A sneak peek at some of the top wines and spirits just released at K&L from new releases to allocations to Old and Rare finds... Tuesday Jan 31st, 2017 [View in Browser]
Whether it is a new allocation or old favorite, below you will find our most recent additions to the diverse selection at K&L Wine Merchants. We receive new opportunities weekly from direct imports to local distributors to carefully inspected back-vintage collections - you'll find the best of our new discoveries below.
For a look at our full list of [New Arrivals, click here.]
For a look at our full list of items that are [Back in Stock, click here.]
To browse [all selections on the website, click here.]
TOP PICKS FROM OUR MOST RECENT ACQUISITIONS
Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link
2015 Blason Pinot Grigio Isonzo $9.99 [View]
2010 L'Argenteyre, Medoc 90 $14.99 [View]
2015 Château de la Charrière Bourgogne Pinot Noir $16.99 [View]
2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Prestige" Cahors 93 $19.99 [View]
2015 Domaine Long-Depaquit (Albert Bichot) Chablis $19.99 [View]
2010 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc 91 $19.99 [View]
2015 Domaine Tortochot "Cuvee Fine Selection" Bourgogne Rouge $23.99 [View]
2015 Frédéric Esmonin Hautes Côte de Nuits Rouge $23.99 [View]
2014 Château de la Charrière Santenay 1er Cru "Gravieres" $24.99 [View]
2014 de France Rouge, Pessac-Léognan 92 $24.99 [View]
2013 Gazin-Rocquencourt Blanc, Pessac-Léognan 94 $24.99 [View]
2014 Benmarco "Expresivo" Red Blend Valle de Uco 96 $29.99 [View]
2014 Château de la Charrière Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Vignes Franches" 93 $29.99 [View]
2009 Louise Brison Vintage Brut Champagne $29.99 [View]
2012 Gloria, St-Julien 94 $34.99 [View]
2014 Château de la Charrière "Les Champs Morjot" Chassagne-Montrachet $36.99 [View]
2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Pur Plaisir" Cahors 95 $39.99 [View]
2014 Clos Saint Jean "Vieilles Vignes" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 94 $39.99 [View]
2009 Larrivet Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan 93 $39.99 [View]
2015 Maison Leroy Bourgogne Rouge (Pre-Arrival) $39.99 [View]
2014 Henri de Villamont Meursault "Clos du Cromin" 96 $49.99 [View]
2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Chenevottes" 95 $79.99 [View]
2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne Montrachet "Les Vergers" 1er Cru 94 $79.99 [View]
2014 E. Guigal "La Doriane" Condrieu (Pre-Arrival) 97 $79.99 [View]
2015 Domaine du Tunnel "Pur Noir" Cornas (Pre-Arrival) 99 $119.99 [View]
2013 Le Macchiole "Messorio" Bolgheri (Pre-Arrival) 98 $149.99 [View]
2000 Latour, Pauillac (6 pack in OWC) 100 $6,480.00 [View]
[2015 Blason Pinot Grigio Isonzo] [2015 Blason Pinot Grigio Isonzo] ($9.99)
Giovanni Blason and his wife Valentina are young producers who continuously surprise us with the price-to-quality ratio of their wines, earning them tons of kudos in Gambero Rosso and beyond. They come from the Isonzo region of Northern Italy, right up against the Slovenian border. Their Pinot Grigio is really sensational, full in the mouth, rich on the palate and extraordinarily drinkable at this price! Very aromatic, with good complexity, length and that subtle elegance that shows muscle and a long and flowing finish.
[John Downing] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 25, 2017
This is an awesome value every vintage but it's especially good this time around thanks to the exceptional 2015 vintage. An aromatic array of apple skin, melon and hints of red fruit and a surprisingly delicious palate make this a fantastic everyday white.
[2010 L'Argenteyre, Medoc] [2010 L'Argenteyre, Medoc] ($14.99)
90 points Wine Spectator: "Dense, with dark cocoa, graphite and roasted spice notes embedded in a core of fleshy plum sauce, currant paste and blackberry confiture. The long, racy finish smolders with dark fruit. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020." (03/2013)
[Jacques Moreira] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 22, 2017
Quite nice wine showing off its beautiful vintage. The classic notes of cassis and plums, but also graphite, cocoa and brown sugar. Definitely a wine to dress up any dinner.
