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Staff Favorites - John Downing
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Reviews
2018 Vigneti Repetto 'Evoluta'' Monleale Barbera
Review Date: 05-26-2026
"Evoluta" represents the best of Barbera from this region. It truly reflects the ability of Monleale Barbera to age and evolve. It's matured in oak for one to two years and subsequently in bottle for an additional 18-24 months. Since we were only able to obtain a small allocation of this rare treat, it's sure to sell out quickly.
2021 Vigneti Repetto 'Sfera' Barbera Colli Tortonesi
Review Date: 05-26-2026
The "Sfera" is classic Colli Tortonesi Barbera. It delivers concentrated ripe fruit balanced by fresh acidity. It's lively and vibrant as it's aged entirely in stainless steel and concrete tanks. This incredibly versatile red is outstanding with a wide array of dishes. Pizza, pasta, meats, cheeses and more.
Price:
$19.99
2021 Vigneti Repetto "Quadro" Timorasso Derthona DOC (Vintage Release)
Review Date: 05-26-2026
The Repetto Derthona takes Timorasso to the next level. The extended aging on the lees has definitely added another dimension of flavor and complexity to the wine. Here, the classic honey character of the grape has emerged along with richness and texture. This outstanding white is excellent now yet will age well for many years to come. Serious white wine aficionados will certainly appreciate this world class bottling.
Price:
$39.99
2023 Vigneti Repetto "Quadro" Timorasso Derthona DOC
Review Date: 05-26-2026
Timorasso is one of the least known yet one of the most important white grapes in Italy. It hails from the southeastern hills of Piemonte and yields wines with substantial depth, complexity and ageability. This latest direct import reflects the best characteristics of Timorasso with an impressive aromatic display of white flowers, mineral and subtle honey notes along with a fresh and compact palate enhanced by substantial acidity. The finish is bright and crisp with a pleasant salinity. It's certainly wonderful now yet will cellar nicely for several years.
2023 Antech "Emotion" Extra Brut Rosé Crémant de Limoux
Review Date: 04-28-2026
Sparkling Rose is normally on the pricey side which makes this one truly rare. It's nearly impossible to fine a Rose of this quality under $20. It delivers subtle red fruits, a low dosage and an unmatched complexity and value at the price. Great with or without food.
2023 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Feinherb "Uralte Reben" Mosel
Review Date: 04-28-2026
I've long appreciated well made German Rieslings as they offer lower alcohol levels along with delicious fruit, crisp acids and compatibility with a wide variety of foods. They're especially ideal for our Western US climate. This first-class white has distinct granite mineral aromas and rich orchard fruit flavors along great depth and complexity. Can be appreciated now yet will cellar nicely.
2024 Alzinger "Ried Loibenberg" Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau
Review Date: 04-28-2026
Alzinger is one of my favorite Austrian wine producers and this one reminded me why. It's an incredibly complex and complete Gruner that combines bright, lifted aromas and flavors with a textural palate. Ample underlying acidity keeps it fresh and lively. Truly outstanding Gruner.
2024 Carl Loewen Alte Reben Riesling Trocken (dry) Mosel
Review Date: 04-28-2026
This is a very unique and special wine. It's difficult to believe it's actually dry as there is so much delicious fruit extract. It bursts with richness and loads of delicious tropical fruit flavors. Excellent acidity adds freshness and length. Impressive.
2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 03-23-2026
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.
2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 03-23-2026
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.
2022 Domaine FL "Le Cochet" Anjou-Villages
Review Date: 03-23-2026
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.
2024 Joël Taluau "Expression" St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Review Date: 03-23-2026
"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
High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 03-20-2026
The folks at High West know what they're doing, and their streak of outstanding creations continue to delight. Although this latest release may not appeal so much to the more discriminating rye aficionados, I think it will please most whiskey drinkers, and it may even attract new ones. It's flavor-packed with an overall complexity and balance that delights. A very impressive arrival from the great state of Utah.
Price:
$74.99
2023 Aurore Dezat "Les Montaignes" Sancerre
Review Date: 03-16-2026
This wonderful Sancerre takes things to the next level. It's fuller and rounder than their regular cuvee and the use of some amphora along with a small amount of large oak barrels adds complexity and textural depth and roundness. The finish is long and satisfying. Great on its own but it shines at the dinner table.
Price:
$34.99
2024 Domaine de Reuilly "Les Pierres Plates" Reuilly Blanc
Review Date: 03-16-2026
This remains one of my favorite value priced Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs. Reuilly hails from the Eastern side of Loire and has soils very similar to Chablis. This impressive white is not only subtle and refined but also offers lively intensity, especially on the mid-palate. It's an immensely satisfying wine that punches above its price.
