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Staff Favorites - Christie Brunick

Christie Brunick | Send Email | Subscribe to My Sommelier Service

I was first introduced to the fabulous world of California wine in Napa where I spent weekends bike riding and wine tasting with my parents up and down the Silverado Trail. Growing up in the East Bay Area it was only a hop...skip...jump away from wine country where my family would venture to relax and play every possible moment. It wasn't until my senior year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo that I realized I had a passion for the wine industry. My first encounter with the working world of wine was my volunteer internship at Edna Valley Winery where I traveled to a number of tasting events with the marketing manager for the winery and realized I needed to get in the business. I added a minor in wine and viticulture to my communications studies major and ended up writing my thesis on the differences in wine marketing throughout a choice number of Paso Robles wineries. My first "real job" in the wine industry was at the smallest tasting room with the biggest personality in Paso Robles named Four Vines Winery. I worked there for almost three years while going to school and fell in love with not only central coast wines, but also with the business of sales and all those who loved, appreciated, and enjoyed our fruitful product. After graduation in 2007 I loved the central coast so much I decided to make a go for it and stay in this blissful paradise of beach and vines. I became fond very fond of making trips to Los Olivos and Santa Ynez valley quite often and in the mean time also became employed at Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo and 15 degrees wine bar in Templeton. In the summer of 2009 I decided to take a chance and move to Hollywood for more opportunity. Being from northern California I wanted to expand my horizons and see what the LA lifestyle was all about. I knew this was where I belonged the moment I stepped into this oasis of wine and cuisine. Never had I been to a place where I could find so many restaurants, bistros, wine bars, and the like within a 4 mile radius, and I don't have to get on the freeway! I'm in heaven. When I walked into the infamous K&L Hollywood Store it was love at first sight! I'm thrilled to be working here doing what I love, and love the incredible people here who share this passion and commitment with me.

Reviews

2005 Heitz Cellar "Martha's Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Review Date: 10-06-2015

If you want to drink one of the finest and most old-school styled Napa Cabs that is actually almost ready to drink, then get your hands on a very special and limited release Martha's Vineyard Cabernet for a special occasion. It never disappoints!

Price: $249.99

DC: 95

JG: 94

WS: 93

Alexandre Le Brun "Tradition" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 03-20-2015

A new Direct Import for us and I'm in love! This is the perfect Champagne to start out the night with! Although dry, it has a ripeness to the fruit that makes it a great aperitif or sipping Champagne on its own. This will be great for anyone that wants to dive right into our grower Champagne program and see what it has to offer! Great Champagnes for less than you'll find anywhere!

Price: $34.99

Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 03-19-2015

Unbelievably drinkable and sophisticated on the palate. 100% Pinot Noir makes this dry cuvee especially luscious and creamy, with ripe stone fruit and subtle creamy brioche on the finish. This is a Champagne I'm really excited about because anyone can enjoy this style of Champagne. From the connoisseur to the bubbly drinking starter, this will seduce and amaze your palates!

Price: $29.99

Caves Messias Santola "Crab Wine" Vinho Verde

Review Date: 05-27-2014

Its like a white wine spritzer but better! I love this Fizzy, zippy, frizzante, dry white wine! I can drink it all day long, and my palate stays refreshed and alive with this wonderful wine! Great with salads, fish, Mexican food, or just on its own!

Price: $9.99

Montechiara Prosecco

Review Date: 11-08-2013

This little Italian Prosecco has changed the way think about Prosecco here at K&L, and trust me, that's not an easy task. With a label that mimics a yellow/orange Veuve Cliquot label, and a price that will keep your wallet full, this lovely bubbly will be the hit of every party, day or night. Not too dry, not too fruity, it's just right. You and your friends will be very, very happy!

Price: $10.99

2010 Lewis Cellars "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Review Date: 07-31-2013

When you pour this wine in your glass, it looks distinctly of classic Napa Cabernet with its ultra dark richly colored hues of black, purple, and violet. The first aromatics I get without even swirling jump out at me from the glass of dark chocolate, cocoa nibs even, with espresso, tobacco, cigar, and currant. This is a monster, but a lovely one. With its powerful weight and dense mouthfeel, but a surprisingly structured backbone to it. I can tell they spared no expense in making this wine. Super polished and superbly fine tannins on the finish. All my mouth can say is "WoW" give me MORE!!!

Price: $199.99

WS: 96

2010 Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône

Review Date: 12-06-2012

This is a staff favorite for getting you the best possible quality wine, drinking perfectly now, at a killer price! Can't wait to show it off to all my friends this holiday season. They will think I spent twice the cash! For $11.99 you get a very complex and layered cote du rhone, savory and spicy, with just the right amount juicy mid palate fruit!

Price: $29.99

Jacquart "Mosaïque" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 12-06-2012

A great value for Champagne under $30! Very focused and mineral driven with a bright, crisp, and refreshing finish. Moussy bubbles fill the mid palate with searing acid. Perfect for all your Holiday Party's!

Price: $34.99

WE: 91

Egrot Brut Champagne

Review Date: 10-17-2012

From the daughter of Henroit Goutorbe, Elisabeth is making something so elegant and superb for a far better price! 70% Pinot noir, and 25% Chardonnay, with 5% Pinot Meunier, this Champagne is rich and moussy, with a full of honey and caramelized fruit on the nose and finish. delicate yet plush, and a steal in my book!

