K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2024 Lagar de Costa Albarino Rias Baixas

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

Sourced from old vineyards close to the Atlantic Ocean, the 2024 Lagar de Costa Albariño delivers an electric sense of freshness, amplified by an extra layer of salty complexity. Aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, lime blossom, and crushed oyster shell emerge from the glass, while the palate is taut, energetic, and wonderfully precise. On the palate, bright citrus and juicy orchard fruit give way to a distinctly saline finish reminiscent of a cool ocean breeze. There's an effortless balance here between vibrant acidity and subtle textural richness, making this as compelling on its own as it is alongside fresh shellfish, grilled fish, or just about anything that comes from the sea. Lagar de Costa has long been one of the benchmarks for coastal Albariño, and the 2024 vintage beautifully captures the purity and mineral drive that have made the estate such a favorite.

Price: $21.99

RP: 92

TA: 92

JD: 91

2022 Lagar de Costa "Calabobos" Albarino Rias Baixas

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

Drawn from the estate's oldest coastal vineyards and aged for an additional year in concrete eggs, the 2022 Lagar de Costa Calabobos Albariño is a richer, more nuanced expression than the estate bottling, offering up an additional layer of textural complexity. Notes of yellow plum, green apple, chamomile, and preserved lemon unfold slowly, underlined by a thread of wet stone and Atlantic salinity. The palate is broad and textured yet remains remarkably focused, with bright acidity carrying the wine through a long, savory finish marked by hints of sea spray. There's a Burgundian sense of weight and complexity here, but with the unmistakable character of Rías Baixas. For anyone who thinks Albariño is simply a light, easy-drinking summer wine, Calabobos offers a compelling—and delicious—argument to the contrary.

Price: $29.99

Wine Club

$24.99

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

The NV Launois “Quartz” is a half-pressure (three atmospheres of pressure versus the typical six) bottling in the crémant style. It is at once delicate, mouth filling and zesty. Composed of 100% chardonnay from the world-renowned chardonnay producing area of Mesnil (and Aviz and Oger), it has flavors of green apples, brioche, creamy vanilla and lemon zest. Loads of cream and vanilla at the back of the palate make this a great way to start a meal with light appetizers.

Price: $49.99

Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

Wow! I can honestly say that I have never tried a Champagne like this before! I first had it at one of our Champagne Tent Events in Redwood City (early 2000's!). A very exotic blend of Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbanne. These varietals were more common 150 years ago. It has white fruits such as pear, lychee and white nectarine. Add toasted pine nuts, almond, lime skin, green apples, some chalk and there you have it. One of the most interesting Champagnes in the company! After all these years, this beauty continues to hold my interest and admiration. If you are obsessed with Champagne and want to taste a historical bottle, here it is. So unique and sooooo delicious!

Price: $119.99

Ariston Aspasie "Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

As is standard with this gem, it still has that bread dough, yeast and toast quality but, this latest version has a nice hint of zippy acidity, minerals, and lemon curd. Also, it still retains the caramel and vanilla bean background that we love so much. Buy some to drink and some to lay down for a year or so. The caramel comes out even more as it ages. The quality has increased quite a bit over the past several years, so it just keeps getting better and better! A staff favorite.

Price: $37.99

2025 Alpha Estate "Turtles Vineyard" Malagouzia Florina Greece

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

For many people discovering the wines of Greece, Assyrtiko has been the gateway grape. But beyond its crisp, mineral-driven style lies a wealth of fascinating indigenous varieties waiting to be explored. One of my personal favorites has always been Malagouzia. A little softer and more floral than Assyrtiko, Malagouzia is wonderfully inviting and generous without sacrificing freshness. Alpha Estate's latest bottling captures everything I love about the variety: fresh pear and lemon verbena layered with delicate notes of lily blossom and a hint of jasmine tea on the finish. It is expressive without being overtly aromatic, balancing richness with remarkable lift. This is one of Greece's most versatile white wines at the table. It's a natural alongside a spread of mezze, but I also love it with grilled shrimp skewers or a bubbling plate of saganaki. If you're ready to venture beyond Assyrtiko, this is one of the most rewarding places to start.

