K&L Top 10 Picks—August

Our top picks for the month of August Monday Aug 12th, 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 Celler de Capçanes "Mas Donis" Old Vines Montsant 94 $12.99 [View]( 2017 Domaine Jean-Michel Dupre "Cote du Py" Morgon 95 $17.99 [View]( 2015 Carmel Road "South Crest" Panorama Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $55) 93 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac 93 $19.99 [View]( 2016 Liparita Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60) $19.99 [View]( 2014 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $65) 96 Price: Hidden [View]( 2009 Sociando-Mallet "Cuvee Jean Gautreau", Haut-Médoc 93 $69.99 [View]( 2015 Elio Grasso "Ginestra Casa Matè" Barolo 97 $79.99 [View]( 2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne 97 $129.99 [View]( Kaiyo "The SHERI" Mizunara Oak Finished Japanese Whisky (750ml) $129.99 [View]( [2016 Celler de Capçanes "Mas Donis" Old Vines Montsant]( [2016 Celler de Capçanes "Mas Donis" Old Vines Montsant]( ($12.99) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The finest vintage of this cuvée to date, the 2016 Mas Donis Old Vines is 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah (the Grenache comes from a single parcel called Donis) that was 70% destemmed and aged primarily in concrete. Tasting like a top Priorat with its beautiful blue fruits, violets, ground pepper, rose petals, and amble minerality, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, remarkable purity of fruit, and a great, great finish. Almost too good to be true, just pretend you paid more. Drink up." (04/2019) K&L Notes: From the D.O. of Montsant in Cataluña, the appellation and its 2,000 hectares of vineyard were designated in 2001 to highlight the superior quality of the region. Montsant actually wraps around the celebrated Priorat. While the soils generally contain less schist than Priorat, the measure of quality in the wines is perhaps more importantly enabled by their old vine status, highly calcareous parcels, and variety of mesoclimates - generally cooler than in Priorat. [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 26, 2019 This is an amazing cross over wine. Previous vintages of this I have happily given to anyone looking for a Cotes du Rhone or a value priced Rhone blend from any region in the world. If you asked for one of those I also told you about this wine. This vintage is different, this wine is more intense, darker, more concentrated than any previous vintage. You come looking for a Gigondas or Chateauneuf recommendation, you will also be told about this. Ask for a Priorat, you'll be told about this. Rhone from Paso Robles, I almost feel bad about the QPR difference. I might be exaggerating, but not really. This wine will exceed expectations, and we have it just in time for summer. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 26, 2019 Importer Eric Solomon has done it once again! He consistently finds some of the greatest cost to quality wines in France and Spain and the Mas Donis ranks right up there with his best offerings - which include Domaine Lafage and the Black Slate wines. Saturated with deep brambly fruit, this wine explodes out of the glass but never forgets its home place of Montsant (née Priorat). For all intents and purpose - this is a "Baby Priorat" in Montant clothing. Pure, lush and extravagant - you won't believe you're only spending $13 on this exquisite gem. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 25, 2019 The aromatics, flavor profile, and depth of this year's Mas Donis remind me of a $40 Gigondas or entry-level Châteauneuf. Perhaps there's a bit of new-era, terroir-driven Priorat in there. There's garrigue, blue and black fruits, good persistence, and a medium-weight palate that speaks more to finesse than volume. This is a brilliant vintage for Mas Donis and one that will find many fans now and down the road. At this price, it will be hard to refrain from pulling corks, but it should drink well for the next 5-7 years. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Domaine Jean-Michel Dupre "Cote du Py" Morgon]( [2017 Domaine Jean-Michel Dupre "Cote du Py" Morgon]( ($17.99) 95 points James Suckling: "A super bright and elegant rendering of this powerful cru. Theres a swathe of violets and a very juicy, attractive and fine-boned structure to the palate. Seriously refined Côte du Py here! Drink or hold." (01/2019) [alexp.gif]( Pross]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 29, 2019 A classic Morgon Cote du Py with a nose that is exactly what you come to expect from a fine Cote du Py: layered and elegant, with hints of berry, rose petals, earth, and forest floor. The palate is alive with gorgeous berry fruit and pomegranate flavors, with zippy acidity and crunchy tannins. This is a fabulous value and drinks like a wine 2-3 times the price. [sharonkelly.jpg]( Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 05, 2019 Côte du Py in the cru of Morgon is located on a hill of volcanic