K&L Top 10 Picks—December

December Top 10 Picks! The hottest wines this month... Monday Dec 3rd, 2018 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( 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 2013 Scott Paul "La Paulée" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $30) 91 $14.99 [View]( 2016 Fromm "La Strada" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 93 $16.99 [View]( 2017 Domaine des Côtes Blanches Sancerre 90 $19.99 [View]( 2012 Qupé "Sonnie's - Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard" Edna Valley Syrah (Previously $50+) 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2005 Bodegas Casa Juan Señor de Lesmos Gran Reserva Rioja $29.99 [View]( 2016 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas 98 $39.99 [View]( 2015 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion 95 $44.99 [View]( 2013 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 97 $54.99 [View]( Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne 94 $74.99 [View]( 1991 John McCrae (Balvenie) 26 Year Old "Hepburn's Choice" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $139.99 [View]( [2013 Scott Paul "La Paulée" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $30)]( [2013 Scott Paul "La Paulée" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $30)]( ($14.99) 91 points Vinous: "Deep red. Bright and energetic on the nose, displaying intense red berry and blood orange scents, along with candied rose and allspice highlights. Silky, sweet and incisive on the palate, offering juicy strawberry and floral pastille flavors and a spicy kick of white pepper. Closes very long and nervy; fine-grained tannins lend shape and closing grip. (JR)" (12/2016) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Sophisticated and subtle, this lovely wine expresses varietal elegance, with a bouquet of roses and raspberries to begin. The jumble of pretty fruits is framed with citrus peel and a dusting of chocolate. (PG)" (04/2016) 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Pinot Noir la Paulee comes from fruit sourced from Maresh and Nysa in the Dundee Hills, Azana in Chehalem and from the Ribbon Ridge, matured for ten months in neutral oak. It has a very natural, Côte de Beaune-like bouquet with ample brambly red fruit with hints of black tea developing with aeration. I appreciate the focus and definition here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, smooth in the mouth with just a faint honeyed note. Tart red cherries mingle with redcurrant and strawberry, segueing into a poised and fulsome finish. This should drink well over the next 7-10 years and represents great value. (NM)" (06/2016) K&L Notes: The La Paulée Pinot from Scott Paul is lip-smackingly delicious! A perfect rendition of bright, juicy, brambly, cool-climate Oregon Pinot. The fruit for this wine comes from a couple of the most highly esteemed vineyards in the regions including: Maresh Vineyard (Arterberry Maresh) Nysa Vineyard (Nicholas-Jay / Archery Summit) and Ribbon Ridge Estate Vineyard...all known for $50 single vineyard wines. Beyond the quality of the fruit sources, Scott Paul's winemaker, Ian Burch, was the Assistant Winemaker at Evening Land for 6 years under the mentorship of Burgundian royalty Dominique Lafon! This is an absolute steal. (Ryan Woodhouse—K&L Domestic Wine Buyer) [treybeffa.gif]( Beffa]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 01, 2018 The Scott Paul is quite a value at $15! This is classic Oregon Pinot Noir. Made in a light, fresh style, the wine has plenty of red fruits mixed with earthy undertones and spice. The wine seems to glide across the palate with a smooth, silky finish. This will pair excellent with lighter fare. [sharonkelly.jpg]( Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 27, 2018 A fresh expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with elevated notes of tart cherry and strawberry, some wet earth, a gentle spiciness and harmonious acidity. This is polished and precise and normally costs twice the price so get in here and load up the car with as many cases as you can fit. You'll have your holiday wine, weekday wine and gifting ideas all figured out in one quick trip to the store. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 01, 2018 Crafted from some of Oregon's great vineyard sources including Maresh and Ribbon Ridge, this is remarkable pedigree for the price. Currant, clove, lavender, and burnt orange highlight impressive aromas that lead to an incredibly pure and balanced palate that hones in on bright and juicy red fruits. The texture is silk and it is a very graceful wine throughout. Drinking beautifully right now right out of the gate, it has all the structure and depth to drink well for another five to ten years, but it is at a terrific spot right now and will be hard to resist at this kind of pricing. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Fromm "La Strada" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc]( [2016 Fromm "La Strada" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc]( ($16.99) 92-93 points Raymond Chan: "Bright, very pale straw-yellow colour. The nose is very fresh and bright with slightly cooler spectrum fruit, showing gooseberries, nettles, a little cut grass, and mineral notes. This is still youthful. On palate very zesty and coolish, with gooseberry, cut grass, fresh herbs along with thirst-quenching minerals. Very good fruit depth, the textures in the background, and the acidity to the fore to be mouthwatering. This is putting on richness, and evolving, albeit very slowly, and should live well." (10/2016) 93 points Sam Kim: "A lovely elegant rendition made from hand-picked and whole bunch pressed grapes grown in the Middle Wairau Valley, the delicately lifted bouquet shows feijoa, green rockmelon, lime zest and subtle flinty characters. It is finely textured and linear on the palate, and delivers pristine fruit flavours together with whispering savoury undertones, brilliantly structured by mouth-watering acidity. A gorgeous food partner. At its best: now to 2020." (07/2017) [heathervanderwall.gif]( Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 03, 2018 This excellent Sauvignon Blanc is made by one of our favorite New Zealand producers. Fromm does everything with balance and elegance, and their Sauvignon Blanc is no exception! This wine lacks some of the astringent vegetal qualities that often turn people away from New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, but rather focuses on clean crisp citrus notes with subdued floral undertones, and just the right hint of grassy notes to round out the finish. Overall, I think this is one of the most balanced and elegant Sauvignon Blancs in our New Zealand offerings currently. [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 22, 2018 I never expected to enjoy the La Strada as much as I did. This clearly isn't your typical New Zealand sauvignon blanc... The flavor profile closely resembles a Sancerre, yet it has a personality of it's own... For under 20 dollars, you really can't go wrong with this one. [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 12, 2018 Another world class offering from this Marlborough icon - Fromm Winery. Picked from some of the maturest vines in the region; this block surrounding the winery consistently produces one of NZ's finest expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Juicy citrus fruit, passion flower, kumquat, fresh cut herbs, stony minerals. Electrifying acidity and mouthwatering freshness. A perfect example of why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is famous the world over. Thanks to our direct import relationship we can bring you this estate grown, organically certified wine for less than $17! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Domaine des Côtes Blanches Sancerre]( [2017 Domaine des Côtes Blanches Sancerre]( ($19.99) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is an intense, tightly structured wine. Very mineral in character, it is as much about texture as about fruit. It needs some aging to fill out the fruitiness. Drink this complex wine from 2019. (RV)" (09/2018) K&L Notes: Domaine Côtes Blanches was established in the 1930s by Bernard and Pierre Millet. In 1980, it was time for the second generation to take the reins, so François and Monique expanded the estate to 21 hectares of vines (15 Sauvignon, 6 Pinot Noir). After returning from his studies in Beaune five years ago, Nicolas (son of François and Monique) joined the family-run estate and brought a new energized passion. The family is dedicated to the land and the environment by which they are surrounded. All farming is done organically, harvest dates are dictated by nature rather than the calendar, and only gravity systems are used in the winemaking--no pumps--and all wines are allowed to rest 6-8 weeks in bottle before release. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2018 The Cotes Blanches has come a long way since we started our direct relationship. Each year, under the watchful eye of Nicolas Millet, the wine gains in concentration and intensity. The 2017 vintage was tricky with its frost but that never affected quality, just yields. Full of snappy minerality and salinity, the candied lime peel nose follows with notes of crushed pineapple and green papaya. Full of vibrancy it has all the satisfying markers of delicious Sancerre and because of our relationship, we received a healthy allocation over the next few months. This is the kind of Sancerre you'll drink all summer long and well into the cooler months. [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2018 To no surprise, the new vintage of Sancerre from Domaine Des Cotes Blanches is awesome. With what seems to be constant consistency, the 2017 has well balanced acidity, and a fine touch of minerality. While it would be a perfect summer sipper, I'm okay with drinking this year round and probably eating a butt load of oysters on the side. Definitely worth a whirl. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 18, 2018 I consider myself an unabashed Sancerre enthusiast. Few wines provide me with more thirst quenching refreshment than a chilled glass of Sancerre. The wine has been the toast of Paris and a staple of the French bistro for as long as I can remember. This is for good reason as the wine is crisp, refreshing, savory, and finishes long and clean. I especially appreciate the mineral dimension on the finish of this particular bottle of wine. I think Ill put a bottle in the fridge tonight. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Qupé "Sonnie's - Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard" Edna Valley Syrah (Previously $50+)]( [2012 Qupé "Sonnie's - Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard" Edna Valley Syrah (Previously $50+)]( Price: Hidden 93 points Wine & Spirits: "An annual selection of the best barrels off of the hilly, gravelly site that Bob Lindquist planted in 2005, Sonnie's bursts with refreshing, detailed fruit in 2012, the flavors as dark and juicy as mulberries and black plums yet lively and mouthwatering, holding tightly to the stony cool of its structure. It's pretty irresistible now, but has an effortless balance that will allow it to age gracefully. (400 cases)" (10/2015) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Bob Lindquist shows his mastery of cool-climate fruit with this bottling, which is redolent of asphalt, cracked black pepper, rosemary, lavender and damson plum. It's fairly light in body but strong in tarry structure, offering loads of cracked peppercorn flavor with its juicy purple fruit. (MK)" (07/2017) K&L Notes: Winemaker's Notes: "Qupé "Sonnie’s" Syrah is a selection of the most elegant and aromatic lots of Syrah (clones (Alban 1, Alban PB and Estrella) from the Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard in Edna Valley. Planted in 2005, this vineyard was established using biodynamic farming methods, and was Demeter Certified Biodynamic in 2009. The soils are a composition of sandstone, rocks and volcanic material, which give the resulting wine a distinct mineral characteristic. "Sonnie’s" is named after renowned winemaker Bob Lindquist’s mother, Sandra (Sonnie) Granger Lindquist, and is a barrel selection of the best grapes of the vintage. Traditional winemaking techniques included open top fermenters, 95% Syrah, 5% Marsanne; fermented with native yeasts, 70% "whole cluster" and manual punch downs twice a day. The wine was then aged for over a year exclusively in Ermitage French oak barrels, of which 60% were new oak and the rest in one and two-year-old barrels. A final cut was made six weeks before bottling to ensure optimal complexity, acid and tannins, and to allow the wine to mature gracefully over time. Sublime notes of boysenberry, blueberry and black olive transition into a long and lingering finish. Enjoy this wine young with roasted duck and fingerling potatoes or save it in the cellar for a special occasion over the next 8-12 years." [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2018 Wow! This is one of the most serious wines I've ever selected in the sub-$20 price point. That's because it typically sells for $50+! Qupe has long been a staff favorite here at K&L...especially those releases coming from the Biodynamically farmed Sawyer-Lindquist estate property. Sonnie's Syrah represents the very best blocks and barrels of any given vintage - simply put - the best Syrah they can make. I'm super excited we can offer this simply stunning wine at more than 60% off its typical retail at the winery! Sadly some much chronicled events involving the parent company has forced the hand of the winery to sell some gems like this to us for a fraction of their worth. The wine is in perfect condition, just entering its prime drinking window after 5 years in bottle. A classically brooding, gamey, smokey Syrah, with violet tones, dark fruit, dried herbs, peppered steak, earthy elements underpinning the deep, succulent fruit. Drink anytime between now and 2028. [cameronprice.jpg]( Price]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2018 How fortunate to have this wine at the low price of $19.99 as it truly is outstanding. A wonderfully structured Syrah of finesse with all the savory notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, leather, fresh plums with some black pepper that make the mouth water wanting more. Bob Lindquist, the founder of Qupé and one of the first "Rhone Rangers" is truly a composer of great Syrah and you'll understand when you pour your glass and hear it singing. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2005 Bodegas Casa Juan Señor de Lesmos Gran Reserva Rioja]( [2005 Bodegas Casa Juan Señor de Lesmos Gran Reserva Rioja]( ($29.99) Finally, the great 2005 Gran Reserva from our favorite Rioja winery has arrived! As is the case with so many other great spots in Spain, Bodega Casa Juan is located opposite the village church, in the beautiful walled pueblo of Laguardia. The winery is a converted flour mill, featuring concrete tanks for fermenting and blending the wine, and barrels that are used for up to seven years. These are traditional Riojas in elaboration and spirit, though the site specificity of their Laguardia and Villabuena vineyards confers a fruit character all its own to these wines. This is an amazing value for