Price: $19.99

DC: 93

RP: 92

2023 Alpha Estate "Hedgehog Vineyard" Xinomavro Amyndeon Greece

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

I've been fortunate enough to visit Alpha Estate twice over the years, and it's one of those wineries that leaves a lasting impression. The estate sits high on the Amyndeon plateau, surrounded by mountain ranges that create dramatic day-to-night temperature swings. Those cool evenings slow ripening and preserve freshness, while the chalky clay soils lend remarkable precision and energy to the wines. The region produces some of Greece's most compelling wines. The whites combine generous fruit with incredible tension and minerality, while the reds—especially Xinomavro—show a level of finesse and elegance that is distinctive from the more powerful wines of Naoussa. During both of my visits, I made a point of asking to see the Hedgehog Vineyard, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of its namesake residents. Unfortunately, the hedgehogs remained elusive, though I was assured they do make the occasional appearance. Having purchased Greek wines for K&L for more than 15 years, Alpha Estate has always been a cornerstone of my selections. I've long admired how consistently the wines balance authenticity with approachability, making them some of the easiest recommendations for customers looking to explore Greece beyond the more familiar. Their Xinomavro has been a perennial favorite on our shelves, and I believe the 2023 release may be the finest version I've tasted. Xinomavro is often called the "Nebbiolo of Greece" because of its naturally high acidity and firm tannic structure. Yet the wines of Amyndeon remind me less of Barolo's muscular intensity and more of the graceful, lifted character of Valtellina. The 2023 captures that balance beautifully, offering savory spice, hints of sanguine meatiness, vibrant cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of black olive and an underlying mineral freshness that keeps everything focused. What elevates this vintage is the texture. The tannins are certainly present, but they're polished and beautifully integrated, gently wrapping around the fruit rather than dominating it. They have an almost caressing quality that makes the wine remarkably inviting even in its youth. For me, this sets a new benchmark for Alpha Estate's Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro and is destined to become another customer favorite. If you've never experienced Xinomavro before, this is exactly where I'd begin. It captures everything that makes the variety so compelling while remaining irresistibly drinkable from the very first glass.

Price: $23.99

DC: 95

RP: 91

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

I have to say, not only do I love to drink the special wines from Launois, I'm legit proud that we're the only source for this incredible products. The quality-to-price ratio is unprecedented and it's easy to argue that Launois should be considered one of the region's top producers. The fact that we can get this gorgeous cuvée to our customers for this price is nothing less than a miracle. Vibrant, complex and so absolutely quaffable, the Quartz is a go-to for literally any occasion, but is especially fabulous with oysters. Just saying.

Price: $49.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

A perennial favorite, the rosé does not disappoint on this go-round. Pretty raspberry and black cherry notes highlight the freshness and richness of the wine. Unbelievable quality at the price.

Price: $24.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

A perennial favorite, the rose does not disappoint on this go-round. Pretty raspberry and black cherry notes highlight the freshness and richness of the wine. Unbelievable quality at the price.

Price: $42.99

Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

It may seem like a geeks-only Champagne and it definitely fits that requirement with its blend of Arbanne, Meslier and Pinot Blanc but this is not made strictly for the sake of geeky. Full bodied with more stone fruit flavors, creamy notes. Long on finish, this a true Tête de Cuvée!

Price: $119.99

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

We can never get enough Launois Quartz at K&L. Unfortunately; the production is limited as Bernard Launois only has so many grapes each year in the great Mesnil plot of Les Chetillons. Having access to single vineyard, estate, grand cru Champagne from one of the best growers in the region at such a fair price makes me proud to be the Champagne guy at K&L. This wine has a fabulous white fruit quality that few Champagnes get at any price, and a chalky laser beam finish that is pure Mesnil. No Champagne we carry sells out faster!

Price: $49.99

Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/30/2026 | Send Email

I sometimes feel guilty for impacting the world supply of this tiny production Champagne with my greedy consumption... But never while I am drinking it. The Cepages D'Antan is made from one press load of the near-extinct champagne varietals Arbanne, Meslier and Pinot Blanc, and yields only about 3,000 bottles per harvest. Nothing is more electric, satisfying and complete than this exotic beauty. With more than eight years of ageing on the lees and the fantastic verve and acidity of Arbanne and Meslier, this is super complete champagne. This is the perfect gift for the Champagne lover who has "had it all"... If I leave any behind for them and you can resist drinking it yourself!

