K&L Top 10 Picks—October

Our top picks for October... Monday Oct 21st, 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 2013 Sbragia "Godspeed Vineyard" Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $80) 95 Price: Hidden [View]( 2017 Bodegas Aleanna "El Enemigo" Chardonnay Mendoza 98 $23.99 [View]( 2017 Torti Pinot Noir Pavia 90 $17.99 [View]( 2013 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $48) 93 $29.99 [View]( 2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40) 95 $29.99 [View]( 2016 Xavier Vignon "Cuvée Anonyme" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 95 $49.99 [View]( 2009 Sociando-Mallet "Cuvee Jean Gautreau", Haut-Médoc 93 $69.99 [View]( 2007 Unnamed Speyside (Macallan) 12 Year Old "Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection" 2nd Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $109.99 [View]( 2016 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien 97 $119.99 [View]( 2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne 97 $129.99 [View]( [2013 Sbragia "Godspeed Vineyard" Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $80)]( [2013 Sbragia "Godspeed Vineyard" Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $80)]( Price: Hidden 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "As for the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Godspeed, this wine is still in barrel. This demonstrates why, as good as 2013 is, this is an exceptional, singular, and possibly once-in-a-lifetime vintage for Bordeaux varietals in Napa. An inkier, bluish/purple color with a stunning sense of blueberries, white flowers and forest floor are followed by an opulent, full-bodied wine with terrific integration of acidity, tannin and alcohol. It tops the charts at 15.3% alcohol, but otherwise has identical analytical numbers to the 2012, but it tastes even deeper and richer, with a good 25 years of upside. (RP)" (03/2016) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "From a prime site relatively high in elevation for the appellation, this wine shows beautiful, crisp acidity, as robust layers of mountain raspberry, blackberry and coffee flavor vie for attention. Full bodied and densely structured, it unfurls in wisps of black licorice and clove on the lengthy finish. (VB)" (07/2017) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 30, 2019 Wow! This wine is firing on all cylinders right now. Quintessential Mountain Cab from a great vintage and a legendary winemaker. This has the hallmark aromas of Veeder Cab - briary red and black fruit, cedar, cigar box, power and finesse in perfect symphony. This wine is explosively aromatic and rich but also quite refined and poised on the palate with length and a fine linear tannin structure. It's drinking beautifully with a few years in bottle to integrate and mature, but still has 10+ years of life ahead of it. We struck a great deal on this majestic 2013 bottling and our price is almost to good to be true. Don't miss it! [arigorfain.jpg]( Gorfain]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 08, 2019 Mt. Veeder Cab for under fifty dollars? Throw in an exceptional vintage and we are talking lunacy! The 2013 Sbragia Godspeed Vineyard Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is the real deal. Baking cocoa is immediately apparent on the nose with a mint and eucalyptus tinge in the background. The palate is prototypical Mt. Veeder: deeply spiced, vividly floral, brambleberry and minerality. Get some while it lasts. [nealfischer.jpg]( Fischer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 08, 2019 When Robert Parker drinks this wine and says it's a once in a lifetime vintage for Mount Veeder, you sit up and take notice. This smashing Napa Cab grows on steep hillsides at high elevation on volcanic soils. The nose boasts bramble berries, cedar wood, cigar box, dry earth, powerful floral notes, and licorice. The palate touts tart cherries, dark vanilla, cassis, and blackberry compote. This wine has exceptional structure and balanced tannins. It's beautiful now, and it will age exceptionally well. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Bodegas Aleanna "El Enemigo" Chardonnay Mendoza]( [2017 Bodegas Aleanna "El Enemigo" Chardonnay Mendoza]( ($23.99) 98 points James Suckling: "A tight and beautiful white with a dense palate of beautiful, ripe lemons and apples. Layered and refined with phenolic tension. Complex yeast and hints of oak and flor. Full body. Great length. 