K&L Top 10 Picks—December

Featuring: Beaucastel, Billecart-Salmon, Byron, and much more... Monday Dec 9th, 2019 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( 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 2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40) 95 $29.99 [View]( 2014 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $45) 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza - Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja 96 $31.99 [View]( 2016 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc 94 $35.99 [View]( 2017 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 95 $49.95 [View]( 2018 Bodega Chacra "Cincuenta y Cinco" Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia 98 $49.99 [View]( Four Roses Small Batch Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 93 $54.99 [View]( 2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 95 $74.99 [View]( 2008 Billecart-Salmon Vintage Champagne 97 $94.99 [View]( 1988 Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $349.99 [View]( [2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40)]( [2016 Byron "Nielson Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $40)]( ($29.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Chardonnay vines in the Nielson vineyard were originally planted in 1964; this wine comes from those cuttings used to replant. Youthfully shy on the nose, the 2016 Chardonnay Nielson Vineyard opens very minerally with aromas of saline, crushed shell, gunflint and toast with ripe Golden Delicious apple, baked quince, warm Meyer lemon, pie crust and peach. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rounded and silky, oozing layer after layer of ripe, savory, spicy fruits, framed with tangy acidity and finishing very long and very flavorful. About 43% new oak was used, and 100 cases were made. (EB)" (09/2019) K&L Notes: Winemaker's Notes: "The Chardonnay vines in our Nielson Vineyard feature cuttings from the original "Wente" clone planted on our estate in 1964. The clusters we select contain an optimal mix of berry sizes: the larger, riper berries provide the wine’s rich stone fruit flavors while the smaller ones contribute to the wine’s firm acidity and underlying minerality. Just 195 cases were produced." [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2019 Having tasted this wine on a few occasions over the last couple weeks, it's hard to think of a better example of classically rich, powerful California Chard than this right now. It's brimming with ripe fruit, baked apple, brioche, poached pear, and pie crust. It is rich and textural on the palate, with some toasty oak and spice. But at the same time, Santa Maria's very cool, ocean-influenced growing conditions, and Wente clone's naturally high malic acid, keep the whole thing in balance and reverberating across the length of the palate. Richness and power meet great verve and energy. Crowd pleasing in so many ways, it's an expression of Chardonnay that is impeccably well crafted and beautifully judged. With this HUGE score and not so huge price tag...we took everything we could get direct from the winery...when it's gone it's gone. [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 03, 2019 Wow. This is a really good CA Chardonnay. This hits all the classic notes one would expect from it but it is cool and effortless. Effortless the perfect word for this wine. Creamy and cool yellow fruits with mineral undertones. The wine rolls on the palate and remains fresh. This will impress all white wine drinkers. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2014 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $45)]( [2014 Varner "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $45)]( Price: Hidden 93 points Vinous: "The 2014 Pinot Noir Hidden Block is the most immediate and dense of the four Pinots in the Varner range. A core of sweet red cherry and plum fruit fills out the wine's mid-weight frame effortlessly. Round, pliant and totally seductive, the 2014 has a lot to offer, including tons of near and medium-term appeal. (AG)" (08/2018) 92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Mostly destemmed and brought up in 25% new French oak, the medium ruby-colored 2014 Pinot Noir Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard reveals a medium ruby color as well as impressive red and black fruits, plenty of spice and underbrush, medium body, and a layered, balanced style thats going to evolve beautifully for a decade or more. Its one of the more elegant and supple in the lineup from the Varner brothers." (02/2019) 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Bursting from the glass with notes of smoky cassis, elderberry, pomegranate and nori, the 2014 Pinot Noir Hidden Block Spring Ridge Vineyard cuts a broad, lavish swath across the palate, revealing velvety tannins, an ample core of ripe, dark fruits and a long, generous finish. It's among the fleshier and more generous of these four Pinot Noirs, and it's already drinking well. (WK)" (05/2018) [ryanwoodhouse.gif]( Woodhouse]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 03, 2019 What might just be a final shot at Spring Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir from Varner; the 2014 Hidden Block is in a perfect place for drinking. Still full of abundant, rich, warm fruit and exotic spice, but now with subtle and complex secondary characters just starting to develop. The texture is soft and lush with gentle acidity giving brightness and form. Forest floor notes meet dusty berries, toasted