Price: $34.99

La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé

Review Date: 09-28-2012

This is one of my all time favorite Bubbly Rose and a fraction of the price of Champagne.I love the new cuvee of my Deligeroy Rose. Its much softer and more feminine that the last cuvee which was a touch herbaceous. This Cab Franc based blend is aimed to please this holiday season! Its the perfect party wine that will please a crowd instantly. Subtle fruit with balanced acid and a clean, dry finish! You wont believe your wallet! It has subtle red berry and sweet herb undertones with its racy acid and minerality keep it refreshing but still full on the palate. Perfect for any gathering or romantic date, or just sip and savor alone! Its that good

Price: $14.99

Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 01-27-2012

My favorite Rose Champagne for the price! Amazing bright and vibrant red-pink fruit with a broad and creamy mouthfeel with racy acidity to keep it all in balance. As far as I'm concerned it's my Billecart Rose for a quarter of the price! Always elegant and delightful!

Price: $39.99

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore

Review Date: 12-14-2011

A delightful Prosecco from Italy which is dry but still very soft and elegant on the palate. Perfect Party bubbles for the Holiday season!

Price: $15.99

Graham's "Six Grapes" Port

Review Date: 11-10-2011

The best value I've tasted for a full 750ml bottle of Ruby Port! Dark and deep in color with loads of black fruit, spice, and chocolate on the nose. Richly intense with a creamy mid-palate with plenty of good acidity to balance it out. I'll be definitely buying some for the holiday season!

Price: $24.99

Pol Roger "Réserve" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 08-11-2011

One of my new favorite finds at K&L! This is a gorgeous Champagne. Lots of focus and elegance showing from start to finish. Just slightly toasty, this Brut is full of integrated acid and fresh minerality that will have your taste buds tingling and salivating for more! An amazing value for under $40 as well! Stock up for the holidays before its gone!

Price: $64.99

Leclerc Briant Reserve Brut Champagne

Review Date: 04-16-2011

This is one of my favorite direct import Champagnes that no body knows about! Its the staffs best kept secret. Layers of flavors here...Starts with a slightly honeyed bouquet with crisp minreality and a just a touch of toast on the finish. Its a perfect balance that almost any Champagne connoisseur can appreciate.

Price: $49.99

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne

Review Date: 04-16-2011

If I could pick any Champagne to drink on a daily basis regardless of price, it would be the Beautiful Billecart Salmon Rose! Without a doubt your last sip will still taste as good as the first. And your obsession will start at your first sip. This is a clean and elegant style that will impress just about any level Champagne drinker

Price: $84.99

Baron-Fuenté "Esprit" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 02-09-2011

This is one of my favorite direct import Champagnes because it is seamless from start to finish. Very elegant but brilliantly intense as well. Using all stainless steel and spending 7 years on the lees gives the wine its smooth and creamy texture with that nutty brioche and layers of complexity. Triple cream on the nose with pommace fruit on the mid palate and a crisp finish.

Price: $34.99

WE: 92

JS: 91

Michel Arnould "Réserve" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

Review Date: 02-03-2011

Quite possibly the best deal in Champagne ever! Michel Arnould delivers way above and beyond! This direct import Pinot Noir based cuvee has a brightness to it that most Champagnes in this price range lack. Lots of citrus and wild berry fruit on the mid palate with bursting minerality and acid with a toasty but clean finish! Don't let this one pass you by...

Price: $34.99

Charles Baur Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé

Review Date: 02-02-2011

This is not your average Alsatian Sparkling Rose! This is complex, elegant, yet approachable and perfect for sipping day or night! Full of great flinty minerality and bright racy acid for texture, yet still has a brilliant aroma of strawberry seed and wild flowers. This will keep your loved one wanting more...perfect for lovers day!

Price: $17.99

WE: 90

Sorelle Bronca Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry

Review Date: 02-02-2011

This is K&L's best selling Prosecco by far! No matter who your entertaining, even yourself, you will revel in the masterpiece of sweet seduction! Perfectly balanced Italian style...Not too sweet, not too dry, but just right! Day time Brunch, or evening pre-dinner cocktail, this Prosecco is so pretty and elegant you just can't get enough!

Price: $21.99

VN: 91

Ariston Aspasie Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

Review Date: 01-05-2011

Ariston has done it again! They have created a Blanc de Blanc Champagne that is so unique and special compared to all the typical blanc de blancs on the shelf. Right off the bat after the Champagne Pop you get a whiff of the aromas of fresh baked brie, ripe apple, and Gruyere fondue...followed by a mysterious mid-palate chalk full of minerals and body. This isn't your typical super racy and tight blanc de blanc. It is fully developed into a mature ready to drink state of mind. Finishes with caramelized fruit and nuts...Enjoy!!

Price: $39.99

Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne

Review Date: 12-01-2010

This is my quintessential Classic Champagne for the Holidays and all Year round for that matter. Mineral and fresh on the nose, Rich and luscious on the mid-palate, with an elegant, seamless finish. It keeps you wanting more...

Price: $39.99

More Favorites

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Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($34.99)