K&L Top 10 Picks: June 2021

A quartet of Cali Cabs, collectible values in Pinot, Brunello, Bordeaux, and more... Monday Jun 7th, 2021 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( K&L Top 10 Selections: June 2021 Featuring: A Strong Showing of Cali Cabs, a Pair of Pinots from Oregon and NZ, Collectible Brunello, Perfectly Aged Bordeaux, A Stunning Shiraz, and 25 Year Old Scotch for a Song --------------------------------------------------------------- Kicking off the summer and grilling season, we've got a lineup that's ideal the for the BBQ in June’s Top 10. First off is a quartet of domestic Cabernet Sauvignons in a range of prices to suit everyone. The Ancient Peaks Paso Robles knocks it out of the park for less than $16. Back in Napa Valley, the bottlings from both Luna and Heitz provide two very different expressions of this grape for excellent prices. And for those looking for a bit of luxury, the 99-point Bevan "Ontogeny" Bordeaux Blend qualitatively matches its single-vinyard counterparts and is under $100. If you're seeking a lighter red for summer, you won't do better than Pinot Noir and we have two gems in the 2018 Nor'Wester and 2012 Trisaetum, both over-performing examples of New Zealand and Oregon Pinot respectively. [AncientPeaks]( Next up, we have a stunning Aussie Shiraz in the John Duval "Entity." This intensely concentrated red is a powerhouse that beautifully balances richness with depth and complexity. Poggio dell'Otto's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is the rare Brunello that's priced at a level that's casy-buy worthy. This wine always sells out in a flash, so make sure you get your allocation while we still have stock. Perfectly aged Bordeaux is another category we have a hard time keeping on our shelves, so savvy collectors should pay close attention to the 2010 Tertre Daugay, St-Emilion, which is just singing right now. To round out the set, anybody looking for an amazing value in Scotch should grab the Glenfarclas 25 Year Old single malt—it's one of the best buys you'll find in Scotch with this kind of age statement. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2018 Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $20+) 93 $15.95 [View]( 2018 Nor'Wester by Greystone Pinot Noir North Canterbury 93 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Poggio dell'Otto Brunello di Montalcino $27.99 [View]( 2017 Luna Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $75) 93 $29.99 [View]( 2019 John Duval "Entity" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia 94 $34.99 [View]( 2012 Trisaetum "Estates Reserve" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $75) 94 $39.95 [View]( 2015 Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $60) 95 $49.95 [View]( 2010 Tertre Daugay, St-Emilion 93 $59.99 [View]( 2018 Bevan "Ontogeny" Oakville Bordeaux Blend 99 $99.95 [View]( Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Distillery Bottling Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 [View]( [2018 Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $20+)]( Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $20+)]( ($15.95) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "A deep blackberry aroma meets with licorice and mushroom on the fresh and savory nose. The palate's black currant and blueberry core is partnered harmoniously with notes of chipped wood and toasted herbs as well as jubilant acidity. *Editors' Choice* (MK)" (03/2021) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 24, 2021 I've been working at K&L for almost 10 years, and in that time very few wines have offered such consistently excellent quality and value for money as Ancient Peaks. Their spectacular estate vineyards sit within their own AVA of Santa Margarita Ranch. These vines are grown in the southernmost part of Paso Robles and only 14 miles from the Pacific ocean, in a climate significantly more moderate than the rest of the region. The soils are very diverse due to tectonic movement; much of the estate is on old seabed with enormous oyster shells and crumbling chunks of limestone. Other blocks have volcanic basalt, decomposed granite, fractured shale, and rocky alluvium. Basically, this site offers a wonderfully broad palette from which to consistently craft wines of depth, complexity, and balance. Ancient Peak's veteran winemaker, Mike Sinor, is a highly skilled vigneron with decades of experience on the Central Coast. Though his touch is subtle on these wines, allowing the quality of the fruit and sense of place take the lead, there's a level of polish and sophistication that elevates them well above others in this price category. The 2018 Cab is bursting with fresh blackcurrant and mulberry fruit. Dried herbs, rubbing spice, and briary tones add a nice savory component. Medium to full bodied with greater structure than you'd expect for a $16 Paso Cab, probably owing to the cooler growing conditions of Margarita Vineyard. A fantastic wine to have around this summer when throwing steaks or burgers on the grill. Feels like you're drinking much more expensive wine than it is, and who doesn't love a bargain?! [kajstromer.jpg]( Stromer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 24, 2021 Our friends at Ancient Peaks winery have a long history of making bold and delicious wines that offer unbeatable value. Their Cabernet is a K&L staple. Well, the timing for this offer could not be better. It comes just in time for warmer weather, which means outdoor dining and the possibility to entertain again. This bottle has all that big, juicy red and black fruit character that we love about Cabernet Sauvignon. There are no hard and intrusive tannins, and it leaves you with a long and luscious finish. Say hello to one very satisfying bottle of wine. I'll be sure to keep a case laying around the house for springtime. Bravo to wine buyer Ryan Woodhouse for securing a stash of the 2018 Cab at an unbeatable price. This is pure pleasure to drink now. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Nor'Wester by Greystone Pinot Noir North Canterbury]( Nor'Wester by Greystone Pinot Noir North Canterbury]( ($19.99) 93 points Sam Kim: "Delightfully fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows dark cherry, raspberry, thyme, toasted nut and subtle mushroom characters. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and roundness, wonderfully supported by silky texture and fine-grained tannins, finishing persistent and very tasty." (04/2020) 91 points Bob Campbell: "Supple, savoury Pinot Noir with dried herb, floral, violet, spice, cherry and raspberry flavours. An appealing wine in a medium-bodied style, with a backbone of bright acidity." (08/2020) [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 02, 2021 Greystone is one the Pinot Noir producers is defining New Zealand's North Canterbury wine region. Often overlooked, North Canterbury is actually producing some of the best Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noirs in New Zealand today. For those of you out there who are fans of Pinot Noir, you obviously know that the key to Burgundy's success is limestone, and North Canterbury is one of the few wine regions in New Zealand whose soils are rich with fossilized seabeds. In fact, Greystone is named for the decomposed seashell stones that cover the Teviotdale Hills where their vineyards are planted. Their Nor'Wester Pinot Noir is an extraordinary example of what Pinot Noir can produce on its most ideal soils. There is a purity to the warm, 2018 vintage. With brambles, cranberry, and herbal essence above a soft core of red fruit, this sits right at the intersection of delicious fruit and delicate complexity. Softened tannin and a lingering finish makes this an effortless glass of wine that will keep you returning to the bottle over and over. At $20 this supersedes what you'd find in Burgundy, the Sonoma Coast, or frankly, anywhere else. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Poggio dell'Otto Brunello di Montalcino]( [2015 Poggio dell'Otto Brunello di Montalcino]( ($27.99) [gregstclair.gif]( St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2021 The nose of this wine erupts from the glass with a wave of savory earth and plum that's accented with a bit of wildness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and richly textured with smooth tannins and the fruit character begins to emerge—layers of Marasca cherry, salted plums, with a compote of dark fruits following in a crescendo. While full-bodied, this wine has excellent balance and a real core of structure that leads to a long finish. A superb wine and for the price a ridiculous value. We bought all we could, so stock up while it is still here. [lilia-mcintosh.jpg]( McIntosh]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 02, 2021 This is absolutely delicious Brunello! Spicy and savory, with amazing aromas of cedar, cigar box and hints of Christmas spices. It's firm and full-bodied on the palate, but dry. And it opens up with decanting, which softens up the tannins and emphasizes the wine's wonderful Marasca cherries on the palate, along with red plum and earthy notes. Traditional in style, this Brunello is a steal at this price. Buy a case or two, and you will reward yourself with many, many great nights of tasting it and pairing it with your meals, watching it mature, and developing into an even more beautiful wine. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Luna Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $75)]( Luna Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $75)]( $29.99 93 points Vinous: "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label is a big, powerful wine. Inky and voluptuous in the glass with generous jammy fruit, sweet oak and spice notes. The flamboyant style will naturally appeal most to readers who like big, full-throttle Cabernets. All the elements just fall into place effortlessly. (AG)" (01/2020) 92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Including 5% Merlot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label offers a spicy bouquet of blackcurrants, new leather, dried flowers, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced on the palate, it's going to keep for 15-20 years." (01/2020) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 30, 2021 I tasted this wine alongside the (now sold out) 2016 bottling and was very impressed with how well it showed. To be completely honest, I thought it was the stronger wine, especially for drinking in the near term. Because of the devastating fires in late 2017 many folks, myself included, have approached the vintage with caution, the specter of smoke taint looming ominously. However, as I wrote extensively in an earlier K&L Newsletter, there are plenty of Napa Valley wines from the 2017 vintage that are downright delicious, and they're typically much more approachable (and enjoyable) in the short term than either the 2016 or 2018 wines. This is one such wine. Big, bold, with succulent dark fruit, plum, cassis, and liquored cherry. Plenty of exotic notes from the oak in the form of chocolate truffle, subtle cigar box, loamy earth, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is lush and voluptuous; ripe, round tannins mean you can pop-n-pour. The wine is open and delicious from the first sip. Despite being fruit forward and open knit, it still has plenty of structure and definition to stand up to a substantial cut of red meat and will no doubt keep 10+ years in the cellar. If you're looking for a powerful, rich, easy-drinking Cab for tonight, or anytime over the next decade, this is very hard to beat for the money. Our last deeply discounted Luna Cab offer sold out in 48 hours, so jump on this if it appeals to you. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2019 John Duval "Entity" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( John Duval "Entity" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( ($34.99) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Powerful, vibrant and fragrant, with dried lavender, Earl Grey, dried oregano, five-spice power and dark chocolate aromatics to mingle with the core of velvety smooth plum, black cherry and wild blackberry flavors. The tannins firm up appealingly on the finish, which goes on and on. (MW)" (04/2021) 93 points Bob Campbell: "Very deep, youthful purple-crimson colour which stains the glass. There are nutmeg, almond and pepper overtones to the bouquet and the wine is full-bodied and firmly-structured, with lashings of supple, approachable tannins. Stewed blood plums. A blood-and-thunder Shiraz, with plenty of life ahead of it." (03/2021) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Trisaetum "Estates Reserve" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $75)]( Trisaetum "Estates Reserve" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Previously $75)]( ($39.95) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2012 Pinot Noir Estates Reserve aims to showcase the attributes of all three vineyards and spends 18 months in French barrel, around 30 to 35% new. The nose is intense right from the start: dark cherries, wild strawberry and bergamot at first, hints of briar and fresh mint following behind. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannin: dark cherries, black plum, a pinch of white pepper and a slight flintiness toward the finish. This is very nicely focused with just a touch of piquancy on the finish. Give it another 12-18 months in bottle and you will have a seriously fine Oregon Pinot Noir. Bravo. (NM)" (03/2015) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Concentrated and lively, this showcases luscious black cherry fruit that's perfectly framed with zippy acidity and ripe tannins. It's a full-bodied, New World style, but with a complex, layered finish that says Oregon rather than California. *Cellar Selection* (PG)" (10/2014) 93 points Vinous: "Vivid ruby-red. Deeply pitched dark berry preserve, cola and incense aromas show very good energy, with a smoky quality emerging as the wine opens in the glass. On the palate, juicy blackberry and cherry compote flavors are lifted and sharpened by a zesty mineral nuance and a hint of fresh flowers. Sweet vanilla and berry liqueur notes build on the finish, which is firmed by youthful, deftly integrated tannins. (JR)" (07/2014) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 20, 2021 This is a rare chance to get your hands on some deeply discounted, library vintage Pinot Noir from benchmark producer, Trisaetum. The "Estates Reserve" is a best-barrel selection from their three prestigious estate vineyards and delivers everything you could ask for in classy Oregon Pinot Noir. This parcel was sold upon release to an exporter intended for an overseas market, however, that business ran into troubles, and this wine has been stored in a commercial wine storage warehouse ever since. Now wanting to clear some inventory, they made us a spectacular deal at almost 50% off the wine's typical price and with eight years of graceful ageing to boot! This wine has layer upon layer of beautiful dark fruit, black raspberry, cherry, and bramble. Base earth notes are laced with baking spices and floral elements. The wine is rich on the palate with lots of mid-palate fruit and succulent texture. The eight years in bottle is just starting to add subtle complexity to the still quite youthful wine. Hints of leather, sandalwood, and dry leaf litter mingle with the bold berry fruits. A decant softens the wine and brings out even more fleshiness plus a few more red-fruited tones as it evolves in the glass. A stunning bottle of Pinot Noir in every regard, and right in its prime drinking window. One of the best bottles of Oregon Pinot I've had this year. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $60)]( Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Elsewhere $60)]( ($49.95) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Woody, herbal and elegantly structured, this wine is high-toned and freshly layered in bold red fruit. Given time in the barrel and the bottle, it shows its graceful edges and nuanced elegance with ease, finishing in dusty crushed rock. It vastly overdelivers on its price point. *Editors' Choice* (VB)" (03/2020) 94 points Decanter: "Heitz Cellars' Napa Cabernet is always one of the region's best-value buys, thanks in part to the winery's dedication to a pre-release ageing regimen. It spends eight months in neutral tank, two years in 50% new French oak, and then 18 months in bottle before release. Notes of aged leather, toffee and brick dust on a refined and velvety-textured palate. An honest Napa Cab. (ML)" (06/2020) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2020 If I had $50 in my pocket and I wanted the very best bottle of Napa Cabernet I could get...this would be it, period. Simply put, there is no better classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet for $50 than this bottle right here. Enough said. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Tertre Daugay, St-Emilion]( Tertre Daugay, St-Emilion]( ($59.99) 90-93 points Wine Spectator: "This has the rich, dark blueberry and blackberry fruit of the vintage, with ample graphite and spice and a solid, tannic backbone. Toasty, but with flesh. (JM, Web-2011)" 91-92 points James Suckling: "Fascinating wine with dark fruit and citrus undertones. Full and refined. Lovely finish." (04/2011) 88-90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "One of the finest Tertre Daugays I have tasted (although the 2009 is also attractive), this sleeper of the vintage exhibits a dense purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet kirsch, black fruits, licorice and graphite. (RP)" (05/2011) [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021 Drink a piece of history! This is the sister winery to Chateau l'Arrosee that was purchased by Haut Brion and rolled into Château Quintus back in 2013, so the label no longer exists. This is a brooding St-Emilion with rich, smoky black fruit, ripe, grippy tannins and a VERY long finish. This is still relatively youthful at 11 years old, with serious cellaring potential still left in it. [clydebeffa.gif]( Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 11, 2015 Back in again and sure to sell quickly. This property was sold in 2011 and now it is owned by Haut Brion people and the name is Quintus. It now sells for 3x the price of this lovely 2010. You be the judge. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Bevan "Ontogeny" Oakville Bordeaux Blend]( Bevan "Ontogeny" Oakville Bordeaux Blend]( ($99.95) 99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it's often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length." (01/2021) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Ontogeny Proprietary Red Wine comes barreling out of the glass with intensely fruity notes of crème de cassis, black cherry preserves and stewed plums plus a savory undercurrent of grilled meats, sautéed herbs and Indian spices. The palate is full-bodied, rich and velvety, delivering impactful black fruit preserves with loads of earthy nuances, finishing long with a spicy kick. (LPB)" (11/2020) --------------------------------------------------------------- [Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Distillery Bottling Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($149.99) [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2021 Glenfarclas is unmatched in many ways, but the dedication to quality and value is my favorite point to highlight. Price increases from this special distillery are nearly as rare as hen's teeth. Even as the Scotch world continues to boom and every multinational drinks company seems to raise their prices weekly and without reason or merit, Glenfarclas and the Grant family hold the line. Sure costs go up over time, but any time we've ever seen the prices increase on these special malts, it's been super reasonable, incremental increases. Housekeeping aside, let's taste the 25, a banner for 'Farclas that flies high. This is some of Scotland's finest whisky. It's refined and genial. The nose is loaded with stone fruit but balanced with an equal measure of barley forward cereal notes. The barrel regime utilizes sherry casks heavily, but this is no sherry bomb. A combination of many types of casks allows a finesse and balance that is so rare in today's single cask, over the top, cask strength bottlings. The palate has a lot of chewiness and is never heavy. It's rounded out by a really pretty vanilla and cream note and brings in a fair amount of tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and coconut. The finish is long and clean. This is the type of Scotch that will make you fall in love with the category all over again. It's a stone cold classic. If you were introduced to Scotch recently, there's a good chance you've never tasted this and nothing will put it on your radar. It's not a trophy, it's not a bottle people scour the country looking for. It's just damn good Scotch at a great price from a family run distillery. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2015 It's still astonishing that this whisky is on the shelf for $150. Just absolutely flabbergasted by the continued price/quality ratio here, even while their competitors are raising prices every quarter. Glenfarclas is of course one of my favorite distilleries, not only because it's producing some of the most consistent and delicious malt in Scotland, but also because of the magnanimous family that's owned it for centuries—The Grants. The 25 year is the Grant's flagship product, often compared to their neighbors the Macallan, but truly in a class of it's own. While 'Farclas has a great amount of Sherry butts in this blend, unlike the Macallan, they're not married to only using that type of cask. The result is something that is big and bold enough for a Mac drinker to appreciate, but with a subtle complexity that the most discerning palates could spend hours analyzing. And then there's is the price. Not even Scotland' WORST distilleries sell their 25 year old for anywhere close to this bad boy. This is unequivocally the best value in mature Scotch...maybe ever. --------------------------------------------------------------- [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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