Special Feature - Featuring Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and more...

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday Aug 14th, 2017 [View in Browser]( [Special Commomwealth Feature]( the middle of winter down in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, while here in California a relentless summer has made the saturating rains of the 2016–17 season (the second-wettest winter since records began) nothing but a distant memory! And so here I will set out a few bright, refreshing summer wines not to be missed. In the pages that follow, my colleagues and I will run through some of the latest and greatest wines from the Southern Hemisphere that we have come across in the past few months—plus some new sparkling wines from southern England! Kirk Walker waxes poetic about the stunning wines of the historic Rustenberg estate on the slopes of Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, South Africa (pictured above). Stefanie Juelsgaard has done a fantastic job of putting into words the magic wines of Virginia Willcock at Vasse Felix in Margaret River, Western Australia. I will do my best to convince you that Australian Chardonnays should be on the radar of every lover of the varietal (California and Burgundy drinkers alike) as their strength, diversity and quality continue to reach new heights. OK, now back to a summer-sipping, porch-pounding, smashable selection of wines to see you through the next heat wave that is undoubtedly not far away. Ryan Woodhouse - K&L Commonwealth Wine Buyer [View our electronic newsletter!]( Highlights this month include... Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20) 91 Price: Hidden [View]( 2016 Bayten Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 92 $12.99 [View]( 2013 Yalumba "Triangle Block" Shiraz-Viognier Eden Valley South Australia 93 $14.99 [View]( 2016 Auntsfield Estate "Single Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc Southern Valleys Marlborough 98 $15.99 [View]( 2015 Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch South Africa 95 $17.99 [View]( 2014 Elephant Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah 94 $19.99 [View]( 2010 Wiston Blanc de Blanc West Sussex England 94 $39.99 [View]( 2013 Wiston "South Downs Cuvée" Brut West Sussex England 95 $39.99 [View]( 2014 Woodlands "Margaret" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River (Previously $50.00) 96 $39.99 [View]( 2015 Te Mata "Coleraine" Bordeaux Blend Hawke's Bay 98 $69.99 [View]( [2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20)]( [2014 Jim Barry "Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra South Australia (Elsewhere $20)]( Price: Hidden 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." Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 20, 2017 Classic Coonawarra Cab for a song. Jim Barry is one of the best known wineries in South Australia's Clare Valley. Founded in the 1950's Jim Barry has produced some of Australia's most heralded wines, namely the "Armagh" with more than ten 95-99+ point Advocate scores in it's history. Whilst being recognized as one of the countries top producers, what I love about Jim Barry is the incredible value they can deliver with wines like Cover Drive! As an Englishman myself the name based around a shot one might use during a game of Cricket always makes me chuckle. The vines are planted where the village Cricket field once stood. Deep in this wine's rich red fruit and and exotic spices I think I can still pick up some leather and willow! Bad jokes aside, this is delicious Cabernet with real varietal character and freshness. A classic Coonawarra profile for probably less than half the price I would expect to pay for a wine of this quality. This is a bargain. Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2017 A congenial wine that is chock-full of classic Coonawarra character: blackberry, cherry, mint and baking spices. This is a lip-smacking wine with bright acidity, fine tannin and spice on the finish. Invite friends over, fire up the grill and serve this with those burgers that you're famous for. Summer is here. Stevens]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2017 A surprisingly serious Cab from South Australia, this has been consistently good in the past few vintages that I have tasted. Medium-bodied with ripe berry notes, this wine does not get overly ripe or jammy. Instead a lovely acid core drives it forward and fine tannin runs along and coats the palate. Notes of mint and eucalyptus mingle with the layers of currant and blackberry making this a wonderful food wine that will go beautifully with lamb or beef. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 21, 2017 Coonawarra for less than $20!? This has a dark, rich nose with red fruits, oak spice and eucalyptus. Full bodied with plush tannins round mouth feel and a touch of earth on the finish. A great everyday Cab. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 20, 2017 Yeeesssssss.......pure-fruited, elegant, low alcohol (13.5%) cabernet from Coonawarra for fifteen bucks! As a passionate Bordeaux drinker, I have to say I've become a bit smitten with the cabs of Australia over the last year, mainly because they offer many of the subtle nuances and earthy undertones that I enjoy from the Medoc wines. The Barry "Cover Drive" is a great example of that crossover potential. There's fruit, but it's layered with spice and notes of brush, so it's never overtly ripe or too supple. The finish is lean and mean--none of that new oak nonsense and clean with elegant tannins. It's a whole 'lotta wine for the money. Grab a few for the mid-week and save your Pichon-Baron for a fancier weekend dinner. 