K&L Wine Merchants - Staff Favorites

2024 Carl Loewen Alte Reben Riesling Trocken (dry) Mosel

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/31/2026 | Send Email

Really clean and pure-fruited nose for a Riesling, no petrol to speak of yet probably something that will evolve as the wine ages under cork. Right now it's just really clean with this bright pear, ripe peach, yellow kiwi, and white flowers. The palate is incredibly crisp and super delicious with mouthwatering acidity and echoes of the nose in the fruit. This drinks so well and it great for people who want something a little bit more of a crowd pleaser, but still offering something of impeccable quality and craft. Fantastic stuff and a stand out in the tasting today.

Price: $27.99

JS: 95

VN: 93

WS: 92

2023 Zind-Humbrecht Turckheim Riesling Alsace

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/31/2026 | Send Email

I love when we do these all white wine tastings, they never seem to tire the palate the way a lot of heavy reds can do, though, also it's light and higher acid whites so maybe that's what's refreshing everything. Anyhow, this is great, it's just really pretty from the outset with a little touch of petrol and a little touch of honey, but then really pretty orchard fruit, the palate is quite dry but probably not completely dry there's a little bit of roundness on it despite the higher acidity. It's really delicious with this honeyed quality that pushes through the whole thing, and while it's not sweet at all it really makes the fruit pop just a bit more. This is absolutely delicious and well structured, with a little bit of a savory point in the mid palate that will help this pair even better than most Rieslings, which are already fairly easy to pair.

Price: $34.99

JS: 92

2023 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles"

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/31/2026 | Send Email

So happy to have this back on our shelves once more! A long time favorite here at K&L, it's a bright spot to have back this absolute banger of a white Burgundy. It's got a little oak on the nose, just enough to make it feel a little classier and give it a little bit more panache, beyond that there's some bright red apple, a little bruised pear and some lemon flowers. The palate is has a surprisingly nice line of acidity pushing through, giving it a real crispness and making me all super summer excited for this bottle. Bright green and red apple, more lemon, really lovely stone minerality along with a lingering finish and just a touch of oak to round out the whole thing. This is delicious white Burgundy at a heck of a bargain. Love it. Buy it. Buy it again. Oops, we're sold out because you should have bought more the second time.

Price: $34.99

JS: 93

DC: 90

WS: 90

2023 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles"

By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 3/30/2026 | Send Email

This is an outstanding white Burgundy value—it truly doesn’t get much better than this at $35 a bottle. Sourced from vineyards in both Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, and aged in 90% oak (just 10% new), the wine delivers a classically structured profile that evokes 1er Cru white Burgundy. The nose is fresh, saline, and fruit-driven, while the palate is lively and complex, offering both energy and depth. It’s an absolute pleasure to drink and has quickly become our go-to daily white—reliably delivering quality without breaking the bank, and easily competing with wines two to three times its price.

Price: $34.99

JS: 93

DC: 90

WS: 90

2021 Mount Langi Ghiran "Cliff Edge" Shiraz Grampians Victoria

By: Rachael Ryan | Review Date: 3/30/2026 | Send Email

An absolute steal for the price, this Shiraz shows off the very best of cool-climate Australia. While warmer regions like McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley are rightly famous for turning out rich and plush styles of Shiraz, cooler locales like the Grampians in Victoria are producing equally stunning, spicier versions of the variety that bridge the gap between the Old and New World. The 2021 Cliff Edge Shiraz by famed Mount Langi Ghiran is a perfect example of this and drinking so well right now – balancing concentrated wild blackberry, plum and blueberry notes with super savory freshly ground peppercorn, olive tapenade and faint woodsmoke, all wrapped in clove, cardamom, and a touch of toasty oak. Despite having such high density on the nose, the palate is bright and fresh, almost lean on the finish. There’s a woodsy feel to the wine and a quiet intensity, bringing up memories of conversation by the campfire and hikes in the forest. Its cool-climate precision emphasizes finesse, aromatics, and spice over sheer weight, offering more elegance than many other Australian Shirazes. All this savoriness and restraint calls to mind the Northern Rhone, of course, but the brightness and freshness of the fruit is pure Australian. It would pair beautifully with spring lamb, roast beef, or even earthy vegetarian dishes like grilled eggplant or lentils. At this price, there’s no reason not to pick up a few bottles – it’s a weeknight wine that truly overdelivers.

