K&L Top 10 Picks—May

Our top picks for the month of May... Monday May 6th, 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 2016 Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi 91 $11.99 [View]( 2016 Bibian, Haut -Médoc 92 $14.99 [View]( 2015 Black Slate "La Vilella Alta" Priorat 94 $16.99 [View]( 2016 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles" 91 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $40) 95 $29.99 [View]( 2001 York Creek Estate "Meritage" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon $29.99 [View]( 2012 Albatreti Brunello di Montalcino 93 $39.99 [View]( Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) 90 $39.99 [View]( 2016 Domaine La Barroche "Signature" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 95 $54.99 [View]( 2012 Alexandre Le Brun "Cuvée Revelation" Brut Champagne $79.99 [View]( [2016 Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi]( [2016 Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi]( ($11.99) 91 points James Suckling: "Pretty perfume of cherries and dried flowers which follow through to a full body with driven acidity. Round and juicy. A fresh and delicious young wine. Drink now." (09/2018) [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 16, 2019 I read the reviews on this wine by the major critics and its almost as if they all tasted different wines. It happens frequently when wines are first released that they are a bit awkward and angular of simple and lack distinctive flavor but this wine is now coming into its own and its a blockbuster for the price. The nose gives you the sense of a bold, complex wine with lots of earth and leather, hints of ripe cherry and Tuscan brush. On the palate you see this is a bold wine, showing depth and a bit of tannic structure, the flavors show more savory than fruity but theres a bit of cherry confiture lurking in the back palate. The finish is powerful, long and brings that the polished tannins the wine to a crescendo. Big words for a wine thats this inexpensive but try and youll see what I mean. [johndowning.gif]( Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 29, 2019 Fattoria di Felsina is one of the top producers of Chianti Classico and their's is one of our best selling wines. It's no surprise to us that the wines of Castello di Farnetella are met with the same enthusiasm as the property is owned by Felsina! Their Chianti Colli Senesi is mostly Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot added to round it out. The 2016 is an ample wine with bold red fruit, bright acidity and a touch of rusticity from a fine layer of tannins. It's a very impressive Chianti especially at this price. [mike-parres.gif]( Parres]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 12, 2019 Chianti Colli Senesi is perhaps Chianti's most unsung subzone, located on the hills surrounding Siena and I love what his area does to Sangiovese. This Farnetella is just bang for your buck, medium- bodied, dark fruit and a little bit of Siena on the palate. Buy a couple for you next Bar-B Que, bugers or fowl would love this. TWO THUMBS UP !!! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Bibian, Haut -Médoc]( [2016 Bibian, Haut -Médoc]( ($14.99) 92 points Vinous: "The 2016 Bibian has a tightly-wound bouquet that demands more coaxing than its peers, eventually revealing pure blackberries, raspberry, cedar and light mint aromas. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very pure and polished with some classy new oak assiduously blended. This is a classy offering and one of the best Cru Bourgeois that I have tasted this vintage. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London. (NM)" (10/2018) 91 points James Suckling: "Full, ripe plums, a touch of earth and a slug of velvety tannins make a bold statement. Good length and some good aging potential. Drink or hold." (02/2019) K&L Notes: In 1857, Pierre Bibian brought together the vineyard that he inherited from his father. In 1932, Château Bibian was classified Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and changed hands in 1999. It was then taken over by Alain Meyre, winegrower in Listrac and owner of Château Cap Léon Veyrin. Thanks to the help of his two children, he has breathed new life into the property and has produced wines typical to Haut-Médoc that have strength, elegance, harmony, and a touch of modernism. 60% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. [garynorton.jpg]( Norton]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 08, 2019 Finding a fifteen dollar bottle of top-vintage, age-worthy Bordeaux is no simple feat, yet the 2016 Bibian is precisely that. Aromas of dark red fruit, cedar, and baking spices immediately emanate from the glass and taper into a full-bodied palate chock with similar notes. Lush raspberry, dark plum, and mocha flavors are framed by polished tannins and harmonious acidity. While the wine is plenty approachable today, it could use a year or two in a cold cellar and will cruise for another 10+. [jamesbradshaw.jpg]( Bradshaw]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 08, 2019 There's plenty to love in this excellent 2016 Haut-Médoc red. The nose is a tad shy at first but quickly opens to reveal subtle floral tones, red fruits, and wet slate. On the palate, it explodes with flavors of wild cherry raspberry, and a host of other red fruits. The fruit is followed in short order with equally compelling flavors of Chantilly cream, mint, and cedar. Plush and sumptuous, it is a delight to drink now, but there's enough volume to warrant many more years of agingthat is if you can resist pulling the cork now! This is a great opportunity to enjoy a great bottle of Bordeaux for a very humble price. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 08, 2019 One of the more remarkable finds in value Bordeaux - considering the praise and the stature of the vintage, it doesn't get much better than Bibian's 2016. Generous aromas of deep red fruits including cherry and plum lead the way. The palate is fresh, with a good mix of fine texture, mouthwatering acidity, and gentle fine grain tannins that all highlight a cornucopia of red and black fruits. It shows the brightness and purity of the vintage. At this price, and drinking this well, it will be very hard to resist at this stage. But it will coast easily for the next decade and be fascinating to follow over that time. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Black Slate "La Vilella Alta" Priorat]( [2015 Black Slate "La Vilella Alta" Priorat]( ($16.99) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Part of the Black Slate label that focused on the different villages of Priorat, the 2015 Black Slate La Vilella Alta is a blend of 39% Cariñena, 23% Garnacha, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah and Merlot that spent 14 months in 30% new French oak, with a good portion of the blend brought up all in concrete. Incredible notes of blackcurrants, wood smoke, iris flowers, chocolate, and obvious minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, beautifully pure, elegant red that knocks it out of the park on the value front. You just dont find this level of quality at this price point anywhere in the wine world today. Theres roughly 2,400 cases and readers should not miss this sensational wine." (02/2018) K&L Notes: The inspiration for the Black Slate Project is a Burgundian concept of village nomenclature, applied to the Priorat. One region, nine historic villages, each with its distinct character, but all unmistakably Priorat. Sun-scorched vines cling to breathtakingly steep hillsides with their roots deeply plunged in the llicorella soils of this pristine, ancient region. Bodegas Mas Alta is a joint project with renowned Rhone negociant and winemaker, Michel Tardieu, and noted French enologist, Philippe Cambie. It is located in the middle of D.O.C. Priorat, based in the village of Vilella Alta. The estate vineyards are high density plantings at approximately 1050 feet above sea level, in front of Serra del Montsant, a mountain range thatreaches 3300 feet. Very steep and abrupt, the altitude, inclination, and slopes make a decisive influence on grape's maturity. The vineyards of La Viella Alta are situated on steep slopes of slates alongside of what once was the river of Escaladei. The heat of south-facing vineyards combing with the cooler north-facing parcels to create a well-balanced wine with ripe fruit and softness. [kirkw.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 01, 2019 This is a crazy good deal. With a rich broad nose that opens with spice and earth and a mixed red fruits that build and builds as with wine opens. This is a hearty rich wine with layers of currant and cherries, peppered with spice all overlaying a fine mineral element. It is complex and nuanced. Best of all it is a unique expression of a single village Priorat that is affordable. We have emailed other Black Slates, this is a different village and a different animal. The Vi de la Vila project lets us really explore one of the most exciting wine regions in the world on a budget. It lets me think about the region like a combination of Southern Rhone with village Burgundy but on sites that are exponentially more dramatic; it is a unique blend of varietals grown in neighboring sites with unique soil compositions, and exposures. This line of wines a different, educational but most importantly delicious. [scottbeckerley.gif]( Beckerley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 19, 2019 This delicious little gem was quite a surprise with dinner last night. Rich and spicy, with a lush nose of black plums, currants and licorice. Plush mouthfeel with deep, dark, red and black fruits (black currant and black raspberry). Nice tarty finish with a hint of cranberry fruit. I don't usually like to carry on about prices but, this one really is a bargain! [Stefanie-Juelsgaard.jpg]( Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 04, 2018 I have been impressed by all of the Black Slate offerings so far, but this might be my favorite yet. This wine definitely exhibits the classic, dark fruit, but features a medium weight body and a ton of acidity that keeps it fresh and juicy instead of heavy and brooding. This is a really great tasting wine and with the complexity it features I expect the price point to be a lot higher. Fantastic find from Priorat. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles"]( [2016 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Sétilles"]( ($19.99) 91 points James Suckling: "A tangy and fresh white with sliced lemons and hints of dried tea leaves and flowers. Medium body, bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Drink now." (02/2018) [alexp.gif]( Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 11, 2018 Love everything about white Burgundy but the price? So do I, luckily we have the 2016 Olivier Leflaive "Les Setilles" Bourgogne Blanc a blend form vineyards within the communes of both Puligny Montrachet and Meursault this amazing value drinks like a pricey white Burgundy for a fraction of what you'd expect to pay. Loaded with citrus notes as well as wet stone, mineral, vanilla and a touch of hazelnut aromas this delicious, outrageous bargain is a must have-Just ask the Royal Family!!! K&L Notes: One of the wines poured at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This was the old world wine choice for the reception. [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2018 The nose is lively, seems fresh and easy with the slightest hints of vanilla. On the palate the wine has an elegant feel to it, that doesnt mean light; it has a supple richness to it while the lift on the palate freshens the palate feel. The finish is supple and easy and this is an easy choice as a crossover wine for California Chardonnay drinkers who want to try white burgundy, and everyday cocktail chardonnay that will go well with slightly richer fish dishes. [Stefanie-Juelsgaard.jpg]( Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2018 Just when you might think white Burgundy is getting over-hyped and over-priced, you come across a wine like this and fall in love with it all over again. There are still a few unbelievable finds from Burgundy and this is one of them. This is the classic style with everything you want from Burgundian Chardonnay. Fresh, lifted, bright, smooth, and nuanced. I'm stocking up on this unbelievable vintage, knowing it tastes great now, but will remain lovely for years to come. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $40)]( [2015 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $40)]( ($29.99) 95 points James Halliday: "A medium weight cabernet to show more bulkier renditions a clean set of heels. This is a slashing way to present cabernet. Energetic and bright yet fluid and soft. It boasts just enough weight, and power, to build good momentum through the palate but at no point does it press too hard, or for too much. Bay leaf, black olive and blackcurrant flavours are the main conveyors here. Tannin is a light sheet through the back half of the wine. The touch is light, the effect dramatic." (05/2018) 95 points James Suckling: "A very composed and powerful cabernet with plenty of rich red and darker berries such as blueberries, raspberries, redcurrants and cherries. The palate is smoothly rendered with a wealth of fine, densely arrayed tannins. Superb. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (12/2018) 94 points Decanter: "Consistently one of region's best value reds, this is soft and fleshy, with mulberry and bramble aromatics and a plush, velvety texture. It has the structure to age, yet is well integrated and opulent, finishing with fine, ripe tannins. Drinking Window 2023-2042. (PF)" (07/2017) [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 29, 2019 Vasse Felix is an absolute benchmark Australian Cabernet. In 1967, cardiologist Tom Cullity was the first person to plant vines in what would soon become one of the most recognized regions for Australian Cabernet: Margaret River. The 2015 Vasse Felix could not be more of a classic expression of Cabernet from their estate property. Theres a beautiful hint of mint on the nose, along with richer layers of dark fruit and anise notes. On the palate, this is a mouth-coating Cabernet, full of rich fruit along with well-integrated spice and vanilla notes that carry through to the finish. Theres plenty of acid here as well that serves to lift the fruit--managing to keep the deep core of fruit while invigorating the palate. Full-bodied, yet still elegant and bright, this is a killer deal that wont last long. [chrisdepaoli.