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 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) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Pale bright yellow. Complex nose melds orange blossom, stone and tropical fruits, wild herbs and pepper. Plush, fruity, slightly sweet and concentrated, lifted by a floral quality and framed by integrated acidity. Finishes tactile, saline and persistent." 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. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Yalumba "Triangle Block" Shiraz-Viognier Eden Valley South Australia]( [2013 Yalumba "Triangle Block" Shiraz-Viognier Eden Valley South Australia]( ($14.99) 93 points Wine & Spirits: " *Best Buy* A modern take on an old-fashioned style of Eden Valley Shiraz, this is bold in flavor but not at all massive - more about stamina and grace than density and weight. Its flavors of red currants, jasmine and tar have forthright power, a zesty blast of Shiraz spice that leaves a clean, fresh taste in its wake. This performs far above its price, a wine to buy by the case and enjoy this winter into spring." Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017 For those in the know Eden Valley is a very special place. Sitting adjacent to its more famous neighbor Barossa Valley (though often lumped in together) the higher elevation and cooler climate of Eden produces a very different breed of Aussie Shiraz. The wines from here, as exemplified by this fantastic release from Yalumba, have beautiful balance and finesse to go along with the powerful fruit and richness Aussie Shiraz is known for. The fruit is fragrant, juicy and vibrant (likely elevated by the dash of Viognier in the ferment). The wine has lovely exotic spice, some floral notes and savory elements like peppered bacon and hot stones. This is still a medium to full bodied wine with tons of concentration and power but it has a beautifully judged element of restraint that makes is such a pleasure to drink and very versatile with food. At this ludicrously low price point I'll certainly be breaking this guy out at plenty of BBQs this summer season - simply unbelievable value for money for a wine of this quality. Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 12, 2017 A bright and spicy Shiraz with the perfect amount of juicy fruit without the opulent texture that many have associated with Australian Shiraz. This is alive with red berry character and that high elevation, cool climate acidity that balances everything out. A great value. Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017 This is an incredibly unique take on Shiraz from Yalumba. This winery has knocked it out of the park with a wine that is mineral driven and more elegant than many Barossa Shiraz's. This wine exhibits the richness that Shiraz in Oz is known to possess, though it manages to do it without any of the overly ripe flabby character. I was pretty blown away by the price on this guy given the value I think it brings to Aussie Shiraz. If you are unfamiliar with Eden Valley, this is the perfect, affordable wine to bring you into the fold. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 26, 2017 Yum! All the juicy flavor of real syrah/shiraz with none of the cloying, overly-sweet, ridiculous ripeness that made most of the genre impossible for me to drink for nearly a decade. This is balanced, savory, perfectly-finessed Northern Rhone style wine with smoked meat aromas and a peppery finish, all for a price that allows daily drinking. I'd recommend anyone with a bias against Aussie shiraz to try a bottle and free their mind. The secret is Eden Valley's higher elevation and cooler climate versus the hotbox that is Barossa. Go deep on this one if you like value and true Rhone style syrah. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Auntsfield Estate "Single Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc Southern Valleys Marlborough]( [2016 Auntsfield Estate "Single Vineyard" Sauvignon Blanc Southern Valleys Marlborough]( ($15.99) 98 points Decanter: "**Highest Rated Premium NZ Sauv Blanc** Beautifully poised and extravagant, with Sauvignon personality...classic mix of fresh and dried herbs fine citrus and tropical passionfruit and peach hints. It's also showing impressive purity and length. Yum! (CB/BC/MB)" 93 points Bob Campbell: "Rich and flavoursome sauvignon blanc with tropical fruit, passionfruit, guava and apricot flavours, plus a seasoning of subtle nutty yeast lees character. Quite a mouthful. Good food wine." 91-92 points Sam Kim: "Bright, very pale straw colour with slight green hues. The nose is full and gently voluminous with aromas of passionfruit and tropical fruits lifted by fresh herbs and some fermentation esters, building to form a soft, deep core. