K-B Market Wine Selection
Bouvet Signature Brut Cremant – Loire Valley – $15
“Bouvet Ladubay, one of the Loire’s largest producers of sparkling wine, is back under Monmousseau family control since 2015, after having been run by a succession of corporate enterprises. This mid-weight rosé, made exclusively from Cabernet Franc grown in the Saumur region of the Loire Valley, delivers spice with a hint of sweetness. This energetic wine would be a good match for spicy food or sushi and a superb way to welcome guests this Thanksgiving.”
88 Michael Apstein Nov 10, 2020
Graham Beck Brut – South Africa NV – $18.25
“This is one of the consistently solid values in the wine world, so when I find it, I usually snap up a bottle or two. It’s made in a zesty style, with forward tart citrus fruit and green apple balanced with stony minerality. As a fan of lime, I really appreciate the fresh lime character push in the finish. If you’ve been wanting to try something from South Africa, this is a fine starter. Contains 51% Chardonnay and 49% Pinot Noir.”
91 points Rich Cook Dec 13, 2022 disggorged August 2022
Jansz Brut Rose – Tasmania NV – $22
“Jansz is one of the first sparkling wine labels out of Tasmania. After hand harvesting, all Jansz wines undergo long, cool fermentation and extended aging sur lie to ensure complexity and freshness, which Jansz refers to as “Methode Tasmanoise.” A blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22 % Chardonnay, the Jansz Non-Vintage (NV) Premium Rosé has tart, ripe strawberry, raspberry, and bitter apple skin flavors. This style has fine bubbles and crisp acid that is nicely matched against a small amount of dosage (8 grams per liter), finishing long and zesty.”
90 Miranda Franco Nov 1, 2022
Taylor Fladgate LBV Port – Portugal 2016 – $25
Our favorite LBV port – Here’s what the experts say: “One of the original Late Bottled Vintage brands, this continues to set a fine style. This latest release is full of black fruits that have been softened by extra wood aging. At the same time, the richness of the wine shows strongly and emphatically, giving a Port that has density and ready drinkability.” Roger Voss 91pts WE
Mandrarossa Nero d’Avola – Sicily 2020 – $16
“The simple, juicy palate offers black cherry, clove and raw almond flavors and smooth, ready-to-drink tannins. Throughout the meal, it goes well with cold cuts, hard cheeses, roasts, white and red meats, braised meats, battered vegetables.”
Gen 5 Old Vine Zinfandel – Lodi 2020 – $10
“Ripe, luscious blackberry and dark-plum flavors saturate this full-bodied and plush-textured wine for a mouthfilling, satisfying effect. Fine-grained tannins give it heft without bite.” WE 91pts “Best Buy”
Tall Dark Stanger Malbec – Argentina 2021 – $12
“Argentina continues to take the lead when it comes to budget friendly Malbec. This offering might jump into your basket in the grocery aisle on packaging alone, and if it does you’ll be equally impressed with what’s inside. Black cherry, green peppercorn and savory meat aromas entice, and the fruit takes the lead on the palate with the other characteristics playing a supporting role. There’s a fair amount of oak here, so go with something fatty when pairing to tame the astringency.” Rich Cook 92 pts.
Prophecy Red Blend – California 2018 – $12
WineMaker notes: “The varieties were harvested and fermented individually in stainless steel tanks. Warm ferments were encouraged to maximize the rich California Zinfandel profile. The Washington Syrah and Merlot lots were kept separate for fermentation, but blended early, allowing texture and fruit characteristics to harmonize. Aging on American and French oak complements the blend’s fruit with hints of vanilla and butterscotch”. Blend: 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 8% Zinfandel, 5% Pinot Noir, 2% Other Select Varieties
McManis Petite Syrah – Lodi 2020 – $13
“Giant, dark, saturated fruit flavors take center stage in this fruity, jammy wine. It also features generous dashes of wood char, clove and cedar from oak aging.” WE 88pts.
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino – Italy 2021 – $15
“Vermentino is planted throughout Sardegna, and this example from the northwestern corner of the island delivers rich tropical and floral aromas with contrasting bright lemon notes. The palate shows sapidity, with flavors of lemon, melon and a lingering leafy herb note. There is good purity of character, and it’s priced for value.” Rich Cook 90pts.
Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc – California 2020- $11
“Light, bright, crisp and easygoing, this white wine offers aromas and flavors of sour green apple, lime, just-ripe pineapple, white peach and nectarine.” WE 88Pts.
Also available:
Love Noir Pinot Noir – California 2020 – $12.50
Ridge 3 Valleys – Sonoma 2019 – $27
Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé – California 2020 – $10
SeaGlass Sauvignon Blanc – California 2021 – $12