K&L Wine Merchants - Andrew Stevens Reviews

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

Review Date: 05-15-2018

Summer sippin goodness in a bottle. That is what I thought the first time I tried this wine a few years ago and that thought has remained each time I taste it again. Perfect thirst quenching, low alcohol, slightly fizzy sipping goodness. This is the wine to grab by the case and find a reason to open on a beautiful afternoon.

Price: $9.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

Review Date: 02-07-2018

I make no secret of my love of Champagne with plenty of Meunier in it. Something about all that big beautiful fleshy fruit just makes super friendly bubbles for my enjoyment. This is a rich and round style with notes of dried cherry, plum, almond and even a little marzipan in there. There is also some spice and plenty of acid here that makes this a perfect dinner companion.

Price: $24.99

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Eugénie" Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 02-07-2018

New DI Champagne is always exciting to me, mostly because it means I get to taste Champagne and no matter what that is great. Still better when I find ones I really like. This new Rose is definitely our best priced Rose Champagne, but just because it is less expensive does not mean it is less drinkable. Bright fruit with some lovely structure from a little skin contact this all Pinot Meunier rose is a spectacular buy and a tasty bottle.

Price: $29.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Reserve" Brut Champagne (1.5L)

Review Date: 02-07-2018

There is only one thing that everyone in Champagne agrees on, that is their wine tastes best out of a magnum. There are several reasons for this, but rest assured that it is true. Getting to taste Champagne side by side out of different sizes always confirms this, also who doesn't want to show up at a party or event with a large format Champagne? So here we have the best-priced magnum Champagne you will see and it delicious! The extra aging on the lees shows up as big rich yeasty notes with tons of breadth and complexity. There is a lovely golden pear and vanilla note here as well as a dry and long finish. Spectacular bubbles.

Price: $49.99

JS: 90

Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux "Brut de Fut" Premier Cru de Cognac Grand Champagne Cognac 700ml

Review Date: 01-18-2018

This is no light, easy, fruity cognac that I had come to associate with Bouju, this is dark, rich and intense. The nose immediately shows the long slow aging of this spirit, with dried fruit, baked cinnamon, cardamom, and old leather. The power and concentration here are unforgettable, flavors of old oak and concentrated fruit that linger long on the tongue.

Price: $199.99

Piùcinque Italian Gin (700ml)

Review Date: 01-18-2018

There may a problem with this gin in that it goes down a little too easily, dare I say that this is a super crushable gin. A beautiful nose that is resplendent with botanical notes still manages to come off as soft and clean. There is a lovely nutty and floral balance happening here with some sweet citrus and a line of clean acid driving the body. What really struck me about this gin was how the softly sweet floral, almond, bergamot, and juniper all managed to work so well together by giving lots of flavor that is clean and far to easy to drink.

Price: $44.99

Golden Devil K&L Exclusive Dark Navy Strength Rum (750ml)

Review Date: 12-07-2017

Just in time for Holiday party's (and to be honest for a Sunday Funday) this beautiful little bottle of Dark Overproof is exactly what is needed for cocktails, punches, and parties. Seriously, this is excellent, especially given the price, for those who need a good dark and strong rum for winter cocktails. Dark chocolate on the nose with a little coffee on the nose leads to a lighter palate than I was expecting. Caramel and fudge pudding with a rising heat and spice from the proof all come together here. Fantastic!

Price: Hidden

Four Pillars "Faultline" K&L Exclusive Australian Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 10-05-2017

I have been hearing about this gin since its inception and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. Finally our new Faultline gin is here and it is downright delightfully delicious!! The aromatics leap out immediately, but like all of the Four Pillars Gin everything is in balance, lots of different aromas all acting in harmony with each other. There is some fantastic spice notes in here to bolster the juniper and the texture from the nuts adds a wonderful creamy layer. Finally the gin ends with a burst of lemon and spice that keeps the mouth fresh. I was planning on drinking wine tonight but I think I may do Negroni's instead.

Price: $34.99

Baron-Fuenté "Esprit" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 09-29-2017

I recently took a bottle of this home, not having tasted it in a couple of years, and I was struck by just how good this offering from our only Direct Import negociant truly is. The long aging on the lees give this wine a natural toastiness while maintaining plenty of bright acid. Notes of baked apple, creme brulee, and lemon zest make this a wine that pairs with food especially well in the fall. An absolutely lovely bottle from our friends at Baron-Fuente.