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate features a softly fresh and up-front, luscious array of pungent passionfruit, tropical fruit, herb, floral aromas along with some fresh fermentation esters elements. The mouthfeel is rich, juicy and plush, the fruit balanced by fine textures and mouthwatering acidity. This has good weight and presence, the flavours filling the palate from the deep heart and core. The wine carries to a long and sustained finish of passionfruit and lifted aromatic herbs. This is a softly full and luscious, passionfruity Sauvignon Blanc with good weight and presence, fine textures and softly ripe acidity. Match with Pacific Rim fare over the next 2 years. Predominantly cool-fermented in stainless-steel, with a portion hand-picked, WBP and fermented in seasoned oak to 13.0% alc." Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 08, 2017 This phenomenal vineyard is immaculately tended by the Cowley family.The wine has all youd expect in juicy citrus fruit, white peach, passion fruit and currant leaf. There is also lovely texture from the low yields, clay-rich soils and small portion of fruit that is fermented in neutral French oak. Auntsfield have been on my radar for years so I was delighted to see Decanter Magazine rated their 2016 Sauv Blanc as highest scoring premium NZ Sauvignon Blanc with a whopping 98 points issued by the multi Master of Wine / Master Sommelier panel of reviewers! Our importer direct relationship means we can bring you this benchmark example of Marlborough SB at the shockingly reasonable price of $16.99 --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch South Africa]( [2015 Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch South Africa]( ($17.99) 95 points Decanter: "An impressive Stellenbosch Chardonnay that wouldn't look out of place in Corton-Charlemagne with its complex leesy character. A mosaic of smoke and flint adds considerable interest to this charming wine. Plush aromas of buttery lemons, biscuits and honeydew melon translate well onto the palate. This wine combines power with restraint, richness with acidity, due in part to expertly handled oak. The intensity is palpable, and the flavour and aroma characteristics last a lifetime in the mouth." 91 points Vinous: "Palish bright yellow. Fresh peach, ginger, quinine and nutty vanillin oak aromas are complicated by leesy nuances and aromatic esters. Plush flavors of stone and citrus fruits, marzipan and savory minerals convey an almost exotic ripeness. Boasts lovely glyceral smoothness without any sacrifice of energy or shape. Finishes tactile and long, with lingering stone fruits. Always a gift at its moderate price, this Chardonnay is especially rich and seamless in 2015. (ST)" (05/2017) K&L Notes: Winery Notes: "Rustenberg is a well know producer of high quality Chardonnays and the Stellenbosch Chardonnay embodies our house style. Careful tending and selection in the vineyard followed by tradition wild barrel fermentation and maturation produces a classic Chardonnay balancing the expression of fruit, freshness, full malolactic fermentation and the influence of oak. Tasting Note - Apricot, coconut and orange peel aromas followed by flavours of marzipan, sponge cake and citrus rounded off with carefully judged oak and balanced, fresh acidity . Can be drunk 8+ years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions. Winemaking - Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, wild yeast fermentation in 300L French oak barrels (25% new) and aged on fine lees for 12 months. Full maloactic fermentation." Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2017 *Best Chardonnay under $50 I've tasted all year.* Here at K&L we have always loved the Rustenberg wines but when I saw the 95 point Decanter score drop with comparisons to Corton-Charlemagne I immediately asked our supplier to send us a sample for review. They had the prior vintage in stock so we had to bring this new 2015 release all the way from the importer in Florida and are the first to receive it here in California. But boy was it worth the effort! This wine is simply stunning. It smells, feels and tastes like high-end 1er Cru or Grand Cru Burgundy. What do I mean by that? Well it has that spectacular balance of concentration, power and focus you come to expect from the greatest Chardonnays. The fruit is intricately interwoven with minerals, fine oak and textural lees elements. The ripeness is perfect, the acid line is laser like giving incredible length on the palate. You simply won't believe what a complete wine this is for the money. Hands down one of the best value wines we have in stock. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 02, 2017 This wine comes across like white Burgundy, I do not know if it is the because the granite soils, the coastal wines but for a full malo Chardonnay this wine has freshness and drive that you do not normally see in the new world especially at that price point. The nose is toasty oak and cool fruits. The palate is cool stone fruits, sweet citrus that is framed with very reserved oak. This is will be a go to Chardonnay this summer for me. [Anthony Russo]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2017 A great South African Chardonnay that reminds me of Chablis, but with a touch of light and well integrated oak; no buttered popcorn here. Lemon zesty, lots of granny smith apples, acidic, and sharp aromas make this a great accompaniment to soft cheeses, fatty light meats, or just on its own. Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 17, 2017 After reading the Decanter review, I had to try this for myself. Usually such bold promises at modest price points can be tough to live up to, but this hits the mark with room to spare. I can't say I'm surprised after tasting the remarkable Chardonnay values that our buyer brings in from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand...but this one quickly became my favorite to date. A stunning seamless texture supports a bright, vibrant, balanced Chardonnay that reminds me of the poise and focus of a white Burg at multiples of this price. And although it is rote to grasp for a Burgundy corollary to qualify and Chardonnay, I just couldn't shake the thought while enjoying this bottle. Load up while available and enjoy anytime now or over the next 5 to 10 years. Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 16, 2017 This is delicious Chardonnay and in my opinion is an incredible value at this low price point. It showcases the classic elements of Chardonnay with a touch of oak from the larger hogshead barrel and the rich mouthfeel from full malo. The cool winds of the Stellenbosch area helps to retain the acidity and showcase the soft fruits so the wine is never too ripe or flabby. An easy to choice for any occasion and a great white to stock up on this summer at a much better price point than Napa and Burgundy whites of this quality. Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 13, 2017 There are two wines from South Africa that I swear by, both for myself and for all customer recommendations. One is the Rustenberg John X Merriman cabernet. one of the best thirty dollar wines in the world, and the other is the Rustenberg Stellenbosch chardonnay, which tastes like high-end, balanced, and well-made California chardonnay or white Burgundy for a fraction of the price. In the 2015, you get the whole package: ample fruit, subtle vanilla from the oak, and plenty of acidity to balance out the two aforementioned elements. Not only is this chardonnay absolutely mouthwatering, it's versatile. You can drink it now, put it away until next year, or cellar it for an additional five. It's got the stuffing for the long haul, but it's approachable now. All that for less than twenty bucks. If you only drink one South African wine this year, the Rustenberg chardonnay is a great pick and its indicative of the great quality we've come to expect from the region as a whole. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Elephant Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah]( [2014 Elephant Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah]( ($19.99) 94 points Sam Kim: "Following the fabulous 2013 rendition, this is another gratifying syrah with awesome fruit purity and richness. Fragrant aromas of dark plum, blueberry, floral, cedar and white pepper lead to a succulent palate that is concentrated and richly textured. The wine shows wonderful fruit intensity as well as refinement, and promises to develop beautifully. At its best: 2016 to 2024." 92-93 points Raymond Chan: "Very dark black-red colour with purple hues, near impenetrable. This has a firm nose of blackberry fruit with notes of black pepper intermingling with currant nuances and whole bunch stalk complexities. Dark herbs and mineral emerge along with a suggestion of funky reduction. Medium-full bodied, the palate is firm and concentrated with good depth and rounded density and a sweetly ripe fruit core of luscious black fruits. This shows an integrated array with blackberry, black pepper and subtle spice elements. The oaking and whole cluster components are well-integrated, and the palate reveals subtle game nuances. The tannin extraction and fresh acidity lend energy and liveliness and lead to a long, lingering finish with powdery tannins. This is a firm and concentrated, sweetly ripe Syrah with aromatic whole cluster complexities. Serve with Middle Eastern lamb dishes and slow-cooked meats over the next 6-8 years. Syrah fruit from 40% Gimblett, 40% Triangle and 20% Te Awanga, co-fermented with 1% Viognier to 13.5% alc. with 20% whole bunches, the wine aged 14 months in 30-35% new oak." 92 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a terrific American debut for this winery, which blends Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels and Te Awanga subregions. It's full-bodied and richly textured, with bold blueberry and raspberry fruit combining seamlessly with savory notes of black olive and marinated beef. Drink now-2025. (JC)" (07/2016) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Stylish, dark and brooding, with black walnut liqueur, espresso and smoky teriyaki accents adding complexity to the cherry, raspberry and blueberry flavors. The long, expressive finish is peppery and velvety. Drink now through 2026. (MW, Web-2016)" 92 points Bob Campbell: "A blend of grapes from Elephant Hill's Gimblett Gravels and cooler coastal Te Awanga vineyards. Rich, dense, grainy-textured Syrah with plum, dark berry, chocolate, black pepper, liquorice and spicy oak flavours. Approachable now but should age well." Jancis Robinson: "Pure, juicy blackberry fruit - super succulence and a lovely twist of black pepper. Soft palate, timid tannins that could be bolder, but the acidity is spot on. Dark aniseed and liquorice character to finish - while the fruit is ripe, the finish is very savoury. Great stuff. (RH)" (10/2016) K&L Notes: Winery Notes: "The wine is made with Syrah from our Gimblett Gravels, Triangle and Te Awanga Vineyards. The Syrah is a combination of Mass Selection, Chave and 470 clone. Grapes are hand picked. The fruit is then fermented in open top oak cuves with a small amount of whole cluster; hand plunged, on the skins for between 14-21 days. The wine was then matured in French oak (30% new) for 12 months." Pure Gold at 2015 Air New Zealand Wine Awards - Double Gold at China Wine and Spirits Awards. Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 14, 2017 Back in early 2011 I visited Elephant Hill for the first time and was simply amazed by the quality of the Syrah they produced. The 2009 release I was tasting at the time was a revelation to me and cemented my suspicions that Hawke's Bay could, without exception, produce some of the best Syrah on the planet. 2014 was a warm vintage by New Zealand standards which is good news for varietals like Syrah when they're planted in a traditionally cool climate region. This wine strikes a perfect balance between traditional northern Rhone type characters of violets, spice, smoked meat and earth; combining them with a more modern purity of fruit, polished texture and brightness. Any review of this wine would be remiss without a mention of the wine's deliciously "umami" cracked black peppercorn notes. The consistent presence of this fresh ground pepper character is something that I believe sets Hawke's Bay Syrah apart and makes it truly unique. This is an exceptional wine, from a great vintage, direct from the winery at a ridiculously low price point. Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 19, 2017 Here is a super complex yet elegant Syrah that sells for a song. This has spicy blue and black fruits along with hints of red meat, pepper, iron and traces of iodine. Despite the warm and generous mid-palate the long finish is sweet, clean and crisp showing more traces of iron and pepper. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 28, 2017 This wine is a game changer. Once you try this, you will think of New Zealand, Hawkes Bay in particular, when you hear Syrah. The combination of climate and soils create a unique expression of this classic varietal. Dark fruit and bright berries, cracked pepper, a savory element on the finish and enough acidity to focus all of the previous elements. Dark, bright, rich and savory, what more can you ask for from Syrah? Oh yeah, it is only $20, try to find a Syrah with that much character for that price from anywhere else in this world! Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 18, 2017 Notes of blackberry, violet, plum, white pepper and smoked meat are followed by silken texture and balancing acidity. An inviting Syrah that has depth, complexity and elegance all at a reasonable price point. Grill and chill with this full bodied gem from Elephant Hill. Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 17, 2017 This vintage of the Elephant Hill Syrah is blend of 3 vineyards from around Hawke's Bay. This combo really helps to give the wine a great sense of balance with elements from all 3 vineyards and a true expression of the appellation. This Syrah has meaty notes that are balanced with stunning purity of fruit. Spice and structure from the small percent whole cluster shine through and the fruit is weighty and dense without being overly ripe or flabby. A killer red from a very highly regarded NZ producer, this wine showcases why Hawke's Bay has the stellar reputation it does from producing stunning Syrahs. Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 12, 2017 This Hawkes Bay Syrah from Elephant Hill was the red wine standout of our New Zealand staff tasting. If you love the classic Syrahs of the Northern Rhone, you owe it to yourself to try this beauty. It has a classic nose that explodes with white pepper, and medium to full body with excellent texture. Minty, eucalyptus like flavors last and last with good tannin and excellent acidity on the finish. Perfect for leg of lamb now, or the cellar for later! Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 11, 2017 The Elephant Hill wines from Hawke's Bay have long been a staff favorite, but I think in this 2014 Syrah, the winery has reached new heights of greatness. This is honest, clean and classic in style, but with nice depth and intensity. Stylistically, this reminds me of some of the better northern Rhone wines, with strong black pepper spice, medium body and elegant red berry fruit. Yet there is a generosity and openness here that makes the wine eminently drinkable and delicious without having to stash in the cellar for years. Easily one of our best Syrah values in the store! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 Wiston Blanc de Blanc West Sussex England]( [2010 Wiston Blanc de Blanc West Sussex England]( ($39.99) 94 points Decanter: "Appealing and generous toasty, buttery nose. A refreshing acidity enlivens some rich and delicious flavours of baked apple and buttered tea cakes. Full and broad mouthfeel leading to a charming dry note on the lengthy finish. A beautiful example of English sparkling." (07/2016) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Sophisticated aromas of Golden Pearmain apples, cream and pastry take the part of the first violin-chalky, resonant earth that of the sonorous cello. Their harmony and elegance together is astonishing. The crisp acidity is so well-integrated and illuminates the fruit and soil. The long finish again emphasizes absolute, uncompromising elegance of this wine. (AK)" (11/2015) 