Send Email
Here's an incredibly well developed NV from Drappier. Slightly nutty signs of older champagne, with yeast brioche and heady dark fruit. Rich and full in the palate, with the dark cherry coming forward and a taught lifted finish. Superb.
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/31/2015 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 8/31/2015 | Send Email
This is one of our greatest "value" sparkling wines in the company. It is very well balanced and has a lingering finish. The overall character of golden apple fruit, with a hint of nuttiness and tart cherries, is balanced by a very clean finish that contains citrus notes and minerals. It has 10 grams per liter dosage, enough to keep it dry but, to add some light fruitiness, as well. Something here to please nearly everyone!
Price:
$13.99
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 8/27/2015 | Send Email
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 8/27/2015 | Send Email
The entry level Cotes du Rhone from Montfaucon is my go-to everyday house wine, but when I'm looking to up my game and take it to the next level, I go immediately to the "Baron Louis". I want to call this a baby Chateauneuf but I can't because the way it is showing right now, it would blow the doors off of a lot of CNdPs in a blind tasting. This old vine syrah/grenache based blend is spicy, layered and dense, yet surprisingly balanced. Another stunning showing from a perennial favorite.
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 8/26/2015 | Send Email
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 8/26/2015 | Send Email
This is a fantastically balanced, surprisingly rich Lirac that puts most other wines from the region to shame. With dark fruit, subtle earthy tones, ripe tannins and lengthy finish, this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys Rhone wines.
Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/25/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/25/2015 | Send Email
If you want the real Scottish experience, there is no better bottle to cut your teeth on. The Springbank 10 year pulls no punches. Bottled in small batches, you're quickly transported to the fields of Kintyre, and the damp, inviting warehouse and the wonderful malt floors that make this one of the most special spirits in Scotland. This is real whisky made the real way, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it's different from every other 10 year out there.
Amara Sicilian Amaro d'Arancia Rossa (750ml)
By: Mike Parres | Review Date: 8/19/2015 | Send Email
By: Mike Parres | Review Date: 8/19/2015 | Send Email
WOW! is the first thing that comes to mind when I taste this. Amara is a more feminine approach to an Amaro that is the philosophy of the producer of this unique concoction. From the slopes of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, there is acres of citrus groves, pride of the ancient tradition. Only in this area because of the nature of the terrain and the strong temperature grow the famous Red Oranges of Sicily. This is made with those blood oranges and herbs and has nice viscosity and incredible aftertaste. This just came in & I have been anticipating its arrival for quite some time and I will be enjoying straight over ice or as a Spritz with orange rind, as well as in various combinations in modern cocktails. TWO thumbs up from Guido ( Mike Parres)
Price:
$49.99
2012 Beau-Séjour Bécot, St-Emilion
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 8/17/2015 | Send Email
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 8/17/2015 | Send Email
A superb right bank wine for a great price. Tons of fruit and smooth tannins. Semi new wave, but good balancing acid. Great cellar value.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 8/4/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 8/4/2015 | Send Email
The famous yellow label- now offered in pink.
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/30/2015 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 7/30/2015 | Send Email
We just got more of this back in stock and man is this developing beautifully. The vintage is classically structured, showing a subtle
perfume of blackberries, figs and dried rose petals. The wine has fine tannins and is perfectly balanced. Another classic Rhone wine from our friends at Montfaucon!
Planteray "Stiggins' Fancy" Pineapple Dark Rum (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/28/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/28/2015 | Send Email
BOOOOOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE! Without question the finest flavored rum in the world. Start with awesome funky rum, add a centuries-old recipe exactingly recreated by the good people of Plantation, and you've got a product that will rule your bar for the foreseeable future. Heady and intense, yet subtle and overtly pleasurable, not for your typical flavored rum fans, but a must own for all bar/cocktail people. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE!
Price:
$29.99
Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond 100 Proof Kentucky Rye Whiskey
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/28/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/28/2015 | Send Email
Despite some grumblings regarding a distillery change (yes Rittenhouse was made under contract by Brown-Forman for years after Heaven Hill's Bardstown plant burned down in the late 90s) Rittenhouse remains the ultimate value for all bartending needs. It might not kick like a Willett Single Barrel Rye, but there's still very little in the price range that will make a better Manhattan, in fact I can't think of one thing.
2005 Hosanna, Pomerol
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 7/21/2015 | Send Email
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 7/21/2015 | Send Email
Fabulous Bordeaux vintage and a great property. Juicy wine with tons of blackberry flavors. Cellar a long time. Just re-scored by Mr. Parker. I give it 99 points.