Price: $119.99

2010 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release)

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 6/29/2026 | Send Email

After the mild and relatively straightforward 2009 vintage, 2010 was a roller coaster. Heavy rainfall in January and February pushed budbreak back by two to three weeks, and additional rains in May disrupted flowering, leading to a lighter crop with varied cluster and berry sizes. Very cool conditions persisted through June and July, with very little summer heat. Some grape growers, concerned by the slow ripening curve, began pulling leaves to expose clusters directly to the sun. This proved to be a costly mistake when a serious heat wave arrived in late August, causing some fruit to suffer from sunburn and raisining. Those who stayed the course with a steady hand were rewarded with a long Indian summer, with temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s stretching well into September and helping make up for the cool start to the growing season. Overall, the vintage is characterized by intense, dark-fruited wines with serious concentration and a somewhat brooding personality. That vintage character is certainly on display here in the remarkable 2010 Freemark Abbey Napa Cabernet. Darker-fruited than the 2009, with a little more structure, power, and moodiness, this wine shows rich mulberry, cassis, graphite, and crushed rock at its core. Hints of leather and subtle bottle development are beginning to emerge, but in general the wine remains impressively fresh, dense, and youthful as it approaches 15 years of age in bottle. This is a powerful, deeply expressive Napa Cabernet with plenty of life still ahead.

Price: $59.95

2009 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release)

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 6/29/2026 | Send Email

2009 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon The 2009 vintage is remembered fondly as a very successful year in Napa Valley, and the wines, now 15 years later, bear out that early optimism. The growing season began with below-average rainfall and a moderate amount of water stress on the vines. Weather throughout the year was relatively stable, with no dramatic heat events or untimely rains to create major issues for grape growers. The crop came in just above average, with consistently high quality across the board. In their youth, the 2009s showed a lovely balance of primary fruit and medium-plus structure. While not as concentrated or dramatic as the 2010s, the 2009s have a wonderful sense of balance, purity, and approachability. This bottling from Freemark shows the effortless grace of the vintage, with richness of fruit and mid-palate plushness carried by beautifully resolved structure. Now showing delicious secondary character, this wine is in absolute prime condition to enjoy over the next one to five years. The profile is mostly deep red-fruited, with briary, brambly elements and a lovely dusty, loamy earth component. Hints of graphite and pencil shavings mingle with unsmoked cigar, subtle bay leaf, and worn leather. Silky on the palate, the tannins are relaxed and supple, making this ready for a quick 20- to 30-minute decant and straight into the glass. So easy to enjoy, this is a lovely wine drinking perfectly right now.

Price: $59.95

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Pinot Noir

By: John Archuleta | Review Date: 6/29/2026 | Send Email

Another homerun pick from our Domestic Buyer Mr. Woodhouse! The first thing I noticed was the color of the wine once it hit the glass during our staff tasting - maybe the sun was hitting it just right, but it was glistening a beautiful ruby hue with a little amber around the edge, and immediately had my mouth watering. On the nose, the wine opens with notes of red fruit, black tea and a bit of savory herbs. On the palate, you are met with ripe red cherries, strawberries, and dried cranberry. The acidity is nice throughout, with a bit of a crunchy/earthy finish with dried green herbs on the back palate. Definitely a steal for the price.

Price: Hidden

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Chardonnay

By: John Archuleta | Review Date: 6/29/2026 | Send Email

As other staff and reviews have point out, this is an incredible deal and fantastic wine for the price - fruit coming from Chalone outside of its own estate label is bonkers in and of itself, but at this price a genuine steal. The wine itself is incredibly layered, pretty and elegant aromatics of ripe stone fruit skin, white flowers, and even chamomile tea - and on the palate it is just ripe peaches and nectarines, a little lemon/lime, and a great finish of salinity and riverstone. Acidity is nice and zingy, but integrated into the fruit ripeness as to not be overbearing. Get it before its gone!