Price: $34.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

Four Pillars "Bloody Shiraz" Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 08-30-2017

I was willing to buy this bottle based on the aromatics alone, well that and the fact that Four Pillars seems incapable of making a bad gin. Watching this come in and getting to finally taste it makes me do a happy dance. The aroma juniper, sweet orange, bitter herb, red berry are all present here and hint at the tastiness hiding within this bottle. The flavor here is reminiscent of a SloGin but brighter and drier than most I have tasted. The beauty of the Four Pillars botanicals are still here just surrounded and submerged in sweet red fruit, more spice and a perfect amount of sweetness. I can't wait to try it in a Negroni and I feel I won't even need the sweet vermouth.

Price: $29.99

Paranubes Oaxacan Aguardiente de Caña Agricole Rum (1L)

Review Date: 07-18-2017

Wow, I mean seriously wow. This is one of those spirits that just makes me sit up and take notice. The nose immediately hits you with a fairly big grassy and slightly woody note. However, as powerful as the aromatics here are the body is light and balanced. Beautiful oxidized fruit, a touch of earthiness, much less aggressive than many agricole. Although David has just been sipping it this is the kind of spirit I cannot wait to start making cocktails with. I love when I get to play with something new and this is going to be a very good summer with this spirit I feel.

Price: $39.99

El Silencio Espadin Black Bottle Mezcal (750ml)

Review Date: 06-08-2017

This is a perfect addition to my rotation of Mezcal that I can cocktail with and I am excited to see how it plays in my favorite drinks. The El Silencio has classic big notes from the Espadin, rich waxy rounded fruit with plenty of smoke. This is an unctuous fruity Mezcal that holds nothing back, but not in an overwhelming style. All of that big fruit typically play so well in cocktails and are necessary to stand up to other flavors when I make my Mezcal Negronis. Add to this the fact that the bottle is under $30 and we have ourselves a winner.

Price: Hidden

Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 06-08-2017

Bollinger is one of my immediate go to houses for people looking for a known name that delivers stunning wine for the price. The special cuvee from them is the perfect place to start with this all family owned estate. Lovely fruit notes of early plum, red fruit, and green apple with a little wood and spice are all firmly in balance here. The level of complexity is impressive and the finish is soft but does not fall flat in any way. There is also a beautiful tartness to the wine from the acid that serves to enhance the overall experience.

Price: $69.99

Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 06-06-2017

If you are a Champagne House that carries the name recognition and appeal of Laurent Perrier how do you change your signature offering? Easy, you introduce a wine like the new La Cuvee. Taking on new vineyards and changing the basic cepage Laurent Perrier also decided that a longer lees time was also just what this new cuvee needed. The result being a continuation of what they are capable of and I believe a treat for all of their customers. This new champagne features a slightly creamier nose than the Brut and is filled with delectable stone fruit, cream, and plenty of balancing acid. I am fairly confident that those who are already familiar with this house will be delighted with this change and the handful of people who haven't tried them yet here is exactly where you should start.

Price: $49.99

JS: 93

WE: 91

WS: 91

Yuu Baal Espadin Mezcal (750ml)

Review Date: 02-21-2017

This is one of my favorite Mezcal in the store right now and one of the best I have tasted for cocktails and for its price. The line of Yuu Baal is relatively new to us here at K&L and are a great new find and fit. This company is a negociant of growers and producers actually in Oaxaca, people who know their land and their product intimately. The agave here presents as a soft more fruity style, with a lovely elegant core of smoke and earth. Although it is smooth enough to sip on this is currently my go to for making cocktails because it is so well balanced. The entire line is worth a try, and this is the one to pick up to get you started.

Price: $34.99

Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum Venezuela (750ml)

Review Date: 01-30-2017

This wonderfully rich, but balanced Solera style rum is one of my go to's for those just getting into rum or those who have been long time fans. Dark, warm fruits and notes of toffee are not cloying, but rather they compliment each other and the strong streak of vanilla that brings this rum to a close.

Price: $39.99

WE: 94

Franck Bonville Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 11-21-2016

With so many amazing DI Champagne to choose from it is often fard for me to pick a favorite, fortunately in the Rose category there is almost no competition. Because Olivier Bonville only grows Chardonnay he trades some of his amazing Grand Cru fruit for a little Pinot Noir to blend in. The result is an amazing tart, bright Rose wine that has the length and drive of a Brut but with a beautiful cherry note added. Black and red cherry flavors against a dry blanc de blanc? Yes please, this is a must have for almost any type of Champagne lover.

