Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith have 29 hectares under vine in Frankland River, the coolest and most isolated area of Western Australia. The vineyards are organic and dry farmed with all harvesting done by hand. The 2005 Frankland Estate “Isolation Ridge” Riesling Frankland River Western Australia ($17.99) has soaring aromatics of stone fruit, lime and a wax note with hints of lanolin. There is fine balance with crystal clean fruit on the palate supported by great acidity and a long finish. The 2004 Frankland Estate “Isolation Ridge” Chardonnay Frankland River Western Australia ($19.99) is barrel fermented but goes through about 10% malolactic fermentation and spends nine months in French oak barriques of which are 20% are new. The wine has a bouquet of pear, citrus, mineral and hazelnut that follow on the palate with pristine clarity. The Rocky Gully is a less expensive tier from Frankland Estate that uses purchased fruit, but still has the commitment to quality. The 2004 Rocky Gully Shiraz-Viognier Frankland River Western Australia ($10.99) offers a beautiful aromatic lift with its bright boysenberry fruit and black pepper notes accented by a peach and floral component. The wine is a fine example of Aussie Shiraz that does not have knock you over the head with oak and alcohol but rather elegance and finesse. Happy Holidays —Jimmy C

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It has truly been a great year for the wines of Bordeaux here at K&L Wine Merchants! This year was just loaded with excitement, controversy and amazing amounts of great wines!
Let’s take a look back. The perfect weather in 2005 produced brilliant wines, classic in style, which prompted a few famous estates to price themselves beyond what normal wine lovers and collectors will tolerate. There is your controversy. For the rest of Bordeaux and wine lovers all over the world this may end up to be a great blessing, as there are so many lovely wines in Bordeaux that never get the limelight. Believe me, these wines are the future of Bordeaux, fine wines at fair prices that will perform, not glorified dust collectors. Prime examples are: from St-Emilion/Pomerol, Ch. Rouget, Beauregard, Clos d’Oratoire and Fombrauge; from Pessac-Leognan, Ch. Brown, Malartic Lagraviere and Clos Marsalette; from Margaux Ch. Brane Cantenac and Lascombes, d’Issan and Ferriere; from St-Julien St-Pierre and Duhart Milon along with Pauillac’s Haut-Bages-Libéral; and from St-Estèphe Lafon Rochet, Phelan Segur, Sociando Mallet and Goulee. Our tasting notes on all of these are on the website. Check out the value!
Just as the dust was settling form the 2005 campaign the ripe, opulent and fantastic vintage of 2003 arrived, delicious wines like Ch. Mouton-Rothschild ($269.99) with its flashy ripe fruit and firm backbone, built for the long haul and featuring the picture of the founder, Le Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild on the Special 150th Anniversary label. Ch. Haut Brion ($299.99) with its classic layers of ripe fruit with hints of leather, stone and spice is flat out stunning as is Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande ($109.99). This wine will surely rival the monumental 1982 with time, so cellar this and drink the delicious and forward second wine, 2003 Reserve de la Comtesse ($31.99) while the great wine sleeps.
We end every year here at K&L with a smell and sip of what will be arriving next year at our annual Fete de Bordeaux Dinner. What a great event, a glass of Champagne followed by 14 wines at dinner with 2004s from Lynch Bages, Cos dEstournel, Langoa and Léoville-Barton flown over specially for the event. The 2004s certainly fly under the radar of the super hyped 2003 and 2005 vintages. The pricing is quite refreshing and the quality far better than most in attendance might imagine. People were taken aback by the forward fruit of the 2004 Lynch Bages ($48.99) and the complexity and focus of the 2004 Langoa-Barton ($32.99). The deep black and blue fruit of the 2004 Ch. Léoville-Barton ($49.99) is unmistakable, and to quote one of our newest wine specialist, Nadia Dmytriw, “amazing it is so big but so elegant” (and she used to work at Lynch Bages and Pichon-Baron). The wine of the night, the 2004 Cos d’Estournel ($74.99) was rich, deep, exotic and spicy with everything in harmony. Hats off to Jean Guillaume Pratts as he continues to raise the bar of quality and the percentage of Cabernet at Cos.
Warmest holiday wishes and thank you to all our loyal customers and friends in the business of wine. Please feel free to call me anytime with questions or advice on the wines of Bordeaux at ext# 2723 or Ralph@klwines.com. Cheers and Go Niners! —Ralph Sands

