K&L Top 10 Picks—January

Our top picks for the month of January... Monday Jan 14th, 2019 [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 2015 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve 92 $15.99 [View]( 2015 Wind Gap Sonoma Coast Syrah (Previously $36) 94 $16.99 [View]( 2014 Leeuwin Estate "Prelude" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $29) 92 $19.99 [View]( 2004 Moulin-Haut-Laroque, Fronsac 90 $24.99 [View]( 2012 Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Reserva Rioja 97 $24.99 [View]( Thierry Thibault Brut Champagne $29.99 [View]( 2013 Poggio San Polo Brunello di Montalcino 96 $54.99 [View]( 2010 Trimbach "Cuvée Frédéric Émile" Riesling Alsace 96 $69.99 [View]( 2013 Hidden Ridge "55% Slope" Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 97 $89.99 [View]( 1994 Miltonduff 24 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $129.99 [View]( [2015 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve]( [2015 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve]( ($15.99) 92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A special cuvée for importer Eric Solomon, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Reserve is a beauty thats from a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Carignan, and 5% each of Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. Kirsch liqueur, black cherries, ground herbs, and garrigue notes all emerge from this this ripe, sexy, opulent Côtes du Rhône. Balanced and layered on the palate, with some serious oomph, its a smoking value!" (02/2018) [alexp.gif]( Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 07, 2018 This is an absolute knock-out wine! Gorgeous aromas of bitter chocolate, marzipan, wild raspberry and exotic spice notes. The palate is a sexy mash-up of red fruits, dried herbs, beef blood and crushed volcanic rock all wrapped around silky tannins and racy acidity. The 2015 Janasse Cotes-du-Rhone shows off the very best of the 2015 vintage in the Rhone Valley which is renowned for its fruit-forwardness and power. [William Beare]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 07, 2018 This is another absolutely smashing Rhone value! One of the most immediately engaging and pleasing Cotes-du-Rhones I have tried from the 2015 vintage (and if you've been drinking along with me-- you know this is saying A LOT). Right from the opening, this wine welcomes you with arms wide open. Creamy and silky-smooth on the palate, with an awesome bundle of sweet herbs on the finish. The fruit is dominated by fleshy, not-too-sweet strawberry (and a bit of tart cherry) with very light traces of that classic pepper. When that vibrant fruit and soft spice meet, it gives the impression of aerosolized strawberry-pepper preserve-- a beautiful mist you want to live and drink in forever. Grapes are all sourced from a single plot just East of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. [lilia-mcintosh.jpg]( McIntosh]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 07, 2018 I think this is the best Cote-du-Rhone I have tasted in the past 3 months. It comes from one of the best Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers and you can see its pedigree even in the simple Cote-du-Rhone designation. Aromas and flavors of strawberry rhubarb pie, pink peppercorns and freshly made strawberry preserve emerge from the glass and linger on the palate for quite some time, the texture is silky and wine is smooth and approachable yet spicy and charming . I am always in awe when I see great value wines of such complexity. [heathervanderwall.gif]( Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 07, 2018 Medium bodied, with open and full blueberry and cassis aromas, this wine transitions seamlessly into a palate that combines elegance, texture, and just the right amount of bright, exuberant fruit. On the close the finish lingers with soft blackberry, licorice, and baking spices. Very well made, and drinking far above it's humble Cotes du Rhone designation, this wine is a must for bargain hunters and those looking to stock up for dinners and parties. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Wind Gap Sonoma Coast Syrah (Previously $36)]( [2015 Wind Gap Sonoma Coast Syrah (Previously $36)]( ($16.99) 94 points Vinous: "The 2015 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is a very serious wine. Then again, in 2015 proprietor Pax Mahle did not bottle his Armaugh, Majik or Walker-Vine Hill vineyard designates. The little fruit he was able to harvest off those sites when into this, the appellation-level Syrah. A big, tannic wine, the 2015 possesses notable depth and structure. Black fruit, smoke, iron, blood and savory herbs are some of the signatures in this bold, pungent Syrah. This is one of the many gems in the Wind Gap range. (AG)" (03/2017) K&L Notes: Winemaker's Notes: "Our pride & joy, this 