spices and truffle. A lovely showing with a nice few yeas in bottle. Last chance pricing before it's gone for good. [ryanmoses.jpg]( Moses]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 04, 2019 I adore Varner's 2014 Pinots. Sure, they're special as a last-of-a-generation bottlings from the Spring Ridge Vineyard, but more importantly there about as serious as you'll find in domestic Pinot Noir anywhere near this price range. With aromas of currant, strawberry, red flowers and white pepper, the aromas alone are enough to get lost in. The palate is full of deep red fruit, sauvage, and mint, on a medium bodied, structured palate. This reminds me of a young 1er Cru from Volnay or Pommard it has a deep profile and the potential to unwind beautifully over many, many years. At this price, it will be hard to resist young, but it is a wine that will reward patience over the long term. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza - Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja]( [2010 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza - Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja]( ($31.99) 96 points James Suckling: "Dried cherries, cedar, sandalwood, tar, treacle tart, cinnamon and vanilla. Medium body, fine-grained and very silky tannins for a wine of almost 10 years of age, bright and transparent acidity and a long, very spicy finish. Like going back in time and touching an ornate tapestry. The texture is mesmerizing." (07/2019) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "2010 was a great vintage in Rioja in general and seems to be exceptional here, with a 2010 Viña Ardanza Selección Especial (what used to be Reserva Especial) that can challenge any of the recent vintages and hopefully can develop in bottle to reach the heights of years like 1973 or 1964. The wine is expressive, aromatic, very elegant and clean, with classical Rioja aromas of long aging in barrel and slow oxidation through the years in wood. The palate is polished and sleek but shows plenty of energy, with very fine, mostly resolved tannins and very good harmony and persistence. There is great complexity, and you could start smelling spice and smoke to move to earthy tones, hints of beef blood, cherries in liqueur, curry, diesel, old furniture and forest floor. A great Viña Ardanza! (LG)" (06/2019) 94 points Wine Spectator: "Polished and graceful, balanced and lively, this red offers cherry, dried strawberry, cedar, spice and vanilla flavors that mingle over light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity. The silky texture and juicy flavors find a graceful middle ground between the traditional and modern styles. *Smart Buys* (TM)" (06/2019) [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019 I was very excited to hear that another version of the Reserva Especial was being released. I loved the 2001, I still have a few bottles left in the cellar! Vina Ardanza is always great, it is the answer to the question, "what is a great affordable Rioja". This wine delivers on the promise of the special naming. The aromas move fruit fresh to dried fruit, lots of spice, earth, and oak. It makes me do one of my favorite things great wines do, catch you off guard that you have spent so much time with the glass up to your nose before it has ever touched your lips. the palate is rich and round with plenty of tannins but they have settled into the periphery of the wine. This wine shines. There are layers to this wine that keep unfurling the longer that it is opened. Ready tonight, but try to save a few bottles, this has long, long term cellar potential. [keithmabry.gif]( Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019 A tremendous offering (again!) from La Rioja Alta. There's a reason that the Seleccion Especial is offered only in a few key vintages and when you taste the wine, it is all summed up in the glass. This is overt and rich with deep red cherry fruit surrounded by allspice, coconut and sandalwood. This tannins are sweet and the acid provides all the background structure. The wine is explosive and sexy now but should continue to evolve for decades to come. I'm just starting on my 2001s, so I recommend putting a few of these away, you know I will! [Thomas-Smith.jpg]( Smith]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 06, 2019 Rioja doesnt get more legit than this. You can definitely feel the complexity from its maturation in bottle. The American oak on this is extremely well done, with lots of vanilla, cedar and allspice in the forefront with darker tones of blackfruit and savory meatiness lurking in the background. On the palate the wine is nicely softened, with even more savory tones punching through to a bright, crisp finish. Excellent concentration and great power. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2016 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc]( [2016 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc]( ($35.99) 94 points James Suckling: "Plenty of menthol, blackberry and blackcurrant aromas in this elegant, medium-weight Haut-Médoc thats got as much freshness as ripeness and a long, clean, mineral and herbal finish. An incredibly food-flexible wine! Drink or hold." (02/2019) 93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Well-integrated tannins give this wine a rich, velvet character that is underlined by the blackberry fruits. The aftertaste is dense, concentrated and rich. Drink from 2025. (RV)" (04/2019) 92 points Vinous: "The 2016 Cantemerle has developed beautifully with élevage. Pliant, silky and exceptionally balanced, the 2016 has the pedigree and complexity to allow for a number of years of very fine drinking. Moreover, the 2016 delivers serious flavor intensity without being at all heavy. Smoke, iron and cedar add character to a Haut-Médoc that has a lot to offer. (AG)" (01/2019) 92 points Decanter: "Sweet fruit on the nose is joined by plum and touches of vanillin. It has a southern Médoc feel, with almost-jammy fruit and a gourmet, damson streak. Edgy tannins hold the appealing, generous fruit, and the acidity is pretty high, but that's a signature of the vintage. A blend of the two Cabernets, Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, aged for 12 months in oak, 40% new. Eric Boissenot consults. (JA)" (10/2018) [clydebeffa.gif]( Beffa Jr.]