K&L Top 10 Picks—March 2020

Our smart buys and top collectibles for the month of March... Monday Mar 9th, 2020 [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 2017 Black Slate "Gratallops" Priorat 95 $19.99 [View]( Heaven Hill American Whiskey Tasting Set 5-Pack (5x100ml) (Elsewhere $50) $19.99 [View]( 2017 Liparita Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60) $19.99 [View]( 2017 Fèlsina Chianti Classico 95 $21.99 [View]( 2018 Julien Schaal "Schoenenbourg Gypse" Riesling Grand Cru Alsace 95 $26.99 [View]( Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne 93 $39.99 [View]( 2016 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough 99 $54.99 [View]( 2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 95 $74.99 [View]( 2009 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac 97 $149.99 [View]( 1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old "Chieftain's" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 [View]( [Heaven Hill American Whiskey Tasting Set 5-Pack (5x100ml) (Elsewhere $50)]( [Heaven Hill American Whiskey Tasting Set 5-Pack (5x100ml) (Elsewhere $50)]( ($19.99) This tasting set features five 100 ml glass tubes: one each of Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, Larceny Wheated Bourbon, Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, and Pikesville Rye. It's a tour of nearly every mashbill from the legendary Heaven Hill portfolio at a stunning price. CAN NOT SHIP - only available via Will Call and Local Delivery [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2020 Heaven Hill is the producer of many legendary Kentucky whiskey brands over the last 85 years. This gift set allows you to explore every major American Whiskey category by offering Heaven Hill distilled Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskey in one special package. Originally conceived as a holiday gift and retailing for $40-50 at most shops, we're able to offer a one-time shot at these whiskies at a price almost too good to be true. Whether you're interested in trying all American Whiskey has to offer, or you just know a good deal when you see it, now is the time to stock up either for future gifts or current personal consumption! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Black Slate "Gratallops" Priorat]( [2017 Black Slate "Gratallops" Priorat]( ($19.99) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2017 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De La Vila comes from a warmer region in the Priorat and has a more powerful, ripe, opulent style compared to the Porrera cuvée, which comes from a cooler region. A huge nose of mulled cherries, dried earth, spice, and dusty pebble-like minerality gives way to a medium to full-bodied Priorat that has ripe tannins, an opulent, sexy texture, and a great finish. Its another wine from Solomon that has classic Priorat character, is impeccably balanced, and drinks way above its humble price point. Dont miss it! The blend is 58% Grenache, 32% Carignan, and 10% Syrah, aged 12 months in 20% new French oak. (JD)" (04/2019) [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 19, 2020 Wow! That's Priorat! First two things that jumped to my mind when sniffing this new black slate offering. The nose is complex and pure, a heady and powerful combination of mixed red and dark fruits, fine spice, and minerality. I love this wine just for the nose but then once you take your first sip the rug gets taken out from underneath you. Wow! This wine is rich, full and mouth-filling. It is almost overwhelming but then the tannins step in and gently take control. They steer all of that amazing fruit across your palate giving you a further chance to luxuriate in it while giving you a chance to notice that fine spice and minerality. Gratallops has been claimed to be one of the best terroirs for Priorat. Not the coolest, nor the warmest of the Vi de Vila villages, with lots of that famous llicorella slate. The ideal location for making wines with power, intensity, and restraint. This wine gives you the complexity and the power that you expect from a wine at twice this price. What a wine. Wow! [johnsumners.jpg]( Sumners]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2020 Jammy purple and black fruit give an explosive impression right off the bat. Melted licorice, violets, rosemary, and clove-centric spice add to the package. While certainly not shy with the fruit on the palate, there's a fine sense of freshness and structure to reign in the richness. This is a lot of wine for the money and would be a fine choice for those looking for food-worthy bigger reds. Leg of lamb would make an obviously great companion. [chrisdepaoli-new.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2020 The Black Slate series continues to grow in reputation around here, regularly over performing in so many ways. Rosemary, licorice and autumn spice with blackberry and salal are all floated on a velvet frame, with the greystone notes in the core just peeping through. This is classic Priorat, get some. