K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2025 Red Car Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

One thing I love about wine is how your experience can change from bottle to bottle of the very same wine. The first time I tried this rosé I wasn't the biggest fan, but I really love it today. There's this really gorgeous white peach gummy that's accompanying the watermelon candy on the nose, and then underneath that there's this kind of steeliness that I'm really digging, each inhale is this sensory treat. The palate walks that really fine line between being a little juicy and having the crispness that you sometimes really need from a rosé. This has that crisp line of acidity pushing through like a wave with little surfer fruit on the crest just doing a pipe tube or whatever. I feel like I blew it at the end, but you get it, it's rad, and really delicious and dry with this super pretty raspberry note on the palate, along with touches of the watermelon. Definitely a go to recommendation.

Price: Hidden

VN: 91

2022 William Harrison Estate Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

A plush and lush nose, it's really expressive right now with really pillowy kind of aromas, just really comforting for some reason. There's a little bit of blue fruit somewhere in the back, but mostly there's darker fruits with blackberry cobbler, black cherry, raspberry flower and ripe raspberry, some plum flesh, and a fair amount of barrel in the back. The fruit is dusty and has a couple turns of black pepper passed over it, there's more leather, some black olive, and then more barrel before fruit comes back in and twines and twists with the barrel notes. This is really nice and classy Cabernet Sauvignon but with a little more structure and food friendliness than some of the bigger and fatter Napa offerings. Really really good.

Price: Hidden

2023 Sandhi "La Rinconada Vineyard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

It still shocks me a bit when we're able to offer single-vineyard bottles for the same price as entry level, broad AVA cuvees, and to think you can get one of Santa Rita Hills' best properties in your glass at this price truly blows my mind. Beautiful coastal aromatic herbs and flowers unite harmoniously with a perfectly concentrated raspberry and pomegranate flavor, awash with elegant acidity around a crunchy mineral core. Like the vineyard selections of Gary Farrel and Cordant before it, this deal won't last forever. Pick up as many bottles as your cellar will fit, because this is a pinot for all occasions.

Price: Hidden

WE: 98

JS: 94

VN: 92

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

Sauvignon Blanc of this caliber at the same price as an entry level Napa bottling qualifies this offering as one of the best of the year. What sets this bottling apart is not the flawless fruit profile offering cara cara, calamansi, and star fruit, nor the technical acumen of the winery, which is unquestionably in the top tier for producers even in the area; it is actually the sumptuous texture provided by all the care and attention that went into it. Lip-smacking acidity is balanced effortlessly by creamy lees and mouthwatering minerals. Just like a perfectly crafted aperitif cocktail, this whets the palate and coaxes you into drinking more and more. You might burn through all of this over the course of the summer, but it will actually cellar beautifully, if you can delay gratification and hold onto a couple of bottles.

Price: Hidden

2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude

By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

Anyone missing Lafage's Novellum from yesteryear would be well served to stock up on this gem before it's gone. Though from a different area, gives a lot of the same satisfaction as an example of seemingly impossible quality for the price. Aromatic white peach combines with pear and Meyer lemon to deliver a fresh and easy fruit profile, while just enough toasty brioche and oak spice round it out and give it a pleasing texture. Despite acquiring 100+ cases, we expect this one to move quickly- don't hesitate to get yours!

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

This is super light and easy, one of those wines you enjoy over an evening without really paying a lot of attention and then at the end you pick it up, check out the label and go "Oh, yeah, nice. That's was a good one." The nose is more pear than anything else, then some lemon pith and zest come in, and some dry river stones. The palate is light and easy, ripe pear, lemon candy, a little red apple skin, and a slightly saline minerality on the lingering soft finish that ends up a touch chalky. This is definitely a bit on the lighter side, with a soft and juicy palate, that makes it a perfect porch wine. Definitely have this with some fresh cheese or other nibbles.

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

This has such a fresh and pretty nose lots of lovely fruit on it, bruised strawberry, bright cherry, blueberry compote, and some nice white and purple flowers. The palate has a really nice line of acidity pushing through the whole thing, the mouthwatering easily beating the drying tannins. The fruit is a little further along than the nose, there's touched of dried cherry and strawberry, but ripe raspberries and blueberries mixed together, and then some earth comes in along the finish, with some barrel roundness and just a very very light touch of spice. This is just such an easy choice for this price, easy and the kind of wine that you love to open up because it's always impressive when you tell people how much you paid. Low key strutting. Enjoy it, it deserves to be enjoyed.