Price:
$21.99
Granalta 5 Anos Piloncillo Anejo Michoacan Rum (750ml)
Review Date: 03-16-2026
I'm fairly familiar with most of the top tier Rums that line our shelves but only recently had the opportunity to sample this wonderful, more recent arrival. It's a Mexican made Rum that begs to be taken seriously. I was instantly taken with the smooth mouthfeel as well as the overall richness and balance. Delicious flavors of brown sugar , salted caramel and vanilla abound and zero sugar is added.
Price:
$49.99
Manuscrito "Chapter One" Single Estate Blanco Tequila (750ml)
Review Date: 03-16-2026
Manuscrito "Chapter One" has quickly become one of our very favorite Blancos. This truly delvers a lot more than we were expecting at this price. It's bright and aromatic with focused citrus and pineapple aromas and offers creamy richness on the palate. This is a very fine Tequila that comes with our highest recommendation.
Price:
$49.99
2023 Bishop's Peak (Talley) San Luis Obispo Coast Pinot Noir
Review Date: 02-17-2026
I love Pinot Noir but rarely come across ones I like at value price points. This one, however, is outstanding. It's high quality fruit from Edna Valley and the Talley Estate vineyards that truly over delivers. It's soft, fresh and flavorful and drinks perfectly now. This is a serious sleeper pick!
2023 Holocene "Codex" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Review Date: 02-16-2026
I almost mistook this for an elegant red Burgundy. It's a delicate style Pinot with inviting aromas of tea, spice, dried florals and lifted red fruits and a medium-bodied palate that's fresh and delicious. A high quality, refined Pinot Noir for those looking for a lighter touch.
2024 Holocene "Pyxis" Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay
Review Date: 02-16-2026
This was a pleasant surprise. Since it's aged entirely in amphora (made from terracotta and sandstone) it has a slight nutty character that reminds me of the French Jura wines. It's an intriguing and uniquely satisfying Chardonnay that's a refreshing departure from the more common oaky/buttery style. Especially good with white meats and vegetable dishes.
2022 Matthiasson Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 02-16-2026
This is certainly one of the more refined California Cabernets I've tasted in some time. Matthiasson has managed to craft a very elegant and juicy wine that's surprisingly generous considering it comes it at only 13 percent alcohol. The fruit is flavorful and polished on the palate and is certain to please those who appreciate a bit of restraint. It's biodynamically farmed and aged in mostly used oak barrels.
Rhys "Perpetual Reserve" California Sparkling Wine
Review Date: 02-16-2026
This is certainly one of the finest California sparkling wines I've tasted. It's first-class in every way and delivers a very fresh and creamy palate of citrus and pear with a nice hint of toast. Considering how difficult it is to not only produce sparkling wines but also ones of this caliber, bubbly devotees with not want to miss out on this rare treat from one of California's top tier wineries.
2022 Benjamin et David Duclaux "La Germine" Côte-Rôtie
Review Date: 02-09-2026
Duclaux is one of our newest direct imports from France and we struck gold with this one. Considering the limited supply and hefty average price of Cote-Rotie, this is an absolute steal. It's a classic and generous style Syrah with tremendous depth of fruit and length and the addition of a small amount of Viognier adds a wonderful hint of spice to the wine. Northern Rhone fans will love this one.
2017 Ferraton Père et Fils "Lieu-Dit Les Picheres" Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Review Date: 02-09-2026
This is definitely a wine for those who prefer a more "old school" style Syrah. It has a darker fruit profile and truly reflects the terrior of zone. Notes of sauvage and potting soil along with savory black fruit make this a classic. Excellent with meats and heartier dishes.
2023 Ferraton Père et Fils "Les Calendes" Crozes-Hermitage
Review Date: 02-09-2026
This exceptional introduction to the Northern Rhone is, for lack of a better description, a flavor bomb. Not in a negative way but it definitely exceeded my expectations. It begins with an impressive aromatic display and delivers juicy, rich Syrah with loads of delicious berry fruit flavors, great intensity and overall balance. A lot of wine for the price.
Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-09-2026
This has a delicious, sweet lift to the fruit yet finishes dry and complex. It's not only the ideal Champagne for a toast but also suitable with food. Considering its barrel aged, I expected a much higher price. Definitely a sleeper pick.
Price:
$49.99
Damien Hugot Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Review Date: 02-09-2026
This excellent Champagne is always a standout for me as it has a wonderful tension or verve to it. It's a bright and pure expression of Chardonnay with a crisp palate of lemon citrus and orchard fruit that offers great intensity and persistence.
