Reviewers
- All Staff Reviews
- Aaron Hughes (10)
- Adam Winkel (97)
- Alex Leonardini (8)
- Alex Schroeder (149)
- Alex Pross (594)
- Alexandre Tweedie (7)
- Amy Monroe (1)
- Andrew Nunes (1)
- Andrew Kitz (1)
- Andrew Whiteley (125)
- Cindy Westby (60)
- Clyde Beffa Jr. (809)
- David Othenin-Girard (335)
- Dejah Overby (147)
- Diana Turk (125)
- Dulcinea Gonzalez (115)
- Gary Lai (56)
- Gary Westby (540)
- Greg St. Clair (389)
- Illya Haase (147)
- 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)
- Miles Philippe (7)
- Neal Fischer (33)
- Ralph Sands (222)
- Ryan Kewin (4)
- Ryan Moses (388)
- Ryan Woodhouse (891)
- Sal Rodriguez (34)
- Scott Beckerley (307)
- Shaun Green (82)
- Thomas Smith (357)
- Tom Martinez (1)
- Trey Beffa (183)
- Will Blakely (26)
- Zaitouna Kusto (3)
K&L Email Alerts
Sign up to receive custom alerts, new arrivals and the latest happenings from K&L Wines
Staff Favorites - Ryan Moses
|
Reviews
2018 Crescere "Ritchie Vineyard" Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 11-09-2023
What a brilliant Sauvignon Blanc. While I often hear comps to Bordeaux Blanc from top-tier renditions from California and Washington, I feel like they often don't deliver at that level. Crescere's Ritchie hits the nail on the head. I'm not sure it delivers the ethereal elegance of Haut Brion Blanc, but to me, it certainly could hold its own on a table with the likes of the top whites from DDC, SHL, or Pape-Clément. Aromatically there's a panoply of stone fruit, but it is the mix of bright acid and rich texture that makes this wine so stunning. Flavors of peach, pineapple, and white pepper linger on a wine that has undeniable depth and persistence. I was a huge fan of this when we first offered. At our current pricing, it is a must-try of the highest caliber.
2015 l'Orme de Rauzan Gassies, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 11-08-2023
I was impressed with this value gem from Rauzan-Gassies. Pure red fruit, a silky texture, and a thread of acidity keep it balanced, and I can help but be struck by how perfectly drinkable and approachable it is at this stage. 2015 has become a bit of a sleeper vintage, and it is wines like this that will have folks looking back for more. Unfortunately, the quality and price here will make it not long for our shelves.
Price:
$19.99
2019 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien
Review Date: 11-06-2023
I've been fortunate to be around some really great wine in the past few years, but few wines have left a consistently strong impression as 2019 Léoville-Poyferré. Tasting last summer at our UGC tasting, it was one that I went back to again and again. I've had it two more times since then, and each time it has been just as brilliant. Perfectly balanced, with deep cassis, fine minerality, and incredible texture, it is a wine of substance and depth. From the aromas to the mid-palate to the long finish, it goes from one nuance to the next. I can't wait to see how this ages, but it is a wine that has so much to give even at this young stage. I can easily imagine that this will go toe-to-toe with the estate's reference-point renditions from 2009 and 2010, but for now it looks like one of their best kept secrets. Don't miss it.
2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 11-06-2023
The aromas show that this is a serious wine, with gravelly notes surrounding deep black fruits, cedar, and pine. Notes of licorice and blackberry envelope the palate, with a notable density and texture. At the end, a burst of fruit comes through on a finish that is lined with velvety tannins. It is a great second wine, but perhaps more impressive is that it is a complex and rewarding Pessac that speaks wonderfully to the vintage and the region in a way that few others can accomplish at this kind of price. I can't wait to see how this ages.
