2007 Tardieu-Laurent "Cuvée Speciale" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pre-Arrival ($64.99)

94-96 points Robert Parker: "A 100% Grenache cuvée from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more."(10/2008) 95 points Wine Spectator: "This is gorgeous, with wood spice and tobacco notes leading the way for a massive core of black Mission fig and warm currant preserve flavors. This has the opulent fruit of the vintage, but maintains an edgy minerality as well. The long finish ripples with lavender and black tea. Grenache. Best from 2010 through 2023." (11/09) 92-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Glass-staining ruby. Extremely sexy aromas of dark berries and kirsch, with anise and candied flowers adding complexity. Powerful black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors coat the palate, picking up lavender pastille and apricot notes with air. Lush, creamy and seamless, with excellent finishing sweetness and thrust."( Jan/Feb 2009) ETA: Feb 2010.

2006 Domaine Regis Bouvier Marsannay "Les Longeroies" ($34 Elsewhere) ($16.99)

This is a steal of a deal on a terrific Marsannay. Made in rather a modern style, with nice weight and bit of toasty oak vanilla notes, this is charming Pinot Noir. Overall, it is just easy to like and quaffable. And thanks to a recent parting of ways between Kermit Lynch, the importer, and his wholesaler, whom we purchased this from, we have it at a price of more than 1/2 off its original retail. (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Burgundy Buyer) The importer writes: "From a parcel just below Clos du Roy, this might be a touch more elegant. The tannins are more supple, the profile more shapely, long and poised. Bouvier described it as more feminine."

2007 Fess Parker "Ashley's Vineyard" Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($38.99)

94 points and a Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast: "Tasted in March, 2009, this Pinot was dark, rich and tannic. Clearly too young to really show its best now. But it's an ager. Give it three or four years to let all the parts come together, when the cherries, blackberries, spices and oak should begin to become silky and sweet. Will improve through 2015." (08/09) 90 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Pinot Noir Ashley's Vineyard may turn out to be the longest lived of these Pinots. Its deep ruby/garnet color is accompanied by an evolved nose of spicy black cherries and forest floor. Layered and rich with sweet tannin, impressive concentration, and medium to full-bodied, it will age gracefully for at least 6-8 years. While Fess Parker's single vineyard and upper level cuvees are unquestionably serious wines, he also produces some of the finest values that emerge from Santa Barbara." (08/09)

2002 Nicolas Potel Grand Cru "Bonnes Mares" (Was $140 Elsewhere) ($84.99)

(UPDATE - Nov 4th 10:15am - we regret to inform you that this wine just sold out, much faster than we anticipated - we wish we had more - our apologies for not being able to obtain enough bottles to satisfy the demand) 91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium red. Highly complex aromas of sweet raspberry, dill, brown spices, rose petal, menthol, gingerbread and underbrush. Large-scaled and round but not at all overly sweet. A chewy, rather brooding and youthfully clenched Bonnes-Mares that turns sweeter toward the back, finishing with molten tannins and slightly austere hints of licorice and spice." The good news is that this wine was a bit tough in its youth. How is this good news, you ask? Well, it means we're able to find it now, when it's coming out of its slumber and beginning to show lovely Chambolle-like character. Nicolas got this from four different growers, so it really is a cross-section of Bonnes Mares. If you are looking for a Grand Cru Burgundy for a special occasion, but do not want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars, here is a value you shouldn't miss.

2005 G.D. Vajra Barolo "Albe" Pre-Arrival ($29.99)

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The 2005 Barolo Albe caresses the palate with a soft core of perfumed fruit. This generous, open Barolo isn't likely to be a long-term ager, but it offers tons of class and elegance. The finish is round and impeccably refined. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Vajra is one of Piedmont's best kept secrets. Here readers will enter a world of sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level. Aldo and Milena Vajra's passion comes through in spades in these terrific new releases, which I can't recommend highly enough." (10/09) The estate of GD Vajra (named for its current operator Aldo Vajra's grandfather, Giuseppe Domenico), is situated in Vergne, the highest village in the Commune of Barolo. Its vineyards are planted with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera at heights of 350-400 meters, which results in distinctive and aromatic wines. The Vajra family is a group of dedicated, passionate winegrowers, who are also grounded and sensitive to the human role in winemaking. Their philosophy remains faithful to the traditional and authentic wines of Piemonte, and in essence they regard themselves as the instruments that enable nature and the environment full self-expression through their wines. Wine arrives mid-November 2009