Price: Hidden

2024 J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc Touraine

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/29/2026 | Send Email

Touraine has long been one of the Loire Valley's best sources of value for Sauvignon Blanc. Located about two hours west of Sancerre, the region shares many of the same clay and limestone soils that give its more famous neighbor such a distinctive mineral character. The difference is that land prices and production costs are significantly lower, allowing producers to deliver exceptional quality at far more approachable prices. The region is also one of the Loire Valley's most picturesque destinations, famous for the magnificent châteaux that line the Loire River and its tributaries. In recent years, several communes within Touraine have earned recognition for producing particularly distinctive expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, further elevating the appellation's reputation. In the glass, Touraine Sauvignon Blanc tends to be generous and immediately appealing. The Villebois is an excellent example, offering vibrant flavors of pineapple, kiwi, and lemon curd. It recalls the exuberant fruit profile of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but without many of the sharper grassy or herbal notes. Instead, those bright tropical flavors are framed by a subtle chalky minerality that gives the wine balance and a distinctly Loire identity. Touraine has long been one of the Loire Valley's greatest sources of value, and the Villebois is an outstanding introduction to everything the appellation has to offer.

Price: $15.99

DC: 95

2024 Gaintza Rosé Getariako Txakolina

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

This Rosé Txakolina bursts from the glass with vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon rind, pink grapefruit, and fresh-cut herbs, all framed by the wine's signature subtle spritz on the palate. The palate is light on its feet, zipping along with mouthwatering acidity and a refreshing streak of citrus, creating a wine that's as playful as it is thirst-quenching. There's an unmistakable Atlantic freshness here, with a subtle mineral edge and salinity that adds just enough seriousness beneath all the fun. The delicate natural effervescence gives the wine extra lift, making it dangerously easy to pour another glass. Whether paired with grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or simply enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, this is the kind of bottle that disappears faster than you'd expect.

Price: $18.99

2021 Frankland Estate Riesling Frankland River Western Australia

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

If you’re not drinking Australian Riesling yet, why not? Bone dry, citrus-driven, and ultra crisp on the palate, this is Riesling for everyone who thinks they don’t like Riesling. Frankland Estate, located in the remote Frankland River region of Western Australia, is well-known in Australia as a Riesling specialist, producing vintage after vintage of zesty, mouthwateringly delicious examples of the variety, and their 2021 Estate Riesling is another fantastic release. The palate of this wine is packed with freshly squeezed lime, as well as grapefruit zest, Granny Smith apple and subtle jasmine notes. Bracing high acidity leads the wine into a lingering, long finish that is so clean and so fresh. Stony minerality and a slightly textural mouthfeel tie everything together. At well under $20, this is a ridiculously good value – the wine is very drinkable today but also has a quiet sense of austerity and restraint that, in combination with the high density of the citrus fruit notes, promises the ability to continue to age and develop classic aged Riesling aromatics with time. This is simply a superb example of dry Australian Riesling that should not be missed!

Price: Hidden

JH: 95

JS: 93

RP: 92

2023 Anthill Farms "Campbell Ranch" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

The 2023 Anthill Farms "Campbell Ranch" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes from 20-year-old vines planted on Sonoma’s northwest coast in low-vigor Goldridge soils, yielding just two tons per acre. That’s the focus here: quality, not quantity, with only 280 cases produced. The quality is so striking that I want to call the grower out by name, so hat tip to Steve Campbell. This wine stopped me in my tracks because there is so much to unpack. I adore wines like this, ethereal shapeshifters where one sensation morphs into another. Just as your palate reaches to grasp the fringe of its cloak, it has already moved on. To me, that signals a wine at the top of its craft, guided by the skilled and thoughtful winemakers at Anthill Farms. What’s it like? Medium-bodied, with golden apple, leesy notes of laminated pastry, diaphanous layers of vanilla, and a tisane-like impression of fresh lemon balm, followed by finely grated Meyer lemon zest. A briny hint of crushed seashells flitters across the tip of the tongue and lingers into the finish. Serve cool rather than cold and allow it to reveal its exquisite and unmistakable northwest Sonoma Coast character.