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 7/17/2015 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 7/17/2015 | Send Email
Clean and bright with a soft, elegant mouthfeel, this gorgeous Cava evokes stonefruit without being cloyingly aromatic - more crisp nectarine than peach - and finishes dry. A bottle of this quality goes down so easily, you'll be amazed (and your wallet grateful) that it's less than $14. Time to celebrate!
Price:
$13.99
Charles Heidsieck "Rosé Reserve" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/16/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/16/2015 | Send Email
The Charles rosé has the honest toast that comes from extended lees contact and very high quality, subtle dark cherry fruit from the still red wine added to the blend. The best thing about the wine is that this rich toasty character is balanced perfectly with top class chalky drive on the back end. Pairing it with ginger garlic chicken, the Champagne had the vinous power to match the assertive flavors of the dish, and the cut to refresh the palate after each rich bite. I love rosé Champagne that can provide both richness, dark fruit flavor and top class refreshment--this Rosé Reserve from Charles Heidsieck delivers it all!
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 7/15/2015 | Send Email
By: Greg St. Clair | Review Date: 7/15/2015 | Send Email
Do I really have to encourage you to buy this? Wow... one of the few barrel fermented Champagnes left. So good, focus, texture, etc., etc. Damn, that's good.
Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/14/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/14/2015 | Send Email
The Italian classic has been making a comeback recently and deservedly so. Bottled at a laughable 11%, Aperol backs all the punch of its big brother Campari without the headache in the morning (i.e. less alcohol and less sugar). That said you can also drink it for 6 hours straight without realizing you've just had 25 drinks so please be careful. Traditionally served in a Spritz, add 2-3 oz of Aperol to a glass full of ice. Top with Prosecco and an orange slice. Enjoy over and over!
Fernet Branca (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2015 | Send Email
Beware the Branca. The single most habit forming substance in our store. Plan on either hating this or never looking back. After that, expect to need a bottle in the house at all times. In spite of those truths, it is wildly utilitarian should you choose to use it that way. Very few more powerful digestives are available. Maybe you should just buy a case and get it over with.
Price:
$27.99
Kilchoman "Machir Bay" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/11/2015 | Send Email
Many are aware of our affection for this wonderful new distillery on Islay. This, being their entry level product, deserves to be a benchmark. If nothing else it should provide a wonderful education for any Islay lover. What happens when you put Ardbeg spec barley into steel fermenters and Kilchoman's tall little still? Add an ultra fine heart cut and a thoughtful wood management program and you've got truly soulful whisky that's still Islay in every way. Proof positive that great whisky need not be old. Zesty and full of oceany brine, the peat at this age stands up and smacks you right across the face. Sweet malt and mild rancio notes whisper in, but one does not forget the rugged shoreline just below the farm where this whisky was distilled. A pleasure, to say the least.
Price:
$64.99
St. George Dry Rye Reposado Gin (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/10/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/10/2015 | Send Email
Stupendous and affordable barrel aged gin. This what the Dry Rye was dreaming of being. The malted rye and juniper flavors marry perfectly with the sweet spice and tannic structure of the oak. The magnificent texture of the Dry Rye, its most striking attribute, is only heightened by the additional time in oak. A truly unique gin that will scratch that whiskey itch as well.
Deutz "Classic" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/7/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 7/7/2015 | Send Email
This great house, located in Ay, is owned by the Roederer group but has a style all of its own. If you love the big, broad Pinot Noir wines of Champagne, this is for you. The wine has a good amount of toast, plenty of richness and finishes dry
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Randy Hagerman | Review Date: 7/1/2015 | Send Email
By: Randy Hagerman | Review Date: 7/1/2015 | Send Email
A sparkling wine this well constructed for under $15 could only be from Spain. This Cava would not be out of place side-by-side with wines almost double the price. I keep a bottle in my refrigerator at all times.
Price:
$13.99
Ventura Spirits "Wilder" Gin (750ml)
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/1/2015 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 7/1/2015 | Send Email
Woah! This is a trip and a half. Step into this gin and you'll feel like you're hiking the Santa Barbara back country. Miles of it. Sagebrush, cactus fruit, and a rich manzanita tea strike you but this spirit still holds tons of classic juniper. Take a walk on the wild side and liven up your next martini (aka - gin straight outta the freezer, with or without vermouth) or change up your classic G&T this summer. Extra points if you garnish with some locally foraged lavender or rosemary.