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Blanc de Blancs has a complex bouquet: malic at first with green apples, later hints of white chocolate and white peach fruit. The palate is marked by bracing acidity but retains excellent balance. Green apples as you might predict with yellow plum and a hint of apricot, leading to a very harmonious and attractive finish. I envisage this giving several years of drinking pleasure. (NM)" (06/2017) K&L Notes: One of the most serious English sparkling producers, this historic estate has been in the Goring family since 1743. The 16-acre vineyard is close-planted on a steep south-facing chalk escarpment described as "similar to the Côte des Blancs" in Champagne. The wines are made by Dermot Sugrue, a talented winemaker who has worked at L'Eglise-Clinet and Leoville-Barton in Bordeaux, as well as Moet & Chandon in Champagne. The fruit is hand-picked very selectively with quality being the absolute focus. The grapes are pressed gently using a traditional Coquard press. After four years on the lees this 100% Chardonnay-based wine shows fresh, golden orchard fruit, warm croissant, toasted hazelnut and very vibrant chalky minerality. The bubbles are super fine and soft; the finish runs on forever. The wine was balanced with an appropriately low 8g/l dosage. After hearing so much buzz about English Sparkling wines in the last few years we had to see what all the fuss was about. After picking Wiston Estate as a leading producer back in 2013 we are now pleased to see this selection validated further by Wine Enthusiast Magazine who placed two Wiston bottlings in their top three English wines! 1st and 3rd respectively. (Ryan Woodhouse, K&L wine buyer) Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2015 Many people believe the tale that a monk called Dom Perignon invented the method of producing sparkling wines in Champagne. However, genuine historical evidence shows the technique was actually invented in England. Some 30+ years before sparkling wine even appears in French history, English scholar Christopher Merret presented a paper on the topic to the Royal Society in 1662. That was 8 years before Dom Perignon traveled to Champagne, 20 years before the French made their first sparkling wine and 60+ years before the first Champagne house was created. Anyway, history aside, the point is that expertise in bubbles is nothing new for the English. However, estate-grown English wines are now finally being taken seriously by the wine world. They have been winning international awards and regularly beating their French counterparts in blind tastings similar to those victories achieved by California wines in the fabled Judgement of Paris in 1976. This is not surprising, really, when you consider that the vines grow in a very similar climate a mere 200 miles from the heart Champagne. Many of the soils share the same deep chalk vein that colors the white cliffs of Dover and gives Champagnes their distinctive flavor. This chalk soil lends the wines of England a vibrant minerality similar to their French cousins. This wonderful vintage Blanc De Blanc from Wiston Estate is a perfect example; 100% Chardonnay, grown from chalk soils, and spending 4 years on the yeast lees. I would put it Driscoll]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 10, 2015 Compare the soils of Sussex to the soils of Champagne and you'll they're part of the same vein. Wiston Estate started out with the goal of making nothing short of the best sparkling wine possible; wines that are on parallel with the best in the world, and they've got the terroir to do it. They spare no expense on any part of production and that care shows in the estate blanc de blanc, a piercingly-pure sparkling wine that adds richness from the lees-aging and shows serious depth underneath all the citrus and mineral-focused flavors. It's not just English sparkling wine. It's top quality sparkling wine, period. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2013 Wiston "South Downs Cuvée" Brut West Sussex England]( ($39.99) 95 points Decanter: "**Platinum Trophy for Best English Sparkling Wine - 2017 DWWA** Beautiful nose with sweeter autolysis character. Caramel, ripe stone fruit, pear juice and a salted bread notes to finish, with a full and harmonious rich texture and good persistence." 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2013 Cuvée Brut is a blend of 47% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier that is 100% fermented in oak barrels. It has a clean and precise bouquet with scents of walnut, smoke and a touch of sea spray, the latter becoming more accentuated with time in the glass. The palate is fresh on the entry with a tang of ginger. This has impressive weight and sense of intent. It fans out nicely on the finish with a slight nettle-like note on the aftertaste. This is excellent!" K&L Notes: The most serious and top-notch English Sparkling producer. This historic estate has been in the Goring family since 1743. The tiny 16-acre vineyard is close-planted on a steep south-facing chalk escarpment described as 'similar to the Côte des Blancs' in Champagne. The wines are made by Dermot Sugrue, a talented winemaker who has worked at L'Eglise-Clinet and Leoville-Barton in Bordeaux, as well as Moet & Chandon and Nye Timber (one of England's largest sparkling producers). The fruit is picked very selectively with quality being the absolute focus. The