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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
Angel's Envy "Port Cask Finished" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
So what happens when one of Kentucky's most respected distillers source ultra high quality bourbon and finishes it in sweet Port wine casks, the bourbocalypse? Perhaps. But what's really going on here is one of the most successful examples of the potential of wine finishing in modern whiskey. Be it the Henderson's deft palate or their monumental experience - the Angel's Envy is unquestionably a sensation. Easy enough for you mom to love it, yet NOT boring in the slightest. The flavor profile is never dominated by the port, so it still tastes like bourbon, put the sweet rich flavors are there to enhance and envelop the already wonderful profile of the bourbon. The late Lincoln Henderson was clearly a genius and we know his legacy will be well looked after by the brands current custodians.
Dudognon "Vieille Reserve" Grand Champagne Cognac (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
Somethings in the world our are subjective. Other things are not. For instance, I can unequivocally that Dudognon is the most open, transparent, and honest producer in Cognac. They have some of the best terroir and use only the highest quality wood (100% of their cognac sees at least 1 year in new oak). They are the only producer who I can honestly tell you have not utilized additives in their cognac in any way. All of these things come together to make me say highly subjective things like, "Dudognon is the best producer in Cognac!" One might quibble with the details, but what is clear is that Dudognon makes their brandy like no one else in the region. Absolutely the purest expression of terroir with nothing in the way. The real complexity starts to show when their brandies at the Vieille Reserve level (20 years). Always drier than most people are used to with cognac, Dudognon's house style is this wonderful tension between freshness and age. Always keeping you guessing, this is the superlative product for the price point, a base from which I believe all others should be judged.
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old 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
It's still astonishing that this whisky is on the shelf for $150. Just absolutely flabbergasted by the continued price/quality ratio here, even while their competitors are raising prices every quarter. Glenfarclas is of course one of my favorite distilleries, not only because it's producing some of the most consistent and delicious malt in Scotland, but also because of the magnanimous family that's owner is for centuries - The Grants. The 25 year is the Grant's flagship product, often compared to their neighbors the Macallan, but truly in a class of it's own. While 'Farclas has a great amount of Sherry butts in this blend, unlike the Macallan, their not married to only using that type of cask. The result is something that is big and bold enough for a Mac drinker to appreciate, but with a subtle complexity that the most discerning palates could spend hours analyzing. And then there's is the price. Not even Scotland' WORST distilleries sell their 25 year old for anywhere close to this bad boy. This is unequivocally the best value in mature Scotch...maybe ever.
Price:
$274.99
Benromach 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/26/2015 | Send Email
This is the stupendous new presentation of the well regarded distillery owned by Gordon & Macphail. G&M have established BenRomach as one of the most consistent and high quality Speyside malts on the market today since they purchased the distiller in 1992. Recent package changes have pushed the price up, but we're in the business of keeping our prices low, so this final batch of 100 bottles will be the last at this ridiculously low price. Expect an increase of as much as $15 when this stock is gone.
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 5/20/2015 | Send Email
By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 5/20/2015 | Send Email
Mas Codina is a humble family operation, and man do they make delicious sparkling wine! They have been slowly ramping up the amount of Pinot Noir in their otherwise traditional cava blend, in order to gain a bit more in color and mid-palate presence. These are very drinkable cavas, wines that strike a great balance between ripe, bright, snappy fruit, weight, and texture. For under $14, the detail and value of this wine is undeniable.
Price:
$13.99
Amaras Espadin Joven Oaxaca Mezcal (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/19/2015 | Send Email
This magnificent new Mezcal has been the darling of the Mexican mezcal revolution in the DF for a little while. It's definitely one of the categories most overtly palatable products, showing distinct character but with an openness that's rare in the category. 98 points from the well respect Ultimate Spirits Challenge, garnering them the Chairman's Trophy as well as the Great Value Seal. A tremendous product by any measure.
Daniel Bouju "Fines Saveurs" K&L Exclusive Grand Champagne Cognac (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 5/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 5/19/2015 | Send Email
No caramel, no additives, just fresh, vibrant Grand Champagne brandy at a hot price. Nothing more to be said!
Price:
$44.99
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
By: Jim Boyce | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
I was just reminded how great this wine is at our last staff tasting. It beat out many other wines at 2+ times the price! Great rose petal & lavender aromatics with beautiful purity and balance. Incredible value!
Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
Green Spot has been the holy grail of Irish Whiskey since my start in this business nearly 10 years ago. I remember a famous restaurant in Los Angeles used to display a bottle on the bar (smuggled illegally) but refuse to pour it unless you owned the place. When I finally convinced them to let me taste, I finally understood why everybody made such a big deal out of it. The legacy of the prominent Dublin wine merchant, Mitchell & Sons, who'd matured and bottled those original stocks of sherry cask pure pot still whiskey, is solidly considered one of the world's great whiskies. Today it's aged at Midleton to a specific recipe, from one of the distillery's three pure pot still recipes. This is not a smack-you-in-the-mouth powerful whiskey like the Red Breast cask strength. Instead, it's supple and soft and drinks like a dream. This is probably why Irish Whiskey was the best selling whiskey before Prohibition and they responded to the popularity of blended Scotch with consolidation and the creation of blended Irish, a style Irish distillers had resisted until the 1970s. We bought all we could get and have no clue when we'll be getting more.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 4/30/2015 | Send Email
The south side of Islay is filled with magical places and none more so than the little inlet just beyond Lagavulin Bay. Ardbeg has been the darling of whisky geeks and professional drinkers for many years now, but the most astonishing thing about it is that we've keep the price low. Every other brand sees an explosion and works quickly to get their prices up. Ardbeg, however, have worked closely with us to keep their products affordable despite an incredible increase in popularity. Only the Laphroaig 10 year rivals this whisky for affordable heavily peated single malt and while Ardbeg doesn't match Laphroaig for power and intensity, it does deliver an absolutely unique and altogether elegant version of the typical south shore profile (i.e. SMOKE). This is the perfect whisky to cut your smoke tooth on and should be a staple in any serious drinkers repertoire.
Glenlivet 12 Year Old "Double Oak" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/28/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/28/2015 | Send Email
Glenlivet is removing the 12 year old from many major markets in favor of the new "Founder's Reserve", which has no age statement and a higher price. Get your Glenlivet 12 before it goes the way of the Dodo.
Westland Flagship American Oak Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/24/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/24/2015 | Send Email
The great American single malt has finally arrived and it's being made in Seattle, Washington. Don't believe me? Get a bottle and see for yourselves. This is made on real Forsyth pot stills just like in Scotland, aged in bourbon and sherry casks, and brimming with Macallan-like flavor. It's still a bit young, but man is it going to get better.
El Dorado 12 Year Old Demerara Guyana Rum
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
A must-try-before-you-die spirit. One of the all-time greatest deals in all of spirits in general.
Price:
$36.99
El Dorado 15 Year Old Demerara Guyana Rum (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
The best rum on the planet for under $50. It's made mostly from DDL's old wooden pot still with more of that funky molasses note through the mid-palate. Love it. All day, every day.
El Dorado 21 Year Old Demerara Guyana Rum (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
Made from older stocks of DDL rums before the big transition into one consolidated Guyanese distillery, this is the ultimate aged rum. Rich oak, pure cane flavor, a bit of funky molasses, and a spicy, robust finish. I can't believe it's still $99.99
Price:
Hidden
El Dorado 3 year Old Demerara Guyana Rum (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/23/2015 | Send Email
In lieu of Havana Club 3 year, the El Dorado 3 year is just as good and made the same way: three years in wood, then filtered to be a white rum. It's round and easy-drinking with pure rum flavor. Why use anything else for Daiquiris?
Price:
$19.99
Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/20/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/20/2015 | Send Email
The best and the most classic of the Beam bourbon portfolio. Big oak flavor, smooth and rich on the palate, and a finish that brings baking spices and vanilla goodness. YUM!
K&L's "Faultline" 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/20/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/20/2015 | Send Email
Every batch of Faultline Bourbon that John Little blends for us here at K&L gets better and better each time. The more we do this, the better we get at doing it. We're putting out some of the softest, richest, most delicious bourbon on the market and it's only for K&L customers at a fantastic price. If you haven't bought a bottle yet, you're really missing out.