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 15, 2019 The 2016 Cantemerle has a fresh bouquet of airy, floral black fruit; light violet scents emerge with time.This wine is always one of the best values in Bordeaux and 2016 is no exception. Full and fine on the palate. Will cellar well for many yars. [stevebearden.gif]( Bearden]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 08, 2019 The 2016 is a sleek style with crunchy mixed berries and dark boysenberry fruit filling the dark, cool middle. This is fresh and lifted, showing the precision of the vintage but still holding back on the richness that is buried in the middle [Alex-Schroeder.jpg]( Schroeder]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 24, 2019 I've said it many times before, and I'll say again. There is no better value in world-class Haut-Medoc red Bordeaux than that made by Chateau Cantemerle. The 2016 is a prime example. It has a classic profile of fleshy, ripe black currant and plum fruit, graphite and spice with a perfectly balanced oak frame. Even in its youth, the tannins are refined and supple, and the acidity will take it the distance. If you collect Bordeaux, this is a no brainer. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon]( [2017 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon]( ($49.95) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "This bottling remains as impressive and delicious as it did upon debut two vintages ago. Aromas of black cherry, hickory smoke and vanilla cookie lead into a palate of brown sugar, sea salt, caramel and black cherry foam, all framed by polished tannins and just enough acidity. (MK)" (12/2019) K&L Notes: The Hope family came to the Paso Robles area in 1978, and today Hope Family Wines produces several brands with grapes from their own estate as well as grower partners. Winery notes: "Dark ruby in color, the 2017 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of freshly picked blueberries, ripe black cherries, subtle notes of roasted coffee, cocoa and dried spices. On the palate, the luscious supple tannins are powerful yet modern in style with layered flavors of juicy blackberry and red fruit, nuances of black pepper, clove and vanilla bean round out the long smooth finish. It’s full-bodied and rich, balanced by fresh acidity and polished tannins." --------------------------------------------------------------- [2018 Bodega Chacra "Cincuenta y Cinco" Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia]( [2018 Bodega Chacra "Cincuenta y Cinco" Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia]( ($49.99) 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Cincuenta y Cinco follows the breathtaking 2017 with an extra degree of elegance and filigree. This wine has reached an amazing level of sophistication and nuance. There are tannins there, and there's more power and clout than the lightish color and perfumed nose might point at. 2018 was an easier vintage to ferment; they had very good yields and natural balance in the grapes that were extremely healthy. They didn't need to cool down the grapes because the weather was colder, even if they picked a little earlier to avoid the need for any acidification; in Patagonia acidity can go down very quickly in the vine, so if you pick too late you need to acidify. The full clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the tannins seem to be driven more by the stems than by the pips; the stems are always ripe because the luminosity in Patagonia is amazing, but the wine is at a low 12.5% alcohol. This is very low in sulfur, as they have lowered the addition of it after the experience with the Sin Azufre. Twenty-five percent of the volume matured in concrete and the rest in used barrels. The wine was kept with the lees and never racked for the eight months the élevage lasted. There is cleanliness, there's purity and, again, light and energy, and there is no reduction. 20,388 bottles were filled in December 2018. (LG)" (10/2019) 97 points James Suckling: "Very attractive, complex Pinot that has plenty of rich red and dark cherries on offer and a palate that carries striking purity, freshness and detail. Superb Pinot thats long and seamless. Finishes so fresh. Drink or hold." (03/2019) K&L Notes: Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia founder Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, ended up in Patagonia after tasting a bottle of Pinot Noir he fell in love with, and was told came from old vines in Patagonia. This wine comes from 60 year-old, head pruned vines in the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia. Fermented in very small enamel lined tanks, and then transferred to French oak barrels (20% new), this is a beautiful, bright and nuanced expression of Pinot Noir, with succulent fruit and