Reviewers
- - Operations Culver City (1)
- Aaron Hughes (10)
- Adam Winkel (97)
- Alex Leonardini (8)
- Alex Pross (633)
- Alexandre Tweedie (7)
- Andrew Nunes (1)
- Cindy Westby (60)
- David Othenin-Girard (334)
- Dejah Overby (147)
- Diana Turk (125)
- Dulcinea Gonzalez (115)
- Gary Lai (56)
- Gary Westby (540)
- Ivan Diaz (48)
- Jacques Moreira (704)
- Jason Marwedel (73)
- Jeffrey Jones (372)
- Joel Nicholas (29)
- John Flanigan (1)
- John Downing (80)
- John Majeski (296)
- Julio Santos (1)
- Kate Soto (11)
- Keith Mabry (432)
- Kirk Walker (276)
- Lilia McIntosh (44)
- Mandana Tourani (12)
- Michael Benoit (7)
- Michael Pires (14)
- Orazio Campoli (4)
- Ralph Sands (222)
- Ryan Moses (451)
- Ryan Woodhouse (891)
- Sal Rodriguez (34)
- Scott Beckerley (307)
- Shaun Green (81)
- Thomas Smith (359)
- Tom Martinez (1)
- Will Blakely (26)
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Staff Favorites
If you’re going to have Robert Parker or Stephen Tanzer over for dinner, selecting a wine they’ve rated highly will be a nice choice. However, when you’re buying wines for yourself, we’d love to see you find wines that match up your unique palate and pocketbook. We have a large staff of friendly and knowledgeable wine professionals that taste hundreds of wines each week. They can put you in touch with bottles that you are likely to love, often at a much lower cost than the highly-rated gems that often see a run-up in price and frequent availability issues. Like any great group of opinionated professionals, our staff has varied tastes themselves. Often our customers will find a particular staff member with a style that corresponds to their own. That concept works extremely well in our retail stores, and this section is our effort to bring you the same online. Don’t get us wrong, we love the highly rated wines from the press and will continue to offer them, but we think you’re missing out if you’re not augmenting those selections with picks from our excellent staff. Here are their favorites. (Click on a name to see their other selections - or to drop them a line.) Cheers! |
Reviews
2022 Domaine Geantet-Pansiot Gevrey Chambertin
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/9/2024 | Send Email
Very deep with dark red fruits baking spices, tart tannins, tart cheery and some cranberry. Bright, with just a hint of forest floor and (very light) tobacco. Quite a bit Gevrey for a moderate price!
Price:
$69.99
2022 Domaine Geantet-Pansiot Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/9/2024 | Send Email
What a wonderful surprise this was on Wednesday 6, November! Bright, crispy, and fun! Tart strawberry and bright cherry fruited, with just the right amount of minerals and faint sea salt. Refreshing and a great value.
Price:
$24.99
2022 Domaine Faiveley Ladoix Blanches "Les Marnes Blanches"
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/9/2024 | Send Email
This brand-new release from Faiveley has a nose of white fruits, white flowers and zippy lemon. These is some oak but, it is quite light, neutral and clean. On the palate, white pear fruit is dominant with a touch of nectarine and more bright, fresh, and mildly acidic lemon flavors. My overall notes say, "bright and tart and lingering".
2022 Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos"
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/9/2024 | Send Email
This Chablis is incredibly complex. With a nose if mellow citrus fruit, clean sea salt and leesy scents, it's super interesting. On the palate, quite mouth-filling with a bit of neutral evident oak and lively bright stone fruits and citrus. The finish lingers and leaves a nice nectarine and green apple aftertaste. It's also a really good candidate for the cellar.
Price:
$119.99
2022 Mike & Molly Hendry "R.W. Moore Vineyard" Napa Valley Zinfandel
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
To be honest, I have a hard time with a lot of zinfandels. I am not really into heavy or (especially!) extracted wines. This Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel is neither of these. Don't be fooled by the alcohol content, it is quite balanced and 100% delicious. There are generous black fruits, cassis, black cherry, blackberry. This is backed up by pretty outstanding acidity and depth of alternating (and graceful) smooth tannins. Super, duper solid!
Price:
$29.95
2021 Eric Kent "Sangiacomo - Green Acres" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
Green acres is the place for me! From a nose of soft citrus fruits, matchstick and Granny Smith apple to a nicely substantive creamy white fruited palate that is neither too heavy nor too bracing. It finishes quite clean and crisp with a very nice lingering acidity.
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2022 Keeler Vineyards "Estate" Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
Certified Demeter/Biodynamic! Crisp and clean, with citrus and green apple scents. On the palate, also largely clean, with lemon cream, green pear and green apple fruit. There is a moderately lingering finish with the ever so slightest bit of clean oak. Pretty amazing stuff for under $15.00!
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2022 Keeler Vineyards "Estate - Teapot Block" Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
This very pretty scented Pinot Noir has scents of deep red cherries, roasted strawberries and background (subtle) baking spices. On the palate, overall, it is quite bright and clean even though it has dark red (and some black) cherry fruit. There is a long finish that has some upper palate chalkiness. Splendid!
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2023 Làmurà Grillo Sicilia (Organic)
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
I recently sat down with our new Italian winery buyer Orazio in San Francisco and he asked me to check out these two new, inexpensive Sicilian wines he had just brought in...and wow! Talk about value....organically farmed, very well made, totally delicious wines for under $10!? Grillo is a bright, fresh, aromatic white variety that is the perfect all-around, everyday white wine. Floral, fresh, juicy, great ripe citrus fruit, zippy acidity and way more persistence on the palate that one might expect at this price point. This is the perfect house white for just about any occasion. With this wine you can also feel good about your purchase as it's certified organic, light weight / low CO2 glass, and the case boxes are made from 100% recycled materials. This wine is really great in so many ways and above all else it totally over delivers for the money.