Price:
$39.99
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
I LOVE this whisky. This is my new Glenmorangie 18. A classic sweet barley and vanilla flavor, but with extra viscosity and more weight on the palate. It's thick and chewy. You can almost bite into it. The Glasgow distillery is becoming relevant once again. Watch out other distilleries!
Springbank 15 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
All the great richness and weight of the 10 with more sherry and more spice cake. A true classic.
Germain-Robin XO California Alambic Brandy
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
The king of California spirits. There's nothing else out there this good and this old with this type of heritage and history. A must try before you die type of bottle.
Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
Does it get any better than Springbank 10? I don't know. It's still my favorite whisky all these years later. There's nothing out there that combines the peat, richness, and oily nature of the Springbank spirits. There's also no other distillery that still does every step of the process from scratch.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
Still the best deal for 10 year old whisky. Still the best deal for peated whisky. Still the best deal in whisky--period. I'm never without a bottle on my bar. A true classic of the single genre. You're never too cool, too rich, too knowledgeable, or too refined for Ardbeg 10.
Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth (1L)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
The classic sweet vermouth. THE one. End all. Be all. Period.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
The most classic and most reliable of the Diageo "classic" malts. God bless Caol Ila and its peaty goodness with a rich, round, fruity core of flavor to balance it all out. I'm never without a bottle.
Laphroaig "Quarter Cask" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
All the peat and power of Laphroaig, put into smaller barriques for extra richness and vanilla flavor.
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Venezuelan Rum (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
A classic darker rum that offers richness and bold vanilla flavor, but without the sweetness and added caramel that many big brands offer. A true insider's rum if there ever was one.
Price:
$39.99
Darroze Les Grand Assemblages "20 Year Old" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 4/19/2015 | Send Email
The great Armagnac we carry at the moment. A marriage of 20 year old brandies from various properties, distilled by Marc Darroze, and packaged at one hot price. Bourbon drinkers might want to take note. This smokes Pappy 20 any day of the week.
Drappier "Carte d'Or" Brut Champagne
By: Michael Jordan | Review Date: 4/15/2015 | Send Email
By: Michael Jordan | Review Date: 4/15/2015 | Send Email
A rich, toasty Champagne heavy with stone fruit and lively, tight bubbles. The 80% Pinot Noir shows itself with lively hints of red fruit and spice. Very well balanced with a creamy mid-palate and great length. One heck of a treat for $39.99.
2012 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
By: Daniel Maas | Review Date: 4/14/2015 | Send Email
By: Daniel Maas | Review Date: 4/14/2015 | Send Email
This is a beautiful representation of what truly balanced, complex, and powerful Cotes du Rhone can be. From a single vineyard in Lirac, just across the river from the famed vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, here we find a sumptuous array of dark fruit character, highlighted by blackberry and plum. A moderately tannic wine, it also features notable hints of fig and herb. Absolutely gorgeous!
Krug Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 4/14/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 4/14/2015 | Send Email
This blend of great vintages is perhaps the most consistently great pink wine in the world. Effortless, subtle and elegant, this is not a bottle of wine that is ever flashy or showy. Every time I have had it seems to just vanish without refilling the flutes. The refined strawberry notes and haunting Pinot Noir fruit always seem to take a back seat to the company and the conversation when I have drunk it, but the memory of each experience is as vivid as yesterday. Every lover of the good things in life should try this masterpiece at least once. It is the ultimate rosé!
Westland Flagship American Oak Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 4/6/2015 | Send Email
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 4/6/2015 | Send Email
I guess you would call this the "Flagship" of Westland...? Not necessarily because it's the best but because this is a blend of sherry and bourbon casks...it's the complete flavor profile of what they do. This does a seriously good impression of seriously good Scotch...and yet it is distinct also. It seems richer, more intense and "malty" than most Scotch. I love the intensity. It also has good nuance and balance...the wood doesn't dominate the purity and brightness of the spirit. Chewy textured and long on the palate, proof is just right. A must try.
Westland Flagship American Oak Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 4/3/2015 | Send Email
By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 4/3/2015 | Send Email
Now here's a truly distinct and cool American whisky hailing from Seattle that will capture the hearts of craft whisky drinkers and beer nerds alike.
