K&L In-Store Tastings: Piedmont and Collectible Commonwealth

Greetings K&L friends!

The rosters are set for this weekend's in-store tastings, so please mark your calendars for an evening (or two) of fascinating and fun exploration with your fellow wine lovers and our K&L staff. Read below for more details on this week's dynamic events.

In addition to our weekly tastings, we regularly host or participate in other Special Tasting Events and Dinners. Also, don't forget, you can always explore in more depth on K&L's On the Trail blog with buyer/winemaker interviews, special reports, and more—straight from the vineyards!

Highland Park is a revered single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in the Orkney Islands, known for its rich history and distinctive character. Established in 1798, it blends traditional methods with a unique use of local heather to create whiskies that are both complex and approachable. Renowned for its balance of peaty smoke and sweet, sherried notes, Highland Park consistently stands out as one of the finest whiskies in the world.

AValli is the creation of pioneering Otago winemaker, Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines in the region since 1993 when there were only 20 hectares planted – today there are over 2,000. Over the past 27 years he has made the first wines for a number of iconic Otago wineries, but now the serious focus is on his own creation, Valli. In 2015, established Otago winemaker Jen Parr joined Grant in the winery where the pair aims to create wines with honesty, integrity, and most importantly, a sense of place.

An Oregon native and graduate of Stanford University, Jen adds a depth of international winemaking experience from regions in the USA, France, South Africa, and Australia. She has completed 21 harvests in NZ and over 35 vintages overall. With Jen leading the winemaking team, their wines continue to receive top honors both domestically and internationally. In 2020, Jen was awarded the title of NZ Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveler WINE New Zealand.

Tim Grimes of JVS Imports will be sharing some of the best that Scotland has to offer. This selection features exceptional whiskies, showcasing a range of profiles from various renowned distilleries. From the bold and smoky 2013 Bowmore Single Cask Nation to the rich, sherried 2011 Glenfarclas and the complex 2007 Craigellachie, each bottle represents the artistry and craftsmanship that define Scotland's whisky heritage.

Ca' del Baio is a female-owned and operated winery now in the 4th generation, known for a very classic, traditional style that puts varietal character and sense of place front and center. One of the most classic names in Barbaresco, the estate now operates with sisters Paola, Valentina, and Federica following in the footsteps of their parents Giulio and Luciana. Together they farm 31 ha (77 acres) of estate vineyards mostly in the villages of Barbaresco and Treiso. Roughly 50% of their production is based on Nebbiolo, with terrific site-specific Barbaresco expressions from prestigious MGAs (single vineyards) like Asili, Pora, and Vallegrande.

Embark on a journey through the Commonwealth Wine Regions of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa at this tasting event. We’ll feature wines from world-renowned producers like Mullineux, Bell Hill, and Standish. From the boldly flavored, ancient vines of Australian Barossa Valley Shiraz, to the refined elegance of New Zealand North Canterbury Pinot Noir and the unique wines from the rugged soils of the Swartland, in South Africa, this tasting promises to highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and distinct flavors that these regions offer. Together, these producers bring the diverse winemaking traditions of the Commonwealth to life, offering a rich and varied tasting experience. Syrah/Shiraz lovers especially – this one’s for you!

In this tasting, we’ll explore Italy’s iconic regions through diverse expressions of the Nebbiolo grape. Known as the “King of Grapes,” Nebbiolo is celebrated for its powerful structure, aromatic complexity, and ability to age beautifully. Nebbiolo finds its finest expression in a variety of terroirs across northern Italy. From the legendary vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco to the hidden gems of Valtellina, Boca, and the broader Langhe region, this event will highlight the unique qualities each area brings to this noble grape.

We’ll delve into a bold, age-worthy Barolo, with its rich tannins and layers of red cherry fruit, rose petals, and notes of leather, alongside the elegant and refined wine of Barbaresco, known for florality and grace. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to a high-altitude expression from Valtellina in Lombardy and the mineral-driven, structured wine of Gattinara. Each wine will reveal Nebbiolo’s remarkable versatility, showing how it captures the character of Italy’s diverse landscapes.

Fords Gin is a collaboration between Simon Ford, gin expert and a leading voice in the spirits industry, and Charles Maxwell, a 10th generation master distiller. Working in the world of spirits for over 20 years, founder Simon Ford realized that the ultimate cocktail gin did not exist. He set out to change this with the leaders of the craft cocktail movement, and through his startup spirits company, The 86 Co, Simon created Fords Gin, London Dry Gin in 2012. Heralded as The Cocktail Gin, Fords’ unique blend of botanicals has made it one of the most versatile gins and a favorite among bartenders around the world.

Join us to taste the 86 Co. Ford's Gin as well as sample cocktails—a negroni and gin and tonic.

Wilderness Trail Bourbon is a premium Kentucky bourbon crafted by Wilderness Trail Distillery, known for its emphasis on traditional, quality-driven production methods and innovative fermentation techniques. Based in Danville, Kentucky, the distillery was founded by Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist, experts in fermentation science, who prioritize a sweet mash process (as opposed to the more common sour mash) to create a distinctively smooth, flavorful profile. Their bourbons, including small-batch and single-barrel offerings, are made with locally sourced grains, primarily focusing on a high-rye mash bill and a more recently introduced wheated bourbon. Aging in a lower barrel entry proof (typically around 100 proof) and utilizing naturally air-dried barrels contribute to the rich, well-balanced character of their whiskies, marked by notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, appealing to both connoisseurs and new bourbon enthusiasts alike.