aged, quality Gran Reserva Rioja. All estate fruit, hand harvested, and carefully vinified with native yeasts, this is a hand sewn wine with the purity, texture and elegance to prove it. Having spent 38 months in barrel and many more months in bottle, this Gran Reserva smells of ripe red fruit and chewy, dried fruits as well, with a subtle hint of tobacco. On the palate, the red fruits show great development, with lots of chalky minerality and the elegance of a middle aged Gran Reserva. A perfect blend of rusticity and elegance--so typical of old school Rioja-- is clearly shown in this lovely wine (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish & Portuguese wine buyer) [joemanekin.gif]( Manekin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 01, 2018 I remember how delicious the 2005 vintage Crianza and Reserva wines were from Casa Juan (that said, if I were to forget I can remind myself because I have some in the cellar..) Nevertheless, when I first tasted the 2005 Gran Reserva with Angel in his Laguardia tasting room, I had a little moment. I tasted the wine and found it to be spectacular, one of the finest "young" Gran Reserva Riojas I have ever tasted. We are fortunate to be working with someone as kind, genuine, hard working and serious as Angel from Casa Juan, whose wines continue to surprise and delight anyone lucky enough to drink them. I cannot recommend this special bottle of Gran Reserva highly enough. [Stefanie-Juelsgaard.jpg]( Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 13, 2018 It's crazy to me how much life these wines can have after 13 years in bottle, but this Gran Reserva is just only starting to blossom and show its true characters. So supremely fresh from the bright acidity, this is a fantastic blend of old world savoriness and fresh clean fruits. Señor de Lesmos is always my go-to recommendation for any level of Rioja to customers, but in this case, they are going to have to beat me to it. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 13, 2018 I've been waiting years for this release! I have consumed cases of the 1998 Gran Reserva (one of my all time favorite wines) and I had extremely high hopes for the 2005. Fortunately my patience has been rewarded. This beauty is every bit as good as the 1998. Being 7 years younger it is only just now stepping into the complexity that will undoubtedly develop. It's velvety smooth and in its infancy it has wonderful liveliness. The oak has just perfectly integrated and provides a backbone of spice, tannin, and contributes to the wonderful mouth feel. Given how many bottles I've enjoyed over such a wide drinking window of the 1998, I've already socked away a bunch of these 2005s to drink now and over the next 15 years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas]( [2016 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas]( ($39.99) 98 points Decanter: "From 65 to 115 year old vines with no destemming, aged in old foudres. A discreet but intriguing nose of flowers, fruits and herbs. It's fresh and almost cleansing on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is concentrated but not overly so, with incredible brightness and vivacity leading into a mineral, saline finish that refreshes and lifts the spirits. Perfectly balanced, poised and seriously elegant, this is an absolute joy. It has an unforced and natural demeanour that is the sign of great terroir and a natural, sensitive touch in the cellar. Fantastic, and totally true to Gigondas. (MW)" (10/2017) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Even better, the flagship 2016 Gigondas Ventabren checks in as a normal 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault that was brought up in a mix of very old foudres and demi-muids. This ripe, sexy, flamboyant Gigondas boasts a stunning bouquet of assorted red and black fruits, new saddle leather, garrigue, and cured meats, and taking a walk through a street market in the south of France isnt far off from what you get with this beauty. Full-bodied, layered, and concentrated, its a wine that delivers both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years." (09/2018) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "From the estate's oldest vines, the 2016 Gigondas Ventabren is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, aged in mix of foudres and demi-muids. Like the Tradition, it's non-destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. It's smoother and suppler, almost plush in texture, with super ripe stone fruit and cherry notes that linger on the long finish, adding hints of dried spices and garrigue. It should drink well for over a decade. (JC)" (08/2018) [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 14, 2018 My visit to Gardette in 2017 consisted of tasting the 2015 vintage, just freshly bottled, and some barrel tasting of the 2016s. Both went well beyond impressive to say the least. The 2016 though had so much depth of flavor, it is no surprise that Jean-Baptiste Meunier, proprietor of Gardette, declared it the best vintage he has ever made. This past March, I returned to taste the now bottled 2016s and barrel