elegant texture. An eye opener for the potential of Pinot Noir in northern Patagonia. *Organic and Biodynamic Certified* [kirkwalker.jpg]( Walker]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019 Some wines are so good that they make me weak in the knees, more often than not those wines are Pinots. This is one of those wines. The aromatics make me melt, the purity, complexity, and depth. There is so much there that you sniff harder to get at everything, but you can't. So you sniff slower, but you still can't. Know matter what you do you cannot fully capture all the aromatics. The palate follows the nose, deep red fruits, fine herbs, and a floral lift. An intriguing savory mineral tone builds on the mid-palate which focuses all the other elements. This does all the things that I want Great Burgundy to do at a fraction of the price. This also provides the perfect counterpoint to the Sin Azufre. Both wines from the same vineyard made two completely different ways. This is a very clean minimally intrusive way but still considered conventional and the Sin Azufre done without sulfur or in a "natural" way. It is rare that we are given the opportunity to see both visions from the same source. I love it! [chrisdepaoli.jpg]( DePaoli]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019 Without the weight of history or tradition, Bodega Chacra has become one of the most respected producers in the wine world by making really, really good wine, year in and year out. The "Cincuenta Y Cinco," (from vines planted in 1955) has soft but present tannins and tons of deep red fruit on offer; with great secondary notes of cola and umani. The wine jumps out of the glass on the nose. If this is the vanguard of new-world Pinot production we should all be extremely excited. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Four Roses Small Batch Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( [Four Roses Small Batch Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]( ($54.99) 93 points Whisky Advocate: "The limited-edition releases from Four Roses are always top-notch, but this bourbona permanently available addition to the lineupproves itself every bit the equal of its rarer brethren. Made with the distillerys F yeast strain, among others, it has a perfumed nose, with orange blossom, cedar chest, berries, spearmint, tobacco leaves, sassafras, licorice, and layers of earthy spice. The palate is consistent and deep, with flavors of cherry Coke, cough syrup, orange oil, leathery dark fruit, black pepper, chili flakes, and chocolate, shifting into a minty finish replete with pepper, cinnamon, dark chocolate, cooked berries, and roasted walnuts. Full, rich, and utterly satisfying." K&L Notes: *#3 on Whiskey Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2019.* For the first time in 8 years Four Roses has added a new bourbon to their core lineup. The Small Batch Select is a 104 proof bottling that is made from the following recipes: OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, OESF. It's a blend of 6 and 7 year old bourbons and is a worthy addition. It's loaded with spiciness and a bit of sweet fruit on the nose and morphs into vanilla, cigar box, and stone fruits on the palate. It finishes long and clean with a touch of fresh mint lifting it and begging you to sip again. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 27, 2019 We've been quietly cranking through this incredible Four Roses offering since it launched earlier this year. It's become a staple on the bar of nearly ever staff member in our Redwood City store, and with good reason. Now with the major accolades bestowed upon it by Whisky Advocate, I'm guessing it will be on nearly every whiskey lover's bar by the end of the year. It is perfect holiday drinking. Loaded with insane amounts of cinnamon, it would sit next to any dessert splendidly at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Cigar box and cherry fruit notes blend together in a hedonistic concoction worthy of any bourbon lover's adoration. The oak vanillins carry sweetness to every corner of your mouth. The finish hints at the fresh mint and other herbal notes found in Four Roses F yeast strain. It goes on and on and then keep on going thanks to the 104 proof which is absolutely the best decision Four Roses could have made for a blend of this caliber. Huzzah to Brent Elliot Master Distiller since 2015 and the "Master Mind" behind this great new offering. [nealfischer.jpg]( Fischer]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 18, 2019 Woody and spicy and fruity! Oh my! This newest project from Four Roses is a special blend of six of their mashbill/yeast recipes. It is more robust and richer than the previous standards from Four Roses, lending a heavy-handed approach to a classic. Cinnamon and clove burst out of the glass with heavy oak toast scents and orchard fruits. On the palate, everything is just... more. Hotter spice is also joined by mint, while those orchard fruit notes are intensified and taste like they've been baked into a pie. The wood flavors get heavier too with well charred oak and cedar notes just barely calmed down by vanilla sweetness. [jacksonlee.jpg]( Lee]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 02, 2019 I typically adhere by the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It seems Four Roses disagrees. With three solid core offerings, they decided to double down on the small batch, offering this great, mid-tiered whiskey at a higher proof (you won't hear me complaining). On the nose I get sweet notes of candy