Price: $14.99

DC: 90

2018 Sportoletti "Villa Fidelia" Rosso

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

This wine surprised me a lot more than I thought it would. I always trust our buyers, they have amazing palates, and bring in some monster deals, but this one still caught me off-guard. This is a classic BDX-style blend, with really dark and intense fruit while pulling back and being just shy of full bodied. For just $15, this is a wine that really shouldn't be ignored by anyone who comes to us in part for our aforementioned monster deals. You get a lot for the price, there's a little touch of rustic barn on the nose, but right after there it gets intense quick. The fruit is dark and inky, compote of blackberries, a little stewed cherry, and a long touch of barrel spice. The palate is dark and chewy at first, but the great acidity stops it from being too much and delving too deep. More blackberry, cherry, a little bit of raspberry, dried green herbs, and then a healthy bit of chewy tar on the very finish. This is a dark and brooding wine that has a little bit of lightness its the midst of it, kind of like me after a long weekend. This is just top notch table wine, made to be had with whatever you want to have it with. I'd probably go red meat or braised meats, but I could see this working with chicken or pork with the right sauce. Fantastic value.

Price: $14.99

2023 Tenuta San Guido "Guidalberto" Toscana

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

There's such a graceful elegance to this wine, a kind of subtleness that makes me tilt my head like a curious dog, because subtlety and nuance are my key hallmarks for true luxury. There's really soft but clean fruit on the nose, cherry, ripe raspberry, some plum skin, and an oaken roundness tying everything together and sanding off any sharp edges. The palate has a bit higher acidity than I expected, but it's so welcome, it makes the fruit a bit higher in tone, brighter cherry, riper raspberry, but there's still this understated elegance and harmony that's just really lovely. The tannins are really soft and super well integrated, this might be the best vintage of this wine that I've tried.

Price: Hidden

2021 Boroli "Villero" Barolo

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

This is just so joyously pretty and elegant, and just a little touch shy, when you really get in there it just unravels so gloriously. There's this whole alluring thing going on with raspberry flower, alpine strawberry, crushed rose petals, dark cherry, and just a little cranberry skin. The palate has more cherry, tart raspberry, bruised strawberry, and this gloriously long and silky finish, the tannins are soft and very integrated and even just a 5 years old I think that with the right food this would be so incredibly ready right now. Braised short rib. I kept saying this the whole tasting, half as a joke because I'm very funny but also because that just works with so many things. Fantastic, A+/10.

Price: Hidden

JS: 94

2025 Langoa-Barton, St-Julien

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

Velvety and intense, the 2025 strikes me as a very serious Langoa, though perhaps not as stern as in years past. Lovely floral aromatics and a core of deep red fruit lead into a long finish framed by very fine, well‑integrated tannins. Few labels deliver as much value—or spark as much excitement—as a well‑aged Langoa Barton, and it’s hard not to notice how the wines have continued to improve lately. The drinking window seems to be broadening on the early side without sacrificing character. Count me in as a fan of 2025 Langoa Barton.

Price: $47.99

2025 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

Lafite’s 2025 is awesome—easily among their finest of the past decade or more. With beautiful, classic aromas, a flawless texture, and mouthwatering notes of pure black cherry and cassis, it delivers the signature Lafite length and purity in full. Delicate and graceful without sacrificing depth, it’s a perfect reminder that concentration in a wine does not require weight. Seamless and full of flavor, driven by pure Cabernet (94%) energy, it’s an entrancing wine that reveals one layer of complexity after another. Those who tuck away a few bottles will have a masterpiece waiting for them in the years ahead. I’ve been a fan of their evolution over the past decade, as the wines now bring so much more joy in their youth than ever before. The 2025 delivers that—and then some. What a brilliant wine.

Price: $525.00

2025 Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

What I adore about Gruaud-Larosse these days is that they've somehow managed to keep the character of the estate that has defined their age-worthy, classic style, while still evolving in a way that has made their wines more apparent in their youth. Such is the case with the 2025, celebrating its 300th anniversary. The aromas are heady here, hinting at darker fruits and florals, but on the palate is bright, with a core of St Julien red fruit, seamless texture, and a ton of depth that both demands and deserves attention in the glass. This is a wine you'll want to spend time with, and at this release pricing, it's all too easy to do so.

Price: $69.99

2025 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac

By: Thomas Zacharia | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

More harvest stats ahead, as Lynch Bages noted this was their earliest since 1989, but with half the production. This is decadently fruited, with chewy, powerful tannins. A high octane, classically powerful Lynch Bages, full of structure and aging potential.

Price: $99.99

2025 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

By: Thomas Zacharia | Review Date: 5/19/2026 | Send Email

2025 is the final vintage Lafite produced in their historical cellar, and the wine is a fitting swan song. Beautiful dark aromatics, the palate is all silk and supple texture, with startling freshness and mineral electricity. This was really elegant and already quite entrancing even out of barrel, with superbly integrated tannin, and plenty of flesh to convince me there are even more exciting days ahead.