Top Value!
Price:
$9.99
2023 Làmurà Nero d'Avola Sicilia (Organic)
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/8/2024 | Send Email
I recently sat down with our new Italian winery buyer Orazio in San Francisco and he asked me to check out these two new, inexpensive Sicilian wines he had just brought in...and wow! Talk about value....organically farmed, very well made, totally delicious wines for under $10!? This bottling from Lamura perfectly captures the bold, easy, fruit you want from Nero d'Avola with great purity, polish and balance. Very easy drinking, with a soft supple textures and vibrant lift. Exceptional for the price. With this wine you can also feel good about your purchase as it's certified organic, light weight / low CO2 glass, and the case boxes are made from 100% recycled materials. This wine is really great in so many ways and above all else it totally over delivers for the money.
Top Value!
Price:
$9.99
2008 Port Dundas 15 Year Old "Signatory" K&L Exclusive Refill Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 11/7/2024 | Send Email
First off, we'd never previously consider buying grain so young, but most grain is in 4th+ fill barrel and by 15 years it's so closed to new make it doesn't make any sense to drink for pleasure. But it turns out if you put the same whisky in a good 2nd fill sherry butt, a whole new world opens up. At this price for a distillery that is now demolished to never be distilled again, we had to give it a go. Thank god we did; this is one of the most exciting cross over whiskies to this category we've ever bottled. Let's have a go! The color is a shimmering deep gold (0.8). The nose starts rather bold for a grain with deep toffee and toasted vanilla dominating. There's coconut husk and lemon preserves with hints of greengage and sweet cereal grains. The sherry character isn't very forward at first, but hints of golden raisins and white fudges frosting are extremely pleasurable. Ripping intensity on the palate with green apple and zingy citrus with a spicy finish make me immediately grab the pipette for a splash of water. Now here we are. This takes more than a few drops of water perfectly. With a nice splash, the nose becomes this incredible bouquet of lemon oil, marsh mellow candy, cream custard, sweet green grapes, and Seville orange zest. The incredible benefits of water on the palate are shocking. Extremely rich and textural, which is unusual for a grain. Bright red fruits, cake frosting, vanilla cream, chocolate powder. It's so supple and drinkable now - dangerously so. This will be too much for the uninitiated without water, and while it maybe should have been bottled at 46% for accessibility's sake for all those who don't read this sentence, it can be an overt and delicious experience given some proper coaxing. I pray that most of you find this note and feel free to dump more than a little water in here because once you do the possibilities here are truly staggering and the amount of pleasure you will derive from giving this bottle a chance at this price is immense.
Price:
$54.99
2021 Eric Kent "Sangiacomo - Green Acres" Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
By: Alex Leonardini | Review Date: 11/7/2024 | Send Email
The 2021 Eric Kent "Sangiacomo - Green Acres" Chardonnay hails from the Sangiacomo Vineyard's cool Green Acres block and is a selection of all Hyde clone vines. The result is both distinctly Californian and deeply rooted in old world style. Lemon curd, green apple, and struck flint bring nervy energy to the forefront of the palate but slowly shifts and softens into juicier pear and quince. Just a kiss of new oak (5-10%) lends a hint of baking spice to an otherwise chiseled wine. There is enough creamy texture to pair perfectly with comforting winter foods while retaining plenty of verve and acidity to draw you into each sip. This is expertly crafted Chardonnay.
Price:
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2022 Eric Kent "Small Town" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
By: Alex Leonardini | Review Date: 11/7/2024 | Send Email
The 2022 Eric Kent "Small Town" Pinot Noir is bright and vibrant up front, with tart raspberry, rose petal, and wild strawberry broadening out into creamier red and black cherries in the midpalate. These softer fruits are joined by nutmeg, clove, dried flowers, and forest floor as the site's coastal proximity balances the wine's bright, lifted profile. Fine-grained tannins are perfectly balanced by lively acidity, making the wine both incredibly drinkable and perfectly food friendly.
Price:
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2012 López de Heredia "Viña Bosconia" Reserva Rioja
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 11/7/2024 | Send Email
This is a ridiculous deal for an incredible wine. This is one of the great Rioja Reservas from one of the greatest Rioja producers. It is twelve years old, and this is their current release. It is surprisingly youthful and fresh for its age. Even more so when you hear that this wine spent five years aging in oak barrels. They are a family winery. It is the family aspect of the winery, and the keeping of their families' traditions, which makes it so special. They have been making wine the same way for over a hundred years! With tweaks here and there, but the current generation is creating wines with the same vision as the great grandfather. They believe in what they are doing and have not changed in that time. The world and wine fashions have changed around them, and they have stayed their course. Like the best artists, they make the art for themselves, an audience will eventually find them. I am very passionate about their wines.