rock and decomposed schist that sits over 1100 feet above sea level. The intensity and structure of wines from this named site make them great candidates for aging but why wait? Jean-Michel Dupre has crafted this fabulous cru Beaujolais that is so enjoyable right now. It is gushing with ripe cherry, raspberry, violets and a slight kick of spice, joined by low tannins and higher acidity. You can have this with anything from chicken, pesto pasta, a cheese plate or grilled steak. With its gregarious personality and versatility with most foods, this Gamay really is the life of the party. The perfect +1 to your next social gathering! [AndrewTobin.jpg]( Tobin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 27, 2019 Having had the good fortune of meeting Jean-Michel Dupre when he visited K&L earlier this year (and loving his wines) I was excited to see an offering from him I had not yet tried. compared to his other Morgon (the 1935) this has a softer and more rounded fruit profile, more like stewed plums than cherry, I find more cinnamon and a bit of fresh turned earth on the nose as well. The palate is lovely with soft fruit, darker baking spice notes and an almost olive tapenade like note. I must say this might be a little too drinkable for its own good, and if history says anything these lovely Dupre wines won't last long on our shelves! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Carmel Road "South Crest" Panorama Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $55)]( [2015 Carmel Road "South Crest" Panorama Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $55)]( ($19.99) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Pinot Noir Panorama Vineyard South Crest offers up an expressive and youthfully fruit-driven bouquet of ripe cherries, raspberries and dried flowers. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and succulent with an ample core of fruit and the greatest sense of completeness of all these offerings from the Panorama Vineyard. Drink through 2025. (WK)" (04/2018) K&L Notes: Once considered too cool for vineyards, Monterey has become the "hot" spot for sleek Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here Carmel Road Winery crafts vibrant wines that captures the essence of this remarkable region. They've been producing some of the region's most exciting wines since 1999. Not only are the wines racy and charming, Carmel Road Winery is dedicated to the well-being of the area, being both SIP (Sustainability in Practice) and SSCW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certified. The Panorama Vineyard, in Arroyo Seco is comprised of high density planting. This vine spacing practice mirrors some of the top producers in Burgundy. Close spacing forces vines to compete for water and nutrients, resulting in wines with heightened aromatics, greater concentration and more complexity. [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 08, 2019 Rocking value here. A wine that is drinking beautifully. Still holding its bold, up-front fruit (cherry, raspberry compote, subtle licorice) but also some more complex flavors starting to take shape (dried herbs, rubbing spices, brambly notes). From an interesting vineyard in Arroyo Seco, a region I think is often over looked and puts out some stellar quality wines. Nice work, Kaj on securing a crazy good price on this one! [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 07, 2019 Monterey is not a region that gets a lot of attention but there are some pretty exceptional bottlings coming from there. The wind swept vineyards of Carmel Road is one such winery and their gorgeous Pinot fires on all cylinders. This is a cool climate style that is in no-way short on fruit but still loaded with complexity. There is so much to love here with its saturated cherry and strawberry nose, dusty spices and refreshing acidity. Perfect for sipping on its own or even better with a little everyday fare. For this deeply discounted price and the quality of the juice, you'll be back for cases. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 07, 2019 This is the best Pinot Noir deal Ive been offered this year. Thanks to our special relationship with the winery, were able to offer this site-specific single-vineyard wine at over 60% off the regular price of $55. More importantly, the wine is spot-on delicious. This is textbook cool climate central coast Pinot Noir thats made in a style that will please both the casual Pinot Noir drinker as well as the seasoned enthusiast/collector. While theres plenty of color, texture, and intensity the wine is light on its feet. Theres an amazing interplay between fruit, palate-feel, and the overall energy and lift from the cool climate acidity. This is another K&L exclusive! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac]( [2015 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac]( ($19.99) 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The rich, tannic 2015 Lirac Baron Louis spent a year in barrel, a year in tank and a year in bottle prior to release. It offers up scents of leather, cedar and vanilla, but it balances out the oak with dark fruit notes of cola, plum and spice. It's full-bodied and velvety on the palate, while hints of licorice emerge on the lengthy finish. This wine has clearly emerged as one of the top Liracs. (JC)" (11/2018) K&L Notes: An 88-acre estate, Château de Montfaucon sits just across the Rhône River from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a U.C. Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. Over the years, Château de Montfaucon has developed a HUGE following among both our staff and customers. Who is the Baron Louis? A seminal figure in the history of Montfaucon, he was responsible for restoring the château on the estate, saving it from complete ruin at the close of the 19th century. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2019 Our relationship has been long and fulfilling with Chateau de Montfaucon. We were one of the first retailer/importers to bring in the wines, and from the word "GO" they have never disappointed. Winemaker and proprietor Rudi des Pins has always said the "Baron Louis" is one of the prestige wines from the property, and has always held it back for a couple of years before release. He feels it allows the tannins and fruit to better integrate. The 2015 just arrived and it is a "benchmark wine" for Montfaucon. From a spectacular vintage, it is full-bodied, lush, and harmonious, with fine and supple tannins. Classic Lirac aromas of black currants, raspberries, anise, and cedary spice deliver so much for such a reasonable price. This is a wine that always does well with a little more bottle ag, and winemaker Rudi occasionally offers some library wines to us for sale around the holiday season. Based on the quality, I guarantee we'll see this offered again in another decade, but why wait when you can have some on your table or in your cellar now! [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2019 This is serious wine built to compete with first-rate Chateauneuf-du-Pape or top Gigondas. This well-structured blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 5% Carignan, and 5% Mourvedre is harvested from the best parcels of old vineyards on the estate. The resulting wine is truly magnificent. While most 2015s have come and gone, the Baron Luis is held back and aged at the winery for three years before release. The result is a much better integrated wine on release. You can enjoy this young with a hearty hour in your decanter or else put it away in your cellar for several winters. Youll be duly rewarded. [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 30, 2019 The Montfaucon Cotes-du-Rhone was one of the first wines I truly fell in love with at K&L. The value is tremendous and Montfaucon quickly became one of my favorite producers. A few years later I had the opportunity to try several vintages of the Baron Louis going back to 2005. Oh my god. It turned me into an absolute believer. This is one of those rare wines that drinks beautifully on release, and can age beautifully as well. The 2015, already a phenomenal year for Southern Rhone, shows a smoky, black-fruited and richly aromatic nose. The fruit here is open and full, without begin over-the-top opulent, full of blackberry and brambly goodness. Accessible and yet age-able, bold and yet balanced, this is a serious wine that deserves attention. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Liparita Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60)]( [2016 Liparita Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60)]( ($19.99) The historic Liparita label traces its origin all the way back to the late 1800s. The founder, William Keyes, was an early pioneer in the history of California winemaking, having been among the first to designate an appellation wine with his Howell Mountain Claret. Unfortunately, the combination of Prohibition and then phylloxera took its toll on many wineries early on, including Liparita. The label was revived several times over the past century, but it was Napa Valley grower Spencer Hoopes who finally resurrected the historic name in 2006 by bringing Liparita back to the luster of its glory days. He's been producing stylish appellation designated Cabernets since. Anne Vawter began as the winemaker with the 2012 vintage. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019 Following on the heels of one of our biggest Cabernet Sauvignon offers ever comes a potentially even bigger one. While the 2014 Liparita Yountville exploded with consumer demand, the 2016 Oakville stands to be an ever bigger deal. First of all, the 2016 vintage is considered one of the best in years. Napa Valley Cabernet producers and critics alike are all in agreement about the amazing quality of the vintage. Secondly, few AVAs can hold a candle to the roster of wines that hail from the Oakville subappellation. From pioneers like Mondavi and Heitz to powerhouse brands like Groth, Far Niente, and Opus One, through cult Cabernet producers Dalla Valle, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, tells the condensed story of Oakville. This is 100% pure Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is gorgeous displaying all the tell-tale Cabernet characteristics of black currants (cassis), blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs and a touch of cedar. This is a premium, top-tier Cab that delivers on every level. Production is limited so supplies will not last long. This gets a strong buy recommendation. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2019 Oakville ranks as THE viticulture epicenter of Napa, producing some of the most renowned and long sought after wines in California. On the heels of the dynamic Yountville offering, Liparita has once again knocked it out of the park by putting you smack dab in the middle of this most prestigious of growing areas. Two questions - how does it stack up to its predecessor (the Yountville)? And how does it match up with its more famed colleagues? On all fronts, extraordinarily well! The Oakville shows more polish and the sweeter fruit notes of black cherry and currants than the Yountville. Spices and an extravagant mouthfeel are what put you in the same zipcode as its esteemed neighbors saying, I'm from Oakville! Supple and sweet tannins finish the wine with a nice lingering complexity. The price point is the only distinction between this wine and its surrounding peers. You'd have to jump in a time machine to find a quality Oakville wine of this caliber at this price point. Kudos to Liparita and Buyer Kaj Stromer for putting this gem of a value on our shelves. [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019 I'm not sure what magic our SoCal Domestic Buyer, Kaj worked to get this Oakville Cab on our shelves for this ridiculously low price...but who cares!? Rich, fruit forward, powerful Oakville Cab for a song. Lush black fruit, ripe tannins, spicy oak and gravel undertones. Finding Oakville designate Cab for under $50 is hard enough...and this one is less than $20! Crazy! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $65)]( [2014 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $65)]( Price: Hidden 96 points Bob Campbell: "Very deep red/purple colour. The bouquet is all about concentrated, perfectly-ripened cabernet fruit embellished with stylish oak. Cedar and berries. The wine is very intense and cast in an elegant but full-bodied style, with red berry fruit in abundance on the palate. The tannins are emphatic but fine and restrained, beautifully tailored. A lovely wine indeed - to cellar or enjoy now. (Huon Hooke - The Real Review)" (05/2018) 93 points James Halliday: "Reticent. Firmly structured. Southern Margaret River across its verdant veins. Lathered in classy oak (23 months' ageing in all), this needs time to liberate itself from its structural carapace. The intensity, however, cannot be denied. Cassis, dried sage, plum and a herbal potpourri mingle within. The sappy length and emerging layers with time in the glass, all bode for a bright future ahead." (09/2018) 93 points James Suckling: "At first, the fresh herbs, such as eucalyptus and mint, really captivate, but this turns into blue fruits such as blackcurrants and blueberries. A hint of pine needles and mahogany, too. The palate has the answer to the punchy acidity as it shows a nice serving of fruit. This finishes chewy." (08/2019) [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 24, 2019 Leeuwin continues to produce one of the best Australian Cabernets year after year. The 2014 Leeuwin Art Series Cab is the most elegant rendition of this wine I have had to date. Filled with soft aromas of subtle mint, faint touches of nutmeg, along with whifs of cinnamon, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is broad and full. Bright acid pushes cassis, blackberry, and black cherry elements to the forefront. In the background there is plenty of minerality that gives the flavor palate definition. This is so well balanced and nuanced. Every minute this wine is in my glass it is getting better. So many complex elements of when you look at it closely, but an equally delicious drinking experience that anyone will love. [elsa-baez.jpg]( Baez]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 25, 2019 The 2014 Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet is a complex and elegant wine.The nose is plush and aromatic -crushed raspberries, baking spices, hint of vanilla- while the palate offers layers of blackberry, cassis, hint of cranberries subtle tones of acid, balanced tannins and medium bodied. When you try it you'll find it hard to believe the quality of wine you get at this price. Grab a couple extra to cellar for future enjoyment! [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 25, 2019 Another ripper from Leeuwin. This has to be one of the most consistent producers on the planet. Their Cab is always a benchmark expression of Margaret River Cabernet complete with aromatic red / black fruits, mint, subtle eucalyptus notes, warm earth, sandstone, and cigar box complexities. Medium weight with appropriate varietal tannins but remaining highly accessible even as a young wine. Tasted again on day two and three - the wine continues to drink beautifully with no signs of deterioration suggesting it will hold up very well in the cellar. A bargain for such quality and pedigree. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2009 Sociando-Mallet "Cuvee Jean Gautreau", Haut-Médoc]( [2009 Sociando-Mallet "Cuvee Jean Gautreau", Haut-Médoc]( ($69.99) 93 points Vinous: "The 2009 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot picked between September 18 and October 5. The bouquet is not dissimilar to the 2005, offering well-defined blackberry, raspberry preserve and cranberry fruit, followed by incense and sandalwood. The new oak is neatly subsumed. The palate is lively and energetic on the entry, then quite spicy and saline, displaying supple but firm tannin and hints of dark chocolate toward the finish, which fans out confidently. Superb. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet. Drink 2021-2035. (NM)" (03/2019) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Elio Grasso "Ginestra Casa Matè" Barolo]( [2015 Elio Grasso "Ginestra Casa Matè" Barolo]( ($79.99) 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "There is slightly more structure to the 2015 Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté than to the Gavarini Chiniera of the same vintage, and the only differences here are the soils and that this fruit is harvested about ten days later. It's a pretty fascinating demonstration of the power of the single vineyard. The Gavarini Chiniera parcel offers slightly sandier soils, whereas this site is composed of more clay. In rainy years, the Gavarini Chiniera vineyard drains more effectively, whereas the Ginestra's soil retains more moisture in the hot and dry vintages. As a result, in vintages such as this one, Ginestra shows a more compact nature and, in general, provides more impact and more structure. This is a very robust expression, extremely linear and tight. The Ginestra Casa Maté narrowly wins this round. It's another beautiful Barolo. (ML)" (06/2019) 96 points Vinous: "Grasso's 2015 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè is a dense, full-bodied Barolo that is going to need at least a few years to start unwinding. Dark fruit and a host of mentholated, balsamic notes all run through the 2015. Broad shoulders and tons of depth give the wine its distinctive feel. The Ginestra Casa Matè is usually more expressive at this stage than it is today. Time in the glass soften some of the edges, but the 2015 is a wine to cellar and then drink for the next 20-30 years. There is so much to look forward to. (AG)" (02/2019) 96 points James Suckling: "Complex aromas of figs, ripe strawberries and fresh mushrooms. Full body, firm and tight tannins with a solid core of fruit and a long, linear finish. Great length. Drink in 2024." (01/2019) [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 07, 2019 Having just tasted this wine I think most of the reviewers got this wine in a juvenile, closed phase because this wine is singing! The delight of the 2015 vintage is the rich, sweet fruit that comes with the ripeness but theres no hint of over ripeness, this wine is perfectly balanced. I do find it is always hard to taste these wines together because one always feels the need to say this one is better than that one, they really are both amazing but in really different ways. The nose of this wine is so inviting, its not a typical closed in Barolo behemoth it is enticing, full of dried figs, smoke, porciniI could go on. The really enticing portion of this wine was on the palate, you might have had experience drinking Barolo where that first palate presence is shocking and makes your cheeks want to turn inside out, but not this wine OMG it is amazing. Supple, sweet tannins frame the outside of this wine allowing waves of flavors, a savory, umami rich roll starts it, then more forest floor, then smoke and truffle and back to the dried figs, I cant think of another flavor for that than dried figs. Super balanced, exceedingly long, and incredible finish, yet all the talk of balance, supple and drinkable might make you think this wine is a short term wine but Oh No, this is a Barolos Barolo, long term, it is really special and is going to last a long, long time. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 07, 2019 Oh my, this is another insane Barolo offering from Elio Grasso. Theres so much going on here its hard to know where to begin. The aromatics are intense, beguiling, and compelling. On the palate, the wine is structured, firm, and dense. This is prototypical Barolo of the highest order. I would strongly urge fans to squirrel a few bottles of this away for a several years. But, for those of your who are Casa Mate curious, three to four hours in a decanter alongside a giant slab of beef should work. But do save a few bottles for the future. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 06, 2019 Elio Grasso's Casa Mate hits the deeper notes of Ginestra in 2015 with savory red fruit, plum, and soy on an expressive nose. The texture is immaculate and pure, with a compact palate that builds on flavors of black cherry, licorice, all brightened up by a good streak of acidity.. Exceptionally fine tannins round out a wine that has a ton in reserve. This is one that will go the distance. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne]( [2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne]( ($129.99) 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Created in 1964 as a tribute to the houses founder, the youngest release is the 2006 Millésime Brut Cuvée Nicolas François, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir from premier and grand crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne and 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Almost entirely fermented in stainless steel (only 5% was vinified in oak barrels) and aged for 11 years on the lees, this is a beautifully ripe and rich yet pure champagne with ripe fruit flavors intermixed with chalky notes and brioche/nougat flavors. The palate is intense and concentrated in its rich fruit and substantial depth but also tight, highly elegant and perfectly balanced. The typical finesse of Billecart-Salmon is palatable as well as amazingly pure, with the persistent structure of a great Champagne. The 2006 already drinks dangerously well, but there is no need to hurry, this will go a long way. My sample is from lot L 193A815 45578 that was disgorged in April 2018. (SR)" (12/2018) 96 points Decanter: "This wine has always been a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay since its inception in 1964, honouring the house's co-founder. Like the other founder's cuvées, 5% of the wine is vinified in old oak barrels and it then spends 11 years on its lees with partial malolactic fermentation. It has a beautiful mousse and fine, fast-streaming bubbles, and is very tight and reserved at first, opening in the glass to reveal refined sous bois, pastry, tart red apple, rich yellow plum and lifted floral notes. Elegant, complex, long and zesty, it's still very young with its full potential yet to show. (TG)" (05/2017) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Named after the founder of the house, Nicolas François Billecart (who married Elisabeth Salmon), this wine is now at its peak. It is poised between fresh apple fruits and broader, riper maturity. This balance gives a ripe wine hinting at toast and almonds while still with a dry aftertaste. *Cellar Selection* (RV)" (12/2018) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Fine and creamy, this harmonious Champagne layers a firm backbone of bright acidity with a lovely range of orange pâte de fruit, marzipan, lime blossom and toasted brioche notes. Tightly meshed and racy, with a long, lightly spiced finish. (AN)" (10/2018) 94 points James Suckling: "Fresh honey and bright poached apples with dried flowers, cherry pastry and richness that flows to the palate. A ripe array of white peaches, baked cherry pastry and a complex, smooth fleshy build in texture. White peaches and brioche to close. Drinking well now, but it will deliver plenty in the next decade on cork." (09/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [Kaiyo "The SHERI" Mizunara Oak Finished Japanese Whisky (750ml)]( [Kaiyo "The SHERI" Mizunara Oak Finished Japanese Whisky (750ml)]( ($129.99) The next installment of Kaiyo's excellent Japanese whisky. Only 450 cases released world wide. Aged in Olorosso and PX casks and finished in Mizunara oak. [nealfischer.jpg]( Fischer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 21, 2019 This recent addition to the Kaiyo lineup wants to capture the hearts of those who love rich Sherry finished whiskies. The nose smacks of butter toffee and candied fruits. Stewed apples and syrupy berries come out to play with toasted almonds and dark chocolate. Of course there are also robust scents of oxidization coming from the Sherry finish, all of which downplays the influence of the Mizunara oak aging. The palate starts off like dessert as well with dried fruits, blackberry jam, and more chocolate notes. Towards the finish, leather and charred oak wrap things up. [Cameron Hoppas]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 14, 2019 Big, rich, and sherried. This Japanese whisky is incredibly smooth, likely with help from the little bit of sherried sweetness. It's dense and round with nice caramelized apricot and spice aromas. The sherried elements certainly are the star in this whisky, but the best part for me is the way the sherried butterscotch sweetness interplays with the sandalwood spice of the Mizunara oak. A clean, rich and smooth whisky that's all to easy to keep sipping on. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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