K&L Wine Merchants - Michael Pires Reviews

Huchu Homare (JoTo) Watari Bune Ferry Boat "Liquid Gold" Ibakari Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml

Review Date: 11-25-2023

A phenomenal Junmai Daiginjo from the Ibaraki prefecture. Rich with aromas of banana, pineapple, melon, orchard fruit, and anise. Pure and elegant! A world class sake to be remembered!

Price: $119.99

Limit of 3 per customer

2018 Evidence "Immaculate Vineyard" Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

Review Date: 11-18-2023

A powerful, concentrated Cab with notes of dark berries, tobacco, cedar, and mocha. Full bodied with fine grained, grippy tannins. A wonderful example of Coombsville Cabernet!

Price: $94.95

JS: 96

WE: 95

JD: 94

2023 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau

Review Date: 11-17-2023

A classic Beaujolais Nouveau that is red fruit forward with purple flower notes interlaced. This Noveau has less herbaceous notes than most of the other Noveaus I have tasted this release, so this would be an ideal Noveau for those looking for a more fruit dominant expression.

Price: $15.99

2020 El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza

Review Date: 11-17-2023

A fantastic Chardonnay with notes of orchard fruit, pineapple, pie crust, honeysuckle, and lemon. This chardonnay is well balanced with bright acidity and a long finish. It will be hard to find a better Chardonnay for the price!

Price: Hidden

2021 Stolo "Estate" SLO Coast Pinot Noir

Review Date: 11-14-2023

Another fantastic example of quality SLO Pinot Noir that is red fruit forward with bright acidity, no oak character, chalky tannins, and a light herbaceous finish. Those that enjoy a lighter style of Pinot Noir will enjoy this.

Price: Hidden

RP: 95

WE: 93

Real McCoy 12 Year Old 100th Anniversary of Prohibition Tradition Single Blended Barbados Rum (750ml)

Review Date: 10-26-2023

I am a big fan of this limited release from Foursquare! I really enjoy the flagship Real McCoy 12 year when I can get my hands on it, but this higher proof version (100 proof instead of the usual 80 proof) has much more complexity and weight that I wish the 12 year always had. Notes of molasses, honey, baking spices, cacao nibs, and tobacco on the nose and palate. Smooth, aromatic, and heavy on the palate with a long finish. This is a must grab for any fans of Foursquare and a great purchase for any bourbon fans that are interested in exploring rum.

Price: $49.99

Caol Ila 14 Year Old "Dramfool's Middle Cut" Cask #313321 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-21-2023

Richer, slightly more concentrated, and weightier than the 313329. Orchard fruit and sweet grain are persistent the entire time with iodine and smoke showing, but never dominating the palate. Adding a few drops of water really made this cask shine. This will be the go to choice for those looking to try a bolder Caol Ila release.

Price: $139.99

Caol Ila 14 Year Old "Dramfool's Middle Cut" Cask #313329 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-21-2023

Oily texture and good weight on the palate. Starts out with smooth, sweet barley and orchard fruit character along with smoke, iodine, and pepper notes that crescendo in intensity from mid-palate to finish. A unique expression of Caol Ila that fans should enjoy.

Price: $139.99

2010 JMWP (Worthy Park) 12 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Jamaican Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 10-21-2023

A fantastic release of limited (275 bottles) Worthy Park rum at a solid price. Persistent hogo funk from start to finish with tropical fruit notes dominating at the beginning that drop out and make way for the underlying earthy, peppery notes to shine on the back end. The body has an oily texture to start that shifts into a waxy finish. This Worthy Park goodness clocks in at 114 proof, giving the rum weight and a bit of a kick mid palate.

Price: $60.00

Lighthouse Gin Yen Ben Lemon New Zealand Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 10-15-2023

A fun, modern-style gin for those that enjoy citrus forward gins with very little juniper character. Great on its own, but will shine in cocktails like Martini or Saturn.