Price: $525.00

2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion 6-Pack in OWC

By: Scott Turnbull | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

The 2025 Larcis-Ducasse opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, blood orange, and rhubarb, layered with nuances of crushed rock, white smoke, fresh verbena, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it is lushly fruited yet impeccably poised, delivering a velvety mouthfeel framed by firm, finely integrated tannins. The balance is striking throughout, with vibrant freshness and mineral tension lending precision to the wine’s generous texture. Sourced from the cooler limestone-rich soils of Côte Pavie in Saint-Émilion, the wine carries both richness and restraint, marrying ripe dark fruit with savory mineral complexity and a long, refined finish.

Price: $400.00

2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion

By: Scott Turnbull | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

The 2025 Larcis-Ducasse opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, blood orange, and rhubarb, layered with nuances of crushed rock, white smoke, fresh verbena, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it is lushly fruited yet impeccably poised, delivering a velvety mouthfeel framed by firm, finely integrated tannins. The balance is striking throughout, with vibrant freshness and mineral tension lending precision to the wine’s generous texture. Sourced from the cooler limestone-rich soils of Côte Pavie in Saint-Émilion, the wine carries both richness and restraint, marrying ripe dark fruit with savory mineral complexity and a long, refined finish.

Price: $67.99

2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay Clos de la Cave"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

This is my new favorite under-$50 Red Burgundy value! The Clos de la Cave vineyard in Volnay sits just above three Premier Cru Volnay sites and has long been known for producing wines with 1er Cru-level quality. That pedigree is clearly evident in the 2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay “Clos de la Cave.” The nose bursts with dynamic aromas of red fruits and delicate floral notes, while the palate unfolds with beautifully defined layers of fresh red berries, spice and subtle hints of darker fruit. Wonderfully balanced and impressively complex, this is a striking Red Burgundy that easily drinks at two to three times its modest price. If you’re searching for a high-quality Red Burgundy that won’t break the bank, grab a few bottles of this outstanding value before they disappear.

Price: $49.99

2023 Domaine des Aubuisieres "Cuvee Gerald" Vouvray (Demi-Sec)

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

We don’t see nearly enough demi-sec Chenin Blanc these days, which is part of what makes this new arrival from Domaine des Aubuisières such a pleasure. One of my favorite rising stars in Vouvray, the domaine has the ability to balance richness and freshness beautifully. Here, a touch of sweetness adds weight and texture to Chenin Blanc’s naturally bright acidity, giving the wine a rounder, more supple feel on the palate. Notes of crisp apple, fresh honey, and jasmine tea unfold effortlessly, with enough lift and energy to keep everything vibrant and refreshing. This little star shines brightly at the table and feels tailor-made for spicy, savory, and salty dishes. Sounds like I may be ordering Thai curry alongside this one.

Price: $19.99

JG: 93

2023 Domaine des Aubuisieres "Cuvee de Silex" Vouvray (Sec)

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

Vouvray remains one of the great sources for value-driven Chenin Blanc, and Domaine des Aubuisières continues to be one of the appellation’s rising stars. The “Cuvée de Silex” comes from clay and flint-rich soils, giving the wine the tension and crackling acidity that I love in this style of Chenin. Vibrant notes of lime zest, quince, and a touch of kiwi lend the wine a bright, energetic edge, while the palate stays dry—but not overly so—retaining just enough texture to make it incredibly food-friendly. This is the kind of white that feels equally at home on its own or at the dinner table.

Price: $19.99

JG: 93

2024 Domaine des Remizières "Origine" Crozes-Hermitage

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

The soft-spoken yet deeply thoughtful vigneronne Emilie Desmeures crafts some of my favorite wines from Crozes-Hermitage. “Origine” is the new name for the estate’s traditional cuvée, and since we first began working with these wines nearly a decade ago, it has remained one of my go-to bottles for sheer value from the Northern Rhône. There has always been a generosity to Emilie’s wines. She fully destems and isn’t afraid to let the fruit speak clearly and confidently. Sweet black cherry and raspberry notes lead the way, followed by classic Rhône accents of tobacco, olive, and bay leaf. Firmly Northern Rhône in character, it still carries the lushness and approachability that many New World Syrah drinkers will immediately connect with.