Price: Hidden

2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne (direct from Roederer 2026)

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/30/2026 | Send Email

The 2008 Cristal is one of the greatest wines of the greatest vintage of my career. Just starting to open after 17 years, it still has white flowers and clean white fruit backed by baguette toast and subtle nuttiness aromatically, and incredible verve, brilliance, and concentration in the mouth. The finish is nearly endless, a true peacock’s tail display of chalk, mouthwatering acidity and layers of complexity. This is a unique opportunity to go back to the well on a long-sold-out legend of the Champagne region!

Price: $449.99

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 3/28/2026 | Send Email

Michel Arnould's champagnes are so good that I always end up buying a magnum of them. Especially the Observation Brut and the Genese Brut Rose. The represent such tremendous value with the quite stellar quality inside the bottle. Though a majority Pinot Noir, the Observation still retains the clean acidity of a softer Blanc de Blanc while still giving you the richness of the Pinot Noir. Then, there is that awesome hazelnut flavor that comes via the soils of Verzenay. Golden apples, baking spices, roasted hazelnuts, hints of citrus, a creamy bead and fine acidity. What more can you really ask of this champagne? Nothing!

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/28/2026 | Send Email

Pale gold color. Crisp nose of pie crust and slight citrus. Coats the palate with cream of wheat and gives a slight smokiness. Dry finish.

Price: $34.99

2024 Anonymous Wine Collective Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 3/28/2026 | Send Email

This is the second edition of Anonymous that we’ve produced in partnership with this incredible, world-renowned winery—a relationship that dates back to earlier editions of our emeritus house label, Kalinda. The last release was a single-vineyard, single-block wine. This time, working hand in hand with the winemaking team, we felt the synergy of multiple components created something even more compelling than any one individual element. The blend brings together estate-grown fruit with several barrels sourced from highly renowned, Grand Cru–level single vineyards. The wine is composed primarily of heritage clones—Hyde (Calera selection), Swan, and Pommard—with smaller portions of Dijon clones. The fruit was fermented in small, open-top tanks with native yeast and approximately 20% whole-cluster inclusion. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 15 months in French oak (30% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Working with this team is a true pleasure. With decades of winemaking pedigree and multiple 100-point wines to their credit, this partnership embodies everything the Anonymous Wine Project stands for. Under its own label, this wine typically retails for $80–$100. The value made possible through anonymity is simply sensational.

Price: Hidden

2024 Anonymous Wine Collective Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 3/28/2026 | Send Email

This is the second edition of Anonymous that we’ve produced with this incredible, world-renowned winery, and it takes the quality to an entirely new level. I’m proud to say I worked hand in hand with the winemaking team to craft this custom blend from the crème de la crème of single-vineyard components sourced from some of the region’s most sought-after sites. At the core of the wine are three Grand Cru–caliber vineyards, including old Wente clone vines planted in 1974. Most of the fruit comes from the far western edge of the Russian River Valley, where the AVA meets the West Sonoma Coast. The ultra–cool climate, Goldridge soils, and meticulous viticulture ensure that only the finest fruit makes it through the doors of this esteemed estate. The fruit was gently pressed, and the juice was racked to top-quality French oak (30% new), where it fermented with native yeasts and aged on its lees for 15 months. The final blend is composed of 12 carefully selected barrels, chosen not only for their exceptional individual character but also for their seamless integration as a whole. I couldn’t be more proud of this wine. Working with this team is a true joy. With decades of winemaking pedigree and multiple 100-point wines to their credit, this partnership embodies everything the Anonymous Wine Project is about. Under its original label, this wine typically retails for $75–$90. The value delivered through anonymity is simply sensational.

