2005 Kunde Estate Sonoma Chardonnay ($11.99) A long time favorite chardonnay for K&L, Kunde is a medium-bodied wine that shows a complex mix of apricot, pineapple and mango flavors that linger on the finish. An excellent choice for many of your favorite Fall dishes.

2004 Kunde Estate Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.99) Made from a blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 12% syrah, this bold, yet fresh cab has rich, deep color and full body. Aromas of black cherries whet your palate, while the mouth-filling blackberry and dark, Mexican chocolate flavors are followed by youthful chalky tannins. Don’t wait for a steak; this wine is great with burgers, short ribs and pasta with tomato-based sauce.

2003 Napanook Napa Red ($38.99)
2004 Dominus Napa Valley Proprietary Red ($99.00) The second wine from Dominus Estate (3,100 cases), the 2003 Napanook, is a blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, and 5% petit verdot and malbec. In 1836 George Yount, for whom the Napa Valley town of Yountville was named, planted the valley’s first vines where Napanook vineyard now stands, before selling the land in 1850 to Charles Hopper. The vineyard has changed many times since then, and in 1982 Christian Moueix, who’d fallen in love with the Napa Valley and its wines while studying at U.C. Davis, entered into a joint venture with Robin Lail and Marcia Smith called Dominus. Over the years Moueix has worked to restore the unique character of the original vineyard, becoming full owner in 1995. The 2003 Napanook is a wonderfully balanced, fresh Bordeaux-style wine that should be enjoyed over the next 5 years. The 2004 Dominus is a blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 7% petit verdot. The 2004 shows more of a fleshy, creamy texture than the ‘03 and actually shows well now with decanting. Great pick for a mid-term cellaring wine.

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This stunning terroir in the Limoux region of the Languedoc, the site of Domain Begude, boasts high elevations, limestone-clay soils and wide-sweeping views of the Pyrenees and Corbieres. Since the 16th Century this 25 hectare property has produced thriving vines. Now under the care of James and Catherine Kinglake, the young, dynamic winemaking team have taken an organic approach and are proving to be quite a success. The long, slow growing season at an altitude between 370 and 400 meters provides the grapes the opportunity for tremendous ripeness coupled with ample acidity. As a direct result, the wines are delicate, mineral driven, crisp, fresh and delicate, and better yet, absolutely affordable.

2006 Vin de Pays d’Oc Domaine Begude Sauvignon Blanc ($12.99) This sauvignon blanc is made in the style of a Loire Valley Sancerre. There’s nothing soft or grassy about it. A sharp minerality is first apparent on the nose, leading to zesty citrus fruits and hint of wet stone. It’s lean, lively and piercingly delicious.

2006 Vin de Pays d’Oc Domaine Begude Pinot Rosé ($12.99) A steal at $12.99, this rosé is decidedly delicate, salmon colored and zippy, with essences of strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. This subtle beauty would be best with a watermelon and heirloom tomato salad, or grilled fish.

—Keelyn

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2004 Dominio de Tares Baltos ($13.99) I love wines from the mencia grape, grown in northwest Spain’s Bierzo DO. Dominio de Tares is a benchmark producer in the region who makes a range of wines that begins with this Baltos. After a bit of bottle age, this wine has really come into its own. There is a delicious, juicy blueberry fruit character, with a streak of slate minerality and a touch of nutmeg on the finish from six months aging in American oak.

2000 La Rioja Alta Alberdi Rioja Reserva ($18.99) While I am hesitant to claim any wine as a “dead ringer” for a more expensive, highly sought after one, I am tempted to do so in this case. The 2000 Alberdi smells and tastes just like a village Chambolle-Musigny. Bright, high-toned red fruit aromatics lead to a mouth-watering palate of wild strawberries, with nutmeg and allspice nuances that are the hallmark of traditional Spanish Rioja aged in American oak. Any fan of honestly made, fairly priced, staunchly traditional wine should try the 2000 Alberdi. SOLD OUT

Vinedos de Ithaca ‘Odysseus’ Pedro Ximenez 2006 (500ml) ($25.99) This is serious Spanish white wine for the true connoisseur or adventurous imbiber. Unlike Pedro Ximenez from Jerez, this version from Priorat is vinified dry. It is produced from 75 year old vines that yield a rich, viscous, slightly honeyed, yet dry white wine with a distinctive peach pit note. Truly delicious and, in the 500ml bottle, it is perfect for an intimate weeknight meal with someone you love.