2019 Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 10-26-2023
During a Napa visit where we visited some of the royalty of the region, Dunn's 2019 Howell Mountain stuck out as one of the most complete, delicious, and rewarding wines we tasted. The aromas bring forward a dusty and rocky minerality that leads to pure cassis/Cabernet aromas. The palate is explosive, with layered red fruits that show a great purity and juciness, but backed by plenty of structure. A long extract-lined finish shows impressive textrue and depth. That mid-palate depth of Howell Mountain speaks loudly here as well. This is a wine that's already showing a ton and will be a joy to drink anytime over the coming years. Fans of the estate won't want to miss this, and it still stands tall as one of the best collectible values in Napa. Brilliant.
2022 Domaine Gérard Tremblay Chablis 1er Cru "Fourchaume"
Review Date: 09-14-2023
Classic mineral-cut aromas are easy to get lost in on this Fourchaume, with hints of pear, lemon, and white flowers among many difference nuances. On the palate, there's great freshness and a cut of acidity surrounding flavors of white peach and meyer lemon that carries through a long finish that carries through with a touch of salinity and minerality. A classic Chablis through and through, a great representation of the approachable 2022 vintage, and about as good as a deal as you'll find on 1er Cru Chablis these days.
Price:
$29.99
2018 Koehler Estate "Rebel" Santa Ynez Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Review Date: 09-11-2023
A blend of Cabernet and Syrah, Rebel is a barrel selection of some of their best old-vine parcels, and I found it to be very fresh with impressive purity. There's a bit of juicy red fruits in a wine that is lively, flavorful, and textured. All too easy to enjoy, it is a dynamic red that will keep you coming back for more. This is a fun discovery that folks will want to grab by the case as it is a wonderful cellar defender of the highest order. Whether a crowd-pleasing red or just an every-night charmer, our price is astounding for what's in the bottle.
Price:
Hidden
2021 Realm "The Bard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 09-08-2023
Realm's 2021 "The Bard" continues the trend of delivering a cult-cab experience at a reasonable price, sometimes expressing the kind of depth and complexity of the single-site wines (each of which have their own unique, indelible character). It is striking aromatically, with floral, red fruit, and mint notes that are lined by hints of vineyard soil. A bright core of delicious red-to-black fruit leads to spicy, tangy tannins. Texturally it is rich but balanced, leading to a long finish lined with fruit and oak tannins, notes of baking chocolate, and a hint of acidity. Very expressive even though just recently bottled, this is one that I wouldn't hesitate to strongly recommend for the most discerning Cali Cab buyers, but will also take a few years to round into peak form. It is one for the long haul for sure.
2018 Marimar Estate "Mas Cavalls - Doña Margarita Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Review Date: 09-06-2023
This delicious and balanced Pinot Noir is a spectacular find and will find many fans that will want to come back to it again and again. Luckily, at our current going rate, that will be all too easy. Expressive aromas of red fruits jump out from the glass, leading to a palate that is luxuriously textured, carrying pure blackberry and strawberry flavors through a long finish. There's good structure and acid to keep it lively. A generous but nuanced wine, this is a great representation of the Sonoma Coast, and a flat-out impressive bottle of Pinot Noir. I might just have to stash a few of these away for myself for this holiday season (and beyond).
2019 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough
Review Date: 08-31-2023
It is wines like this that make Ata Rangi one of the most coveted, collectible Pinot Noirs for good reason. About 30 minutes out of the bottle it is already showing a remarkable amount of nuance. The aromas are gorgeous, going from high-pitched blackberry to ripe red strawberry to beautiful bright florals - it just keeps you coming back for more. On the palate, there is a great persistence of fruit and deft balance between spice, texture, and a thread of minerality. A touch of salinity and mouthwatering acidity ties it in. The palate is savory and, of course, a bit primary at this young stage, but it unveils a great promise for where it's going to lead with some years in the cellar. This is serious Pinot Noir that wouldn't be out of place in the Côte de Nuits, but Pinot Noir doesn't have to be Burgundy to be great. It's a wine that you just want to spend some time with, or build a meal around. For fans of structure, minerality, and refinement in elegant Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi's 2019 has so much to offer.
