K&L Wine Merchants - Will Blakely Reviews

2022 Overshine "Chalone Vineyard" Chalone Pinot Noir

Review Date: 07-07-2026

Another addition to our array of top tier Pinot at yesteryear's prices. This carries all the beautiful characteristics of Chalone vineyard fruit, including vibrant acidity, breadth of fruit, and a refreshing mineral quality. Black cherry, preserved strawberry, and pomegranate mingle with dried herbs and a savory, mineral-laden finish. The sort of wine that has you coming back for more until you realize you need another bottle. Get a few now, because inventory is unlikely to last long.

Price: Hidden

2025 Anonymous Wine Collective Oakville Sauvignon Blanc

Review Date: 05-19-2026

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

Price: Hidden

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

Review Date: 05-19-2026

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

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2025 Little Book "Chapter 9 - None for Granted" Blended Straight Whiskey

Review Date: 09-09-2025

The Booker's lineup remains one of the most famous in the bourbon world, and the highly coveted Little Book releases continue to spark fervor among enthusiasts. This latest edition is no exception and expertly showcases the quality of Beam's whiskey stocks and their blending prowess. This mix of 7-11 year bourbons and a cheeky 8 year rye starts with gooey caramel, toasted vanilla, charred wood, cinnamon and clove. The first pour feels a bit primary with the ethanol making itself apparent, but with enough air in the glass (and maybe a drop of water), the whiskey reveals a more suave and sophisticated nature. Glazed and grilled peach, praline, dusty rickhouse, and a more rye-focused spice start to draw attention from the bold oak, resulting in a long and complex finish worthy of the name. Don't take the fact that we got a decent allocation for granted; these won't last much longer.

Price: $149.99

Barton Distillery 1792 "Full Proof" K&L Exclusive Barrel #267 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 09-02-2025

Arguably the most prized of Barton's lineup, the Full Proof presents as unadulterated a look at the house style as we'll ever see. The fruit trends toward the darker side here, with fig and black cherry, with more intense spice and wood character. Where the BiB sweetness felt more akin to nougat, this reads as caramelized turbinado. The exhale here makes me feel invincible like I could drink this all day and never suffer adverse effects, though obviously at 62.% alcohol, this one is best enjoyed in small pours and even smaller sips. The perfect evening sipper, it really makes me crave a cigar and a sunset view. And once again, an uncanny value that won't last forever.

Price: $54.99

Limit of 6 per customer

Barton Distillery 1792 "Bottled in Bond" K&L Exclusive Barrel #263 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 09-02-2025

Barton's 1792 barrel program remains one of my favorite to this day because of the value and variety on offer. Among their core lineup, the Bottled-in-Bond is typically my favorite for its balance providing both richness and sufficient structure to back that up. The nose starts promising with a delightful mélange of vanilla, marzipan, toasted oak and just a whiff of clove. From the first sip to the last, the palate delivers delicious flavors of maple, nougat, peach cobbler, and the hallmark Barton caramelized banana, all framed beautifully by deep, venerable oak. With just enough spice on the finish to remind you this is Kentucky spirit, it serves as a steadfast reminder of the quality coming from this underappreciated facility. It's growing increasingly hard to imagine finding better or older bourbon readily available at this price point.

Price: $44.99

Limit of 6 per customer

Isle of Harris Sugar Kelp Infused Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 08-26-2025

A product so instantly appealing that it became an overnight sensation, Isle of Harris Gin exceeds expectations in every metric. The remote distillery quietly distills some of the finest spirit in the Scottish Isles, and while their whisky only recently came on the scene, their gin has been a longtime favorite of everyone lucky enough to taste it. Classic hallmarks of good quality gin like fresh citrus, juniper and roots are held aloft by the exquisite distillate. The mouthwatering texture and salinity amplify other flavors beautifully, resulting in the best version of whatever cocktail in which you use this. Of course, it fares well in a martini, or with soda or tonic and a twist of your favorite citrus, but rarely have I so enjoyed sipping gin neat or with a slight chill. And with gorgeous packaging to boot, Harris Gin should be on everyone's home bar. Considering this originally cost $60, you can't afford not to buy it.

Price: $44.99

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 08-05-2025

One of the most exciting whisky releases of the last year, Kanosuke finally comes to an approachable price point, and I could not be happier. The quality on display here is unrivaled in Japanese whisky at this cost. It even gives single malt Scotch a run for its money. The nose starts strong with big oak and vanilla, but there's more nuance than apparent at first whiff. White flowers, tropical fruit, candied citrus and confectioners sugar lie just beneath the heavy base notes. The palate is soft but structured, offering far more complexity than you could expect from relatively young whisky. Peaches drizzled with condensed milk, sweet grain, toasted oak and a kick of spice make the first impression. But a thread of saline and earthy umami from the coastal aging and the recharred shochu casks counter the sweeter flavors and round out the whole package. What keeps me coming back though is the elegance and purity of it. This will strike some fans of Japanese whisky as odd or strong, but I believe it hits all the hallmarks that separate Japanese malt from Scottish. It's perfectly composed without a single note out of place. I dare say it will convert some Scotch drinkers who thought Japanese whisky too light or too expensive, because at the end of the day, it's just exceptional whisky.

