K&L Top 10 Picks - January

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday Jan 8th, 2018 [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 2015 Chateau Los Boldos "Grande Reserve" Cachapoal Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 95 $15.99 [View]( 2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes 93 $16.99 [View]( 2015 Chateau de L'Ou "Infiniment" Côtes Catalanes Rouge (Elsewhere $35) 94 $19.99 [View]( 2014 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 95 $29.99 [View]( 2015 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 93 $34.99 [View]( 2013 Domaine Bruno Colin Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Truffière" (Previously $90) 92 $49.99 [View]( 2000 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien 91 $49.99 [View]( 2012 Cortonesi "Poggiarelli" Brunello di Montalcino 95 Price: Hidden [View]( 2010 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan 95 $69.99 [View]( Bardstown Bourbon Company "Collabor&tion - Mistelle Barrel Finish" Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $124.99 [View]( [2015 Chateau Los Boldos "Grande Reserve" Cachapoal Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2015 Chateau Los Boldos "Grande Reserve" Cachapoal Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($15.99) 95 points Decanter: "2017 Decanter Gold Medal Winner World Wine Awards. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting notes: Liquorice and baked cherries notes with some salty feel. Fresh and elegant cassis, spearmint and black fruit palate. Smart and polished Cabernet Sauvignon. People will like it !" (07/2017) 92 points James Suckling: "A juicy and fruity wine with plum and sweet tobacco character. Medium to full body, ripe and flavorful with a lovely balance of flower and cedar. Needs a year or two to soften." (05/2017) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Polished and rich-tasting, with dark plum, cherry tart and chocolate mousse flavors that are well-proportioned. Medium-grained tannins show on the finish, with dried blackberry and green olive notes. (KM)" (07/2017) Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 03, 2018 I've been advising as many Cabernet drinkers as possible to start seriously exploring the expressions emanating from South America, particularly Argentina and Chile. The quality has gone way, way up over the last decade, but the prices have remained way, way low. Case in point is this new Reserve Cabernet from Chateau Los Boldos, a property established in 1991, but working with vines planted in the late 1940s. The reinvestment in those vineyards is realized today in the 2015 edition, one that offers classic Cabernet flavors with an eye towards the Bordeaux style. There's plenty of fruit, but also tobacco and earth, herbaceous notes, and a mineral streak on the finish that speaks to the complexity of the grape, rather than just ripeness and new oak. You get all that for well under $20. Hence, keep your eyes on South America. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 A charming bright Cabernet nose with lifted red berries and a wisp of leather and earth. It is medium bodied with slightly darker fruits than the nose would suggest. It has sneaky tannins that are polished and is lightly oaked. This is an everyday cab that is not simple and very charming. St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 The nose is full of green olive, barrel spice and cassis, it gives one the sense of a powerful statement. On the palate I was surprised by the wines' balance, it has richness but excellent lift and focus with just a hint of tannins. The finish is classic Cabernet leaving a lasting flavor reemphasizing the cassis and barrel spice, quite a Chilean value. Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 02, 2018 I love this wine! It has everything I look for: depth, precision, balance, complexity and most importantly it tastes really good. Chile is one of the many regions around the world where you get great bang for your buck and the 2015 Chateau Los Boldos Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect example. A suave nose of mint, earth and dried herbs deftly gives way to a palate that just oozes gorgeous dark berry fruit, spice, subtle mocha notes and a touch of earth and herbs. This is a wonderful, food friendly Cabernet Sauvignon that totally over delivers given its modest price. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes]( [2013 Château Peyros Madiran Vieilles Vignes]( ($16.99) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Vines up to 50-years-old are the basis of this rich and tannic wine. While it does have some age, it still has a way to go. Big bold tannins show strongly along with ripe black-plum skins. The wood aging has given this wine a smooth elegant edge that contrasts with the still young fruitiness. Drink from 2021. (RV)" (07/2017) K&L Notes: Chateau Peyros is a 17th century estate situated in the southern 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. Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 07, 2018 A blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cab Franc, the Peyros is one of the most interesting under French reds we have right now. I find touches of charcoal and black fruit on the nose with just a hint of leather. On the palate there is an incredibly pure fruit expression--you could draw similarities to Bordeaux or Chinon, but it has a thing all its own going on. With really mighty tannins, it is highly structured. This is pretty good right now, great, in fact, for the price. But you could just as easily sit on this and watch it evolve into something really special. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Chateau de L'Ou "Infiniment" Côtes Catalanes Rouge (Elsewhere $35)]( [2015 Chateau de L'Ou "Infiniment" Côtes Catalanes Rouge (Elsewhere $35)]( ($19.99) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Starting out with the 2015s, the 2015 Côtes Catalanes Infiniment de l'Ou comes from vines around the estate and is distinctly different than the two releases from the Agly Valley, offering a ripper, rounded style as well as ample dark fruit, graphite, tobacco and scorched earth. Made from 100% Syrah brought up all in barrel, this big, richly textured 2015 is going to continue drinking beautifully for a decade. (JebDunnuck.com)" (08/2017) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Just bottled three weeks ago, the 2015 IGP Cotes Catalanes Infiniment de l'Ou is the finest vintage of this cuvee to date. Made from 100% Syrah vinified and aged in barrel, its deep black/purple color is followed by a fabulous bouquet of cassis, smoked herbs, graphite and cured meats. Ripe, sexy, unctuous and layered, with moderate acidity and sweet tannin, drink this hedonistic beauty anytime over the coming decade. Even at 30 bucks, it's a killer value. (JD)" (04/2017) K&L Notes: Séverine Bourrier came to winemaking through her own passion for the subject, not having the family history associated with so many winemakers. She studied oenology in school and worked in Bordeaux for a decade. After meeting her husband, they relocated to a property an hour outside of Perpignan in the Roussillon. They began restoring an old château and did some replanting, rechristening the estate L’Ou, which is Catalan for "egg." The property is in an oval-shaped valley that was used as a rest area by herd animals and likely the Knights Templar on their way to various crusades. The estate consists of three primary terroirs: the alluvial marl soils that make up the valley, and two higher-elevation sites, one made up of black schist and the other brown. Their key grape variety is Syrah but Séverine also grows the classic regional varieties like Grenache and Carignan. For white grapes, they grow Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Muscat and of all things, Chardonnay, which is renowned for being one of the best in the region. The "Infiniment" Côtes Catalanes comes from the marl and alluvial soils. Made from 100% Syrah, it has a powerful nose with copious, rich, ripe fruit and spice box aromas. On the palate it is refined, delivering its power in waves, so as not to overwhelm. Excellent now or for a few years in the cellar. (Keith Mabry, K&L Wine Merchants) Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 19, 2017 Some of our best new relationships often come through referrals from other producers with whom we have already long established relationships. Our sparkling wine producer from Limoux, Françoise Antech, has made many great recommendations over the last few years through her association with the Vinifilles, a group of women wine growers that work together to share information, work events together and co-market their wines. Some of these referrals have included Domaine de la Reserve d’O and Clos de l’Anhel, both of which have been great successes with our staff and customers. When Francoise said, “you must try my friend Séverine Bourrier’s wines from Château de L’Ou,” we listened. I first tasted the wines at a Vinifilles event in Montpellier (the same event at which I met Marie Chauffray of Reserve d'O). There was a food and wine pairing of 2011 Secret des Schistes and a partridge galantine wrapped in cabbage. The cabbage made for a tricky pairing but in my notes, I declared it one of the two best pairing of the night. (The other was the Reserve d'O with a boudin noir (blood pudding)). Each element from the wine to the food ingredients elevated the combination to something quite remarkable. Though this event was a couple of years ago, the wines were always in the back of my mind. When you're establishing a new program in a category like our French Regional, you sometimes need to crawl before you run. Tasting the wines a few more times over the years and knowing we needed to establish a place for them, it wasn't until earlier this year when Jeb Dunnuck's insightful reviews of this estate compelled us to take the plunge. And plunge we did, picking up almost every wine they make. When you start tasting through all the different wines like we did you see such a distinct thread of quality and specificity. The basic wines are compelling but of course, it is the single-terroir Syrahs that will capture everyone's fancy. If you love wines from Hermitage or Cote-Rotie, adore the Shiraz of Barrossa or Syrahs of California, we have a new benchmark for you. These are truly wines of place (that place being Roussillon) and the Infiniment is just as good a place to start as it comes from the alluvial marl soils surrounding the estate. Full of lush boisterous fruit, it holds overtness at bay and its rich palate lays a foundation with layer upon layer of black fruit and spice. Severine's style of winemaking susses out the extraction but keeps the balance in check. There