What makes Bosconia great is the aromatic balance. You pop the cork, and everything is there. This is Rioja. There is the earth, the leather, the mulled fruit, and a mellow spice. There are some high tones and deeper darker tones, but it is all integrated and balanced, nothing stands out. This wine is composed upon release. I guess that is to be expected when the current release is 2012. This wine spent 5 years in barrel and then has been resting in bottle since. I am grateful for that. On the palate the balance shifts a little, in the best possible way. The fully integrated fruit on the nose takes the lead and becomes the canvas for all those other flavors. Dark cherry fruit is the core of this wine, and it is here where I think Bosconia becomes Bosconia, the core of this wine rounded, think more like a Rhone or Pinot than a Cabernet. It is on that curve which shines. All that spice, earth, and leather move around it, it gives this wine, especially with the intense youthful quality of its fruit, a particular energy. It has a surprising concentration; it builds on the palate and then blossoms on the very long and very nuanced finish. What I love about this is it is not a showstopper wine. You notice and appreciate it immediately but the more time you spend with it, it just gets better and better. It quietly forces you to pay more attention. What a wine! This is the season for this wine. Think braises, stews, and roasts. Beef, pork, duck, or mushroom. Something rich and savory. This wine still has a long life ahead of it, it is 12 now but I can easily see this wine being delicious beyond its 25th birthday. I know I will be hiding a few bottles away for that day.
2019 Bel-Air "Cuvée Jean & Gabriel" Lussac-Saint-Émilion
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 11/6/2024 | Send Email
From Lussac-Saint-Émilion, this cuvée from Château Bel-Air is crafted to showcase the best of the appellation's terroir and old vines, with the expertise of renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. The first thing to notice is its pitch-black color, followed by deep aromas of tar, cedar, and blackberry. On the palate, the wine has density, yet a freshness and levity that provide balance. Composed of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc grown in clay soils, it evokes a Pomerol-like texture. Black and red fruits mingle on the palate, framed by fine, structured tannins that are well-managed, leading to a long, textured finish. This is a wine that continues to evolve with each sip, revealing new nuances every time I return to the glass. A brilliant value, Château Bel-Air’s 2019 Cuvee Jean & Gabriel captures the essence of the Right Bank in a stellar vintage, delivering it beautifully.
2023 Alain Corcia "Saint-Antoine" Chablis Vieilles Vignes
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 11/6/2024 | Send Email
This is the most affordable Chablis I have seen in a very long time. We have stocked the wines of Alain Corcia for many, many years and they never really fail to deliver. In this case, we have a solidly built Chablis that has the required minerality along with some nicely juicy stone fruits and citrus fruit flavors. The mid-palate falls to the fuller side, with very nice white peach and lemon cream flavors. The 2022 vintage of this wine was a huge success and sold out very quickly!
Price:
$24.99
2023 Alain Corcia "Saint-Antoine" Chablis Vieilles Vignes
By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 11/6/2024 | Send Email
A great example of how much fun the 2023 Chablis vintage is going to be the 2023 Alain Corcia Saint Antoine Chablis Vieilles Vignes is a fabulous offering. This wine is loaded with aromas of seaspray, citrus and we stone while the palate has electric energy and lift with zippy tannins, notes of iodine and citrus zest. A high-toned and fresh Chablis that is drinking great right now!
Top Value!
Price:
$24.99
2021 Fletcher "Recta Pete" Barbaresco
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/4/2024 | Send Email
Wow. This was a totally stunning bottle from Dave Fletcher. While I've had my fair share of Nebbiolo made in Australia, tasting a Barbaresco made by an Australian in Italy is a first. And goodness, is this good. Aromatically, this hits the nail on the head for traditional Barbaresco. Rose, crushed stone, and Clementine all make appearances here with a subtle, gamey expression that hums beneath. But what I really love about this wine is the palate. Powerful and yet accessible, the acid screams through this wine--perfect for food--while the tannin expression is typically softer and fine grained compared to most of the Barbaresco out there. This is an easy grab off the shelf that would be the perfect accompanyment for a homemade dinner. Bravo!
Price:
$44.99
2019 World's End "CrossFire - Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/4/2024 | Send Email
We knew that on election day we would need something eye-popping to really grab folks' attention...so here you go: 95-point Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cab for $59.95! That's just shy of $100 off the wines SRP...that's 60% off! Missouri Hopper is one of the most prime sites in all of Napa Valley. It sits on the western bench of Oakville surrounded by other legendary vineyards including Ulysses, Vine Hill Ranch and Dominus just across the border in Yountville AVA. This more southerly part of the valley is becoming even more sought after as vintages get warmer and warmer. Missouri Hopper is perfectly positioned in Napa's sweet spot. The wine really illustrates it's combination of prime Napa terroir with Bordeaux inspired winemaking - big, bold, luscious fruit, creme de cassis, blackberry, boysenberry, espresso, cocoa powder, toasted oak spice, but then tobacco leaf, camphor, even cedar tones. It's nice to have some savory varietal character holding in there amongst all the hedonistic fruit and exotic oak. Thanks to our Insider's Advantage program, this is a seriously satisfying Cabernet that delivers a Cult Cab experience for an everyday price point. We loaded up on this almost too good to be true deal, as it's destined to be a best-seller, but, when it's gone it's gone for good.
Top Value!
2010 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Gran Reserva Rioja
By: Kirk Walker | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
Now this is a special occasion wine that needs no special occasion! Gran Reserva is a special style of wine, they are not made every year because not every year does the wine have the ability to spend the time in oak to qualify for the category and come out the other side as not too oaky. This wine, at 14 years old, has come out the other side of the time in oak and additional time in bottle like it was nothing! What do you mean? There is a crazy amount of still fresh dark berry fruit to this wine. It takes a second to find it, you have to look past the ridiculous complexity of the spice, mixed fresh and dried herbs, leather, exotic woods to find it but it is there, and once you find it, it just grows and grows and grows. What a nose! There are only a handful of wines from around the world that can offer such an aromatically complex nose, and not at this price point! It is on the palate that you get a sense of the age of the wine. It is in the softer tannins, the round mellow settled-in thing that happens with older Rioja. It has an ease to it, you can tell that it does not want to try and impress you. You get it or you don't, that's fine with it. There is still a freshness to the dark berry fruit too. It is medium weight, mellow and complex. This is a wine for hanging out and nibbling on some cheese or a really great, simply prepared cut of meat.