Price: Hidden

2023 Bishop's Peak (Talley) San Luis Obispo Coast Pinot Noir

By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 3/28/2026 | Send Email

For the 15+ years I’ve worked at K&L, Talley’s Bishop’s Peak Pinot Noir has been one of the most consistently over-delivering bottles of Pinot Noir on our shelves. Back when I worked the sales floor every day from 2011 to 2013, this was a wine I put into customers’ hands time and again because of the value it offered: a well-made Pinot Noir with terrific varietal character, wonderful purity, balance, and a level of complexity far beyond what you’d expect at this modest price point. Here in 2026, all of that still rings true. And today, we have an even sharper price on the wine than we did more than a decade ago. The 2023 Bishop’s Peak Pinot is one of the best versions of this little gem I’ve seen in years, a testament to the quality of the long, cool growing season. The wine is sourced from Talley’s three estate vineyards in Arroyo Grande along with fruit from Greengate Ranch in Edna Valley. All of these excellent vineyards fall within the heavily coast-influenced SLO Coast AVA, established in 2022. The fruit is SIP Certified Sustainable, fermented with native yeast in small open-top tanks, and punched down by hand. The wine was then aged for six months in 20% new French oak. That relatively short élevage and modest use of new oak really allow the wine’s purity of fruit and fragrance to shine. It offers pure forest berry fruit, potpourri, and pomegranate, with hints of cinnamon and allspice alongside bramble leaf and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, bright, and delicious, with just 13.5% ABV. The winery sells this wine for $24, and we’ve typically offered it at $20. Right now, though, we have a spectacular Insider’s Advantage price that brings it in under $15, where it stands as simply one of the best Pinot Noir values you can buy anywhere.

Price: Hidden

WE: 93

VN: 90

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Matthew Sibbert | Review Date: 3/26/2026 | Send Email

Our very own Ryan Woodhouse has done it again! This wine is an absolute showstopper at both the quality and price point. Upon opening, you'll be greeted by aromatics that scream "DRINK ME!" With notes of honeydew melon, under-ripe pear, and Granny Smith apple, the balance between fruit and acidity is absolutely beautiful. I award this wine 9.9/10 Matts

Price: Hidden

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/26/2026 | Send Email

Well, gosh darnit that rascal Gary Westby has done it again and basically put his hand in my pocket to take my money. He's got such a deep and impressive bench when it comes to these direct import Champagnes. He was also totally right, I thought this was barrel fermented at first, but it's not according to his notes. There's this richness and depth that is really impressive and alluring, pretty and super fresh fruit up front with this slightly nutty finish rounded out with this incredibly impressive acid, but an overall softer edge than I was expecting at first. The toast and development already here makes me feel like I need to lay a few of these down to let them really develop and harmonize for a few years because if it's this good already, it's going to be to die for with just a little age. It's got an approachability and comes across as a bit of a crowd pleaser, with just a touch of an edge to it. Fantastic. This is the kind of Champagne you get a case or two of and lay it down, drinking one every time you just can't bear to wait a second longer.

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

1989 The K&L Liquors' 36 Year Old "Enviable" (Balvenie) Batch #2 K&L Exclusive Single Vintage Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/26/2026 | Send Email

The wild success of the Sideburns 35 Year has rattled the cage of more than one large company in Scotland. If you haven’t seen my review of that product, I highly recommend taking a look: https://shop.klwines.com/products/details/1918829 . The short version is this: we may be on the precipice of a new golden age of Scotch, and K&L is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the market asymmetry. While our marketing of the previous batch was met with side eyes and raised eyebrows from the original owners of the stocks and trademarks, other suppliers with similar inventories saw it as a signal. This was an opportunity. It would seem our prayers have been answered. Another incredible value in old malt has landed in our lap, and this time the deal is even more impressive. There are, of course, differences in the stock. This distillate comes entirely from November 1989 and was matured in refill hogsheads, rather than the first-fill sherry hogsheads of Batch #1. The proof is slightly lower, but still a robust 47-48% for a whisky of such advanced age. Remember, Scotch typically loses up to 1% ABV per year and enters the cask around 63%. So yes, older, slightly lower in proof, and without the fashionable sherry influence, yet 25% cheaper. If you ask me, old malt like this absolutely thrives in refill hogsheads. While I often insist on first or second fill for younger whisky, at this age the nuance of second or third fill can be profoundly beneficial. In any case, if it’s not already clear, this malt is drawn almost entirely from one of Speyside’s most beloved distillers. Search “Burnside,” the Cadenhead/Springbank-owned blended malt, if you want clues to the source. We’re being intentionally careful about naming names, but suffice it to say this parcel comes from the cellars of one of the industry’s most powerful blending houses. Whether it was once destined as a top note for premium blends or simply forgotten stock, it now stands as perhaps the greatest value I’ve ever offered. Twice in six months. It really does feel like the start of something bigger.

