K&L Wine Merchants - Diana Turk Reviews

2017 Launois "Helia" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 09-24-2024

How exciting it is to have perennial staff favorite and customer darling Launois back in stock, and with a new offering! "Hélia" shares the Grand Cru quality and provenance of the house's Special Club release, featuring grapes from massal-selected vines. Hélia is bright with lemon fruit, plus a hint of leesiness through the heady, textured palate and long finish. 2017 was a tricky vintage for Champagne, but Chardonnay producers in the Côte des Blancs came out swinging. The latest from Launois is a shining example of that success.

Price: $79.99

Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 06-24-2024

This is my favorite Launois Champagne, perhaps even above their Special Club release, for its combination of value and artistry. The Veuve Clémence takes everything that's gorgeous about the Cuvée Réserve and elevates it: delicate bead, a steely core of minerality, estate-grown Chardonnay from the chalky soils of legendary Grand Cru village, Mesnil-sur-Oger. It gets four (nearly five!) years of aging on the lees (versus the Réserve's three) and is sourced from older vines. This is a powerful, almost vinous Champagne, with added toastiness from the lees that you don’t find in younger Blanc de blancs. But fear not if you’re a fan of brighter wines: Veuve Clémence dazzles with laser acidity and vivid lemon fruit, tempered by textured mouthfeel and a long finish. It is absolutely worth the extra ten bucks to taste this beauty.

Price: $49.99

Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 06-24-2024

Crisp and linear with an almost creamy texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc de blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect. When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: Launois sells out incredibly quickly! I am proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines. We are talking Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit for under $40! Do not miss this top-quality, value-driven favorite.

Price: $39.99

Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2006)

Review Date: 06-24-2024

Twelve years—TWELVE YEARS—on the lees for less than $100? Less than $75, even? Incredible. This is a sophisticated yet hugely accessible Champagne, with depth, texture, and a honeyed quality that's saved from being too rich by its snappy 80% Chardonnay. There is a backbone of acidity balanced by easygoing apple fruit on the palate, with that coveted toastiness through the finish. I first met Paul Fallet at K&L's Champagne Tent Event in 2017, where he charmed with his shy, sincere personality, then dazzled us with high quality wines. Fallet Dart is a great family-run Direct Import to support, but even without the backstory, I'd want to drink this delicious, complex Champagne. Plus, it's sourced from a clos, and based on the excellent 2006 vintage! We always have customers come late to this party, only realizing how special Clos du Mont is once our limited quantity is gone. Don't let that be you.

Price: $79.99

Launois "Severine" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 06-17-2024

Perhaps the most polarizing Champagne at our recent Blanc de blancs in-store tasting, Launois' Séverine is unique in their lineup in that it's aged in oak, and that wood comes through! While the fruit is just as citrusy and bright as Launois fans are accustomed to experiencing from this Grand Cru grower-producer, the all-Mesnil-sourced barrels give the Champagne a more hedonistic feel, with notes of baking spice and a Sherried quality. The texture is rich and layered, but the expected Côte des Blancs snap of acidity remains. This food-friendly release is a must-try for Launois fans (so, pretty much everyone) looking for a different take.

Price: $59.99

2020 Ducru-Beaucaillou "Croix de Beaucaillou," St-Julien

Review Date: 11-28-2023

Wow! Lovely aromatic nose with hints of menthol and violets, with a soft fruity palate and long finish. The legendary "cailloux" or pebbles, in the property's soil really come through in the glass. This is an elegant, classic St-Julien and, considering its provenance, a killer value.

Price: $57.99

Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 10-16-2023

$50 for a Grande Marque? Incredible! While I typically choose grower-producer Champagnes (especially since K&L's Direct Import program is so strong), this Gosset Grande Réserve Brut is always welcome, and even feels like a bargain, considering the quality of grapes and the house's history (which dates back to 1584!). A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (from Grand Cru village Aÿ), with a touch of Meunier, this nonvintage release includes about 20% reserve wines, solera-style blended, and spends six years on the lees. If you're after a big name that delivers, make sure Gosset is on your list.

