K&L Top 10 Picks: March 2021

Napa Gems at One-Time Discounts, a Rocking Northern Rhône, Everyday Reds, an Awe-Inspiring Armagnac... Monday Mar 15th, 2021 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( K&L Top 10 Selections: March 2021 Featuring: A Fan-Favorite Pinot Producer, One-Time Pricing from Napa, Collectible Values from France, Tuscany, and California, and a Nearly 40-Year-Old Armagnac --------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: Our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify. --------------------------------------------------------------- Spring is nearly here, and whether you're looking for a wine to carry you through the last cold days or something that speaks to the warm days ahead, we have you covered. For value selections, the first three gems span the world and deliver in a big way. Cabirau's WA94 "Serge & Nicolas" is a Châteauneuf ringer at an everyday price. It is perfectly aged with a long life ahead, which can also be said for Cousiño-Macul's flagship "Finis Terrae" bottling. And those looking for "classic Napa Valley goodness" will want to load up on Luna's 95-point "Winemaker's Reserve" bottling at a jaw-dropping price. Next up, Campo ale Comete's "Stupore" is a thrilling sub-$25 Bolgheri from a not-to-be-missed vintage, Ridge Vineyards' double 96-point "Lytton Springs" is about as good as it gets in Zinfandel, and cool climate Syrah is perfectly exemplified with Remizières' "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage. You'll also find a wine to rival the top collectibles of the Northern Rhône in Trinity Hill's "Homage." Grand Napa's 2018 "Reserve" is a must-have value in Cabernet that was crafted to rival cult bottlings. Speaking of rivaling top bottlings, Anthill Farms' "Comptche Ridge" Pinot Noir overdelivers in a big way. Rounding out the list is a nearly four-decade old Armagnac at an unreal price. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2015 Domaine Cabirau "Serge & Nicolas" Maury Sec (Previously $25) 94 Price: Hidden [View]( 2014 Cousiño-Macul "Finis Terrae" Red Blend Maipo Valley 92 $19.99 [View]( 2018 Luna "Winemaker's Reserve" Napa Valley Chardonnay (Previously $40) 95 $22.99 [View]( 2016 Campo alle Comete "Stupore" Bolgheri Rosso 94 $24.99 [View]( 2018 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 96 $34.95 [View]( 2018 Domaine des Remizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage 94 $34.99 [View]( 2018 Grand Napa "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+) 94 $39.99 [View]( 2018 Anthill Farms "Comptche Ridge Vineyard" Mendocino County Pinot Noir 96 $49.95 [View]( 2017 Trinity Hill "Homage" Syrah Hawke's Bay 98 $79.99 [View]( 1981 The Rare Armagnac Collection (Domaine de Pouchegu) 39 Year Old "Lot G681-20" K&L Exclusive Vintage Armagnac (750ml) $159.99 [View]( [2015 Domaine Cabirau "Serge & Nicolas" Maury Sec (Previously $25)]( [2015 Domaine Cabirau "Serge & Nicolas" Maury Sec (Previously $25)]( Price: Hidden 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "One of the blockbusters in the vintage is unquestionably the 2015 Maury Sec Serge & Nicolas. Made from the usual blend of 60% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 12% Carignan that was brought up primarily in tank, it has awesome notes of blackberries, licorice, crushed rocks, and violets. With off the charts purity, full-bodied richness, and finely polished tannin, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face over the coming 5-7 years. (JD)" (04/2017) [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 16, 2021 Cabirau was one of the first wineries I ever visited in France. The terroir was so unique that it left an indelible impression. The famous "Brown Schist" of Maury is so distinct it looks like the ethereal moonscape of some otherworldly planet. Climbing up to the top of a hill in the center of the vineyard, I was surrounded by all this fragmented rock as though a quarry had dumped all its contents into one giant pile. Standing upon that hill, it was evident as to why importer/vigneron Dan Kravitz was drawn to it and why he had to purchase the land. Each year, Dan and his team have fashioned some of the Roussillon's most distinct and enjoyable reds from the region. And each year, the Serge & Nicolas has over-delivered for its price. A gorgeous nose of blueberries, violets, garrigue and spices erupts from the glass. It is bold and genuine with its overt profile. This Maury makes no secret that it is from a distinctly warm climate, but the acidity and tannins keep it all focused and balanced. It also doesn't hurt that the tremendous 2015 vintage graced the landscape of Roussillon like so many of France's other appellations. Regardless of vintage, the Cabirau is always sensational and continues to provide its consumers with a wine of twice the quality for half the price. [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 21, 2017 For those of you who love power wines like the Saint-Roch Kerbuccio and the Bila-Haut Roussillon, take note of the Domaine Cabirau. Holy smokes, I thought I had topped out on big wines until this one came along. The nose here is black pepper and meat. Stone cold. The palate is well-structured with a deep, dark blast of black fruit that totally consumes the palate. This is a wine that pushes big fruit to the brink while managing to keep the rest of its elements intact. Elegant wines go home. This one doesn't pull punches. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Cousiño-Macul "Finis Terrae" Red Blend Maipo Valley]( [2014 Cousiño-Macul "Finis Terrae" Red Blend Maipo Valley]( ($19.99) 95 points Tim Atkins MW: "Still based on the Cousiño family's historic vineyards in Macul, this is an old vine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot aged in 60% new wood. Subtle, complex and refined with classic mint, black tea and pastille flavours, stylish oak spices and the freshness and concentration to age." 92 points Vinous: "Ruby-colored with a very intense brick dust meniscus. The nose offers cassis, blackberry jam and menthol, with clear woody notes in the background, as well as sweet spices. Terse with polished tannins, a voluminous feel and long flavorsome finish, it has an oxidative character but is impeccably executed. (JH)" (03/2020) [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 26, 2021 A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 11% Syrah, this wine perfectly captures the essence of the region. The wine spends 14 months in 55% new French Oak barrel and then another 3 years in bottle before it is released. The wine is aromatic with a range of scents that move from fruit to savory, floral to earthy, and layers of spice and oak in between. The palate has weight and presence. You can feel the fruit, the oak, and the fine tannins working in harmony. The interplay of red fruit and berries with the fine oak spice and savory nuances really can only come from Chile. This was the original prestige bottling from the winery. It is reasonably priced, yet it is impossible not to taste and feel this wine's ambition. [AndrewTobin.jpg]( Tobin]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2021 Chile hits it out of the park again. The nose reminds me of a fresh berry crumble being pulled out of an oven that just had a roast in it. Strawberry, baking spice, roasted herbs, and a hint of meat from that Syrah. The palate is robust with smoky meat up front. The berry comes in about halfway through and quickly turns towards baker's chocolate, hazelnut, charred wood, and graphite. What a killer daily drinker this will make! It goes with food, on its own on a cold day, or just as a fun second bottle to open for the evening, and at $20 it'll be hard not to buy it by the case! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Luna "Winemaker's Reserve" Napa Valley Chardonnay (Previously $40)]( [2018 Luna "Winemaker's Reserve" Napa Valley Chardonnay (Previously $40)]( $22.99 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "All from Napa Valley, the medium gold-colored 2018 Chardonnay Winemaker's Reserve offers a rockingly good bouquet of ripe stone fruits, honeyed citrus, toasted bread, and hints of spice. This carries to a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay that has a layered, opulent texture, moderate acidity, and a great finish. Classic Napa Valley goodness all the way, drink it over the coming 2-4 years." (01/2020) 94 points Decanter: "A classy, creamy style, well-balanced with ripe peach fruit and sweet spices. Oatflake and honey notes, and a toasted almond finish. (DWWA 2020)" [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 02, 2021 Lovers of classic California Chardonnay take note! This is one of the best buys you're likely to see all year. A beautifully judged, rich, round, powerful Chardonnay but without excessive, overpowering oak. Golden orchard fruit, some tropical tones, salted butter, hazelnut cream, wisps of spicy oak. Round and weighty on the palate but with nice, cool, Carneros freshness and verve in the finish. This will please folks who enjoy wines such as Lewis, Nickel & Nickel, Pahlmeyer, Beringer, and...dare I say it, even loyal Rombauer drinkers might want to give this one a look. Classic Napa Valley Chard with tons of flavor and texture for a very reasonable price! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Campo alle Comete "Stupore" Bolgheri Rosso]( [2016 Campo alle Comete "Stupore" Bolgheri Rosso]( ($24.99) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Intense and pure, with a beam of black cherry, wild herbs and spice piercing a dark abyss of finely wrought tannins. Terrific acidity keeps this fresh and focused, while the finish evokes chocolate, ripe fruit, spice and mineral notes. (BS)" (07/2018) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, this offers enticing scents of red and black-skinned berry, fragrant purple flower and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the fresh, elegant palate, polished tannins support cassis, plum and raspberry alongside culinary spice notes. *Editors' Choice* (KO)" (04/2018) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel]( [2018 Ridge Vineyards "Lytton Springs" Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel]( ($34.95) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Lytton Springs is a blend of 72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane and 2% Mataro. The nose is lush and open, with aromas of aniseed, red and blue berries, blood orange and earth plus touches of tobacco leaf and dried flowers. The medium-bodied palate combines intense, powerful flavors with a more ethereal, silty structure, and it finishes with loads of juicy layers. It's stunning straight from bottle but will have more to give with time in the cellar. (EB)" (02/2021) 96 points Vinous: "The 2018 Lytton Springs is magnificent. Elegant, layered and so complete, the 2018 has a lot to offer, but it needs time to fully come together. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, spice, mint and rose petal open up in the glass. Bright acids and beams of tannin give the wine its vibrant energy. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2018 for at least a few years. Wow! (AG)" (09/2020) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 22, 2021 From the very first sips of 2018 Zinfandel I tasted, (I think Bedrock's releases were the first) I knew it was going to be a magical vintage for California's ancient vineyards, most of which were planted, at least in large part, to Zinfandel. The long, cool growing season, especially the lack of any major heat spikes around harvest time, allowed Zinfandel to mature beautifully without losing too much of the all-important acidity or succumbing to the prominent raisin-like character of over-ripeness. The result is fully ripe flavors with lovely freshness and vibrancy. If anyone has any doubts about the brilliance of this grape and its ability to match the other famous varietals of the world in terms of depth, complexity, structure, and longevity, the 2018 releases from Ridge (and some of their contemporaries) should put an end to those doubts for good. These wines are absolutely magical and among the finest bargains in the world of wine given the pedigree and quality they possess. For me, Lytton Springs is always a wine that has fantastic purity and poise. Lovely, high-toned aromas of rose petal, baking spice, bramble fruit, cherry tart, bergamot, bay leaf, dusty earth. Some darker elements of leather and scorched oak fold into the layers of deep red fruit. The acidity is the real driver of structure here. While the tannins are ripe and supple, the acidity gives lift and drive on the palate. So wonderfully exotic and expressive and yet focused and precise at the same time. Stunning wine that shouldn't be missed. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Domaine des Remizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage]( [2018 Domaine des Remizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage]( ($34.99) 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Christophe is one of the flagship releases from this estate. It always has a modern style, yet I never feel it loses any classic Northern Rhône character. Deep blue/purple, with a beautiful nose of cassis, spiced meat, pepper, and graphite, it's medium to full-bodied and has integrated background oak, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It shows the ripe, sexy style of the vintage yet has acidity and tannins." (11/2020) [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 15, 2021 The "Cuvée Christophe" comes from the most select parcels of the Crozes portion of Remizières' property. The vines average around 65 years of age, all on clay-limestone soils. Like all past "Christophes," this follows a string of successful vintages that showcase the winery's focus on richness and depth of fruit. This should put it on the short list of collectibles from the region. The sexiness of the 2018 is self-evident with the first whiff from the glass of blueberry compote and wild lavender. The palate is saturated with this decadent fruit, but the tannins and acidity provide a seamless frame for it all to rest upon. Like all young "Christophes," this is approachable now with its polished mix of sweet and savory flavors (I drank a bottle over the course of two days to watch it open and unfold) but will weather well in the cellar for just a few years more. Another great vintage from our friends at Remizières! [JohnMajeski.jpg]( Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 24, 2021 The Syrah grape has long had a love affair with the terrain, climate, and soils of the Northern Rhône, as evidenced by this extraordinary offering from Domaine de Remizières. Embellished with smoothly polished, almost velvety black fruits, with a generous core of cassis, pepper, tar, and wildflowers, this classic Rhône beauty will effortlessly grace your table and pair wonderfully well with a rich, spicy lamb and eggplant moussaka. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Grand Napa "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+)]( [2018 Grand Napa "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $100+)]( $39.99 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Another terrific wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve offers lots of blackcurrants, spice box, tobacco leaf, and chocolatey nuances to go with a full-bodied style on the palate. It has the 2018 vintages fresher, more elegant style yet brings ample fruit and has an expansive, layered mouthfeel as well as a great finish. Its another wine to enjoy any time over the coming 15-20 years." (01/2021) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 23, 2021 Until a couple years ago I wasn't familiar with Grand Napa, but since then they've become a go-to producer for me when it comes to overachieving Napa Cabernet at very reasonable price points. Our ongoing winery-direct relationship means we can streamline these wines to you at significant discounts off the original SRPs. The 2018 Reserve Cabernet illustrates what I love about this vintage—understated power, subtle length, lovely purity of fruit, and precise varietal expression. Compared to previous vintages, there are finer tannins and more freshness on the palate in 2018. There's plenty of dark fruit here: cassis, huckleberry, interwoven with loamy earth, cedar, new leather, and dark floral tones. The oak is very nicely judged, adding some luxurious nuance but without masking the quality of the fruit. Because the oak is nicely integrated and the tannins are so well refined, this wine is totally approachable now but will continue to develop steadily over the next 10 years or more. As with all the Grand Napa wines before this one, they have become bestselling staff favorites and quickly sold out! Who doesn't like a bargain in highly rated Napa Cab? --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Anthill Farms "Comptche Ridge Vineyard" Mendocino County Pinot Noir]( [2018 Anthill Farms "Comptche Ridge Vineyard" Mendocino County Pinot Noir]( ($49.95) 94-96 points Vinous: "Another stellar wine in this range, the 2018 Pinot Noir Comptche Ridge is fabulous. In this vintage, the Comptche Ridge is a bit richer and deeper than it has been, while avoiding some of the austerity this wine can show. Beguiling in its aromatics and finely sculpted, the 2018 is marvelously complex. There is plenty of tannin, and the acids are bright (as they are for all these wines), but the 2018 is deep and so multi-faceted. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, structured reds. (AG)" (04/2020) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Comptche Ridge opens with leather, bay leaves, fir, turned earth and garrigue with a core of fresh black fruits. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated with its earthy character accented by floral notes. It's refreshed by juicy acidity and finishes long and nuanced. (EB)" (08/2020) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Trinity Hill "Homage" Syrah Hawke's Bay]( [2017 Trinity Hill "Homage" Syrah Hawke's Bay]( ($79.99) 98 points James Suckling: "This is in such elegant, suave and regal form in 2017 with white pepper-dusted, fresh summer berries, graphite, deeper woody-spice notes of cardamom and cloves and swirling perfume. The palate has a super fresh, fleshy and detailed feel with a wealth of bright, juicy and crunchy fruit on offer with such fresh, juicy and succulent tannins, carrying bright, lively blackberries with precision and intent. Impressive." (09/2019) 97 points Sam Kim: "Another exceptional offering under this iconic label; the impressively complex bouquet shows Black Doris plum, blueberry compote, violet, thyme and almond characters. The palate exhibits immense depth and power, while remaining poised and classically structured, splendidly framed by layers of fine, polished tannins. Magnificent and engaging." (05/2019) 96 points Bob Campbell: "Intensely perfumed syrah with violet, floral, pepper, spice and dark plum and berry flavours, together with a seasoning of smoky oak. A youthful, elegant, firmly-structured red that's accessible now but shows impressive cellaring potential. Certainly a wine to watch." (06/2019) [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2021 When it comes to New Zealand Syrah, it doesn't get any better than this. The 