Special Feature - Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

K&L's Monthly Newsletter featuring the wines of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa... Monday Apr 10th, 2017 [View in Browser]( [Special Commonwealth Feature]( wines continue their resurgence after the United States market posted some big sales numbers last year. It seems the wines are doing the talking—people are listening and they like what’s being said! Not to be outdone, New Zealand recently became the third largest exporter of wines (by value) to the US, now trailing only the juggernauts France and Italy! This positive trend reflects the continued recognition of New Zealand as a premium wine-producing nation and the movement away from cheap bulk wines to more sophisticated bottlings. South Africa, while representing a smaller market volume than Australia or NZ, continues to amaze me (and many of our staff) with the stunning quality and unique character the wines can deliver. The highlight for me in South Africa continues to be Swartland and other west coast locales with their complex soils, abundance of old vines and current crop of talented winemakers with an ethereal touch. Read on to see what I’m talking about. Cheers! -Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Aussie, NZ, and South African Wine Buyer [View our electronic newsletter!]( Highlights this month include... Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2016 Bayten Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 92 $12.99 [View]( 2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20) 91 $14.95 [View]( 2016 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Pinot Noir Rosé Marlborough $18.99 [View]( 2013 Xanadu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia 96 $24.99 [View]( 2014 Mount Edward Pinot Noir Central Otago 95 $26.99 [View]( 2015 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Black Label) 92 $29.99 [View]( 2015 Powell & Son Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia 92 $29.99 [View]( 2015 Quartz Reef "Bendigo Single Vineyard" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $40) 95 Price: Hidden [View]( 2012 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $50) 97 $39.99 [View]( 2002 Torbreck "Factor" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia 99 $129.99 [View]( [2016 Bayten Sauvignon Blanc Constantia]( [2016 Bayten Sauvignon Blanc Constantia]( ($12.99) 92 points Wine Spectator: " *Best Values* This is refined, with a steely spine that lets gooseberry, verbena and white peach flavors streak through. A hint of shortbread adds range and mouthfeel along the edges. The long finish has lovely cut. An amazing value. Drink now through 2019. (JM)" (02/2017) Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 17, 2017 Constantia is well known for producing some of the most unique, delicious and interesting Sauvignon Blancs in the world and this Bayten definitely showcases why. It packs an incredible punch of flavor with vivid fruit, bright acidity, and a touch of herbality cool climates are known for. South Africa is certainly gaining a reputation for must-have wines, especially when they price a gem like this at $13. This is an incredible value and showcases what makes Constantia such an amazing area. Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 11, 2017 This delectable Sauvignon Blanc is stocked in our cold box, ready for your drinking pleasure. Ripe golden apple, delicate white flowers and barely-ripe stone fruit in the glass. Energetic acidity and slight salinity leave you smacking your lips and reaching for the next pour. Grab this for your next outdoor gathering with friends. [Anthony Russo]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 06, 2017 Amazing sauv blanc - drinks way out of its price range. Delicate pale yellow in color with an enticing bouquet of limes, apples, and fresh cut flowers. Great texture without being overly fruity. The kind of white wine I want on a sunny Friday to relax and let me know the work week is over. [2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20)]( [2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20)]( ($14.95) 91 points Wine & Spirits: "A classic Coonawarra style of cabernet, this presents ripe currant fruit in a clean, spicy arrow of flavor. Light touches of eucalyptus follow the fruit through a dry finish. Fresh and lasting, this is an approachable cabernet for rack of lamb." (10/2016) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "*** Editors' Choice *** This is a terrific value in balanced, ready-to-drink Australian Cabernet. It brings several Bordeaux-ish qualities to the table-medium body, silky tannins and aromas reminiscent of cigar box and Ribena-then adds varietally true flavors and a long finish. Drink now-2025. (JC)" (04/2017) K&L Notes: Winery Notes: "On the southern boundary of Coonawarra is the old Penola cricket ground, which first saw a ball bowled in anger and the flashing cover drives of the local champions in 1950. Sadly, the ground closed in 1996. Soon after Jim Barry purchased the 30 acre property and planted a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. The original pavilion and pitch have been retained, thus preserving an important piece of Coonawarra sporting history. Fruit from this vineyard, along with selected parcels of fruit from our family owned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Clare Valley have been blended to produce a wine that is rich, soft and approachable. This wine shows a brooding dark red colour in the glass. The nose boasts of aromatic blackberry and blue fruits with refined hints of bay leaves and mint. On the palate a great line of acidity drives through the wine supporting talcy ripe tannins. Flavours of blackberry and mulberry shine from the medium bodied composition." Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 20, 2017 Coonawarra is producing some delicious, very easy-drinking wines and this Cover Drive is no exception. It is soft and approachable with lush fruit and just a touch of acidity on the front palate to brighten it up. This Cab Sauv does not overwhelm with overpowering tannin or spice, but glides across the palate with its silky mouthfeel. The Barry family has been making wine here for generations and it's easy to see why their legacy has lasted when you taste this Cab. [2016 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Pinot Noir Rosé Marlborough]( [2016 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Pinot Noir Rosé Marlborough]( ($18.99) Sure to be another winner this summer is the new Pinot Noir rosé from our friends at TWR. Once again we have purchased every case we could get our hand on of this tiny production wine with a total of 105 cases produced! This year the wine is sourced from a single hillside block of the Rawiri vineyard in Marlborough’s Omaka valley. Saignee style, fermented all in stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain lifted floral aromatics and bright berry flavors. Some time on fine lees helps build texture and a savory complexity; ripe, juicy acidity keeps the whole thing dancing on the palate. (Ryan Woodhouse - K&L NZ Wine Buyer) Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 03, 2017 There is no more perfect way to usher in the warmer weather than with a fantastic Rosé from one of our favorite NZ producers, TWR. Darker in color than the 2015, this vintage showcases the standout qualities of the single vineyard this wine is sourced from in Marlborough. Rich, juicy fruit is king is this Pinot Noir Rosé, which has a touch of acidity and minerality to balance it thanks to New Zealands cool climate. An excellent choice for a spring or summer dinner, this wine can hold its flavor against many different dishes. This is definitely one of the top Rosé picks in the store! [2013 Xanadu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia]( [2013 Xanadu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia]( ($24.99) 96 points James Halliday: "*Special Value Selection* In my mind, Xanadu has established itself as one of the greatest Margaret River winemakers. Small batch open-fermented, 35% given extended maceration, blended and matured in French oak (40% new barriques) for 14 months. Xanadu paints an unerring landscape of intense, elegant Margaret River Cabernet, with a stream of cassis fruit bordered by gravelly but fine tannins, oak insistently completing the picture. Great value. This year (2017) marks 40 years of Xanadu Wines and following decades of winemaking excellence, it has firmly cemented itself as an Australian wine icon." 94 points Decanter: "Just on the cusp of evolution with sweet toffee, graphite and intense cedar notes, followed by bright fresh horseradish and a kick of blackcurrant. Grippy tanins add dimension; this will settle into something stunning. Drink 2017-2020." 93 points James Suckling: "Classic red fruits and chocolate here, boysenberry and bright cassis too. Really upbeat and bright, with a little gravel thread. Super refined palate with smooth and fleshy texture. The tannins spread fine and even and there is plenty of red berry fruit and chocolate through the finish. Really fine. Best from 2019." (03/2016) Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 01, 2017 Margaret River has been on an absolute tear with great vintages coming thick and fast. The wines often strike a stylistic balance somewhere between Napa Cabernet and Bordeaux but retain their own unique markers at the same time. The fruit is typically rich and concentrated like Oakville; the tannins and poise more reminiscent of Paulliac; the complex aromas of cedar, crushed mint and sandstone are uniquely Margaret River. The quality of these wines hasnt gone unnoticed and huge point scores are amassing! The 2013 Xanadu Estate Cabernet is a slightly more generous, lush style of Cabernet from Margaret River. Saturated dark fruits, blackcurrant, ripe plum, dark chocolate, sweet oak spice and fine broad tannins. Incredible concentration; fantastic value! We bought every case that was available to us as it was just too good to miss at this price! Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 27, 2017 A truly delicious Cab from a hallmark Margaret River producer. This really is a great value for this complex yet highly approachable wine. It has the structure and earthiness reminiscent of Bordeaux, yet the silky mouthfeel is all courtesy of Aussie fruit. This wine exhibits fantastic balance and is absolutely drinkable now, which is dangerous given its low price point, it'd be easy to pick up a few every week. [2014 Mount Edward Pinot Noir Central Otago]( [2014 Mount Edward Pinot Noir Central Otago]( ($26.99) 95 points Bob Campbell: "Attractive savoury pinot noir with floral, fresh herb (thyme?) and cherry flavours. Moderately concentrated wine with a core of appealing sweet fruit. An elegant pinot noir." 