2019 Robert Craig "Estate" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 08-29-2023
I've been lucky enough to try this twice in the past few weeks, and both times it stood out as one of the more distinctive, complete, and site-specific Cabs I've tried in a long time. Both times it stood out as the wine of the lineup for me, against some top-level competition. One of the tastings was right after we visited Dunn, where stylistically it is a different wine, the mid-palate structure and density shows a perfect thread of Howell Mountain character. The aromas show a compelling dusty/rocky minerality that helps add some nuance to the classic notes of cassis, cedar, and vanilla. On th palate it is layered with red to black fruits, with a bit of juiciness that keeps the otherwise structured wine lively and dynamic. The texture is superb, carrying a depth of flavor, fruit, and tannin seamlessly to a long finish. A wonderful expression of the vintage, producer, and vineyard, it far exceeded my expectations and stands for me as one of the best buys in luxury Napa Cab that we have going right now.
2019 Gloria, St-Julien
Review Date: 08-10-2023
2019 Gloria has a ton going for it, and is one of the more accomplished Left Bank wines for this kind of price. Graphite, blackberry, and cedar line aromas that hint at one nuance after another. The palate is coated with pure black fruit, a hint of pepper, and lingering tannins that lead to a long finish with a tinge of salinity that adds a bit of liveliness. It has a lot to offer at this stage, but also feels like a serious wine that will develop wonderfully over the years to come. I'd recommend a long decant or some time in a cool cellar, but I'd also recommend loading up while it's available at this price.
2019 Evidence "Bruadair Vineyard" Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 07-27-2023
It's a bit of a unicorn to see this kind of acclaim for a hand-crafted Mt. Veeder Cab at this kind of price, so count me in as more-than curious. Intense aromas are full of cedar, gravel, blackberries, and fine french oak. On the palate, there is a liveliness and freshness to it, with brighter red fruits at the core, a lingering note of cherry skins and a long, mouthwatering finish. Make no mistake, it is a rich and mouthcoating wine for sure, but there is a lot going on. A complete and flat-out delicious Cab, it is all too easy to recommend this to even the most discerning collector of Napa's great reds. Considering the limited production, it is one to get in on early.
2022 Pichon-Baron, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-12-2023
There is a level of refinement and brightness to the 2022 Pichon Baron that I think brings it to another level. While other previous vintages can be all dark fruit and power, this 2022 takes some of that character but adds a bit of purity of fruit, more textural refinement, and more high notes on the fruit profile. There's also a deep Cabernet character that helps retain a sense of place. I was really impressed with 2022 Pichon Baron each time I tasted it, and I think it will be a noteworthy vintage for a property that has many notches on their belt in the past twenty years.
2016 Le Prieuré, St-Emilion
Review Date: 06-08-2023
One of the great under-the-radar successes in Bordeaux, the 2016 Le Prieuré was produced during the Artemis (Latour) ownership phase and is a bit of a singular rendition from the estate. This is one that's tough to live up the billing it's been given, but does so with ease. There's a purity and focus in this wine, with a good showing of minerality laced between soft black fruits. The super-fine tannins give it another level of sophistication. For those looking for a more elegant and graceful style of St-Emilion that still has a depth of flavor, this is a superb example. Ready to go now, it can be enjoyed anytime in the next two decades.
2022 Palmer, Margaux
Review Date: 06-05-2023
Wonderfully purfumed, with hints of black fruit, raspberries, and black olive. On the palate there is a hint of chocolate and gravel to combine with ripe black cherry, a terrific purity, and a long, spicy finish that plays a bit in savory flavors as well. The Merlot adds another brilliant dimension in 2022, but this is also a wine that leans into the vintage, not one that tries to build around it. For all that, it is easy to argue that Palmer is the finest you'll find in Margaux in the vintage.