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Liparita Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $60)]( [2017 Liparita Rutherford 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: November 12, 2019 Few wine offers in K&L history have been as hugely successful as our Liparita string of victories. This historical brand was resurrected by long time Napa native Spencer Hoopes as a way to produce sub-appellation designated, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from some of his best sources. This time around, were offering a $20 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford; land of the famed Rutherford dust. The appellation is in the center of Napa Valley and has been home to some of the regions most historic and world-renowned wineries such as Beaulieu Vineyards, Rutherford Hill, Raymond Vineyards, and the Inglenook Winery. The wine is fruit forward and generous displaying all the tell-tale Cabernet characteristics of black currants (cassis), blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs and a touch of cedar. This may be our last chance to go to the well for these amazing Cabernet Sauvignon values. Buy early and buy often. Come back for more before the party ends. [seanreilly.jpg]( Reilly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 29, 2019 Liparita has been one of our best-sellers over the past year. It provides an exceptional example of cab characteristics for the money. When I first tried this 2017, it was a tad tight and tannic. Those attributes have departed and there's a wonderful harmony to this wine. Full-bodied with classic black cherry nuances, this is a must buy. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 13, 2019 Maybe the most charming of the three wines we have offered to date, the Rutherford is the most elegant by far. It has wonderful red currant, cherry and spice tones. It has more of that old-school Napa charm that feels like a much more restrained wine. A few minutes in the glass and the wine opens with even more fruit on the palate. This is a bit more medium- to full-bodied than its predecessors but should fit beautifully on the table with a whole host of Holiday Meals, from richer fowl dishes to pork and even that standing rib roast. [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 12, 2019 The latest wine in an unprecedented run of discounted Liparita Cabs found by our SoCal Domestic Buyer, Kaj. Again this delivers a rich, fruit forward, easy to like Cab for a serious value. Rutherford AVA for less than $20!? This crowd pleaser is sure to be another top seller heading into the holidays. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Fèlsina Chianti Classico]( [2017 Fèlsina Chianti Classico]( ($21.99) 95 points James Suckling: "A very fresh 2017 with plenty of tight and linear tannins that give the wine energy and drive. Medium to full body. Racy finish. This is impressive. Fantastic texture and complexity on the palate with purple fruit and wet earth. Drink or hold" (04/2019) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromas of plum, exotic spice, eucalyptus and a hint of violet form the nose. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly structured and has nice tension, offering mature black cherry, blackberry compote and licorice accompanied by polished tannins. *Editor's Choice* (KO)" (09/2019) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Rich, with black cherry, plum, iron and violet aromas and flavors, this red is suave and multidimensional. Vibrant and balanced, featuring a lingering finish that echoes the fruit and adds a spice accent. (BS)" (12/2019) [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020 The nose of this wine is tremendous, full of wild cherry, wild strawberry, inter-mixed with leather, chocolaty plum and the classic Chianti signature of violets and lilacs truly superb aromatics. On the palate the wine has a really rich, supple texture that carries across the wild fruit character rolling over your tongue with just a veil of tannin pushing to the center. The flavors are so vibrant, fruit mixed with spice, sweet earth, tobacco just an extraordinary combination, this is the best non riserva Chianti Ive had from Felsina. The finish is long, vibrant, and holds that richness on your palate for a long time. This is a question of how many cases you should buy not bottles, its really great. [chrisdepaoli-new.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 24, 2020 A phenomenal Chianti, and one of the most dependable Sangiovese producers in the building, Felsina is a perennial staff favorite that backs up its reputation every vintage with rich, round Sangio that begs for a classic Italian pairing like Pasta Bolognese . The big red fruit and bombing smoke all coil around the fine spice notes that hint at the aging ability in the bottle. The silk textured mid-weight palate is world class and the finish longer than any reasonable person could expect at twice the price point. [johndowning.gif]( Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2020 The Felsina 2017 Chianti is a real showstopper. While it drinks perfectly now there's plenty of underlying structure and depth should you decide to cellar a few bottles. Chianti fans will certainly love this one and it's become one of our favorite releases from this esteemed producer. [mike-parres.gif]( Parres]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 11, 2020 This is one of our best values from Tuscany, black cherries, spicy oak, and a touch of earth. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, with fine concentration and a dry finish, with well integrated and soft tannins. Enjoy tonight and over the next couple years. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 06, 2020 My relationship with Felsina goes back to my earliest days working in the wine business some 20 years ago. They have always been on the top of my short list for Tuscan red wines. Tasting this took me down that path I journeyed so many years ago, reminding me of my time spent with these wines when I was an Italian specialist for another wine retailer. I have been fortunate to taste this many, many more times over just as many vintages and the 2017 is probably the freshest and most expressive version I have tried in recent memory. This is the goods! Ripe raspberry, black plum and cherry aromas carry through to a palate laced with fresh cut herbs, violets and that pleasing Maraska cherry finish. Another great success, that demonstrates yet again, that Felsina firmly belongs in the hierarchy of great Tuscan wines. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Julien Schaal "Schoenenbourg Gypse" Riesling Grand Cru Alsace]( [2018 Julien Schaal "Schoenenbourg Gypse" Riesling Grand Cru Alsace]( ($26.99) 95 points James Suckling: "Wonderfully layered and rich with an intense, cooked-peach and tangy pineapple character. Full body. Power. Yet, direct acidity and alcohol gives this drive and precision. Drink now or hold." (07/2019) --------------------------------------------------------------- [Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne]( [Michel Arnould "La Grande Cuvée" Brut Champagne]( ($39.99) 93 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "Pure and complex aromas speak of plenty of yeast, brioche, freshly sliced citrus and a whiff of rose petal. On the palate there is equally good complexity thanks to the high percentage of pinot noir to the medium-bodied, firm and utterly delicious flavors that are shaped by a moderately firm and fine effervescence before culminating in a refreshing and inviting finish. This isn't the most elegant Champagne you'll try but I'll wager you won't taste many that have this kind of depth for the price." (06/2018) K&L Notes: This Champagne is composed of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay. The Champagne has a graceful, delicate balance that Verzenay wines sometimes lack but with the signature hazelnut Pinot core. I found it to have creaminess to complement its racy cherry fruit on the palate and an extraordinarily long, dry finish. It is dosed at 9 grams per liter: very dry! It will age very well. The Arnoulds own 27 acres in the village of Verzenay, a quite sizable holding in this high-rent area. It is planted to 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, which is average for the village. The Arnoulds have quite a few plots of vines that are very old and positioned in the golden band mid-slope where the sun exposure is best. They have 40- and 45-year-old vines in the lieux-diets of Corret, Perthos, and Coutures and 50-plus-year vines in the red wine vineyard Carreaux. All of the wines made by the Arnoulds undergo complete malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and enamel vats. If you have enjoyed the wines of Lallement, Bollinger, and Krug in the past, I think you will very much enjoy Michel Arnould. They are bold, masculine Champagnes with plenty of toasty flavor. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer) [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 24, 2018 This is one of my very favorite non-vintage Champagnes! Cinnamon and I shipped this to Costanoa, a resort by the beach (better than carrying it on our bicycle!) and enjoyed it alfresco after a day in the saddle. We carried Riedel "O" stemless glasses in our jersey pockets (don't try this at home kids!) because we forgot to ship them... We were glad we did. This wine has so much complexity and subtlety it would have been a shame to drink it out of substandard glassware. The Grand Cuvee is very powerful Pinot-based stuff, with a hint of smoke on the nose, a very supple texture and a bone dry, persistent finish. A great reward after a long ride. [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 13, 2018 This is easily one of the best Grand Cru grower champagnes we offer, and it costs far less than it probably should. It combines the power and structure of Verzenay Pinot Noir on the Montagne de Reims with the delicate finesse and minerality of Chardonnay from Oger on the Cotes de Blancs (70/30). On