Price:
$29.99
2019 Gian Luca Colombo Barolo
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
The 2019 Gian Luca Colombo Barolo is a great representation of a producer who is becoming famous in Barolo with his innovative approach and dedication to quality. Gian Luca Colombo is a talented winemaker recognized as one of the best. New face of the region has brought a new approach to traditional Barolo winemaking and his philosophy focuses on minimal intervention. Meticulous vineyard work and a close connection with the land. As a result, the wine is expressive, balanced and true to its origins…
Colombo's winemaking journey began with a passion for Burgundy. Emphasizing Nebbiolo's elegance, precision and pure expression, it focuses on small-scale production and practicing sustainable viticulture. He manages to extract the best from his vineyards while respecting the environment. Every decision from fermentation in the cellar to the careful aging of the wine is made. This is done to preserve its integrity and unique properties.
The 2019 vintage showcases the classic characteristics of Nebbiolo, with aromas of ripe red cherries, raspberries and dried rose petals. Along with more subtle notes of licorice, spice and earth. The palate gives the wine medium- to full-bodied, fine-grained tannins.
For those who appreciate Barolo's uniqueness and modernity, Gian Luca Colombo's 2019 barolo is a must-try. It pairs perfectly with classic Piedmontese dishes like braised beef or truffle risotto. But there is also the potential for more sophistication to develop over the next decade. Colombo's work is a tribute to the future of Barolo, where tradition meets progression.
Price:
$64.99
2020 Brovia "Rocche di Castiglione" Barolo
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
The 2020 Brovia "Roche di Castiglione" Barolo is a stunning representative of Nebbiolo from one of Barolo's most revered single vineyards. The Roche di Castiglione vineyard is known for producing refined wines. Stunningly luxurious and profound. And the 2020 vintage from Brovia is no exception. This wine showcases the beauty of traditional Barolo, with balance and terroir-driven complexity at its heart.
The wine has sweet aromas of ripe red cherries, crushed rose petals and hints of wild berries. Perfectly blended with notes of licorice, truffle and a touch of earth. Medium aroma to full flavor on the palate. With delicate tannins and lively acidity, the flavors are multi-layered and complex. The core of the fruit is bright red. Enhanced with delicate herbs, spices and minerals. The wine's structure and balance help it last longer. This makes this wine ideal for aging.
Brovia, an ancient estate known for its commitment to traditional winemaking. This allows the vineyards to express themselves fully in Barolo. Situated in Castiglione Faletto, Rocche di Castiglione benefits from a unique location. which gives the wine a strong and elegant flavor. and makes it stand out among the Barolos.
2020 Brovia "Garblèt Sue'" Barolo
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
The 2020 Brovia "Garblèt Sue'" is a lively expression of Barolo Nebbiolo, delivering both the power and intensity of the famous Garblèt Sue' vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, which is well known for its ability to produce Barolos.
On the nose, the wine reveals layers of black cherry, raspberry and ripe plum. Together with notes of dried rose petals, licorice and spice. The palate is full of rich flavours. With rich yet refined tannins that beautifully frame the fruit. There are earthy tones and hidden minerals that add complexity. while bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and balanced. Finished with a long and continuous taste. It combines fruits, spices, and a subtle spiciness. It evolves with each sip.
Brovia's commitment to traditional winemaking is on full display in "Garblèt Sue'" Barolo. The vineyard's topography provides beauty and structure. This results in wines that are approachable despite decadence in their youth. But it can also age beautifully for the next decade or longer. The wine's depth and complexity are perfect for classic Piedmont dishes such as braised meats, truffle dishes. And the rich flavor of risotto.
For those interested in a Barolo that combines intensity with balance, the 2020 Brovia "Garblèt Sue'" is a stunning choice. It is a wine that reflects the care and precision of Brovia's winemaking, delivering the truly enticing flavors of Nebbiolo from one of Barolo's most respected vineyards.
2020 Brovia "Brea Ca' Mia" Barolo
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
The 2020 Brovia "Brea Ca' Mia" Barolo epitomizes the incredible depth and complexity that Nebbiolo can achieve from the famous Brea vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, known for producing structured Barolos wines. Powerful, "Brea Ca' Mia" reflects the boldness of this place and the elegance that Brovia brings to winemaking.
The nose opens with harmonious aromas: ripe red cherries, black plums, wild berries. Coated with earthy notes of tobacco, leather and truffle on the palate, the wine is full-bodied. With rich tannins, balance and structure, giving and lively acidity. Flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and spicy herbs blend with a touch of minerality. It gives the wine power and complexity. Finished with a long and gradual taste. Happens every time you take a sip. It has aromas of spice and earth on the palate.
Brovia's dedication to traditional winemaking is reflected in the 2020 "Brea Ca' Mia" Barolo. The vineyard's location in Serralunga di Alba is known for producing rich, aged wines. Barolo's longest standing gives Barolo the structure it needs for extended wine aging.
Berlucchi "61" Franciacorta Extra Brut
By: Mandana Tourani | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
Ah! the freshness and joy trapped in the bottle.
This wine makes me want to drink every night!
On the nose, there are pleasant brioche and toast.
There’s also hints of citrus fruit, dried figs, white flowers and nutty aromas.