Mixing tried and true old style Scottish pot distilling techniques with uniquely Pacific Northwestern malts and Belgian brewers yeast, Westland produces a libation with complex aromas — rich with scents reminiscent of fruit and spices. The body is robust yet smooth and easy-drinking with healthy doses of root beer and cocoa. This is delicious and a must for super, satisfying sipping. American single malt is here folks, take a dram.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
Stylistically, Laurent Perrier is one of my favorite Grand Marques. I gravitate towards their bright, vibrant house style and that's exactly what you get in the Laurent Perrier "Cuvee Rose" Brut Rose Champagne. While the rose is 100% Pinot Noir and macerated with full skin contact, this rose is surprisingly lifted and understated for receiving such a heavy-handed treatment. The nose and palate are loaded with copious amounts of red berry fruit with ripe strawberries taking center stage supported by a backdrop of clean minerality. The refreshingly tart finish of cranberries and pomegranate make this rose the perfect accompaniment to any special occasion.
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
Gary has hit the ball out of the park with his latest DI offering! The Lamoureux Reserve Brut is sure to please every palate at the party. Elegantly toasty with notes of ripe pear and apple up front, this cuvee continues its decadent journey with a sumptuously sinful palate loaded with white nectarine and exotic starfruit. Couple this with a ridiculously creamy, full-bodied texture and ultra fine bead and you have a true 5 star Champagne!
Price:
$34.99
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling Wine
By: Michael Jordan | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
By: Michael Jordan | Review Date: 4/1/2015 | Send Email
One of the finest sparkling wines in the world. Made with great care and precision by winemaker/General Manager Arnaud Weyrich. A leaner style of sparkling wine with a minerality and depth punctuated by a lush mid palate. Approximately 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir. Aged a minimum of two years on the yeast.
A tasty sparkling for any occasion.
K&L's "Faultline" 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Dave Genevro | Review Date: 3/31/2015 | Send Email
By: Dave Genevro | Review Date: 3/31/2015 | Send Email
This bourbon has it all...It has the aromas, the richness, length and the spice. This well rounded bourbon is the third round of this amazing joint project we have going on with Smooth Ambler, and it looks like the quality is only getting better. At 50% ABV, what's not to love?! Mix it in cocktails, drink it straight, you can prepare this gem in whichever fashion suits you. Bourbon lovers- a must try for sure!
Price:
$39.99
Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 3/31/2015 | Send Email
By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 3/31/2015 | Send Email
How can you put a price on tasting rare, almost extinct varietals from champagne like Petit Meslier, Arbanne and Pinot Blanc? Especially when they taste as amazing as the Ariston Aspasie Cepages d'Antan! When first popped the nose is quite subtle and delicate. After a little time in the glass, the Pinot Blanc begins to dominate with aromas of white nectarine, star fruit and orange blossoms. With even more time in the glass, the native varietals begin to express themselves with strong notes of chalky minerality and a hint of savory herb. Top this off with a strikingly long finish of limestone chalk and you have a champagne that is unlike anything you'll find on most wine store shelves.
Price:
$119.99
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/24/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/24/2015 | Send Email
A Classic Malt in every aspect of the term. Clean and bright, a touch of honeysuckle, a kiss of vanilla sweetness, this malt has a little bit of something for everyone. A soft entry gives an easy going feel, on the palate dried fruits, honey and heather give added complexity, the finish is composed and not harsh in any way. A staple.
Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum Venezuela (750ml)
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/24/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/24/2015 | Send Email
A demandingly decadent Rum, full of dark hued flavors of maple and brown sugar. The Santa Teresa is a wonderfully balanced rum with years of solera aging to create a spirit that is past the complexity of a single age statement. A nose of maple cake and burnt sugar. Vanilla cream runs throughout adding a beautifully sweet crescendo to a long and lush finish.
Rare Wine Company "Historic Series - New York" Malmsey Madeira
By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 3/23/2015 | Send Email
By: Dulcinea Gonzalez | Review Date: 3/23/2015 | Send Email
Here's an absolutely delicious treat and a lovely example of a classic sweet Madeira made from the Malvasia grape. Rich in color and luscious in body with notes of toasted hazelnuts, toffee and dates. This would make an excellent pairing with any nutty dessert.