Price: $24.99

VN: 90

2024 Domaine Tabordet Pouilly-Fumé

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/18/2026 | Send Email

It’s a pleasure working with the wines of Tabordet. Since we began importing them nearly a decade ago, they’ve filled a great niche in our portfolio—top-tier vineyard holdings in Pouilly-Fumé producing wines that consistently overdeliver. Over the years, the estate has undergone both organic and biodynamic conversion, further elevating the quality and precision of the wines, while also earning increasing critical attention along the way. This bottling remains the workhorse of the range, and thanks to our direct relationship with the domaine, we’re able to offer it at nearly 20% below the rest of the market. At a time when most bottlings from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé have climbed comfortably above the $30 mark—a reflection of both rising costs and worldwide demand—these direct partnerships allow us to keep prices sharp while continuing to offer benchmark producers from the regions you love. The new 2024 release is a delight. A touch more elegant than the 2023, it shows a refined expression of Sauvignon Blanc and all the hallmark qualities of this great appellation. The profile is intensely mineral and citrus-driven, with that classic strike of flint on the finish. Compared to its predecessor, the finish feels smoother and slightly more rounded, giving the wine an added sense of polish without sacrificing tension or energy. I love this new release, and to me it’s pure proof of concept for what we aim to do—finding outstanding producers abroad and bringing them to you at prices that still make everyday enjoyment possible.

Price: $23.99

2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay Clos de la Cave"

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

Deep garnet color. Big, illustrious nose with slight clove & allspice. Smooth and approachable palate gives delicious cherry and violet. Long finish. I would drink this any day. Superb!

Price: $49.99

2023 Domaine Guillaume Curveux Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru "Les Menestrières"

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

If you, or a friend/relative are enamored of Chardonnay, do not overlook this bottling! Not only is it priced extremely well, but it is also simply just delicious. My palate was trained, early on, to be an acid lover. Imagine lemon juice with an aspirin ground up into it. I love sour flavors. That being said, this beauty goes in a completely different direction, and I appreciate and enjoy it so much! There is a richness and fullness that is very, very pleasing with very balanced background acidity to keep it from being over the top. Golden apples, juicy pear pulp, mild citrus and clean oak. Not too much oak, that is. Really, the perfect amount. This is a great alternative to CA Chardonnay that is just a pleasure to drink!

Price: Hidden

2022 La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru "Les Lys"

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

This enticing medium-rich Chablis has fleshy yellow orchard fruit flavors with a finish of refreshing acidity and bright citrus. Yellow pear fruit, soft lemon cream, minerals. It begins with mouth-coating fruit and zips along the palate cleanly. Very appealing for those who like some weight to their Chardonnay as well as those who like the traditional acidity of classic Chablis. Lastly, the fruit from "Les Lys" is a sub-section of the famed "Vaillons" vineyards. So, you just know how high the quality is of this bottling.

Price: Hidden

BH: 90 - 92

2023 Domaine des Remizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

Our story with Domaine des Remizières begins nearly a decade ago. They had parted company with their national importer, and I was on the hunt for a serious but not overly serious producer from the Northern Rhône. When I first tasted the wines, I knew they fit a great niche in our Direct Import portfolio — showing the generosity and density you might expect from Hermitage, but in their regular Crozes-Hermitage bottlings. I eventually met Émilie Desmeures, the winemaker who, along with her brother Christophe, was beginning to take over the day-to-day responsibilities from their father, Philippe — though he is still very actively involved today. Émilie really believes in the purity and vibrancy of the fruit, choosing to destem all of their Syrah before fermentation. There’s a range of barrel sizes and oak usage depending on the cuvée, but the winemaking always feels thoughtful and balanced rather than overly worked. The Christophe bottling is 100% Syrah, mostly from the hillside slopes around Larnage, just north of the hill of Hermitage. Some of the vines are planted over kaolin, a powdery white clay, while the rest comes from parcels with more classic clay-limestone soils. Fermentation takes place in large oak vats, and the wine is aged in a mix of new and used barrels. This has always been a showstopper of a red for us, going all the way back to the first vintage we brought in — the 2014. The wine consistently delivers deep blackberry fruit along with notes of cassis, fig jam, smoked meats, and spice. Rich on the palate, it drinks great now with a quick decant, but it will also evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years. I love it with smoky barbecue or grilled sausages over creamy garlicky beans — the kind of hearty food that just makes Syrah from the Northern Rhône shine.

Price: $34.99

Wine Club

$29.99

2018 Billecart-Salmon 250th Anniversary Vintage Champagne

By: Noah Schwartz | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

2018 was an especially beautiful year, with ripe fruit and relatively low acidity. As the aromas revealed themselves, the first thing that came to mind was toasted bread spread with warm butter and honey. Then it developed into fresh apple, blooming flowers, and bright citrus notes that gradually came into focus. I love how seamlessly the palate follows the nose and intensifies those exact profiles. Though only a small portion saw oak, the wine carries a gentle roundness layered with a lees character and a mineral finish that keeps it refreshing. Elegant and comforting, this is the kind of Champagne that disappears from the glass far too quickly.