Price: $79.99

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old Unpeated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (blue wrap) (750ml)

Review Date: 03-01-2024

This was such a pleasure to taste, and worth the long wait for its release- a golden gift from the gods. Heady aromas of sweet grain, orange oil and peach skin float elegantly out of the glass. The palate delivers glazed peach and apricot, almond pastry and Manuka honey. Though unpeated, it is distinctly Islay with its sea salt and slightly mossy profile. The rich texture and sweet, endlessly lingering finish suggest dessert wine casks played a prominent role in the aging of this exquisite spirit. Any Scotch fan will be instantly smitten, and I think this would make an enticing entry into the category, though anyone who starts here would be spoiled for life.

Price: $169.99

WA: 94

Casco Viejo Blanco Tequila (1L)

Review Date: 07-28-2023

To make a long story short, not only is this is the best blanco tequila under $30, but it also outperforms most brands at twice the price or more. The long version involves going back to the beginning of tequila as a regional style of spirit. Jose Cuervo was the first major tequila producer in the middle of the 18th century, and at the time, most of the agave was coming from the lower lying regions now known as El Valle. One hundred years later, the valley was saturated with agave fields owned by large companies, so producers trying to enter the market were increasingly looking to plant agave in the previously undeveloped mountain areas. The Camarena family began doing so in the 1880's, ultimately leading to building their distilleries and the brands we see today. El Tesoro de Don Felipe and G4 are headed by two Camarena brothers who struck out to build their own tequila brands, while the main family estate makes Casco Viejo, and they do it in the most traditional style you'll find at an everyday price point. Roasted in brick ovens rather than high-pressure steam vats, fermented over the course of days and weeks rather than hours, and bottled without the use of chemical additives, this is pure and authentic tequila. As we typically get from the highland style, the flavor cooked agave comes accented with lifted citrus and subtle floral tones. A hint of pepper and dried mountain herbs brings some savory influence, and the finish is clean and refreshing. It hits all the right notes. Not just margarita fodder, it's unbelievably enjoyable to sip neat, even more-so to serve as ranch water. When the cost of everything coming from Jalisco is only increasing, treat yourself to something that turns back time, delivering historic quality at a long-forgotten price point.

Price: $21.99

Hakata 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Aged Fukuoka 100% Barley Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-16-2023

One of the most exciting and promising Japanese whiskies in years, Hakata should be on everyone's radar going forward. With the insane and continued price increases on age-stated Suntory offerings, it's refreshing to find something that's actually worth the price it commands. Honestly, this is the sort of whisky Yamazaki 12 wishes it could be. Pure barley with full sherry flavor, and at a price that almost feels nostalgic. What's not to love? But this stands on its own merit independent of comparisons to the over-hyped names you're familiar with. What sets it apart is the unique process to break down the barley; rather than a traditional malting process, which can create funky, savory flavors, they use koji (not the berry, but a microorganism commonly used in sake production) to break down the barley more efficiently. An added benefit of this method is how it allows more of the clean, fruity character of the barley to come through, while retaining the mouthwatering umami of the grain. Complimented by rich sherry, it is a true delight to drink. If you like those higher-priced items and lament the bygone days when you could buy them with no hesitation, you owe it to yourself to try this.

Price: $99.99

Cascahuin "Tahona" Blanco Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 02-18-2022

Cascahuin has been one of my favorite producers in tequila since I first sipped tasted their entry level offerings years ago. Their traditional process creates spirits leaps and bounds ahead of most competitors in terms of quality and flavor. Effortlessly balanced and expressive, this entirely tahona-pressed bottling in particular exhibits everything that most blanco tequilas aspire to be. Rustic aromas of dusty herbs and dry earth instantly evoke the region from which this hails. The taste is unbelievably refined, with pure agave sweetness taking center stage, supported by fresh white pepper and chamomile. The finish shows darker fruit tones and a satisfying earthy counterpoint to the ethereal flavors up front. A lingering hint of roasted meat makes this endlessly satisfying to drink. Purists should always have this on the shelf, and those looking to take a step up in the category should look no further.