Price: $49.99

Hotaling 21 Year Old California Apple Brandy (750ml)

Review Date: 10-04-2023

Another hard to miss deal with the Hotaling 21 year! I love the Hoatling 4 year, but the 21 year is a completely different animal. More delicate and complex than the 4 year with notes of pear, vanilla bean, koji, marmalade, and baking spices. This just gets more and more complex as it opens up. Wonderful apple brandy from California!

Price: Hidden

WE: 91

Angel's Envy "K&L Exclusive" Cask #230367 Private Select Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml)

Review Date: 09-06-2023

Another exciting K&L barrel selection! Notes of caramel, vanilla bean, baking spices, plum, and dark cherry. Adding a few drops of water brings out the port characteristic more. Overall, a smooth Bourbon that showcases the beauty of finishing Bourbon in port barrels.

Price: $89.99

2018 Marimar Estate "Mas Cavalls - Doña Margarita Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Review Date: 08-27-2023

Silky smooth Pinot Noir. On the nose and palate, red berry focused with floral and herbaceous undertones. The finish has a pleasant peppery and umami finish to it that I really enjoy. Would pair wonderfully with salmon or grilled chicken dishes.

Price: Hidden

JD: 92

JS: 92

WS: 92

2020 Catena Zapata "DV Catena - Tinto Histórico" Red Blend Mendoza

Review Date: 08-16-2023

This Argentinian red blend includes Malbec, Bonarda, and Petit Verdot, and pays homage to an old blend produced by the Catena family in the 1930s and 1940s. The nose generously shares notes of violets, plum, cocoa, and sweet tobacco. On the palate, notes of violets, red berries, plum, and leather can be found. This would be a great wine to pair with tri-tip, smoked brisket, pork butt, and mushroom dishes.

Price: $17.99

DS: 94

JS: 93

VN: 93

Bozal Tepeztate Mezcal (750ml)

Review Date: 08-09-2023

Delicious Mezcal from Agave that grows on the sides of cliffs. Floral and fruit forward with some light smoke on the back end of the palate. Light bodied with minerality. A smooth and price-friendly introduction to Tepeztate!

Price: $59.99

Nashville Barrel Company 8 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel #2770 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 08-09-2023

I was pleasantly surprised by this bourbon! Big and complex with notes of maple syrup, toasted walnut, baking spices, orchard fruit, and Demerara sugar. The body has a smooth, oily texture that packs a punch upon the first few sips. Great Bourbon that is well worth trying!

Price: $119.99

2019 Evidence "Bruadair Vineyard" Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

Review Date: 07-27-2023

I was excited to see this come in! Delicious, mind-blowing Cab at an incredible price! Rich, full-bodied, and complex with notes of black currant, espresso, sweet tobacco, baking spices, and purple flowers. I had tried the 2017 about a year ago and had enjoyed it immensely, but I love this vintage even more.

Price: $124.95

JD: 99

JS: 97

WS: 96

2011 Highland Park 10 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" Cask #5434 First Fill European Oak Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 07-26-2023

Limited to 599 bottles. This is a must grab for any Highland Park fans! A rich and complex offering from Highland Park with notes of candied orange, smoke, peat, caramel malt, stone fruit, baking spices and cacao nibs. The sherry character has integrated perfectly with the over proof whisky. This whisky is intense (66.1% ABV), but opens up over time. Adding a few drops of water will mellow it out and open it up, but it is also fantastic straight.

Price: $119.99

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof "Batch B523" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 07-19-2023

Another great Elijah Craig Barrel Proof that stands out from the A123 that we just got our hands on. B523 slightly lower proof than A123, with a proof of 124.2. B523 also has a deeper oak profile and nuttiness than A123. B523 is showing more pronounced notes of dill, vanilla bean, and baking spice on the nose and palate. Also, B523 has a smoother finish than A123. Elijah Craig has been knocking it out of the park this year with their Barrel Proof releases!

Price: $69.99

2005 Domaine du Cardinat 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

Review Date: 07-19-2023

The 2005 Cardinat is fantastic and checks off a lot of boxes for me. This Armagnac is rich and toasty with notes of orchard fruit, cola nut, Demerara sugar, and baking spice. Smooth up front with a peppery finish. Armagnac fans will enjoy this greatly, and this is also a great place to start for those Bourbon and Barbados rum fans that are branching out into Armagnac.