Price:
$49.99
2023 Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Peuillets"
Review Date: 01-26-2026
It was especially fun to taste two vintages of this wine side by side. Even in its youth it's blessed with wonderful depth and richness along with just the right touch of lively acidity. It's certainly one of the best offerings I've tasted from Giboulot and I imagine it will only improve with a bit of cellaring. Drinks nicely now with a bit of aeration.
Price:
$49.99
2023 Château de la Charrière Santenay "Les Charmes Dessus" Rouge
Review Date: 01-26-2026
This is a definite step up from the Bourgogne Rouge as it's richer, fuller and more complex. Loads of soft red fruit with well integrated acidity make this an irresistible wine. We were certainly surprised by the more-than-reasonable price. The Girardin Family continues to deliver outstanding, affordable Burgundy.
Price:
$29.99
2024 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau St-Aubin
Review Date: 01-26-2026
After sampling this at a recent staff tasting, I was immediately reminded not only how excellent the wines of Langoureau are but also why we've continue to import them. This wonderful Chardonnay offers soft, ripe lemon fruit and mineral, fresh acidity and exceptional overall balance. Considering the elevated prices of Burgundy, this is an impressive value.
Price:
$44.99
2023 Domaine Gérard Tremblay Chablis 1er Cru "Montmain"
Review Date: 01-26-2026
This is definitely the most complex and minerally of the Tremblay line-up. It's a dynamic wine with loads of personality and flavor, especially on the finish. It over delivers at the price. Try with seafood, white meats and vegetable dishes.
Price:
$34.99
2023 La Chablisienne Collaboration Estate Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"
Review Date: 01-26-2026
Whether you're interested in trying a white Burgundy for the first time or simply looking for serious value, this is an outstanding choice. It's an expressive and refined wine with a pleasing texture, fresh acidity and wonderful length. It would be difficult to find a better Chablis at this price.
Price:
$24.99
2023 La Chablisiènne Collaboration Petit Chablis "Cuvee Centenaire"
Review Date: 01-26-2026
We've long admired the wines of La Chablisienne for their consistency and quality along with their exceptional price point. While Petit Chablis can be on the leaner side, that's not the case with this generous Chardonnay. It offers up ripe citrus fruit with notes of mineral and honey and plenty of stuffing. This is an awesome value Chablis.
Price:
$19.99
2022 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico
Review Date: 01-13-2026
Felsina remains one of the top estates in the Chianti region. They have managed to successfully blend traditional methods and modern techniques with exceptional results. Their 2022 Chianti Classico represents another outstanding wine that showcases the finest qualities of Sangiovese. Rich, flavor-packed berry fruit combined with soft tannins and fresh acidity make this ideal at the dinner table and versatile with a variety of dishes. It's also excellent with firmer cheeses and lighter fare.
2023 K&L Discovery Series Rhône, Gigondas "Tank 11 by Moulin de la Gardette"
Review Date: 12-02-2025
Tasting this wine has only reinforced my confidence in our Discovery Series of imported wines. For me, it's remarkable that we can offer a world-class Gigondas at a Cotes-du-Rhone price point. It captures the essence of Southern Rhone as it combines expressive red fruit flavors with classic Mediterranean accents. This is a classic that comes with our highest endorsement!
Price:
$19.99
2022 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas
Review Date: 12-01-2025
This could be called the big brother of the "Tradition" as it's fuller, rounder and deeper. It offers the juiciness of the vintage with an impressive overall complexity that makes this a truly oustanding wine. I love the overall balance and complexity of this "Ventabren" and am reminded why this remains a staff and customer favorite.
2022 Moulin de la Gardette "Tradition" Gigondas
Review Date: 12-01-2025
The "Tradition" truly captures the elegance and forward fruit of the 2022 vintage. It's an immediate and charming blend offering bright aromas of spiced, baked red fruits and a juicy, delicious palate. Nothing not to like about this ready-to-go Gigondas.
2022 Domaine Courbis "Les Eygats" Cornas
Review Date: 12-01-2025
In comparison to the "Champelrose" I found this Cornas to be a bit more compact with a more subtle and less spicy nose. It packs a lot of flavor and punch on the palate as well as serious depth and complexity. Although delicious now, it's certain to evolve nicely with a bit of cellaring.
2023 Domaine Courbis "Champelrose" Cornas
Review Date: 12-01-2025
I recently had the pleasure of tasting this new arrival and was immediately impressed. It's a first-rate cool climate Syrah with intriguing notes of cherry and black fruits with a hint of smoke and a creamy, smooth palate with bright acidity and a delicious finish.
2021 Tolaini "Al Passo" Toscana
Review Date: 12-01-2025
We've offered numerous vintages of this delicious Tuscan red and the 2021 is especially good. It's an impressive blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet that boasts delicious dark cherry and berry fruit with balanced tannins and acidity. Although it drinks well now, it's certain to cellar nicely over the next couple of years.
