K-B Market Wine Selection
Bouvet Signature Brut Cremant – Loire Valley – $15 (OOS until December…)
“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
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
Highland 41 Black Granite – Paso Robles 2021 – $14.50
“This is a rather meaty, substantial wine for a fair price. Aromas of boysenberry, elderberry, roast beef and violet lead into a thick palate of cassis, more violet and pleasant mocha touches.” WE 91pts “Best Buy”
La Posta Armando Bonarda – Argentina 2020 – $14.50
“This red opens with vanilla and nutmeg aromas followed by cherry and red plum. The palate shows intense red fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla. It’s balanced with good acidity, and finishes with a light note of oak.” 90pts WE “Best Buy”
OZV Zinfandel – Lodi 2021 – $13.50
“There’s a gamey-meaty quality to this wine that some may find quite appetizing. Surrounding that are additional notes of blackberry, black cherry, bramble and black pepper spice. Fruits are jammy in nature, giving the wine further richness. Includes a bit of Rubired, Petite Sirah and Malbec in the mix.” WE 87 PTs
Kaiken Estate Malbec – Mendoza Argentina 2019 – $13.50
“Blackberry and raspberry aromas are followed by light notes of espresso and chalk. Medium firm tannins and good acidity on the smooth palate. This is a medium-bodied wine with plenty of strawberry and blackberry flavors and notes of milk chocolate. It finishes with herbal notes.” WE 90pts
Tommasi Rafael Valpolicella – Italy 2019 – $15.50
“Pleasant nose of thick raspberry and cherry jam with savory notes of black olives and light herbs. Relaxed feel to the medium-bodied but layered palate with very fine tannins that are coated with creamy fruit. Surprisingly good length, pushed along by the more savory elements. Delicious.” James Suckling 93 points
“More savory than sweet and with wild herbs, tomato leaf, crushed ashen stone and hints of lavender fill the glass as the 2019 Rafael Valpolicella Classico Superiore blossoms. This is silky yet juicy and remarkably fresh with mineral-tinged cherries and a bitter tinge of spice. It finishes long and spicy with depths of minerality and a coating of dark fruits and exotic spices. Salty, intense and at 12%, the 2019 Rafael is a gorgeous and characterful Valpolicella Classico.” Vinous 91 pts
SkyFall Merlot – Washington State 2019 – $15.50
“This 100% Merlot packs a big fruit punch. Massive amounts of blackberries and blackcurrants are surrounded by aromas and flavors of anise, saddle leather, clove and creamy dark chocolate mousse. Fortunately, the wine’s muscular tannins are up to the task.” — Michael Alberty 89pts WE “Best Buy”
Renzo Masi Chianti – Italy 2021 – $12
“Aromas of brick, graphite, cracked black pepper, cranberry and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar come through on the nose before the palate picks up the cranberry and brick notes and holds there through a sun-warmed, tannic finish.” — Danielle Callegari 88pts
Wapisa Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina 2019 – $12
“Intense red color. Aromas and flavors of black fruits and plum jam. Spicy aromas such as eucalyptus and black pepper. Its passage through oak gives it flavors of coffee and chocolate” James Suckling 92 pts
Klinker Brick Grenache Blanc – Lodi 2021 – $15
“The Lodi region is a great source for interesting red and white wines. Klinker Brick is best known for reds, but their Grenache Blanc is a delicious, pure and exciting treat as well. The 2021 Grenache Blanc has forward aromas of peach, pear and melon fruits backed by floral and tropical nuances. The intriguing range of flavors encompasses the peach, melon, and tropical fruits interwoven with hints of herbs and spice. Medium-bodied, it finishes with a crisp acidity that makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of recipes.”
91 Wayne Belding Oct 24, 2023
Punta Crena Vermentino – Italy 2021 – $20 LTO (discounted from distributor)
“A vibrant whole that encompasses the exuberant following. Lemony, salty, herby, with a touch of wildflower and full of mouthwatering freshness. Medium-bodied, bright, briny, and wonderfully balanced. A wine with character and that sublime capacity to transport you, if only briefly, to a seaside paradise.” From Champion Wine
Stemmari Dalila Bianco – Italy 2016 – $15 (1 bottle left)
“Aromas of spring blossom, ripe pear and citrus zest lead the way. The fresh, linear palate delivers creamy white peach, mature yellow apple and a hint of lemon alongside fresh acidity. It closes on a saline note.” — Kerin O’Keefe 89pts WE
Terra D’oro Chenin Blanc-Viognier – Clarksburg 2021 – $13
“Terra d’Oro Chenin Blanc Viognier 2021 is a refreshing white wine blend that tantalizes the senses with its delightful aromas and flavors. On the nose, the wine exudes enticing notes of honeydew melon, grapefruit, and nectarine, coupled with fragrant hints of orange blossom and tangerine. The palate is treated to a burst of tropical fruit flavors, including peach and mango, with a subtle tang of lemon curd, quince, and nectarine that lingers on the midpalate. The wine’s balanced acidity provides a crisp, mineral finish, making it a perfect companion for oysters, pork, chicken, and Southeast Asian cuisine.” From the Winery
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino – Sardegna Italy 2022 – $14
“The grapefruit and lime nose on this wine also brings almond flowers, stones and citrus zest. A citrusy palate delivers strong dandelion greens and flowers. An almost soapy floral finish comes with a bit of nuttiness.” 87 pts WE “Best Buy”
Trimbach Pinot Blanc – Alsace 2021 – $19
“Shy aromas of green-apple candy are playful but restrained on the nose of this wine. The palate follows suit, hinting at notes of Granny Smith, blanched almonds and Emmental. Light bodied and refreshingly bright, the wine is artfully balanced and nuanced. Despite the whisper-soft mouthfeel, it’s complex in flavor. A slight alcohol burn on the finish diminishes as the wine opens up.” — Layla Schlack WE 91pts
Also available:
Love Noir Pinot Noir – California 2020 – $11
Dark Horse Rosé – California 2020 – $10
“It might surprise some readers to see a score of 92 on a review of a widely available $10 rosé from a brand that can be found in supermarkets, but you’ll understand the score you try this wine. As for its underlying possibility, it clearly results from well grown fruit that was picked (almost certainly by machine) at the right time and then handled with a light touch in a high-tech cellar, yielding pure flavors of red cherries and fresh strawberries with excellent freshness. The balance between fruit-based sweetness and energetic acidity is just right, enabling this to seem juicy and generous through the finish while never turning overtly sweet. Not every delicious wine is made by some guy wearing a beret and working by hand, however romantic that nostalgic thought may be.”
92 Michael Franz Jul 11, 2023