Price: $59.99

2010 Auchroisk 12 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 07-19-2023

Dried orange peel, cacao nibs, baking spice, and sweet barley on the nose. Smooth whisky with weight, oily-textured body, and minor sherry influence. Exceptional whiskey at a great price!

Price: $59.99

2021 Desire Lines "Winds of Change" California Syrah

Review Date: 07-07-2023

A fantastic Syrah at a great price! Notes of lavender and violets blends gently with robust notes of raspberry, plum, cacao nibs, anise, vanilla beans, and cedar. Medium-bodied, well balanced, with rounded tannins.

Price: $24.95

VN: 94

Aberlour 11 Year Old "Hart Brothers Finest Collection" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength First Fill Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 07-05-2023

A great option for those that are looking for a fantastic sherry-forward whisky. The sherry is well integrated and gives the whisky more complexity rather than dominating. Flavor profile includes dried orange peels, lightly toasted barley, almond, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and nutmeg. Delicious and unique... this will go fast!

Price: Hidden

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof "Batch A123" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 07-05-2023

Another great Barrel Proof release from Elijah Craig! Barrel Proof collectors hunting for higher proof releases are in luck with this batch. Batch A123 comes in at 125.6 proof. This may not be the highest proof batch ever done, but its the highest proof that Elijah Craig has released since 2020. This batch has a great balance of grain sweetness, oak character, and uncut bite. A legendary Bourbon at an unbeatable price!

Price: $69.99

Westward Oregon Stout Barrel Aged American Single Malt Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 06-18-2023

What an interesting and delicious whiskey! I enjoy it more and more each sip. The nose shares notes of cacao nibs, espresso, and sweet grain. On the palate, dark chocolate, dried dark stone fruits, baking spices, and grain notes create complexity and depth. This whiskey wonderfully showcases stout and malt whiskey characteristics that work together to create harmonious balance.

Price: $79.99

WA: 90

Westward Oregon Pinot Noir Barrel-Aged American Single Malt Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 06-18-2023

A quality single malt whiskey with a unique twist. Pinot Noir Character is noticeable on the nose, along with sweet grain and oak spice notes. Pinot Noir is dominate on the palate and gives the whiskey red fruit characteristics. Has a nice and smooth finish.

Price: $79.99

2021 Matt Connell "Lowburn" Chardonnay Central Otago

Review Date: 05-31-2023

A fantastic Chardonnay from Central Otago that is toasty with notes of yellow stone fruit, pie crust, and tropical fruit. A lighter bodied Chardonnay that would picque the interest of any Napa Chardonnay fan.

Price: Hidden

SK: 95

BC: 93

2018 Momo (Seresin) Pinot Noir Marlborough

Review Date: 05-31-2023

One of the best value Pinot Noirs in the store! The Momo Pinot is more earthy with fresh red fruit notes of cranberry and red cherry. Medium bodied, medium tannins, and bright acidity. A delicious Pinot that does not break the bank!

Price: $19.99

Wine Club

$14.99

2017 Torre Zambra "Colle Maggio"Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva

Review Date: 05-26-2023

One of the more complex Montelpuciano d' Abruzzos I have ever tasted! Medium + bodied with high acid and well-rounded tannins. This is bursting with notes of black cherry, blackberry, plum, espresso, violets, red licorice, and star anise. It has a nice long finish with wonderful notes of tobacco and baking spice.

Price: $27.99

DC: 91

WS: 90

2020 Torre Zambra "Madia" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Review Date: 05-26-2023

A lighter Montelpuciano d' Abruzzo with fresh and juicy red fruit notes, red licorice, violets, and herbs. Bright acidity cuts through the grippy tannins and makes for a refreshing wine.

Price: $15.99

JS: 91

VN: 90

2021 Vigna Madre "Kriya" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Review Date: 05-26-2023

This is an affordable, easy drinking Italian wine. Medium bodied with firm tannins, bright acidity, and rich red and black fruit notes.