the nose, I get rich doughy citrus notes, cream and minerals. On the palate, the wine is rich with almond, brioche and apricot notes lifted by vibrant acidity for a finish that lasts all night. [diana-turk.jpg]( Turk]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 26, 2018 The decadent, complex Michel Arnould "Grand Cuvée" Brut is the creamiest of their lineup, featuring a toasty hazelnut note and a crisp finish, which balances well with the richness and bright cherry fruit of the palate. Although not technically a vintage release, this is from the warmer 2009 harvest, making it instantly accessible, with weighty texture and just the right amount of lift. North-facing slopes in Verzenay ripen Pinot Noir beautifully but maintain a snap of acidity that pairs well with sushi, and the raciness here cuts through anything with ponzu sauce. This is easily one of my favorite Pinot-based Champagnes in the store, and a killer value. [blakeconklin.jpg]( Conklin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2017 Well balanced, rich, but not overbearingly so. Who knew we'd have so many fantastic Grand Cru champagnes at such a fantastic price, and this here is no exception. This champagne finishes off with a nice toasted hazelnut finish, that simply makes this grand cru irresistible! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough]( [2016 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough]( ($54.99) 99 points Sam Kim: "This is profound. The compelling bouquet shows ripe cherries and plums with gorgeous nuances of warm spice, toasted almonds, earthy mushrooms and olives. The palate displays awesome concentration and depth, wonderfully enhanced by velvety mouthfeel and layers of fine texture. Tannins are polished and seamlessly woven into this spellbinding wine." (06/2018) 98 points Bob Campbell: "Elegant, supple and very vibrant pinot noir, with seductively-layered floral, red rose, cherry, red fruits, dried herb and mixed spice flavours. Very long and linear wine that demonstrated real power delivered with great subtlety. A wonderfully pure Pinot Noir with a distinctive house/vineyard style and a proven ability to age graciously." (04/2018) 98 points James Suckling: "This has all the cherry and spice and perfume that defines this consistently stunning Pinot Noir, as well as a sense of immense freshness. The palate has deceptive lightness and tannins that are supple and caressing and that kick fresh and expansive out through the finish. Succulent and elegant. A great vintage for this wine." (11/2017) 98 points Raymond Chan: "Moderately deep ruby-red colour, lighter on the rim with purple hues. The nose is elegantly proportioned with taut and tightly bound aromas of ripe black cherry and black berried fruits entwined with savoury dark herbs, revealing complexing nuances of undergrowth and minerals, unveiling some whole bunch stalk perfumes. This has refined and serious detail. Medium-bodied, the palate has rich, sweet and succulently vibrant flavours of black cherries and black berried fruits melded with savoury dark herbs, complex whole bunch stalk elements, unfolding subtle notes of violet florals and minerals. The fruit possesses great vitality and energy, and is supported by plenty of fine-grained, flowery tannin extraction, with gently refreshing, lacy acidity. The palate has wonderful concentration and linearity and the wine carries with real drive to a very long and sustained finish of black fruits, savoury dark herbs and whole bunch nuances. This is a superbly concentrated Pinot Noir possessing flavours of Abel clone influenced black fruits, savoury dark herbs and complex whole bunch notes on a refined and well-structured palate with immense vitality." (06/2018) [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 07, 2019 The 2016 is an phenomenal achievement by Ata Rangi, a stunning wine that has every bit of upfront beauty and defined power that you'd expect from one of New Zealand's top producers. This is a unique expression of Pinot Noir that does not fit the California or Burgundy mold, and yet has such impeccable quality it might make you topple out of your chair. The nose is incredibly elegant: there are dark fruits with a distinctive underlying perfume among hints of anise and cedar. On the palate, you will discover wet stone, black cherry, herbs and mocha. All within a beautifully balanced package of bright acidity and soften tannin. The power and concentration of this wine ensures that cellaring for a few years will pay in dividends, but I founded it totally approachable now. I adore top-tier wines that manage to surpass even my high expectations; Ata Rangi's exceptionally balanced, and wonderfully complex 2016 absolutely managed to do so. A thrilling wine. [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 07, 2019 Impressively concentrated and powerful from the old vines, yet retaining the purity and silky texture of the grape. Ata Rangi's Pinot Noir has long been a go-to for me as one of the most pedigreed wines of the southern hemisphere. It's a beautiful expression of the variety with exotic berry fruits, clove, star anise, sandalwood. Medium bodied with mouth-filling texture and fine tannins. I know from personal experience these wines can age for decades but they're also so delicious in their youth. Very impressive wine from one of New Zealand's "Grand Cru" sites. [chrisdepaoli-new.