K&L Newsletter: Our Hand-Selected Top Performers of Summer

Remarkable depth of rewarding selections: discover your next favorite bottle... Monday Aug 15th, 2022 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( [Spain & Portugal News]( [Today's Newsletter]( is an ode to summer in its dog days. While we all know most of California has plenty of summer left, our buyers reflect on their favorite go-to winners that shone the brightest during the past several months of warm weather. Domestic buyer Ryan Woodhouse makes a strong case for year-round rosé with his top performers of the 2021 vintage, and he adds a roster of under-the-radar whites to break up any routines you may find yourself in this late in the season. Speaking of variety, Ryan's colleague Kaj Stromer really throws us a curveball with his favorite chillable reds. Thomas Smith makes shopping for New Zealand Sauv Blanc easy with his top three selections, and Kirk Walker offers up some barbecue-friendly Spanish reds. Producer highlights from Champagne's Gary Westby and Burgundy's Alex Pross showcase the brilliant class and pedigree of Fallet-Dart and La Chablisiènne, and Rhône buyer Keith Mabry takes us to the serious side of Provence rosé. Finally, spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley takes us into his extensive gin repertoire with his favorite sipper and cocktail mainstays. [TWR Vineyard] --------------------------------------------------------------- Four Must-Try Stunners to Round Out Summer Leading off are four favorites that hit all the marks for both our staff and customers alike. These best-sellers bring everything to the table and qualify as unbeatable summer libations for any occasion. Italy's reference-point co-op Cantina Terlan once again proves why they are an undisputed value champion, with a JS93 Pinot Grigio that takes this quinessential warm-weather style to the next level. Champagne direct-import Louise Brisson turned in a stellar performance with the 2014 Brut vintage bottling, which buyer Gary Westby calls a "lovely, lively, long finishing Champagne that tastes great now, but will age effortlessly for decades." Bordeaux blanc is always a superb insider's choice, and the 2020 Carbonnieux offers "great intensity" and is "nicely focused and full of vigor." Finally, don't miss a sterling new find from Domaine de Fontbonau, a passion project headed by none other than Frédéric Engerer, Technical Director for the legendary Château Latour. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2020 Cantina Terlano Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 93 $19.99 [View]( 2019 Domaine de Fontbonau "La Lence" Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc $19.99 [View]( 2014 Louise Brison Brut Champagne 91 $34.99 [View]( 2020 Carbonnieux Blanc, Graves 92 $39.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Endless Summer of California Rosé While we fully understand the traditional ties between rosé and warm weather, we're firm believers that pink wines have a place at the table any time of year. Of course, most of California sees eight months of summer anyway, so there are plenty of occasions to enjoy the "traditional" rosé experience, as well. Either way, the Golden State's reputation for outstanding variety, style, and value only gets better each year, and domestic buyer Ryan Woodhouse has narrowed down his top performers from the 2021 vintage. K&L-favorite Stolpman puts their crowd-pleasing style to good work in the 2021 Love You Bunches, a bright yet succulent Central Coast Grenache-based charmer. At the other of the style spectrum, the 2021 Birichino Hic Svnt Dracones (yes, that's Latin for Here Be Dragons) brings a concentrated, esoteric old-vine profile that's decidedly serious. Of course, Pinot Noir is now the star of California rosé, and the specimens from Red Car and Tyler both point to why these are some of the most finely crafted offerings on the market. Vintage Item Name Retail Link 2021 Husch "Blaze" Mendocino County Rosé $14.95 [View]( 2021 Stolpman "Love You Bunches" Central Coast Rosé of Grenache $16.95 [View]( 2021 STiRM "Wirz Vineyard" Cienega Valley Rosé $19.95 [View]( 2021 Lorenza "True" Lodi Rosé $21.95 [View]( 2021 Birichino "Hic Svnt Dracones" California Old Vine Rosé of Cinsault - Mourvèdre $24.95 [View]( 2021 Red Car Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir $24.95 [View]( 2021 Tyler Sta. Rita Hills Rosé Pinot Noir $29.95 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Woodhouse's Hand-Picked, Go-To Summer Whites With the amount of white wine most of us consume in the summer, it's easy to fall into a groove (or a rut, depending on your outlook), but domestic Ryan Woodhouse has a can't-miss roster of winners to pique your interest for your remaining patio and pool sessions. A single-vineyard white Rhône blend from Bonny Doon's inimitable Randall Graham leads things off, and a single-site expression from arguably the greatest Riesling vineyard in the Central Coast will have you rethinking your idea of this incredible varietal. Sauvignon Blanc shows its serious side in the 2021 Massican from top Napa talent Dan Petroski, a wine that reminds domestic buyer Kaj Stromer "of the best bottlings of Quarz by Terlan and hints at the whites of Domaine Dagueneau." Finally, Oregon Chardonnay has fully arrived on the scene with a bona fide overachiever in the WA94 Walter Scott Bois Mois. At under $30, it's an expertly crafted expression that will have taking a serious look at Willamette Valley for next Chardonnay discoveries. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2017 Bonny Doon "Le Cigare Blanc- Beeswax Vineyard" Arroyo Seco White Rhône Blend (Previously $28) 91 $14.95 [View]( 2021 Union Sacré "Kick On Ranch - Old Vine" Santa Barbara County Dry Riesling $14.95 [View]( 2021 Birichino Malvasia Bianca Monterey County $15.95 [View]( 2021 Horse & Plow Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc $19.95 [View]( 2021 Massican Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $29.95 [View]( 2020 Walter Scott "Bois-Moi" Willamette Valley Chardonnay 94 $29.95 [View]( 2020 Hundred Suns "Old Eight Cut" Willamette Valley Chardonnay 91 $29.95 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Kaj Stromer's Pro Secret: Chillable California Reds Summer wouldn't be summer without a constant parade of invigorating whites and succulent rosés, but all wine lovers have found themselves craving a curveball now and then. And we all know that Pinot Grigio is exactly the ideal pairing for burgers and barbecue. So, what to do? Follow the lead of industry insiders everywhere and put a nice, cold chill on a bottle red. That's right—this pro secret keeps domestic buyer Kaj Stromer refreshed in both mind and palate all summer long and he's selected three of his favorite California reds that take a chill with the best of them. One of the great, hidden-gem value reds in our domestic inventory, Giornata's WA93 Il Campo Rosso is a "bright, lively, and super drinkable" blend with nearly endless pairing potential, while Kaj finds the Union Sacré Carbonic Sangiovese "a real charmer." The Groundwork Graciano, made by Paso cult-favorite Sans Liege, is a brilliant weeknight choice that nonetheless boasts luxury winemaking pedigree and purity for anyone looking to broaden their horizons. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2021 Union Sacré "Sangio - San Juan North Vineyard" Paso Robles Carbonic Sangiovese $19.95 [View]( 2020 Groundwork (Sans Liege) Paso Robles Graciano $19.99 [View]( 2019 Giornata "Il Campo Rosso" Paso Robles Red Blend 93 $19.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- A Trifecta of New Zealand Sauv Blanc Value Champions New Zealand buyer Thomas Smith is over the moon about New Zealand's exceptional 2021 vintage, and he's lined up three of his absolute favorites that will thrill fans of the style and make a big splash at any end-of-summer soirée. We can't remember the last time, if ever, that we saw a 97-point, classical benchmark wine for under $15, but here it is in the 2021 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc, a prime example of everything we know and love about Marlborough. Thomas declares, "Tropical fruit abounds ... [but] the balance and length are what rocket this wine into the stratosphere." Our original Kiwi direct-import star Te Whare Ra once again knocks it out of the park with a 94-point, "stunning expression of the variety" as noted by Sam Kim, while a new discovery in the 95-point Auntsfield Single Vineyard adds one more must-try beauty to your Sauv Blanc repertoire. The things change, the more they stay the same, and New Zealand is still the undisputed, go-to source for incredible summertime value. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2021 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 97 $14.99 [View]( 2021 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 94 $19.99 [View]( 2021 Auntsfield "Single Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc Southern Valleys Marlborough 95 $19.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Kirk Walker's Can't-Miss Spanish Barbecue Companions If you can't beat the heat, make it hotter with open flames and prime cuts of meat. It's no secret—grilling and red wine are a match made in heaven, but don't over-do it with the heavy reds meant for winter stews and roasts. Instead, reach for any of these three under-the-radar summer charmers from Spanish buyer Kirk Walker. Direct-import favorite Bodegas Puelles turns out a wildly overachieving Crianza Rioja at the hands of the supremely talented Jésus Puelles, while Laventura's 2020 La Nave, a 50/50 blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, is establishing a whole new paradigm in the region with a clear emphasis on vibrant, fresh fruit and minimal oak. Finally, perhaps one of the great underrated regions for Garnacha, Campo de Borja offers an ideal stylistic profile for summer drinking, fully displayed in the 2018 Vinos del Viento Ermita de Santa Barbara, a JS92 fan favorite carrying "a smoothly delivered, balanced feel with fresh blueberry, cassis and plum flavors." Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2020 Laventura "La Nave" Rioja $13.99 [View]( 2016 Bodegas Puelles Crianza Rioja $17.99 [View]( 2018 Vinos del Viento "Montaña La Ermita de Santa Bárbara" Garnacha Campo de Borja 92 $19.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Brilliance and Value of La Chablisiènne What Produttori del Barbaresco has done for Piedmont, the inimitable cooperative La Chablisiènne has long been doing for Chablis. By sourcing from many growers with small parcels in the appellation’s best vineyards, this co-op creates a wealth of memorable and authentic expressions that also come in at unbeatable prices. K&L Burgundy buyer Alex Pross is a long-time fan, and he always keeps an excellent selection in stock, covering a range of terroirs and vintages. From the "racy, intense, and very well-detailed" 2019 La Pierrelée for under $20 to the 1er Cru Côte de Léchet from the modern-classic 2017 vintage, the incontestable value is evident. A "sophisticated and precise" library 2015 vintage of the flagship Château Grenouilles Grand Cru is the icing on the cake of this superb collection of Chablis standouts that will make welcome additions to any Burgundy lover's summer line-up. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2020 La Chablisiènne Chablis "La Finage" $19.99 [View]( 2019 La Chablisiènne Chablis "La Sereine" 91 $19.99 [View]( 2019 La Chablisiènne Chablis "La Pierrelée" 91 $19.99 [View]( 2019 La Chablisiènne Chablis "Les Vénérables" 91 $24.99 [View]( 2020 La Chablisiènne Chablis 1er Cru "Grande Cuvée" 91 $29.99 [View]( 2017 La Chablisiènne Chablis 1er Cru "Côte de Léchet" 92 $34.99 [View]( 2018 La Chablisiènne Chablis 1er Cru "Vaulorent" 94 $39.99 [View]( 2015 La Chablisiènne Chablis Grand Cru "Château Grenouilles" 93 $59.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Fallet-Dart: Magnificent Champagnes from a Direct-Import Favorite One of our cornerstone direct-import producers in Champagne, Fallet-Dart has a well-established track record of excellence with buyer Gary Westby. These long-standing best sellers now have a devoted following among our most ardent bubbles fans and for good reason—you'd be hard-pressed to find a better combination of price and quality in the entire category. The sub-$35 Cuvée de Réserve, unofficially a blanc de noirs blend of the two Pinots, is a "round, full bodied Champagne [that's] generous in every way" and one of the unbeatable values in Champagne. The true treasures in the portfolio, however, are a pair of single-vineyard, vintage stunners a quite simply two of the best Champagnes we carry at any price, both hailing from the incredible Clos du Mont, a prized old-vine vineyard in the Marne. From the outstanding 2006 vintage (although not labeled as such), the Quercus is a thrilling 80/20 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the crown jewel of the domaine is the indescribably enchanting Clos du Mont from the epic 2004 vintage. As Gary describes, "Any Champagne fan should taste this at least once. Most everything of this quality costs more than double." Item Name Retail Link Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne $32.99 [View]( Fallet-Dart "Grande Sélection" Brut Champagne $34.99 [View]( Fallet-Dart "Quercus" Brut Champagne (2006) $64.99 [View]( Fallet-Dart "Clos du Mont" Brut Champagne (2004) $79.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Whiteley's Many Ways to Enjoy Gin There is perhaps no more consistenly reliable summer cocktail spirits than gin, and spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley has a surefire list of options for any cocktail enthusiast. Of course, the classic concoctions call for the classic style, and it doesn't more classic than London Dry. The always impeccable Bombay Sapphire is a must behind any bar, and for those looking for London Dry experience in a craft specimen, look no further than Hayman's and Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength, the latter being "ideal for martinis" according to Wine Enthusiast's 94-point review. The esoteric/modern style is well represented in a pair of rare Spanish stunners—the Alkkemist, a rare Spanish craft stunner that's only distilled during the full moon phase of the lunar cycle; and the Gin Maré Capri, a Mediterranean style charmer made in highly limited quantities. Item Name Score Retail Link Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin (750ml) $24.99 [View]( Hayman's London Dry Gin (750ml) 90 $26.99 [View]( Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength London Dry Gin (750ml) (Previously $40) 94 $31.99 [View]( Alkkemist Spanish Gin (750ml) $39.99 [View]( Gin Mare "Capri" Limited Edition Mediterranean Gin (700ml) $44.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Serious Side of Provence Rosé with Keith Mabry Rhône buyer Keith Mabry has the enviable beat of Provence, so he's simply awash in the world's favorite rosés each summer. But while the region is obviously well known for its plethora of easy-drinking crowd pleasers, there are also some elevated examples that show just how exceptional rosé can be when it's made with serious committment and care. One of the great value buys in the entire store, the Commanderie de La Bargemone is an organically grown, sub-$20 overachiever with "juicy and sharply focused" concentration per Vinous' 91-point review. The regions of Cassis and Bandol are the hotbeds for high-end rosé with the capacity to age and evolve. Domaine du Bagnol's Grenache-dominated Cassis rosé is always one of our most sought-after and quickest to sell-out, as it's always a smart bet to lay down for a year or two and let it show its true potential. In terms of cellar-worthy rosé, howver, Bandol is the undisputed epicenter. While most collectors and connoisseurs eagerly await the arrival of the coveted Tempier, we strongly suggest you get familiar with the equally spectacular Château Pradeaux. At half the price of Tempier, Pradeaux's wines are every bit as deep, concentrated, structured, and classic. This is as serious as rosé gets and will reward several years in a cool cellar. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2021 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé 91 $16.99 [View]( 2021 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé $27.99 [View]( 2021 Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé $29.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [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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