—Joe Manekin

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The weather is starting to cool, which isn't saying much in San Francisco, but elsewhere it's a fair indication that the holidays are just around the corner. Why not get a head start on this season's celebrations at our “French Connection” Tent Tasting in San Francisco? The tasting will be held October 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. just adjacent to the San Francisco Store at 638 4th Street. This is a one of a kind opportunity to taste more than 50 fabulous champagnes, Bordeaux, Burgundies as well as French Regional, Rhône, Loire Valley and Alsatian wines. Special producers include Mouton-Rothschild, Pontet-Canet, Clerc-Milon, Yquem, Dom Perignon, Krug Champagne, Roederer Champagnes and Laurent-Perrier. Light appetizers to be provided from Coco 500 and Say Cheese. Tickets are $75 plus tax when prepurchased. $85 at the door.

Here's a near-complete list of the wines we plan to pour:

CHAMPAGNE
Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Champagne
1999 Laurent-Perrier Vintage Brut
Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé
2000 Roderer Brut
2000 Roederer Blanc de Blanc
2000 Roederer Rosé
1999/2000 Dom Perignon
Krug Imp Cuvée
Clicquot Brut Vintage
Moët White Star
Philippe Gonet Blanc de Blanc
Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut
Deutz Brut
Gobbilard Brut

BORDEAUX
2004 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
2004 Clerc-Milon
2004 d'Armailhac
2004 Château Lynch-Bages
2003 Château Beaumont
2003 Château Lascombes
2004 Pontet-Canet
2004 Seigneurs d'Aiguilhe
2006 Cantelys Rosé
2005 Hau- Nadeau Reserve
1991 Château Picho-Baron
1993 Yquem

REGIONAL AND RHÔNE
2005 Crozes Hermitage Domaine Combier "Clos de Grives"
2005 Irouleguy Rouge Domaine Ilarria ORGANIC
2003 Cahors Château la Coustarelle "Grande Cuvée Prestige"
2006 Roussette de Savoie Domaine Edmund Jacquin "Marestel"
2005 Saint Chinian Domaine Rimbert "Le Mas au Schiste"
2004 Gigondas Raspail-Ay Reserve
2003 Maury Domaine Mas Amiel "Vintage Reserve"
2005 Rasteau Cave de Rasteau "Dame Victoria"
2003 Ch La Nerthe CNP Blanc
2005 Ch La Nerthe CNP Rouge

LOIRE AND ALSACE
2006 Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Amphibolite Nature
2006 Grange Tiphaine Touraine-Amboise Bel Air Sec
2004 François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Les Choisilles
2006 Tessier Cheverny Rouge
2004 Chateau Tour Grise 253 Saumur Rouge
Jean Philippe & Francois Becker Cremant d' Alsace
Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris Reserve
2005 Charles Baur Riesling Grand Cru Eichberg

BURGUNDY
2005 Macon Vergisson, Nembrets
2006 Pouilly-Fuissé, La Folles, Domaine Nembret
2006 St. Veran, Domaine des Nembrets
2005 Bourgogne Rouge, Cuvée Milliane, Domaine Billard
2005 Morey St. Denis, Domaine J-P Magnien

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Monday Night 49ers Group (K&L's Ralph Sands is in the middle)

If you're coming to San Francisco...You better be party fresh and rooting for the NINERS!! (Forget the flowers in your hair.)

The Monday Night 49ers club snacked on: an assortment of cheeses, olives, nuts and prawns, bangers and Tri-tip and 15 bags of chips!

We started our little tailgate with a few coldies (beer) and then progressed to the wines.

2- 2006 Grange Tiphaine Touraine Rosé
NV Cerdon de Bugey (Methode Ancestrale) Caveau de Mont St. July “killed everyone as usual”
2001 Donhoff Oberhauser Brucke Spätlese
2001 Josef Leitz Rudesheimer Berg Rosneck Spätlese
2003 Pavillion Blanc the white wine of Ch. Margaux
2004 Ridge Home Ranch Zinfandel
1998 Ch. Monbusquet

And finally with our glasses held high to the sky, we toasted Coach Bill Walsh with 1978 Ch. Figeac (as elegant and complex as the man himself) and as always was followed by loud chorus of GO NINERS !!!!!!!