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 07, 2019 Absolutely gorgeous. Pretty chocolate covered orange peel on the nose along with rosewater, tropical fruit and touches of citron. Amazing dark herbal note on the palate that goes back to the orange peel and sanguine finish. All this delivered with a faultless structure of somehow both supple and soft tannin giving way to a round, broad finish. One of the best New Zealand pinots Ive ever had, even as it does its best to defy that limited designation. [nealfischer.jpg]( Fischer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 06, 2019 Opening with pungent dark fruit notes, this New Zealand Pinot Noir smells of fermenting bramble berries with a wisp of smoke. It's herbal and earthy with a good amount of oak spice. The fruit also presents well on the palate, but seems more subdued and is grounded by bigger spice and stemmy green tannins. From acidity on the mid-palate, the wine gives way to more herbaceous leafy tones on a very drying finish. This Pinot is drinking just a little tight right now, so it'd be a great bottle to age a few years. I'm looking forward to seeing how this vintage develops. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( [2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($74.99) 95 points Decanter: "At Beaucastel the Grenache and Cinsault are fermented in cement while the Syrah and Mourvèdre are fermented in foudre. The result features finely pixellated fruits of the forest on the nose, with a full-bodied but mightily fresh and lively palate. The Mourvèdre element is strong this year, bringing vibrancy and power. It's firmly savoury, very dry and dramatic. A very tannic year has produced a seriously structured Beaucastel for the long term. (MW)" (10/2018) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another sunny, beautifully Provençal effort that has a huge nose of garrigue, raw steak, leather, truffle, and peppery spice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, its not a massive Beaucastel yet it has a classic, Provençal, incredibly satisfying style that will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for two decades." (08/2019) 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The full-bodied, dense 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape seems a bit closed at the moment, but Asian five spice powder still brings plenty of complexity and nuance to the rich, dark fruit aromas and flavors. (JC)" (08/2019) 95 points Wine Spectator: "A dark and winey style, offering a mix of plum, black currant and black cherry notes, infused with black tea, fruitcake and anise accents. Solidly built, vibrant and energetic from start to finish, this carries copious fruit easily through the lengthy finish. (JM)" (11/2019) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2009 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac]( [2009 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac]( ($149.99) 97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Talk about value, the 2009 Duhart-Milon is straight up sensational stuff. Made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it gives up classic notes of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, saddle leather and smoked herbs, its full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with fine tannin, impeccable balance and a great, great finish. Its a heavenly bottle of wine that will compete with the best out there. Buy this wine!" (07/2017) 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it displays an inky/blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice, lead pencil, cedar and subtle barrique smells. Viscous and full-bodied, it is the most concentrated and broadest example of this cuvee I have tasted in over three decades. It will be ready to drink in 5-7 years and should last for three decades or more. Consumers looking to maximize value should be checking out Duhart Milon, as this may be the single smartest purchase in this great and historic vintage! (RP)" (02/2012) 95 points Vinous: "The 2009 Duhart-Milon is recalcitrant on the nose, refusing to give much away in terms of aromas. Loamy, peaty scents emerge with time amongst the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, fresh in the mouth with good salinity. There is something estuarine about this Pauillac that lends it personality and its grip on the finish suggesting that it will give many more years of drinking pleasure. This has long been an impressive Duhart-Milon and so it is proven here. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting. (NM)" (03/2019) 95 points James Suckling: "This is superb, with so much beautiful subtle fruit and wonderful flowers. Full and very lively, with super fine tannins and a lively finish. Very exciting. Best ever from here." (03/2012) --------------------------------------------------------------- [1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old "Chieftain's" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( [1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old "Chieftain's" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($149.99) The odd and wonderful Tobermory distillery is one of Scotland's most picturesque and divisive. Only the Jura Distillery has more disperate opinions of their products. But something that almost every peat lover can agree on is the fact that the distiller's peated line, Ledaig, is an absolute dream. And it's remained in relative obscurity until recently. We've had a good deal of independents offer us Ledaig over the years, but it's almost always young stocks in very quiet hogsheads. That's simply because the mark is only produced a few weeks out of the year and is turning out to be pretty sought-after by drinkers across the world, so we're not seeing high quality older expressions very often. When we do it's NEVER in sherry. This distillery needs these barrels for their limited releases and rightfully so - there's nothing better than an old smoldering Ledaig in an active sherry. No cask this year will offer more deliciousness for your dollar. Old peated, cask strength sherry butt from a tiny distiller for under $150. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2020 One of the great peated whiskies of Scotland, but sadly often overlooked. This particular cask is an incredible rarity and smells of apple crisp and quality tobacco burning hot. Cooked fruits mingle with caramel, burnt orange peel, nutmeg, a sprinkling of seasalt and a faint background of iodine and herbs. A bit of water and it opens into more of a saddle shop complexity of leather and oil. The savory components make this a perfect whiskey for deep contemplation. It's more subtle than many an Islay dram. A dream for any lover of island malts. Add to the exquisite nature of the whisky itself that Chieftain's is no longer in the independent bottling business and this is sure to become a collectors item. [jeffreyjones.gif]( Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019 This cask of Ledaig from Tobermorey Distillery is expressive, interesting and inviting. Without water there are smoke, malt, and a hint of mineral-like flavors. With a little water it opens up and comes together. In the nose there is smoke with aromas of brine and malt. In the mouth, the smoke, malt, and brine flavors create a single malt that is delicious and lively. This cask of Ledaig is something to sip and think about. [jacksonlee.jpg]( Lee]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2019 This dram from Ledaig was extremely robust. The aromas from the glass dominated the room with iodine, tanning leather, bakers chocolate and preserved cherry. I got an undertone of funk mixed with the iodine, which dissipated with time and caused me to revisit the glass a few times. The palate still exhibited signs of iodine detected in the nose but added in pencil shavings and peppered jerky. After the addition of water, sweet schezuan peppers and cherries appeared but for a brief moment. As expected from the nose, the finish was long and reminded me of fruity Korean beef jerky. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019 This absolutely gorgeous Ledaig is going to easily qualify as one of the best buys of the year. It's hard to argue that Ledaig isn't one of the most exciting spirits coming out of Scotland these days, but the distillery bottlings are getting more and more expensive. The Tobermory Distillery has also been closed for the last two years, doesn't do anything to ease the price pressures of this small operation. Regardless of the incredible price compared to distillery bottlings, this cask will almost certainly be a total sleeper. Not because it lacks merit in any sense, but simply because it's not as flashy or obvious as the rest of the line up from Chieftain's. Nonetheless, for those who take the plunge they'll be rewarded with one of the most complex whiskies in our portfolio this year. A nose of smoldering cigars and high-end soy sauce. It's not so abruptly peaty on the nose, but deeply umami with wide range of savory aromas that make you instantly salivate. The sherry is definitely there, but we're on the sweet roasted orange peel side of the spectrum rather than the raisins and roasted nuts. On the palate the saltiness starts to take over and definitely more obvious peat. Smoked fish, smoked herbs, smoked meats, salty, dense sooty and savory. Some dried citrus, nut butter and sweet barrel spice to balances out the absurdity of it all. This one may not be for everyone, but it's goddamned delicious and absolutely unique. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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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