K&L Top 10 Picks - July

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday Jul 10th, 2017 [View in Browser]( Each month we dig through our inventory of several thousand hand-picked wines and spirits, and come up with a list of our Top 10 selections on KLWines.com Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2013 Vidal-Fleury Côtes-du-Rhône 95 $12.99 [View]( 2014 Château Saint Roch "Kerbuccio" Maury Sec 93 $15.99 [View]( 2014 Obsidian Ridge "Obsidian Ridge Vineyard" Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 92 $25.99 [View]( 2009 Branas Grand Poujeaux, Moulis 90 $29.99 [View]( 2012 Rippon "Rippon" Mature Vine Pinot Noir Lake Wanaka Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $50+) 96 $39.99 [View]( 2013 Au Bon Climat "Knox Alexander" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 96 $42.99 [View]( 2014 Roberts + Rogers "Louer Family" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 94 $59.99 [View]( 2011 Proprietà Sperino Lessona 96 $69.99 [View]( 2014 Montrose, St-Estèphe 97 $129.99 [View]( Wild Turkey "Master's Keep - Decades" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $129.99 [View]( [2013 Vidal-Fleury Côtes-du-Rhône]( [2013 Vidal-Fleury Côtes-du-Rhône]( ($12.99) 95 points Decanter: "Enjoys a deep nose with white pepper, graphite notes and bright red fruits. The palate is powerful and intense with black cherry and dark, muscular berry fruit, crisp acid and some neat, grippy, slightly salted tannins. The finish is long with berries and spice." (06/2016) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Cotes du Rhone is mostly Grenache and Syrah, and has a classic southern Rhone feel in its earthy dark fruits, pepper, lavender and spice-laced personality. Made in an easy drinking, fresh, correct style, it has plenty to like and will drink well for 3-4 years.Run by Guy Sarton du Jonchay, Vidal Fleury is a perennial source for high quality wines that won't break the bank. (JD)" (12/2015) Wine Spectator: "This still has some guts despite the slightly late release, with cherry and plum paste notes inlaid with a solid dose of roasted alder. A bit woodsy in feel, but the graphite edge adds cut on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2018. (JM)" (04/2017) Jancis Robinson: "Tank/cask sample. 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan and other varieties. Four months in foudres and stainless steel. Rich and complete. Nice peppery note. An interesting wine." (10/2014) Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 12, 2017 Last year, the Vidal-Fleury was one of our biggest Rhone success stories. I initially approached this wine with some hesitation as 2013 is a restrained vintage (which I usually prefer) and Vidal Fleury is a large co-op based in the northern Rhone (which is not necessarily a bad thing). A strong review from the likes of Decanter Magazine can do a lot to sway my attention as my flavor palate and theirs have a tendency to align. So taste it I did and impressive it was. Sumptuous red fruit was surrounded by flavors of Indian spices and potpourri. A delicious wine well worth the price of admission. The wine sold through in less than two months and we thought it long gone. But, a new chapter is written in this story. I recently met with a representative from Vidal-Fleury and lo and behold, they had uncovered about 100 cases in their warehouse on the east coast. My interest piqued, we tasted the sample she had brought along to make sure everything was still in order. Not to be hyperbolic, but the wine showed better than any of the other samples I had tasted previously. Beautiful integration and finer tannins just meant an even more winsome bottle of wine. So here we are again with what has proven to be one of your favorites and definitely one of our favorites and only a limited supply to be had. Take advantage now because it seems unlikely we will uncover more of this beautiful little find. Barr]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 23, 2017 We have carried the Rhone Valley productions from Vidal-Fleury for well over ten years, with the bulk of the production selections being the Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge, which have been consistently wonderful near-term drinkers. And, just as I was beginning to wonder when this Northern Rhône Valley house was ever going to release their 2013, it arrived here in June {2017}. They must have felt that the 2013, since it is a much more reserved type of vintage, needed some extra bottle time development to show itself in a much better fashion. And it dose! Medium-deep ruby in color, this Grenache/Syrah base wine offers a lovely, distinctive bouquet of white pepper, anise, and violet-like qualities with undertones of truffles and forest floor to underbrush notes. Lush, broad, round, well-structured, yet balanced palate impressions lead to a warm, fleshy finish that lingers well. Rusty thinks that this Gem is a perfect wine to go with our occasional cassoulet and that I need to bring home several cases of it for our near term consumption for the next three to six years. A REALLY NICE VALUE! ***** 14.0% ABV ***** --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Château Saint Roch "Kerbuccio" Maury Sec]( [2014 Château Saint Roch "Kerbuccio" Maury Sec]( ($15.99) 90-93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre and 20% Carignan that was aged in 50% new demi-muids, the 2014 Kerbuccio Maury Sec has an inky color to go with lots of upfront black raspberry, cassis, licorice, wilder herbs and violet-like aromas and flavors. Coming all from the black schist soils of the newly created Maury Sec AOC, this full-bodied, sexy, supple and yet still fresh and lively 2014 will drink nicely on release and have 4-5 years or evolution. I dont think it has the depth of the 2013, but its not far off. Jean-Marc Lafages Maury-based estate, Saint Roch pulls from vines planted on the black schist soils around Maury, but ALSO from the more cooler, more granite-dominated terroirs around the villages of Lesquerde and Saint Paul de Fenouillet. As I stated last year, these wines represent incredible values. (JD)" (04/2015) Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 02, 2017 Jean-Marc Lafage delivers once again from his OTHER property located in the Maury appellation of the Roussillon. This smaller estate produces richer wines which the region of Maury is itself famous. The black and brown slate soils are ideal for Grenache and produce gorgeous full-bodied reds. The Kerbuccio itself is full of ripe blue and black fruit flavors, with subtle notes of fresh thyme, rosemary and Indian spices. This is a slight step back in intensity from the 2013 which to me, adds more immediate appeal. It is beautifully fruited, savory and ready to drink with an herb crusted leg of lamb or some medium rare pork chops straight off the grill. Majeski]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 20, 2017 Maury recently underwent a Sec change! Not a typo, but a reference to the Roussillon-based AOC that split in 2011, with the original region named Maury Doux (for its fortified Vin Doux Naturel wines) and the new one Maury Sec (dry table wines). Cultivated on unique schist and granite soils, this embracing, dark and unambiguously seductive red reflects the distinct terroir of the ruggedly beautiful Agly Valley. A dazzling kaleidoscope of wildflowers, fruit and spices from cherries, blueberries and plums to violets, potpourri and balsamic flood the palate, with mineral notes that bring to mind the scent of spring rains. Plenty to admire here, so dazzle yourself with a bottle or two. Live wine and prosper! Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 10, 2017 I had certain expectations for the 2014 Chateau Saint Roch before I tasted it. I've had plenty of Syrah/Grenache/Carignan blends in the past--but this one really surprised me. I got a ton of lighter red fruits: small red cherries, and strawberries on the nose, complemented by a graceful floral note that I wasn't expecting at all. Topping it all off there was a clear note of brown sugar emanating from the glass. Great body and texture, there was a touch of heat on the finish. The clean fruitiness of the Mourvedre and Carignan really shines in this wine and ultimately leads to a drinking experience that is distinctive, sleek and modern. That's a whole lot of wine for $16. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Obsidian Ridge "Obsidian Ridge Vineyard" Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Obsidian Ridge "Obsidian Ridge Vineyard" Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($25.99) 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is also a winner, slightly more open and precocious, but with plenty of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, striking minerality (no doubt from the Obsidian rocks) and a full-bodied, luscious, juicy style with a voluptuous texture. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.The black rocks of Obsidian Ridge in Lake County, at an elevation of 2,600 feet, make it one of the more distinctive terroirs in Northern California. Geologists have said that the soils have to be a minimum of 10,000 years old, which perhaps explains the high quality of these wines, which are selling at modest prices. (RP)" (10/2016) K&L Notes: Don't let this wine's reasonable price scare you off. Paying top dollar for a Napa wine isn't the only way to get a top-quality Cabernet. The offering from Obsidian Ridge is a blend of six blocks from their own vineyard in Lake County, aged in Hungarian oak barrels for 18 months, and blended with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The fruit is pure and bright, tending toward the blackberry and plum end of the spectrum and underscored by mocha, cinnamon and warm nutmeg spice. The tannins are big but ripe, and just need a little air or time in your cellar to soften. This wine has the bones to last for up to a decade. Keilman]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017 There are some wines you recommend because they fit a certain style and/or price point that a customer is looking for and there are some wines you recommend because you really like them. The Obsidian Ridge checks all of those boxes. This is my go to California Cab. I love