Price: $59.99

Kilkerran (Glengyle) 12 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 10-21-2016

One of only three active distilleries in Campbeltown, this new offering created in the revamped Glengyle is created using old techniques, and the dedication shows. Beautiful white fruit and spice layer the peat, showcasing the uniqueness of Campbeltown. Lovely layers of smoke move throughout this whisky and bring it to a finish with medium heat and spice. Full-flavored yet balanced, this is a cool new offering for those who love every different expression of peat, smoke, and of course, Campbeltown.

Price: $99.99

Nikka "Yoichi" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 09-21-2016

This may be my favorite offering from Nikka, which is saying something. The whisky opens with fruit, hints of spice, and of course a lovely layer of peat. Unlike some of the other Nikkas, this whisky plays on a more fruity note, loaded with baked pears and green apple, and baking spices like cinnamon and cardamom finish it off. The peat here is more smoldering than outright smoke and adds to the complexity. The lack of age statement here in no way diminishes from how good this bottle is, working well either neat or as a highball.

Price: $89.99

WE: 94

WA: 92

La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé

Review Date: 08-08-2016

Reading over all of the reviews for this delightful bottle of bubbly I realize that I have nothing new to add except to ditto everything that has been said about it. Is it a fantastically fun summertime bottle resplendent with notes of strawberry and citrus and a tantalizing tart taste on the tongue? In a word, yes. Basically this is a perfect little bottle to toast success, friends, BBQ's, picnics, and Monday's with. Enjoy!

Price: $14.99

Michel Couvreur "Peaty Overaged" K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 07-24-2016

For those who missed out on the Compass Box "5th and Harrison" K&L Exclusive, for those who are starting to realize how good blended whiskey can be, or for those who simply love good Scotch here is a bottle for you. From Michel Couvreur comes a truly beautiful peated smoky whisky that is elegant, balanced, smooth, and just so good. A rich nose resplendent with notes of caramel, toffee and a hint of butterscotch lead to a full, rich Scotch. There is a lot of good baked fruit notes here with the peat accenting them and swaddled in smooth smokey notes. Despite the richness of this whiskey it is well balanced and never feels to full of itself and leads the palate to a lovely soft finish that fades slowly. Get a bottle of this now and buy another for a gift. This is completely worth it.

Price: Hidden

Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 06-19-2016

I, like so many others, really like a lot of what Suntory has to offer. There are so many wonderful whiskeys they put out, unfortunately many of these have gotten super expensive and rare. Fortunately, they are trying to fill in the gap with a more everyday whiskey, and the Toki is just the product to do that. A lightly fruited nose reminiscent of caramel apple and vanilla leads to a smooth and somewhat fruity whiskey. Baked apple and stone fruit notes are rounded with touches of vanilla and a somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Low heat finish rounds out the delightful little whiskey.

Price: $29.99

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 05-28-2016

Some people want to reinvent Gin while others simply want to perfect it, at Four PIllars they go for the latter. This has all the elements that make gin so good, citrus, juniper, spices and balances them. Fresh and clean with a dry finish this is the kind of gin you can just keep as the standard, always on hand. Mix it, sip it, prepare it any way you like Gin, just enjoy it.

Price: $32.99

WE: 92

Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 05-28-2016

Complexity and balance is always what I am most excited about in a Gin and this delivers these two attributes. The citrus notes from the limes off just the right amount of snappy citrus to overlay the backbone of juniper. This gin is surprisingly smooth for its proof offering up its power in complexity and flavor as opposed to burn on the finish.

Price: $44.99

St. George Bruto Americano Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur (750ml)

Review Date: 05-24-2016

I am a big fan of pretty much everything St. George Distillery does and one of my favorite things about them is all of their liqueurs and brandies. Seriously, the people over there are never satisfied with just sticking to gin, vodka, or whiskey (although they do all of those things well) and now they have added an Americano! I bought a bottle immediately and it is delicious, as is expected from them this is not an attempt to re-create Campari but rather it's own beast. Clove and cinnamon add a much spicier component to this spirit, with a lovely dry and herbaceous finish. This is delicious on its own or with soda water and a twist and I cannot wait to try making it into a Negroni.

Price: $27.99

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

Review Date: 05-17-2016

This is one of the most highly anticipated bubblies we carry, both from our customers and from our staff. Stone fruit and minerality play against the bright citrus notes and lively acid carries the wine to incredible length without being too tart. This bottle just drinks so well and goes down so smoothly that it always seems a shame that we cannot carry more of it. Pick it up soon because it will sell out fast.

