K&L Top 10 Picks - October

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday Oct 16th, 2017 [View in Browser]( Each month we dig through our inventory of several thousand hand-picked wines and spirits, and come up with a list of our Top 10 selections on KLWines.com Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2012 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes (Elsewhere $18) 94 $14.99 [View]( 2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Alberdi" Reserva Rioja 95 $19.99 [View]( 2014 La Chablisienne Chablis "Vaillons" 1er Cru 97 $24.99 [View]( 2014 Gainey Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 93 $28.99 [View]( 2014 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" 96 $29.99 [View]( 2013 Felsina "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva (Elsewhere $50) 96 $39.99 [View]( 2005 Larmande, St-Emilion 92 $39.99 [View]( 2013 Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 94 $44.99 [View]( 2010 Bellefont-Belcier, St-Emilion 93 $49.99 [View]( 2013 Leeuwin Estate "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $80+) 98 $64.99 [View]( [2012 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes (Elsewhere $18)]( [2012 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes (Elsewhere $18)]( ($14.99) 94 points Decanter: "Abundant, ripe, fresh red berry and perfumed blueberry laced with rich, dark plum aromas, lead to a beautifully textured, rounded palate packed with heady black fruit, delicate smoke and fine grained tannins." (06/2016) 92 points Wine Enthusiast: "The wine comes from rocky soil at the southern end of the Madiran appellation. It is an impressive tructured wine, dark with tannins and with rich perfume. The wine is still aging with its structure very much intact. The black fruits are full and rich. Drink this wine from 2019. (RV)" (05/2017) K&L Notes: Chateau Peyros is a 17th century estate situated in the souther part of Madiran. In 1999, Jean Jacques Lesgourgues bought the estate and began the process of modernizing and revitalizing this historic property. Peyros, which means "stony place," sits atop soils of clay and limestone but the vineyards themselves are covered in the large rolled stones (galets roules) left after the last ice age. The 20 hectares of the estate are farmed sustainably utilizing organic treatments while a herd of sheep walk around the property from May through October grazing the grasses between the rows of the vines and creating manure for enriching the soil. The Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc with an average vine age between 40-50 years. The wine spends about 12 months in oak barrels about 40% new before it is bottled. This is no shy Madiran. It is full of the power and texture that one associates with the region. With some decanting it is absolutely appropriate with rich dishes of sausage, duck confit and rustic pâtés. Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 03, 2017 Madiran is a tricky wine sometimes. Often, in their youth, they are more wines of texture and richness than aromatic expression. The Peyros VV has all of that full bodied meatiness, velvety tannins and black currant density but it also has subtlety. Give this an hour in the decanter and you will be rewarded with all the savory pencil lead and graphite minerality which matches the cassis flavors. Also unlocked are the light floral tones of violet and camphor along with a smoky meaty quality. Ideal for winter braises such as short ribs and lamb stew but even better with a big plate of charcuterie, cheeses and pâtés. Throw a couple in the cellar as well and you will be well rewarded down the road. Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017 Ouch! The vineyards of Peyros are built upon gravelly soils covered with large stones deposited by glaciers during the last Ice Age, which created a surfeit of sore feet for any herd of woolly mammoths that galumphed upon them. Hm, might explain their extinction....but the mammoth loss is your gain, as these scattershot stones also retain heat that gracefully ripens the grapes on these old vines, leading to wines of impeccable power, warmth and depth. High-toned aromatic black fruits lift from the glass, revealing a lush viscosity with notes of dark cherry, black plum, pepper, menthol and smoke on the rich, velvety palate, finishing long and lovely. A veritable "mam-mouthful" of wine! Turk]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 10, 2017 Distinctive herbal nose, reminiscent of caraway seeds, with inky cassis and deep plum fruit, solid minerality through the palate, and smokiness on the finish, Château Peyros "Vieilles Vignes" is made from old vines and it shows in the glass the 2012 is intense! Textured and viscous but not as aggressively tannic as Madiran can be, the Tannat here is tempered with just enough woodsy Cab Franc for balance and drinkability. A powerful, quality wine at an incredible price. