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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

Ardbeg "Uigeadail" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 5/1/2009 | Send Email

I love Ardbeg, and the Uigeadail is one of the most special expressions that I have had from this great Islay distillery. No other distillery makes a malt quite as peaty as Ardbeg, and this one has an additional twist: sherry wood aging. The sherry wood gives another dimension of richness and weight to this typically light and piercing single malt. I have a bottle at home, and I love it for a cold night by the fire - but Alex Brisoux (the Redwood City store manager) swears by it with oysters! That is a combination that is hard for me to imagine, but I don't doubt a professional like Alex on a topic as serious as pairings!

Price: $79.99

WA: 94

Coniston Brewing Company "Bluebird Bitter" England (500ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 4/17/2009 | Send Email

This hoppy bitter deserves the accolades it has received; which include the Campaign for Real Ale's "Ale of the Year" in 2008. Bright, refreshing bitterness, balanced by high quality but extraordinarily restrained maltiness and very low alcohol make this a true session beer - perfect for occasions when having a few more than one. This will be in my cellar (they suggest 58 degree serving temperature) from now on!

Price: $7.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Cindy Westby | Review Date: 4/9/2009 | Send Email

It blows my mind. $32.99, really? Small production grower rose champagne, aged on the lees for 5 years?? Are you sure, only $32.99? Beautiful to behold with its tawny pink color - and a joy to consume with layers of flavor and aroma. Enjoy alongside baked ham, herbed quiche - or even smoked almonds as an afternoon treat!

Price: $42.99

Brouwerij De Ranke "XX Bitter" Belgian IPA, Belgium (330ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 4/7/2009 | Send Email

This extraordinarily drinkable Belgian IPA is from Wevelgem in West Flanders - and I have been drinking it to celebrate the spring classics in Flanders - particularly the Ghent-Wevelgem bike race. It has a straw/golden color and a bubble train that would make tete de cuvee Champagne blush. The picture is completed by a gorgeous head of Belgian lace that I could imagine floating a quarter on top of. Unlike the new world style of IPA, this robustly hoppy and refreshing ale has balance. Get some before I drink them all!

Price: Hidden

Hendrick's Scottish Gin (750ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/27/2009 | Send Email

Scotland has more to offer than just great whisky... This gin is world class too! Cinnamon and I are both big fans of the old "mother's ruin" and always keep a variety on hand. Along with Fernet Branca and Rittenhouse Rye, this is one of the most repeated bottles of spirits in our liquor cabinet. This is a gentle style of gin, not extra proof or supercharged with juniper, yet it is could never be given the old put-down "vodka lovers gin"- it has far too much balanced flavor for that. The cucumber and rose petal elements in this fine spirit lend a cooling and subtly aromatic touch rather than being overt flavorings. I love it with tonic, and just the smallest corner of one of our homegrown Meyer lemons.

Price: $29.99

WE: 92

Clear Creek Eau de Vie Pomme 8 Year Old Apple Brandy (375ml)

By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 3/18/2009 | Send Email

I'm not sure if anyone else read Mr. McCarthy's article in the New York Times about making Eau De Vie spirits, but I was fascinated by the process of how he captured the essence of the Douglas Fir tree in a bottle. This Pomme apple brandy, essentially an American Calvados, is absolutely outstanding and would make the perfect after dinner drink for almost any fine meal. Rich barrel flavors combine with can only be described as the soul of an apple to create a robust, yet smooth drinking spirit. My hat is off to Clear Creek.

Price: $26.99

Fernet Branca (750ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/5/2009 | Send Email

Fernet has a following that borders on a cult here at the K&L. The ultimate in "acquired tastes" this herbal digestif is rarely enjoyed by the imbiber the first time. But, in the wine business, we often times have meals that are a little bit bigger than normal, and need a little something to settle our stomachs, and nothing on the planet is better than Fernet. Cinnamon is an evangelical convert to this magic elixir, and having less than half of a bottle of it in our liquor cabinet is an emergency situation. We even have Fernet posters in our living room - no lie! Try this out the next time you need a little help settling your stomach after a big meal... You'll learn to love the herbal taste.

Price: $27.99

Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: Joe Manekin | Review Date: 3/4/2009 | Send Email

If I'm in the mood for a bit of peat, this is one of my favorites. Scottland's oldest independent, continually-operated distillery, Springbank's 10 year is a great balance of judicious peaty smoke, malty, nutty flavors, a hint of sweetness, and an amazing saline tang on the finish, which lingers a while and then seems to dissolve effortlessly. Powerful and elegant, Springbank is a true original, and every bit as elegant as people say it is.