Price: $59.99

Lini "Labrusca" Lambrusco Emilia Bianco

Review Date: 06-23-2023

Hyper-fragrant apple and pear fruit shine in this rarer white Lambrusco made from 100% Salamino grapes. Crafted by traditional producer Lini, this is a refreshing, perfectly fizzy release using the Martinotti (also known as Charmat) method. Labrusca Bianco is a clean, bright sparkler with a dry finish.

Price: $15.99

Pierre Mineral Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 12-29-2022

Incredible with food, this Pierre Mineral rosé is a workhorse, pairing well with anything from fried chicken to caviar, potato chips to canapés. I even served it with great success to a Super Bowl crowd, though it’s elegant enough for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Vivid and chalky with a beautiful delicate pink color, this special Direct Import sparkler is a bright, linear brut style made from all estate-grown fruit from some of the most coveted crus of Champagne, here just in time to celebrate.

Price: $49.99

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 06-22-2021

Bollinger’s classic release, the "Special Cuvée", is one of my first choices when looking for a grande marque, since it offers both the prestige name and relative value—the quality feels higher than many fancy brands at a similar price point. On any given day, the wine has a quicksilver character about it: nimble and bright enough to cut through fried foods, yet lush when complementing more classic pairings such as seafood. Founded in 1829, Bollinger clearly cares about luxury and detail at every level. Yet the house itself is set among its own vineyards in the unassuming village of Aÿ. For the "Special Cuvée", 80,000 magnums are disgorged by hand! Wines are aged at least three but often five years (more than the appellation’s required fifteen months). Bollinger only seems expensive if you haven’t seen the care that goes in to making it.

Price: $69.99

JD: 93

JS: 93

WS: 93

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 10-27-2020

Wow! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point.

Price: $59.99

Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 07-22-2020

It can be tricky to define pricey Rosé Champagne as a "bargain," but when one considers just how much care goes into each bottle of Laurent-Perrier, it suddenly seems underpriced. Made with extended maceration and using the more difficult saignée method, their Cuvée Rosé is special. Deep red berry fruit shines through the lifted palate, with both richness and minerality coming through to the clean finish. This is a substantial rosé – great with food – yet elegant with tiny bubbles and a citrusy freshness. The fact that the bottle is gorgeous and the house pedigree dates back to 1812 only adds to the glamour of this lovely, high quality Pinot Noir Champagne.

Price: $89.99

Montechiara Prosecco

Review Date: 03-31-2020

This is it: the Prosecco your toast has been dreaming of. Subtly sweeter than Brut but not overwhelmingly so, the Extra Dry style of Montechiara is the perfect cocktail base - pair it with Aperol for spritzer magic! Once you experience the value and versatility of this bella little workhorse, you'll want to buy a case and celebrate.

Price: $10.99

K&L Logo 6-Bottle Tote (2979)

Review Date: 11-01-2019

There was brief period when these were out of stock, followed by a time when they were just plain Burgundy variety, but now they're back in full force, and with the K&L logo to boot! These are environmentally friendly and handy for carrying 6+ bottles. Thanks to the supportive plastic insert on the bottom, and cloth dividers, it is possible to carry a varying number of bottles with success. These totes are better than your average wine carrier, and will save you the ten cent bag fee. What's not to love?

Price: $4.99

J. Lassalle "Cachet d'Or" 1er Cru Brut Champagne

Review Date: 09-24-2019

What a lively, historic Premier Cru grower-producer Champagne! A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the J. Lassalle "Cachet Or" is still made using a traditional wooden press, and aged three years on the lees! A lot of work goes into this tiny production (farmed from just 16 hectares on clay and limestone soil in Chigny-Les-Roses), which features three generations of women at the helm. This release sings with tangerine and orchard fruit, tempered by a slightly herbaceous, almost camphor, nose and a chalky finish. There is subtle toastiness from the lees, but mostly this is easygoing, bright Champagne – my notes literally read “crushable.” I can’t wait to enjoy a bottle al fresco as summer heat gives way to fall.