Price: $14.99

Ardbeg "Heavy Vapours" Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 05-10-2023

A lighter-bodied, straw colored single malt scotch that showcases smoke and peat with orchard fruit, vanilla, and iodine notes to compliment all of the smoke. Also, there is a saline-like finish to this whisky that I enjoyed. Delicious and unique Islay Scotch for any fan of smoke and peat!

Price: $134.99

Bellavista "Alma" Franciacorta Brut

Review Date: 05-06-2023

Dry, crisp, and delicious with notes of apricot, almond, lemon peel, and white flowers. This Franciacorta is 79% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and 1% Pinot Bianco with 5 g/L of dosage. Great bubbles with a refreshing minerality in the finish!

Price: $34.99

JS: 92

WS: 90

2015 Bois-Malot, Bordeaux Supérieur

Review Date: 05-05-2023

Bois-Malot is a favorite here at K&L. The 2015 Bois-Malot is delicate and has a wonderful nose of fresh raspberries and red flowers with raspberry, dark chocolate, espresso, and earthy notes on the palate. This is a fantastic weekend Bordeaux that many will really enjoy, especially for the price!

Price: $11.99

2020 Beringer "Luminus" Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Chardonnay

Review Date: 05-05-2023

A rich chardonnay with notes of lemon, apricot, tropical fruits, and yellow flowers. The wine shows some toasty oak character, but it does not dominate the palate. A delicious Chardonnay for someone looking for an oaky Chardonnay with little to no buttery notes.

Price: Hidden

JS: 95

WE: 91

2018 Proelio "Vinedos Viejos" Garnacha Rioja

Review Date: 04-27-2023

The 2018 Proelio "Vinedos Viejos" Garnacha Rioja is a clean, fruit forward Rioja that does an excellent job at showcasing Garnacha (100% Garnacha). This Rioja is bursting with red and black fruits, red flowers, herbs, and spices. The palate finishes with a nice touch of earthiness and black pepper with no perceivable funk. There is some oak influence to this wine, but minimal when compared to many traditional Riojas. This is a memorable wine at a great price!

Price: Hidden

TA: 93

JS: 92

RP: 92

Blackened X Wes Henderson White Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 04-26-2023

Blackened X Wes Henderson White Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a pleasantly unique experience, and it is exciting to see white port getting some love. The white port influence on this is fantastic and works cohesively with the 6 year old bourbon. The bourbon is still the star of the show, but the white port cask finish gives the nose more complexity and adds orange zest and nutty notes to the palette. Also, this is a cask strength bourbon at 116.2 proof that drinks smoothly.

Price: Hidden

Reissdorf Kölsch, Germany (500ml)

Review Date: 04-23-2023

The go-to example of world-class Kolsch. Reissdorf's Kolsch is clean, crisp, and refreshing with wonderful notes of brioche, orchard fruit, and yellow flowers. There are many American breweries producing good-quality Kolsch today, but I argue almost none of them are as elegant or high in quality as the Kolsch of Cologne.

Price: $4.99

Aecht Schlenkerla "Oak Smoke" Rauchbier, Germany 500 ml

Review Date: 04-23-2023

Aecht Schlenkerla is one of the only producers making a smoked Doppelbock, and this beer is worth trying for any fan of Doppelbock or Rauchbier. The black forest ham-like smokiness doesn't overpower the beer, but it is quite apparent. Besides smoke, this full-bodied beer has notes of caramel, orchard fruit, and spices. The caramel and smoke qualities pair wonderfully together. A fantastic beer to pair with American BBQ, especially brisket or tri-tip.

Price: $6.49

Ayinger Ur Weisse, Germany 500ml

Review Date: 04-23-2023

The Ayinger Ur Weisse is an obscure style of Hefeweizen called Dunkelweizen, which is essentially a darker version of Hefeweizen. The Ayinger version is full in body with notes of browned banana, caramel, ginseng, ginger, and bubblegum. A delicious beer for any fan of wheat beers! This will pair nicely with many Indian dishes or American BBQ.

