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Staff Favorites - Cary Herrman
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Reviews
Billecart-Salmon "Sous Bois" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
A really solid Champagne that punches above its weight. The Sous Bois style brings plenty of richness and depth, with notes of baked apple, pear, toast, and a subtle creamy nuttiness. There’s still plenty of freshness and acidity keeping everything in check. Polished, layered, and very easy to recommend when you want something with a little more weight and complexity.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
A really lovely Rosé with a unique, beautiful color that immediately catches your eye. The nose is just as inviting, with fresh red fruit jumping out of the glass, especially strawberry and raspberry. There’s a touch of citrus keeping things bright, while the palate stays fresh and elegant. Fruity without being overly sweet, and just a really pretty Champagne inside and out.
Price:
$34.99
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Prestige" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
Now this one feels special. A really expressive Champagne with lovely cider notes and plenty of orchard fruit, especially ripe peach. Baking spice notes add some warmth and complexity to the nose, while the palate has plenty of punch and energy. There’s a nice richness here, but the acidity keeps it from feeling heavy. Distinctive, layered, and definitely a step up from the standard Brut.
Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
The Meunier really shines here, giving this Champagne a unique and wonderfully savory profile. Rich, decadent butter notes come through on the palate, but there’s plenty of bright acidity to keep everything fresh and balanced. A little richer and more distinctive than your typical Brut, with tons of character.
Price:
$29.99
Egrot Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
A noticeably different style from the Brut, with a much richer, more expressive nose showing ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and a touch of toast. The palate takes a sharper turn, with crisp acidity and a drier, more focused finish. Rich up front, leaner on the palate, and a fun contrast to the Brut.
Price:
$39.99
Egrot Brut Champagne
Review Date: 10-03-2026
A really easy Champagne to recommend, with a light, creamy style and a lovely, supple texture. Think crisp orchard fruit, soft citrus, and a touch of brioche coming through, with fine bubbles keeping everything fresh. Approachable, balanced, and very easy to keep coming back to.
Price:
$37.99
2024 Anonymous Wine Collective SLO Coast Pinot Noir
Review Date: 07-24-2026
This Pinot is proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to drink well. Punching comfortably above it's price point, it delivers a surprising amount of structure with fine, grippy tannins that give the wine far more backbone than you'd expect. Bright red cherry and raspberry lead the charge, but it's the savory herbal notes that keep things interesting, adding a touch of wild sage and dried thyme that makes each sip a little more compelling than the last. It's approachable on a Tuesday night but has just enough personality to earn a spot at the dinner table. Pair it with roast chicken, grilled seafood, or mushroom risotto.
Price:
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2023 Vigneti Repetto "Quadro" Timorasso Derthona DOC
Review Date: 06-20-2026
This is a refreshing reminder of why Timorasso has become one of Italy's most compelling white grapes. Light on it's feet and almost Burgundian in character, it balances bright acidity with a stony mineral backbone. Notes of citrus zest lead the way, giving the wine a clean, refreshing character, while the palate remains balanced and easy to enjoy from first sip to last. There's a lovely interplay between freshness and texture, making it equally at home as an aperitif or alongside seafood and lighter fare.
2025 La Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé
Review Date: 04-25-2026
A more expressive take on Provence than the usual pale and quiet style. The nose is immediately aromatic, leaning tropical with notes of peach and melon, plus a subtle hint of banana that adds a slightly exotic edge without overwhelming things.
On the palate, it shows a bit more depth than expected. The fruit carries through, balanced by enough freshness to keep it focused. There's a nice texture here, giving it some presence, and the finish is notably long, with those tropical notes lingering in a clean and composed way.
A well put-together rose that stands out for it's aromatics and length while still keeping everything in check. Easy to enjoy, but with enough character to hold your attention.
2023 Antech "Cuvée Eugenie" Extra Brut Crémant de Limoux
Review Date: 04-25-2026
This is the kind of bottle that makes a strong case for skipping Champagne without feeling like a compromise. The nose leans properly yeasty, think fresh bread and a touch of brioche, with a pop of citrus zest that keeps it lifted.
On the palate, it snaps into focus. There is a strong mineral background here, stony and almost saline, pushing everything forward. Citrus and green apple keep it bright, the mousse is tight and energetic, and the extra brut finish lands bone dry and clean. It all feels intentional. No fluff.
The value is the kicker. This drinks with more structure and character than the price suggests. Mineral, a little savory, and easy to keep going back without overthinking it.