[Steve Bearden] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 18, 2017
This is dark and earthy with flavors and aromas of blackberry, spice and cherry. The middle is firm and toasty with traces of iron showing on the long, sweet finish. Another bargain from one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of all time.
[Andrew Whiteley] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
As a general rule, if you see 2009 or 2010 Bordeaux for under 20 bucks it's going to be worth grabbing a few. The winemaking in the modern era is so good across the board and the vintages were so spectacular that it's hard to go wrong. L'Argenteyre is no exception. This shows phenomenal vintage characteristics. There is a ton of structure underneath generous fruit. Loaded with cassis, mocha, and tons of depth--I'm excited to drink this bottling over the next decade or so.
[2015 Château de la Charrière Bourgogne Pinot Noir] [2015 Château de la Charrière Bourgogne Pinot Noir] ($16.99)
In 2003, Yves Girardin, a 10th generation grower in Santenay (and brother of Vincent Girardin) acquired this property and built a new winemaking facility. More recently, after completing technical training, Yves's son Benoit has joined him, representing the 11th consecutive generation of the family to grow wine in Santenay. Working in their new cellars, they have really improved quality a tremendous amount in the last few years, and we are excited to import their wines directly.
[John Downing] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2017
This wine is a hit every year and no matter how much we are allocated, customer requests continue long after the available vintage is sold out. We just sampled this and it's another steal. The bright red fruit of Santenay is first and foremost and this delicious Bourgogne will drink nicely over the next couple of years for sure. Don't wait!
[2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Prestige" Cahors] [2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Prestige" Cahors] ($19.99)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "**Editors' Choice** This is a powerful wine, full of dark fruits and dense dry tannins. Even at four-years-old, it is still young. It is impressive in its concentration with fine acidity and black-plum flavors mingling with the tannins. Drink this serious wine from 2018. (RV)" (11/2016)
K&L Notes: Is Cahors Franceâs greatest undiscovered wine? In the southwestern French winegrowing region of Cahors, the majestic Malbec varietal finds its ancestral home, often producing wines of great intensity and character. The indigenous Malbec was cultivated here during Gallo-Roman times long before Bordeaux became established, and it made Cahors' reputation. Throughout the Middle Ages the wines of the Haut-Pays outranked Bordeaux in prestige, and the "black wines" of Cahors in particular were often used to beef up the color and backbone of Bordeaux's garnet-colored wines. Today, Cahors is in the midst of a renaissance, making it a fantastic time to experience these largely undiscovered and overlooked majestic wines. Cathy and Daniel Fournié of Chateau Haut-Monplaisir farm 44.5 acres in the Lot Valley on what is known as the third terrace of the valley floor, the highest and the best by virtue of its well-drained soils. All of Haut-Monplaisir's wines are composed of 100% Malbec staying true to the distinctive nature of the grape variety. The "Prestige" is aged in a mix of concrete tanks and some new and used oak barrels.
[Keith Mabry] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 25, 2016
The 2011 was a rocking success and sold out within days, once we tickled your fancy with it. And the 2012 is by no means "a slouch," showing the same level of quality with a bit more concentration and power. The '12 offers up the beautiful black currant, roasted plum aromas that are the hallmarks of Malbec from its home region. Showing gorgeous weight, full-bodied texture and loads of spice notes, this is definitely cellar-worthy and will easily benefit from a couple more years of age, but it is tempting now. If you do, give it a nice hour-long decant and serve with that hallmark dish - CASSOULET. Nothing like a little duck fat, garlicky sausage and beans to meld with this superb Cahors classic.