Price: $39.99

BH: 91

VN: 90

Paul Bara "Réserve" Brut Grand Cru Champagne

Review Date: 09-24-2019

An exceptional value for fans of Bouzy Pinot Noir, Paul Bara’s Réserve Brut Champagne exemplifies the rich, powerful style for which this Grand Cru village is best known. In fact, Paul Bara himself wrote the history of Bouzy, and his tiny production (10,000 cases) is all top quality fruit. His daughter Chantal is making the wines now, and her deft winemaking style stays true to Paul’s vision. This release is 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and shows bright berry fruit on the nose with a tight, racy core of acidity. This is a food-pairing dream, with enough body to stand up to heavier, less traditional choices and a brightness that keeps it light enough on its feet to be served as an aperitif. Stunning.

Price: $59.99

BH: 91

RP: 91

WS: 91

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne 375ml

Review Date: 08-13-2019

Subtly richer than the standard 750 ml bottle thanks to advanced aging through a larger bottle-opening-to-surface area-ratio, the 375ml format of Bollinger’s classic release, the Special Cuvée, is one of my go-tos when looking for a Grande Marque. The half bottles are drinking perfectly now and the wine shows a quicksilver character: nimble and bright enough to cut through fried foods, yet lush when complementing classic seafood dishes. Bollinger somehow offers both the big name and relative value - the quality feels higher than other prestige brands at similar price point. Make your next picnic luxurious!

Price: $39.99

Kizakura "Bushido Way of the Warrior" Ginjo Genshu Sake (180ml can)

Review Date: 08-13-2019

Silky in texture with citrus notes and a clean finish, Kizakura "Bushido Way of the Warrior" is a genshu – undiluted – sake that hits hard but goes down easily. A beautifully classic, dry Ginjo sake, perhaps its most intriguing selling point is the packaging: awesome cans with reusable lids! Refreshing and portable, this 180ml release from Kizakura is perfect for an al fresco sushi stop.

Price: $6.49

Tamagawa Kinsho "Heart of Gold" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)

Review Date: 06-28-2019

What an incredible experience! We were lucky enough to taste with expert Kerry San and Tamagawa Kinsho’s Philip Harper, the first non-Japanese sake master. Philip’s sakes are elegant but verge on non-interventionist: perfect for those interested in the natural wine movement. The cleanest option in his range, Heart of Gold is bursting with melon fruit and fresh salinity, with an underlying earthiness, bordering on umami character. The silky texture will impress up front, but it’s the quality and creativity behind the brewery that will keep me coming back. This is easily one of my favorite sake discoveries.

Price: $49.99

Asahi Shuzo Dassai "45" Junmai Daiginjo Nigori Sake (300ml)

Review Date: 06-25-2019

One of the driest Nigori sakes I've ever tasted, Dassai's 50 Junmai Daiginjo is made only for the US market, and we’re lucky enough to carry it. Fresh with cantaloupe fruit and a super satisfying creamy texture, this is subtly sweeter than unfiltered sake, yet the finish is bright and crisp. Lovely.

Price: $12.99

Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne (1.5L)

Review Date: 12-05-2018

Do not sleep on this: our best selling Direct Import Champagne in an age-worthy size! Crisp and linear with an incredible, almost creamy, texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc des blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect. When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: this sells out quickly! I am so proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines - do not miss this value-driven stunner.

Price: $99.99

Brasserie Dupont "Saison Dupont" Farmhouse Ale, Belgium (750ml)

Review Date: 06-30-2018

The original! Six or seven breweries in Belgium make true Saisons, and the undisputed classic of the style is Saison Dupont. While there may be some hipper variations that seem more in demand lately, this holds its own against the hyped versions. Saison Dupont is refreshing, with a brightness that is balanced by underlying earthiness. Plus the price is a steal considering the quality, and the fact that this is a 750 ml bottle. At once both crisp and funky, Saison Dupont is a clean, yeasty, satisfying beer, perfect for summer nights.