—Ralph Sands

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Don't miss the most sparkling, effervescent event of the holiday season, K&L Hollywood's BUBBLY TASTING on Saturday, November 3rd from 2 to 5 p.m.!

With the holidays right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by tasting more than 50 champagnes at K&L Wine Merchants in Hollywood? Join us on Sat, Nov 3rd from 2 to 5 p.m. for a large tasting event. We will feature bubblies from Moët and Chandon, Roederer Estate, Krug as well as several of our direct buys. Special features include 1999 Dom Perignon, the 2000 Roederer Cristal and Grand Sicèle from Laurent-Perrier. Whether you're stocking up for the season, planning your holiday gift giving or just don't want to miss thee chance to taste some amazing bubblies, this is a must-not-miss event! Pre-purchased tickets are $100 (includes tax). Tickets at the door: $125 (includes tax). Limited availability, so purchase your tickets now!

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Clyde punches down a tank of Cloverdale cab at Pelligrini....

Clyde reports on Harvest 2007 from the front lines...

This was last Friday afternoon at Pellegrini Winery in the Russian River region of California. These cabernet grapes came from their Cloverdale ranch vineyard—a very warm area of the state—hence cabernet crushing in middle of September. I spent the afternoon sipping juice from all the vats of chardonnay and pinot noir.

It has been a very even vintage in Sonoma and the weatherthis harvest has been perfect so far! All of Pellegrini’s Olivet Lane pinot noir is in tank and more than half of the chardonnay, too. They are also finished with the Cloverdale merlot. They still have zinfandel to pick from their Sonoma acreage.

—Clyde Beffa

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To meet Wilhelm Haag, of the Fritz Haag wine estate, is both pleasure and pain. He is an absolute gem of a human being, kind, energetic and a pleasure to be around. But I’m frightened every time I see him. His handshake is a bone-crushing experience famous in the German wine world. You know it’s legendary when you see Haag and start your plan of attack. Do you go in straight away and get it over with? Or, do you put it off until the end so you can run out with your eyes watering, hoping no one notices? Haag’s wines are not unlike the man. Always made in a traditional style, they are beautiful with bracing minerality, depth of flavor, fine, racy acidity and fantastic longevity to boot—a unique combination of hard-core inner power surrounded by a delicate, whimsical personality. The 2006 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett ($25.99) is born from a south-facing, 32 hectare vineyard that consists of iron-rich slate soils with a bit of sand mixed in as well. The slate really jumps out of the glass here, balanced out by tart green apple and lemon cream essences. The 2006 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese #7 ($38.99) is produced on a 10 hectare “filet” section of the Juffer. This is a much steeper section, some parts at a 75% grade, that is well-sheltered and benefits from the reflection off the river. This is a very streamlined and juicy wine with a deeper, broader display of aromatics: fleshy stone fruit and just a hint of rich cassis. It starts off by coating the palate with its rich texture. Then, the high concentration of slate, which the Sonnenhur is known for, takes over and gives it a light, delicate finish.

—Eric Story

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This month I’m writing about two more great deals for your outdoor dining pleasure: a full-bodied syrah rosé and a punchy syrah-based red. The rosé comes from the négociant-élèveur duo Gregory Hecht and François Bannier. Better known as H&B, this young and dynamic team only makes reds and rosé from the Languedoc-Roussillon. The Vin de Pays du Côtes de Thau Rosé ($9.99) is a pink wine for red-wine lovers. It’s rich, fruity and structured, yet totally refreshing and crisp. The color is dark and rich and the nose is punctuated by strawberry and pomegranate. The juice is pressed from the skins immediately after harvest to preserve the freshness of the fruit. But this is no tutti frutti bubble gum rosé. It’s bold and weighty, has plenty of stuffing and is a perfect match for seared ahi tuna, or cold poached salmon. The Côteaux du Languedoc St-Félix de Lodez “Les Hauts de la Brune” ($8.99) is a dark expression of syrah (80% syrah, 10% grenache, 10% mourvèdre), brimming with berry, spice and leathery notes. This blend packs a punch for your buck. Like the '04, the '05 is rich in berries, licorice and spice, but it has more minerality than the '04 and demonstrates more structure and depth as well. The wine opens with a graphite minerality and then pepper, blackberries explode mid-palate. The wine finishes with some noticeable tannin. In keeping with the character of the 2005 vintage, this wine has a lot of immediate appeal but also has ageing potential.