the spice from the Hungarian oak. I love the full body richness that comes from the Lake County AVA. I love the concentration of fruit yet fresh acidity that comes from the 2600ft above sea level vines. I just love this wine. Boyce]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 23, 2017 Once again, what is this Obsidian Ridge Cabernet bottle far surpasses the price point! The fruit for this wine comes from an incredible, obsidian glass laden vineyard and is aged in Hungarian Oak. Fresh blackberry and black currant fruit, with a hint of blueberry, jumps out of the glass, with layers of baking spices, minerality, beautifully integrated oak, and medium tanin lending plenty of complexity and intrigue. Lake County has long been supplying fruit to many favorite Napa wineries, so put aside the designation and try this wonderful cab for what is inside the glass and not on the label - you will not regret it! Vidales]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 21, 2017 This Cabernet from Lake County is a truly delicious find! The texture is round, structured and rich with deep, dark fruit and a lovely sweet spice component. The 100% Hungarian oak that's used gives this wine a unique character and isn't seen much in domestic cab production. This is one of my favorite cabs under $30! [Anthony Russo]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 19, 2017 This great value cabernet from Lake County instantly makes it's presence know with a full, dark fruit bouquet, matching its deep ruby color. On the palate, black berry, cherry, and plum flavors are supported by inviting, ripe tannins and lively acidity that will leave you wanting another sip from the glass or bite of saucy pastas and juicy meats. Norton]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2017 I invite you to find a high elevation, single vineyard Cabernet from Napa that won't set you back less than one-hundred dollars. It simply doesn't exist. This wine is dense and structured, with notes of black fruit, blackcurrant, fennel seed and minerals. Many forget to consider the fact that Lake County is bordered by Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties, three high profile designations that command a higher price point. To me, Lake County is synonymous for Value Town, and I plan to exploit the price to quality ratio for the benefit of my cellar until the masses finally catch up. Gittings]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2017 This Cabernet is exactly what I expect from California. On the nose, there is loads of blackberries that is accompanied by subtle hits of coffee, and licorice. On the palate, rich velvety tannin is balanced with elegant dark berries, a touch of cinnamon, and juicy acid. This is one of my favorite Cabernet's for the price. Pick one up for now and second one for a couple years from now. Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2017 Easily one of the best values in refined, detailed, and delicious domestic cabs in the store. It has a profile that would sell for twice as much if it were labeled Napa and is one of the reference-point Lake County bottlings. Aromatically it is pure Cabernet all the way as black and blue fruits line the palate. It is the textural refinement that steals the show as it adds a signature and dimension to Obsidian Ridge that other wines in this range just don't have. Always a best-seller, the 2014 is another home run. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2009 Branas Grand Poujeaux, Moulis]( [2009 Branas Grand Poujeaux, Moulis]( ($29.99) 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A sleeper of the vintage from the backwater appellation of Moulis, the 2009 Branas Grand Poujeaux is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot. A big-time wine, opaque purple in color, with loads of cassis, smoke, incense and licorice as well as an earthiness reminiscent of a St.-Estephe, this wine is full-bodied and long, with sweet tannin and an overall classic constitution. It can be approached now but should age nicely for 15-20 years. (RP)" (12/2011) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Clearly ripe, with a juicy core of dark fig, cassis and blackberry flavors. This keeps a nice old-school edge on the finish though, thanks to contrasting notes of roasted chestnut and tobacco leaf. Solid. Drink now through 2019. (Web Only-2012)" K&L Notes: Spicy, fat and lush on the palate. Another great 2009 and a neighbor of Poujeaux. Moreira]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 03, 2017 There's something about the terroir of Moulis, that I find irresistible. The Branas is no exception. Very elegant and soft palate, with notes of cocoa powder, earth, and tobacco. I did decant it before serving and it was marvelous. Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 20, 2017 Another delicious and over achieving 2009. This is juicy and lush with earthy black raspberry cream throughout the substantial middle. Typical of this vintage, this can be consumed now or aged for 10 or more years. Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 30, 2017 I love 2009 Bordeaux so it was a pleasure to taste this recently. Although it's big and rich, it has surprisingly fresh acidity and substantial tannins as well. What makes this especially enticing is the full-bodied palate of sweet black fruit and the long finish. It's certainly nice now with aeration but will only improve with a couple additional years in the cellar. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2012 Rippon "Rippon" Mature Vine Pinot Noir Lake Wanaka Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $50+)]( [2012 Rippon "Rippon" Mature Vine Pinot Noir Lake Wanaka Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $50+)]( ($39.99) 96 points James Suckling: "This is the mature-vine assemblage of the entire property and has a more granitic, schist, wet-stone and rock edge as well as delicate perfumes and hints of pepper, not to mention poached raspberries and cherry fruit. Great depth and weight and good phenolic concentration. It's all saturated in dark cherry flavors and plenty of tannins. No compromise in detail. Best from 2018, but will grow well past that." 93 points Wine Spectator: "Balances elegance and power, with juicy plum and black cherry flavors that are structured and plush, showing plenty of licorice, dried lavender and star anise aromatics. Gains momentum on the finish, lingering with a note of chai tea. Drink now through 2025." K&L Notes: My first impression of Rippon vineyard on the shores of Lake Wanaka in Central Otago was that some rich guy probably just planted a vineyard in a spectacularly scenic location and I assumed (on that basis) that the wines were likely to be terrible. I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only is Rippon a serious contender for the most visually beautiful vineyard on earth; it also issues up some of the world's finest wines. Rippon is a multi-generational farm currently under the custodianship of Nick Mills, his family and a small dedicated team. The vines are farmed according to biodynamic principals with the utmost care and respect for this unique piece of land. Similarly the resulting wines are very gently nurtured and beautifully reflect the terroir. Nick's training at the prestigious Lycée Viticole in Beaune and time working in the cellars of some of the Burgundy's most revered Domains (DRC included) is evident in his Pinot Noirs not because they taste or feel like Burgundy but because they taste and feel like Rippon. His time in Burgundy and passionate belief in the uniqueness of this land ultimately guides him to allow the wines to faithfully reflect whatever the season determines. The ability to encapsulate this sense of time, place and culture is the true magic of winemaking. (Ryan Woodhouse - K&L NZ Wine Buyer) Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 23, 2017 This is a world class Pinot Noir. It has beautiful aromatics and dry red fruit flavors that are layered with mineral undertones. This is all put together to form an elegant package. You get a lot of wine for this price. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 22, 2017 If you love Pinot, click and buy this now. I'll wait. Do it. You will not regret it. If this is not the best Pinot in the store, than it is one of the top 5, regardless of price. This captures Pinot at its most beguiling. It is simply pure but complex. Subtle but intense. Delicate but powerfully structured. Open knit but concentrated. Immediate but reserved. And somehow all of these words fail. Buy some before the staff buys it all. Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017 This Pinot Noir is an amazing representation of what you get when you blend vineyards from completely different soil sources clay, schist gravels, and glacial moraine all combine to make this wine incredibly complex and enticing. This is a unique estate blend from an organic and biodynamic producer from a cool, but incredibly high quality vintage. All components of this wine come together in perfect balance. Otagos cool climate adds freshness and brightness, while the long sunny days bring the fruit to just enough ripeness to highlight the best elements. The clay soils contribute a richness and body to the wine, while the schist highlights earthy notes. This is my favorite NZ Pinot Noir in the store and is something no one should miss. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017 What an outstanding price for one of the top producers in Central Otago Pinot Noir! We have long been proponents of the serious, incredibly well-made wines of Rippon. Nick Mills, the winemaker has both an phenomenal palate, and a fantastic background of wine making on which to draw. In the 2012 vintage we see a classic Rippon Pinot Noir, well-balanced with medium body, displaying strawberry and blackberry notes intermixed with savory, brambly elements, and plenty of structure to age for the long haul. Both elegant and serious, with a wealth of layered flavors, it is easy to see the quality here. Stanley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 17, 2017 Wow! If you are looking for a bone dry, focused and powerful pinot noir at an exceptional price point, this is your wine. Aromas of white pepper, tea rose, cinnamon, baked strawberry and savory herbs abound. The palate is light bodied with balanced acidity, and hints of cardamom and red apple skin. A clean finish tells a story of terroir, with blasts of wet rock and lingering minerality. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Au Bon Climat "Knox Alexander" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir]( [2013 Au Bon Climat "Knox Alexander" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir]( ($42.99) 96 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* The condensed pomegranate aroma on the nose of this bottling from Jim Clendenen is beautifully spiced with star anise, tobacco leaf, dried ginger and cinnamon. The palate shows chai and Indian spice-accents to the cranberry fruit that rides a fine line between ripe and tart. Although light in body, the tannic structure is firm enough to cellar for decades. Drink now-2033." (08/2017) 95 points Vinous: "The 2013 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is bright, focused and beautifully delineated. A wine of precision and focus, the 2013 exudes energy from start to finish. The Knox Alexander emerges from Bien Nacido's north-facing, hillside Block 11. A touch of whole clusters adds aromatic nuance, while the oak, mostly new, is deftly balanced. The 2013 is striking. It's as simple as that. Jim Clendenen moves from strength to strength with this superb range of wines. Clendenen seems to be enjoying a sort of late career Renaissance now that he is making wines again in his own, personal style while so many of the values he has long championed have been adopted by today's younger generation. This is an impressive set of wines to say the least. Best of all, prices for most of these wines remain very fair in today's world. I can't recommend these new releases highly enough. (AG)" (09/2016) K&L Notes: By now it is certainly no secret how much we like the wines from Au Bon Climat. We've been inundating you with classy, structured, energetic wines from them for some time now including a series of vintages, dating back to 2012, that we make with them. This wine, commemorating the birth of Jim Clendenen's son Knox was first made in 1998 and is a "best parcel" selection from the two main vineyards that Au Bon Climat works with: Bien Nacido Vineyard and Le Bon Climat Vineyard. Long a counter to Au Bon Climat's "Isabelle" bottling, which is a best barrel selection, the Knox is always top notch on every level and is a true Pinot Noir lovers delight. (Bryan Brick, K&L) Brick]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 19, 2017 The 2013 Knox bottling from Au Bon Climat is ethereal, energetic and flat out wonderful. It is rare that I compare Domestic Pinot Noir to Burgundy, so often are those comparisons thrown out into the conversation and so infrequently do they hold any merit, but yet this wine compels me to do so as I believe it appeals to the Burgundy crowd equally as much as the Domestic drinkers. The main reason: the wines feel. From nose to finish this wine is reminiscent of those great Burgundies that transcend place and just become great wines. Heavily perfumed, but subtle at the same time the wines nose is packed with rhubarb, pomegranate husk, gunflint, crushed pebbles and a youthful barrel toast. Sunny and fresh on the palate this has an undercurrent of iron rich bloodiness and earthy savor keeping the serious mélange of cherry flesh, shaved fennel, whole raspberries, amaro spice and floral material from becoming too ripe, or edgy. This is just a superb food wine now with the power to go with something rich like porchetta or be the lithe background note to a simple fresh salad. The best thing about this bottle may be watching its evolution, my guess is this wine is going to pick up body and heft as it ages and will be a treat to drink over the next 12-18 years. Bruno]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 19, 2017 This bottling from Au Bon Climat derives its name from winemaker Jim Clendenens son, Knox. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the finest lots of the estate Le Bon Climat and Bien Nacido Vineyard. Jim spent many years learning winemaking in Burgundy, and its therefore no surprise that this wine has a very distinct Burgundian soul. Aromas of dark cherry, ripe delicious apple, and white pepper are complemented with an earthy undertone of potting soil and bushes. On the palate, notes of raspberry and red cherry come to the table, followed by cocoa powder and soft vanilla. This wines texture is well balanced, with silky tannins being complimented by elevated acidity. It opens up quite nicely after decanting. A fantastic food pairing wine; would be perfect with Chinese Five-Spice rubbed duck breast Gittings]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 19, 2017 Au Bon Climat consistently makes exceptional wines that embody their terroir with precision and elegance. The fruit picked for this bottling is from the best blocks from their most famous vineyards, Le Bon Climat and Bien Nacido. The wine is refined and sophisticated, loaded with soft velvety tannin that seamlessly flows through across the