Price: $69.99

Inverroche "Amber" Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 11-18-2021

Whenever people ask for unique gins either to offer as gifts or expand their collections, my first instinct points immediately to Inverroche. The amber especially offers a complex and intriguing profile that you won't find elsewhere. Somewhere between an Old Tom style gin and a barrel aged dry (though there is no wood involved here), it offers all the juniper and floral character of the brand's Classic gin but with added weight, fruit and spice. Golden apples, teak wood, cinnamon, anise, and honey all meld together to create something indescribably satisfying and wonderfully distinct. Though the cocktail applications are nigh endless, I would love to have this in a modified cobbler where it replaces the amontillado.

Price: $40.99

St. George "Baller" Single Malt California Whiskey

Review Date: 11-12-2021

This whiskey marks a particular milestone for me in my spirits journey, as it was one of the first esoteric bottlings that challenged my preconceptions about the category. At once delicate and brash, this project showcases the creativity and innovation at work in St. George's oeuvre. Salty, sweet and tart all at once, it boasts nectarine and pluot tang appointing a body of golden cereal malt with a savory and satisfyingly smoky finish. The first sip takes you past the fruit, revealing its softer floral tones that compliment that rich malt, all the while warming the palate with pleasant spice. A cocktail enthusiast's dream, to be sure, this also makes a great gift for any fan of fun whiskey who is looking to branch out.

Price: $49.99

Leopold Bros. "Summer" Limited Edition Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 08-09-2019

Personally, I remain adamant that if you're going to use a gin in cocktails, it should be perfectly palatable without adulteration. Leopold's Summer Gin accomplishes that feat with aplomb. It smells like a summer breeze through a picturesque garden complete with citrus trees on the outskirts. The juniper here is ever-present, but by no means aggressive. Clean, fresh, and right on the mark in every respect, it carries its weight with poise and finesse, but there's nothing pretentious about it. This gin would do just as well with a single ice cube as in an extravagant cocktail that looks like a peacock in a Collins glass and costs you an arm and a leg in Hollywood. I highly recommend picking up a bottle before it hibernates for the winter.

Price: $34.99

Mortlach 16 Year Old "Distiller's Dram" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Review Date: 03-10-2019

This is a much more serious bottling than the 12 Year Old, to be sure. The wood influence is ramped up considerably, leading to mature and complex flavors. Layers of dried fruit, cocoa, red berries, savory herbs -- thyme and fennel -- precede dense oak and ample spice, finishing with a meaty salinity and lingering notes of flaky pastry. The 16 Year packs a lot of sherry and malt character into a surprisingly affordable package.

Price: $99.99

WA: 91

Mortlach 12 Year Old "The Wee Witchie" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Review Date: 03-06-2019

This makes for a fantastic introduction to the Mortlach line, showcasing vibrant fruit while retaining that savory, meaty character that fans of the distillery know and love. A youthful nose promises good, balanced acid while teasing orchard fruit. The palate delivers ripe apple, golden raisin, toasted oak and vanilla. There's a nuttiness here that rounds out the profile, providing umami throughout the whole experience. Overall, this is a fun and tasty dram for a great price.

Price: $49.99

McKenzie Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 11-29-2018

From Larceny to Weller, David Nicholson to Pappy, wheated bourbon has always put a smile on my face. McKenzie's bottled-in-bond offering makes an impressive addition to the list. Alluring aromas of nuts, bananas and roasted corn make a pleasant enough first impression, but tasting this reveals a plethora of tropic fruits and soft spice. The sweet cereal grain is contrasted nicely by citrus peels and bright acid. With a good body and relatively long finish, this should fit nicely into any whisky collection.

Price: Hidden

Compass Box "Story of the Spaniard" Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2018

This latest release from Compass Box reflects the mastery of their blending techniques in a bottle everyone can enjoy. Cozy scents of sea air, marzipan and apricot greet you immediately, imploring you to sit and savor the dram. Though relatively light in body, it provides impressive concentration of flavor. Its complex charactger pairs candied citrus and salty caramel with delicate spice and a savory finish. I consider myself fortunate to sample such a friendly, generous whisky; I encourage you to treat yourself to a taste.

Price: $64.99

WE: 93

Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Review Date: 06-22-2018

The Three Wood beautifully showcases the movement away from age statements and toward creative cask finishes. On the nose, it immediately offers enticing aromas of dried fruit, orange peel, caramelized sugar and ample spice. On the palate, it tastes full and complex despite its three distillations. Vanilla and dry sherry dominate at first but give way to soft tones of toffee and raisins. Typical of lowland malts, the finish brings a lingering nutty sweetness, but with a hint of charred wood. Altogether, it makes for an endlessly enjoyable dram that satisfies most any palate. I highly recommend this bottle for fans of bourbon or Irish whisky trying to break into Scottish single malts. It's also a great pick for scotch drinkers looking for something new in a sherry-focused style.

Price: $69.99

WE: 94

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