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 27, 2019 A lighter bodied Cabernet, this wine has an elegance that gives way to an exceptional verve at the tail end of the palate. Subdued cassis notes layered way underneath the cooked bay leaf and black olives makes for a really great mid palette that transforms long after you might expect for a wine as fresh and lively as this is. Lower tannin, resulting in a freshness I don't normally associate with Cab but one I could definitely get used to. [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 24, 2019 On the nose are red currants, savory strawberry compote, a touch of scorched earth and gravel and a bit of the mint and eucalyptus typical of Margaret River red wine. The fruit is rich but vibrant and fresh with an acid line that gives lift and cuts through the ripe fruit perfectly. This is a knockout. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2001 York Creek Estate "Meritage" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2001 York Creek Estate "Meritage" Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($29.99) Winery's Notes: "In the early years we made wine from all four of the top varieties grown in Bordeaux, and made our blends a little differently each year. Though each vintage was predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, the blends also contained varying amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot." The winemaker for York Creek at this time was the legendary Cathy Corison! [heathervanderwall.gif]( Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 13, 2019 Probably one of the better deals in the store right now! Here is a perfectly aged Spring Mountain Meritage, available for a song. If you are looking for great steak wine, you've found it. This lovely, mellow Meritage shows beautifully with plenty of savory elements coming into play on the palate to complement the beautiful, plummy, black fruit. The tannin is perfectly integrated and the whole flows seamlessly. I'd recommend decanting for a half hour before consuming. The wine will continue to evolve in your glass as it opens over the course of another hour after that. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Albatreti Brunello di Montalcino]( [2012 Albatreti Brunello di Montalcino]( ($39.99) 93 points James Suckling: "A dense and rich Brunello with so much fruit. A wealth of blackberry and black cherry character. Dried mushrooms, too. Full and layered with plenty of tannins. Powerful. Goes on for minutes. Savory and intriguing. Drink or hold." (10/2017) [mike-parres.gif]( Parres]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2019 It's back!!!Albatreti is a newest find ( Our third vintage for you) to Greg & I and we thought that we must share this with you! You will find a lot of Tuscany in this glass that is ripe and fleshy with cocoa, spice, black fruit and density, full-bodied and broad on the palate with complex layers of earth and some good tannin structure on the finish. This is a wine that is very user friendly now and has the aging potential of 5 to 10 or more years. This is the ideal match for red meats and roasted poultry or just a BIG glass all by itself after a long day from work. [johndowning.gif]( Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2019 My colleagues discovered the wines of this producer several years ago and they have remained customer favorites since. We met up with Gaetano Salvioni in 2016 during our Italian travels and were reminded why. His 2012 Brunello hits all the right notes with wonderful savory red fruit, exotic spices and an overall freshness, depth and length not normally found at this price. We re-tasted this wine recently and it's not only maturing nicely but drinking wonderfully now. [stevebearden.gif]( Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 25, 2019 An absolutely delicious wine from an elegant and balanced vintage to decant tonight or lay away. This is rich and ripe with an earthy nose of baked soil and an intense middle of ripe and savory cherry fruit in a round and approachable style. The wine is becoming quite burnished with hints of leather poking through the dry finish of ripe tannin. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)]( [Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)]( ($39.99) 90 points Whisky Advocate: "If you wondered when you saw '50%,' this is indeed bottled in bond whiskey, with all the requirements that go with it. The nose is just this side of hot and brings parched corn, sawn maple wood, spicy hard candy, and dry spearmint leaf. Bright and spicy on the tongue; more candy and honey, and hints of teaberry and licorice that develop into the finish. A better package of flavor and price than the earlier Taylor releases; quite enjoyable. (LB, Spring 2013)" K&L Notes: The Colonel E.H.Taylor Bourbon is named for one of the founding fathers of the modern bourbon industry. Edmund Haynes Taylor, an honorary "Kentucky Colonel," was a descendant of two presidents (Madison & Taylor) and one of Kentucky's last surviving Bourbon Aristocrats. The Colonel purchased the famous Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery at the close of the Civil War. There he introduced scientific method to the production