Taste the two together and they make for a delicious study in the diversity and versatility of syrah.

—Nadia Dmytriw

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Last month we said goodbye to Paul Courtright. He’s off to Texas and drier, hotter, dustier pastures… he will be missed. Paul is a lover of natural wines, those made by careful vignerons using no chemicals, pesticides, or other bad stuff in the vineyards and in the cellar. He was also the champion here at K&L of the under-appreciated and the obscure. He also loves oatmeal. In the morning you could find our Paulie shoveling oatie goodness into his body to prepare him for the day. In his honor I present to you the latest bunch of natural wines, most of which Paul and I tasted and fell for in the Loire last February.

The 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Classique Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie ($11.99) is snappy, stony and delicious, whereas the 2006 Domaine de la Pépière “Vieilles Vignes” Clos des Briords Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie ($13.99) is deep, concentrated and searching and just now beginning to emerge. We also have two totally fun and delicious reds from the same domaine. The 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Cabernet Franc “la Pépie” ($12.99) also in magnum ($25.99) and the 2006 Domaine de la Pépière Cepage Côt ($12.99) they are juicy, forward and waiting for you. From the Vallée de Cousse comes the new cuvée of François Pinon Vouvray Pétillant Brut ($18.99). You will love this year’s cuvée; it is utterly satisfying and eminently gulpable. The 2006 François Pinon Vouvray Cuvée Tradition ($16.99) is around, but not for long, this is a short vintage in the Loire and you should act fast. Now make Paul proud. Eat oatmeal, drink natural.

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With all the well-deserved hype and fuss over the 2005 vintage, K&L Burgundy buyer Keith Wollenberg took extra time to find some real gems to add to our Direct Import program. When he came across, Domaine Gabriel Billard, he knew he’d found a winner and set about developing our relationship. Located in Pommard, this estate is run by sisters Mireille Desmonet and Laurent Jobard. Jobard’s name might be familiar: she is an enologist for Joseph Drouhin. She also oversees both the viticulture and vinification at her family estate estate. Our first offering is the 2005 Domaine Gabriel Billard Bourgogne Rouge “Milliane” ($19.99), named for Milliane, the tiny half hectare vineyard located within the town of Pommard. The vines are more than 45-years old and are farmed in a very non-interventionist way, using organic practices as often as possible. As you would expect from the enologist of Drouhin, their wines are subtle and pure, expressing the fruit and the vineyard site. This wine saw very little new oak and was fermented using only natural yeasts. The nose is charming and expressive, showcasing vibrant cherry notes while the palate is ripe and round, just as to be expected from this vintage, with moderate tannins and a silky finish. Delicious now, this wine will continue to improve over the next year or so and drink terrifically for a few years more. I cannot wait to see what is coming next from this producer!
—Kirk Walker

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Whether you're throwing shrimp on the barbie or cooking up a rack of lamb, there are wines from the Southern Hemisphere that will pair perfectly And the best part? Wines like these Australian and South African gems are easy on your pocketbook too!

2006 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon, Margaret River, Western Australia ($13.99) Cape Mentelle, along with Leeuwin Estates, is one of the pioneers in Australia’s Margaret River area, starting planting in 1970. They also are the “sister” winery to New Zealand’s famous Cloudy Bay. This blend of 60% sauvignon blanc and 40% sémillon is night-harvested to retain its fresh, bright fruit character. A small portion is barrel fermented in French and American oak for the purpose of texture and weight and not the influence of oak aromas or flavor. The bouquet offers notes of citrus blossom, lemongrass, lime and melon. On the palate, more honeysuckle and tropical fruit are shown with good body, a creamy texture and good acidity. The wine is very well balanced and has a long refreshing finish.

2005 Indaba Shiraz South Africa ($7.99) Indaba is a Zulu word that means a meeting within the community to share ideas in a positive spirit. To that end, sales of the Indaba wines helps support a scholarship program for formerly disenfranchised South African students looking to learn about the wine industry. And the wine’s good! The nose is full of smoky, meaty, Northern Rhône-like notes that are framed by ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate are components of new leather, tar, dark plum and licorice. There are lush velvety tannins with a silky mouthfeel. This is a great value for a daily red that pairs nicely with grilled Portobello mushrooms, sausage or lamb chops.

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