Price: $119.99

2023 Disznoko Dry Furmint Tokaji Hungary

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

Tokaj is one of the oldest classified wine regions in the world. In another era, its legendary sweet wines — known as Tokaji Aszú — were the drink of aristocracy and royal courts across Europe. These were profoundly age-worthy wines, balancing intense sweetness with piercing acidity, and at their best they remain among the world’s great dessert wines. Of course, the Communist era created disastrous incentives for a region built on craftsmanship and terroir. Many of the great vineyards were absorbed by the state, quality was sacrificed for production, and some vineyard land was even converted into vegetable farms — not exactly a dignified chapter for one of the world’s historic wine regions. After the fall of Communism, however, a remarkable renaissance began. Producers reclaimed historic sites, quality rapidly improved, and collectors — along with plenty of wine nerds — started revisiting Tokaj with fresh curiosity. Interest in the classic sweet wines returned, but there was also a growing realization that the global market for dessert wine had limits. That’s where the story becomes even more interesting. Many producers shifted their focus toward dry wines — and even sparkling wines — made from the region’s signature grape, Furmint. Furmint is a fascinating variety: steely and nervy with electric acidity, yet capable of real texture and glycerol weight. It’s also highly susceptible to botrytis, which made those historic sweet wines possible in the first place, and it blends beautifully with indigenous grapes like Hárslevelű and Orange Muscat. Think about Grüner Veltliner 15 or 20 years ago. Almost no one could pronounce it, few consumers were familiar with it, and yet once people discovered its versatility and personality, it became a staple in serious wine shops around the world. Furmint feels poised for a similar evolution. Disznókő was one of the producers quick out of the gate in the early 1990s to help reestablish Tokaj’s reputation. They made some extraordinary Aszú wines — many of which are drinking beautifully right now — but they’ve also become one of the benchmark producers of dry Furmint. This bottling is a perfect introduction to the grape, or, if you’re already familiar, a strong reminder that something genuinely exciting is happening in Tokaj today. Look for notes of green apple, peach preserves, and lemon curd. The palate is racy and energetic, but there’s enough mid-palate weight to carry the acidity beautifully. Chicken paprikash would be a classic pairing, but this is an incredibly versatile wine. It works wonderfully with richer fish dishes, braised pork shoulder, or even a simple summer salad with citrus and nectarine slices. Just make sure there’s some creamy goat cheese nearby to balance that vibrant acidity.

Price: $19.99

Wine Club

$14.99

2024 Anonymous Wine Collective "Envy Block" Ballard Canyon Syrah

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 5/15/2026 | Send Email

Another first for the Anonymous Wine Collective: a Syrah under our house label. And what an absolute beauty to kick things off. Sourced from one single hillside block of vines, that we've named "Envy Block" due to it's reputation as the sweet spot on this estate for producing the most potent and explosive Syrah. This very block is coveted by some of the most famed cult producers on the Central Coast and has produced multiple 100-point wines. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Farmed with certified organic and biodynamic methods. The nose is wonderfully expressive with wild blackberry, black raspberry, dark cherry, dried herbs, violets, and hints of dusty earth. Beneath the exuberant fruit lies a compelling savory streak of cracked peppercorn, charred meat, and toasted exotic spice. Medium-plus in body, the wine carries a mouth-filling texture layered with fine tannins that provide impressive structure and length. The whole-cluster inclusion lifts the aromatics beautifully and keeps the wine fresh, energetic, and linear through the finish. This is a remarkably classy bottle of Syrah and, at this price point, an almost unbelievable value. I think it will resonate equally with lovers of savory Northern Rhône Syrah and fans of rich yet refined California Rhône-style wines. I couldn’t be happier with how this wine turned out - I only hope we made enough once people discover just how good it is for the money.

Price: Hidden

2022 La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru "Les Lys"

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 5/14/2026 | Send Email

A beautifully polished Chablis that leans more sensual that severe. The nose opens with lemon curd, crushed oyster shell, white flowers, and a cool chalky minerality that feels unmistakably Chablisien. On the palate, there's a gorgeous tension between ripe orchard fruit and razor-sharp acidity, with a silky texture that gives the wine extra depth and presence. "Les Lys" always seems to bring a slightly more generous, elegant side of Chablis, and the 2022 vintage adds just enough richness without losing that icy limestone precision. Clean, electric, and quietly luxurious.

Price: Hidden

BH: 90 - 92

2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 5/14/2026 | Send Email

The 2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret is more than half Syrah with Grenache in the balance, all destemmed for pure fruit expression. It's plush and fruity with notes of ripe plum, black cherry, and soft hints cocoa with a touch bouquet garni. It would go great with burgers, BBQ, or your favorite savory snacks. Pretty bottle too!