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "(94+) Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir has a pronounced nose of red currants, black cherries and mulberries with underlying notes of yeast extract, tar, beef drippings and game plus a waft of forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate provides a great concentration of complex savory / earthy, red and black berry flavors with a solid structure of firm, ripe tannins and lively acidity, finishing long and layered." (02/2017) K&L Notes: Winemaker's Notes: "The 2014 Pinot noir is carefully blended from 3 vineyards in the Lowburn and Bannockburn sub regions; our estate vineyards of Morrison and Muirkirk plus grower vineyard Pisa Terrace. All are farmed using certified BioGro organic practices. The vineyards are planted with a mixture of the Dijon clones and cropped at an average of 35 hectolitres per hectare, all vineyards being planted between 1997 and 2000. The wine was vinified using open fermenters, hand plunging, natural yeasts, and 11 months in French oak (15 % new) before racking and settling in tank for a further 4 months. Fermentation was carried out using de-stemmed fruit including the addition of 25% whole bunches. The wine is perfumed with lovely aromatics, there is a range of complexed fruit notes of darker berryfruit, some spice, savoury tones and dried herbs. It has a silky and lush texture, concentrated fruit power yet finely balanced with fine tannins throughout and long in flavour. No filtration or fining, deposits may form. Organically grown and made." [2015 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Black Label)]( [2015 Akitu "A1" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Black Label)]( ($29.99) 91-92 points Raymond Chan: "Light, even ruby-red colour with slight garnet-purple hues, lighter on the rim. This has a softly concentrated and well-packed nose with aromas of savoury dark-red berry and black cherry fruit melded with dark herbs and notes of earth and black minerals, unveiling subtle and harmonious oak and whole bunch stalk detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate has a well-concentrated core of sweet dark-red and black berried fruit intermixed with dark herb and subtle whole bunch stalk elements, along with black mineral nuances. The extraction provides balanced, fine-gained tannins and the mouthfeel is enlivened by fresh, balancing, lacy acidity. This has a good line, leading to a lush, lively finish od red and black fruits and subtle herb notes. This is a moderately concentrated, sweet, dark-fruited Pinot Noir with moderately extracted, supple tannins and fresh acidity. Match with poultry and pork dishes over the next 4-5 years 70% Abel clone and 30% clone 5, the fruit fermented with 26% whole bunches to 13.81% alc., the wine aged 10 months in 22% new French oak. 230 dozen made." [2015 Powell & Son Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( [2015 Powell & Son Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( ($29.99) 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals pronounced blackberry, dark chocolate and black currant notes over hints of black earth, charcoal, licorice and a hint of violets. Profoundly rich and concentrated on the full-bodied palate, it has some delicious savory/olive tapenade notes emerging, supported by firm, ripe tannins and finishing with great length. (LPB)" (03/2017) K&L Notes: Powell & Son is a new venture from legendary winemaker David Powell of Torbreck fame (or infamy)! Many of you will have enjoyed Dave's intense, powerful wines before under the Torbreck label. This new project is essentially a distillation of all that went before: everything he has learned about the Barossa's vines, soil and climate, refocused into a small-scale, boutique operation where Dave is hand-making the wines with his son Callum. Powell & Son is about "getting back to basics" Dave says: starting with great vineyards, expressing the purity of fruit and striking a balance of power and grace. The wines are, as you expect, unmistakably Barossa in origin, powerful, saturated dark fruit intertwined with scorched earth and a wild smoked-meat note. They are richly textured and satisfying but not overdone fruit bombs. The 2015 vintage is one that is already starting to get some huge acclaim in South Australia. Dave told me it was a near perfect vintage and he is super excited about the quality of the wines. While they have yet to be issued scores, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (Editor-In-Chief of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate) writes about a recent barrel tasting at the winery in Barossa: "His 2015s revealed some incredibly exciting wines in the pipeline. David Powell is back." [2015 Quartz Reef "Bendigo Single Vineyard" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $40)]( [2015 Quartz Reef "Bendigo Single Vineyard" Pinot Noir Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $40)]( Price: Hidden 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir exudes gorgeous violets, red roses and black cherry notes with underlying Provence herbs, dusty earth and cinnamon stick hints. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm backbone of ripe, velvety tannins with lively acid supporting the concentrated, multi-layered flavors, finishing long. Spectacular Pinot Noir! (LPB)" (12/2016) K&L Notes: Winery Notes: "Hand-picked from our Biodynamic Demeter Certified Bendigo Estate vineyard; with a vine density of 5,000 - 8,000 plants per hectare on grafted pinot noir clones (10/5, 5, 115, 667, 777 & Abel) planted in 1998. The soils on the beautiful north facing slope are Waenga fine sandy loam with quartz and schist deposits. Each small batch was vinified separately according to clone, with a small percentage of whole bunches being retained, left for 5-7 days cold soak before indigenous yeast fermentation kicked in, peaking at 33°C. Gentle plunging throughout ferment, followed by post-fermentation maceration of up to 12 days to ensure optimum tannin balance. Ferment duration 24 days. Pressing directly into selected French oak barriques; approximately 30% new the balance older. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation in spring and was bottled in September 2016. The winemaking was very much in keeping with the traditional practices of the old world. The winemaker, Rudi Bauer, has combined these techniques, and his own personal understanding, to create this unique wine." Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2017 Potentially the best-ever release of this wine. I have long admired Rudi's wines at Quartz Reef and elsewhere but this wine has the x-factor. Hailing from a single, steep, Biodynamic certified, hillside vineyard in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago, this wine shows the pedigree and structure would would expect from one of Rudi's wines. However its real allure is the purity of fruit and its exuberance both aromatically and on the palate. This sub-region is known for more masculine, structured wines with dark fruit and formidable tannins, but this wine is so accessible and expressive even as a youngster. The tannins are polished, the fruit is bold with perfectly judged ripeness; hints of mineral and wild thyme add a distinctive sense of place; some exotic spice notes from the French oak maturation add a final touch of class. This is a Pinot that you can WOW people with. It captures the classic elements of Central Otago Pinot (as you would expect from one of the region's founding fathers) but also has an international appeal and luxurious quality that way surpasses our stunningly low importer-direct price point. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 27, 2017 The wines made from this site in Bendigo always seem to be a touch richer and fleshier than other Central Otago wines. The nose is luxurious, sappy dark red fruits with a dusting of spice and earth. It is on the fuller side of Pinot on the palate with a lush round mouth feel. There is just enough tannin to pull everything back into a long finish. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 23, 2017 Quartz Reef's Bendigo vineyard Pinot Noir is an excellent example of the power and expression of Central Otago. In this south island region, Pinot Noir does particularly well, creating wines that are both full-fruited and bright, with great savory notes and elegant spice. This wine opens with exuberant, round blackberry fruit with plenty of structure and a medium palate weight. On the finish the wine has a long, savory note with wild mushroom and hints of exotic spice coming into play. [2012 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $50)]( [2012 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia (Elsewhere $50)]( ($39.99) 97 points James Suckling: "This is the Mouton-Rothschild of Australia - with a screw cap! Incredibly complex aromas of blackcurrants, spices, cigar box, and berries. Full body, a fantastic palate and polished tannins. Goes for minutes. Better in 2017." (03/2016) 96 points James Halliday: "The headline, the main text and the footnotes all say one thing and one thing only: purity. And I suppose I should add elegance. They simply don't come better in this mode." (10/2016) Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2017 My personal barometer for Margaret River Cabernet in any given vintage. This is a benchmark wine with immense pedigree and impeccable consistency. I can absolutely see why one might compare it to First Growth Bordeaux. Not just on the exceptional quality of this release, but on the merit of Leeuwin Estate's unwavering dedication to excellence year in and year out to produce authentic wines that faithfully reflect the season and magical terroir of Margaret River. I feel obliged to mention Leeuwin's entirely pragmatic choice of Stelvin closure. They believe (as do I) that this is the best and most consistent seal for the wine to effectively preserve all the hard work they put into crafting it. The silly myth about not being able to cellar wines under screwcap has been thoroughly debunked long ago and I will be enjoying this wine from my cellar for decades to come. [2002 Torbreck "Factor" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( [2002 Torbreck "Factor" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia]( ($129.99) 99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Remarkably, the 2002 The Factor may be even more awesome than the 2001. It boasts a blackberry liqueur-like intensity with chocolatey richness intermixed with blackberries, raspberries, and cherries. The unctuous texture, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin frame-up this magnificent wine. It should drink well for 15+ years. Interestingly, the 2002 The Factor did not have the Cote Rotie-like roasted element found in the 2001, no doubt because 2002 was a much cooler growing year than the record heat experienced in 2001. (RP)" (10/2004) 96 points James Halliday: "Fragrant, luscious fruit aromas; gorgeous texture and structure; a complex array of both red and black fruits drive the wine, oak merely a vehicle; fine, filigreed tannins." (10/2004) --------------------------------------------------------------- [K&L]( Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. Follow us on [Twitter]( [Instagram]( and read more [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( "Best wine Web site in the US" - Wall Street Journal "Great for rare and hard-to-find wines." - Time "The cellar to search first." - Smart Money "Best Wine Web Site" - Publishers of The Wine Spectator This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Click here to manage your e-mail settings]( with K&L Wine Merchants or alternatively, [click here to unsubscribe from all mailings](