Kalinda Cabernet Sauvignon

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I will say that K&L Wine Merchants private label is consistently very good and this 2014 is simply stupid for $22. They buy fruit and have a guality producer make their private label or buy a quality producers juice and sign ND contracts. Pushing 9.2. It is right around its peak. Drinks like a similarly aged $60 plus Napa Cabernet. After being in business for over 40 years, they have built many grower and or producer relationships to be able to capture some really nice juice with excellent value.

Apr 29th, 2023

Ellen Clifford

8.9

It is rich yet somewhat light somehow. Luscious? The berries are ripe and bright and hit your palate with a punch and there are tobacco and cocoa notes lurking under all. And an almost tart finish which surprises you after all the richness. Hard core punch of the cocoa in this. That's what is staying with me. Maybe a hint of leather? I'm letting it decant a bit so I'll update if it changes a bunch.

Nov 5th, 2017

Shay A

9.2

This is K&L’s private label and this particular vintage is from the famed Eisele vineyard. Producer is unknown, but they either buy wine from a certain producer or have the producer make it for them.

It started off thin but only needed 15-20mins for the power to arrive. Still dark in the glass with just a slight fading around the rim. Blackberry, old cocoa dusted dates, baked fig, old pipe tobacco aromatics. Low acidity and tannin on the palate, gaining heft in the middle. A balance of fruit (red at first turning dark quickly) with mainly black cherry and plum, and cedar/underbrush. The finish is surprisingly youthful with dusty tannin.

Keeping QPR in mind (these are about $22 on release), this is really nice, and are probably best with 7-10yrs on them to see how they age at that price. Many thanks to @David T for helping me get my hands on one of these.