You can pair it with many dishes such as Salads, Fish, any charcuterie platter or
just let it be your pajama wine on a lazy night!
2022 Comte Louis de Clermont-Tonnerre (Corcia) "Cuvée Patricia" Ventoux
By: Mandana Tourani | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
Not a hidden fact at K&L how much I LOVE this wine.
It is mostly Grenache grape and a touch of Syrah.
Dark and inky, full body, ripe blackberries, baking spices, abundant mouthwatering fruits, juicy and inviting.
I have not gotten bored with this voluptuous red even though I have been drinking it for the past few years.
And the price!! unbelievable.
I pair this wine with steak! Yes, I have that much faith it it.
Price:
$14.99
2018 Lienert Vineyards Shiraz Barossa Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
This is the signature wine from Barossa Producer Lienert. Sourced from their hilltop vineyard surrounding the family home, the “House Block” is planted in rich red clay soils over limestone on a northwest-facing slope extending from the highest point on the estate. You can almost smell the red clay earth in this glass. Slight notes of black pepper, cassis leaf, fully ripened cherry, and savory undertones are present. Decadently fruited on the palate, this wine leans slightly back towards medium-bodied with a prickly tannin structure and a long, resonating finish. Anyone who enjoys wines from Torbreck or Ben Glaetzer would appreciate the Lienert Shiraz. An exceptional value at its price.
Price:
$19.99
2021 Lienert Vineyards Mataro Barossa Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
I absolutely loved this Barossa Valley Mataro from James and John Lienert. This Mataro is neither the big, brawny style of Mourvèdre found in Bandol nor the newer, light-extraction examples from current California producers. It strikes a middle ground, emphasizing bright, fruity character in contrast to the variety's darker, meatier aspects. Made in a semi-carbonic style, this Mataro brings juiciness to the forefront. Charcoal, braised meats, black cherry, and touches of clove and anise compete on the nose. On the palate, more pronounced notes of black cherry, fresh fig, and strawberries emerge. It’s a unique take on Mourvèdre/Mataro that is best served with a slight chill.
Price:
$19.99
2022 Lienert Vineyards Grenache Barossa Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
The Lienert Vineyards Grenache Barossa Valley phenomenal wine. Their estate Grenache is fully destemmed, cold-fermented with wild yeast, and aged in hogsheads with approximately 15% new oak. This wine is a clear example of the new, lighter, and medium-bodied Grenache trending in the Barossa. It’s stone-cold delicious, with sweet and sour strawberry notes at its core. Medium-bodied with crunchy tannins, it offers an abundance of sweet fruit in a light package with a mild touch of tannins at the finish. A gorgeous wine for a fall afternoon on the porch, it’s simply delicious Grenache.
Price:
$19.99
2020 Sons of Eden "Studium" Montepulciano Eden Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
One of the most exciting wine stories coming out of Australia right now is South Australia’s embrace of Italian varieties. There’s over 28 different producers of Nero d'Avola in the Barossa at this moment. In addition to Sangiovese, Aglianico, Fiano, among others. The Studium series by the guys at Sons of Eden is an opportunity for them to lend their exceptional skills to try and experiment with new varieties, like their "Studium" Montepulciano Eden Valley. The typical hallmarks of their styles are all here: boldness, concentration and generous fruit, and along with elements of charcuterie, plum preserves adorning a vertical structure with acidity that hits at all the right moments. A great example of the unique and exciting Italian variety wines coming out of the Barossa.
Price:
$34.99
2022 Sons of Eden "Notus" Old Vine Grenache Barossa Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
While we've seen lighter style Grenaches starting to become trendy in places like California and South Australia, the Sons of Eden "Notus" Old Vine Grenache Barossa Valley tends to shift in the other direction. This is a gorgeous, classic take on Grenache that hits the nail on the head for a dark, concentrated expression of the variety that calls to mind the great wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but stays true to its South Australian Character.. Sourced from three old-vine vineyards with a staggering average 80 year old vines across all three properties. There’s a clear note of smoked meat coming across on the palate along with strawberry liquor, bergamot and wildly dense concentration. The sweetness of fruit carries clear across the palate to a finish accented by crunchy tannin and resonating flavors of black cherry and boysenberry.
Price:
$34.99
2021 Sons of Eden "Cirrus" Riesling Eden Valley
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
In many ways, the Eden Valley is defined by Riesling. While Shiraz typically tends to take the lionshare of attention, the Eden Valley has been quietly putting out world-class Riesling that represent the best of what Australia has to offer. The Sons of Eden Cirrus Riesling is a single-vineyard Riesling from the Eden Valley Subregion of High Eden, which as you can expect is one of their highest-altitude sites. Incredibly floral, with notes of Jasmine and honeysuckle above traces of red fruit, lime juice and lemon zest. Racy doesn’t even begin to describe this. Lean, powerful, rip-roaring acidity with a mineral laden back end. A no-holds-bar Riesling that’s stunning and hits all the high notes.
2021 Oakridge "864 Henk Aquaduct" Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 11/3/2024 | Send Email
We were lucky enough to get a small allocation of the of the 864 Single-block release Pinot Noir from Oakridge's exceptional Henk Vineyard. This is a single block of Henk Vineyard perfectly situated mid-slope for ideal drainage. Named for the subterranean aqueduct that runs right through the center of the vineyard's red, volcanic soils, The Aqueduct Block has all the hallmarks of the standard Henk offering, but gives so much more. Built for aging the fruit expression sits entirely in the black fruit category. Depth and complexity abound here, with a rigid structure that make this a cellar-worthy bottle that will show its best a few years down the line.