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Alberdi" Reserva Rioja]( [2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Alberdi" Reserva Rioja]( ($19.99) 95 points James Suckling: "Ripe and intense aromas of strawberries and blackberries with hints of black ink. Savory notes, too. Full-bodied, chewy and focused with linear fruit and character. Very finely crafted. Drink or hold." (12/2016) 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Viña Alberdi is a Tempranillo blend from different vineyards from what they consider an extraordinary vintage. This wine is matured in American oak barrels built by their own coopers, the first year in new barrels and the second one in third-year barrels with four manual rackings. This is the younger of their wines, with even some red berry aromas and spicy oak, quite harmonious. The palate is lively, balanced and polished, with tasty flavors and bright acidity. Delicious." (08/2016) K&L Notes: Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is one of the most experienced and universally respected wineries in Rioja. Viña Alberdi is La Rioja Alta's juiciest, most approachable Rioja to drink on the younger side. That said, it still is one of the standard bearers of great quality, affordable, traditional Rioja, aged for two full years in barrels produced on site by the company's own coopers. Based on 100% Tempranillo, this is always quite tasty, but in a vintage as strong as 2010, it elevates itself to top value category. Manekin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 28, 2017 Upon first whiff, the 2010 Viña Alberdi is spicy, with the cedary oak notes nearly stealing the show. There are of course baking spices and pretty fruits as well, which both become more evident on the palate, where they combine with the oak for a nicely balanced, "bien clasico" expression of Rioja. This level of quality and traditional craftsmanship at under $20 makes this a must in your regular rotation! Bruno]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2017 The 2010 vintage in Rioja was an exceptional one, and this Viña Alberdi Reserva is a great expression of the respective year. Comprised of 100% Tempranillo, this wine is aged for 2 years in American Oak barrel. The first year of aging is in new oak and the second year is in older aged barrels. The wine was manually racked four times by the light of a candle. Ripe red fruit aromas intermingle with notes of vanilla, dill and seasoned leather. Medium body, with silky tannins on the palate. Juicy ripe cherry, spiced plum, and tomato jam qualities reveal themselves on the finish. This wine is a quintessentially approachable Rioja. A fantastic choice to accompany various pasta dishes and meat-based paellas Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2017 I tasted this bottle after it had been opened for our staff for 2 days (the good stuff always seems to get opened on my weekends...). It is still tasting great. The lovely nose is full of cedar box and deep dark blackberries. There is a strong mineral component to the lithe body. Somewhat unusual for being 100% Tempranillo, this is a perfect wine to explore the classic markers of the famous Spanish grape for those who wish to study. At under $20 bucks, its the perfect wine to enjoy any day you need a great bottle of red without fail. Gittings]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2017 A modern approach to classic Rioja. Juicy raspberries and blackberries set the tone, while savory herbs and high toned acid round it out. A touch of cinnamon and pretty floral notes give way to a long dry finish. Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017 If you like medium bodied, earthy reds that go with food, this is a wine to buy a case of. Last night, Cinnamon and I had the Vina Alberdi from La Rioja Alta with a winter beef stew that I made. It was a stunning wine and a great combination. The savory dark Tempranillo fruit had just the right amount of rose like aroma to contrast its frame of cake like American oak and plenty of good acid to cut the rich stew. We found the 750ml size a bit small for something so easy to drink! Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 15, 2016 The most important fact to know about the 2010 Alberdi is that it needs to breath. The difference between this wine thirty seconds after opening the bottle and thirty minutes is night and day. I decanted this beauty and was absolutely spellbound once the initial intensity blew off and the fruit opened up underneath. This is classic Spanish food wine, full of dark berries and chewy tannins. It's not a big juicy garnacha by any means, but rather an old school Rioja with finesse and style. It has restraint and on the finish there are lingering notes of wood and dark berries. Cook up a steak or a rack of lamb and dump a bottle of this in the decanter for some mighty fine living! Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 15, 2016 Pours a beautiful deep brick red color, and offers dense aromas of raspberries, ripe strawberries, and aged leather with a hint of salinity. On the palate, robust but fully integrated and silky tannins combine with a vibrant acidity for overall outstanding structure, underlined by the slight influence of vanilla and spice notes from the oak. A powerful and well-balanced Rioja from an outstanding vintage. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 La Chablisienne Chablis "Vaillons" 1er Cru]( [2014 La Chablisienne Chablis "Vaillons" 1er Cru]( ($24.99) 97 points Decanter: "Pure expression of mineral, flint, chalk, oyster shell, flowers and herbs. Creamy, well-structured and textured palate with pronounced cleansing acidity, power and energy, yet not without finesse. Bravo." (05/2017) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a rich wine with a warm character. It comes from vines in the heart of Chablis, facing the Grand Cru vineyards on the opposite side of the river. It's full bodied and ripe, with plenty of acidity to partner its yellow fruit. Drink from 2019." (06/2017) 90 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "Notes of white pepper, white flowers, mineral reduction and a hint of spice can be found on the airy nose. There is excellent intensity to the stony and racy flavors that terminate in a moderately austere finale. This is not an elegant Vaillons; indeed it is distinctly old school in style." (10/2016) K&L Notes: Neal Martin writes: "La Chablisienne is one of Chablis’ most high-profile cooperatives and a great success story. Founded back in 1923 and still going strong, it is said that they oversee approximately one-quarter of the region’s production, around 300 individual growers. Therefore, just like Georges Duboeuf in Beaujolais or Louis Jadot in the Cote d’Or, it is important that they maintain standards irrespective of high volumes, since their size ensures that they have an ambassadorial role for Chablis, for ordinary punters perhaps seeking to broaden their horizons." Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 06, 2017 This an excellent example of clean and pure Chardonnay. All of the elements of nice bright fruit, mineral undertones and a clean crisp finish all come together.This wine offers complexity and value. It should pair well with seafood and grilled chicken. Green]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017 As with all the 2014 Chablisienne Chablis I've tried, the Vaillons has a lovely rich and ripe character - somewhat bold for a Chablis but entirely delightful. Notes of citrus blossom and white spice linger on the surface and lots of the typical mineral qualities we expect from Chablis. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017 The 1er cru offerings from La Chablisienne is where we begin to move from simple purity and deliciousness into the realms of serious complexity. The 2014 Vaillons offers the full gambit of textbook Chablis flavor from front to back: flint, lemon, oyster shell, crushed rocks, salt, and a bit of flowers on the finish. Buckle up because it's quite the ride! Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 28, 2016 The 2014 vintage in Chablis might be the greatest since 2002 and the 2014 La Chablisienne Vaillons 1er Cru Chablis is the perfect example of this. It is almost unbelievable to think you can get Premier Cru fruit for under $20 and from a top vintage no less. Great cut and energy along with zesty citrus and mineral notes this pure Chablis is drinking wonderfully now and is one of the top values I have tasted from Chablis this year. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 26, 2016 It may begin to sound like a broken record, but 2014 is an incredible vintage for white Burgundy. Combine that with the superior quality of wines coming from the La Chablisienne co-op, and the verve of excellent fruit from the Vaillons vineyard, and you have a recipe for stunning Chablis. This bottle did not disappoint: fresh, pretty, and intensely aromatic, the wine already possesses layers of flavor with both tropical and orchard fruit, and a lingering finish. Turk]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 25, 2016 Delicate straw yellow in color, with a faintly floral notes and zippy lemon fruit, this is a quenching, high-quality Chablis thats already drinking beautifully now. A great option for the holidays, the 2014 La Chablisienne Vaillons will pair well with turkey and easily win fans with its racy but approachable style. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Gainey Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir]( [2014 Gainey Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir]( ($28.99) 93 points Vinous: "Gainey's 2014 Pinot Noir is quite delicious. Sweet raspberries, flowers, mint, orange peel and spices give the 2014 much of its classic, Sta. Rita Hills profile. This is another hugely appealing, exuberant wine from Gainey.Gainey makes as many as twenty different wines in each vintage, many of them sold directly at the winery. These four offerings represent the core of the estate's production. Once again, I was quite impressed with what I tasted. The wines are made in an unfussy, middle of the road style that is sure to appeal to a broad audience. (AG)" (06/2016) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "A solid Pinot Noir for its price, this offers all the expected flavors and strikes a balance between richness and freshness. Wild cherry, anise, sagebrush and slate aromas lead into a palate that packs ripe red fruit upfront, followed by tangy elderberry, plum skin, hibiscus and rose. A touch of elderflower adds depth. *Editors' Choice* (MK)" (04/2017) Vidales]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 01, 2017 Gainey's Pinot is a great representation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA with its cherry cola, warm spice, tea leaf and tart cranberry notes. This is 100% Gainey estate fruit, harvested just 10 miles away from the Pacific Ocean so you get that cool, marine influence in the wine. It is medium in body and a great wine for people who want a Pinot that's not too heavy or light and will please a wide range of palates. Enjoy this wine now alongside roasted duck, chicken or grilled salmon. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 25, 2017 The Gainey pinot noir is immaculately soft on the palate even though it's a wine with enough acidity and tannic structure to age for a few years in the cellar. It's lush and dark fruited up front, but soon that gives way into a earthier note that finishes with a bit of violet and dried herbs. The estate at Gainey has been in the family since 1962 when current winemaker Dan Gainey's grandfather first purchased 1800 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley for farming. They've been making wine on the property since 1984, but expanded their reach into new parcels under Dan's stewardship, all while continuing the family tradition of serious Central Coast pinot noir. The 2014 Santa Rita Hills is just another great example of that heritage of quality winemaking. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains"]( [2014 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains"]( ($29.99) 96 points Decanter: "A racy and distinguished act with a ripe citrus and stone fruit nose and precise chalky / oyster shell palate. Very pleasant and well thought out with a fresh, salty finish." (05/2017) Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 29, 2017 This bottle has it all for under $30: great producer, premier cru quality, fantastic vintage! The truth is in the wine itself, with great depth of fruit flavors like Granny Smith apples and Meyer lemons, and white floral notes. It is brimming with minerality and has a rich and precise phenolic texture. The fruit is given a huge lift by the signature acidity of the vintage. Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 29, 2017 It doesn't get much better than this. If ever there was a Chablis destined to be consumed with oysters, it is this wine. Gorgeous aromas of seashells, stone fruit and citrus cascade to a palate brimming with energy. Flint notes as well as racy minerality burst over the palate on this bright and zippy Chablis. Louis Michel eschews the use of oak on his Chablis and opts for the fruit source and terroir to shine through. With the great vintage of 2014, this is an absolute stunner. McIntosh]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 28, 2017 "Montmains" from Louis Michel has power and grace of true Chablis. Pure, rich in texture, aromatic, very mineral, brisk and clean; absolutely unadulterated by oak influence ( 100% stainless steel) . This is the textbook Chablis from one of the best white Burgundy vintages which is almost gone from the market. Definitely essential wine for everybody who loves Burgundy. Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 28, 2017 As the 2014 white Burgundy vintage disappears from the market, you have to ask yourself, "did I buy enough". My own answer is certainly not. The extremely clean, almost peachy Chardonnay aromatics of this great 2014 bely the strong minerality underneath and behind this wine. This wine is great drinking now with all manner of shellfish, especially the noble Dungeness Crab, but will also develop beautifully over the next ten years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Felsina "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva (Elsewhere $50)]( [2013 Felsina "Rancia" Chianti Classico Riserva (Elsewhere $50)]( ($39.99) 96 points Vinous: "96+: Fèlsina's 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia bristles with energy, with veins of underlying acidity that give the wine its focus and drive. Dark red cherry, plum, rose petal, herb and licorice are some of the signatures. Most of the Fèlsina Chianti Classicos are defined by their dark fruit and savory notes, but the Rancia is also wonderfully bright and lifted from start to finish while staying very much true to the house style. Today, the Rancia gives the impression it will unwind at a glacial pace. I imagine most bottles of the 2013 will be drunk before the wine truly enters its prime. (AG)" (10/2016) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Here is another highlight of the vintage. The 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is a dark, moody and sophisticated wine. It does not reveal itself immediately or in any obvious way. Instead, it doses out its intensity in careful measurements. The whole performance is seductive to say the least. That slow momentum leads to dark cherry with spice, grilled herb, wet earth and dried rose. Felsina's Riserva Rancia is a very elegant wine, both on the nose and in the mouth. (ML)" (12/2016) St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 02, 2017 Wow. I dont often open a wine review like this but this wine just floored me. The nose is a savory combination of salted plums, porcini dust, with a concentrated cassis like fruit focus. The wine on your palate immediately says seamless power, the textural richness of the 2013 vintage is readily apparent in a supple, smooth way yet the wine says power. Tannins are sweet, polished yet show no signs of wood intrusion they just seem to reflect the vibrancy of the suns rays. The flavors seem sweet for a moment with signs of wild cherry and plum then a cassis like boldness but the initial burst of fruit gives way to the wines savory core. Wave after wave of savory complexity begins to fill your mouth, the wine is powerful, big yet it is not dense in a heavy footed way it is just saturated flavor, fruit, earth, spice and just demands your attention. The finish is like the beginning, seamless power from front to back, side to side this wine fills your mouth with a supple, muscular, smooth richness, and this wine seems to have its own dimension. You can drink this wine now, Id decant a couple of hours ahead of time, it is so well balanced you can really enjoy it but this is a wine that is going to last for decades 30-40 years without breathing hard. I am personally going to go deep on this wine, it is one of the best Chianti Classico I've ever had. Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 09, 2017 Felsina Rancia remains one of my top Chianti picks every vintage but the 2013 is truly special. It possesses all the best characteristics of what has been described as a challenging or tricky vintage for many. Happily the Rancia is deep, compelling and brimming with captivating fruit with acidity and tannins in perfect balance. This is one of the best of the 2013s and is certainly a Sangiovese not to be missed. Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 21, 2017 Unbelievable depth on the nose here. Tobacco, Tar, Anise. Great concentration, great intensity. Just a touch of juiciness. I thought the tannins would be more abrasive, but it really just perfect. It sits in pockets of your mouth and glow through the finish. What a dark, delicious wine. Vogel]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 08, 2017 A step up the their Chianti Classico Riserva is the Rancia Riserva. Name after a convent on the property, it seems as the winery and parcels grow, the quality of this wine also increases. The 2013 vintage is known for laser focused Chiantis that are lean and bright. I think this pairs well with the Rancia as it i often broad with pure fruit and savory flavors. It keeps the palate long and accentuated as you enjoy the balance and structure. Manekin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 08, 2017 When it comes to Chianti Classico, I am unabashedly a Felsina guy. I have always found these wines to be delicious and they have resonated with me for as long as I can remember. That said, the 2013 Rancia Riserva ramps up the deliciousness and ought to not only be enjoyed now, but cellared for a while as well. Aromas of macerated cherries, a suggestion of kirsch and walnut liqueur leads to a supple, rich, generous palate. Lots of fruit, sufficient acidity, tannins for structure...all the components are well balanced for both enjoying young and over the long haul. Highly recommended. Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 03, 2017 Felsina's Rancia Riserva is one of the wine world's true gems - it has the proven ability to age for decades, thrills the critics and collectors alike, and somehow retains a price that makes it accessible to the masses. Nowhere is all of this more true than the simply stunning 2013. The aromatics are intensely layered with one nuance after another coming to the forefront. On the palate it is very pure with a core of acidity that lifts the fruit and carries a long, bright finish. I've never had a vintage of Rancia that is so dynamic and offers so much at such an early stage and I just can't wait to see how it ages over the years. At under $40, I don't know if anybody in today's market can challenge this kind of class and pedigree. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2005 Larmande, St-Emilion]( [2005 Larmande, St-Emilion]( ($39.99) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of ripe fruit, coffee bean and sweet tobacco follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, balanced finish. Rich and layered. (JS)" (03/2008) Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2017 I first visited this property in 1985 and I loved their wines of the 80s, but not so much in the 90s. Well, they went back on track in the 2000s and this 2005 is a great value. Sweet, plummy, and toasty. Plenty of blackberry fruits on the palate and nose. Excellent structure for five more years in the cellar, but the tannins are round so you can drink it now. Decant and enjoy with a prime rib roast. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 11, 2017 When we can go back to the sweet-drinking wells of 2005 and 2009 and pull out deals like this, it's always a wonderful thing! Chateau Larmande is an overlooked property in St. Emilion, despite being one of the oldest producers in the region. In fact, some of their vines are more than 100 years old, giving the chateau some of the oldest and deepest roots on the Right Bank. After more than a decade in the bottle, this wine is in a beautiful spot and if you're looking for a great dinner wine that will show well straight out of the bottle, this is your guy. If you're headed to the steakhouse, and you need a slam dunk Bordeaux for $50 or less, this is what I'm putting in your hand. The Merlot fruit is still soft and supple despite the wine's age, and there's an integrated silkiness that glides over the palate with subtle secondary notes like earth and tobacco. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2013 Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($44.99) 94 points James Suckling: "Intriguing aromas of walnut, shiitake mushroom and dark fruits follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a bright finish. A vivid and silky mouthfeel. Long finish. Drink or hold." (01/2016) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A beautifully elegant, stylish Cabernet Sauvignon from the Antinori outpost in Napa Valley, their 2013 has a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful, sweet kiss of pure blackcurrant fruit, licorice and forest floor. Full-bodied, but with creamy texture, sweet, beautifully integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol, this is an impressively well-crafted wine thats drinkable now, but should evolve nicely for another 15-20 years. (RP)" (12/2015) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Elegant and on the more austere side of the variety, this wine is graceful and complex. Tight-grained waves of cherry, cranberry and cassis marry well with its velvety texture and restrained use of oak. (VB)" (12/2016) Keilman]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 22, 2017 I love it when an Old World producer decides to make wines in the New World region of Napa. I don't always personally love the wines, but I always appreciate the injection of traditional styles, philosophies and practices into a youthful and eager to learn region. The Antica cab from Antinori is that clear cut example of how a family so steeped in Old World traditional can make a New World wine with such deft and balance. This Napa Valley cab that comes primarily from Atlas Peak is the perfect harmonious marriage between the formality and restraint of wines made in a cooler and less than forgiving region, with the approachability and wide-eyed eagerness of energetic California cabs. The Antica cab is brimming with black cassis, plum, graphite and a subtle mineral note on the nose. The first impression on the palate upfront is weighty and full bodied, but the prominent structure and acid profile keep this cab from being soft and flabby and give it surprising shape and lift. Beffa]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 17, 2017 Antica Cabernet is the flagship wine from the Antinori project in the Napa Valley. The 2013 is just delicious! Savory herbs, ripe cassis flavors with a lush velvety texture, this wine is just touched with toasty oak. The finish is long and sweet. Being mountain fruit, there is a fair amount of structure and density to this wine, but it shows surprisingly open and fleshy. Enjoy now! Gittings]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 09, 2017 Antica is a property owned by the famous Antinori family. Their family has been making wine for six hundred and thirty years and have always held the highest standards of wine making. Their latest release of Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. A touch of brown sugar and plentiful blackberries can be found upon first approach. The palate offers bright cherries and herbs, velvety tannin and nice minerality. A soft refined finish is complemented by a chalky almost ash like characteristic that is a testament to the grapes and terrior. Stanley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 06, 2017 The Antica Napa Valley label comes to us from the Antinori family, famed for their bold and expressive Italian winemaking. This is reflected in the style and presentation of the 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet, which is structured very much like a classic Italian wine: dry, with firm tannin, earthy spice and graphite notes. The vineyards of Antica are located high on Atlas Peak, and they are planted on predominately western-facing volcanic slopes. It's no wonder ashy minerality is the standout characteristic of this wine, which sets it apart from the typically fruit- and oak-dominated Napa Valley Cab. Bruno]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 05, 2017 This 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the people at Antica, Marcheses Antinoris California venture. With over 600 years of winemaking experience under their belt, this wine shows both influences from their Old World roots to New World influences exemplified from the terroir and climate of Atlas Peak. Initial aromas of charred and grilled fruit, especially plum. Blackberry sauce and roasted green bell pepper round out the nose. On the palate, ripe blackberry is complimented by a noted mineral quality and espresso flavors. Supple tannins leave the wine with an elegant finish. For a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon under $50, this wine delivers. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Bellefont-Belcier, St-Emilion]( [2010 Bellefont-Belcier, St-Emilion]( ($49.99) 93 points James Suckling: " Wonderful aromas of black truffles and berries with hints of wet earth. Full body, with velvety tannins and a rich and chewy finish. Yet the fruit and acidity balance this muscular wine. Try in 2018." (02/2013) 93 points Wine Spectator: "There's a nice charcoal note driving this from the start, while the dark plum, blackberry and black currant fruit waits in reserve. Ganache, licorice snap and tobacco fill in the finish and give this added range, while a singed alder wood note runs underneath for added texture and length. Impressive. Best from 2015 through 2030. (JM)" (03/2013) 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The wine offers up notes of jammy black cherries, black currants, licorice, camphor, underbrush and some subtle vanillin. The wine is full-bodied, voluptuously textured and rich, with good acidity, surprising freshness and laser-like definition given its ampleness and length. It can be drunk early on for its beautiful fruit, but look for this wine to hit its stride in 5-7 years and last for two decades. (RP)" (02/2013) Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 14, 2017 This is deep and toasty with ripe black currant fruit, espresso roast and licorice snap flavors melding together gloriously. The mid-palate is fat and textured and there is a long, mineral infused finish of roasted herb and ripe, sweet tannin. This is an outstanding bottle to drink or age. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Leeuwin Estate "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $80+)]( [2013 Leeuwin Estate "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $80+)]( ($64.99) 98 points James Halliday: "It is supremely elegant and finely balanced, and has absorbed the new oak in a manner worthy of a Grand Cru White Burgundy, leaving the fragrant bouquet and finely structured palate of startling length to occupy centre stage. 64% cultured yeast, 36% wild yeast, fermented in and matured for 11 months in new French oak." (01/2017) 97 points Bob Campbell: "Lightish green/yellow hue, restrained for its age, and the bouquet is ultra-fresh and youthful, with almost contradictory intensity thanks to concentrated fruit. Tremendous depth of flavour, which rolls on and on across the tongue. Lightly toasted cashews, subtly mealy, focused and tautly framed. A most impressive chardonnay which has a big future. A stunner! (HH - Real Review)" 96 points Wine Spectator: "Elegant and graceful, this opens to supple lemon and tangerine flavors, accented by spice, cedar, mineral and white floral touches. Everything is precise and supple, with a juicy touch on the epic finish. Drink now through 2026. *Highly Recommended* (MW)" (07/2016) 95 points Vinous: "(raised in 100 percent new French oak) Pale yellow-gold. A highly complex, mineral-laced bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, toasted brioche and white flowers, and a hint of fennel emerges with air. Shows superb depth and delineation, offering vibrant orange, pear, sweet butter and anise flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful, displaying superb focus and thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral and mineral flourishes. (JR)" (10/2017) 94 points James Suckling: "Fabulous flamboyance and opulence yet a freshness and brightness underneath. Full body, lemon curd, apple meringue undertones. Vibrant finish." (03/2016) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Chardonnay Art Series is very ripe and rich, with a tropical nose of ginger, brioche and honeyed peach. The medium-bodied palate reveals a pleasant oiliness, which is in synch with the spicy richness. The finish has great length and freshness supporting the many layers. (LPB) 93+" (03/2016) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "As always at Leeuwin Estate, the Art Series Chardonnay is a star. Now incorporating some natural ferments and slightly more solids, the 2013 features some more savory elements than in the past. A hint of pencil shavings highlights the pear and pineapple fruit, which offers plenty of flesh without being overbearing. (JC)" (02/2017) Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 03, 2017 I was stunned by the quality of this beautifully crafted Chardonnay. An intriguing bouquet of saffron, baking spice, lemon meringue and green apples hints at its nuance and complexity. On the palate, electrifying acidity enhances the aforementioned flavors, and while there is an underlying richness from the oak regimen, the emphasis is on freshness and balance. Superb craftsmanship. Green]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 03, 2017 I still recall the first time I tried a Leeuwin Estate Artist Series Chardonnay. I was completely astonished at the incredible quality and complexity of the wine. The 2013 is spectacularly consistent with my original feelings. Lovely, classy and refined, but not at all lightweight. The rich body of this wine completely envelops the oak, which feels nutty and creamy. It has a dense apple fruit tinged with tangerine and lemon peel, that goes on and on - the finish is extremely long and laced with fine minerals. You would be forgiven for thinking of a modern Burgundy when tasting this wine, but truly it is all Margaret River from start to finish. Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 02, 2017 The reviews on this wine are phenomenal and for good reason. This Chardonnay from one our our top Aussie producers is energetic and dynamic, while remaining elegant and refined. The price on this Chard is lower than you'll find anywhere else and I will be taking advantage and picking up some of it for gifts and elegant dinner parties. It shows fantastic balance and nuance of flavors, with just a touch of oak and brioche flavors complimenting the stone fruit. Even if you are not familiar with the Leeuwin label, I encourage you to give it a try and don't think you'll be surprised that it stands up to any high end Chardonnay from California or Burgundy. --------------------------------------------------------------- There are now several K&L email lists, where wine enthusiasts like yourself can sign up for categories that interest you. Visit [Email Preferences]( to find out more. Automate the effort to find your favorite wines! Our waiting list "keyword matching" program sends you an email when a wine matching your individual keywords comes into our inventory. Find more information or get started with your [waiting list for keywords]( in the My Account section of our site. From the home page of our site you can view a listing of all New Arrivals as well as items that are Coming Soon. In addition right there in the middle of the home page there is a link to our Best Sellers. 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