[2015 Domaine Long-Depaquit (Albert Bichot) Chablis] ($19.99)
Allen Meadows - Burghound: "A fresh and relatively airy nose is comprised by notes of ripe apple, pear and just enough Chablis typicity to distinguish this from being say from the Côte d'Or. There is excellent richness to the very round, supple and succulent flavors that possess solid mid-palate density before terminating in a refreshing if slightly warm finish. Drink: 2018+" (08/2016)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Chablis Villages has a simple, but effective yellow flower scented bouquet with hints of peach skin developing in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a pleasant fatness and weight on the entry, quite phenolic in style with a pithy finish. Drink over 3-6 years. (NM)" (08/2016)
[2010 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc] [2010 Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc] ($19.99)
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dark in color, this is a concentrated wine thats very firm in structure, with dense tannins. Its powered by ripe, mature black fruits as well as acids that cut through the dry texture. This needs several years of aging. (RV)" (02/2013)
90 points Wine Spectator: "Focused, with a singed apple wood frame propelling the core of plum, cassis and black cherry fruit. The solid finish lets hints of charcoal and anise flitter in, displaying fine cut. (JM)" (03/2013)
[Clyde Beffa Jr.] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 12, 2017
1/2* Hubert de Boüard is consulting at this winery, and it sure shows. It's much more modern in style than previous vintages, with tons of black fruit aromas and great structure. Semi-new wave. We have sold over 800 bottles of this gem. Despite its vintage, the wine is ready to enjoy with a nice rack of lamb.
[2015 Frédéric Esmonin Hautes Côte de Nuits Rouge] [2015 Frédéric Esmonin Hautes Côte de Nuits Rouge] ($23.99)
Located in Gevrey-Chambertin, Frédéric Esmonin has winemaking in his blood. His father, Andre, produced the grand cru Mazis-Chambertin for the Hospice de Beaune, and his cousin Sylvie is also well regarded. From the Prince of Pinot: "Judicious use of oak, excellent concentration at every level and early bottling maintaining freshness make Esmonin's wines very attractive and finely structured red Burgundies. They are among the first Burgundies from each vintage to arrive on our shores and they are very reasonably priced considering the pedigree of the vineyard sources."
[John Downing] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2017
Value priced Burgundies are almost an oxymoron these days but we are always quick to buy them when we find them. This latest arrival from Frederic Esmonin is one of the better red Burgundy deals in our cellar. It's elegant and refined with a pure expression of earthy cherry fruit and mouthwatering acidity and one of my personal favorites from the Hautes Cote de Nuits.
[2014 Château de la Charrière Santenay 1er Cru "Gravieres"] [2014 Château de la Charrière Santenay 1er Cru "Gravieres"] ($24.99)
In 2003, Yves Girardin, a 10th generation grower in Santenay (and brother of Vincent Girardin) acquired this property and built a new winemaking facility. More recently, after completing technical training, Yvesâs son Benoit has joined him, bringing to 11 the consecutive generations of the family to grow wine in Santenay. Working in their new cellars, they have really improved quality a tremendous amount in the last few years, and we are excited to import their wines direct.
[Heather Vander Wall] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 14, 2016
In recent vintages, I have been very impressed with the quality red wines coming from Santenay. Chateau de la Charriere is a smaller property, and a part of our Direct Import portfolio, bringing the pricing into a great range. The wine far outreaches the price, though. With elegant subtle red cherry and cola notes, the wine is light, but substantive on the palate, with smooth, fine tannin and a very long finish. Evident also are subdued earthy notes and hints of clove. Overall, a great example of the elegance being achieved by red Santenay.
[Trey Beffa] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 13, 2016
We had a chance to visit Benoit Girardin this past May and taste his current releases. For me, his wines really show a purity of fruit that is refreshing to taste in todays world. A winner from the tasting was the 2014 Santenay Ier Cru Les Gravieres. This wine sees about 25% New Oak, which helps add an extra dimension to the aromas and texture of the wine. Lots of pure red cherry Pinot Noir fruit shines through here!
[2014 de France Rouge, Pessac-Léognan ] [2014 de France Rouge, Pessac-Léognan] ($24.99)
91-92 points James Suckling: "Balanced and refined tannins with fruit. Full body, sexy and refined." (03/2015)
[Jacques Moreira] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 22, 2017
A very complex wine showing violets, coffee, soft capsicum, and earth, that one can tell will last and develop into a beauty later on. I can see leather and truffles in its elegant future. That one will do well to leave in the cellars for some years.
[Steve Bearden] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 18, 2017
Here is a great introduction to the very good wines of the 2014 vintage from the folks at Malartic-Lagraviere. This is rich and flashy with black cherry and ripe plum fruit and dark cocoa accents throughout. The finish is quite complex with earth, gravel and fine grip. Decant now or lay away for several years.