palate. Bright cherries, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla are all found but, the clarity and texture really shine. Stanley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 11, 2017 The vintner of Au Bon Climat, Jim Clendenen, takes the creation of his small-batch Pinot Noir very seriously. Having lived and worked in Burgundy for many years, he took that knowledge with him to the Santa Maria Valley, and began creating exceptionally high-quality Pinot with minimal interference in Mother Nature's processes, placing an emphasis on place and varietal. The Knox Alexander is particularly special as it is not only the top barrel select Pinot Noir of Au Bon Climat, coming from the Estate vineyards, but it's named after Clendenen's own son, Knox Alexander. The wine is light bodied and paler in hue than many California Pinot Noirs, but the palate is extraordinarily condensed in flavor, and the varietal's natural spice components shine through. Knox Alexander has an elegant acidity, with unique aromas and flavors of five spice, cardamom and black and white pepper. Norton]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 09, 2017 There's a reason why ABC Pinot Noir is frequently peppered into blind Burgundy tastings: because it's about as Burgundian (a term I often wince at...) as non-Burgundy gets. Racy and linear, these are some of the highest quality domestic Pinot Noirs (and Chardonnays) on the market today, period. Racy red fruit, dusty earth, wild herbs and a spicy undertone to round it out. Drink it now or put it down for 10+ years. Up to you. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Roberts + Rogers "Louer Family" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2014 Roberts + Rogers "Louer Family" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($59.99) 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Louer Family hails from St. Helena. Slightly more backward and dense, this is a more substantial 2014, with a dense ruby/purple color, loads of crème de cassis, black cherry, earth and spice. It is full-bodied, rich, concentrated and impressively endowed. It is accessible enough to drink now, but promises to be better in 3-4 years and evolve for up to 15 or more. (RP)" (12/2016) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2011 Proprietà Sperino Lessona]( [2011 Proprietà Sperino Lessona]( ($69.99) 96 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* Tilled earth, underbrush, rose petal, perfumed berry, aromatic herb and a balsamic note are some of the many alluring scents you'll find on this gorgeous red. The juicy palate is both earthy and loaded with finesse, doling out ripe dark cherry, raspberry, pipe tobacco, licorice and energizing mineral. Firm, polished tannins provide structure. It's already almost accessible but will continue to evolve and age beautifully. Drink from 2019 through 2029. (KO)" (02/2017) K&L Notes: Praise for the producer's 2011 vintage from Antonio Galloni: "This is another superb set of new releases from father and son team Paolo and Luca De Marchi at Proprietà Sperino. With each passing year, the wines keep getting better and better. In particular, the flagship Lessona shows just how expressive Nebbiolo can be in these tiny appellations in the north of Piedmont." (7/2015) St. Clair]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 23, 2017 The nose of this wine is so incredibly sensual; it is the proverbial sirens song. Waves of savory complexity, laurel, cardamom, salted plum, middle-eastern spices fill your nose. On the palate you can tell this is Nebbiolo, theres no doubting the lacy tannic structure that defines the wines size, but the tannins are sweet, long and give the wine length without losing its supple smoothness. The flavors on your palate are once again more savory, dried herbs, salted plum, fresh leather and dried cherries. The finish is long, persistent and reaches every corner of your palate leaving a layer of spice, intrigue and memory. This is a wine that is drinkable nowyet will last another 30 years; the wines from Alto Piemonte are incredibly long-lived and a century ago were Italys most famous, wars, economics, history changed the face of this zone that has only resurfaced in the past few decades as once again some of Italys greatest red wines. The winery is owned by the de Marchi family, the owners of Isole e Olena the famed Chianti producers, this is their original family estate. Vogel]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 09, 2017 Hailing from upper Piemonte near the Swiss border, the Sperino Lessona is filled with dense crushed cherry, bold baking spice and savory tobacco on the nose. The small addition of Vespolina helps build those bold aromatics. The wine is fermented with natural yeast and is kept on it's skins for just under three weeks giving it structure and depth. Some lees aging before bottling adds to the full-bodied texture of the wine. It is held to age in bottle for a few years before release to allow the structure of the wine to integrate. When I first opened the bottle the tannins were filled with baking spice and had almost a granulated texture, but when I tasted it a few hours later, the structure was focused and elongated. It is a beautiful wine filled with complex fruit and spice character that is completely delicious now, but could continue to age for the next 5+ years. Downing]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 24, 2017 The wines of Lessona normally express a more elegant and aromatic side of Nebbiolo yet possess the ability to age for decades in the best of vintages. 