2021 T Berkley "Ophelia" Sonoma Valley Cabernet Franc
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 11/2/2024 | Send Email
OK, I'll admit, this wine had to work hard to impress me...I'm not a huge fan of Cab Franc in general, or at least I'm really picky about which ones I like to drink. Many can be really green and herbal, while others (especially in Napa) can get very ripe and exotic, but lack the grounding that Cabernet Sauvignon's muscular structure gives similar bombastic wines. Well, this wine hits the sweet spot right in between the two. The Ophelia still captures the elegant, fragrant aromatics of Cab Franc but without any overpowering, weedy, green, pyrazine characters. Subtle bramble leaf on the nose with hints of lavender and dried herbs. The fruit is perfectly ripened with lovely blackcurrant and mulberry fruit. Hints of cigar box, damp leaves, graphite, and potting soil. Super fine tannins, very refined and silky, perfect balance and proportion. Such a beautiful, versatile wine with tons of class and refinement. I can totally see why Decanter went gaga over this bottle, it really is a charmer. Drink now, or anytime over the next decade at least.
Top Value!
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Xavier Vignon "Arcane Le Fou" Vin de France
By: Keith Mabry | Review Date: 10/31/2024 | Send Email
Xavier Vignon continues to stun with each of his releases. Having worked with top growers as their consulting winemaker for almost two decades, Vignon has access to the best fruit. The Arcane series is unique in that it is informed by Xavier's beginnings in Champagne. Fractional blending, different sites, different clones, different vintages are just some of the tools he uses to make a sum-greater-than-its-parts blend.
Le Fou is primarily Grenache from a multitude of interesting clones, all from his favorite terroirs. There is Ventoux, Rasteau and of course, Châteauneuf. This is a lusty bottle of wine with deep Chambord and kirsch flavors. It is opulent, but like all of Xavier's wines, it has balance. Not heady, just sumptuous. With so many interesting wines from this producer this year, including the 2001 and 1972 Châteauneufs, is there room for something like this? How can there not be? This is something new and exciting to behold!
Price:
$24.99
2020 Guarachi "G" Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Carlo Delgado | Review Date: 10/31/2024 | Send Email
First whiff, deep plums, fresh ripe blackberries, shaved dark chocolate, cedar, roasted almonds, dark coffee, and cigar leaf. On the palate, juicy, intense, structured, with a touch of espresso on the powerful, spicy finish. The addition of Malbec, and it's signature dark fruit character really shines on this wine.
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Pierre Paillard "Les Parcelles" Grand Cru Extra Brut Bouzy Champagne
By: Dejah Overby | Review Date: 10/31/2024 | Send Email
The color takes on straw yellow but you can see a hue of pink. The aromas are of red Bartlett pear, caramelized ginger, pink grapefruit, clementine, plum tart and toasted sesame seeds, all expressed in a harmonious way. The mouthfeel is elegant and brimming with substantial minerality, chalk and medium plus acidity. For the price this over achieves in its category and over-exceeds in flavor. Enjoy with lump crab cakes with a drizzle of saffron aioli.
2019 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
By: Ryan Moses | Review Date: 10/31/2024 | Send Email
Lynch-Bages' 2019 elevates all the elements I adore about the property. Aromatically, it feels like it could come from nowhere else but the heart of Pauillac. On the palate, it is deeply concentrated yet never heavy, with seamless tannins and incredible texture. The wine boasts remarkable length, and while it’s only hinting at its potential right now, it is accessible enough to offer plenty of enjoyment, even at this early stage. Jean-Michel Cazes once told me that his wines should be thirst-quenching and refreshing, leaving you constantly reaching for the next glass. This 2019 embodies that style and serves as a beautiful tribute to what he crafted over the years. The 2019 Lynch-Bages will long be remembered in the pantheon of greats from this remarkable estate, and thanks to the vintage, it is also incredibly reasonably priced.
2021 Fletcher "Recta Pete" Barbaresco
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 10/31/2024 | Send Email
Who would have thought? An Australian wine producer that produces some of the purest Barbarescos!
David Fletcher's 2021 release "Recta Pete" Barbaresco is an unexpected gem. Proving that his passion for Nebbiolo knows no bounds, with roots in Australia and a heart firmly planted in Italy, Fletcher has embraced Italian winemaking traditions. It showcases his simple style and deep respect for the Piedmont...
It's real Barbaresco, made up of dark cherries, ripe plums and layers of rose petals. It's fortified with structured tannins and a mineral finish.
Fletcher ferments 100% stemless grapes using a low intervention method. Every ounce of Nebbiolo's charm and aging is preserved for 24 months in ex-300 liter barrels.
The result? A Barbaresco that is true to Italy but with an Australian spirit. It is a classic and refreshing wine.
Perfect for anyone who wants to know where tradition meets unexpected twists. So if you're looking to try Barbaresco with an Australian twist? This one is worth the amazing price. Grab it while you can - David Fletcher's "Recta Pete" is a Nebbiolo with a new story to tell!
Price:
$44.99
2019 Lester Family Vineyard "Domingo" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 10/30/2024 | Send Email
Lester Vineyard is one of the jewels of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small but might estate sits in the southern foothills of the mountains near the farm town of Corralitos. Just a few miles from the Monterey Bay, a heavy coastal influence drenches the vines in daily fog and very cool temperatures. The mature vines, a diverse mix of heritage selections and Dijon clones, grow in extremely sandy soils and are expertly tended by legendary Santa Cruz Mountains viticulturist, Prudy Fox.