2024 San Lorenzo "Vigna di Gino" Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico
Review Date: 12-01-2025
I'm not sure why this producer has chosen to call this a Marche Bianco but it's definitely 100% Verdicchio. This impressive recent arrival offers up a substantial palate with a pleasant texture, excellent acidity and a nice snap of salinity on the finish. It's organically and biodynamically produced and is especially good with fish, white meats and white sauced pastas.
Price:
$14.99
2022 Giovinco "Sgarretta" Nero d'Avola Sambuco di Sicilia
Review Date: 12-01-2025
Although there are numerous excellent Nero d'Avola wines available, it seems to be often overlooked. This outstanding value Sicilian red is the ideal weeknight table wine that pairs especially well with pizza, pasta, meats and cheeses. Soft, spiced cherry and black cherry flavors abound with fresh acidity and mild tannins.
2023 Giovinco Etna Bianco
Review Date: 10-27-2025
In addition to their Catarratto, we also offer their Etna Bianco. This minerally white is made from grapes cultivated on the volcanic slopes of Mt Etna in Sicily. It's a very terrior-driven wine with additional hints of leesy aromas. It's medium-bodied with a bit less texture than the typical Chardonnay and bright underlying acidity.
Price:
$24.99
2019 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Brunello di Montalcino
Review Date: 09-30-2025
One of the hallmarks of our Italian Discovery series is the authenticity of the wines and their unmistakable character. Each is a true representation of their zone and this Brunello is no exception. It captures the essence of Sangiovese from a warmer section of Montalcino and offers both immediate pleasure and aging potential. Whether you already love Brunello and are looking for an excellent offering or are unfamiliar and interested in exploring the category, look no further.
Price:
$59.99
2022 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Super Tuscan
Review Date: 09-29-2025
This is a truly impressive Cabernet based blend from Italy's Bolgheri region. Here the soils and Mediterranean climate create the ideal conditions to grow a wide range of varietals (including Cabernet and Sangiovese). I was surprised by the balance and overall depth of this wine. It's packed with concentrated black fruit, a fine tannic frame and a lengthy finish. Seamless! It's a uniquely Tuscan expression of Bordeaux varietals that's not to be missed.
Price:
$39.99
2020 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Review Date: 09-29-2025
In recent years Vino Nobile has often taken a back seat to Chianti. It's not only lesser known but also has tended to be a bit pricier than Chianti on average. As it's produced from grapes cultivated along the hillsides of the town of Montepulciano, it's often mistaken for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is made from another grape varietal and hails from a completely different zone outside of Tuscany. This is a classic expression of Vino Nobile and the ideal introduction to this uniquely Tuscan wine. Soft, juicy and packed with delicious red fruit flavors, this very affordable red drinks nicely now.
Price:
$17.99
2018 Stony Hill Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 09-22-2025
I hadn't tasted Stony Hill Cabernet in many years so it was a rare treat to sample their outstanding 2018. It's a true classic that took me back several decades as few remain that produce such "old world," low intervention style California Cabernets like this one. It's medium weight and seamless from start to finish. Although it can be enjoyed now with a good decant, I'd cellar this one and allow it to reach its full potential.
2019 Filomena "Griffin's Lair Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Syrah
Review Date: 09-22-2025
I have been wanting to try this wine for some time and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised how good it was. It exudes a complex aromatic mix of bacon, subtle smoke, charcoal and black fruit. Smooth, flavor-packed and aged entirely in neutral oak (which allows the fruit to shine). Syrah lovers will not want to miss this one, especially at this price.
Price:
Hidden
2023 Matthiasson "Linda Vista Vineyard" Napa Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 09-22-2025
We had the good pleasure of tasting the latest releases from Matthiasson at our recent staff gathering and I'm still thinking about this wine. It's certainly one of the best California Chardonnays I've come across in some time. Slightly creamy in texture yet fresh and vibrant with great acidity and and length. It's not the least bit oaky and normally sells for $40. Outstanding.
2021 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Barolo Mosconi
Review Date: 09-16-2025
When I heard we were receiving a 2021 Barolo from the Mosconi vineyard, I was more than excited. This is a Cru vineyard within the Monforte zone of Barolo and having been there and tasted several wines produced from this fruit, I can attest to the quality and rarity this wine offers. It's a very classic Nebbiolo with vibrant fruit and structured tannins that will be at its best with some extended cellaring. That's not to say it can't be enjoyed at the dinner table now, but a bit of aging will allow the tannins to soften and integrate. Outstanding. Especially at his price!
Price:
$37.99