100% Syrah remains a staple in the finest restaurants of the world and a favorite of sommeliers for its classic structure, flavor profile and plain deliciousness. These three spectacular sites are all delicious on their own as you probably well know, but for whatever majikal witchcraft always create a deeper and more complete wine when blended together. This 2015 will rank up there as one of the best yet. Black from the center to the deep purple edges, this is unmistakably Syrah. Dark spice and exotic flowers highlight the deep blue and red fruit. The palate shows the fruit of Nellessen immediately with subtle black pepper and silky concentrated fruit. It isn’t until later that you get the firm black fruit tannin and intense iron and game from the Armagh Vineyard and the smoky incense sexuality of the Majik Vineyard." [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2018 My personal favorite wine we bought from Wind Gap in this latest run of ludicrous deals - The 2015 Sonoma Coast Syrah illustrates just how good Pax Mahle is at crafting cool climate Syrah. If you need anymore proof...Vinous dropped a perfect 100 point score for another of Pax's Sonoma Syrahs earlier this year! Due to historically low yields in 2015, this bottling contains the fruit that typically goes into single vineyard designates for $45+. Combine that with our 50+% discount off the original SRP of $36 and this is another not-to-be-missed opportunity to stock up on a highly rated wine for a budget friendly price point. Lifted aromatics of dark forest berries, black peppercorns, rose petals and smoked meat. Medium plus bodied with lovely fruit, tannin, acid balance. Effortless poise and composure, every element clicks. This wine certainly has the stuffing to go 10 years...but I think it's drinking beautifully right now and will be serving some up to friends and family this holiday season for sure. Enjoy! [adamwinkel.jpg]( Winkel]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 05, 2018 This has lovely aromatic interest and stemmy spice on the nose that always gets me going. At this drinking stage, I don't see the oversized scale and tannin that the Galloni review suggests... it's deceptively medium-bodied on the savory, dark-fruited, and detailed profile. A measure of restraint in the ripeness and winemaking make this Syrah pleasant to sip but the juicy acidity makes it particularly versatile with food. A beastly red meat dinner isn't a prerequisite here, but you might feel inspired. [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018 Spending several years in Sonoma County, Wind Gap hold a special place in my heart, as it was a tasting room me and my friends would frequent in the Barlow in Sebastopol. So seeing it at K&L and at such an outstanding value makes me happy. I've always been a firm believer that cooler climate syrahs is the way to go, and the Sonoma Coast from Wind Gap showcases this beautifully. Perfect with steak (of course) yet I really don't mind drinking this sans food. Worth a whirl, for the California wine lover. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Leeuwin Estate "Prelude" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $29)]( [2014 Leeuwin Estate "Prelude" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $29)]( ($19.99) 92 points James Halliday: "This is very good Cabernet, medium-bodied and extracted with a judicious feel for varietal personality: currant and a verdant lift, underlain with black olive and bay leaf skirting across cabernets tannic fiber. This is massaged to the tune of mid-term drinkability, without sacrificing the wines structural mettle." (08/2018) 92 points Wine Enthusiast: "Leeuwins characteristic elegance and approachability, combined with ageability, are in full force here. Trademark pencil lead, eucalyptus and red currant characters mingle with dried flowers, herbs and furniture polish. The tannins are dusty and tight-grained, with an herbaceous currant flavor continuing throughout. *Cellar Selection* (CP)" (04/2018) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Theres plenty of density and structure here, with a smooth, velvety quality to the notes of plum, blueberry and five-spice powder. Chai tea and graham cracker crust details linger on the long, expressive finish. (MW)" (12/2017) 91 points James Suckling: "Lovely fresh assortment of fruit, such as raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants and blueberries, and just a hint of some herbs from beneath. Medium-bodied with such freshness and polish. Structured tannins, really zippy acidity and a chewy finish." (08/2018) K&L Notes: Notes from the Winery: The Prelude Vineyards label focuses on the benchmark varietals of the region and represent the first release Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Leeuwin Estate each vintage. They are site expressive wines that encase the purity and clarity of