2019 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-30-2023
This is a Léoville-Barton that does everything right - it brings forward classic flavors in a modern vintage, speaks beautifully to a sense of place, and over-delivers in the scope of St-Julien and the Left Bank. Beautiful aromas of cassis with a hint of leather and graphite lead to a palate with explosive, deep red fruits, lined with extremely fine powdery tannins that add a dimension of minerality. It is a complex and textured wine that wraps around the palate and doesn't let go. This is an impressive rendition, and one that showed brilliantly alongside two reference-point examples from the estate in recent years—2016 and 2022. It will age beautifully for years, but unlike some other more compact and demanding version of Léoville-Barton, I wouldn't mind drinking it now with a long decant. Fans of the estate, or those looking for a high-upside buy in collectible Bordeaux, should have deep stocks of the 2019 to enjoy over the years and decades to come.
2021 Tan Fruit (Arterberry Maresh) "Cuvée Tan Fruit" Willamette Valley Chardonnay
Review Date: 05-25-2023
As a fan of Arterberry Maresh and Oregon Chardonnay, I was all in when Tan Fruit was released about eighteen months ago. This niche project brings out the best in refined, textured, fresh, and lively Chardonnay, and continues to do so in the terrific 2021 vintage. The Tan Fruit cuvee is new to the portfolio of these rarities, very limited in production and crafted from old-vine sites through the range. Even though it is meant as an entry point to the Tan Wines label, it really brings a ton of the complexity and depth that makes the high-end cuvees so renowned. Light floral aromas combine with a touch of citrus and pear, while the palate unfolds with deeply flavorful but refreshingly light flavors of white peach, kiwi, and melon. At this kind of pricing, it is an absolute champion of one of the most exciting categories in domestic wine (Oregon Chardonnay), and will also thrill those looking for Burgundy ringers or complex, refined Chardonnay from anywhere on the globe.
2022 Malescot-St-Exupéry, Margaux
Review Date: 05-24-2023
What a refreshing visit and what a brilliant wine. There are no frills at Malescot, beyond what's in the bottle, but that more than speaks for itself. Dark blackberry and a touch of vanilla lead the impressive aromas, but it unfurls in the glass with a bit more grace and finesse. The palate is terrifically textured, with a range of black cherry and red plum, leading to very fine and well-judged tannins. There's a bit of sweetness to the fruit that makes it impossible to resist, but lively acidity and a slight spice on the finish keeps it balanced. Their Merlot was so good that all of it made the Grand Vin (40%), with the balance being 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot. This was one of our team's favorites across multiple tastings and could easily be a new benchmark for Malescot-St-Exupéry.
2022 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien
Review Date: 05-09-2023
Deeply colored, Léoville-Barton is very compact and structured on the lead in. The palate is lined with black fruits, but leads to a pop of bright red fruit on the finish, as some of the tension releases with time in the glass. Fruit coated tanins show great balance, while the palate is textured and impressive. There's a ton of depth that leads you to imagine how it will unwind down the road. I can't wait to see where it leads. Certainly a touch on the riper side for Léoville-Barton, but still hits all the classic notes with ease.
2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan
Review Date: 04-13-2023
For a high-upside, collectible value Bordeaux, Domaine de Chevalier is usually a go-to name in the conversation. This 2020 is a case in point, and perhaps one of the best ever from the estate. There is a richness and texture to it, but the purity and freshness of the fruit is what really shines through. Deep red to black fruit flavors surround a core of gravelly minerality, a thirst-quenching wine that leaves you coming back for more. I've had the fortune to taste it a few times this year, and each time was left impressed by how rewarding and drinkable it is even an this extremely young stage. That said, in a cool cellar this will evolve beautifully for the years to come. I'm excited to continue to revisit this one as it evolves, and at our going rate, it's not too tough to get a few bottles to do so. Congrats to the team at Domaine de Chevalier for this brilliant achievement.