Price: Hidden

VN: 95

RP: 92

2018 Billecart-Salmon 250th Anniversary Vintage Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Briochey, fresh, deep, and lovely, this is a serious vintage Champagne that evolved noticeably over the course of the day between tastings. Composed of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, it clearly needs more age to show what it is truly capable of. A must-buy for collectors and fans of Billecart-Salmon who want a bottle with both immediate beauty and long-term potential.

Price: $119.99

Fallet-Dart "Heres" Brut Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Briochey, round, and simply delicious. A yummy, crowd-friendly Champagne with an easy charm. The soft richness and toasty character make it especially enjoyable for anyone who likes a fuller, more comforting style of Champagne.

Price: $44.99

WE: 90

Boulard-Bauquaire "Carte Noire" Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Showing red apple, minerality, and more depth than the Trépail in my opinion, this has a little extra complexity while still staying fresh and accessible. The added mineral note gives it a firmer backbone and makes it feel complete on the finish.

Price: $39.99

Wine Club

$34.99

Boulard-Bauquaire "Trepail" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Vieilles Vignes

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Fruit-forward, approachable, and easy-drinking. This is a great crowd-pleaser Champagne, perfect for sharing with a wide range of drinkers. It has enough freshness to stay lively while keeping the fruit generous and immediately appealing.

Price: $44.99

Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Cuvée Gabin" Brut Zero Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Fresh and easy to enjoy, with a clear red apple note at the center. Bright, clean, and charming, this is a straightforward and very pleasant Champagne. Its crisp fruit and gentle profile make it a great bottle for casual drinking or starting a tasting.

Price: $44.99

Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Les Amoureux" Pinot Blanc Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Very distinctive and aromatic, with tons of floral character, like fresh flower petals, layered with a gentle creaminess. An interesting and expressive Champagne with a unique personality. It stands out for its perfume and softness, offering something a little different from the more classic Chardonnay- or Pinot Noir-driven styles.

Price: $49.99

2017 Franck Bonville "Belles Voyes" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

A textured and expressive Champagne with nutty depth, bright acidity, and serious structure. Aged in barrique, it shows extra weight and complexity while staying energetic. The oak influence adds breadth and richness without taking away from the wine’s freshness.

Price: $119.99

Wine Club

$104.99

RP: 93

Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Kai Pedreno | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

Creamy, fresh, and lightly briochey, clean and polished Blanc de Blancs with excellent drinkability. A great-value Champagne that overdelivers the price. The balance of freshness and soft texture makes it feel both elegant and very easy to enjoy.

Price: $44.99

2022 Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

In a world where Napa Valley Cabernet is often over $100, and Oakville Cabernet even more expensive, Groth continues to produce one of the absolute best deals in the region. For the price and quality, there’s practically nothing that can match this wine, especially when you factor in a 95-point score from a top publication. This bottling combines Groth's estate-grown fruit with fruit from neighboring vineyards with whom they have long-term contracts. The wine is beautifully proportioned, showing lush dark fruit, blackberry, dark cherry, hints of espresso bean, cocoa powder, and toasty oak. Ripe, plush tannins make this wine approachable and easy to pop and pour for just about any occasion. A remarkably complete, delicious, and polished Cabernet for a more-than-fair price. Bravo, Groth!

Price: Hidden

DC: 95

JS: 92

WS: 90

2023 Anthill Farms "Campbell Ranch" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 6/26/2026 | Send Email

This wine was a huge hit with the staff at K&L this week, and we all agreed that Vinous’ Billy Norris absolutely nailed the tasting note, calling it “West Sonoma Coast in a glass” in his 95-point review. This racy, fresh, vibrant Chardonnay comes from a very cool vineyard site in the hamlet of Annapolis, on the far northern end of the West Sonoma Coast. Most vineyards in this region are only warm enough to ripen fruit because they sit above 1,000 feet elevation, largely above the marine fog. Campbell Ranch, however, sits around 750 feet, meaning it sees many days where fog blankets the vines and may only burn off for a few hours before returning again overnight. The result is this dynamic, electric wine, bursting with brisk, salty minerals, oyster shell, zesty citrus fruit, hints of just-ripe peach, and split white oak. As it warms in the glass, subtle fresh-baked bread notes add another layer, along with touches of Golden Delicious apple. This is a fantastic Chardonnay that will equally please lovers of Chablis and cool-climate California Chardonnay alike. Once again, thanks to our Insider’s Advantage program, we’re offering the last few cases of the vintage at a massive 50% discount!