Price: $14.99

DC: 90

2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/14/2026 | Send Email

I met Alex Suter of Domaine de l'Amandine, years ago at a wine expo in Paris. I had lost my luggage a few days earlier and was still waiting for it to turn up, yet somehow still had an entire trade fair to work through. I was feeling rumpled, tired, and more than a little out of sorts. Worse yet, I had tasted plenty of wines that day that were perfectly fine, but very few that felt memorable. Then I stopped at Alex’s table. His warm demeanor and welcoming energy were an immediate antidote to my grumpy mood — and the wines were every bit as uplifting. The estate’s vineyards straddle two of the most compelling villages in the Southern Rhône: Séguret and Vaison-la-Romaine. Séguret is famous for its hillside village, protected by ancient stone walls originally built to spot invaders from miles away. Vaison-la-Romaine, meanwhile, is best known for its Roman ruins and the picturesque village built along one of the Rhône’s tributaries. While history draws most visitors there, the area is also home to some wonderfully characterful wines — l’Amandine’s included. Alex and I immediately hit it off, and later that year I visited the estate. I was greeted by his daughter, Mathilde and a rather sassy Jack Russell terrier mix who seemed deeply suspicious of me getting out of the car. At the time, Mathilde was home from school, where she was studying oenology. She walked me through the vineyards before taking me into the cellar, proudly showing off the large concrete tanks her grandfather, Jean-Pierre, had installed by hand. I fell in love with the spirit of the place: three generations actively involved in the winery, crafting wines that are every bit as charming as the family behind them. Fast forward to today, and I often run into Mathilde at wine fairs around the world. She now plays a major role in both the winemaking and day-to-day operation of the estate, supported by her father Alex and even her grandfather, who still spends plenty of time managing the vineyards. Mathilde and I recently caught up at Wine Paris this past February, where I tasted the newest bottling of the 2023 Séguret. One of the things I always love about this cuvée is how prominently the Syrah shows itself. Made up of more than half Syrah, it brings savory spice and warm blackberry tones that beautifully complement Grenache’s lifted red fruit and subtle tobacco notes. The palate feels harmonious and complete, with ripe yet balanced fruit and supple tannins. When we talk about terroir, the conversation usually centers around soils, drainage, or exposure. But one of the most important elements is the people themselves. This is one of those wines where you can genuinely taste the passion and care of the family behind it — and that spirit shines clearly through the glass. Santé!

Price: $14.99

DC: 90

2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay Clos de la Cave"

By: Kerry Kennell | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

The 2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay "La Cave" is sourced from 40-year-old vines perched on a hill above 1er Cru vineyards. Neatly structured, deeply expressive, and light on its feet — it's utterly charming. Red cherry, waves of alpine strawberry, dewy violets, and fresh hints of forest floor after a rain. Hello, gorgeous!

Price: $49.99

2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude

By: Carlo Delgado | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Quite pretty on the nose, with fresh aromas and flavors of quince, honeydew, crunchy pear slices, fennel, almond slices, some chalkiness on the thirst quenching finish. A delicious, well made, easy to drink, value driven Chardonnay. Perfect for the summer.

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret

By: Carlo Delgado | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Quality strawberry jam, cherry cola, kirsch, a touch of peppercorn, and leather. Refreshing and expressive on the palate, would pair well with a variety of roasted meats. Bring this to a party or a pic-nic!

Price: $14.99

DC: 90

2025 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

By: Scott Turnbull | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

The Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is always a wine the overperforms, and the 2025 vintage is no exception. This year I found a polished, expressive wine, with layers of dark red fruit and ripe tobacco, supported by cedar and pencil shavings. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine lifted and structured, while a subtle smoky note adds complexity through the lingering finish. Elegant and well-composed with classic savory depth.

Price: $57.99

2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Léognan

By: Scott Turnbull | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc remains a bright spot of Pessac in 2025. Cheerful yet rounded on the palate, showing impressive mineral depth over sharp acidity. Notes of freshly-cut grass and yellow bell pepper mingle with tropical fruit flavors, supported by medium-plus acidity and a persistent finish. Balanced and expressive, with a pleasing weighty texture carrying the wine as much as its freshness. (Made from 70% SB and 30% Semillon)

Price: $109.99

2018 Billecart-Salmon 250th Anniversary Vintage Champagne

By: Devin Elting | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

A commemorative release celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this 2018 vintage from Billecart-Salmon is composed of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay. It opens with bright lemon zest and ripe Honeycrisp apple, rounded out by lightly toasted brioche and a persistent mineral crispness. The mousse is delicate and fine. A refreshing splash of salinity makes for a truly delightful sip.