2018 Melipal "Ikella" Lujan De Cuyo Malbec
Review Date: 03-30-2023
A fresh, vibrant, and juicy Malbec, this gem is impressive for how light on its feet it is for such a flavorful wine. Bright raspberry and red cherry envelop the palate that finishes with a slight salinity, gentle tannins, and a long finish. Irresistibly thirst quenching, this gem of a find is going to be impossible to resist and just leaves you imaging a warm weather evening with food and friends.
2019 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 02-15-2023
Well known for it's terroir that is sandwiched in between St-Julien and Margaux, Lamothe-Bergeron is a go-to value nestled in the heart of the Left Bank. The composition varies from vintage to vintage, but most years it is an even split between Merlot and Cabernet, with a bit of Petit Verdot to balance it out. Gravelly and deeply fruited on the nose with hints of cedar and currant, it leads to a palate that is balanced with spicy minerality, juicy blackberry, fine grain tannins, and a long, textured finish. For fans of Bordeaux, this will be a brilliant cellar defender while young, but there are enough layers to hint at a wonderful evolution that will unfold in the next ten to fifteen years with ease.
2021 Capiaux "Chimera" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Review Date: 02-09-2023
A go-to from vintage to vintage for a structured Russian River Pinot, this is a wine that's threaded with minerality in a way that harkens to Burgundy, but with a richness of fruit that keeps its Russian River roots intact. Red raspberry and black pepper aromas lead to a palate that is lined with blackberry, orange rind, baking spices, and fruit-coated tannins that lead to a spice-lined finish. It is a great intro to the 2021 Sonoma vintage that will be up there with some of the best, and another reason why Capaiux Chimera stands tall for top-class value. This is one that does wonders in a decanter at this stage, but would be awesome to check in on over the years to come.
2019 Fèlsina "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva
Review Date: 02-09-2023
One of those classic labels that always brings a smile to my face, Fèlsina's Rancia Riserva is a go to in any given vintage, and the 2019 doesn't disappoint. The aromas are lined with a good dose of cedar, mint, and dried cherries. On the palate, a thread of cherry liquor, tobacco, a bit of gaminess, and hints of oak and tangy acidity. It is a deep wine in 2019, broad and textured, with a layer of salinity as well. This will be a fun one to follow over the years - Rancia is known to age well, and this has all the pieces to evolve with style.
2015 Lanessan, Haut-Médoc
Review Date: 01-31-2023
The first vintage that Hubert de Bouard (of Angélus fame) consulted on, this is a turning point for one of the more historical estates in all of Bordeaux. It doesn't hurt that it is also a great vintage in the region. This isn't too far off the old-school charmer that many have adored from the estate over the years, but perhaps with a bit more refinement and polish. A good amount of cassis, licorice, and cedar line the aromas, while the palate is full of crisp red fruit, fine tannin, and hints of leather. Make no mistake - this is still a reserved and classic style of claret that tastes like Old World Bordeaux all the way. At this stage it is certainly ready to drink, but still has more evolution to go before it hits maturity. Either way, the 2015 Lanessan is in a great place.
2019 Bel Colle Barbaresco
Review Date: 01-19-2023
The immediate question here is how good can a Barbaresco be at this price? Coming from Treiso and aged in large format (5,000L) barrels, this results in an elegant, lifted wine. The aromatics are terrific, with notes of blood orange, hints of leather, and red flowers. The palate exhibits good textural finesse, sour cherry, raspberry, and structured tannins that carry an acid-lifted finish. A charming, varietally correct example from the impressive 2019 vintage, this is a wine that achieves a remarkable feat: legit Barbaresco at a weeknight-pasta price. There will surely be plenty of other more dynamic and ageworthy examples from the vintage, but when you can pull the cork on a Barbaresco without thinking twice, at a price that is akin to a Langhe Nebbiolo, it is a real treat for folks that adore the wines of Piedmont and will be a wonderful cellar defender for years to come.