fruit with a style that is readily expressive for earlier release. The label celebrates the Estate's association with the musical arts through the staging of the alfresco Leeuwin Concert Series. Variety: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot Alcohol: 13.8% Cellaring Potential: 10-12 years 91 pts The Wine Front: "Formerly known as Prelude Cabernet Merlot. It’s still a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) and Merlot (10%). In a good place. Well balanced and styled. Blackcurrant, gum leaf, dark chocolate and olive tapenade notes. Just enough tannin, flavour and length." (CM, 08/2018) [Stefanie-Juelsgaard.jpg]( Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 04, 2019 From one of the top wine estates in Margaret River, the Leeuwin "Prelude" Cabernet Sauvignon is the yardstick by which the varietal should be measured. The site for Leeuwin was sought by Robert Mondavi and declared to be a premier location for growing Cabernet and Chardonnay. Leeuwin has taken advantage of this unique terrior where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide to produce wines of elegance and depth. The Prelude Cab is one of their first to be released each vintage and comes across as approachable and fresh. With the quintessential herbality characteristic of the area, this wine also exhibits red and black fruits, dusky tannin, and polished structure. While the "Art Series" Cabernet is a very special wine, this is a fantastic, affordable choice for a weeknight. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 10, 2019 Winter is Cabernet season and this Aussie Cabernet from the southern hemisphere will bring the warmth. The Margaret River area of Western Australian is renowned for making polished Cabernet Sauvignon and Leeuwin is one of the areas finest producers. Theres plenty to like about this wine above and beyond the amazingly low price. The weight and richness reminds of Bordeaux but the fruit is all Australia. Theres a bouquet of dark berries and flowers on the nose followed by a brooding mélange of delicious Cabernet fruit on the palate. The only thing this wine leaves you wishing for is another sip. At $20 per bottle, drink up. [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 10, 2019 Leeuwin Estate has always been known for outstanding quality, and the 2014 vintage of Prelude is no exception, and for the 20 dollar price point, I don't think you can do a cab better than the Prelude. The earthy, and sometimes graphite/mineral driven notes are rather present in this particular vintage, but that's exactly what I want when I'm drinking a cab. I grew up in Napa where cab is king and I've had my fair share of many, up to the point where I cabbed myself out, and honestly it's always refreshing to taste what Australia has to offer, for once I'm excited about cab again, and Leeuwin Estate is a big reason why. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2004 Moulin-Haut-Laroque, Fronsac]( [2004 Moulin-Haut-Laroque, Fronsac]( ($24.99) 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A big time sleeper of the vintage from Fronsac, this beauty from proprietor Jean-Noel Herve has hit the bulls eye. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of black currants, sweet cherries, crushed rocks, and a distinctive minerality. It is a medium to full-bodied, structured effort with sweet tannin, decent acidity, and oodles of fruit as well as richness. (RP)" (06/2007) [clydebeffa.gif]( Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2018 We sold a bunch of this wine last year and now it is back. These lesse-known 2004s are fantastic about now and they will age well for several years. This Merlot-based wine is a bit old school and has blackberry aromas with a touch of oak. Full-flavored and classic Bordeaux on the palate. Some earthiness on the finish. Very good property making excellent value reds these days. [stevebearden.gif]( Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 20, 2016 This is dark and fresh with raspberry, currant and earthy aromas and good middle weight. There is a smooth, plush texture with no edges or noticeable tannin and good ripeness on this easy to drink bargain. A ready to drink wine with a lot of life ahead. [jacquesm.gif]( Moreira]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 16, 2016 Very attractive notes of dark cherries along with cherry noyaux, milk chocolate and plums. Although soft and easy on the palate it has its tannins still very much present holding the soft fruit. Very pleasant and very food friendly. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Reserva Rioja]( [2012 Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Reserva Rioja]( ($24.99) 97 points Decanter: "Platinum medal in the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. Rounded and layered aromas of dried fruits, red cherry, smoke and coconut. Well polished and presented with red fruit and plum flavours sluicing through the palate. It is, simply, a beautiful wine with the X-factor." (09/2018) K&L Notes: Based in the Rioja Alta town of Fuenmayor, Bodegas Altanza has been steadily working on their range of Rioja wines, though their focus from inception has always been on their Reserva bottlings. The wines are 100% Tempranillo, a large portion of which comes from their own estate vineyards, and they are always fermented with indigenous yeasts, patiently aged in French oak barrels and then in bottle prior to release. [joemanekin.gif]( Manekin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2018 We have stocked Lealtanza's wine in the past, and have found the quality to be high, so it's perhaps not a surprise that this wine was the only platinum medal winner in this Fall's Decanter Asia Wine Awards. Produced from 100% Tempranillo, the fruit in this wine is lovely: primarily red, with a combination of fresh and dried fruit profiles on the nose, made more complex by the sort of savory, meaty notes which Rioja invariably picks up after some time in bottle. With its relatively lighter weight tannins and fresh palate profile, this is a Reserva for drinking now and over the next several years. [stephenallison.jpg]( Allison]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 20, 2018 The nose is greeted with savory seasoned meat, cracked pepper, dried rose petal, cedar, fresh pomegranate and cherry juice, and touches of game. Impeccably balanced on the palate; acidity, alcohol, tannin and length of finish all feel harmonious and well integrated. If anything stands structurally, it's the generous intensity of flavor, which leans more on the fruit-forward side on the palate than it does on the nose. Not too tannic for leaner meats, nor is it too heavy for poultry, nor too plain to enjoy on its own. Easy recommendation especially at this price. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Thierry Thibault Brut Champagne]( [Thierry Thibault Brut Champagne]( ($29.99) This is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier from estate-grown fruit in the Western Valley of the Marne. It is a dry style, with lots of great nutty toast from three years of sur-lee ageing and good length. [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 27, 2018 Thierry Thibault expanded doubled our allocation of this excellent Champagne this year... Maybe we will have it in stock for two days after the email this time! Thierry is the son of one of the giants of Champagne, the late great Daniel Thibault who was chef de cave for both Charles and Piper Heidsieck and pioneered the concept of transparency in non-vintage Champagne with his mis-en-cave bottlings. The estate spans two villages in heart of the western valley of the marne- Verneuil and Passy-Grigny. This Champagne is composed of 1/3 each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier and is aged for three years on the lees. This is a very bright, fresh style with vibrant acidity, but also with wonderful Chablis like clean earth and complexity. It has a perfect, tight bead and a creamy texture, as well as a very dry and long finish. I was shocked at the price- this is the kind of value that will not last on our shelves! [Stephanie-Vidales.jpg]( Vidales]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 27, 2018 Yay! Our Champagne buyer has picked up another fantastic grower-producer Champagne that drinks well above its price. Thierry Thibault's Brut is beautifully crisp with flavors of white peach, kiwi and granny smith apple with a solid acid backbone and subtle toastiness. This is definitely a bottle of bubbles I'll be stocking in my fridge for the summertime! [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 27, 2018 This is classic Champagne, the nose is tight, clean focused with an apply tartness softened with a bit of brioche while remaining super clean it's a delight. On the palate the wine is very dry, really tart and shows levels of complexity you generally dont find in Champagne in this price range. Its really long, focused and that acidity holds your interest as the complex apple and brioche emerges and gently softens. The finish is remarkably long, direct and boldly lets you know there is no hint of sweetness while spotlighting the complex apple character. Line up your Oysters, this is the wine for them! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Poggio San Polo Brunello di Montalcino]( [2013 Poggio San Polo Brunello di Montalcino]( ($54.99) 96 points James Suckling: "Aromas of plum, dried meat, flower and figs. Full body, velvety and chewy tannins. So much fruit and intensity. I love the generous fruit and form to this wine. Drink in 2021." (11/2017) 96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Woodland berry, forest floor, exotic spice and tobacco aromas escape the glass. It's bright and loaded with finesse, delivering crushed red cherry, juicy cranberry, cinnamon and clove framed in taut fine-grained tannins. Vibrant acidity lends exquisite balance while a star anise note closes the lingering finish. I love the classic vibe on thisit's the best offering I've had to date from this dynamic estate. Drink 20212038. *Cellar Selection* (KO)" (05/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Trimbach "Cuvée Frédéric Émile" Riesling Alsace]( [2010 Trimbach "Cuvée Frédéric Émile" Riesling Alsace]( ($69.99) 96 points James Suckling: "A phenomenal wine with roasted pineapple, dried pear, apple and mineral. Full body, incredible depth of fruit and liveliness with electrifying acidity. It goes on for minutes. Production was half. 2,000 cases. Out in 2017." (09/2015) 95 points Vinous: "Bright, pale straw-yellow. Deep, intense aromas of yellow apple, mirabelle, jasmine and anise. Dense, suave and tangy, showing a lovely light touch and noteworthy lift to its flavors of apple, pear, minerals and flowers thanks to eye-watering acidity. Finishes cool, vibrant and palate-staining, with lingering notes of mint and liquid minerals. (ID)" (11/2012) 95 points Decanter: "Unusually, the 2010 (grown organically) has a proportion of malolactic, giving a rounder, gentler feel. Unfurling now, with notes of apple, plum and turmeric. Full, dry, expressive, generous, complex this is wonderful. Drinking Window 2018 - 2025. (MW)" (08/2015) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Prominently briny and alkaline in a manner that comes as no surprise given the showing of the corresponding classic and Reserve bottlings, Trimbachs 2010 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile delivers mouthwatering intrigue of oyster liquor, iodine, and oyster shell, its near severity and firmness akin to 2008 but its infectious juiciness and sheer energy more impressive. White peach with its pit as well as hints of huckleberry, sloe berry and nut oils lend succulence as well as piquancy to the long, lemony, almost piercingly bright, minerally palate-coating finish. Tasted alongside the corresponding 2011, this proves even clearer and more rivetingly dynamic. I anticipate it excelling through at least 2028. (DS)" (08/2014) [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018 Some of the best white wines I've had were some older Rieslings, and this 2010 Trimbach is no exception. The nose reminds me of a Chateau Chalon or even a sherry. The palate is is tangy and slightly nutty on the finish. Based on the nose alone, one could think this wine is going to have a sweeter finish, but it finishes dry and it's fantastic. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Hidden Ridge "55% Slope" Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2013 Hidden Ridge "55% Slope" Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($89.99) 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon 55% Slope comes from the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains. It is 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted at 1,700 feet. This is a remarkable wine and reminiscent of the great classics from the golden era of the Mayacamas on the Napa side (such as the 1968, 1970, 1973 and 1974) come to mind when tasting this beauty. It is simply loaded. Dense purple in color, the wine has notes of licorice, crème de cassis, Asian plum sauce, cedar wood and earth. Full-bodied, opulent and irresistible already, it is capable (because of the impeccable balance and purity) of aging 20-25 or more years. This is a modern-day classic that could compete with very finest Cabernet-based wines in the world. (RP) 97+" (03/2016) [jamesbradshaw.jpg]( Bradshaw]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018 It's no secret that the 2013 vintage for Cabernet in California's North Coast was phenomenal. And this sterling effort from Hidden Ridge is certainly no exception. This is high-elevation Cab at its best. Unlike its brethren on the other side of the Mayacamas Range, this 2013 is stately and demure (as opposed to rambunctious and raucous). Don't get me wrong, there's no shortage of bold, dark fruits and excellent wood spice, but its framed in a reserved manner. The overall effect is tantalizing. Plum, cassis, mocha, cedar, Asian spice, and anise seed all work together to create an experience that captivates from the first sip to the last. It is an absolute joy to drink now, but I can't wait to see what it does ten to twenty years down the line. A top-notch wine in every way. Don't miss it. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018 It only takes one quick sniff to see the remarkable pedigree here as fine aromas of pure black cherry, bright florals, and dark chocolate emerge from the glass. The palate is incredibly focused, full of deep red fruits and a laser-like acidity. The purity and refinement are striking and speak loudly to the amazing vintage. There is structure here to spare. This is one of those wines that leaves you imagining how it will evolve, and at the relatively modest price you can probably squirrel away a few bottles to find out. Drink now with a long decant, or cellar for five years and enjoy for the following 15-plus. A terrific wine and a great example of the heralded 2013s. --------------------------------------------------------------- [1994 Miltonduff 24 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml)]( [1994 Miltonduff 24 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml)]( ($129.99) The strikingly underappreciated Miltonduff distillery is unique in so many ways. Built on the site of an old mill for the Pluscarden Abbey, the distillery's old stone buildings hide one of Speyside's most delicious malts. Originally a Priory founded by King Alexander II in 1230, the area became renowned for illicit distillation. Originally licensed in 1824, the name, Milton, was taken from a still that operated on the property. The Duff family owned the lands surrounding the abbey, hence the name Miltonduff. The malt became an important component of the renowned and still well-regarded Ballentine's blend. Small quantities are released via trades to independent bottlers, but the new owners (Chivas Regal) haven't made an effort to market the malt as a standalone whisky. Its quality and rarity mean that bottlers often charge a premium and we've seen countless young offerings for over $100, but when this cask of full matured Miltonduff came our way we knew we couldn't say no. Just a few months shy of that magic 25 year old age statement which would have added a solid 40% to the price tag, this is one old Speysider you can't afford to miss. The older Ballentine's blends are regularly awarded high praise from the critics and Miltonduff is a big part of that story. This old elegant whisky is the most approachable of the 20+ year old single casks that we've brought in this year - full of fruit, malt and unprecedented purity. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2018 Pour little Miltonduff. Nobody seems to want to admit that this stuff is world class. Critics ignore it, amateurs are unaware of it and aficionados dont even pretend to understand it. It took us a while to sell the last exclusive Miltonduff because most people wouldn't get on board. When they finally got around to tasting it, the stuff flew out the door. This cask might sadly suffer a similar fate. Waiting on our shelves to be discovered, but the lucky few who dip their toes in without bias, will be rewarded handsomely. Quite an old school nose, with hints of citrus, wisps of clean smoke, marzipan and savory herbs. The somewhat subdued nose is in total contrast to the massive intensity of the palate. It's all citrus, cake frosting and herbs again though, none of the smoke. A bit of camphor and warming minty green tea finish. With water, it just explodes with flavors offering an absolutely stunning bouquet of aromatic complexities. It's a terrible shame that more people arent jump all over this beauty, but if you don't act soon you might just miss the malt of your dreams. Once the geeks get a hold of this one I think theyll be hoarding it. [jeffreyjones.gif]( Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 10, 2018 We don't get to see a lot of Miltonduff which is ashamed. It offers a wonderful flavor prospective to the single malt selection at K&L. The nose has bright nice pear fruit like aromas that have wax and honey undertones. In the mouth the entry is sweet, followed with concentrated flavors that have dried fruit nuances. There is a long finish. I thought the Miltonduff 24 was enjoyable with and without an addition of water. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018 An especially clean and pure spirit, even at such an age. Miltonduff is most well known for being the top dressing malt for Ballantine's wonderful and elegant blends. It's quite a rare thing to see it bottled on its own as a single malt, and we're supremely happy to have had the chance to do it. There is lots of butterscotch and Werther's Original cream and caramel notes to this malt. A bit of buttered popcorn and a fine drizzle of melted milk chocolate round it all out. For those who normally drink the classic malts of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, this is a luxurious rise to the top of that style ladder without paying the premium associated with the very old bottles from those illustrious distilleries. Not a hint of smoke here, just a little dried nuttiness and faint herbal note round out everything with a slight savor. At the natural cask strength of 50.8% ABV, this is utter perfection. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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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