2011 was a departure from the norm as vegetation occurred far earlier than anticipated and the temperatures were unseasonably warm during the summer months. As a result, the Sperino Lessona is ripe and rich with slightly lower acidity than usual making it a bit atypical as it's approachable now. The fruit is flavor-packed and mouth-filling with nicely placed French oak that rounds it out. Although it's delicious now it will definitely cellar well. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 24, 2017 Lessona could be the Priorat of Italy. What does that mean? It was a historically significant region for Nebbiolo with dramatic isolated alpine terraced vineyards. It was almost lost to the pages of history after suffering Phylloxera, WW2, industrialization and urbanization. It was too expensive and difficult to maintain these great sites and they were all but abandoned. But not completely, thankfully. In the last decade we have been seeing more and more very good to great wines coming from this appellation. Sounds kind of like Priorat, right? And like Priorat these wines can challenge the great wines that are being produced elsewhere in Italy. I would gladly insert this wine in a tasting of Barolo and Barbaresco, and it would put quite a few of them to shame. This is a wine of complexity and structure. Notes of macerated red and dark fruits, with spice and balsam notes and floral element too. Fresh acidity and dusty earthy tannins drive this wine through its long finish. This is a compelling wine now but has tremendous cellaring potential. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Montrose, St-Estèphe]( [2014 Montrose, St-Estèphe]( ($129.99) 97 points James Suckling: "Incredible aromas of currants, blackberries, slate and flowers. Full-bodied yet so tight and beautiful with superb polish and brightness. The length is fantastic. Truly superb." (02/2017) 97 points Vinous: "The 2014 Montrose is without question one of the standout wines of the vintage. Black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and lavender are some of the many aromas and flavors that open up in the glass. But the 2014 is a much deeper wine than just a bunch of descriptors can conjure. In 2014, Montrose is a wine of exceptional finesse and polish. The late-ripening vintage allowed for perfect maturation of the tannins and resulted in a silky wine that exudes class and pedigree. The 2014 is not an obvious or bombastic Montrose, but rather a wine of sublime enchantment. Don't miss it! (AG)" (02/2017) 97 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* This is a very fine wine showing a new level of quality at Montrose. With its almost velvet tannins inside the intense black fruits, the wine is rich, smooth and generous. Blackberry and black-plum fruits are to the fore along with the fine acidity and great structure. A wine to age for decades, it will be ready to drink from 2027. (RV)" (02/2017) 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Tasted at the château, the 2014 Montrose builds on the promise it showed in barrel with gorgeous blackberry, raspberry, cedar and orange sorbet scents that are extremely pure and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very precise acidity and layers of crisp black fruit laced with vanilla from the new oak at the moment. That will be subsumed in time. What you have here is a very precise, multi-layered, almost sensual Montrose that is going to delight many for years to come. This is highly recommended--one of the finest Left Bank wines this vintage. (NM)" (03/2017) --------------------------------------------------------------- [Wild Turkey "Master's Keep - Decades" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( [Wild Turkey "Master's Keep - Decades" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( ($129.99) The second release in the Master's Keep series, the Wild Turkey "Decades" is a marriage of casks aged between 10 to 20 years that, in my opinion, is a huge step up from the previous 17 year old release for a number of reasons. The first: it's bottled at a higher 52% ABV that really adds lift and vigor to the richness and spice of the whiskey. Whereas the 17 year was quite mellow and soft having been aged in a brick warehouse off-site, the Decades is bold and quite lively. Second reason: whereas the 17 year was a marriage of similar casks, the Decades is a marriage of whiskies between 10 - 20 years old, carefully constructed so that the best parts of each barrel highlight one another. Think of this as Wild Turkey's version of the Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition - mature casks, blended with skill to create a whiskey greater than the simple