Price: $119.99

2013 Cosimo Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva

By: Devin Elting | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Finding this kind of value in a bottle with 10-plus years of age is a joy. This Negroamaro led blend from Puglia nails it, balancing tart red fruit, a hint of cola, and earthy southern Italian soul. Soft tannins and bright acidity keep it lively, and it plays well with just about anything off the grill or out of the summer garden. Throw it in the fridge for 20 minutes, you won't regret it.

Price: $19.99

1999 L'Encantada 22 Year Old "Del Cassou #32" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

The stupendous bottler that we’ve followed from its inception is simply one of the finest brands in any category. But along with its incredible selection of rare and extinct distillers, we’ve seen a massive increase in prices. I cannot blame them for trying to maximize the value of these incredible brandies. On occasion, however, we still have the opportunity to create incredible value with this amazing brand. The tiny consortium of local Gascogne brandy lovers in Vic-Fezensac has built this brand through an unparalleled passion for the products they sell. We are equally passionate, and when we find deals like this, we have to impress upon our customers how extremely rare and special they are. We won’t see a continuous supply of old Del Cassou for less than $100 like this, so this may be your only chance to snag a great old single barrel from this incredibly unique estate. Domaine Del Cassou is a tiny Bas Armagnac estate in Arthez-d’Armagnac, one of the small, old-school producers that gives the L’Encantada portfolio its cult appeal. Distilled from ancient Baco vines and aged in a wet cellar in 100% Gascon oak, the rich and complex style isn’t as barrel-driven as something like Lous Pibous, but is nonetheless extremely concentrated and deep. This stupendous opportunity to improve your Armagnac stash is not going to last indefinitely. Act now or forever pay more for brandy.

Price: Hidden

2013 Cosimo Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Cosimo Taurino is the historical standard-bearer for traditional Negroamaro, and this wine shows why. With over a decade of age, this wine has completely shed any primary baby fat. The nose doesn't try to wow you with cheap, sweet plum; instead, it is a profound, brooding dive into roasted earth, dried tobacco leaf, black olive tapenade, and that unmistakably savory, sun-baked Mediterranean scrub. Beneath that lies a "crunchy," dried sour cherry and blood orange core that feels so unique. On the palate, it vibrates. You would expect a wine from the deep south with this much age to feel heavy or tired, but it absolutely refuses to be fat. It drives forward with a tense, vertical spine of acidity and the signature, mouthwatering bitterness that literally gives Negroamaro its name. The tannins are traditional, dusty, and firmly integrated. Finding a perfectly cellared, traditional benchmark like this—with over ten years of age—is almost impossible in today's market.

Price: $19.99

2025 Larcis Ducasse, St-Emilion

By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Larcis Ducasse is continuing to produce landmark wines that deserve attention among the finest on the Right Bank. Now under the direction of David Suire, who also crafts the incredible wines of Laroque, the estate has been going from strength to strength over the past decade. A literal stone’s throw from Pavie, the limestone, hillside soils of Larcis Ducasse have long yielded distinctive wines, but the refinement, tension, and complexity now seem to be operating on another level. Deep black‑fruit aromas hint at an imposing wine, yet waves of vivid red fruit, bright acidity, beautiful texture, and soft, integrated tannins reveal something far more expressive, precise, and endlessly compelling. A long, saline‑tinged finish keeps you coming back to the glass for this impeccable, delicious wine. At our En Primeur pricing, it remains one of the great values in the region, thanks to the combination of terroir, limited production, and remarkable quality.

Price: $67.99

2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Anne de Joyeuse is based in the region of Limoux, one of my favorite corners of the Languedoc. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Limoux benefits from limestone-rich soils and higher elevations that make it an ideal growing region for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even Chenin Blanc. The area is perhaps best known for its outstanding sparkling wines, which consistently deliver remarkable quality for the price. I’ve had the chance to visit the town and walk these hills on several occasions, and this is easily one of the most memorable still wines I’ve tasted from the region in quite some time. I usually focus my attention on Limoux’s sparkling wines because they can be incredibly special, but this little Chardonnay caught me off guard and I was immediately smitten. Stylistically, this lands somewhere between a Mâcon-level Burgundy and a Central Coast California Chardonnay. It jumps from the glass with aromas of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, and a hint of passion fruit, while touches of toasted brioche and sweet spice round out the profile beautifully. The Joyeuse strikes a lovely balance between freshness and texture, showcasing vibrant orchard fruit, a touch of tropicality, and subtle mineral notes. There’s just enough richness here to give the wine depth, yet it never feels heavy. More sips, please! It’s rare to find a Chardonnay with this much energy and character at such an inviting price. Another stellar find to add to your weeknight rotation.