Lester Family Vineyard's approach to creating wines is somewhat unique. They take a selection of fruit from across the estate and give several different winemakers the opportunity to craft a wine that is their own expression of how the fruit speaks to them. Whilst a strong signature of the estate's terroir is shared across the wines, each has some unique and interesting characteristics that reflect the choices of the respective winemaker.
Lester's "Domingo" is crafter by Emiddio Justin Massa whos resume includes stints making wine for Santa Lucia Highlands icon Roar, Mansfield Dunne, and Bravium. Whilst still reflecting Lester's cool climate terroir, the "Domingo" has a little more fruit concentration than the "Brando" bottling. Pristine cherry, and pomegranate are spiced with clove, star anise, and dried citrus peel. A silky mouthfeel and wonderfully polished texture works nicely with the medium bodied nature of the wine. As the wine flows over the palate some more complex forest floor and sous bois elements mingle with the wonderfully pure fruit. Our deeply discounted, Insider's Advantage pricing is just incredible on these two wines and should not be missed by any fans of elegant, cool climate Pinot Noir.
Top Value!
Price:
$19.95
2019 Lester Family Vineyard "Brando" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
By: Ryan Woodhouse | Review Date: 10/30/2024 | Send Email
Lester Vineyard is one of the jewels of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small but might estate sits in the southern foothills of the mountains near the farm town of Corralitos. Just a few miles from the Monterey Bay, a heavy coastal influence drenches the vines in daily fog and very cool temperatures. The mature vines, a diverse mix of heritage selections and Dijon clones, grow in extremely sandy soils and are expertly tended by legendary Santa Cruz Mountains viticulturist, Prudy Fox.
Lester Family Vineyard's approach to creating wines is somewhat unique. They take a selection of fruit from across the estate and give several different winemakers the opportunity to craft a wine that is their own expression of how the fruit speaks to them. Whilst a strong signature of the estate's terroir is shared across the wines, each has some unique and interesting characteristics that reflect the choices of the respective winemaker.
Lester's "Brando" bottling is made by celebrated winemaker Ian Brand. Choosing to pick his parcels of fruit quite early, Ian really leaned into the savory, foresty elements you can capture with Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir. Crunchy red fruits, dried spices, pine needle, forest floor, chaparral, camphor, truffle and dusty earth. At just 12.2% ABV, this wine is certainly a more savory style that will appeal to folks who relish earthier, more restrained styles without bombastic fruit. Our simply incredible Insider's Advantage pricing shouldn't be missed and is truly phenomenal for wines of this caliber.
Top Value!
Price:
$19.95
2023 Andreola "Mas De Fer" Rive di Soligo Valdobiadene Prosecco Superiore
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 10/30/2024 | Send Email
Andreola "Mas De Fer" Rive di Soligo Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is a stunning example of the heights Prosecco can reach when created with dedication and a close connection to the land. Andreola is a family-run winery founded in 1984 by Nazzareno Pola and has been a leader in showcasing the best of Valdobbiadene. Today the winery is guided by his son Stefano Pola and the estate continues the tradition of producing high-quality Prosecco wines while embracing modern winemaking techniques.
The "Mas de Fer", a prized sub-area within Valdobbiadene, consists of grapes grown on the steep slopes of the Rive di Soligo. The word "river" refers to the region's steepest and most challenging vineyards, which must be harvested by hand due to the difficulty of using machinery. These hills contain ancient glacial clays and alluvial soils that give the wines outstanding minerality and complexity. The altitude helps gain freshness by the cool mountain air. It also helps the grapes ripen, increasing the intensity of the aromas and freshness of the grapes.
This wine is an expression of the elegance of these unique conditions. It has bright aromas of green apple, pear and white peach with subtle floral and citrus notes. The bubbles on the palate are subtle and long-lasting. This creates a creamy texture that balances the wine's bright acidity with a clean, mineral flavour. For those interested in Prosecco that goes beyond stability, Andreola "Mas de Fer" offers a complex experience that captures the essence of the terroir. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood, a light salad, or creamy cheeses.
Price:
$21.99
2021 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir Central Otago
By: Thomas Smith | Review Date: 10/29/2024 | Send Email
Over the years at K&L, we’ve loved the wines from Akitu. This small, boutique producer is one of only a handful of producers making wines in Wanaka, located in the deep north of New Zealand’s Central Otago. They only produce Pinot Noir, and the A1 is the best wine they make. On par in quality with wines from the region that can cost $50+, the A1 is an absolute head-turning wine that is off the charts in its freshness, vibrancy and power.
This wine has an enormously powerful aromatic profile with all the hallmarks of beautiful Pinot Noir: fresh cranberry, rich black cherry, and brambly blackberry are all perfectly in focus here. Secondary characteristics of baking spice and clove provide wonderful support, while increasing depth and complexity.
At a sip, there’s a stunning tension created by the vibrant acidity, which seems to reach every corner of the palate, complementing its velvety, dark fruit. Typically, the A1 is made for ageability–with slightly higher percentages of whole cluster as well as new French oak. But the 2021 vintage marks a departure from the more rigid tannin expression of previous releases, and is easily the best and most drinkable A1 we’ve encountered on release.
The ‘21 Akitu A1 is an absolute joy to drink, as I sit here writing up the wine from my dining room, I can barely put down the glass to jot a few words. Seriously, it’s that good. For anyone that loves California Pinot Noir–make sure to try a bottle of Akitu’s A1. You’ll be absolutely stunned by how good New Zealand Pinot Noir can be.
Top Value!