2008 Renacer Punto Final Clasico Malbec ($9.99)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The unoaked 2008 Punto Final Clasico contains 97% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 10 months in stainless steel. It was sourced from own-rooted vineyards over 50 years of age. Made in a late-harvest style, this deep purple-colored wine reveals a nose of spice box, incense, and black cherry. Layered and rich on the palate, it conceals some ripe underlying tannin that should allow the wine to provide pleasure over the next 4 years. It is an amazing fruit bomb for $10!" (08/09) Malbec does not get much more quaffable and delicious than this. Deep, rounded dark plum and blueberry aromas, with a hint of black pepper, lead to a mouthful of soft, pure mixed berry fruit, with a tingle of acidity to hold the wine together and keep it wonderfully fresh. With its moderate tannins and high gulpability, this would be a terrific Tuesday night drinker, whether it's with your favorite recipe for herb roasted chicken, or a takeout pizza. (Joe Manekin, K&L Latin wine buyer)

2006 Renacer Punto Final Malbec Reserva ($14.99)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Punto Final Reserva contains 99% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc aged for 10 months in French oak. It, too, was sourced from vineyards over 50 years of age but with lower yields. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a fragrant bouquet of cedar, scorched earth, lavender, and black cherry. Layered, dense, and concentrated, it has tons of savory black fruit, spice notes, and excellent balance. This lengthy effort can be enjoyed now but will evolve in the bottle for 2-3 years." (08/09) This is a big wine, but not a monster. Boldly structured, the Reserva is a much more serious effort than the Clasico. Showing an opaque, purple-black color, this reserve bottling shows deeply pitched dark fruit and cocoa aromas, with a hint of braised meat adding more complexity. It is extracted on the palate, chock full of blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors. A modern style to be sure, but still showing good balance, this wine is an incredible bargain.

2005 Piombo "Valletta" Grenache-Shiraz McLaren Vale (Elsewhere $30) ($19.99)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Valletta is opaque purple-colored with a fragrant nose of toast, smoke, plum, and blueberry bordering on raisins. Thick and rich, this is a voluptuous, nearly over the top effort. Full-bodied, with well integrated tannins and a very long finish, this wine can be drunk now but it would be fascinating to see what becomes of it with 8-10 years in the cellar. At its asking price, it might be a prudent investment to lay away a few bottles. This is not a wine for delicate, European-trained palates. The proprietor, Modestino Piombo, passed away in March, 2007 and the work is being carried on by his winemaker Paul Petanga. This is my first experience with these unique and impressive wines." (10/07) Piombo is a small family owned and run winery in McLaren Vale that brings its Italian winemaking heritage to create a perfect marriage with the rich yet balanced fruit of McLaren Vale. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Shiraz, the aromas are filled with smoky black raspberry, blueberry, earth and spice. On the palate, the wine is rich, concentrated and juicy with fine acidity and polished tannins. All framed with a dusting of cocoa powder and provinding great length. (Jim Chanteloup, Australian Wine Buyer)

2008 Big House White California ($7.99)

#1 on the "Top 100 Best Buys of 2009" and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast: "Continues the solid trend of this label producing some of the best values in California. Dry, crisp and delicious, with mineral-infused flavors of oranges, honeysuckle and buttered toast. A blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Roussanne." (10/09) Once owned by the rapscallion Randall Graham of Bonny Doon fame, the Big House label has gone through many permutations over the years, but none of its wines has ever achieved the level of success of the 2008 Big House White. This blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Roussanne has created quite a buzz and was recently awarded the #1 wine spot on the Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 Best Buys of 2009." With its dynamic aromatics of lychee, passion fruit, bubble gum, lemon meringue and wintermint, and its sassy flavors of wet stone, blood orange flesh, mango and overall floral nature, we think it is going to be a huge hit. It's wildly affordable at well under $10 a bottle and simply hard to put down before the entire bottle is gone. This is a perfect "Holiday Season" party wine, stock up now while you can. (Bryan Brick, K&L)