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Christie Brunick | Review Date: 3/19/2015 | Send Email
By: Christie Brunick | Review Date: 3/19/2015 | Send Email
Unbelievably drinkable and sophisticated on the palate. 100% Pinot Noir makes this dry cuvee especially luscious and creamy, with ripe stone fruit and subtle creamy brioche on the finish. This is a Champagne I'm really excited about because anyone can enjoy this style of Champagne. From the connoisseur to the bubbly drinking starter, this will seduce and amaze your palates!
Price:
$34.99
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Krista Johnson | Review Date: 3/19/2015 | Send Email
By: Krista Johnson | Review Date: 3/19/2015 | Send Email
What an intensely pretty Champagne! Peach and blood orange waft from the glass, which makes me think of a spring-time sunset. The texture is moussey and very playful and carries flavors of white stone fruit and orange blossom. I'm so happy that this Champagne exists!
Price:
$34.99
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/18/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/18/2015 | Send Email
Intriguing rose that begins in an understated elegant way, and builds towards a fuller finish showing off its’ Grand Cru providence. The nose is hauntingly seductive, crushed red fruit, a mineral vein, and the faintest scent of rose petal all intermingled in harmony. The palate is defined by a textural grip that adds weight and importance, but the lifted flavors of wild strawberry and cream, with hits of cherry tart keep the wine extremely elegant and pretty. The finish picks up speed with reinforced dark cherry and minerality that wraps the wine up beautifully.
Boulard-Bauquaire "Trepail" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Vieilles Vignes
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/11/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/11/2015 | Send Email
What a charming bottle of bubbles. One of our newest additions to the line up, this a wonderfully enjoyable, open knit and effortless. The nose is cream and zest, maybe a touch of fresh lemon scone. The palate is soft and supple, perky notes of yellow peach and Meyer lemon, clean and pretty. The old vine material comes through on the finish, pure and lengthy. Just a joy to drink.
Price:
$44.99
Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/10/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/10/2015 | Send Email
History in a bottle. I have never had a Champagne made with these grapes, it is truly a walk back in time, and a delicious one at that. I try to find every occasion possible to open this bottle.
When the cork is popped this bottle of bubbles is tightly wound, full of chalk and notes of stone and orchard fruit. As is warms up and breaths, the Pinot Blanc starts to shine through, ripe orchard fruits lend weight and depth. A beautiful, almost waxy mouth feel, is balance by an almost saline line of pure minerality running from start to finish. Completely unique, and absolutely stunning.
Price:
$119.99
1963 Warre's Vintage Port
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 3/10/2015 | Send Email
By: Clyde Beffa Jr. | Review Date: 3/10/2015 | Send Email
1963 is the best vintage for Port in the last 52 years. The Warre is sweet and delicious right now. Make sure to decant before serving.
Drappier Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/6/2015 | Send Email
By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/6/2015 | Send Email
This all Pinot Noir Champagne is made with a three day long maceration, rather than more common method of adding red wine for color and flavor. It is vinified in only stainless steel vats and moved by gravity to avoid oxygen and preserve freshness, and dosed at a fairly low 7g/l. This Champagne has a wild nose with plenty of black cherry Pinot authority and savor. In the mouth it is spicy, extroverted and fresh.
Bowmore 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: James Knight | Review Date: 3/5/2015 | Send Email
By: James Knight | Review Date: 3/5/2015 | Send Email
I'm pretty pleased with the standard Bowmore 12, in fact, just a little beyond expectations, for the price. I have to agree with Enthusiast's mention of the cookie dough in the background, but there's also a bit of wet plaster, rancio and roasted walnut lurking--a hint of some of the older, single barrel expressions. It's drier and less "maritime" than Talisker 10, and the peat is more ashy like an Ardmore Traditional Cask or Lagavulin 16. A nice cabinet standby, or at least a reference point.
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/5/2015 | Send Email
By: Kyle Kurani | Review Date: 3/5/2015 | Send Email
There is not another bottle of pink Champagne that offers this value in the store, end of story. This perfectly crafted bottle of bubbles is sensational wine, and at a price that I can afford to drink more than just on special occasions. A pretty coral pink greets you in the glass, alongside a nose of vibrant cherry, sweetened dried cranberry, and anise spice. Elegant red fruits burst on the scene out of the glass, kissing your palate with lifted notes of rose petal and wild cherry. So good!
Price:
$42.99