Price: Hidden

VN: 95

RP: 92

2021 Quinta de Saes Tinto Dão

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 6/25/2026 | Send Email

2021 Quinta de Saes Tinto Dão is a blend of native grapes, approximately 25% Touriga Naçional, 25% Alfrocheiro, 25% Jaen, and 25% Tinta Pinheira. It underwent wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel vats, then aged for 18 months in second- and third-use large format French oak barriques. It’s super easy to love—notes of pomegranate, hibiscus, plum, and rose with a whisper of baking spices and a fine ribbon of flint in the finish. Reminds me of a young red Burgundy. It needs a little bit of air, so give it a few spins and some time in your glass before diving in. The price on this speaks to the talent of our Western Hemisphere wine buyer, not only for selecting it but negotiating a fantastic price. I know I'll be taking home a few bottles for weeknight sipping.

Price: $17.99

JS: 92

Scarlet K&L Exclusive "Fernet Cask Marriage Peated Cask #21" Japanese Amaro (700ml)

By: Michael Hulihan | Review Date: 6/25/2026 | Send Email

This Amaro is truly something special, on the nose you'll find aromatic notes of fresh eucalyptus, mint, and herbal teas. The palate is layered with honey, natural cola, and hints of licorice and dark chocolate complete it on the finish. I would highly recommend this to any fernet drinker, there is a familiarity that resembles classic Fernets but undeniably something unique and original within itself. This Fernet is versatile enough for cocktails or to be used alone as a digestif. This is truly a special product that should receive the attention it deserves.

Price: $109.99

Limit of 2 per customer

2025 Domaine Petroni Corse Rosé

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 6/25/2026 | Send Email

For over a decade now, I have received more emails about the Petroni rosé than any other wine in the category. "When does the new vintage arrive?" Well, it's finally here, and once again, it does not disappoint. The 2025 release is generous and expressive, showcasing notes of nectarine, passion fruit, and wild strawberry. A kiss of salinity and vibrant acidity provide balance and freshness. While unmistakably character-driven, it remains effortlessly approachable, always inviting another return to the glass. The only time I've visited Corsica, a stop at Petroni's vineyards was high on my list. Perched above the nearby lagoon, the vineyards overlooked the water on a damp, cool day just after harvest. Everything was still green and lush, and the beauty of the site left a lasting impression. That trip remains one of my favorite sourcing experiences, and Petroni continues to stand among my most rewarding discoveries. Year after year, this rosé reminds me exactly why.

Price: $14.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

Gwah?!? Champagne that taste great for such a low price? The French must be pissed. You can't drink better for cheaper anywhere in France. Fruit tart candies, slight brioche, creamy on the palate, but not cheesy. Wonderful texture and great freshness. An inexpensive champagne with a wonderful personality.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Pinot Noir

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

Not to overshine the Chardonnay but, the Pinot Noir adds an even extra value! We rarely see drinkable, let alone enjoyable, Pinot Noir at this bargain basement price. This darn fun and tasty little bugger has bright red cherry fruit with a light dose of candied strawberries in the background. Like the Chardonnay from the same vineyard, it has a crunchy finish that reminds me of many wines from the Central coast. No one-note flavors here! I expect this one will prove to be extremely popular with our customers. It already is with the staff!

Price: Hidden

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Chardonnay

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

This will be your new go-to value chardonnay! It supplies just the right amount of ripe orchard and stone fruits with bright minerals on the finish. The palate is a balance of (in order) peach, nectarine and golden apple. As aforementioned, it finishes clean with a nice dose of tangy minerals. It is Chalone fruit after all! At a heck of a bargain price.

Price: Hidden

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

This has always been, and will always be, a staff and customer favorite! Nicely golden with almost a light straw color. On the nose it starts out light and pretty with aspects of fresh-cut flowers and bread dough. it then expands into yellow apple territory with added cream scents. In the mouth it has a tight bead with very well-balanced flavors of apples (both green and gold), lemon curd, and white cake. The finish is long, clean and zippy!