2017 Trinity Hill Homage is sourced entirely from the best parcels in New Zealand's most acclaimed terroir, Gimblett Gravels. Trinity Hill was one of the pioneering producers of Gimblett Gravels as one of only a few wineries who put down vines there in the early 80s. Today there are over 30 producers who have recognized the exceptional fruit the site produces, but Trinity Hill remains its finest producer. I poured this for our Redwood City staff blind, and everyone assumed it was a top producer from the Northern Rhône. With soaring aromas of cracked black pepper, dried rosemary, and charcoal, the typicity and quality on display here are off the charts. The fruit delivers fully on the palate with black sour plum, candied black cherry, and blackberry fruit that washes over the palate with richly concentrated flavors. After a couple of hours in the decanter, the tannins were soft and plush, showing just at the finish. Incredible now, but certainly worth the effort of cellaring, this is an exceptional vintage of Homage from Trinity Hill. This is the best Syrah being produced in New Zealand today, full stop. --------------------------------------------------------------- [1981 The Rare Armagnac Collection (Domaine de Pouchegu) 39 Year Old "Lot G681-20" K&L Exclusive Vintage Armagnac (750ml)]( [1981 The Rare Armagnac Collection (Domaine de Pouchegu) 39 Year Old "Lot G681-20" K&L Exclusive Vintage Armagnac (750ml)]( ($159.99) The Rare Armagnac Collection is a new small-scale bottler seeking to unearth rare and unique Armagnacs from small estates across the region that would otherwise not be available. We're extremely lucky to have stumbled upon them and this first parcel that they acquired from the famous estate in the best part of the Ténarèze. We first visited Domaine Pouchegu in 2013, where Pierre Laporte was matter of fact about what made his Armagnacs so good: great care in the vines, a good amount of sable fauve in the soils, hiring the best distiller, and a commitment to purchasing high-quality, new Limousin oak every vintage. His meticulous attention to detail was obvious the moment we first tasted those special brandies. What we didn't know at the time was that this master of the art was battling cancer. Less than a year after that first meeting, Mr. Laporte had succumbed to cancer. His illness had not been a secret, but we did not realize the severity of the condition. Since then, his brandies have become legendary among our customers and beyond. After repeated attempts to contact his successors, our friend Charles Neal sent us word that he'd located the stocks. Luckily for us they were still in barrel and unblemished by low-quality blending or adjustment of any kind. The Rare Armagnac Collection is bottled without additives or reduction. Unfortunately, this bottle does not have Mr. Laporte's name or his domaine on it, but these bottlings perfectly preserve that man's incredible legacy. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 19, 2020 We knew that the incredible Domaine de Pouchegu was a star from the moment we first sipped this exquisite spirit with Pierre Laporte in his well-appointed but tiny office. The impeccably kept property was more picturesque than most of the smaller farms in the Tenarèze, but it was not ostentatious or regal whatsoever. The property, which Pierre was so proud of, had been cultivated to produce Armagnac since at least 1863 when his family purchased the estate. He believed that the site was occupied for grape cultivation for more than 1,000 years before that. An ancient kiln and fragments of Gallo-Roman pottery were proof of such. In addition, Pierre was a lover of agricultural history, collecting tools and antique machines that he kept in a small museum. His love of brandy was an extension of his devotion to the vines he tended; his main commitment was of course to the plants on that property. The élevage was dictated by what he believed to be the most traditional and expressive versions of the wonderful eau-de-vie produced there. Nearly 100% of the products were aged full term in new Limousin oak. While there's some dispute currently about the grape varietals planted, it seems that Pierre cultivated both Baco and Ugni Blanc on the property. I remember him saying that his Armagnac was built around 100% Baco, but the current bottlers seem to believe that the spirits were distilled from Ugni. In any case, when this excellent producer passed away, I was deeply saddened. --------------------------------------------------------------- [New Feed]( [Auction]( [Local]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [BORDEAUX]( | [NAPA]( | [BURGUNDY]( | [CHAMPAGNE]( | [ITALY]( | [RHÔNE]( | [SPIRITS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Delivery]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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