grapes are pressed gently using a traditional Coquard press. After four years on the lees this wine, composed of 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay & 22% Pinot Meunier, is hand disgorged and balanced with a dosage of 8g/L. It has a fine counterbalance between toasty richness and power from the wines élevage in Burgundian French oak barrels, with racy acidity, tension and a focused chalky minerality. After hearing so much buzz about English sparkling wines in the last few years, we had to see what all the fuss was about. After compiling a list of a dozen top growers from the now several hundred estates, we strictly narrowed down the wines to the best of the best; wines we thought offered world-class quality and an authentic representation of what England can offer. (Ryan Woodhouse, K&L wine buyer) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Woodlands "Margaret" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River (Previously $50.00)]( [2014 Woodlands "Margaret" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River (Previously $50.00)]( ($39.99) 96 points Decanter: "A graceful and alluring blend which reveals its pedigree slowly, yet with great assurance. A focused core of both black and redcurrant fruit, which is still tightly coiled and reticent. Needs long cellaring." 95 points James Halliday: "79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 8% Malbec. Good hue; this is a dead centre mainstream Margaret River Bordeaux blend; like its SSB, it is a style that Margaret River achieves effortlessly (well, almost), with cassis, dried herb and black olive in a crib of ripe tannins and a dab of new French oak." (10/2016) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Comprised of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 8% Malbec, the 2014 Margaret and is very deep purple-black in color with lovely blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, violet, cloves and cinnamon stick notes plus a touch of chocolate. Medium-bodied, taut and muscular, this blend has commendably firm tannins with a very long baking spice laced finish. A very classy Bordeaux Blend indeed. 95+ (LPB)" (03/2016) K&L Notes: Comprised of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 8% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. This is one of the estates reserve bottlings sourced entirely from the original home block vineyard. The wine is very concentrated and structured. Deep black fruits at the core with savory tobacco and charred oak. A full bodied wine made with longevity in mind. The moderate 13.5% alcohol is representative of the cool end to the 2014 growing season that allowed extra flavor development in the Cabernet fruit without over-ripening. Interwoven with the brooding fruit is a distinctive mineral presence from Margaret River’s ancient soils. The wine is powerful but also has lovely freshness owing in large part to the sites exposed location and proximity to the rugged southern ocean. All of this is well polished during 18 months in 50% new top quality French oak. Drink 2017-2727. (Ryan Woodhouse - K&L Aussie Wine Buyer) 96 points Wine Front: "Intense fruit of the blackest kind, spice, tobacco and black olive, with cedar oak and a whisper of violet and chocolate. Medium bodied, but firm and well-knit, with bright acidity, an almost juicy pop of small berries, tobacco oak, and gravelly tannin trailing on a long precise and pulsating finish. Almost a hit of liquorice in the aftertaste? This is right in the slot for Margaret. A great release." Juelsgaard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 06, 2017 Wilyabrup Valley is essentially the Rutherford Valley of Australia, i.e. it's one of the highest end sites in the region, and this wine definitely lives up to the region's reputation. This is a powerful, but refined Cabernet with plenty of fruit character. Margaret River can at times produce wines that are too woodsy and vegetal, but Woodlands hits the nail on the head by pruning the vines correctly and picking at just the right time. Margaret River wineries are well on their way to perfecting their Cabernets and the "Margaret" from Woodlands certainly deserves the high scores and praise it has gotten. Absolutely delicious wine! --------------------------------------------------------------- [2015 Te Mata "Coleraine" Bordeaux Blend Hawke's Bay]( [2015 Te Mata "Coleraine" Bordeaux Blend Hawke's Bay]( ($69.99) 98 points Raymond Chan: "Very dark, deep, near impenetrable black-red colour, with a slightly lighter edge. The nose is beautifully elegant with stylish proportions and expressed with finesse, showing ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruit with cassis liqueur, lifted by fragrant dark red florals, subtle notes of dark herbs, and enriched by pencilly oak. Medium-full bodied, the fruit sweetness and richness is the immediate feature on the palate with concentrated and intense, layered flavours of blackberries and blackcurrants, cassis and black plums, along with herbs, floral elements and minerals, unfolding pencilly oak. The fruit richness is balanced by considerable tannin extraction, the mouthfeel very fine-textured and powdery. This has an underlying vitality, freshness and power, carrying the plush fruit flavours to a very long, lingering, textural finish. This is a classically structured, ageworthy Cabernet blend with refined opulence. 