2023 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles"
Review Date: 04-02-2026
This bottle is a reminder that Burgundy's "entry level" can still feel like a pretty luxurious place to start. The nose opens with bright lemon curd, crisp orchard apple, and a gentle whiff of white flowers.
On the palate, it's clean and energetic with notes of ripe pear, Meyer lemon, and just a touch of toasted almond. There is a subtle creaminess through the mid-palate, but the acidity keeps everything lifted and refreshing. It finishes with a light mineral snap that keeps you wanting more.
A Burgundy that punches comfortably above it's weight class, this is the kind of bottle that works just as well on a weeknight as it does when you're trying to impress someone who claims they "only drink Chablis". Crisp, charming, and dangerously easy to recommend.
High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 03-20-2026
High West's Double Rye already carries a reputation for lively spice and attitude, but this exclusive single barrel, finished in Moscatel cask, shows a softer, more charming side of the whiskey. The nose hints at gentle sweetness and light confectionery notes, setting the stage for a palate that opens with subtle brown sugar and mellow baking spice. The Moscatel finish seems to round the corners just enough, lending a touch of sweetness and polish without burying the rye's natural character. Bottled at cask strength, you might expect the usual blast of heat, but instead the whiskey arrives quite composed. The texture is light, controlled, and pleasantly clean. All told, this single barrel manages a neat trick. It keeps the personality and spice that make "Double Rye" such a crowd favorite while adding just enough Moscatel sweetness to make it feel a bit more dressed up. This is a playful but polished rye that drinks far easier than its proof may suggest.
Price:
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K&L Liquors' 7 Year Old Every Drop "Living Legend" Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 03-08-2026
The caramel hits first - bold and buttery, like sunshine melting over an old porch swing. It's the flavor of a Midwest afternoon. As it settles, a touch of oak and spice steps in, rounding the edges with a quiet confidence. "Living Legend" fits: familiar, comforting, and just a little golden around the edges.
Price:
$49.99
1999 Domaine de Jean-Bon 26 Year Old K&L Exclusive Bas Armagnac (750ml)
Review Date: 02-08-2026
This Armagnac greets you with a calm, measured presence, inviting you to take your time with the glass. Lively and approachable, it carries a gentle warmth that makes every sip easy and satisfying.
On the palate, there's a subtle mix of orchard fruit, soft honey, and a touch of spice. The flavors unfold naturally, revealing nuance without ever feeling forced. The finish is clean, smooth, and lingering, leaving just enough behind to draw you in for another taste.
What makes this Armagnac particularly enjoyable is its balance: mature and polished, yet never heavy or overbearing. It's a bottle you can enjoy on a quiet evening alone or share with friends who appreciate subtlety. At 26 years old, it's easy to enjoy and even easier to come back to.
Price:
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Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 02-07-2026
This is a Rose Champagne that leans into pleasure and personality. The nose shows a touch of yeast and warmth, hinting at a mildly sweeter profile without ever being heavy. On the palate, it's tasty and immediately engaging, with a gentle residual sugar that rounds things out and a subtle hint of funk that keeps it interesting.
There's a easygoing charm to this bottle that makes it incredibly versatile - equally at home on a beach, a porch, or poured as the centerpiece of a celebration.
It's approachable, crowd-pleasing, and quietly distinctive, this is the kind of rose that disappears faster than you'd expect.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
Review Date: 02-07-2026
This is a rose Champagne defined by finesse, consistency, and restraint. The nose is light and delicate, offering subtle red berry and floral notes that stay firmly in the background rather than taking center stage. The palate follows suit- silky, airy, and very light on it's feet, prioritizing elegance over intensity.
Billecart-Salmon's precision is evident here, with dosage carefully adjusted year to year to maintain the house's unmistakable style. The result is a Rose' that feels polished and reliable, delivering balance and approachability.
Le Rose Remains a masterclass in controlled elegance. It's refined, dependable, and unmistakably Billecart.
Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2006)
Review Date: 02-07-2026
An intriguing and quietly compelling Champagne, Clos Du Mont leans more intellectual than flashy, and I am a big fan! It immediately calls to mind a Sancerre-like profile, but without the sharp edges or overt salinity. Instead, everything feels rounded, composed, and thoughtfully restrained.
The palate is clean and focused, driven by freshness rather than aggression, with a sense of clarity that keeps each sip engaging. This is the kind of Champagne that rewards curiosity: neat, distinctive, and refreshingly different.