Price: $109.99

WE: 92

Charles Baur Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé

By: Jim Barr | Review Date: 3/4/2009 | Send Email

As our Alsatian wine buyer, Eric Story, pointed out to me, recently: “Most people outside of the region don’t think about Alsace for sparkling wine, but wait until you try this puppy!” He was right both times. Most people don’t know, and I couldn’t wait to have another glass after I tasted the first. This is an impeccably delightful, refreshing Brut rosé, produced entirely from Pinot Noir and bottle-aged on yeast for two years before disgorgement. The resulting wine is a sparkler that shows a lovely pinkish hue, very fine bead, and bright yeasty, strawberry and spicy fruit characteristics on the nose that carries well to the dry, clean, yet abundantly fruity palate. Try it with a grilled salmon dinner or seriously consider it for your next party. Anderson and the girls have informed me that this will be our house sparkler for spring and into summer, if it lasts that long. 12% abv

Price: Hidden

Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur (750ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 2/11/2009 | Send Email

Quite a few Aperol bottles have made it into the Westby family recycling bin by way of our liquor cabinet. Cinnamon and I love to make Champagne cocktails with it, a habit that K&L's own Doug Davidson got us started on. Since Aperol has quite a moderate alcohol content (at 11%, it is even less than Champagne!) it isn't quite as dangerous to drink while cooking as other cocktails we enjoy. The recipe is simple: fill a rocks glass thoroughly with ice, add one shot of Aperol, fill the remainder with Champagne (it is great with the Michel Dervin) and add a twist of orange. It is also great with just plain soda and a twist.

Price: $24.99

WE: 95

Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling Wine

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 1/28/2009 | Send Email

This has a vibrant spiced pear and melon character. It sees little to no malolactic fermentation, giving it a racing stripe of acidity that keeps the wine focused. We also have this beauty, which was awarded 90 points by Wine & Spirits Magazine, in magnum .

Price: $29.95

Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond 100 Proof Kentucky Rye Whiskey

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/20/2009 | Send Email

I can't say that we have anything- spirits, wine, beer or other that delivers as much value as this superlative spirit. When Susan Purnell secured our first allocation of this producer’s rye, I immediately bought a bottle of this and the 21 year old. I loved the 21 year old, which I opened first, and was completely amazed by the standard bottling. If you have never had rye, you no longer have an excuse not to try it- if you love rye, do not let the low price fool you. This is a rich spirit, but does not have any of the bubble gum sweetness that small batch bourbons are often afflicted with. It also has a wild streak- think rye bread- that is hard to pin down. I enjoy the Rittenhouse on the rocks after dinner most often, but sometimes also indulge in an absinthe sazerac with this rye as the star ingredient. Feel free to write me for the recipe!

Price: $22.99

WE: 95

Cadenhead's Old Raj Gin 110 Proof (700ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/20/2009 | Send Email

When is a gin worth $50 a bottle? When it tastes like this! I have far too much English blood in my veins, and gin is part of my heritage... I can't resist the stuff. This is simply one of the best, combing the wild exoticism of saffron with the staid authority and elegance of royalty. Cinnamon and I always keep a bottle in the house; it is a luxury worth indulging in. I love it for gin & tonic, as it says on the label "after the hunt"...

Price: $45.99

Ardbeg 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 1/14/2009 | Send Email

How does one judge a fine drink? My father and I have talked about this subject a lot, and one of his key questions is, "would I return to it?" With this expression of Ardbeg, my answer is a big yes. Susan just sold me a bottle of what will be the sixth expression of Ardbeg in my liquor cabinet at present. I love this distillery, and jump at the chance to buy each new bottling that comes our way... Yet I am drawn back most often to the distillery ten. It is the lightest, the brightest, the most untamed by wood and time of all of the Ardbegs we carry. It is full of peat - My wife Cinnamon can often smell it from across the room as I pour and will complain about it. So, don't by it for someone who does not like peat - they will hate it! I am sure that I return to it because it has the peat flavor that I love, but without the oily heaviness that I don't want after a big meal, and after a big meal is when I want Scotch the most. Don’t get me wrong, I love the variety and still drink my other bottles (all of which were more expensive), but I just empty this one fastest. It is delicious, and well worth the modest price.

Price: $59.99

WA: 92

Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/27/2008 | Send Email

There is simply no better Blanc de Blanc in the store at this price! Classic Avize minerality with crisp apple-y fruit, lemons, limes and wet stone aspects. A wonderful Chamnpagne with caviar or baked Brie. Too good of a value to pass up. We can also go for months without having this sparkler in stock. Also available in 375ml and magnum. It also comes in a gorgeous 2002 vintage as well!

Price: $53.99

JS: 92

RP: 92

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/26/2008 | Send Email

Fresh off de boat! Just tried this last Saturday night (4th of July). Those of you who are fans, don't be confused by the new Aspasie label! It's the same wine you have loved for years! Loads of raspberry, strawberry and bing cherry fruit. Hints of minerality hit the tongue and make this a winner for those of you who like the Billecart-Salmon style at a greatly reduced price. We always sell out of this one!

Price: $42.99

Charles Baur Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 11/19/2008 | Send Email

I retasted this recently in one of our staff tastings and I was delighted. Lovely strawberry fruit and raspberry tones. Nice spice notes as well. This is now my favorite go-to aperitif bubbly.