Price: $34.99

Launois "Veuve Clemence" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 05-17-2016

Another Launois that simply drinks far too easily. This cuvee showcases the crispness and cleanliness that I love in Launois' Champagne while also offering length and drive. Light notes of apple and melon layer the minerality of this wine and help it to disappear far too quickly.

Price: $44.99

Launois "Quartz" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 05-17-2016

When I first came to work here I would have people come up and ask if we had any Launois in stock, not being familiar with it I was always curious why so many people would eagerly await their arrival. Now having tasted them I understand why we always sell out of everything we carry from them. The Quartz is light, crisp, clean, and downright crushable if I may use a vulgar term for this wine. The bright acid carries hints of minerality and tart apple and green melon that is still balanced and finished so well. This will disappear fast so it is worth picking up whenever we have it.

Price: $39.99

Launois "Severine" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Review Date: 05-17-2016

This is a new project from perhaps the fastest selling Direct Import champagne producers that we carry at K&L. Aged in oak barrels that they had made from trees that grow right next to their vineyards, the wine shows a very different notes from the crisp cleanness that I have come to know and appreciate in Launois. Notes of vanilla and mocha weight the acid and add complexity to the wine. The finish is long and lingering with hints of roasted coffee. This is a fantastic food champagne for those who love something unique.

Price: $59.99

Charles Ellner "Premier Cru" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 05-17-2016

I love richness and fruit in Champagne and because of that Charles Ellner is a new producer that I am definitely keeping my eyes on. Typically I prefer more Pinot Noir in my champagne to give it that quality, but I was super impressed by this bottling when I tasted it. Although two thirds of it is Chardonnay there is lots of stone fruit and pear notes with a warm golden nose. A little hint of toast and a crisp finish round this bottle out and make it so easy to drink and it is under $40 which is just awesome.

Price: Hidden

Kilchoman "Sanaig" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 05-09-2016

I am so glad I finally got to try a couple different expressions from the newest distillery on Islay, and I am so impressed with this whisky. A lovely whiff of smoke on the nose lets you know you are getting into an Islay; however, the sherry casking lends it a smooth and rich body without being brooding. Slightly nutty and fruity notes play against the smoke and lead to a long finish with low heat. This whisky does not need an age statement at all, it stands up and delivers incredibly well for a newer, younger blend.

Price: $79.99

Ragnaud-Sabourin "Fontvieille #35" K&L Exclusive Cognac (750ml)

Review Date: 05-09-2016

I never drank Cognac before coming to work at K&L and I fear that I will never be able to live now in a place where I cannot get the Cognac we carry. In other words, I have been ruined by the good stuff. Having just tried the Ragnaud Sabourin #35 I do not know where to go from here except for to buy a bottle. It is ridiculously good, complex, balanced, so incredibly smooth. There were a host of amazing flavors present, but honestly I stopped taking notes when I tried it and simply enjoyed it.

Price: $169.99

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-25-2016

From the furthest northeast distillery in the Highland region, Old Pulteney has garnered somewhat of a cult following, and for good reason. This Highland finished in ex-bourbon casks opens with a rather densely fruited nose. Notes of dried apricot lay alongside hints of saline and salt. Underscored by a delicate barbecue smoke, with fairly light heat on the finish, this is a lovely little whiskey to sip on as spring unfolds.

Price: $44.99

WE: 90

Alexandre Le Brun "Tradition" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 12-29-2015

This is a fantastic tradition to get into for those seeking a richer more decadent Champagne. Alexandre gives big name Champagne houses a run for their money at a fraction of the cost. Wonderful bread aromas on the nose and a serious baked fruit middle with hints of spice. Grab one for celebrations or for food and let it impress you as much as it has impressed us.

Price: $34.99

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 11-15-2015

Very smooth creamy rye from Russell. I was taken aback a little when I first tasted this, with how smooth and well balanced this whiskey is. Definitely a good sipping rye that will please the palate of those just getting into this type of whiskey expression, or already love rye whiskey and want something special for the holidays.

Price: $69.99

Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 09-18-2015

The best priced Champagne in our store and an amazing offer especially with the upcoming holidays. This beautiful Grande Reserve has an amazing mid-pallet that is toasty and full with a hint of almond and dried fruit. This makes it ideal as a Champagne to serve with dinner, it has enough weight to enjoy before and with food. Fantastic finish and flavor make for a truly beautiful Champagne and with the price you can afford to pick up several.

Price: $24.99

JS: 90

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