taste the 2017s (also impressive but something we'll examine next year when those wines are ready). Jaw-dropping was my reaction. The Cuvee Ventabren had such power and weight behind it but extraordinary balance. It was a new benchmark rivaling the top cuvees from Saint-Cosme (Jean-Baptiste's dear friend) for a fraction of the price. The Ventabren is definitely cellar-worthy with its beguiling spice box nose and perfume of garrigue and incense. Deep blackberry fruit comes in waves accented by the panoply of those surrounding aromas. The Ventabren is not a hedonistic style outright but one that is more savory and spicy capturing what makes the region so different from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I often find myself relishing the wines of Gigondas more than the CDPs, not just because they represent greater value but they can match the quality of Chateauneuf without losing a step. Don't miss this extraordinary bottling from one of our favorite producers as it won't last long in the stores. [JohnMajeski.jpg]( Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 15, 2018 Thirsty old vines dig deep in the stony unforgiving soils of the Southern Rhone, generating low-yielding fruit that expresses the generous warmth and vitality of Gigondas, and winemaker Jean Baptiste Meunier remains just as deeply attuned to the elemental soils and climate as those venerable vines. The 2016 Ventabren is a tour de force, a sensational wine that captivates the senses with aromas and flavors of blackberry, tobacco, wild herbs and spicebox, full-bodied, textural and harmonious, with all 'the right stuff' to age gracefully for another decade or more. (Had to throw in an homage to writer Tom Wolfe, who passed away today.) [sharonkelly.jpg]( Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 14, 2018 Our Monday crew had been planning a staff BBQ for the past few weeks... our operations manager Steve "The Meat" Berg grilled up some killer ribs and tri-tip sandwiches, the authentic Canadian poutine provided by yours truly. I have been impatiently waiting to try this new vintage of the "Ventabren" since the 2015 sold out last year. The anticipation of BBQ and Gigondas? That's kismet! Powerful and expressive (the wine, not the meat), this has such incredible depth and concentration but shows the elegance and finesse that so defines Jean-Baptiste Meunier's style. The wine itself is stellar on its own but truly complemented some serious BBQ. If I wasn't on the clock I would have snuck off, bottle in hand, slab of rib in the other. JB Meunier has captured my heart once again. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion]( [2015 Barde-Haut, St-Emilion]( ($44.99) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Based on an 80/20 split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Barde-Haut is a tour de force and a spectacular wine any way you look at it. Crème de cassis, dried flowers, earth, and loads of limestone-like minerality all flow to a full-bodied, opulent wine that has sweet tannins and a great mid-palate. Drink this uber-sexy beauty any time over the coming 15+ years." (10/2018) 95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, wet earth and black tea. Full-bodied, dense and layered with medium, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows focus and power. Needs three or four years to start coming together." (02/2018) [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2018 Usually one of the top high-end values in Bordeaux, Barde-Haut's 2015 take things to another level. Aromatically it is incredibly intriguing, nuanced, and dynamic. While the core seems very traditional St-Emilion, there is a wild blue fruit note that keeps showing through. The palate shows terrific focus and balance, certainly dialed back from the bigger, more flamboyant styles of, say, 2009 or 2010. But qualitatively it should be in the same conversation. A bright burst of acidity carries deep red fruits, hints of earth, minerality, and mouth-coating tannins. The 20% Cab Franc shows up through the finish in a very engaging way. This is a lot of wine for the price and should thrill Bordeaux fans of all types over the next 15-20 years. [jamesbradshaw.jpg]( Bradshaw]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2018 After reading the excellent critical reviews, I was excited to try the 2015 Barde-Haut for myself. Well, it one-hundred percent lives up to the hype. It is loaded with ripe blue and red fruits, but the notes of mint and eucalyptus raise this St-Emilion to another level entirely. For those who love a modern style of Bordeaux, this Barde-Haut delivers in spades. Give it a chance to open it up as the wine just keeps evolving with baking spice, tea, and slate flavors emerging. This 2015 is ready to drink now and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues to develop for another 20-plus years. That this bold and dashing red can be had for under $50 makes it all the more appealing. Barde-Haut is at the top of their game and this glorious red makes the case that they are among the most exciting properties in the Right Bank today. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino]( [2013 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino]( ($54.99) 97 points Wine Enthusiast: "Truffle, underbrush, new leather, wild berry and violet aromas are front and center on this gorgeous, full-bodied red. The taut, vibrant palate combines power and grace, delivering crushed red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and tobacco. Its young but impeccably balanced, with firm noble tannins and bright acidity. Hold to give it time to fully develop. Drink 2023-2043. *Cellar Selection* (KO)" (05/2018) 95 points Vinous: "Bright dark red. Floral nuances complicate the aromas of red cherry, licorice, sage and minerals on the captivating nose. Rich, dense and juicy; harmonious ripe acidity provides noteworthy clarity and cut to the steely red cherry and licorice flavors. Finishes long with rising smooth tannins and hints of licorice. Very serious, very pure Brunello in the classic, high-acid, no-frills style of the vintage. (ID)" (04/2018) [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 06, 2018 Im so in love with this wine. I love the complex earthiness, which has a sort of cherry tobacco, sweet earth, plum mixture that graces the elegant and lithe body. On the palate the wine has power, yet is supple and easily balanced showing layers of spice, earth and fruit The Buffi brothers, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, Nello Baricci, and uncle, Graziano, have upped the game at this winery and it is now garnering super high scores every vintage. An outstanding wine: savory, sweet earth, supple yet powerful; so elegant, a real winner. [jeffreyjones.gif]( Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 26, 2018 Baricci is one of my favorite Brunello producers. They have a long and exceptional track record for producing high quality wine. The 2013 Baricci Brunello continues this tradition. I offers bright red fruits that are rounded out with earth and dusty flavors. It is drinking very well now and will go best with food. [mike-parres.gif]( Parres]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 23, 2018 So many Brunellis and so little time. This wine is from this extraordinary portion of Montalcino's most famous single vineyard, "Montosoli," and is full of black cherry, cinnamon, anise, cardamom, and leather; spicy, gamey, full of what I call sweet earth, (that Montalcino, dusty minerality) it's a more rustic wine than the one above. I would give this a couple hours of breathing time and drink this over the next couple of years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne]( [Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne]( ($74.99) 94 points James Suckling: "An subtle nose with plenty of fine autolysis aromas of fresh bread and sweetly fragrant yeasty notes, plus some gentle spice and chalky notes. The palate unleashes beautiful wild strawberry fruit flavors, super fresh, fleshy and pure. Great balance and depth." (07/2015) 93 points Wine Spectator: "A lovely rosé in an almost vinous style, with mouthwatering acidity and a fine, lacy mousse carrying appealing flavors of ripe raspberry, white cherry fruit, star anise, mandarin orange peel and honeysuckle. Lightly chalky on the lasting finish. Enjoy with food. Drink now through 2020. (AN)" (11/2016) [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2015 This is the benchmark in rose Champagne, and it deserves every bit of its fame. I find it elegant and balanced every time that I have it, and the blushing pink color is always perfect. If you are looking for a famous producer that delivers the goods, the Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne is a great choice. I like the wine best as an aperitif, the only thing it need to pair with is a good glass. [salrodriguez.jpg]( Rodriguez]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 07, 2018 The wine that Billecart is probably most well-known for is their rose and it's done very well. I usually choose blanc de blanc, or blanc de noir when I'm getting my bubbles on. Mostly because I tend to feel that rose' sparklers need a bit more time, after popping that top, to open up, and I just really don't have time to wait when I'm trying to celebrate! Get in my glass, and "get in mah belleh", to quote a favorite actor of mine. This needs no extra time to blow off the funk that can sit in the glass for a bit. It's pretty, fresh, and crisp, right from the start. High toned bright fruit really make this a fresh, lifted, wine to toast to any great occasion. Although it's quite dry, it still shines through with a nice measure of sweetness from the fruit. This is the sparkling rose to beat! [diana-turk.jpg]( Turk]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017 This sets the bar for spectacular brut rosé! Its hard to gush about Billecart-Salmon without feeling like youre piggybacking on critical accolades or following popular opinion, but this best-selling Champagne is worth the hype. Gorgeous rose petal and delicate white peach on the nose, followed by pure strawberry fruit gleaming through the palate, this showcases Billecart-Salmons bright style