will be more to say when we look at the other two sites - the Velour Noir and Secret de Schistes - but right now, picking up some bottles of the Infiniment will give you the best access to this extraordinary and compelling property. Rodriguez]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 20, 2017 Impressive, Intense, Focused. For me, this was a shining star at our recent tasting and if you like pleasant, fragrant, mineral driven, Syrah, then this will shine for you as well! This version of the de L'Ou, Rouge adds an amazing depth, and intrigue to the already delicious "regular" version and for just a little more money, this is the one to grab! [Blake Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 14, 2017 The nose is very approachable, with subtle notes of Raspberry licorice. The Infiniment's palate is dense, yet packed with a perfect silky tannic structure that delivers with a nice subtle oomph. It makes a perfect entry level bottle for people who want a good quality Syrah from France. Great to have with red meat, or even by itself. You will not be disappointed with this bottle. Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2017 I looked at my K&L purchases the other day and no big surprise--it's almost all Syrah. Needless to say, when the L'Ou wines arrived, I was extraordinarily excited. The Infiniment, Velours Noir, and Secret de Schistes are all focused on specific terroirs, each one showcasing a different site and soil type. The Infiniment is 100% Syrah grown entirely on Alluvial Marl, and the wine shows much more accessible fruit than its counterparts. Rich without being syrupy, and aromatic without lacking concentration I was surprised that this was my favorite of the L'Ou Syrahs and better yet, it has the best price of the three. This is the kind of Syrah that I am always looking to buy and comes along so rarely: it has an expression of place, exceptional value, and is downright delicious Syrah. Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2017 For those who love Syrah or full, rich, but deftly made wines from anywhere need to have a few bottles of this around. Many producers would love to be able to have this kind of depth, concentration, and detail in their flagship $60 Syrah, much less something you can have on the shelf at under $20 (not that you'll find it anywhere else at this price). This is perhaps one of most exciting direct import wines right now at K&L, and it only takes one taste to see why. This is a beauty that will reward a decant now but will be gorgeous in five years and probably drink well for another 10 to 15 after that. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($29.99) 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley spends 18 months in a combination of 30% new and 70% used French and American barrels. It is another big boy at 15.4% natural alcohol. This wine, which was not yet in bottle, is fabulous, and there are 42,000 cases of it. One of the strongest efforts yet from the Martinis, this cuvée still sells at a modest $38.00 -- a fair price for something this compelling. The wine has an opaque purple color, a beautiful nose of blueberries, blackcurrants, licorice, camphor and graphite. The wine is full-bodied and multilayered on the palate with sensational richness and length. It should drink well for 20-25 years. (RP)" (10/2016) 91 points James Suckling: "Blueberry cake, eucalyptus, spice box and blackberry compote. Lots of underbrush character on the palate, which is full with chewy tannins, some fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink in 2020." (12/2017) Beffa]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 08, 2017 I have always enjoyed the Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet. Year after year it is possibly be the best value in California Cabernet. The step up in price for the Napa is about double but the quality is way more than that. This is a seriously delicious, rich, dense yet supple Cabernet that surprises the palate with a fleshy, toasty mouthfeel and long, lingering finish. I find the tannins silky and ripe, even with this vintage. I would have no problem enjoying this bottle now with a bit of air. Haase]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2017 Where's the love I always overlook this Cabernet. Always looking for the new, best, Napa red! We opened this the other day and much to our surprise, we discovered it to be a classic a truly balanced Napa Cabernet! It certainly was more than approachable with the big 2014 fruit up front, alluring blackberry jam, cocoa powder and integrated oak on the nose. It has that great depth which lingers with the richness of black fruit. Why not tempt yourself with that elegant, velvet juciness, melting into polished tannins, with a delightfully long finish. I was so glad to have the opportunity to try this wine! With so many choices out there, I will not overlook this one anymore. Keilman]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 08, 2017 For those who like ripeness without the jamminess, the 2014 Louis Martini Napa Valley is the perfect example of achieving phenolic ripeness without extracted, overwrought fruit. There is full ripeness without sacrificing acidity which allows the dark, purple fruit in this Napa Valley Cab to show through without overpowering and tiring out the palate. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir]( [2015 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir]( ($34.99) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Juicy and earthy, this lovely appellation wine is voluptuous with a spicy thread. Blueberry and huckleberry fruit meld seamlessly into savory bites of tree bark and forest as the whole offers length and breadth. (VB)" (12/2017) [Blake Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 04, 2018 Every previous vintage of Patz & Hall I've had has always delivered on a level of consistency like no other, and the 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot is no exception. This bottle delivers a bright level of acidity, and mellow subtleties of strawberry, raspberry and slight bell pepper. Did this wine go through a little bit a whole cluster fermentation? I'm not sure, but if it did, great! The 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot is fantastic regardless. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Domaine Bruno Colin Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Truffière" (Previously $90)]( [2013 Domaine Bruno Colin Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Truffière" (Previously $90)]( ($49.99) 92 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "A reticent but wonderfully complex nose is comprised by distinctly cool acacia blossom, white peach, pear and green apple hints. There is lovely sense of underlying tension to the elegantly textured and notably mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of dry extract that serves to coat the palate as well as buffer the moderately firm acidity supporting the saline, long and well-balanced finale. Good juice. *Sweet Spot Outstanding*" (06/2015) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Petrol and baking spice aromas lead off, followed by flavors of spiced apple and lemon. Intense, with tannins on the finish giving this white a tactile impression. Best from 2018 through 2026. (BS)" (06/2016) 91 points Vinous: "Restrained aromas of orchard fruits, orange peel, acacia blossom and stone. Suppler than the Garenne, showing a hint of pineapple, but also quite dry and tight. Will this expand in the bottle? An impression of saline extract suggests that it will. 91(+?) points. (ST)" (09/2015) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2000 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien]( [2000 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien]( ($49.99) 91 points Wine Spectator: "This château made a classic grand vin and the second wine is outstanding. Very rich and plummy on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and plenty of fruit on the finish. Serious concentration here. (JS, Web Only-2003)" (03/2003) K&L Notes: Cabernet Sauvignon 57%, Merlot 31%, Cabernet Franc 7.5%, Petit Verdot 3% and Malbec 1.5%. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 25, 2017 I may be partial to wines from St-Julien, but this particular bottle certainly outshines its price point by a long shot. It's drinking beautifully at present, but still shows plenty of structure to continue aging. On the palate, the wine shows plenty of bright, red fruit, elegant cigar box spice, and just the right amount of savory development. If you are in the market for a nicely aged Bordeaux that drinks beautifully, I wouldn't hesitate to try this wine. Sands]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 08, 2016 Finding perfectly stored older Bordeaux at a decent price from a good producer is extremely tough and one of the reasons we deal with so many different negociants in Bordeaux. The 1999 vintage was not one of power and concentration like 2000, it was far softer and easier to drink with nice soft-ripe fruit. My notes reflect exactly that as I told Clyde on the way home on the plane from the 1999 evaluation..."I don't think I have ever written down, tastes good so many times for young wines". The second wine of Gruaud Larose from 1999 is drinking beautifully now showing soft, warm, developed herbal fruit flavors with hints of earth and leather. The 2000 is a few years away from the perfect drinking window and is a much tighter, stronger and fresher expression with some nice red current fruit underneath the wood. Both wines are a steal for mature Bordeaux. Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 07, 2016 Darker in color and more closed aromatically than the 1999, this shows the power and structure of the vintage with sweeter fruit and a deeper core of richness. This is full-bodied, chewy and classically styled with ripe tannins embedded in the crunchy currant and dark plum fruit. Decant this for an hour and enjoy with hearty food. Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 07, 2016 Great structure and balance! A wine with great length and complexity with firm tannins and good acidity the 2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose. This wine has dark berry fruit, underbrush and bitter chocolate notes unfold on the palate as this youthful 2nd wine begins to spread its wings. Garneau]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 07, 2016 The second label of second growth Chateau Gruaud-Larose, named for one of the property's most prominent 19th century owners. The 2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, St-Julien shows off the strength of this millennial vintage. Big and round in the mouth with admirable weight. Lightly floral nose with characteristic tobacco notes. Lively fresh-picked blackberry fruit. Finishes firm with tannins still noticeably present. Drink or hold. Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 07, 2016 I just tasted this wine (July 7, 2016). A smoky, toasty, rich and concentrated nose of red fruits. Like the 1999 but richer on nose and on the palate. This has some tannins but with decanting you can enjoy now with a rich meal. I would save this wine for a few years and enjoy the 1999 now. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Cortonesi "Poggiarelli" Brunello di Montalcino]( [2012 Cortonesi "Poggiarelli" Brunello di Montalcino]( Price: Hidden 95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and dark Indian tea follow through to a full body, chewy and powerful tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Generous and structured. Try in 2020." (11/2016) 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This special vineyard site is located in the southeastern quadrant of the appellation known for more opulent and structured wines. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Poggiarelli lives up to this billing. The bouquet bursts open with immediate intensity. Bold cherry, blackberry, spice, clove and black truffle rise to the top. The mouthfeel shows mid-weight consistency with fine texture and mild freshness. (ML)" (03/2017) 92 points Vinous: "Good bright medium ruby-red. Aromas of raspberry, green tea, licorice and violet. At once smooth, sweet and nicely delineated, with good floral lift to the red berry and lightly saline flavors. Finishes with sweet tannins and sneaky concentration and length. (ID)" (03/2017) 92 points Wine Spectator: "A charming mix of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and underbrush flavors, this turns lean and tense toward the finish, offering firm, dusty tannins, echoes of tobacco and a touch of leather. Best from 2021 through 2035. (BS)" St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 23, 2017 The nose is full of dark fruit, spiced blackberry, hints of baking spice, and some Tuscan brush. On the palate the wine has real depth of flavor, darker fruits, more saturated flavors then the savory portions sweep forward, wild mushroom, rosemary, coriander. The tannic structure begins to show, fine grain and in balance and supports the supple richness where more wild cherry and blackberry flavors come to the front spiced with bits of savory earth. The wine comes together in the finish showing lots of complexity, a rich mid palate and long balanced finish. I think this is the best wine this winery has made, it comes from a plot in the south eastern portion of Montalcino. Russo]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 30, 2017 Chocolate covered blueberries, healthy loam, Dr. Pepper, and strawberries on the nose, which all come together harmoniously on the palate. Perfect tannin structure, supportive acidity, and a long and delicate finish. This is a beautifully unique Brunello that is sure to spark a conversation. Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 30, 2017 This is a bold and vibrant Brunello that will especially appeal to those looking for Sangiovese with ample intensity and length. "Poggiarelli" boasts penetrating red and black fruit flavors that carry on to a lengthy finish thanks to some solid acidity. It's aged in medium-sized French barrels yet the oak is perfectly integrated allowing the fruit to shine. Manekin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 18, 2017 Cortonesi, née La Manella, produces this particular bottling of Brunello from a well regarded site in the Southeast corner of the denominazione. The wine is brawny, salty, savory, black fruited and built, though there is still a quality to the wine that makes you salivate and reach for another glass. I like the style, and with any meat finished with rosemary and sea salt, I imagine I would like it even more. Bravo! A fine Brunello. Parres]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2017 I am Lovin on the 2012 Brunelli, beautifully layered, expressive wine bursting with sweet ripe strawberries, black cherries intermingled with subtle earth and toasted oak notes, minerals and a hint of bitter chocolate on the on the finish, round and ripe tannins and a long aftertaste and really well sturture. Great for gifts, or the Holiday table. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan]( [2010 Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan]( ($69.99) 95 points James Suckling: "Impressive nose with leather, dark polished fruit and flowers. Wonderful mouthfeel with soft silky tannins and beautiful texture. Really well put together. Powerful and rich with loads of fruit and ripe tannins. Very ripe. Try in 2016." (11/2013) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Lead pencil shavings, soy and barbecue smoke as well as red and black currants characterize this brilliant effort, which has an expansive, full-bodied mouthfeel yet a sublime elegance and lightness of being. Dense ruby/purple, gorgeous purity and a long, long finish of close to 50 seconds characterize another brilliant effort from this classified growth in Pessac-Leognan. It should drink nicely for 25-30 years yet is surprisingly accessible even today. (RP)" (02/2013) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Continuing its impressive series of wines, this red from