Price: $15.99

Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 06-30-2018

This tastes like what sitting by the Mediterranean, dining alfresco on olive tapenade must feel like. The botanicals are fresh up front, with a notable lavender floral component, but the finish is textured and mouth-coating. This is a unique take on gin that enhances cocktails or could easily be enjoyed with just a bit of ice and soda.

Price: $36.99

Charles Heidsieck "Brut Réserve" Champagne

Review Date: 06-30-2018

Layered and heady, this Brut Champagne is composed mostly of reserve wines dating back to the 1990s, yet still shows a crisp core of minerality, with a satisfyingly long finish. There's even that coveted hint of brioche character. The value here is really incredible, especially considering Charles Heidsieck's smaller operation, storied history, legendary caves, and quality.

Price: $54.99

Laurent-Perrier "Harmony" Demi-Sec Champagne

Review Date: 05-31-2018

Very bright considering the higher dosage, this elegant release from Laurent-Perrier is a natural for dessert, balancing sweetness with lift, and pairing with everything from appetizers to cake.

Price: $59.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (187ml)

Review Date: 05-31-2018

Small in size but not in taste, this adorably-sized version of L-P is everything I love abouttheir classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Perfect for party favors!

Price: $19.99

JS: 93

WE: 90

WS: 90

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 05-31-2018

Picnic perfect! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point, even in the half bottle. Drink now!

Price: $32.99

JS: 93

WE: 91

WS: 91

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne (1.5L)

Review Date: 05-31-2018

Wow! This is everything I love about Laurent-Perrier's classic brut, just amplified. More chalky Chardonnay and an extra year on the lees give the La Cuvée boosted minerality and complexity. It still shows the easygoing apple fruit of the original, with a sophistication that belies its great price point. Plus the Magnum ages beautifully, much appreciated with the larger Chardonnay component. A beautiful choice for your next party.

Price: $129.99

JS: 93

WS: 91

DC: 90

Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 01-02-2018

I can't believe this is under $20! Delicious and elegant, this paper-wrapped Champagne is a departure from the searing acid of Blanc de blancs and instead shows golden apple fruit up front, followed by toastiness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Though there is a crisp backbone of minerality from the fossil-rich soil, this is a slightly unusual offering in that it’s 100% Chardonnay, but with a creamier spin. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional value Champagne, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. Aspasie Blanc de blancs is textured and age worthy, but in a smaller, more portable size.

Price: $24.99

Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

Review Date: 01-02-2018

Delicious and elegant, this paper-wrapped Champagne is a departure from the searing acid of Blanc de blancs and instead shows golden apple fruit up front, followed by toastiness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Though there is a crisp backbone of minerality from the fossil-rich soil, this is a slightly unusual offering in that it’s 100% Chardonnay with a creamier spin. The current release is from a single vineyard and spends over five years on the lees. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional value Champagne, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. Aspasie Blanc de blancs is textured and age worthy, and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this family-owned favorite.

Price: $44.99

Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (1.5L)

Review Date: 01-02-2018

Party perfect! Just when I thought I couldn’t love Aspasie more, they charm us at the annual Champagne Tent Event AND make improvements to their production facilities that send their wines over the top in elegance and quality. An unusual offering for the Aristons in that this is 100% Chardonnay, but with a creamier spin. The current release is from a single vineyard and spends over five years on the lees. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional value Champagne, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here, especially given the celebration-ready magnum format. Aspasie Blanc de blancs is luxurious and age worthy, and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this family-owned favorite.