while adding the sophistication of mousse texture and a minerally finish. Theres freshness throughout, plus substance this would be a great wine to pair with heartier meals like fried chicken, although its elegance makes a glass equally at home with caviar. Tiny creamy bubbles and lovely color only enhance the drinking experience, and cooler, longer fermentation in stainless steel (3-5 weeks!) keeps everything crisp. Billecart-Salmon uses all three big Champagne varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and curiously, more Pinot Meunier than most houses. They have traditionally championed Meunier and the result is a delicate, nuanced wine with depth. Perfect for any occasion, even if that occasion is a weeknight spent on an apartment balcony, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is reliably special. --------------------------------------------------------------- [1991 John McCrae (Balvenie) 26 Year Old "Hepburn's Choice" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( [1991 John McCrae (Balvenie) 26 Year Old "Hepburn's Choice" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($139.99) We've discussed the practice of "teaspooning" at K&L several times before and it's critically important to understanding just how special this cask of whisky is. There are some producers who freely sell or trade their single malt and are happy to have their name used in the sale of that whisky. But there are also producers who carefully guard their name, as is their prerogative, but who still end up selling or trading whiskey with the independent bottler market. To guard their distillery name, they "teaspoon" casks before selling them. This is simply the addition of a minuscule amount of whisky from another distillery to the cask. That teaspoon of whisky renders the entire cask "blended malt" (a blend of single malt whiskies from two different distilleries) instead of single malt and as such makes it illegal to call the cask by the producers name. The independent bottling market has created unique names for each independent cask that comes from a particular distillery. Enter "John McCrae." While the distillery is known for their double cask program, this single cask is everything you want from a 26 year old Speysider of impeccable pedigree. A true gentlemen of the highest order. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2018 Another stupendous "blended malt" from Hepburn. This is world class stuff that we just happened to get a hold of. Of course the only reason Balvenie wouldn't use this exceptional whisky in it's extremely well regarded whisky program is if it didn't meet the brands standards. That by no means implies that this whisky is any lower quality than the insane 25 year old single barrels they sell for $700+, but that it just didn't fit in the program. And I bet William Grant was well pissed when they rolled this cask out of the warehouse to find it had gone under the 47.8% that the 25 year is bottled at. But, we're the lucky beneficiaries of that "fault" and can now sell you something, that missed the mark for that special line by about 3.2% for an 80% discount. Oh and it taste goddamned delicious, just as you'd expect from an old whisky of this pedigree. There's no question that we'll be looking out for more malts like this one, but I doubt we'll find many that taste quite this special. [Will Blakely]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 24, 2018 A powerful whisky despite its relatively low proof, this bottling definitely shows the prowess of its original distillery. Savory and softly herbal on the nose, it comes across as hearty and wholesome, even soul-nourishing. The taste is deep and earthy supplemented by lighter tones of ginger, citrus and mint. With a dash of water, the aromas open up to include whispers of sweet flowers and thyme. The finish is intensely flavorful and immensely satisfying, like a big meal after a long day of hard work. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind bottle that you don't want to miss. [jeffreyjones.gif]( Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 17, 2018 The last time that K&L had a cask from this distillery it sold out in a very short time. After tasting this selection, I can see no reason that this will not happen again. There is a very pretty almost delicate but pronounce wax and honey nose . The mouth feel is velvet and cream with nice lush honey like flavors. There is a dry and long finish. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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. We offer five excellent wine clubs and a new exclusive Personal Sommelier Service, that allow you to sample outstanding wines from all over the world. Due to our bulk purchase power and longstanding relationships, the quality and value offered by these clubs are tremendous. Unlike winery clubs where you typically taste the same wines year after year, our clubs offer phenomenal variety that is strictly selected by our panel of buyers. [See for yourself](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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