Price: $199.99

2023 Domaine de la Janasse "Chaupin" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 3/26/2026 | Send Email

Janasse’s flagship cuvée, Vieilles Vignes, remains a benchmark expression of the appellation, drawing on old-vine Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, plus some of the other lesser known grapes, to deliver a classic, layered interpretation of the region. But for me, Chaupin stands apart. Also sourced from old vines, this cuvée is a pure expression of Grenache, drawn from three distinct lieux-dits planted on sandy soils. These soils lend the wine a lifted, cooling freshness, showcasing Grenache in its most pure and transparent form. The aromatics are immediately expressive, with wild strawberry, black cherry, and currant notes unfolding alongside hints of tobacco and spice box that add nuance and complexity. Though still youthful, this Chaupin possesses the structure and pedigree to evolve gracefully over many years. It is a striking example of Grenache at its highest level—and yet another compelling achievement from Isabelle Sabon.

Price: $79.99

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Graham Collis | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

This Champagne checks all the boxes for me. The nose bursts with bruised apple, cinnamon, and yeasty notes that evoke apple pie. With time in the glass, more subtle layers emerge, including salty, chalky mineral notes. On the palate, the texture is the true star, striking a beautiful balance between tension and roundness. The tension comes from high-quality fruit, 100% sourced from the Grand Cru village of Verzenay, while the roundness is shaped by the roughly 20% use of oak during vinification and élevage. These elements are typically reserved for far more expensive bottles, making this an especially accessible expression of luxury Champagne.

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

Pale peach color. Lively nose gives tartine, dinner rolls and pie crust. Piquant palate of brioche and tart lemon curd. Long finish with wisps of honeysuckle and jasmine. Very elegant! Perfect to welcome guests or as a host gift.

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

Laurent-Perrier's Cuvee Rose Brut Rose Champagne is one of the top rose champagnes in the world, both with critics and consumers, and is made using the saignee method where the juice is macerated on the skins for 48-72 hours (depending on the vintage) and bled off. Most rose champagne is made by adding a small percentage of still red wine. LP first released their Cuvee Rose Brut Rose in 1968, helping create the rose champagne category with Grand Marque rival Billecart-Salmon, which is one of the top rose champagnes that uses still red wine. Made with 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir grapes from 10 different villages, LP's current release is showing brilliantly. Layers of creamy velvety wild strawberry, raspberry, dark cherry, orange zest, roses, and little hints of flint. It's sooooooooooo gooooooooooood! This is one of those iconic wines that lives up to every bit of its hype!

Price: $89.99

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Philip Roufail | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

Michel Arnould, based in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay, is some of my favorite grower-producer champagne. Arnould's sub-$40 champagnes, the Observation & Acuite, are easily two of the best champagne deals in the store. The elegance and finesse of the Arnould champagnes rivals those of the big houses. The Observation Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne, 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, is all from Verzenay, which sits at the top of the horseshoe that is the Montage de Reims where the vineyards face north - away from the sun. This produces crisp cool climate sparklers that are lean, mean, and beautiful. On the nose, it can only be champagne -- minerality, citrus, fresh bread, saline, smoke, and light red fruit. On the palate, precise, structured, with notes of hazelnut, lemon-lime, baked green apple, nectarine, fresh sourdough, and vanilla (barrel) with a surprisingly rich, creamy custard-like finish. Another fantastic expression from the 13th generation (starting in the 17th century) of Arnould growers, Michel and his son Patrick, along with son-in-law Thierry, and producers (bottling since the early 1900s, established as Champagne Michel Arnould & Fils in the 1960s).

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

Rittenhouse "K&L Liquors Exclusive - 8244541" Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

Rittenhouse is one of the most recognized names in rye whiskey. Starting in Pennsylvania in the 1930s, it made a name for itself as a Bottled-In-Bond powerhouse, showcasing a slightly sweeter profile than its high-rye Monongahela counterparts. While many Pennsylvania ryes historically used 100% rye, or the 95/5 mash bill popular on the market today, Rittenhouse is "barely legal" rye. Its 51/35/14 mash bill strikes a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it a perennial favorite for cocktails and boilermakers. For this particular single barrel, we secured an extra three years of aging over the standard offering, adding significant depth and nuance to the classic profile. The nose opens with that expected Rittenhouse maple spice, along with green pepper, dried mulberries, roasted nuts, banana candy, burnt marshmallow, and warm toffee. On the palate, you are introduced to the nutmeg and ginger so characteristic of the standard bottling, but with added layers of anise, oak tannin, Mexican chocolate, and dark berry jam. This leads right into a long, woodsy finish. This whiskey is absolutely perfect for any rye cocktail, maintaining that ideal 100-proof weight while offering a much broader palette of flavor. This isn’t just a Rittenhouse; it’s a Rittenhome.