Price:
$29.99
Schramsberg "Mirabelle" California Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
By: Dave Genevro | Review Date: 6/28/2015 | Send Email
By: Dave Genevro | Review Date: 6/28/2015 | Send Email
A beautifully lively, expressive brut rose. This is a combination of cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with 18 months of bottle aging to give it more depth and richness. This would pair well with a huge variety of foods. Fresh strawberries and raspberries on the nose and palate, a great long and elegant finish makes this wine the perfect celebratory bottle...for whatever you're celebrating!
Singani "63" Bolivian Muscat Brandy (750ml)
By: Daniel Maas | Review Date: 6/24/2015 | Send Email
By: Daniel Maas | Review Date: 6/24/2015 | Send Email
What a great night we had last evening at Delphine, celebrating this wonderful spirit, and exploring its amazing versatility.
Thanks to esteemed filmmaker Steven Soderburgh, this super-clean and floral muscat brandy is finally available here in the states, and is a perfect addition to any bar, especially for when someone wants an amazing cocktail, yet is sick of their usual tequila-gin-vodka selections. Be sure to try this soon!
Price:
$29.99
Taittinger "La Française" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
Taittinger has always been known for the creamy refreshment that the La Francaise has delivered so consistently through the years. If you like a little bit of toast balanced by some citric zing, this high Chardonnay blend is for you!
Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne (375ml)
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
The best-selling Champagne in the USA in a cute little half is a great entry into the wonderful variety of Champagne.
The Durand Corkscrew for Removal of Old Corks with Confidence
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
Simply the best corkscrew we have ever offered, and the best I've ever used.
Price:
$129.99
Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
If you like your Champagne clean and refreshing, this is the best bottle that we have for you. Antoine Billecart insists on fermentations that are slow and cold, and the family has developed its own strain of yeast that can work in super low temperatures, resulting in a Champagne that is light as feather and arcs with electric excitement. This wine delivers all of this without any harsh grain, since it has been aged for over sixty months on the lees... A fabulous treat!
Balvenie 21 Year Old "Port Wood" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/23/2015 | Send Email
Slowly but surely usurping Macallan 18 Year as the go-to "Scotch Gift," especially now that Mac 18 is pushing toward $250 a bottle. People know the name, love the presentation, and generally think the spirit is one of the very best. This is just a no-brainer when buying a gift for ANYONE who likes Scotch, when you want to be different but don't want to scare anyone away. Clearly one of the top values for ultra-premium offerings from any of the great Speyside distilleries.
Yellow Spot 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/18/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/18/2015 | Send Email
The big mama of Irish Whiskey. This whisky used to be a ghost, and thank the whiskey gods that Pernod Ricard have found their way to releasing this more widely. Ultra-soft, with a strong influence of orange fruit from Malaga casks. The subtle sherry notes definitely remain behind the unusual tones of Spain's other coastal fortified wine. Persimmon, candied orange peel, cinnamon, clove - the ease and openness of this whiskey cannot be overstated. Some prefer the more familiar Green Spot, but this whiskey stands out among its peers as something very different and very, very special indeed.
Ron Zacapa No. 23 "Centenario" Guatemalan Solera Rum
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/17/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/17/2015 | Send Email
Zacapa is the rum that changes peoples mind about rum. Distilled from partially processed Miel de Cana, the Zacapa Distillery is one of the highest altitude and highest quality rum distilleries in the world. Distinctly in the Spanish style, the special distillery near Tulula, creates rums of exceptional quality aged in the traditional solera style. Opulent and ultra rich, no question this should be in the running for world's greatest rum.
Price:
$49.99
Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Rum Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/17/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/17/2015 | Send Email
The wildly popular Caribbean cask was thought to be a thing of legend, but William Grant has heard the people and re-released this special offering at only a slight markup! When they say Caribbean, they mean a large Spanish-speaking island whose name I cannot mention. The result is perfect and utterly enticing. Sweet, rich and spicy notes from the rum envelop the oily Speyside character of the Balvenie spirit perfectly. A match made on a beach in the Caribbean, i.e. HEAVEN!
Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 6/12/2015 | Send Email
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 6/12/2015 | Send Email
Beware the crab! This inexpensive summer sipper is a delicious, sweet-tart apple, slightly fizzy vinho verde and amongst our most popular wummer whites. Refreshing and so easy to drink!
Price:
$9.99
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 6/10/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 6/10/2015 | Send Email
This is stunning for the price. Light, airy, a touch of stone fruit with a hint of what seems like sweetness, but really is just ripeness. It's fresh and dry and lovely. And the price!