[Jeff Garneau] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 31, 2016
The 2014 Chateau de France, Pessac-Léognan $24.99 is a blend of 55% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. Showing surprising ripeness for the vintage, the wine is rich in style with loads of dark fruit and a generous use of oak (50% new). Ripe, sweet red and black fruits are complemented by notes of mocha and vanilla. This is a crowd-pleasing effort that is surprisingly approachable now but has the structure to age if desired.
[2013 Gazin-Rocquencourt Blanc, Pessac-Léognan] [2013 Gazin-Rocquencourt Blanc, Pessac-Léognan] ($24.99)
94 points James Suckling: "Aromas of stones, dried lime, and lilly follow through to a full body, dense and tight white. Gorgeous intensity and flavor. Persistent finish. Structured and powerful. Drink or hold." (02/2016)
[Jacques Moreira] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 22, 2017
I just poured this wine in our 1st Bordeaux tasting of the year and it was a tremendous success. Classic notes of citrus, along with a more exotic passion fruit, muskmelon, and beautiful floral. A nice balance between richness and acidity. I would suggest this wine with some spicy food, elaborate salads and any light meat/fruit dishes.
[Clyde Beffa Jr.] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2017
This property is under the auspices of the Bonnie family of Malartic-Lagravière. The white is so citrusy and focused with lots of mineral nuances.
[2014 Benmarco "Expresivo" Red Blend Valle de Uco] [2014 Benmarco "Expresivo" Red Blend Valle de Uco] ($29.99)
96 points James Suckling: "This is great wine with fabulous transparency and clarity showing blackberry, blueberry and floral character. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a superb finish. 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc. A wine that gives pleasure now but will be even better in 2020." (05/2016)
[Joe Manekin] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 18, 2017
Benmarco head winemaker and viticultorist Edy del Popolo is a rare talent, someone who not only knows his region (the Uco Valley, Argentina) and its great terroirs, but viticulture, winemaking, and the increasingly diverse world of fine wines as well. What makes this Malbec and Cabernet Franc blend so special is the calcareous terroir in Gualtallary, the juicy, rich mixed berry fruited mid palate, and the sense of freshness towards the finish. Richness with a sense of balance. If you're a fan of California's higher end, mixed red blends, you should absolutely try this wine and see what you've been missing in Argentina's Valle de Uco. And if you're already keen on Malbec, then this is a must try.
[Heather Vander Wall] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 12, 2017
Deep, rich and powerful, this is a Malbec/Cab Franc blend for those who love big and bold styles. A generous use of oak adds a good amount of sweet spice and mocha notes to the naturally soft black fruit of the wine. The tannins are restrained, though present enough to work well with a good cut of meat. Excellent expression of the richer, bolder style of Uco Valley wines.
[2014 Château de la Charrière Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Vignes Franches"] [2014 Château de la Charrière Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Vignes Franches"] ($29.99)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine has smoky wood and rich fruit already well in balance. It offers ripe acidity from its strawberry and red-currant fruits along with a rich texture. The wine is already delicious although it will develop much further. Drink from 2019." (10/2016)
K&L Notes: In 2003, Yves Girardin, a 10th generation grower in Santenay (and brother of Vincent Girardin) acquired this property and built a new winemaking facility. More recently, after completing technical training, Yves' son Benoit has joined him, bringing to 11 the consecutive generations of the family to grow wine in Santenay. Working in their new cellars, they have really improved quality a tremendous amount in the last few years, and we are excited to now import their wines direct. "Vignes Franche" is located adjacent to and north of the famous Beaune Clos des Mouches. The topsoil is shallow and the potential very high here. Jadot's Clos des Ursules is located entirely in this vineyard. This is flat-out superb, with lovely cherry fruit and excellent density; it is more transparent and less earthy than the Santenay.
[Trey Beffa] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 13, 2016
We had a chance to visit Benoit Girardin this past May and taste his current releases. For me, his wines really show a purity of fruit that is refreshing to taste in todays world. My favorite wine from the tasting was this wine, the 2014 Beaune Ier Cru Clos Des Vignes Franches. This wine is complex and intriguing in the nose with flavors of cherry and cola in the mouth. This is his silkiest textured wine and the finish is long and spicy.