Price: $34.99

Limit of 3 per customer

Michel Arnould "Observation" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

By: Gary Westby | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

All grand cru- and Verzenay no less- at this price? Don't wait on this one! The wines of Verzenay are some of my very favorite in all of Champagne, and Patrick Arnould of Champagne Michel Arnould makes some of the very best. This wine has the magical hazelnut quality that many (including myself!) often miss for wood treatment in blind tastings. Because this Grand Cru village faces north the wines are always electric and vibrant, even with high percentages of Pinot in the blend. Stunning wine and an unbelievable value!

Price: $39.99

DC: 91

VN: 90

Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/25/2026 | Send Email

Pale gold color. Nose of baguette & toast. Palate gives citrus, slight honey, pineapple guava and Meyer lemon. Fine bubbles and a nice finish.

Price: $37.99

2022 ALH Wines (Hobbs) Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

This definitely smells like Napa, there's this pungency to the fruit and darkness to the overall product that just feels very Napa through and through, and that's not a bad thing at all. One of the best things a wine can be is typical to its place and terroir, it can tell you what it will be before you even open the bottle or take a taste, and I think people would be happy with what they're getting here. It's clear that a lot of hard work and effort was put in to making this distinctive and new release. There's lots of great bramble fruits, cherry, touches of leather, cigar box, and then a little touch of dried green herbs on the finish. The palate is velvety and rich with really great acidity pushing through and fighting the tannins back successfully, helping to balance and harmonize the wine. It ends with a long and lingering super enjoyable finish, the acid playing about and then finally pushing in a toasty barrel spice at the end with a little touch of cacao nib. Top tier.

Price: $74.95

JS: 96

DC: 94

2024 Hirsch "Bohan-Dillon" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

I really like Hirsch, it's a really interesting winery that feels like a purposeful accident in how it came about, lots of right place and right time and they've made it pay off so well. This wine is always a favorite around here, and not just because it has a cat on the label, but that doesn't hurt. This is that super pretty and elegant style that I really have come to love, there's cherry, raspberry, strawberry, with maybe a bit of frozen cranberry grated on top and it's got this really great line of mouthwatering acidity while having enough tannin to stay interesting. This is more approachable and immediately drinkable style and it shows in the best of ways, it's an easy bottle of Pinot Noir to love.

Price: $49.95

VN: 90

2024 Union Sacré Monterey County Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Another perennial favorite, this is kind of the essence of the crunchy California Pinot Noir. Bright and full-fruited nose that's pushing towards pretty but has this little touch of something vaguely rustic on the edge, there's some floral notes around the outside. The palate is crunchy, lots of cranberry skin, underripe cherry, raspberry leaf, and some pomegranate seeds as well. It's easy and light and I could definitely see putting a little chill on this. It's just such an easy and friendly bottle, and a great wine to serve your friends who only drink European wines while still staying fairly local.

Price: $19.95

WE: 94

2024 Union Sacré Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

You would be forgiven for thinking that I'm full of it for some of what I'm about to write in this review, because catch this... Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon... at just 12.9% alcohol, and with a really great and high-toned acidity but pretty and pure fruit on the front. Bonkers right? Well, here we are and it's just $20. This is an absolutely easy answer for a picnic bottle for the people who say they don't drink white wine. Sus. There's really pretty ripe fruit on the nose, but the acidity is a cleansing typhoon that pushes through the tannin and gives a super mouth-watering finish. This is a mystifying bottle of wine, but at this price it's worth checking out. I don't know if I've had a wine that made me think "Summer Cabernet Sauvignon" quite as hard as this.