Malartic-Lagravière has all the structure and density of the vintage, packed with plum and black currant fruits. The acidity is almost sweet in its richness, blending easily into the dark texture. Age for many years. *Cellar Selection*" (03/2013) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Shows a hefty dose of toast, but remains polished and well-embedded in a core of crushed plum, steeped blackberry and cherry compote flavors. The long finish picks up briary energy, with anise and violet notes checking in. Best from 2016 through 2028." (03/2013) 91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Good bright, dark red. Scented nose offers currant, licorice, dried flowers, cardamom and smoky oak notes. Then sweet, lush and easygoing, with excellent flesh to the flavors of dark berries, graphite and spices. With its velvety, plump texture, this wine may not have ultimate grip but it has more than enough energy and should offer great early appeal. My sample finished with sweet tannins and very good length." (07/2013) K&L Notes: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. "A fabulous blend..." adds Robert Parker, "this large (nearly 120-acre) estate near Haut-Bailly and Branon has tuned out another fabulous effort in 2010." (2/2013) Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 08, 2017 Sweet red and black currants and roasted earth fill the middle of this toasty and fresh wine. This is dark and substantial with a wonderful mineral expression. Maybe even better than their spectacular 2009. Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 25, 2015 One of our favs from the south. Very polished and regal wine-great for the price. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Bardstown Bourbon Company "Collabor&tion - Mistelle Barrel Finish" Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( [Bardstown Bourbon Company "Collabor&tion - Mistelle Barrel Finish" Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( ($124.99) The Collaboration series is the first release of whiskey from Kentucky's soon-to-be star Bardstown Bourbon Company, a project done in "collaboration" with Louisville brandy specialists Copper & Kings. Using 10 year old stocks of Bourbon distilled at MGP in Indiana, BBCo finished each of the whiskies for an additional 18 months in two different types of casks: American brandy and Muscat Mistelle. Made from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, the Collabor&tion expression aged in Mistelle barrels has an incredible viscosity and chewiness to its texture from the time spent in the used casks. Mistelle is unfermented grape juice (in this case Muscat) fortified with un-aged brandy (Muscat eau-de-vie) and then aged in bourbon barrels for 18 months. The empty barrels are deeply and highly caramelized with the grape sugars and fruit essences and the Collabor&tion whiskey aged in these barrels is pure joy. It's a completely novel sensory experience; deeply concentrated, rich whiskey that has a supple, fruity, and absolutely delicious finish. It's both an incredibly unique and divine tasting experience. Bottled at 47% cask strength ABV. NOTE: Due to the shape of the Collabor&ation bottle it cannot be consolidated with other bottles shipping and must ship in its own individual package. Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 05, 2017 This is a wonderful addition to the bourbon selection. It is both elegant and tasty with elegant and inviting aromas. In the mouth it is both interesting and tasty. This is not a heavy bourbon and there is a very nice spice element. There is a nice complex finish. Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 29, 2017 If you've ever walked into the store and asked the objectively silly question, "What rare bourbons do you have in stock at a good price?" This is your chance! These are extremely limited, ultra rare bourbons that taste absolutely delicious, unique, and are down right affordable when you consider the other criteria. Mistelle, if you're unfamiliar, is just fortified grape juice (and super tasty). Due to the mistelle cask finish, this bourbon screams out with sensational fruit, you can tell there is a sweetness and intensity to it from the nose, much like a PX-aged Scotch, but with more floral and stone fruit tones, less rancio. The texture is powerful, round and unctuous. And the bourbon itself...10 year old+ goodness bottled at 47%. That in itself is worth a fortune these days, add the most interesting and tasty cask finish I've seen this year and you've got a winner for those bold enough to actually ask, "what's rare and in stock?" Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 29, 2017 I LOVE the Mistelle finish on this and it's funny because I thought my co-workers and customers would prefer the classic profile of the American brandy expression, but I was wrong. The sweetness and the texture provided by the liqueur finish is simply sensational here and the orange peel notes from the Mistelle really blend well into the baking spices of the bourbon. It's done with a balanced hand all the way through and the flavor of the whiskey never gets lost in the mix. Don't miss out on this one. --------------------------------------------------------------- There are now several K&L email lists, where wine enthusiasts like yourself can sign up for categories that interest you. 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