sum of its components. Everything about the Decades tastes fantastic. There's plenty of sweetness, a roundness of fruit, loads of baking spices like clove and cinnamon, and a bold, mouthwatering finish. There's no need to add water, but you can if you like. Perhaps the whiskey's greatest strength is its immediate accessibility and gorgeous bottle, making it the perfect gift for any Bourbon lover. As someone who's tried pretty much every Bourbon in the book, I'm planning on adding the Decades to my collection. But I can just as easily imagine the casual whiskey drinker being absolutely wowed by this. (David Driscoll, K&L Buyer) Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 05, 2017 The Wild Turkey Decades is distinct from your every day Wild Turkey as it contains nearly two decades of production. The concept actually seems crazy considering how much old whiskey is actually in this blend (it's likely 90%+ 15 years old) but the inclusion of both the very old 20 year and the standard 10 year add some incredible edges to the exquisite center. Expect powerful WT spice on the nose pointed with sweet burnt sugars, cedar, spearmint, cocoa and blackberry jam. The old whiskey comes forward on the palate allowing some of those mahogany and roasted walnut flavors out from behind the bold spice and sweet oak. The finish is long a pleasing, leaving you with just the right amount of Tellicherry pepper to balance the sweet fruit. For sales purposes I wish I could say this is 100% over 15 years old, but honestly the balance between young and old does wonders here and I'm certain that it would be a lesser whiskey without the inclusion of the powerful young WT. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017 This has a complex yet humble nose. It is warm, generous and inviting with a mellow sweetness backed with just the rights amounts of spice on the nose. For being 104 proof it doesn't need any water. That extra hint of heat drives the long finish on this extra fine Bourbon. Stevens]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017 Finding both rare and extremely good bourbon that can be a gift (for you or if necessary someone else) has become a difficult task. Good, aged bourbon is increasingly scarce in the market, and while I love just good everyday bourbon sometimes you need that bottle that will catch the eye and the imagination. Enter the Wild Turkey Decades, the new expression from Master's Keep collection. Essentially this is a blend of carefully selected barrels of older Wild Turkey, the nose is warm, sweet and inviting with vanilla and candy corn notes. The palate shows a soft richness with rising heat and spice from the 104 proof. This bottle showcase the depth and breadth of Wild Turkey that few other places can boast, a supple smoothness that speaks to craft. Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017 This Bourbon offers what a mature whiskey should. It has concentrated flavors that are subtle and delicate . It is mellow and easy to drink with caramel and honey notes that are harmonious. This Bourbon is about nuance and flavor. What really stands out is the long delicious finish. Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017 I feel strongly that this Decades bottling from Wild Turkey is the best Bourbon in the store, and I haven't tasted anything this good in a long time. Instead of doing a series of single barrel releases to go after collectors money, Eddie Russell has put together a masterpiece by blending some of the best stuff in the vast Wild Turkey stocks. The synergy of these whiskeys is obvious at first sniff, and I have to pinch myself when I get to taste something this good at work! This has cream, caramel, and a hint of something savory that makes it beguiling to return to. If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable bottle, look no further! --------------------------------------------------------------- There are now several K&L email lists, where wine enthusiasts like yourself can sign up for categories that interest you. Visit [Email Preferences]( to find out more. Automate the effort to find your favorite wines! Our waiting list "keyword matching" program sends you an email when a wine matching your individual keywords comes into our inventory. Find more information or get started with your [waiting list for keywords]( in the My Account section of our site. From the home page of our site you can view a listing of all New Arrivals as well as items that are Coming Soon. In addition right there in the middle of the home page there is a link to our Best Sellers. We offer five excellent wine clubs and a new exclusive Personal Sommelier Service, that allow you to sample outstanding wines from all over the world. Due to our bulk purchase power and longstanding relationships, the quality and value offered by these clubs are tremendous. Unlike winery clubs where you typically taste the same wines year after year, our clubs offer phenomenal variety that is strictly selected by our panel of buyers. [See for yourself](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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