10-15 years. A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the fruit predominantly from Havelock with a portion from the Bullnose vineyard, hand-picked and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 17 months in 70% new French oak barrels." (03/2017) 98 points Sam Kim: "The wine has everything in place, and nothing out of place. It is striking and restrained at the same time, and delivers youthful charm of classic young Bordeaux, offering concentration, purity and complexity all in this gracious package that is Coleraine 15. Cassis, dark plum, violet, cigar and roasted almond lead to a palate that is perfectly proportioned and detailed with focus and structure, wonderfully enhanced by delectable fruit flavours and elegant oak infusion. Seamless and persistent with a promise to develop magnificently." 96 points Bob Campbell: "Deep red/purple colour and a ripe berry aroma which recalls blueberry, blackberry and raspberry. A fine,balanced but persuasive tannin grip, and excellent persistence. Very stylish wine with a big future. A top vintage for this wine. (Huon Hooke)" K&L Notes: 96+ points Wine Front: "Coleraine is a beautiful wine, and I’d venture that it’s New Zealand’s Grange equivalent, only it comes from one place, is much cheaper, and to my tastes, is significantly better and more interesting. So floral, so pretty, and yet masculine too. Roses, violets, bay leaf, baking spice and biscuit oak, plum, black cherry and raspberry. Medium bodied, inky black tea tannin, laced with tobacco, pitch perfect acidity, deep fruit with a spray of dried herb lending perfume and contrast. Rich but contained, a slurry of grainy tannin on a very long finish. How wonderful and good is this wine? In short, very." Probably the most heralded red wine made in New Zealand. This is made from the finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown across Te Mata's Estate vineyards in Hawke's Bay. This is an iconic New Zealand classic. It has rightly been compared with top classified growths in Bordeaux and deserves a spot in any Bordeaux lovers cellar. (Ryan Woodhouse K&L NZ Wine Buyer) Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2017 They say things come in threes...well the 2013 and 2014 Coleraine both received perfect 100 point scores. The 2015 release now seeks to complete the trio and is definitely flirting with perfection once again. The wine has only been reviewed by a limited number of critics and has already racked up two 98 point scores and two 96s. Chatting with GM / Owner Nick Buck I couldn't resist asking him what was his preference among this trio of back-to-back-to-back magic vintages...he would only answer that many writers, Somms and wine industry folks had raved about the new 2015 release and commented that it probably has more immediate appeal than the two prior vintages. I thought the wine was a classic Coleraine delivering all of what I have come to expect from this iconic release. But in this vintage it seems to have an intensely inky color and a particularly concentrated mid-palate. There is deep, plummy, blackcurrant fruit here but there is also plenty of fine grained, powdery tannins that will assure a long life. The 2015 Coleraine can undoubtedly stand shoulder to shoulder with the best vintages of this prestigious wine and really only time will tell which vintage comes out on top. Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 21, 2017 Coleraine is the answer to the request, "I want a New World wine" (that is implied because this request occurs while standing in the Domestic Cabernet section) with richness and fruit but with restraint and complexity (they are looking at the Bordeaux section). This wine has it all. It is a great wine. Never mind that it is priced at the entry level for high-end wine from both of those regions. Hawkes Bay is the great Cabernet family terroir that most people do not know. They should, especially if they Cabernet based wines from K&L. This will not disappoint, in fact, it will encourage more excursions to this often-overlooked region. Stevens]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2017 Te Mata is one of those producers that just consistently blows me away, really across the board with their wines. I love the Awatea, I drank more bottles of their Gamay/Pinot than I will admit too, and their Sav Blanc is spectacular. That being said the Coleraine is in another league. I am hard pressed to think of another wine that can give you the richness and body of California with the elegance, structure, and length of France. Moreover it is just straight up silly good, you can drink this wine now, keep it around for many years, surprise people with an insanely good bottle or just hoard it all for yourself. Norton]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2017 It's a classic Bordeaux style blend that's always rich, opulent and layered - showing notes of blackberry, graphite, white pepper and bay leaves. Dark fruited and full bodied, this is one that you can pull the cork on tonight or put it down for 15+ years. It's been dubbed New Zealand's First Growth for good reason. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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 Click here to manage your e-mail settings with K&L Wine Merchants or alternatively, [click here to unsubscribe from all mailings]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [K&L](