Price:
$15.99
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/10/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/10/2015 | Send Email
Of all the grand marques, no one offers a cleaner, purer example of Champagne fruit and refreshment than Billecart-Salmon. The Billecart family pick earlier than most, and run the coldest, longest fermentations in all of Champagne to deliver their inimitable, graceful house style. If you are looking for the ultimate in balance aperitif Champagne, you have found it!
2012 Lanessan, Haut-Médoc
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 6/8/2015 | Send Email
By: Jacques Moreira | Review Date: 6/8/2015 | Send Email
A staple at K&L – Showing elegant notes of crushed stones, wood spices and cassis. On the palate, it is medium body, with cassis fruit, dark cherries. The touch of spices and earthiness lend its elegance. An absolute no-brainer.
Price:
$21.99
2003 Krug Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/2/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/2/2015 | Send Email
I just tasted this fabulous Champagne with Olivier Krug when he stopped by K&L with some bottles. It is composed of 46% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay and 25% Meunier and entirely barrel fermented. This wine is starting to flesh out with time, and has a spectacular full body, great texture, open knit toasty aromas and flavors and impressive power. This is a perfect partner to charcuterie, and given the history of the house, should age for decades.
Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/2/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/2/2015 | Send Email
The current batch of the Sous Bois from Billecart Salmon is based on the spectacular 2008 vintage, and the combination of richness from the all barrel vinification and the extraordinary acidity of the vintage makes for one of the most impressive bottles in their line. If you haven't tried this newest addition to the great line from Billecart, don't miss out, the 2008 based wine is very special!
Leopold Bros. Aperitivo Liqueur (700ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/1/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/1/2015 | Send Email
Leopoldo Bros has always been ahead of the curve. They've pumped out some of the best craft whiskey around while creating innovative products like their wonderful liqueurs, gin, and literally the only legit flavored whiskey on the market. Now we're bringing you a new phase in the Leopold Bros' dominance of the craft market. Competing with established brands is hard enough, but when a craft distiller goes after a category creating legend like Campari, we begin to question their sanity. Lucky for us, Mr. Leopold's insanity is second only to magnificent skill and attention to detail. This is truly the first product to scratch that Campari lovers itch (and if you have it you know what I'm talking about - the stuff creates a serious dependence). It may be even more soothing than the original. At the very least you'll know that the ingredients are of the very highest quality, plus it's not even that expensive considering the work that it takes to make a product like this good on this scale. Must-buy for Campari lovers, must-try for those yet to get on the aperitivo train.
Price:
$34.99
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 5/31/2015 | Send Email
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 5/31/2015 | Send Email
The Mas Codina Cava is easily a top sparkler in the store at $14. It is the house sparkling wine for most of our staff and has even been the wedding sparkler of choice, which speaks to the quality! Well balanced with a touch of red fruit from the pinot, green apple skin, beautiful mineral qualities, and a dry finish.
Price:
$13.99
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 5/30/2015 | Send Email
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 5/30/2015 | Send Email
This is no ordinary Cava. There is a good percentage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used in the blend. What that means is that there is breadth and depth to this sparkler that you do not find in similarly priced Cavas. Mix that with clean fruit tones, a moderate amount of yeastiness and a classic Brut finish and you get one of K&L's best sparkling values.
Price:
$13.99
J. Laurens Brut Crémant de Limoux
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/27/2015 | Send Email
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/27/2015 | Send Email
One of the top producers in Limoux and always a favorite. Roasted pears with notes of green apples permeate the wine. Serve with some ultra creamy soft cheeses and be delighted.
Nikka Coffey Still Japanese Grain Whisky (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
Nobody expected this goofy little whisky to explode the way it has. It's odd, but so inviting and unpretentious. Sure it's column distilled, but that doesn't mean it's any less flavorful than it's malted potstilled brothers. Just different. Candied melon, sweet oak, fresh sawdust, and peanuts. Medium bodied, with a pointed finish that really turns up the oak. Not only is this awesome Japanese (distinctly Japanese) Whisky, but it's also available and relatively affordable. Can't say that about many products out there right now. Get it, drink it, love it, repeat.
Macallan 12 Year Old "Sherry Oak Cask" Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
Often dubbed the "Royals Royce of Single Malt," the Macallan distillery continues to have one of the best reputations in the business. Of course with Scotch, a good reputation always equals a higher price! However, over the last several years as Macallan's competitors have chipped away at this behemoth of a brand, the lowly 12 year old hasn't really increased much in price. That means we're getting 100% sherry 12 year old whisky for Speyside's best regarded distillery for only $50. Is Macallan a value brand again? We see people selling young sherried malts of lesser quality for much much more than this. And it's taste good too.