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Simon Li | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

This is a really easy-drinking, approachable Champagne that’s all about freshness and charm. It’s mostly Pinot Meunier, with some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rounding it out, and it shows right away with bright green apple, white pear, and just a little floral lift on the nose. There’s a light biscuit note from the lees aging, but nothing too yeasty or rich—it stays clean and fruit-forward. On the palate, it’s crisp and refreshing, with tight bubbles and a quick, citrusy finish. It’s not the most complex bottle in the lineup, but that’s part of its appeal—it’s fun, reliable, and incredibly easy to enjoy.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Lilia McIntosh | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

It's practically impossible to find better value that this Champagne! Slightly toasty with delicious brioche and a bit of hazelnut note, it's just perfect champagne for family gathering and large parties. It definitely has crowd pleasing profile and show immense complexity at the same time. Try a bottle and then stock up for the upcoming holidays. You will not regret it.

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/24/2026 | Send Email

I have to stop being surprised by the excellent quality of this super well priced champagne. This fantastic bottle is aged for three years on the lees and has great honest toast from the aging process, as well as great refreshment from the high percentage of estate-grown vines used in the blend. I love this Champagne for its friendly, open-knit personality and its easygoing refreshment, but it has more than this for those who want to take the time to get to know it... It is a serious bottle of Champagne! Don't let the low price fool you!

Price: $29.99

JS: 90

2024 Contrada Soarda Vespaiolo

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 6/23/2026 | Send Email

Nestled at the foot of the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region lies the Breganze DOC, an area rich in volcanic history and home to the spectacular Contrà Soarda estate. The name translates to "hamlet on the slope," which perfectly describes the Gottardi family’s breathtaking operation. Pioneers of sustainable viticulture, they constructed a gravity-fed, bio-architecture winery built entirely inside the volcanic hillside to blend into the landscape and naturally regulate temperature. Their vineyards are planted on ancient volcanic tuff and basalt, which provides the ultimate stage for the rare, indigenous Vespaiolo grape. For centuries, Vespaiolo—named after the wasps (vespe) that swarm the vineyards to feast on the sugar-rich berries—was primarily dried to make the famous sweet wine, Torcolato. However, the Gottardi family are masters at showcasing the grape's thrilling potential as a dry white wine. Because Vespaiolo naturally retains sky-high acidity, the volcanic soil acts as a perfect counterweight, adding texture and a profound, savory backbone. In the glass, it shines with a brilliant golden-yellow hue. The nose is a striking blend of acacia flowers, white peach, and citrus zest, anchored by a deep, smoky flintiness. On the palate, it is electric and commanding, with a laser-focused mineral tension and a classic bitter-almond finish. It is the ultimate pairing for the region's famous white asparagus from Bassano, or an elegant seafood risotto.

Price: $24.99

Wine Club

$19.99

2025 L'Autin "Gemma Vitis" Bonarda

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 6/23/2026 | Send Email

If you want to discover the hidden, rugged side of Piedmontese viticulture, you have to leave the famous rolling hills of the Langhe and head west toward the jagged peaks of the Cottian Alps. Here, in the Pinerolese appellation just outside of Turin, you will find L’Autin. The name translates to "the little vineyard" in the local dialect, an apt title for an estate that champions tiny, high-altitude plots of native grapes. The terroir here is defined by the mountains: it is cooler, dramatically steeper, and the soils are packed with crushed stone and minerals. (In fact, the estate is so tied to the local geology that they age their sparkling wines deep inside an abandoned talc mine!). The "Gemma Vitis" is a celebration of the local Bonarda grape, specifically adapted to this cool, alpine-adjacent climate. Because of the extreme diurnal temperature shifts, the grapes develop thick skins and brilliant natural acidity. This isn't a heavy, brooding red. The mountain terroir translates into a wine of incredible crunch and energy. It pours a vibrant, deep purple, offering bright, rustic aromatics of wild blackberry, crushed raspberry, and a distinct, graphite-like minerality derived from the rocky soil. On the palate, it is juicy, vertical, and refreshing, with a mouth-watering finish that begs for a plate of rich, local tajarin pasta or a spread of cured alpine meats.