Price: $19.95

WE: 94

2023 Land of Saints (Tribute to Grace) Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

There's a bit of, I was told, purposeful reduction on the nose, a little bit of that kind of matchstick flintiness. That's not really my bag, so I swirled to get that blown off a bit more and really enjoyed what I uncovered. There's really clean fruit and really pretty depth here with this really great texture, bruised pear and apple doused with fresh lemon, but it's still not tart and instead just has great acidity. This is so well made, and it comes across.

Price: $21.95

2023 Presqu'ile "Presqu'ile Estate Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

There's something about a clean and well-made Chardonnay that's just perfect in a lot of ways. We try a lot of things and I get disenchanted now and then, but sometimes there's a Chardonnay that really pulls its all together. This is that Chardonnay. (cue music) There's a honeyed note to the apples and pears, and the lemon in the nose is more candied than not, and there's this lovely roundness from what smells like a bit of barrel contact, but of course the palate is delightfully dry. There's some jasmine with the bruised apples and lemon candy on the palate and it's got a really lovely depth with a sort of wet stone and barrel spice finish. This is super high quality Chardonnay for anyone who likes well made and high quality wines.

Price: Hidden

WE: 95

JS: 94

VN: 94

2025 Desire Lines "Shake Ridge Ranch" Amador County Rosé of Mourvèdre

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

So, for those of you that have those guests who look at your rosé wines and give a little sniff and say they prefer something from Provence, you can take this bottle of your fridge and wave it mockingly in their face before you pour them a glass. This is perfect for people who want a rosé that is a little bit less fruit forward in that lighter and more crisp lean style. It's just great and this is beautiful beautiful wine, the nose is light and ethereal, little touches of watermelon, raspberry candy, and lemon. The palate is just gorgeous with a little bit of fruit here and there, but it's more about texture and acid than anything else. I want to have this with fried chicken, or maybe poached salmon, or even just some nigiri sushi. It's all out banger. Drinking Window: Between now and when you get it cold enough. Glass optional but recommended.

Price: $22.95

VN: 91

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Ryan Woodhouse, super genius, has done it again. We've got another Anonymous wine in and it's an absolute clutch one for the summer. All from Napa's Oakville district and for under $25, this is quintessential and almost definitional California Sauvignon Blanc. Pretty and fully-fruited tropical nose this just smells like summer from the get, the palate is bright, super citrusy with a little bit of pineapple and passion-fruit around the edges and a great push of acid without going over the top or coming across as tart. This is refreshing, crisp, and a super lean 12.5%, exactly the kind of crushable and quaffable bottle that you need once the temperature starts edging up again. Get it nice and cold and finish the bottle in a sitting, you deserve it.

Price: Hidden

2023 Favia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

While this is another big and bold Napa wine, this one definitely is a slightly different creature. There's fruit on the very front, and lots of fruit on the nose, but the palate is surprisingly dusty and savory, leather, cigar box, cured olive, and dried tobacco all intermingle with the dark and dusty fruit. There's more than enough acid and the tannin has a firm grip, I would say this is a prime candidate to lay down but you have this with a nice steak or something with enough fat and substance, this is absolutely delicious right now. I really thought I wasn't going to enjoy this and it might have been one of my favorites in the whole tasting, normally I have a much more affordable red wine palate but not today. Great wine.

Price: $149.95

DC: 98

JS: 98

2022 Patria "Oakville Ranch" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

I really like this, this is really refined and elegant style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, that's just super generous and easy. The fruit is a little creamy and really pretty and ripe with cassis, lots of cherry, blackberry, cigar box, toast, and touches of pencil shavings. There's really lovely fruit but a powerful line of French oak pushes through as well, bringing this really lovely harmony and balance to everything, I feel like without the oak it would come across a bit sweet but the whole package ends up perfect for this style of wine. This is bigger and bolder and unabashedly Napa, but I feel that it brings more sophistication and panache than your average bear.

Price: Hidden

2011 Blair Athol 11 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By: Josh Gelfand | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

The vast majority of the liquid from this Highland distillery that dates back to 1798 ends up in the Bells line of blended scotch whisky, but among enthusiasts, it’s highly regarded when found in independent bottlings. This one in particular highlights the classic highland style, dominated by the toasted oaky spice from the four-and-a-half year secondary aging in toasted French barrique casks. Honey and orchard fruits emerge in plenty, with the creamy toasted oak connecting the dots between floral and butterscotch notes. It finishes with a touch of nuttiness that emerges through the oaky spice. This is a lovely, rich dram that defies its age.