corn and golden raisins with a slight hint of ripe green plum. The palate is definitely kicked up a notch from the regular small batch (which incidentally was my gateway bourbon). Sweet apple notes, with a bit of saigon cinnamon spice make their way forward and leave my tongue tingling with a bit of oak and a small hint of vanilla and finishing with sweet white peaches. The regular small batch got me into bourbon and Four Roses whiskey, and this new Select offering brought me back. --------------------------------------------------------------- [2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( [2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape]( ($74.99) 95 points Decanter: "At Beaucastel the Grenache and Cinsault are fermented in cement while the Syrah and Mourvèdre are fermented in foudre. The result features finely pixellated fruits of the forest on the nose, with a full-bodied but mightily fresh and lively palate. The Mourvèdre element is strong this year, bringing vibrancy and power. It's firmly savoury, very dry and dramatic. A very tannic year has produced a seriously structured Beaucastel for the long term. (MW)" (10/2018) 95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another sunny, beautifully Provençal effort that has a huge nose of garrigue, raw steak, leather, truffle, and peppery spice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, its not a massive Beaucastel yet it has a classic, Provençal, incredibly satisfying style that will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for two decades." (08/2019) 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The full-bodied, dense 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape seems a bit closed at the moment, but Asian five spice powder still brings plenty of complexity and nuance to the rich, dark fruit aromas and flavors. (JC)" (08/2019) 95 points Wine Spectator: "A dark and winey style, offering a mix of plum, black currant and black cherry notes, infused with black tea, fruitcake and anise accents. Solidly built, vibrant and energetic from start to finish, this carries copious fruit easily through the lengthy finish. (JM)" (11/2019) --------------------------------------------------------------- [2008 Billecart-Salmon Vintage Champagne]( [2008 Billecart-Salmon Vintage Champagne]( ($94.99) 97 points Decanter: "A blend of 65% Pinot Noir consisting of Premier and Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne and 35% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Significantly, this has nine years ageing on its lees (longer than some Prestige Cuvees), the 2008 was first released onto the global market back in March 2019. With an Extra Brut dosage of 4g/l, this is a highly expressive, confident and convincing interpretation of the vintage. Right now, it is youthfully sharp and focused with fine salinity, depth, acidity and balance, and as such is already extremely approachable. The flavour spectrum encompasses toast, oyster shell, citrus, cream and a flinty, mineral depth. Theres supreme balance and elegance here, combined with a hidden underlying power that will continue to emerge and broaden with time. The finish is dry and long. (JS)" (05/2019) 96 points James Suckling: "A stunningly pure nose with aromas of apples, pears, grapefruit, dried flowers and fresh bread dough, all intermingled. The palate has a super fresh, sleek and vibrant feel with elegance, length and precision. The finish is so long and so precise. A stunning Champagne. Drink or hold." (07/2019) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Building on the structuredPinot Noir, often a hallmark of this producersChampagnes, this wine is densely textured and fullof white fruits from the Chardonnay. Still young, itremains on the fruit spectrum so wait until 2021 forthe full glory of the maturity to come through. *Cellar Selection* (RV)" (12/2019) 93+ points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The newly released 2008 Extra Brut Vintage from Billecart-Salmon is stillpredictablyquite youthfully reticent, opening in the glass with a lively bouquet of citrus oil, crisp white peach, white flowers, cardamon and nutmeg. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and precise, with a tight-knit core, lovely underlying chalky extract and a tensile finish. This is a vintage Billecart with more-than-usual upside, and it will be worth following for two decades in a cold cellar. (WK)" (08/2019) [gary.gif]( Westby]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 09, 2019 While the similarities between the 2008s and the 1996s are well known, this wine made me write 1996 with a big exclamation point because of the resemblance when I tasted it with Mathieu Roland-Billecart. The generous toasted brioche and cream of the aromatics jumped right out of the glass. On the palate, the wine was super refined, with a perfect bead, gentle texture and complex flavors of nuts and subtle Pinot fruit. The back end was pure, chalky, and driven. This is one of the top wines of this great vintage. [scottbeckerley.gif]( Beckerley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 12, 2019 It's here! it just arrived today and it is SO fantastic! Creamy and nutty and chalk full of chalk. OK, pardon that pun. On the serious side, this is one of the best Champagnes that we currently have. Cream and baked caramel in the nose, followed by apples and roasted nuts on the palate which is then followed by clean minerals and lemon mousse. It's just simply, in a word, wonderful! Like every other 2008, it will also age