Price: $99.99

Ariston Aspasie "Réserve" Brut Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 12-26-2017

Half-bottles are not always the most economical option for Champagne, but Aspasie's 375 mls prove to be an incredible exception. Holiday-ready, the current release of Carte Blanche still spends five years on the lees, and has the biscuity notes to prove it, but shows even crisper acidity. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making high quality entry level wine, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. A traditional cépage of 40% Chardonnay and 30% each of Pinot Noir and Meunier, the Carte Blanche shows apple and crunchy pear fruit, tempered by underlying chalky notes, mousse texture, and a toasty finish. This is a bright spot in our DI Champagne line up – both figuratively and stylistically – and I'm happy to turn savvy drinkers on to this value.

Price: $19.99

Ariston Aspasie "Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 12-26-2017

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Aspasie more, they charm us at the annual Champagne Tent Event AND make improvements to their production facilities that send Carte Blanche over the top in elegance and quality. The current release of Carte Blanche still spends five years on the lees, and has the biscuity notes to prove it, but shows even crisper acidity. Paul-Vincent Ariston is committed to making exceptional entry level wine, and there’s no doubt he’s accomplished that here. A traditional cépage of 40% Chardonnay and 30% each of Pinot Noir and Meunier, the Carte Blanche shows apple and crunchy pear fruit, tempered by underlying chalky notes, mousse texture, and a toasty finish. This is a bright spot in our DI Champagne line up – both figuratively and stylistically – and I love turning savvy drinkers on to this value-driven, family-owned favorite.

Price: $37.99

Pol Roger "Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 11-29-2017

An exceptional, value-priced offering from a house with clout, “White Foil” is subtly smoky and weightlessly creamy, with rich apple fruit balanced by enough acid to maintain focus through to the snappy but long finish. Pol Roger is the Champagne of royalty, and the care that goes into this cuvée is apparent. Aged 48 months on the lees and based on key spectacular vintages, this shows hints of toastiness, despite seeing no oak, and – like all Pol Roger releases – is still hand-riddled. This is one of our most requested Champagnes in Hollywood, and for good reason.

Price: $64.99

Franck Bonville Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 05-23-2017

Consistently incredible! Bonville’s delicate, visually-stunning brut rosé is delicious and elegant, but also substantial: this feels like important Champagne, with quality that far exceeds its price point. With 8% Pinot Noir from celebrated Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, this crisp rosé features vivid red fruit on the nose but finishes fresh, with the linear snap expected of 92% Chardonnay, mostly from the colder 2011 vintage. There is electric acidity on the palate but also a plusher component thanks to a luxuriously fine bead. Luxurious, dry, and easydrinking – this is rosé I’ve returned to again and again.

Price: $59.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 02-14-2017

Aged 36 months on the lees, the Brut Reserve is clean and vivacious, with rich stone fruit and honey, plus that classic chalky finish. Billecart-Salmon is my go-to Champagne when looking for a crowd-pleasing yet sophisticated sparkler. It has just the right amount of house name recognition while staying true to quality, and the brighter house style is both refreshing and elegant. An easygoing, impressive favorite that never disappoints, plus it's an incredibly reasonable price, especially for a half bottle.

Price: $39.99

Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Trilogie" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 02-07-2017

Wow, Trilogie overdelivers! Stonefruit up front with a buttery richness through the creamy palate, this higher-end Lamoureux still shines with bright acid and a super delicate bead, plus a coating mouthfeel. I paired this with less-than-elegant queso and salty chips while in Austin, TX, and the combination of lift and toastiness (thanks to five years on the lees) struck a lively, lovely balance.

Price: $49.99

Wine Club

$34.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne

Review Date: 01-24-2017

Aged 36 months on the lees, the Brut Reserve is clean and vivacious, with rich stone fruit and honey, plus that classic chalky finish. Billecart-Salmon is my go-to Champagne when looking for a crowd-pleasing yet sophisticated sparkler. It has just the right amount of house name recognition while staying true to quality, and the brighter house style is both refreshing and elegant, at an incredibly reasonable price. A favorite that continues to impress!