2008 Renacer Punto Final Clasico Malbec ($9.99)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The unoaked 2008 Punto Final Clasico contains 97% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 10 months in stainless steel. It was sourced from own-rooted vineyards over 50 years of age. Made in a late-harvest style, this deep purple-colored wine reveals a nose of spice box, incense, and black cherry. Layered and rich on the palate, it conceals some ripe underlying tannin that should allow the wine to provide pleasure over the next 4 years. It is an amazing fruit bomb for $10!" (08/09) Malbec does not get much more quaffable and delicious than this. Deep, rounded dark plum and blueberry aromas, with a hint of black pepper, lead to a mouthful of soft, pure mixed berry fruit, with a tingle of acidity to hold the wine together and keep it wonderfully fresh. With its moderate tannins and high gulpability, this would be a terrific Tuesday night drinker, whether it's with your favorite recipe for herb roasted chicken, or a takeout pizza. (Joe Manekin, K&L Latin wine buyer)

2007 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay ($15.99)

92 points and a Best Buy, Wine & Spirits: "Slice a late summer Bosc pear over puff pastry and bake it - the tart will taste a lot like the flavors of this Chardonnay. It's grown at Cuvaison's estate vineyard, on 30-year-old vines. Though tightly built, the wine broadens into the finish, refreshed by a bristle of acidity. Decant it for roast veal with chanterelles." (07/09) 92 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A beautiful Chardonnay with so much class and elegance, it's a bargain at this price. Shows lush flavors of pineapple creme brulee, Meyer lemon custard and vanilla sorbet, balanced with crisp acidity and a fine touch of smoky oak. Perfect with shellfish." (08/09) With more history than probably 99% of the wineries in California today, and access to great vineyard sites, it's a wonder why we don't hear more about them. Maybe their 2007 Chard will change all of that. It has already caught the attention of key member of the press; note the double 92-point scores above. It also caught our attention and then it wouldn't let it go. Maybe it was due to the fruit-driven nose of hot buttered pears, cherry flesh and watermelon. That was surely a great opening line. Or it could have been due to the lime zest Granny Smith apples and sweet corn that are so explicitly laid out on the palate. Also possible was the lasting impression it left as the finish trailed off into flavors of honeydew and butterscotch. (Bryan Brick, K&L Wine Merchants)

2006 Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99)

90 points Robert Parker: "Slightly superior to the 2005, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a creme de cassis, spice box, and floral-scented bouquet, and a medium to full-bodied finish. A strong effort, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years." (12/08) 89 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Medium red-ruby. Aromas of black cherry, currant, menthol, licorice, minerals and tobacco, plus a whiff of superripeness. Plump, broad and smooth, with an early sweetness making this accessible from the outset. Combines good weight and freshness." (May/June '09) According to Wine Spectator: "Supple, elegant and well-balanced, mixing ripe currant, herb, anise and mineral notes. Ends with fine-grained tannins and a touch of green tea. Drink now through 2013." (11/09)

2007 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Pinot Noir ($19.99)

Quite possibly our favorite Pinot under $20. This is not a thick syrupy version of Pinot, but if you're a fan of balanced and delicate (and delicious) Pinot Noir we highly recommend grabbing a bottle. It comes from one of the top pinot producers on the Central Coast. Jim Clendenen makes great wine vintage after vintage, using exceptional fruit even in this entry-level beauty. Easy to drink with strawberry and plum notes, good texture, acidity and fruit. Good pinot for $20? Believe it. The Wine Spectator writes: "Floral, perfumed and peppery berry aromas are medium-weight, delicate and easy-drinking..." (09/09)

2005 Piombo "Valletta" Grenache-Shiraz McLaren Vale (Elsewhere $30) ($19.99)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Valletta is opaque purple-colored with a fragrant nose of toast, smoke, plum, and blueberry bordering on raisins. Thick and rich, this is a voluptuous, nearly over the top effort. Full-bodied, with well integrated tannins and a very long finish, this wine can be drunk now but it would be fascinating to see what becomes of it with 8-10 years in the cellar. At its asking price, it might be a prudent investment to lay away a few bottles. This is not a wine for delicate, European-trained palates. The proprietor, Modestino Piombo, passed away in March, 2007 and the work is being carried on by his winemaker Paul Petanga. This is my first experience with these unique and impressive wines." (10/07) Piombo is a small family owned and run winery in McLaren Vale that brings its Italian winemaking heritage to create a perfect marriage with the rich yet balanced fruit of McLaren Vale. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Shiraz, the aromas are filled with smoky black raspberry, blueberry, earth and spice. On the palate, the wine is rich, concentrated and juicy with fine acidity and polished tannins. All framed with a dusting of cocoa powder and provinding great length. (Jim Chanteloup, Australian Wine Buyer)

