Insider's Pricing on Classic Santa Cruz Chardonnay & Pinot 

2019 Neely "Bee Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay (Elsewhere $50) $19.95

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Clean and mineral-driven aromas of wet rocks, macadamia nut and Meyer lemon cream make for an inviting nose on this bottling. There's a chalky frame to the palate, where citrus flavors burst forth alongside Pink Lady apple for a crisp sip. (MK)" (07/2022)

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

I'm so thrilled to have some wines from Neely / Spring Ridge Vineyard back in stock at K&L, and with some very special pricing, too! This incredible estate in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Portola Valley has a long history with us here at K&L and these wines have been staples on our shelves for decades. After a short hiatus, we're back in action with a few stunning wines picking up right where we left off. Neely's "Bee Block" Chardonnay is absolutely classic for this estate showing an exquisite a beautiful balance of fruit, perfume and stony mineral qualities. These vines are now over 40-years-old, Clone 4 massal selections from Home Block, planted in marine sedimentary soils of silt and clay. The wine is both bright and ethereal, but layered and complex at the same time with white flowers, crunchy orchard fruit, toasted nuts, ocean spray, dew soaked hay and subtle flint. Beautifully evolved and drinking perfectly, but still very vibrant and youthful with 5+ years in reserve. Easily worth twice this amount, but it's priced to move at our stunning Insider's Advantage price. I couldn't recommend a wine more highly for this ludicrously low price.

Ryan Moses | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 12, 2024

I remember buying Neely Chardonnay over a decade ago when it was a darling of Parker and seemed like a must try. It's been a label that I've had a fondness for ever since. That famed Santa Cruz site is still had the heart of the wines today, and to be able to get it at this kind of pricing is stunning. The aromas hint at a deep but classic Cali Chard with pear, meyer lemon, and white flowers. The palate is elegant and focused, with bosc pear, apricot, and a textured finish that carries a mineral tinge. A good balance of depth while still retaining a freshness. Ready to drink, but no reason to be in a rush either. At our current price, it'll be hard to pick another CA Chardonnay over this one.

Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

Another super release of our consistent line ups of our great value chardonnay's! Upon opening, the nose is fresh and clean and veers toward citrus scents of lemon with light verbena. Upon expanding, there are some green apple and green pear scents. On the palate, it is quite mouth coating and softer with creamy lemon, honey crisp apple and pine nuts. Straddles the line nicely between richness and cleanliness. This one should greatly appeal to most people.

2017 Neely "Hidden Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Previously $60) $29.95

93 points Wine Advocate: "Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Hidden Block has a pretty nose of underbrush, soil, mint leaves, pure red and black cherries, rhubarb and strawberries with lovely floral notes coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with bright fruits and loads of spicy, earthy accents. It has a firm, finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and nuanced. Lovely! 225 cases produced. (EB)" (02/2020)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Intense boysenberry, anise, clove and nutmeg aromas converge for a spicy and fresh nose on this block-designated bottling. That dark fruit continues on the palate, lifted by lively acidity and elegant brushes of dried purple flower. (MK)" (07/2020)

Burghound: "A whiff of menthol sits atop the layered aromas of dark cherry, plum and discreet spice nuances. The very supple medium weight flavors possess good richness but also good delineation before culminating in a persistent if mildly warm finish." (06/2020)

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

This 2017 Hidden Block from Neely is absolutely singing right now and in the prime of it's life at almost 8 years of age. The fruit is so open and silky with dusty red berries, dark cherry, woodsy spices, dry earth, subtle hints of leather and dried rose petals. Rich and flavorful, but always light on it's feet and elegant, too. This wine comes from a small, 2-acre block of Dijon Clone 115 planted in 1997. A classic and classy expression of Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir for a price point that almost too good to believe. Insider's rejoice, this is incredible Pinot and a lovely contrast in style compared to the more focused and linear 2018 Upper Picnic Block Pinot.

Ryan Moses | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 12, 2024

Considering the quality and miniscule production, it's amazing that we have access to this gem, much less at our current Insiders pricing. The 2017 Neely Hidden Block is stunning right out of the gate, with beautiful aromatics that scream Pinot Noir - bright red fruit, a slight sauvage note, hints of earth and a nice floral expression. On the palate it is fresh and lightweight, with cranberry, strawberry, and a clean, mineral driven finish. The time in bottle has served this one perfectly - it will take a few years to hit full maturity, but for now it is fresh and expressive. It's great to see this one back on our shelves, but it probably won't stay there for long.

Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

The second of our new Neely Pinot Noir arrivals. This is one is completely contrary to its Upper Picnic Block sibling. The nose on this one is much darker with black cherries, lavender, and a light bit of black licorice. Like the Upper Picnic Block, it does have a dose of cloves on the nose. In the mouth, it coats but, is not "big" per se. More light to medium-bodied but, supple. Red and black cherries abound with the former at the initial forefront and it is then dominated by the latter. There are very nice baking spice flavors, clean tannins and the nicest hint, only a hint, of chalkiness. The finish lingers at the tip of the tongue. Quite superb!

2018 Neely "Upper Picnic Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $60) $29.95

This wine comes from the organically-tended Spring Ridge Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a two-acre planting on an east-facing slope at about 600 feet above sea level. The site is dry-farmed, which makes for an inredible earth-driven Pinot with all of the Santa Cruz character you want and the balance, texture and deliciousness you'd expect from a wine made by Bob and Jim Varner.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

I've had a couple bottles of this beauty in the past two weeks and I must admit I'm quite smitten! From a 2-acre block of Dijon 777 clone grafted in 2006 onto older root stock planted in 1982. This is a very alluring, coy, elegant Pinot Noir that needs a minute or two to unfurl in the glass...but when it does it's all class. Wonderfully pure, precise wild forest berries, black raspberry, sandalwood, clove and other mulling spices. Hints of dried porcini and leaf litter, truffle, anise, clean soil (if that's even a thing!?) A magical wine that draws you in slowly. It's not bombastic and effusive, but the subtly and elegance here makes it all the more appealing as the layers slowly open. It really comes alive with roast chicken and herbed potatoes. Silky and elegant now, but still has plenty of poise and energy to cellar for another 5-8 maybe 10 years. Incredible pricing for our insider's Advantage members.

Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2024

There are so many interesting new Pinot Noir's coming in at this time. This Neely is certainly one of them. A strikingly original nose of dark raspberry, cranberry, baking Spices and light clove. In the mouth, dark cranberry and cherry, blood orange, new and clean oak. It finishes very clean. Light on its feet with very nice fruit and spice. A winner.