Price:
$79.99
2019 Fallet-Dart "Pur Meunier" Champagne
Review Date: 02-07-2026
From the first pour, this Pur Meunier sets itself apart, offering a level of charm and depth that few wines at this price point would ever achieve. Made from 100% Meunier-Champagne's truly indigenous grape-this bottling shows just how expressive and compelling the varietal can be in the right hands. The nose is immediately captivating, opening with tropical dragonfruit, ripe melon, and a lush, creamy note that feels refined rather than overt.
On the palate, it delivers exactly what the aromatics promise: a beautifully creamy texture layered with tropical fruit and a subtle, perfectly judged sweetness that adds richness without tipping into excess. Everything feels harmonious and assured, with Meunier showing it's most generous, confident side.
This is the kind of bottle that quietly steals the show and lingers in your memory long after the glass is empty.
Price:
$69.99
Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-06-2026
A Champagne that sneaks up on you-in the best way. The nose is light and refined, but the palate delivers far more than expected, with real presence and momentum once it hits. Bright citrus and stone fruit give way to a subtle savory edge that adds serious intrigue.
There's a quietly mesmerizing note here. Think sea salt ice cream, where freshness, creaminess, and salinity all intersect. It's polished without being stiff, expressive without being showy, and incredibly easy to recommend across the board.
This is a crowd pleasing Brut with depth, charm, and just enough personality to keep you coming back for more.
A.D. Coutelas "Cuvée Louis Victor" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-06-2026
This is an effortlessly drinkable Champagne that leans into elegance and ease. Light on it's feet with a delicate mousse, it opens with fresh citrus, subtle orchard fruit, and clean, mineral finish that keeps everything feeling bright and lifted.
What really stands out here is the balance. There's nothing overdone, nothing loud, just beautifully composed Champagne that knows exactly what it wants to be. It's the kind of bottle you open when the mood is celebratory but relaxed, where the goal is enjoyment, not excess. Crisp, refreshing, and dangerously easy to return to the glass.
Price:
$39.99
Damien Hugot Rosé Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-05-2026
Damien Hugot's Extra Brut Rose opens with a restrained, pale hue that signals finesse rather than flash. It's a rose that leans into subtlety from the start, setting expectations for a lighter, more delicate expression instead of it's overt power.
On the palate, it's light, lively, and bright, carried by crisp acidity, that keeps every sip fresh. The finish is super light, making it highly drinkable and easy to enjoy glass after glass. This is a rose for those who appreciate elegance over weight, and finesse over theatrics. It's a refined, versatile bottle that would be as charming with a nice seafood pairing as it would be on it's own.
Price:
$44.99
Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes" Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 02-05-2026
Damien Hugot's Grand Cru Vielles Vignes Blanc De Blanc hits all the right notes for lovers of pure Chardonnay expression. The nose is creamy and inviting, carrying subtle banana nuances, showcasing the concentrated character you only get from old vines.
On the palate, it delivers exactly what you want from a Blanc De Blanc. There's richness without sharpness, and a silky texture that leads effortlessly to a clean, satisfying finish. The old vine roots lend an added depth and maturity, giving the wine both structure and and subtle complexity. Elegant, approachable, and unmistakably Chardonnay, this is a Champagne that feels playful, and utterly drinkable.
Price:
$99.99
Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne
Review Date: 02-05-2026
Damien Hugot's "Hommage" 1921 stands out immediately, offering the most compelling nose in their line-up. It's cool, composed, and effortlessly inviting. There's a sense of clarity and poise here that feels intentional rather than showy, drawing you in without needing to raise it's voice.
On the palate, it delivers exactly what you hope for: balance, freshness, and an ease that makes it endlessly drinkable. Polished but never precious, this is a true go-to Champagne. Reliable, refined, and impressive, it's the kind of wine you reach for when you want some you KNOW will deliver.
Price:
$49.99
2016 Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Cramant" Blanc de Blancs Millesime
Review Date: 02-05-2026
The 2016 "Cramant" leans confidently into it's terroir-driven roots. The nose is unapologetically brioche-forward, loaded with fresh bread and pronounced yeast character that reflects both vintage maturity and time spent on the lees rather than excess.