2019 Lester Family Vineyard "Brando" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 10/29/2024 | Send Email
An incredibly interesting and exciting project is taking place at the Lester Family Estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains: two to three different winemakers are given fruit from the same vineyard and terroir, and are then tasked with vinifying their own unique and personal expression and spin on the vineyard and its fruit. The "Brando" expression from the 2019 vintage is made by famed vigneron Ian Brand of I. Brand Family Wines, showing off a racy, acid driven style of high-toned, delicate Santa Cruz Mountains style. Clocking in at only 12.2% ABV, Brand was able to have his Pinot Noir express a flashy form of freshness — lifted and exalted notes of brisk kirsch, gentle Dolcetto-style sour cherry, with tense touches of green tomato leaf and forest foraged herbs. If you're a fan Santa Cruz Pinot and Mountain wine in general, the purity of fruit here is absolutely unbeatable, and our current pricing is just as unbeatable!
Price:
$19.95
2021 T Berkley "Ophelia" Sonoma Valley Cabernet Franc
By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 10/28/2024 | Send Email
I love Cabernet Franc, I love Sonoma Valley, I love this wine! Densely layered with purple flower petals, fresh tilled black earth, and gorgeous shades of dried fruit and harvest preserves. A tannin structure that reminds me of a walnut liqueur like Nocino - drying and tingly, but these tannin transition back into the semi-bitter notes violet flowers, enhancing a greater picture of depth and layering. Fig spread, pine thistles, fir tree tops, and not a single note of bell pepper or poblano (the classic pyrazines that can sometimes turn consumer off from Cabernet Franc), so if you're a Franc skeptic, Ophelia might just be able to change your mind entirely on the varietal - Favorite Cab Franc of the entire year here for me, just dead-set delicious!
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2019 Lester Family Vineyard "Domingo" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 10/28/2024 | Send Email
An incredibly interesting and exciting project is taking place at the Lester Family Estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains: two to three different winemakers are given fruit from the same vineyard and terroir, and are then tasked with vinifying their own unique and personal expression and spin on the vineyard and its fruit. The 2019 "Domingo" expression was made by Emiddio Justin Massa, who worked previously at Roar Cellars and Mansfield Dunne. With great experience under his belt, Massa received his fruit from Lester Family and carefully crafted it into a juicier, slightly fuller style of Santa Cruz Pinot Noir. Freshly squeezed black cherries transition to savory herbs and grilled oyster mushroom - the balance of "sweet" juicy fruit to savory herbs is very well in line, never feeling fruit-dominant or overly herbal. This sweet & savory dichotomy is packed to the brim with warm oven spices, creating a pinot where every gear is clicking along in stellar fashion - a lovely take on Lester Family's fruit!
Price:
$19.95
2020 Guarachi "G" Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
By: Alexandre Tweedie | Review Date: 10/28/2024 | Send Email
Due to the high stress of Atlas Peak's elevation and intensely low vigor volcanic soils, Gaurachi was able to harvest their small yielding 2020 harvest just a few weeks before the outbreak of the Glass Fire, saving this pristine fruit from smoky demise and ultimately crafting a stunning bottle of pure Atlas cabernet. Pouring into the glass almost darker than midnight, the sheer intensity that this mountain top site provides the fruit is immediately evident - eclipsing layers of heady blackberry and jet-black forest fruits, surrounded with a masculine tannin structure that feels big but very well integrated. Pervasive and forward minerality punches up the dark fruit of the palate, like a #2 pencil that scrawls out notes in espresso powder and blackberry crème. This is one of the *best* Napa wines from the 2020 vintage that I have tasted to date, nothing feels adjusted or hidden to fix a notion of smoke taint - this wine is pure, smoke free, and truly delicious.
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2023 Làmurà Nero d'Avola Sicilia (Organic)
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 10/28/2024 | Send Email
You don’t have to splurge to enjoy a taste of Sicily—especially when it’s as delicious as the 2023 Làmurà Nero d’Avola, all for just $9.90! This organic Sicilian gem brings bold flavor without the bold price, making it an easy win for any wine lover looking to savor the island’s most famous red grape.
Expect rich aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and a hint of warm spices, all mingling with a subtle earthiness that transports you straight to Sicily’s rugged landscapes. On the palate, it’s smooth and juicy, with a touch of Mediterranean herbs and a finish that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more. Nero d’Avola thrives in Sicily’s warm climate, and Làmurà has captured that sunny energy in this bottle.
Price:
$9.99
2023 Làmurà Grillo Sicilia (Organic)
By: Orazio Campoli | Review Date: 10/28/2024 | Send Email
Who says you can’t get an amazing Sicilian wine for under $10? At just $9.90, the 2023 Làmurà Grillo Sicilia is an absolute steal! Fresh, organic, and Sicilian through and through, this wine brings the sun-kissed vibes of Sicily straight to your glass without breaking the bank.
From the first sip, it’s bursting with bright citrus, juicy green apple, and a hint of tropical pineapple, all wrapped up with a lively, refreshing finish. There’s also a subtle touch of Mediterranean herbs in the mix, adding a little taste of Sicily’s wild landscape. Grillo, one of Sicily’s star white grapes, thrives in the region’s warm climate, and this organic beauty from Làmurà captures its freshness and flavor in the most delicious way possible.
Price:
$9.99
2019 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 10/26/2024 | Send Email
The 2019 Bordeaux, as a whole are quite scary! Scary because they are relatively drinkable right out of the bottle! This gorgeous Leoville Poyferre has round black fruited nose with background baking spices and flowers. It is richly beautiful with purple fruits and heady cassis. Milk chocolate with cinnamon spice. Generous but, not too heavy. Pretty much a wowza!