2020 Fuligni "Ginestreto" Rosso di Montalcino
Review Date: 01-02-2023
This is one of those brilliant examples that speaks to the fact that Rosso di Montalcino doesn't have to be always viewed in the context of Brunello, but instead can be a wonderful and different expression of Sangiovese from a talented producer. Fuligni is once again at the top of the list in this category, with a pitch-perfect Sangiovese that unwinds in the glass with some air. A core of deep red fruit, spicy tannins, and a good balance of acidity and depth make it a great food wine at this young stage. This is one that would impress with a bit of time in the decanter or a few years in the cellar, but don't be afraid to pull the cork either. A great value in legit Sangiovese any way you look at it.
Zalto Universal Wine Glass
Review Date: 12-30-2022
After hearing the name Zalto Universal come up in many a serious conversation about the go-to wine glass for collectors and connoisseurs, I was thrilled to see them land on our shelves a few months ago. It meets my three big demands for premium glassware - it certainly enhances the wine, it feels lightweight but balanced, and it is sturdy enough I can put it in the dishwasher and not have to worry about it breaking. They do make specialized versions for Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats an versatile glass that can stand up to the quality of any wine you want to casually enjoy on an everyday basis.
Price:
$78.00
2005 de Sarenceau, St-Emilion
Review Date: 11-07-2022
This was one of those wines that we tasted in Bordeaux and the immediate question was "how much do you have?" 2005 Bordeaux is rare enough these days, but one that's legit, delicious, and available at this kind of pricing is a bit of a unicorn. It's also wonderful to revisit 2005 Sarenceau six months later, and feel just as excited as we did when first tasting it. A broad, deep St-Emilion, it evolves wonderfully in the glass, opening up with a bit of air. Leather, plum, and licorice fill the aromas, while the palate is full of dried cherries and raspberry liquor, fine oak tannins, and wonderful texture. The finish is mouth-coating and carries with licorice and black fruit. In a perfect drinking window, it will be hard to resist pulling corks at this stage, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it age easily for another five to ten years, considering how structured it remains, and how well it opens up after pulling the cork. For this kind of price, it is an unrivaled opportunity on today's market.
2019 Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Review Date: 09-13-2022
Anybody who needs a quick reminder about why many consider Napanook to be one of Napa's greatest collectible buys just needs to spend a few minutes with a glass of the 2019. Composed, layered, juicy, and generous, it carries that slight savory note that is more unmistakable in the grand vin, but many will greatly enjoy the relative accessibility of the Napanook. Waves of black and red fruit lead to ripe but balanced and fine tannins, with a finish that is lifted by a lingering acidty. Crafted from the same exact vines as the flagship $300 release (just the other side of the rows), Napanook is full of character, dynamic, and flat-out delicious.
2019 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Review Date: 09-13-2022
The big question of the day at our most recent visit to Dominus was...what do you prefer between the WOTY 2018 and the new-release 2019. Having to make the comparison was perhaps one of the most enjoyable wine tastings of the year. And, although stylistically they are certainly not the same wine, having a strong preference in either direction was near impossible, as they were both flat-out stunning. Dense, concentrated, and regal, there was more of a savory and mineral inflection to the 2019, although it shows an undeniable sense of place that is the first-growth-caliber signature of Dominus. Textured and long, this is one that develops beautifully in the glass and might be a bit more of a long-distance runner than the 2018. Those that get to continue to make that comparison over the years should consider themselves extremely lucky. What a wine!
2020 Domaine de Fondrèche Ventoux Rouge
Review Date: 09-09-2022
At this kind of price, it is too easy to pull corks and consider it an everyday charmer, but after watching it unfurl throughout the evening, this lovely Ventoux opened up and became a very complex bottle of wine that you want to spend time with. It is one that would have elite Rhône producers looking over their shoulder. Leading with tons of brambly red and purple fruit, a slight garrigue and forest floor note follow, showing great purity and texture that is supported by a solid acidity on a long finish. After a while, it becomes hard to put the glass down. Throw it in a decanter for a few minutes, age it in the cellar, or just pop corks with abandon - either way, this is a stunner from one of our great value producers.