Price: $4.29

2019 Domaine FL "Chamboureau" Savennières

Review Date: 04-21-2023

The 2019 Domaine FL is a bright and crisp Chenin Blanc from Savennieres with notes of orchard fruits, lemon peel, yellow flowers, wet stone, and a light hint of petrol. The acidity and minerality of this wine makes it unbelievably refreshing. Do not hesitate to pick up several bottles... you will not regret it!

Price: $34.99

JS: 97

Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-21-2023

The Suntory Hakushu 12 generously shares sweet notes of grain with hints of peat, white flowers, and a soothing minty coolness in the finish. This is well made, quality whisky that is smooth and very enjoyable. A must try for any fan of Suntory!

Price: $169.99

2021 Kalinda Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Review Date: 04-21-2023

A refreshingly light Pinot Noir with notes of juicy red fruits, herbs, and spices. There is some earthiness on the back end of the palate, but the fruit and herbal notes really shine. Fresh, bright, balanced, and delicious Anderson Valley Pinot Noir at a fantastic price!

Price: $29.95

2019 Carbonnieux Blanc, Pessac

Review Date: 04-20-2023

The 2019 Carbonnieux Blanc is a wonderful dry, white Bordeaux that should not be missed! Fresh citrus, orchard, and tropical fruits notes interwoven with white flowers, mint, and minerality.

Price: $39.99

2019 Miguel Merino "Viñas Jóvenes" Crianza Rioja

Review Date: 04-13-2023

The 2019 Viñas Jóvenes is a clean, fruit forward Rioja wine. The Tempranillo and Graciano blend was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in neutral oak, giving the wine brighter notes of red fruit when compared to traditional oak-influenced Riojas. Even without the oak-influence, there is still weight and balance to this wine. Miguel Merino is a fantastic Rioja producer and this is a great entry point to their wines. Drink and enjoy now!

Price: $19.99

TA: 92

2018 Bodegas Magaña "Barón de Magaña" Navarra

Review Date: 04-05-2023

One way of describing this wine could be Bordeaux from Basque country, or a Super Navarra (as our Spanish wine buyer has termed it). This Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Syrah blend is bursting with ripe red fruit and has a wonderful savory quality that is layered with robust spice and dusty earth notes. A delicious, well structured wine at an amazing price!

Price: Hidden

RP: 92

2014 Pedro Martinez Alesanco Gran Reserva Rioja

Review Date: 04-05-2023

A delicious and complex Tempranillo and Garnacha blend from Rioja with bold flavors of spice, dusty earth, tobacco, and fruit leather. The American oak characteristics shine in this one, adding vanilla, cedar, and a savory dill character. This is a great pick for those looking for a value Rioja with some age.

Price: Hidden

TA: 92

2021 Bedrock Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Review Date: 03-31-2023

Bedrock's Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and complex with notes of baked and dried dark stone fruit, tobacco, and baking spice. Full bodied with big tannins and acidity. This wine would cellar nicely and is one of the better age worthy domestic cabs in this price point.

Price: $39.95

JD: 92

2021 Bedrock "Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Wine" Contra Costa County Red Blend

Review Date: 03-31-2023

Big, concentrated flavors of black and red stone fruit with wonderful spice notes. This wine has bright acidity that cuts through the density of this red blend. This vintage really showcases the quality of the old vines of Evangelho.

Price: $39.95

JD: 96

VN: 94

WS: 94

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

Review Date: 03-22-2023

This is a delicious Jamaican and Guyanese rum blend at a great price! Dark sugar, molasses, grilled pineapple, sweet tobacco, honey, browned banana, and fresh citrus on the nose and palate. This Navy Style rum is rich and complex with an oily textured body and long finish. Drinks incredibly smooth for a 114 proof rum. Great sipper and fantastic for cocktails.

Price: Hidden

Reviewers

K&L Email Alerts

Staff Favorites - Michael Pires

Reviews

Wine Club

More Favorites