magnificently. --------------------------------------------------------------- [1988 Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( [1988 Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)]( ($349.99) Bunnahabhain has been doing its thing since 1881 with just a short shutdown in the early 1980s. The massive distillery was built at a time of booming confidence in the Scotch industry and everything about it reflects that, from the enormous sprawling distillery to the massive stills. Historically destined for blends such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse, it's in the modern booming era of Scotch that Bunnahabhain has really come into its own as a single malt. Known today for its unpeated malt on an island famous for peated spirit, Bunna at 30 years old is a rarity and something something truly to behold. Last year we offered a 30 year old Bunna that clocked in at a modest 44% ABV, this year we have secured a refill hogshead cask of the same age that retained its proof and is as massive as the distillery itself - 57.3% ABV. That extra oomph translates into a combination of age and power that is virtually never available; especially for $350 bucks. Consider the 25 year old distillery bottling averages over $800 and the value here becomes abundantly clear. Just 140 bottles came out of this cask and they won't last long. [David-otheningirard.jpg]( Othenin-Girard]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2019 We've worked with several old barrels of Bunnahabhain over the last few years. We've seen a wide variety of offerings from 23-30 years old. But these last two years we've been given access to two of the most special Bunnahs we've ever sold, both distilled in 1988 and complete opposites in style. So if you have last years incredible refill sherry butt at 44.5% and your wondering why you'd buy another bottle from the same vintage, rest assured that this one is on the complete other end of the spectrum. What last years cask had in poise and ease of consumption, this one has in powerful and complexity. And it's true, age is just a number, but there's no doubt that the Laings have been stashing their best casks to be released at the BIG 30! I often don't recommend drinking old whisky like this with too much water, but the proof is seemingly daunting and I think this whisky swims astonishingly well. Without water expect it to be rather shut down on the nose. Hints of malt, herbs, roots, salt, gravel and wisps of smoke. On the palate you can tell that behind the baffling nose is so much tension and complexity it's brimming with power. Now proof this down under 50% and you'll open up a completely unparalleled experience. The unique ability of Bunnah to seem of Islay without any peat is clear. Salted lemon peel, oolong, hints of camphor/creosote, gentian, lemongrass and the tiniest bit of ozone. The palate is ultra linear and long. Grassier than the nose and cleaner. A bit of earthiness and the bold citrus and salt that I loved on the nose. Power, tense, unrelenting and wild. Not as simple and forward as last years, but arguably a more exciting malt for those who love the true essence of Bunnahabhain. Don't forget the water or you'll end up a bit disappointed. [andrewwhiteley.gif]( Whiteley]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2019 This whisky is stunningly complex. While we had a 30 year old Bunna last year that was dark with sherry, this impressive cask is all about the character of the malt itself. It is a perfect example of why Bunnahabhain is such a well regarded distillery. The malt itself feels drizzled in honey. A slight cream provides richness. There is a dizzying array of fruit that ranges from tropical pineapple to honeycrisp apples. It's basically a breakfast bowl of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits, but with an enormous wallop of power. Under the obvious notes on the nose is a gentle sea brine and herbal quality both of which provide lift and freshness. The body is full, but not heavy. An the finish lights up your tastebuds with the priqlyness of high proof and the sweetness of creme brulee. A masterpiece malt not to be missed by any serious whisky drinker or collector. [jeffreyjones.gif]( Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2019 This 30 year old single malt is alive and packed full of drinking pleasure. In the nose there are savory and malt notes. In the mouth it is light bodied but is mouth coating with delicate savory flavors. With a splash of water the nose opens up and provides savory and bees wax aromas. In the mouth it becomes softer and more delicate. This excellent single malt offers finesse and shows what Bunnahbahain distillery is capable of producing. [jacksonlee.jpg]( Lee]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2019 This dram had a certain je ne sais quoi about it. Everything from the nose to the finish blew me away. Pretty and elegant on the nose with a delicate hint of smoke with red summer berries and canned mandarin oranges. The palate was equally as impressive, with more of a sweet tangerine flesh note with light oak tones and chocolate malt; it felt like sunshine in my mouth. The finish didnt disappoint, as the sun started to set it left me with a flavor that reminded me of one of my favorite candies- peach gummy rings. This is an absolute dream of a scotch, no water necessary, and with tariffs going up, I'd definitely pick this bottle up for future consumption. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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