On the palate, it's smooth and composed, carried by good, steady acidity that keeps everything balanced. While it stays true to the Blanc De Blanc playbook, it skips the overt creaminess often expected form the style - opting instead for clarity, structure, and a more linear expression. That restraint works in it's favor, delivering a Champagne that feels serious, refined, and quietly compelling rather than plush. A thoughtful, grown-up bottle that rewards attention now and promises even more with a bit of cellar time.
Price:
$64.99
Damien Hugot Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 02-05-2026
Damien Hugot's Grand Cru Blanc De Blanc Champagne is all about precision and restraint, starting with a neat, focused nose that wastes no time getting to the point. Green apple leads the charge - fresh, crunchy, and layered with subtle florality and a flicker of lime zest that adds lift and clarity.
On the palate, there's a pleasantly neat touch of residual sugar that rounds the edges without dulling the wine's energy. The balance is spot on: bright fruit, gentle sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish that keeps everything polished and composed. This is Blanc De Blanc done with intention. It's elegant, highly drinkable, and quite charming, rather you're easing into an evening or pairing it with something delicately salty.
Price:
$42.99
Damien Hugot Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Review Date: 02-05-2026
Damien Hugot's Extra Brut Blanc De Blanc Grand Cru walks the tightrope between classic Champagne seriousness and bright, modern energy-and nails the landing. The nose opens up with fresh brioche and bakery warmth, quickly followed by crisp pear and green apple that keeps things lively and precise.
On the palate, it's cool, clean, and sharply focused, with a finish that leans almost Sauvignon Blanc-esque in it's freshness and mineral snap. Chalky tension and racy acidity keep everything humming, while the low dosage lets the Grand Cru fruit speak clearly without makeup or distraction. The result is a Champagne that feels intentional, energetic, and refreshingly honest. A bottle for purists who still like a little swagger. It's equally at home with oysters, salty snacks, or a "just one more glass" mentality.
Price:
$49.99
Cambridge "Three Seasons" Gin (700ml)
Review Date: 11-01-2025
A gin that refuses to pick a favorite season. Cambridge's Three Seasons drifts effortlessly from spring bloom to autumn spice, capturing the best of each in a single pour. The nose is bright and floral, the palate smooth and layered - fresh herbs, gentle citrus, and just enough warmth to stick with you. It's elegant without being precious, complex without trying too hard. Perfect for a sunny G&T or a fireside martini.
Price:
$99.99
2021 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Barolo
Review Date: 10-09-2025
It's all about the texture here for me - that firm, almost towel-like grip that dries your palate just enough to make the fruit pop. Then, in comes this wave of soft, red fruit that feels both lush and refined. It's classic Barolo structure with a modern wink - serious bones, but it knows how to have a little fun. Give it a swirl and a minute to stretch, and it turns downright charming.
Price:
$27.99
2019 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Brunello di Montalcino
Review Date: 10-09-2025
That burnished, almost orange hue instantly catches the eye in glass - a sign that this Brunello has a rebellious side. On the palate it's elegant and finely tuned, with bright acidity giving lift to it's delicate frame. What it lacks in weight it makes up for in precision and poise, showing a graceful side of Montalcino that's often overlooked. A quietly confident Brunello that proves power isn't everything.
2015 Nikolaihof "Baumpresse" Riesling Wachau
Review Date: 09-17-2025
This wine is wild - in the best way. Bubblegum notes hit right up front, playful and unexpected, then it settles into this gorgeous layer of honeysuckle and soft florals. The texture is seamless, carrying all that character with ease. It has this almost meditative quality, like every sip slows things down and makes you pay attention. With a decade of age, it's showing incredible grace and depth. Complex, quirky, and totally captivating - just an amazing bottle of wine.
2020 Trimbach Gewürztraminer Alsace
Review Date: 09-17-2025
Surprisingly light for a Gewurz, almost airy on the palate. It shows off this sweet-tart candy character that instantly made me think of Smarties, playful and a little nostalgic. There's a soft floral note in the background, but it never turns perfumy or heavy. The balance keeps it refreshing sip after sip, making it a bottle that disappears quicker than you'd think.
2025 TWR (Te Whare Ra) "SV5182" Gewürztraminer Marlborough
Review Date: 08-07-2025
This Gewurztraminer feels like a floral daydream with a candy-coated edge. Think jawbreaker sweetness wrapped in lychee, rose, and spice - bold, bright, and a little eccentric in the best way. It's natural sweetness and intensity make it a perfect match for spicy dishes, where it cools the heat and brings the flavor to life. A wine that's playful, aromatic, and impossible to ignore.
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