Price: Hidden

Schramsberg "Mirabelle" California Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 11/19/2008 | Send Email

With a high Spectator score, this sparkling wine doesn't really need my help to sell it, but I did really enjoy the style. The wine possesses a strong watermelon and strawberry character with hints of cinnamon. Though not quite as detailed as some higher-end Rosé Champanges this would definitely hold its ground against many of the entry level cuvees for a lot less money!

Price: $27.95

Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 10/22/2008 | Send Email

So smooth you won't think it's bourbon. Honestly, the distiller himself said he has problems selling it sometimes because people don't think it's bourbon, but I can vouch for him. It's bourbon alright, and it's divine. Your friends will be asking where you got it.

Price: $19.99

WE: 93

Charles Baur Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/8/2008 | Send Email

A fantastic buy in bubbles! A delicate nose of raspberries and roses. In the mouth, a very fine bead with a slight hint of minerality, more raspberries, vanilla and tart cherries. A really great bubbly to have by itself or with a light, fruit-based tart.

Price: Hidden

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/2/2008 | Send Email

The NV Launois “Quartz” is a half-pressure (three atmospheres of pressure versus the typical six) bottling in the cremant style. It is at once both delicate and mouthfilling. Composed of 100% chardonnay from the world-renowned chardonnay producing area of Mesnil (and Aviz and Oger), it has flavors of apples, brioche 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

Rowan's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 8/22/2008 | Send Email

Incredibly balanced, its zesty aromatics feature some surprising honeysuckle and jasmine notes. The mouthfeel is supple but not thick; there’s also a subdued sweetness with just a touch of pepper and no detectable heat. Attractively packaged and reasonably priced, something this good can’t last forever.

Price: $49.99

High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: David Driscoll | Review Date: 8/12/2008 | Send Email

Who said we had to review just wine? I just remembered that I love whiskey! This High West bottling is a superb blend of two casks that the producer found in the basement of another distiller; a 6 year old and a 16 year old. The flavors are semisweet and caramel-based, but the finish is pure rye. I have to be careful when I pull this bottle out because I might get a little greedy. Then I wouldn't be able to remember how it tasted!

Price: $64.99

WE: 96

WA: 95

Lillet Blanc Aperitif Wine (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/18/2008 | Send Email

This white wine-based aperitif was created in 1887 in Bordeaux and originally had a high quinine content (presumably to treat malaria). Quinine is synthesized from the Kina-Kina tree, hence the drink’s original name: Kina Lillet. The original recipe was made famous by Ian Fleming in Casino Royal as a key component in the infamous “James Bond Martini.” This blend of fruit liqueurs and fortified wine was originally marketed as a tonic of great medicinal quality. These days there’s a new, friendlier Lillet with less quinine and it still lends itself to making cocktails, like the famous Edith’s Fizz.

Price: $23.99

WE: 92

Don Fulano Blanco Tequila (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 7/6/2008 | Send Email

Extreme quality and depth. The foundation for one of the greatest lines of tequila. The agave fruit bursts from the glass. Using only the highest quality blue agave, Don Fulano Plata Suave sets the standard in tequila. Enjoy mixed, sip it straight, or shoot it for a truly outstanding experience.

Price: $44.99

Domaine de Canton Ginger & Cognac Liqueur (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/18/2008 | Send Email

Popular with the French since colonial times, this Ginger Cognac Liqueur melds the subtle heat of baby Vietnamese ginger root with the depth of flavor of Grand Champagne Cognac. The addition of spices, honey, and Tunisian ginseng make for a magnificently complex handmade elixir without preservatives or colorants.

Price: $34.99

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 6/18/2008 | Send Email

A first-of-its-kind elderflower liqueur. Wild alpine blossoms are hand-harvested and macerated. Then, through a proprietary fermentation/distillation process the delicate aromatics are released from this wonderful gem, which has a supple but never syrupy texture.

Price: $34.99

WE: 96 - 100

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

By: Mari Keilman | Review Date: 5/20/2008 | Send Email

A pinot noir-dominated blend that immediately after opening, has a distinctive leesy, slightly oxidated nose. This is no doubt from the reserve wines that are fermented in oak barrel and then aged in magnums under low pressure. This also lends to the full-bodied, richness of the wine. After several minutes of aeration, the sweet smell of ripe, sun-soaked apples begin to emerge. The predominance of estate fruit (approximately 70% of the assemblage) lends to the broad, rich and intense flavors. Fresh and toasty on the palate with a slight touch of hazelnut, the Special Cuvee has a long finish with a hint of exotic spice at the very end.

Price: $69.99

JD: 93

JS: 93

WS: 93

Rihaku "Wandering Poet" Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml)

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 4/29/2008 | Send Email

An exceptional Sake with lots of complexity. The Wandering Poet has a wonderful melon and citrus quality with a hint of anise in the finish. It is one of the best balanced Sakes that we have.

Price: $31.99

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