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We’ve just purchased a fantastic lot of older wines direct from Château Chasse Spleen. The 1990 Ch. Chasse Spleen, Moulis ($119.00) is drinking wonderfully with its crystalline raspberry fruit and earthy qualities of grilled portabello mushrooms. It is amazingly youthful, perfectly ripe on entry with firm tannin in the finish. Pot roast anyone? Oh, and by the way, the 1989 Ch. Chasse Spleen, Moulis ($129.00) may be even better. This zingy and lively number wows with its fresh core of acidity supporting roasted chestnuts, grilled plums and pencil lead. Alive and well, this is the kind of wine that dances on the tongue rather than clumsily stepping on it.
We all need values this time of year, and no deals in the world of Bordeaux are more exciting right now than this trio which, by the way, are all part of our Wine Club program. The 2003 Ch. Caronne St. Gemme, Haut-Médoc ($17.99) is a big creamy number, luscious and packed with the glycerin that only the ’03 vintage can produce. This wine is reminiscent of those chocolate-covered cherries that are so popular as office gifts this time of year. But this might actually be appreciated as a gift! A more serious and structured effort, the 2001 Ch. Caronne St. Gemme, Haut-Médoc ($17.99) is racy, pretty wine, the kind of wine that perks the mouth up and makes it take notice. Pomegranate and chanterelle mushroom notes make this wine perfect for any pork dish.
Last but not least (and actually one of the biggest surprises of the last couple of months), is the 2003 Ch. Clarke, Listrac ($26.99) . The nose alone is worth price of admission, flaunting violet, lavender and black currant candy. Good news is that it tastes just as good! A heck of a wine, and one which you can drink over the next seven years. —Bryan Brick

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The holidays are upon us, and we’re all pressed for time so here are some suggestions to make your Bordeaux buying a little easier. Each of these drinks well above its price point.
2005 Reynon Blanc, Bordeaux ($11.99) This is rich and juicy yet still vibrant. In the middle the semillon shines with complex sweet grapefruit and white peach flavors. The lively, mineral laced finish has a striking smoke and gunflint aspect that adds freshness and complexity and really shows the greatness of the 2005 vintage.
2002 La Louviere Blanc, Pessac-Léognan ($26.99) This is a big, structured white for cellaring or enjoying now. The mid palate has loads of rich apple, citrus, mineral and lemon oil that stay firm and focused. There is even a hint of honey on the long finish, which is clean and fresh.
2003 Fourcas Hosten, Listrac ($19.99) This amazing find is earthy and rich with oodles of warm, ripe fruit in the supple mid palate. Despite the low acidity and the richness of the fruit, this is not a fruit bomb. It shows surprising class and breed. Balanced and bargain priced, this wowed everyone at a recent staff tasting.
2003 Malescot St-Exupéry, Margaux ($44.99) Flowery aromas of coffee, raspberries and blackberries jump from this smooth and easy-to-drink wine. Super rich and almost flashy, this stays balanced and shows plenty of terroir in a dense and chewy style. The finish here is long and rich with plenty of ripe tannins. One of the stars of the appellation in this vintage.
2001 Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac (Inquire) This starts out with beautiful aromas of dark berries, flowers, pencil lead and tobacco. The body is very concentrated and tight with seamless flavors of blackberry, currant, mineral and cedar all in harmony. This is amazingly elegant, long and classy and sells for about half of some other vintages of this wine.
—Steve Bearden

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We’ve just purchased a fantastic lot of older wines direct from Château Chasse Spleen. The 1990 Ch. Chasse Spleen, Moulis ($119.00) is drinking wonderfully with its crystalline raspberry fruit and earthy qualities of grilled portabello mushrooms. It is amazingly youthful, perfectly ripe on entry with firm tannin in the finish. Pot roast anyone? Oh, and by the way, the 1989 Ch. Chasse Spleen, Moulis ($129.00) may be even better. This zingy and lively number wows with its fresh core of acidity supporting roasted chestnuts, grilled plums and pencil lead. Alive and well, this is the kind of wine that dances on the tongue rather than clumsily stepping on it.
We all need values this time of year, and no deals in the world of Bordeaux are more exciting right now than this trio which, by the way, are all part of our Wine Club program. The 2003 Ch. Caronne St. Gemme, Haut-Médoc ($17.99) is a big creamy number, luscious and packed with the glycerin that only the ’03 vintage can produce. This wine is reminiscent of those chocolate-covered cherries that are so popular as office gifts this time of year. But this might actually be appreciated as a gift! A more serious and structured effort, the 2001 Ch. Caronne St. Gemme, Haut-Médoc ($17.99) is racy, pretty wine, the kind of wine that perks the mouth up and makes it take notice. Pomegranate and chanterelle mushroom notes make this wine perfect for any pork dish.
Last but not least (and actually one of the biggest surprises of the last couple of months), is the 2003 Ch. Clarke, Listrac ($26.99). The nose alone is worth price of admission, flaunting violet, lavender and black currant candy. Good news is that it tastes just as good! A heck of a wine, and one which you can drink over the next seven years. —Bryan Brick