Price: $74.99

2024 Assiduous "Regan Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

Pure fruit. This is just a fruity little fun guy, just super enjoyable and fun to hang out with but also delicious and easy going. This is a super juicy Pinot Noir that also has a nice structure and great acidity, making it one of the easier bottles to recommend to people on an ongoing basis. It's always got super pure and pretty fruit on the front, and this vintage is no exception,. Cherryberry in the best of ways, there's that strong line of acidity pushing through driving the fruit and cutting through the tannins with every sip. Another absolute banger from Assiduous.

Price: $29.95

2024 Assiduous "Volkmann Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

While I love all the Assiduous Pinot Noirs, the Volkmann is the one that feels the most "Santa Cruz Mountains" to me, which may somehow be controversial, but we eagerly court controversy here in Aaron's Tasting Corner, a place I just made up. There's this kind of dried herb loamy note in the very back that just smells like home and makes me think of my drives through the mountains and this one wrong turn I made once. There's pretty fruit on the front, but it's got these herbal and loamy arms wrapped around it giving it a big squeezy hug and working to fully integrate itself. The palate has great acid pushing through, there's tannin but its losing the battle to acid. and the fruit is a little plump up front but the palate quickly takes a more savory and earthy turn before giving a little more fruit on the finish. Lots of cherry, raspberry, a little stewed strawberry, and then more herby earth coming in to play. Another fantastic wine. Love it.

Price: $29.95

JD: 94

2024 Assiduous "Lilo Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

I don't think I've met him but Keegan Mayo is easily one of my favorite winemakers in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He's got a great smile and he makes just crazy delicious wines, and this is, obviously with all this front-loading, no exception. Woodhouse told us that he doesn't get the chance to make this every year, but I'm glad he did in 2024, it adds a new wine to arsenal to suggest to people. The nose is lean and high-toned, promising to be crunchy, with cranberry, cherry skins, underripe strawberry, and a little something kind of like herby brambley to round out the bouquet. The palate is really beautifully focused with more cranberry, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, and red cherry. Very pretty and fairly light, definitely would shine with food but doesn't require it. It sits at this really nice mid-point in our Pinot Noir lineup. Not as much fruit as the Regan and less herbacious than the Volkmann, it's a delight as it is.

Price: $29.95

JD: 93

2024 Hundred Suns "Pamar Vineyard" Van Duzer Gap Pinot Meunier

By: Aaron Hughes | Review Date: 3/24/2026 | Send Email

There's some things that while you know they're out there, you don't see a lot of them, and varietal Pinot Meunier, or just Meunier, is definitely one of those things. After having this, I think we need more of it, not to like, spoil the ending or anything. Hundred Suns is one of those wineries that speak to you with each and every wine that they make, they all have real personality and this is no different. This is so pretty and elegant, and as its sat from this morning the bouquet has opened up and become even more vividly floral, with dried rose petals and fresh white flowers enveloping the pretty and slightly crunchy red fruits on the nose. The palate is more medium than light, but the fruit is super pure with strawberry, red cherry, some underripe raspberry, and cranberry skin with the same florals but softer than on the nose. Then the mid-palate gets touches of savoriness that melds into a very lightly tannic and fruity finish with great acidity. This is just such a pretty bottle that wants just a little bit of a chill on it, nothing crazy but maybe half an hour in the fridge before you serve it. A perfect wine for a picnic or grilled chicken and veggies or even just some finger foods and dips but you want a red wine. This is just great, I love it. Buy it so we can keep carrying it, please.

Price: $29.95

RP: 92

2023 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Prephylloxera'' Etna Rosso

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

This is the soul of the estate. Sourced from two tiny parcels in Calderara Sottana, these vines are over 140 years old and remain on their own roots (un-grafted).

Price: $189.99

VN: 97

JS: 96

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

The benchmark for the region. It offers the ethereal transparency of Pinot Noir with the volcanic grip of Nerello Mascalese.

Price: $32.99

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche- Salice" Etna Bianco Superiore

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

A rare expression from the Milo zone (East slope). Because it is a "Superiore," it must be 80% Carricante. It is incredibly sapid, with a vibrating saline finish.