Price: $24.99

Wine Club

$19.99

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Chardonnay

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 6/23/2026 | Send Email

Deals like this don't come along very often, even in a soft market. This wine not only combines Californa's sunny generosity with excellent freshness due to the giant temperature swings at Chalone, but also has a totally unique signature of minerality from this best in class old vine site. I love rich stone fruit and bright liveliness in this wine for just enjoying on its own. If you want it all and don't want to spend too much- get yourself some before it is gone.

Price: Hidden

2023 Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 6/22/2026 | Send Email

The 2023 Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough is sourced primarily from Wairau Valley and the cooler Awatere Valley, where lower temperatures preserve the wine's freshness and aromatic intensity. After fermentation, the wine rested on its lees with regular stirring, building texture and mouthfeel while retaining vibrant notes of Makrut lime, green apple, passion fruit, lemon zest, and wet stone. Bright passionfruit and Makrut lime linger on the finish. Pair with Thai food, fried chicken, lightly dressed summer salads, or simply savor a glass on the patio. Great value!

Price: $14.99

SK: 93

DC: 91

2023 Vigneti Repetto "Quadro" Timorasso Derthona DOC

By: Cary Herrman | Review Date: 6/20/2026 | Send Email

This is a refreshing reminder of why Timorasso has become one of Italy's most compelling white grapes. Light on it's feet and almost Burgundian in character, it balances bright acidity with a stony mineral backbone. Notes of citrus zest lead the way, giving the wine a clean, refreshing character, while the palate remains balanced and easy to enjoy from first sip to last. There's a lovely interplay between freshness and texture, making it equally at home as an aperitif or alongside seafood and lighter fare.

Price: $24.99

Wine Club

$19.99

WE: 91

2019 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 6/20/2026 | Send Email

The only Fourth Growth in Pauillac, sitting on the Milon hillside right next to Lafite and sharing its winemaking team since 1962—pedigree you can taste. The 2019 is classic Pauillac: a powerful core of black currant and dark cherry framed by graphite, cedar, and a savory tobacco-leaf edge. The palate is deep and structured, built on gravel-grown Cabernet (67%) with Merlot for flesh, carried by firm, finely grained tannins and a long, mineral finish. Drinking well with a decant now but built for the cellar—give it 8 to 15 years and it will reward you. A genuine taste of Lafite’s neighborhood at a relative bargain.

Price: $109.99

2014 l'Evangile, Pomerol

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 6/20/2026 | Send Email

A Rothschild-owned Pomerol jewel sitting in rarefied company—bordered by Pétrus and a stone’s throw from Cheval Blanc. From the estate’s privileged gravel-over-clay terroir comes a wine of real opulence and precision. Plush black cherry, plum, and crème de cassis lead, deepening into truffle, cocoa, violets, and a savory earthiness that only great Pomerol delivers. The Merlot-led palate is velvety and seamless, with polished tannins and a long, perfumed finish. At a decade old it’s drinking beautifully but has years left to give. Decant an hour and savor it with something special.

Price: $219.99

2010 Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 6/20/2026 | Send Email

The second wine of Lafite, drawn from plots adjacent to the First Growth’s hilltop vines and from one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of the modern era. The 2010 carries unmistakable Lafite breeding: aromas of black currant, pencil shavings, cedar, and crushed stone with a floral lift. The palate is refined and tightly woven—a Cabernet-led blend with Merlot for generosity—showing firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and remarkable length. Still young for a 2010; decant a full hour now or, better, cellar it another 5 to 10 years. Lafite’s elegance at a fraction of the First Growth price.

Price: $329.99

Moussé Fils "Eugène" Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 6/20/2026 | Send Email

Blanc de Noir lovers rejoice! This new addition to our Champagne collection fills that void of Blanc de Noir in our selections. The minute you pour it into your glass, you know that the dominant grape is Pinot Meunier. Fine earthiness, Fino sherry and honeycomb. Light candied spices and golden apples. On the palate, initially, it is all about the richness and lush mouthfeel. Roasted nuts, poached pear, and a spicy finish with a nice bit of light citrus. I'm going to take both Dejah's and Gary's advice and have it with a nice pork tenderloin with dried apricots. This bottling has been very popular with our customers for many very good reasons!

Price: $64.99

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