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2013 Cosimo Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva

By: Rylind Yeomans | Review Date: 5/13/2026 | Send Email

Value truly meets quality! Subtle, well-integrated tannins frame this elegant wine, which glides across the palate with surprisingly low acidity. Layers of baked dark fruit unfold first, followed by a splash of ripe cherry and a whisper of dried orange peel. Gentle baking spices add warmth, while the age calms the finish. The color is beautiful, showing the faintest signs of bricking at the rim. Ready to enjoy right now. Perfect alongside your favorite tomato-based dishes—whether sun-dried, slow-sauced, or even raw. Also, a natural fit for any Italian-inspired protein. Coming from the sun-soaked heel of Italy’s boot this wine takes an unconventional path, maturing in small oak barrels rarely seen in the region. The production, combined with minimal filtration, yields a captivating and character-driven pour every time. I’m looking forward to testing it against some fresh Italian recipes this Spring. Grazie, Orazio, for this awesome find!

Price: $19.99

2023 Charles Père et Fille Volnay Clos de la Cave"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Really beautiful and compelling aromatics, there's a lot of purple flowers and this really lovely deep-fruited core with ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and a little bit of bruised strawberry. There was some reduction when it was first opened, but it's totally blown off by now so a healthy decant would do it well unless you're into that kind of thing. The palate is mid-weight with a really nice tension and complexity, there's a delicate balance between the acidity and the tannin and they're warring over the fruit and yet again it's us that's winning. The palate has a rich and dark cherry, ripe raspberry, underripe strawberry, and some pretty aromatics and some barrel spice rounding it all out. This is really an impressive bottle for the price, super well done and definitely going home with me a few times.

Price: $49.99

2024 Nicole Chanrion Côte-de-Brouilly "Domaine de la Voûte des Crozes"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Really lovely nose on this, it might be my favorite of the tasting, it's just so fresh and lovely and inviting and there's almost this innocence to it, it doesn't even know I'm about to drink it. I feel bad, but it's the job. I think that "innocence" is just this kind of powdery floral note that surrounds the fruit almost giving it kind of this fuzzy glow. The palate is crunchier than the nose lead me to believe, and I feel slightly lied to, but it's fine. It's bright and crunchy and has really great acidity pushing through the whole thing, cranberry, underripe raspberry, white tea, pie cherry, and some light white flowers.

Price: $22.99

JS: 92

2024 Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Bright crunchy red fruit on the nose, with some dried herbs, bay leaf, and then a little blackberry. The palate is bright with a really nice acidity, some underripe cherry, pomegranate seeds, and a little bit of ripe cherry on the finish, along with just this little touch of barrel spice and roundness. Easy and friendly, this is a go to bottle year and year from this fantastic producer and of course one of our favorite importers, Kermit Lynch. Just great stuff through and through.

Price: $29.99

VN: 90

2024 Château Thivin Brouilly "Reverdon"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Slightly herbal nose with some bright red and black fruits, the herbal notes become more bay leaf the longer it sits in the glass. There's a pretty roundness to the fruit, not quite fully ripe but not quite crunchy to the nose. The palate has some juiciness, very slightly crunchy with some pie cherry, cranberry skin, and barely ripe raspberry. This is easy and friendly, a reasonable amount of tannin but nothing crazy and it could take a chill but I wouldn't really throw it into the category of unequivocal chillable. There's a great acidity here pushing through the whole palate, and it works with the tannin balancing itself out. I'm thinking about some braised short ribs with this maybe, both with this in the glass and in the dish. I know you often want something deeper or bigger, but this acidity and pretty fruit might just work. I'll let you know if it doesn't.

Price: $25.99

2024 Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon (Non-Sulfur)

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Really fantastic nose, little bit of cinnamon hiding in there, but raspberry and then cherry come out towards the end. There's something comforting about the nose that kind of reminds me of a candle I smelled once and really really enjoyed, but I can't really place it beyond that. Either way, this nose pops. There's such a clean purity of the fruit itself. The palate has a juiciness, but also some black tea tannins, definitely more spices mingling with the fruit, there's some clove and mace, I think, working in as well with really crunchy fruit, pie cherries, cranberry skin, pomegranate, and underripe raspberry, with some white flowers in the mix as you crunch that fruit. This is really phenomenal stuff, and one of my top picks from today's tasting.

Price: $42.99

VN: 91

JM: 90

2025 Domaine Marcel Lapierre "Raisins Gaulois" Vin de France

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 5/12/2026 | Send Email

Crushable and chillable red alert! Alert! Oh good, you heard the alert. We've got another great contender for best chillable wine for the summer with this little number. The nose is bright strawberries, crazy bright florals like a bouquet in the glass, stewed rhubarb, bubblegum, and black pepper. The palate is light and bright, super crunchy red fruits, not a lot of tannin, and a little touch of those carbonic bubblegum notes, but it has enough acidity it really finishes cleanly. I really like this and it's definitely going in a bunch of hands for people who want that next chillable red.

Price: $23.99

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