Price: $59.99

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche - Santo Spirito" Etna Bianco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Sourced from deep volcanic ash. This is the most floral and "finesse-driven" of the whites—think white peach and crushed jasmine.

Price: $59.99

WS: 93

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere "Le Vigne Niche - Montalto" Etna Bianco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

From vines on the southern slope (higher up, cooler). This is vertical and precise, with a piercing citrus nerve.

Price: $59.99

WS: 94

2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

The classic introduction. Mostly Carricante with a touch of Catarratto, Grecanico, and Minnella. It’s bright, salty, and perfect for seafood.

Price: $29.99

JS: 94

DC: 92

VN: 90

2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Pyramid Valley was purchased in 2017 by Master of Wine and storied winemaker Steve Smith and his good friend Brian Sheth. They have continued the level of excellence that began with the founders and are releasing world class wines. This wonderful white offers a very refined interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc that highlights bright citrus and guava fruits along with a pleasant hint of herbs. There's a tiny percentage of Pinot Gris added for depth and complexity. Outstanding.

Price: Hidden

BC: 94

SK: 94

JS: 90

2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Nautilus is always at the top of my list when customers are looking for outstanding New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs under $20. Complex aromas and flavors of citrus and tropical abound along with a creamy palate with fresh acidity and length.

Price: $17.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

RP: 91

2022 Domaine FL "Le Cochet" Anjou-Villages

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

Considering how excellent their white wines are, I figured this red would be every bit as impressive and i wasn't wrong. Personally, I thought it was a much pricier wine due to its depth and richness. It's smooth and polished with loads of flavorful black fruit and wonderful length. Definitely one of the best value reds in our Loire section.

Price: Hidden

JS: 91

2024 Joël Taluau "Expression" St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

By: John Downing | Review Date: 3/23/2026 | Send Email

"Expression" is always one of our very best selling Loire Valley red wines and the 2024 is certain to continue the streak. It's soft, fresh and lower in alcohol which makes it the ideal weeknight wine. This delicious Cabernet Franc is also incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

Price: $13.99

2023 Vincent Pinard "Le Petit Chemarin" Sancerre

By: Matthew Landau Hassan | Review Date: 3/22/2026 | Send Email

Focused and intensely mineral, this Sancerre opens with aromas of lime zest, green apple, and white flowers, underscored by chalky, flinty notes. The palate is taut and linear, driven by vibrant acidity and a pronounced sense of limestone minerality. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors are precise and restrained, giving way to a long, clean finish with slightly smoky complexity. A serious, terroir-driven Sancerre that emphasizes precision, structure, and classic Loire Vally purity.

Price: $69.99

VN: 91

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

By: Jonathan Parnell | Review Date: 3/22/2026 | Send Email

Perfection! Pale green-gold color. Lively, piquant nose of lingonberry, green apple skin and summer grass, with a promise of beautiful acidity. The palate gives the same lingonberry/blueberry with slight notes of chamomile and clover honey, A refreshing glass to enjoy at any time.

Price: Hidden

2023 Marabino Muscatedda

By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 3/20/2026 | Send Email

Let’s clear something up right now. When most people see the word "Moscato," they immediately brace for a sweet, fizzy, cloying mess that belongs at a thoughtless Sunday brunch. This bottle completely annihilates that stereotype. Down in the extreme southeastern corner of Sicily, in the blinding white limestone of the Val di Noto, Moscato Bianco transforms into a fiercely dry, deeply savory animal. If you are looking for a lazy sugar bomb, you are in the wrong place. The nose plays a brilliant trick on you. It explodes from the glass with that classic, intoxicating perfume—wild jasmine, orange blossom, and ripe apricot. But right beneath that high-toned floral wave is a profound, almost aggressive hit of sea salt, wild fennel, and sun-baked Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, this is where Marabino's rigorous biodynamic farming shows its teeth. The tension just slaps you. It is entirely bone-dry, completely bypassing any flabby, tropical weight to drive forward with a massive, nervous electric current. The acidity is razor-sharp, leaving a "crunchy," mouthwatering saline snap that lingers for minutes. This is a wine with serious attitude and uncompromising grip. It screams out for raw seafood, sea urchin, or heavily spiced dishes. A total mind-bender and exactly the kind of radical coastal white I am always hunting for.

Price: $22.99

VN: 91

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