[2009 Louise Brison Vintage Brut Champagne] [2009 Louise Brison Vintage Brut Champagne] ($29.99)
If you liked the 2008, you are going to love the 2009 from Brison! This Champagne is composed of half Chardonnay, entirely barrel fermented, and one-half Pinot Noir that was fermented in two-thirds stainless and one-third barrel. This Champagne has perfect texture, medium body and a spectacular bead of compact streamers. It has aromas and flavors of cream, nuts and white fruit, and a very detailed, mineral-driven finish. It finishes quite dry, but I would never guess how little sugar has been addedâonly three grams per liter! The warm, ripe 2009 vintage had all of the sugar that the wine needed, naturally! (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer)
[Gary Westby] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 11, 2016
Nothing in the store comes close to this spectacular bottle of vintage Champagne. If you like clean, refreshing, bright Champagne with tons of detail and length, this is not to be missed. If this wine was 50% more expensive, I would still be very excited about recommending it. At the price it is simply untouchable... Everything has been done the hard way: all organic, all estate fruit, mostly barrel fermented and aged for over four years on the lees! The Brison wines also age very well, over the past months I have enjoyed the 1999, 1996 and 1995- so make sure to get a few extras for the future.
[2012 Gloria, St-Julien] [2012 Gloria, St-Julien] ($34.99)
92-94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Solid and concentrated, this wine certainly shows great dryness as well as fruit. It has power and density, and a texture that balances new wood as well as the fruitiness. (RV)" (04/2013)
[Gary Westby] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
I haven't seen a vintage so packed with great values and delicious claret as 2012 in more than a decade and the Gloria is among the best I have tasted. At $34.99, it is a steal. Try to find such a seamless, expensive tasting, cassis loaded, balanced Cabernet out of California! The best thing about this wine is the finish; it is detailed and super long.
[Clyde Beffa Jr.] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 12, 2017
One of our favorite St Julien properties since 1966. These guys are on a roll these days. Superb fruit forward wine with good backbone. Gloria never gets any respect, but they are turning out wines year after year that match in quality some of their high priced neighbors. This wine has the tell-tale Coca cola aroma and black cherry fruit.
[Jacques Moreira] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 15, 2015
Very elegant and classic, the 2012 Gloria delivers an intense nose of dark chocolate, coffee, followed on the palate by cassis, blackberry along with a nice woodsy character. All it is in balance.
[2014 Château de la Charrière "Les Champs Morjot" Chassagne-Montrachet] [2014 Château de la Charrière "Les Champs Morjot" Chassagne-Montrachet] ($36.99)
What a delicious thoroughly attractive wine, for an equally delicious price! What attracted us to this wine instantly were the white flower notes on the nose. On the palate it is fine and elegant in structure. Nothing big or fat in character, but this is unmistakably poised and elegant, with nice minerality and a most attractive finish. If you like subtlety in your white burgs, this is for you. It comes from a single estate vineyard just below the Premier Cu "Les Chaumées
[2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Pur Plaisir" Cahors] [2012 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Pur Plaisir" Cahors] ($39.99)
95 points Wine Enthusiast: " *Cellar Selection* Produced from organically grown grapes, this powerful impressive expression of pure Malbec is generous while also solid and firm. It has plenty of dark tannins to go with the solid fruits and tense acidity. Produced from selected parcels, it is a wine to age further. Drink from 2019.(RV)" (11/2016)
K&L Notes: Is Cahors Franceâs greatest undiscovered wine? In the southwestern French winegrowing region of Cahors, the majestic Malbec varietal finds its ancestral home, often producing wines of great intensity and character. The indigenous Malbec was cultivated here during Gallo-Roman times long before Bordeaux became established, and it made Cahors' reputation. Throughout the Middle Ages the wines of the Haut-Pays outranked Bordeaux in prestige, and the "black wines" of Cahors in particular were often used to beef up the color and backbone of Bordeaux's garnet-colored wines. Today, Cahors is in the midst of a renaissance, making it a fantastic time to experience these largely undiscovered and overlooked wines. Cathy and Daniel Fournié of Chateau Haut-Monplaisir farm 44.5 acres in the Lot Valley on what is known as the third terrace of the valley floor, the highest and the best by virtue of its well-drained soils. All of Haut-Monplaisir's wines are composed of 100% Malbec, staying true to the distinctive nature of the grape variety.