2014 Joseph Swan "Great Oak Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Review Date: 09-05-2022
Joseph Swan labels bring a smile to my face. They are remarkably distinctive and old school, but also are the mark of consistency and quality that makes them stand apart. First off, this 2014 is delicious. Delicate but dynamic, it is bright, fresh, and ready to go right out of the gates. Strawberry, forest floor, and cranberry aromas lead to a palate full of bright red, mouthwatering fruits that lead with cherries and follow with subtle spicy tannins that provide definition throughout the finish. The elegance is admirable in a Russian River Pinot — it doesn't sacrifice anything for its grace. Drinking perfectly right now, I'd also expect it to stay in this sweet spot and continue to develop nuance over many more years to come.
Price:
$29.95
Marietta "Old Vine Red - Lot #73" California Red Blend
Review Date: 07-19-2022
One of the all-time value favorites at K&L, Marietta's Old Vine Red is about as dependable as it gets. Juicy, decadent, but well-balanced, it is a wine that is all too easy to enjoy, but delivers the goods. Compelling aromatics lead the way, with dark, brambly fruits, and hints of chocolate and earth. The palate is lined with black and red fruits, good ripeness, and a lingering mineral-tinged finish. It is texturally impressive, and retains enough freshness to keep it lively. Lot 73 is a surefire winner and one that will be a brilliant cellar defender and crowd pleaser for a long time to come.
2021 Figeac, St-Emilion
Review Date: 06-17-2022
In a vintage that favored Cabernet, it is no surprise that Figeac excelled. With refined aromas of licorice and black fruits, the palate is silky, full of dark chocolate, red fruit, and a thread of acidity that leads to a juicy, lingering finish. With great mid-palate depth, it is a luxurious wine that highlights why the modern generation at this address is simply not to be missed. One of the clear wines of the vintage.
2021 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac
Review Date: 06-07-2022
2021 Pichon-Lalande shows a pure Cabernet essence (88% of the blend) with a traditional herbal note that many find quintessential at the estate. In that, it shows a sense of place that reminds us what address we're tasting at. Compelling aromatics lead to a palate with deep with red fruits, gravel, and fine tannin. There is structure to spare, and it will be interesting to see how it develops over the years. This is also one to consider early, as production is down 70%, meaning an already elusive label will continue to be scarce with their admirable 2021.
2021 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien
Review Date: 06-07-2022
A very well-composed example of St-Julien in 2021, Léoville-Poyferré is bright, elegant, polished, and precise. There is superb texture underneath the red-fruited palate that lingers on a layered finish. It shows uncanny power compared to some of its peers, but still carries itself with the freshness and delicacy of the vintage.
2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien
Review Date: 06-07-2022
What a magnificent wine, and one of remarkable contradiction—how can a wine that shows this kind of depth, richness, and purity only come out at 12.5% alcohol? And for a wine that also is highlighted by fruit, texture, and subtle character, the 100% new oak is all but invisible. 98% Cabernet, it is aromatic, and the palate delivers great fruit, minerality, and finishes long with a slight savory note. No doubt this is one of the top wines of he vintage, and another triumph from a singular estate.
2021 La Gaffelière, St-Émilion
Review Date: 06-07-2022
Delivering a bright and fresh profile, 2021 La Gafflière also shows the remarkable pedigree that's been carefully developed over the past decade. Floral aromas are surrounded by crisp red fruit, highlighted by a high proportion of Cabernet Franc. It is lifted by a thread of acidity and limestone minerality that carries a long finish. The texture and elegance speak loudly. Production is down 20% in 2021.