of bourbon, modernized equipment and set standards of production that became ubiquitous for quality bourbon production for the next century. He sold this distillery to George T. Stagg and it would eventually become known as Buffalo Trace. Taylor was a crusader for higher quality standards across the industry and ultimately help pass the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act. No single person can claim as much responsibility for the quality of modern bourbon whiskey as this man. This wonderful Bottled in Bond Small Batch Bourbon, named in his honor, has been extremely hard to get since its release in 2013. It's won countless gold medals in competitions around the world and a rare 5 star review from renowned spirits reviewer F. Paul Pacult. Some of our competitors feel comfortable charging upwards of $80 for this same bottle due to scarcity. In a world where getting a bottle of Elmer T. Lee, George T. Stagg, or Blanton's has become next to impossible, finding a bottle of Taylor for $40 is a coup. E.H. Taylor is right at home in the company of luminaries like these. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 07, 2019 It's been a little while since I've sat down and evaluated this product thoroughly. A standard in my back bar when I can get it, but I tend to drink and not think this one if you know what I mean. The fact that it's recently become slightly more available (for what will certainly be a short period of time) means I get to take some time to consider this one thoroughly for once. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T Stagg I actually get a strong similarity one of the other famously hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Rock Hill Farms. Maybe it's a warehousing thing or the fact that they're both 100 proof, but the mashbills on the two should be different. The nose still has tons of sweet dark oak spice, strong Tahitian vanilla and caramel. Touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big sweet corn on the palate with a lovely kick thanks to the higher proof. This is the perfect whisky to go in between Eagle Rare and Blanton's and the shoe fits perfectly, figuratively speaking. Sad we don't get to sell this on the regular, but hopefully more stocks will continue to open up on this excellent brand. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 06, 2019 I never thought I'd see the day we could secure enough of this to shout it from the roof tops! Colonel Taylor Small Batch is finally here in more than six-bottle-at-a-time quantities! Hallelujah. If you're a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings and you've never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start. The high corn mashbill in combination with a big woody profile gives an incredible combination of sweet and spicy without relying heavily on rye grain. The 100 proof required by the bottled in bond act is actually a perfect spot for sipping. It's robust enough to stand up in cocktails and sexy enough to enjoy on its own. The flavors are sweet candied corn, mature floral notes and tons of spicy wood and clove and burnt orange peel. It's time to case up, 'cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again. [sarahcovey.gif]( Covey]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 08, 2015 Fans of soft, supple, easy-sipping bourbon should snap this puppy up immediately. Sweet corn, vanilla, spice and light caramel with a long, lingering finish. You will absolutely want to have this on your bar for sipping on the rocks, or as a killer component in any bourbon cocktail. It's awesome! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Domaine La Barroche "Signature" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( [2016 Domaine La Barroche "Signature" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($54.99) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The quality of what could be considered the "entry-level" cuvée from Barrot is the equivalent of most estates top wine, and the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Signature delivers the goods again. Its almost too good and certainly not far behind the Pure cuvée. A blend of 62% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault, Syrah, Vaccarèse, and Clairette Rose, brought up in foudre and demi-muid, it sports a head-turning bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, crushed herbs, and pepper. With a big mid-palate, full body, ripe tannins, and a rocking finish, its a no-brainer purchase that will keep for two decades." (08/2018) 94 points Decanter: "Potpourri and dried Provençale herbs on the nose. In the mouth it is rounded, immediately juicy and intense, but piercingly fresh. A pâté de fruit, red and black fruit character on the palate is accompanied by very fine but ample tannins. It's intense but lifted, structured, complete and harmonious. Very long and well balanced. All you could want in a classically-styled yet contemporary