[2014 Clos Saint Jean "Vieilles Vignes" Châteauneuf-du-Pape] [2014 Clos Saint Jean "Vieilles Vignes" Châteauneuf-du-Pape] ($39.99)
92-94 points Vinous: "Brilliant ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, incense and pungent flowers, and a smoky Indian spice nuance builds in the glass. Fleshy and broad on entry and then tighter in the middle, offering juicy, concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Rich yet energetic, finishing with outstanding clarity and sweet persistence and shaped by smooth tannins. (JR)" (04/2016)
92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Richer, darker and also slightly more polished, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is another beautiful wine and is one of the few gems in the vintage to seek out. Licorice, dried earth, black cherries, raspberries and spice are just some of the nuances here, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, impressive balance and ripe tannin. (JD)" (10/2016)
[Keith Mabry] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 27, 2017
As far as vintages go, 2014 has not garnered much attention from the critics other than it sits in the shadow of 2015. What has been said, is that you should buy selectively and that the wines have lots of charm that makes them more accessible in the short term. That brings us to the Clos Saint Jean Vieilles Vignes. Every year, even in the tough ones, this wine is a performer. Though not stridently difficult, winemaker Phillipe Cambie opted not to produce the icon wines, Deus Ex Machina and Combe des Fous choosing to use the fruit to bolster the VV. A smart move indeed because it makes for one of the best and most approachable wines of the vintage. The nose is a panoply of rich fruit with layers of Maraska cherries and blackberry compote. Carmelized figs, potpourri and brushy garrigue round out the nose. Loads of classic terroir flavors will continue to evolve if given a little time. It is long, creamy and supple. It is more than one could hope for in this quietly charming vintage. Oh and one more thing. We have a throwback price on this wine! Usually floating closer to the $50 mark, we're just below $40 making this yet another reason to stock up on a few of these beauties to enjoy now or over the next 10 years.
[2009 Larrivet Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan] [2009 Larrivet Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan] ($39.99)
93 points James Suckling: "A wine with lots of juicy fruit with animal and sous bois character. Decadent. Full and velvety. Goes on for a long time. Wild and delicious. Hard not to drink." (07/2012)
90-92 points Wine Enthusiast: " *Barrel Sample* Big, ripe fruits, full of sweet tannins and exotic spice. Balanced, just an extra hint of ripeness. (RV)" (08/2010)
K&L Notes: Originally a quite large property called Château de Canolle, the estate was reduced in size a number of times, went through a number of owners and changed its name in the 1870s to "Haut-Brion-Larrivet," oddly close to the name of their first-growth neighbor Château Haut Brion, but in fact with no connection at all. After some tussles with their neighbors and some legal battles over the use of the name "Haut-Brion" the estate has been known by its current name, "Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion." Purchased in 1988 by the Gerverson family (of Bonne Maman fruit jams) the estate has made marked improvements in quality and it shows in their consistently good reception and reviews. It lingers under the radar just a bit, and was not included in the 1855 classifications, but this estate is well worth exploration by Graves fans. The red vineyards are planted to 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc and the white vineyards to 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle.
[Clyde Beffa Jr.] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 12, 2017
This property always flies under the radar and is becoming one of my favs from the region. I much prefer their red to their white. We have sold over 1000 cases of this and we just got a bit more. 2009 is my favorite vintage since 1945.. I have a case of magnums in my cellar. That means you should buy some. Decant one hour. Sweet and sexy.
[Jacques Moreira] | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 15, 2015
This Pessac-Léognan is a remarkable effort, and for sure one of the best wines I have tasted this year, so far. It is full bodied, and not shy on the palate, with beautiful notes of truffles, plums, coffee, currant jam, espresso beans and mocha. Outstanding.