2005 Domaine Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Was $44 Elsewhere) ($29.99)

92 points Wine Spectator: "This has lots of juicy grip, with a strong, briary undertow supporting red and black licorice, hot stone, currant paste, tobacco and chestnut notes. The long, muscular finish is typical of the vintage. Best from 2010 through 2025." (04/08) 90 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a very aromatic display of white chocolate, black cherry, roasted herbs, pepper, and espresso. The wine has excellent concentration, lush tannins for the vintage, and a round, opulent mouthfeel. It is almost atypical for a 2005 in its fullness and headiness. Certainly the tannins have melted effectively over the last year. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." (10/07) 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright ruby. Spicy red berries on the nose, with suave cinnamon and clove qualities adding interest. Ripe cherry and blackberry flavors are supported by supple tannins, which add subtle grip to the long, juicy finish. Balanced to age but delicious now." (Jan/Feb '08)

2004 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino ($39.99)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "La Fortuna’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is especially beautiful in this vintage. The wine is remarkable for its density, richness and concentration, all of which have been achieved while maintaining clarity and freshness. The French oak is beautifully integrated in this sumptuous, generous Brunello. Suggestions of flowers and spices add notes of brightness on the finish. The Brunello spent a whopping 40 months in 25-hectoliter medium-sized casks prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019." (06/09) 92 points Wine Enthusiast "La Fortuna shows beautiful balance with pretty mineral nuances that stay delicately in the background of black fruit, wild berries, new leather and licorice. The mouthfeel is bright and filled with lively fruit flavors with firm structure and a long finish." (06/09) According to Wine Spectator: "Rose and cherry aromas follow through to a medium body, with firm tannins and fresh acidity..." (07/09) As much as the Sesta di Sopra is about sauvage La Fortuna is layers of dense fruit, sweet ripeness, full of intense plum and dark cherry aromatics, spicy but not wild, plum and chocolate flavors that coat the palate. This wine is superb, depth, concentration that has a fresh fruit character while highlighted with hints of earth, spice and mineral. Super deal at this price! This wine will not arrive until summer 2009 (Greg St.Clair, K&L's Italian buyer) 3 Glasses Gambero Rosso!

2005 Philippe Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon "Grains Nobles" 500ml ($75 Elsewhere) ($64.99)

98 points Wine Spectator: "Very lush and racy at the same time, this starts with creamy layers of mango and papaya before giving way to persimmon, fig paste and crème brûlée notes, all carried by well-embedded acidity. The superlong finish lets date, spice cake and green tea notes linger endlessly. Yet another classic for this amazing wine. Drink now through 2032." (11/07) Philippe Delesvaux, a Parisian, was not born into viticulture but came to the vine while working on his agricultural studies on a cereal farm in the Loire Valley in the early 1980s. By 1983 he had purchased some vineyards and was working out of a shed in Anjou producing some of the most concentrated botrytis wines the area had ever seen. His philosophy is simple, "A good wine cannot be made without good grapes. The wines are born of the grape, and nothing but the grape." To this end he works biodynamically in the vineyards and naturally in the cellar, using wild yeast fermentations to fully capture the essence of Anjou. The Selection de Grains Nobles is produced only from hand picked 100% botrytis Chenin Blanc from vines averaging 40 years of age planted to soils containing sedimentary rock, slate and coal. The genius of Delesvaux is his ability to produce extremely concentrated and soil expressive botrytis wines that are never cloying or too heavy, but are rejuvenating and light on their feet.

2006 Trotanoy, Pomerol ($74.99)

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a strongly structured and impressively textured wine. The tannins shoot through, giving a sense of dryness. But in the center, the wine shows power through both tannins and fruit, with blackberries and red plums. It has a preciscion and shape that promises long aging. Cellar Selection." (03/09) 93 points Robert Parker: "Showing better than it did from barrel, the 2006 Trotanoy does have one consistent characteristic that seems to be pervasive no matter what the vintage’s style and personality is - an earthy, big-boned, brawny, muscular style. This wine is deep, rich, full-bodied, with loads of meaty black cherry fruit intermixed with crushed rocks, truffle, and a hint of autumnal vegetation. The wine is broad, deep, and built for serious connoisseurs with cellars to wait it out. This wine needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for at least two decades. It is an impressive Trotanoy, but not one for those unable to defer their gratification." (02/09) 93 points Wine Spectator: " Berry, coffee and tobacco aromas follow through to a full body, with well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. There's a solid core of fruit. Powerful and structured. Best after 2014." (03/09)