Châteauneuf. Drinking Window 2019 - 2028." (MW)" (10/2017) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A terrific entry-level offering, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature is a blend of 62% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah, 6% Cinsault and 2% other varieties. It's full-bodied and intense but silky and almost weightless, delivering wonderful, complex notes of cherries, raspberries and an array of dried spices and herbs. With 2,500 cases produced, it should be fairly widely available and reasonably priced. (JC)" (08/2018) [alexp.gif]( Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 07, 2019 Young Julien Barrot of Domaine la Barroche is a name to remember, only in his 30s he is already becoming world-renowned for fashioning some of the greatest young Chateauneuf-du-Papes currently available in the market. The Signature is stunning from the very first sniff from the glass where aromas of Asian spice, marzipan, baker's chocolate and cassis liqueur all slowly rise from the glass. The palate is alive with flavors of blackberry and cassis jelly buffered by lively acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long and supple with spice and berry flavors slowly fading away in perfect harmony. [jamesbradshaw.jpg]( Bradshaw]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 09, 2019 This wine is pure deliciousness. Beautifully composed, harmonious, concentrated, and expressive, this 2016 has everything going for it. Like the best 2016s, it is ready to go straight out of the gate but has enough acid, tannin, and structure to last another twenty years. The wines from La Barroche have always shown exceptionally well (if a tad on the rustic side), but this 2016 takes things to another level. Sleekly styled and modern without being too modern, there's not a single flaw to detect. Pick up a few bottles for the near term and a few more for down the lineit is sure to delight at every stage of what is certain to be a long, illustrious life. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 07, 2019 What a brilliant Châteauneuf. Starting off, it shows beautiful, lifted aromatics that keep you coming back to the glass. On the palate it shows a deft balance of lively acidity to showcase brambly berry fruit, fig, leather, and a textured minerality that gives it a wonderful sense of place. This is a great showcase for the 2016 vintage, combining freshness and depth. It it relatively light on it's feet and relies more on structure than volume. Drink now with a decant or enjoy anytime over the next decade-plus. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Alexandre Le Brun "Cuvée Revelation" Brut Champagne]( [2012 Alexandre Le Brun "Cuvée Revelation" Brut Champagne]( ($79.99) This all Meunier, single vineyard, barrel fermented wonder was the best Champagne I tasted on my spring trip. And yes- that includes all of the $1,000 + canons that we tasted! Don't wait. It will disappear. -Gary Westby, K&L [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 11, 2018 After tasting 100's of bottles, this was my top Champagne of my 2018 spring trip to the region. It comes from one special plot in the village of Monthelon, half of which was planted in 1950, and the other in 1902. These ancient, massal selected vines are in a super cold microclimate, giving the wine an incredible tension between old vine concentration, Meunier exoticism and nearly Salon like freshness. The tiny, super high quality 2012 vintage has served up a rarity in Champagne, something that has the power of Krug and the lift of Comtes de Champagne. With under 2000 bottles made this won't last long! [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 12, 2018 This is amongst the best Blanc de Noirs in the store. Its made entirely from a very old plot of massale-selected meunier vines, and sees time in french oak barrels. It has an amazing bouquet of baking spice, pear, honey suckle and herbs. On the palate, the fruit profile is electrifying and complex, and leads to a long, yeasty bright finish. It has the brightness and concentration of fruit with the precision and cleanliness only the best champagnes display. [elsa-baez.jpg]( Baez]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 09, 2018 What I love about this story is that these bottles are produced from a plot located just behind the home of Alexandre Le Bruns mother. The Pinot Meunier vines planted here range from 1950 to 1902, and very telling on how special this bottle of champagne is! On the nose youll get a very balanced lees-y and red fruit note while on the palate both acid and bright fruit intermingle with a hint of smokyness throughout. This is a special bottle, one I would encourage anyone to purchase as a gift or open for a particular occasion without breaking the bank! --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 a phenomenal variety that is strictly selected by our panel of buyers. 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