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just one case of wine for this year’s gift, but that case is the most famous Bordeaux from the 20th Century: 1945 Château Mouton-Rothschild. Mr. Parker scores it 100 points and says: “A consistent 100 point wine (only because my point scale stops at that number), the 1945 Mouton is truly one of the immortal wines of the century… this remarkably youthful wine (only light amber at the edge) is mindboggling! Will it last another 50 years?”
And the cellar this wine will come from is the Mahler-Besse cellar in Bordeaux, the best wine cellar in Bordeaux! In fact, you will be able to go to the cellar (two of you) accompanied by me to pick out your case and have lunch at the Mahler-Besse property. See our website for the particulars!
The price is $150,000 which is 40% less than the wine just sold for at auction. Have a great holiday season. —Clyde Beffa Jr

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Plan to attend this outstanding event on January 18, 2007. Last year we sold out quickly. Nine châteaux and their owners/winemakers will come the Bay Area with their 2004 vintage Bordeaux and an older vintage for a grand tasting and dinner at The University Club in San Francisco. The châteaux presenting their wines are Poujeaux, Chasse Spleen, Phelan Segur, Potensac, Siran, Haut Marbuzet, Ormes de Pez, de Pez and Labegorce Zede. $125 inclusive.
This will be a great event!

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the new 2007 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia!

Gambero Rosso uses a 1-3 glass rating system.

The RED signifies in the final competition for the 3 Glass taste off, so 2.5 Glasses

* Signifies a particularly good price to quality ratio

Sesta di Sopra

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 2 Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

La Fortuna

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 3 Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

Casisano Colombaio

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 2 RED Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

Rocca di Montegrossi

2003 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

2001 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso)

1999 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 3 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso)

Upcoming Rocca di Montegrossi vintages

2003 Geremia IGT 2 RED Glasses

2003 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 2 RED Glasses

2004 Chianti Classico 1 Glass

Fattoria Poggiopiano

2003 Rosso di Sera 3 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

2003 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

Upcoming Fattoria Poggiopiano vintages

2004 Rosso di Sera 3 Glasses

2004 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses

Ermacora (Due December 26, 2006)

2005 Pinot Bianco 2* RED Glasses

2005 Pinot Grigio 2* RED Glasses

2005 Sauvignon 2 Glasses

2005 Tocai Friulano 2 Glasses

2005 Verduzzo Friulano 2 Glasses

2004 Refosco 2 Glasses

Blason

2005 Tocai Friulano 1 Glass

2005 Sauvignon Tocai 1 Glass

Ruggeri Corsini (Due December 26, 2006)

2002 Barolo 2 Glasses

2004 Nebbiolo delle Langhe 2* Glasses

2003 Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Armujan” 2 Glasses

2005 Dolcetto d’Alba 1 Glass

2004 Dolcetto d’Alba1 Glass

2004 Barbera d’Alba 1 Glass (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia) IN STOCK NOW

Upcoming Ruggeri Corsini vintages

2004 Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Armujan” 2 Glasses

Silvano Follador

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene “Cartizze” 2 Glasses (Due December 26, 2006)

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry 2* Glasses IN STOCK NOW

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut 2 Glasses IN STOCK NOW

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the new 2007 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia!

Gambero Rosso uses a 1-3 glass rating system.

The RED signifies in the final competition for the 3 Glass taste off, so 2.5 Glasses

* Signifies a particularly good price to quality ratio

Sesta di Sopra

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 2 Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

La Fortuna

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 3 Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

Casisano Colombaio

2001 Brunello di Montalcino 2 RED Glasses

2004 Rosso di Montalcino 1 Glass

Rocca di Montegrossi

2003 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

2001 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso)

1999 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 3 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso)

Upcoming Rocca di Montegrossi vintages

2003 Geremia IGT 2 RED Glasses

2003 Chianti Classico Riserva “San Marcellino” 2 RED Glasses

2004 Chianti Classico 1 Glass

Fattoria Poggiopiano

2003 Rosso di Sera 3 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

2003 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia)

Upcoming Fattoria Poggiopiano vintages

2004 Rosso di Sera 3 Glasses

2004 Chianti Classico 2 Glasses

Ermacora (Due December 26, 2006)

2005 Pinot Bianco 2* RED Glasses

2005 Pinot Grigio 2* RED Glasses

2005 Sauvignon 2 Glasses

2005 Tocai Friulano 2 Glasses

2005 Verduzzo Friulano 2 Glasses

2004 Refosco 2 Glasses

Blason

2005 Tocai Friulano 1 Glass

2005 Sauvignon Tocai 1 Glass

Ruggeri Corsini (Due December 26, 2006)

2002 Barolo 2 Glasses

2004 Nebbiolo delle Langhe 2* Glasses

2003 Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Armujan” 2 Glasses

2005 Dolcetto d’Alba 1 Glass

2004 Dolcetto d’Alba1 Glass

2004 Barbera d’Alba 1 Glass (2006 Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia) IN STOCK NOW

Upcoming Ruggeri Corsini vintages

2004 Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Armujan” 2 Glasses

Silvano Follador

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene “Cartizze” 2 Glasses (Due December 26, 2006)

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry 2* Glasses IN STOCK NOW

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut 2 Glasses IN STOCK NOW

Posted by Elisabeth Schriber at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)