2021 Montrose, St-Estèphe
Review Date: 06-07-2022
A compact but elegant Montrose, it is a cool and fresh expression from the famed estate that exhibits one nuance after another with time in the glass. Threads of black fruit and minerality coat the palate with a sense of refinement and character that speaks to the pedigree of the property. Certainly not as imposing as other vintages can be, but many will find it all the more charming for it.
2021 Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux
Review Date: 06-07-2022
Good Margaux typicité in this classically styled 2021, leading with impressive floral aromas and cool red-to-black fruits. Light on its feet, it is a pure, focused, and fresh Prieuré-Lichine. This easy-going charmer speaks well to its sense of place, and will be accessible early on.
2021 Cantenac Brown, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
An impressive effort and a tribute to the successes of Margaux in 2021, Cantenac Brown builds impressive depth in the vintage due to a relatively late pick and careful selection. Leading with great floral and black fruit aromas, it leads to a round, ripe palate that delivers a depth of fruit, fine tannins, and terrific elegance. This well-built wine is built around about 10% more Cabernet than usual, and will be relatively accessible in its youth.
2021 Siran, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
Built on a core of bright red fruit, Siran is a refreshing and easy-going example of 2021 that champions elegance and carries itself with an old-school profile that will be easy to enjoy over the years to come. Hints of gravel and tobacco add another dimension to flavors to strawberry and cherries.
2021 Marquis d'Alesme, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
One of the more primary and structured wines in Margaux, Marquis d'Alesme is deeply fruited and complex in 2021. Rich red fruits alongside vanilla and a stony minerality surround the aromas that lead to cassis and bing cherry on a palate that weaves fruit with tannin. There's a lot of substance here and it will be fascinating to taste this again out of bottle.
2021 Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
Purity and typicité headline my notes for Brane-Cantenac, another one of the classic properties in Bordeaux that is really taking things to a next level in recent years. Very layered with a good depth of red and black fruits, it manages to also delivery striking elegance along with fine tannins and measured acidity. One of the great successes of Margaux in 2021, it is another fine chapter in the modern era of a fan-favorite estate.
2021 d'Issan, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
D'Issan is going to find a lot of admirers in 2021, classic Margaux through and through. Violets, cocoa, and graphite aromas lead to a cool, composed, seamless palate that has a core of juicy blackberry and dark cherry. Grippy tannins show a structure that will reward a big of time in the cellar, and a lingering spiciness adds another dimension on the finish. 65% Cabernet in the blend, which is high for d'Issan.
2021 Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux
Review Date: 06-06-2022
Alter Ego was very impressive in 2021. A full 9ha of mostly Merlot that usually goes into the blend was lost to frost, meaning it is a Cab-heavy rendition. The nose is expressive, with floral notes and a stony minerality. On the palate it is dense, with sweet, pure red fruit and a remarkable depth of flavor. Layered tannins cut through a richness to the wine that is noteworthy for the vintage. One of the better second wines from anywhere in 2021, and worth keeping an eye on.
2021 Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux
Review Date: 06-04-2022
Rauzan Ségla has been among the top handful of producers in Margaux for the past decade, and the 2021 follows suit. Focused and pure with a deep purple color, there are floral black fruit aromas along with some oak and spice, and a palate that delivers good intensity and depth. Notes of chocolate surround juicy black and red fruits and lead to fine grain, mouth-coating tannins. A good richness and mid-palate show a composed wine that's cool and classic.
2021 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien
Review Date: 06-01-2022
From an estate that can do no wrong these days, François-Xavier Maroteaux produced one of the more complete, impressive 2021s that will be well worth folks' attention over the years. Aromas of wildflowers and plum develop in the glass, followed by flavors of clean, fresh, and bright red fruit. The acidity compliments the sweetness of the fruit, and it is all tied in with a thread of tannins and structure. It is poised, refined, and should develop with grace over the years to come. A great value in the vintage.