[2014 Henri de Villamont Meursault "Clos du Cromin"] ($49.99)
96 points Decanter: "Fresh and complex aromatics built around green tea, lime, mango and passion fruit with almonds and fresh butter on the side. Nice complexity and density, yet delicate with perfectly integrated wood stretching out to a very impressive long finish. A mightily impressive wine." (06/2016)
[2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Chenevottes"] [2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Chenevottes"] ($79.99)
95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Up the slope above the Grand Cru of Le Montrachet, this vineyard once grew hemp (hence the name cheneve). This poised wine is both stylish and rich, with good acidity allied to ripe apple and citrus fruits. These cut through the mineral texture and promising a generous wine as it ages. Drink from 2020." (08/2016)
94 points Wine Spectator: "An expansive, mouthfilling version that's both broad and focused. Vivid acidity drives the peach, melon and lemon flavors, while spice and pastry notes add depth. Shows fine equilibrium and length, with a mineral element lingering. (BS)" (09/2016)
[2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne Montrachet "Les Vergers" 1er Cru] [2014 Domaine Philippe Colin Chassagne Montrachet "Les Vergers" 1er Cru] ($79.99)
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This opulent wine is full of ripe fruit and has a generous texture. Apricot and pear flavors give richness that is cut by acidity that gives the wine tremendous lift. The toast adds the lightest touch at the end. Drink from2019." (08/2016)
94 points Wine Spectator: "Racy and rich, with a core of peach, lemon, spice and pastry flavors. Beautifully balanced, presenting a long aftertaste of toast. Best from 2017 through 2025." (09/2016)
[2014 E. Guigal "La Doriane" Condrieu (Pre-Arrival)] ($79.99)
97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Condrieu la Doriane is a sensational white that marries the inherent richness and exotic quality of the Viognier grape with the purity, elegance and grace imparted by this cooler vintage. Giving up terrific notes of white peach, marmalade, flowers, spice and tangerines, it has full-bodied richness, awesome purity and integrated acidity. Deep, rich, lengthy and profound, its up there with some of the greatest Condrieu ever made.(JD)" (12/2016)
95 points Wine Spectator: "Plump and flattering, with green melon, green fig and green almond notes pumping along, backed by hints of peach and anise. Creamy, offering a hint of glazed pear on the finish and showing just enough buried acidity for balance and purity. Drink now through 2018." (01/2016)
[2015 Domaine du Tunnel "Pur Noir" Cornas (Pre-Arrival)] ($119.99)
[2013 Le Macchiole "Messorio" Bolgheri (Pre-Arrival)] ($149.99)
98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Messorio is a truly divine creation that puts Merlot on a well-deserved pedestal. This is a complete wine that accurately doses out its intensity and persistence with stopwatch precision. Dark fruit, blackberry, spice, leather, tar and tobacco are folded together into a homogeneous whole. The wine is supported by finely integrated tannins with lovely dark fruit flavors and beautifully plush textural richness. Thanks to the vintage warmth, the 2013 vintage is similar to 2011. But this current release presents a more delineated sense of freshness that holds it firmly stitched together. The finish is succulent and beautifully layered. Some 10,500 bottles were produced. This is a stunning wine that will not fade for decades to come. (ML)" (10/2016)
97 points Vinous: "The 2013 Messorio is the highlight in this range of new releases from La Macchiole. Ample and flamboyant on the palate, the 2013 exudes depth. The 2013 is naturally quite primary at this stage, but it will be magnificent with a few years in bottle. Messorio has a way of becoming exotic and visceral over time. Today, the 2013 is at the very early stages of that journey. (AG)" (11/2016)
[2000 Latour, Pauillac (6 pack in OWC)] - 1 available ($6,480.00)
100 points James Suckling: "Latour has made truly great wines in the past two decadesand this is one of the best. It has fabulous aromas of black truffles, currants, raspberry and dried flowers. Mind-blowing on the palate, its an emotional and soulful red." (04/2014)
99 points Wine Spectator: "The fruit here is still very much in the primary phase, with a decidedly racy feel to the raspberry coulis, cassis and blackberry reduction notes that are streaked with violet, iron and graphite flavors. The superlong finish alternates between a tug of sweet earth and a velvety feel, as the fruit and grip are still melding together, but there's so much vivacity here, there's no concern with waiting it out. The wait may be a while though. Rather stunning that this can separate itself so clearly from the rest of 2000's high-class field. (JM, Web-2016)"
PLEASE NOTE: This product is 6 bottles in its Original Wooden Case (OWC), sold only as a 6-bottle case to protect ideal provenance. If the wines must be shipped, they will be sent in styrofoam to protect the bottles, with the wood case shipped separately. Will call or local delivery orders can be handled as intact OWCs. Please detail any special handling requests at checkout online, or call us with specific instructions. ---------------------------------------------------------------
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