Price: $64.99

Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 01-24-2017

This sets the bar for spectacular brut rosé! Gorgeous rose petal and delicate white peach on the nose, followed by pure strawberry fruit gleaming on the palate, this showcases the bright house style while adding the sophistication of mousse texture and a minerally finish. There’s freshness throughout, plus substance – this would be a great wine to pair with heartier meals, although its elegance makes a glass equally at home with caviar. Tiny creamy bubbles and lovely color only enhance the drinking experience. And while Billecart-Salmon uses all three big Champagne varietals, they have traditionally championed Pinot Meunier and the result is a delicate, nuanced wine with depth. And not that it's necessarily indicative of quality, but the 375ml bottling is especially adorable, using the same bulbous shape as the full 750. It's a consistently special treat, just the right size for a tiny victory.

Price: $59.99

Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne

Review Date: 01-17-2017

This sets the bar for spectacular brut rosé! It’s hard to gush about Billecart-Salmon without feeling like you’re piggybacking on critical accolades or following popular opinion, but this best-selling Champagne is worth the hype. Gorgeous rose petal and delicate white peach on the nose, followed by pure strawberry fruit gleaming through the palate, this showcases Billecart-Salmon’s bright style while adding the sophistication of mousse texture and a minerally finish. There’s freshness throughout, plus substance – this would be a great wine to pair with heartier meals like fried chicken, although its elegance makes a glass equally at home with caviar. Tiny creamy bubbles and lovely color only enhance the drinking experience, and cooler, longer fermentation in stainless steel (3-5 weeks!) keeps everything crisp. Billecart-Salmon uses all three big Champagne varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and curiously, more Pinot Meunier than most houses. They have traditionally championed Meunier and the result is a delicate, nuanced wine with depth. Perfect for any occasion, even if that occasion is a weeknight spent on an apartment balcony, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is reliably special.

Price: $89.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)

Review Date: 10-30-2016

An electric rosé! Composed of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Meunier, this expensively-made wine goes through carbonic maceration and the saignée method, with a little still red wine added in. The result is stunning: gorgeous wild berry fruit with delicate bead, bracing acidity and a clean, minerally finish.

Price: $24.99

Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

Review Date: 10-11-2016

From the first sparkly sip, you can tell that the 100% estate-grown Roederer Estate Brut Rosé is special. Full of texture, creaminess, and super effervescence, with orange and bright cherry fruit, this is a fresh rosé with a dry, almost pithy finish.

Price: $32.95

Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 09-27-2016

Wow. Mostly from the 2010 vintage (you can tell by inspecting what’s printed on the cork), this is a field blend of indigenous varietals Arbanne and Meslier, plus Pinot Blanc, and is drinking beautifully. Neroli on the nose, more aromatic and complex than just citrus, and riper fruit through the palate, thanks in part to later-ripening Pinot Blanc. But that orange blossom really comes alive after aging, as Cepages d’Antan is bursting with honeysuckle, white floral, tart lemon, beeswax, and wild honey, plus weighty biscuit notes from a longer time on the lees. The acid is still bright, but what really sets it apart is a slight earthy funk, with interesting rusticity and depth in addition to elegance. A must try for oenophiles, though even casual Champagne fans will enjoy.

Price: $124.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 09-27-2016

An electric rosé! Composed of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Meunier, this expensively-made wine goes through carbonic maceration and the saignée method, with a little still red wine added in. The result is stunning: gorgeous wild berry fruit with delicate bead, bracing acidity and a clean, minerally finish.

Price: $42.99

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

Review Date: 09-20-2015

Easy-drinking crowd favorite “the crab wine” is back! Effervescent and refreshing, this Portuguese classic shows the slightly sweeter side of Vinho Verde but maintains that crisp, beautifully dry vibrancy. A warm weather winner.

Price: $9.99

Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès

Review Date: 07-17-2015

Clean and bright with a soft, elegant mouthfeel, this gorgeous Cava evokes stonefruit without being cloyingly aromatic - more crisp nectarine than peach - and finishes dry. A bottle of this quality goes down so easily, you'll be amazed (and your wallet grateful) that it's less than $14. Time to celebrate!

Price: $13.99

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