80 per cent flor-growth in barrel." (07/2019) K&L Notes: A collaboration between long-time Catena winemaker Alejandro Vigil and the youngest Catena daughter, Adrianna, Bodegas Aleanna has been receiving a massive amount of critical acclaim over the past several years for their extraordinary wines. The "El Enemigo" Chardonnay is a powerful wine, with fruit, structure, and acidity all in balance. Interestingly enough, a little bit of flor resides in the barrels where this wine ages. "Jura was the influence and inspiration for this stunning Chardonnay, aged under flor. Leesy, racy, saline and yeasty, with a core of acidity, subtle oak and a long, tapering finish. A boundary-pushing white for Argentina." (Best Chardonnays of the Year)- Tim Atkin, MW - 95 points [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2019 This is an awesome, awe-inspiring Chardonnay. It is incredible to me that this wine is as reasonably priced as it is. There are great white wines from all over the world, all the places that you would expect; Burgundy, California, Oregon, Australia, Austria, etc, think where ever there are intense, characterful, full-bodied wines with distinctive and specific personalities, where those great wines cost easily 3-4(or even) more times what this wine costs, that doesnt deliver the way that this wine delivers. We are currently selling another Chardonnay made by the same winemaker from the same region that sells for over $100, that is one of my favorite Chardonnays that I have had all year, but that is something special, a splurge, this is for, some people, everyday price. I dont know if it is the just the winemaker, it cannot be, but I would not have assumed, even last year, that this small corner of the Uco Valley could be one of the great places in the world for Chardonnay, but it might be. Most importantly this wine is just fun to drink. It is breadth and freshness of Grand Cru Burgundy, the rich, round accessibility of great California Chardonnay and whispers of savory mineral intrigue that are uniquely it's own. This wine suggests all these different wines some with personalities that seem to be opposite of each other, but it takes all of those and brings them together effortlessly. An open bottle will soon be an empty bottle. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2019 This is may be the best dollar-for-dollar Chardonnay I have ever tasted from Argentina. The character is pure New World, with ripe and creamy apple flavors, but it has great nuance and structure. There is a butterscotch note that makes me think of some pretty top-tier domestic producers. If you're a fan of such great domestic producers like Ramey and Dumol, this offers that level of quality but at half (or less than half!) the price. [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2019 Wow. This is so rich and powerful its startling. Big, rich and weighted. Elements of candied lemon peel. .Dried pineapple, pie crust, and exceptional purity. The weight here is totally off the charts. OMG thats a wild wine. Incredibly distinctive. I find myself thinking, theres just nothing else like this. A head turner for sure. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Torti Pinot Noir Pavia]( [2017 Torti Pinot Noir Pavia]( ($17.99) 90 points James Suckling: "This is very aromatic with rose-soap and strawberry aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish." (08/2018) K&L Notes: We've been keeping an eye on the Torti family since we met them years ago in Italy and have been fans ever since. Their Pinot Noir is a rare gem and a champion for the varietal in Northern Italy. Crafted in a style that would make many in Oregon and Sonoma jealous at this kind of pricing, it has quickly become a staff and customer favorite at K&L, especially with the terrific new 2017 release. [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2018 The nose of this wine is full of strawberry compote, laced with a bit of spice and leather. On that palate this wine has a lushness that just flows across your palate but it is sparked by a balanced acidity and hints of tannin, its supple but with a backbone. The flavors carry on the strawberry flavors but the wine begins to show more savory character, hints of leather, and the tannins focus and lift. The wine has an eminent drinkability that immediately makes you want to just sit down drink the entire bottle by yourself, but you should resist and share, it will make your friends happy and think youre a Sommelier! [johndowning.gif]( Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 14, 2018 Anyone looking for an outstanding Pinot Noir value will definitely want to purchase this latest release from the Torti Family. While there are a handful of top tier Italian Pinot Noirs, they are pricey and can't deliver the bang-for-the-buck that this one does. It's packed with a rounded palate of rich and savory red fruit flavors and a nice touch of acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 01, 2018 I was immediately impressed with this wine based on the aromatics alone. You are greeted by a waft of fresh, bright bowl of red cherries and strawberries. The wine is reasonably translucent revealing an elegant, medium-weight body. Freshly picked, juicy cherries are expressed on the palate followed by a long slow finish that begs for the next sip. I cant remember the last time I tasted a value driven Italian Pinot Noir that was this flat out delicious. Im putting several bottles in the cupboard for casual Tuesday night dinners. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $48)]( [2013 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $48)]( ($29.99) 93 points Vinous: "The 2013 Pinot Noir Hidden Block is a very pretty, lifted wine. Sweet red cherry, mint and floral notes grace the palate in an understated, surprisingly gracious Pinot from the Varner brothers. The Hidden Block is one of the more delicate, acid-driven Pinots I have tasted from Varner. This is the first block that is picked, which likely contributes to the wine's laid-back personality and expressive aromatics. Drink through 2025. (AG)" (07/2016) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2019 I'll give you the bad news first: Brothers Jim and Bob Varner are no longer working with the Spring Ridge Vineyard site in the Santa Cruz Mountains and their contribution to the appellation will be sorely missed. The good news: they made a great deal with us on this delicious bottling from 2013. The 2013 Hidden Block is drinking beautifully, really benefiting from some time in bottle and starting to show some lovely secondary development notes. It's still quite a deeply fruited, rich wine, but as the primary fruit slowly wanes some of the more earthy, sous bois, savory notes have come to the fore. The wine opens nicely in the glass and shows more layers as minutes go by. A very soft, velvet texture and lovely length on the palate match the aromatic profile perfectly. A great opportunity here to grab some seriously classy, ready to drink Pinot Noir from and top-notch producer at a one-time price. [arigorfain.jpg]( Gorfain]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 29, 2019 Nestled about 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean at elevations between 600 and 700+ feet, "The Hidden Block" is one of several distinct blocks of Spring Ridge Vineyard that Varner has vinified individually. Hand-farmed since 1980, this luscious Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir delivers an uncanny combination of perfume, depth, and balance. Bursting with aromas of cherry, fruits des bois, anise, black tea and allspice, this wine finishes with a hint of herbaceous savoriness. With its limited production, surprising affordability and the loss of their lease in 2014, the 2013 Varner Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir is definitely worth snagging. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 19, 2019 The Santa Cruz Mountain single vineyard bottlings from Varner have been sorely missed ever since they lost their contracts after the 2014 vintage. To see one available again, in a perfect drinking window, at this kind of price, is a bit jaw-dropping for a fan of the wines like myself. Nuanced aromas of cedar, cut red flower, and cranberry evolve with some air, leading to flavors of blackberry and currant. Textured and deep, the '13 Hidden Block hits all the right notes and would still be a steal at a much higher price. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40)]( [2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40)]( ($29.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Chardonnay vines in the Nielson vineyard were originally planted in 1964; this wine comes from those cuttings used to replant. Youthfully shy on the nose, the 2016 Chardonnay Nielson Vineyard opens very minerally with aromas of saline, crushed shell, gunflint and toast with ripe Golden Delicious apple, baked quince, warm Meyer lemon, pie crust and peach. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rounded and silky, oozing layer after layer of ripe, savory, spicy fruits, framed with tangy acidity and finishing very long and very flavorful. About 43% new oak was used, and 100 cases were made. (EB)" (09/2019) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2019 Having tasted this wine on a few occasions over the last couple weeks, it's hard to think of a better example of classically rich, powerful California Chard than this right now. It's brimming with ripe fruit, baked apple, brioche, poached pear, and pie crust. It is rich and textural on the palate, with some toasty oak and spice. But at the same time, Santa Maria's very cool, ocean-influenced growing conditions, and Wente clone's naturally high malic acid, keep the whole thing in balance and reverberating across the length of the palate. Richness and power meet great verve and energy. Crowd pleasing in so many ways, it's an expression of Chardonnay that is impeccably well crafted and beautifully judged. With this HUGE score and not so huge price tag...we took everything we could get direct from the winery...when it's gone it's gone. [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 03, 2019 Wow. This is a really good CA Chardonnay. This hits all the classic notes one would expect from it but it is cool and effortless. Effortless the perfect word for this wine. Creamy and cool yellow fruits with mineral undertones. The wine rolls on the palate and remains fresh. This will impress all white wine drinkers. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Xavier Vignon "Cuvée Anonyme" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( [2016 Xavier Vignon "Cuvée Anonyme" Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($49.99) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Anonyme is the flagship and is mostly Grenache that was sourced from numerous terroirs throughout Châteauneuf-du-Pape and brought up in a mix of tank and barrels (some new). It offers a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, lavender, Asian spices, and graphite. Like all of Xavier's 2016s, it has purity, freshness, and richness, yet still packs ample richness and depth. Give this full-bodied, elegant red another few years, and it will keep for a decade. 95+" (08/2018) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The striking 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme is 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and the rest minor varieties (there's no Syrah). Aged in a mix of foudres, demi-muids, barriques and concrete tanks, it shows hints of mocha and toast on the nose, but the blackberry and red plum fruit is mouthwatering and fresh, richly concentrated and spicy. Full-bodied, it manages to be ripe, silky and concentrated, while remaining crisp on the lengthy finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (JC)" (10/2018) K&L Notes: Xavier Vignon. One of the finest winemakers you’ve never heard of. Xavier keeps a low profile, though he’s the mind behind a number of seriously high profile estates in Chateaneuf du Pape. Raymond Usseglio, La Gardine, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, La Nerthe, Mont Redon, Marcoux and Grand Veneur. That’s a few big-time names, right? So when it came time for Xavier and his partners to make their own signature Chateauneuf, you’d probably have a pretty good idea that the wine would be damn fine. Oh, yeah, it’s damn fine and then some. Cuvée Anonyme - named as such because if he told you where he got the fruit for this wine from, he’d have to kill you... And the guy likes to have some fun. Hey, wine is fun, right? His blends are thoughtful, innovative and the shot in the arm that the southern Rhone needs right now. Young talented vintner, fabulous vines served up on a silver platter, monster adoration from the press, we see a lot of parallels here with the Westside Paso posse (Saxum, Linne Calodo, etc.). The only exceptions being the vines are older, and the wines aren’t as pricey. Hmm - this is making a heckuva lot of sense right about now. [JohnMajeski.jpg]( Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 15, 2019 Xavier Vignon has, over several decades, advised, consulted with and built formidable relations with some of the finest names in the Southern Rhone and this provocative, nameless wine is a superb expression of what can be achieved with creative barrel treatments, consummate knowledge of terroir and magisterial blending. Aromas of violets, plums and blueberries followed by a lavish crush of dark fruits, kirsch and exotic spices flood the palate, with silky tannins entwined throughout the bravura finish. Drink up! [chrisdepaoli.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 27, 2019 As good as you'd expect from a winemaker as prolific as Xavier Vignon, this is a Chateuneuf Du Pape that carries itself with style, with a vanilla cola core and tight herbal notes framed by well-developed, but equally well-rounded, tannins. Drinking it now certainly isn't out of the question but if you can get through the normal finicky midlife of a Chateauneuf this should be singing in a decade. --------------------------------------------------------------- [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) K&L Notes: This is the top Cuvee of Sociando Mallet and it is only made in certain years. It is made in honor of the the winemaker Jean Gautreau and this wine celebrates 30 years of his involvement with Sociando Mallet-fabulous wine that still needs another 20 years in the cellar. [clydebeffa.gif]( Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 15, 2019 Fabulous wine. This special cuvee is only made in the greatest of years--and 2009 is one of those years. A small batch made to honor Jean Gautreau's 25th year of making this great value. Product. Sociando was the first Bordeaux I ever visited in April 1985-drinking the 1984. This is a powerhouse cuvee with the richmess of the vintage and the power of small selection. A must for the cellar. [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019 This is a seductive, vibrant and delicious bottle from a top vintage, that is ready-to-drink for a great price. Sociando is one of my favorite properties in any vintage, but that name Jean Gautreau has a Pavlovian effect on me...It is only made in the best vintages, from the best juice and showcases the elegance and power that the winemaker is known for. Plum, blueberries, licorice and herbs with generous, well integrated oak and a seemingly endless finish. [stevebearden.gif]( Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 19, 2019 There are some dark, meaty notes to this big, hearty wine which possesses plenty of ripe, sweet fruit and a deep, chewy texture. There is a beefy element that may remind some of the Northern Rhone but the 2009 weather gave this all the warm, roasted fruit you would expect from this great vintage. This is a big and approachable bottle to pair with substantial fare. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2007 Unnamed Speyside (Macallan) 12 Year Old "Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection" 2nd Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( [2007 Unnamed Speyside (Macallan) 12 Year Old "Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection" 2nd Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($109.99) As you might have noticed the market for Macallan has gone absolutely bonkers. We can't get old Macallan on the shelf for under $2000 and young Macallan is completely unavailable. In fact, over the years we've only bottled one other young Macallan and it was likewise not named. But this is the first and only sherried Macallan we've ever had the honor to put our mark on. I have no clue why the distillery is divesting stocks, especially those aged in ex-sherry (even refill). We hear grumblings that the distillery needs cashflow for the extremely expensive new distillery that they've built. Seems unlikely. Perhaps there are cracks in the crown, but there's no question the worldwide clamoring for the great malts from this Speyside master continues. And of course, the distillery name cannot be used on the labels, but when we saw this beautiful second fill sherry butt in the Signatory warehouse, they didn't need to say a word. We knew immediately where it came from. Further confirmed after one tiny whiff from the barrel. Now this is a big boy. High proof, powerful malt, that does need some water to coax out of its shell. One of the most astounding and obvious examples of this special distillery's supremacy. The sherry is there, but the malt stands tall. Unctuous, inviting, complex and unabashed. Truly one of the world's great spirits, on full display like we've never been able to offer before. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019 To get an idea of how absolutely unusual it is for us to find a cask of Macallan in sherry to sell as an exclusive: this is literally the first time in a decade of selecting single casks that we've ever offered Macallan aged in sherry. Our teaspooned cask of William Hepburn three years ago was of course aged in ex-bourbon hoggies, as were the very expensive and older ones we've occasionally acquired as a thank-you from our best suppliers. Usually if it's available it's so outrageously priced we can't even conceive of a world where our customers would consider paying a premium at, or above, the ridiculous premium the distillery already charges. So we were extremely excited to taste this gorgeous butt when our guide brought us into the warehouse. This will most closely resemble the highly sought-after Classic Cut offering that's now popular in terms of its style, but of course we've got an older, single cask, and higher proof. The nose initially is punchy and full of dark malt, fudge, praline, hints of flint, and stone fruit. With air, more of the sherry character comes out, with a little bit of nutty oloroso aromatic framing the bold malt nicely. On the palate, sweet biscuits; very textured and rich, almost chocolatey finish. But this whisky at full strength is simply hidden, packed with quality, but slightly monotone. Now add water, not just a drop, but enough to see a little bit of cloudiness develop as the oils coalesce. Now we're truly in rarefied air. The nose is now this absolutely pristine expression of exotic fruits: kiwi, passion fruit, jujubes, quince, candied lemon peel, and nougat. On the palate, the dark malt is gone and replaced with candied nuts, creamy custard, hints of lemon oil and anise. It somehow gains weight and texture with water. So if you're one of those people that refuses to water down your whisky for whatever reason, than you should skip this. If you love to add water and experience a whisky in its many chimeric forms, then you'll fall in love just like I did. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019 One of the many advantages of selecting casks in Scotland instead of from shipped samples is that you sometimes get a behind the scenes peak at things. This unnamed Speyside had the remnants of the distillery's paperwork left stuck on the side of the cask. The scrap of paper just read "llan." More than enough supporting evidence for the rich, unctuous nose - especially when paired with classic sherry notes. Big, rich, and oily, this baby truly sings with the addition of a little water. Take it a notch back from the 63.4% cask strength ABV and release gobs of burnt orange peel, candied stone fruit, and the underlying malt base for the drinking experience you always wish you could have with the standard Macallan 12. [jacksonlee.jpg]( Lee]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 12, 2019 If you havent already grabbed a bottle of this, nows the time. Clocking in at over 120 proof, this bad boy packs a big punch, but not in the overly fumy, jet fuel kind of way. It's big and expressive on the nose, and I was able to pick up warm and inviting notes of dried fig, chocolate chip cookie dough, black plums, sweet tobacco, and the tiniest bit of cherry brine (pickled cherries are awesome). This is the type of Scotch I want to drink sitting next to a fire in a ski chalet after a day of shredding some gnar pow-pow. The palate was hot and silky (prior to adding water) and offered flavors of brandied cherries, toffee, and mild roasted coffee. The addition of water mellows out some of the heat but leaves all the texture and starts to lead more into chocolate and fruit flavors while the finish remains nice and long with oak spice, plum jam, and chocolate covered cherries. Definitely a bottle Ill be picking up for myself and something that would make a great gift with the holidays right around the corner. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien]( [2016 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien]( ($119.99) 97 points James Suckling: "Terrific intensity of dark berries, almost peppery blackcurrants and violets with attractive and integrated, spicy oak and an earthy edge. The palate has a super powerful and long, linear core with plenty of fruit flesh strapped in tight for a long and thrilling ride into the finish. A blend of 86 per cent cabernet and 14 per cent merlot. Try from 2024." (02/2019) 97 points Wine Spectator: "This is so vivid as it brims with pastis-soaked plum, blackberry, black currant and blueberry paste flavors, all carried by a perfectly integrated brambly spine. Tar and ganache notes give the finish an extra kick while everything stays within the mouthwatering roasted apple wood frame. Both regal and rambunctious, this is St.-Julien to a T. Best from 2025 through 2040. *Highly Recommended* (JM)" (03/2019) 96 points Vinous: "The 2016 Léoville-Barton is fabulous. A wine of breadth and power, the 2016 has so much to offer. The black cherry, chocolate, gravel, smoke and licorice flavors are all boldly sketched. A host of expressive savory and mineral notes develop into the substantial finish. (AG)" (01/2019) 96 points Wine Enthusiast: "The Barton familys flagship wine benefits hugely from the age of the vines. This wine is ripe and concentrated, rich in tannins but with the wonderful black fruits that can be conjured from this vineyard. It will age well and is likely to be ready to drink from 2026. (RV)" (05/2019) 96 points Decanter: "I love this - there's concentrated cassis on the nose with a strong, smoky edging. On the palate the coffee and dark chocolate is clear, a little bitter in an extremely attractive way, leaning against the rich, sweet black fruits. There's no question those tannins are in full play. An excellent wine with a great life ahead. Matured in 60% new oak. Drinking Window 2024-2040 (JA)" (10/2018) 96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Deep purple-colored and a classic Saint-Julien with its pure crème de cassis, graphite, liquid rock, and essence of lead pencil shavings, the 2016 Château Léoville Barton is full-bodied, concentrated, and backward, with bright acidity and ripe yet certainly present and building tannins. This old-school, classic Léoville Barton has a fine thread of acidity keeping the wine focused and fresh. Its a beauty, but mostly potential at this point, although it does have beautiful fruit. Savvy readers will hide bottles at the back of their cellar, and I wouldnt start to think about opening bottles for a least a decade. Its going to be incredibly long-lived. The blend of the 2016 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, brought up in 60% new French oak. 96+" (02/2019) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Barton delivers a superstar nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and blueberry compote with suggestions of fragrant earth, unsmoked cigars, licorice and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive with firm yet velvety tannins, it has a decadently rich finish. (LPB) 95+" (11/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne]( [2006 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" 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. (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. 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