Thrilling Domestic Discoveries with Ryan Woodhouse

Domestic Buyer Ryan Woodhouse has been on a tear lately, unearthing one new fantastic discovery after another. This month's newsletter shines the spotlight on three exceptional finds from California, encompassing not only some of the best hidden-gem, hand-crafted Pinots and Cabs, but also a sparkling wine producer that's set to make a big splash on the scene. We'll also check in with a perennial favorite Oregon producer that's taking their game to a whole new level in the 2022 vintage.

Oregon's Hundred Suns Wines: As Good As Ever!

Despite being a relatively new project (founded in 2015) Hundred Suns very quickly became a huge staff favorite here at K&L. They have the magic trio of factors to become such “house wines” with our staff: phenomenal quality, really cool people, fantastic value for money.

First Sips: 2022 Burgundy Vintage Report

Wines from the record-breaking 2022 vintage have arrived, with classics and up-and-coming appellations ready to deliver excellent value.

The Best for Last: 2012 Billecart Cuvée Louis Salmon

Today is the worldwide release for one of the best of the great 2012 vintage in Champagne, and we are lucky to have an allocation. We had a preview of the 2012 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Louis" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne before today’s release, and. after tasting it in the morning with Clément from Billecart, I knew that I had to make something special to have with it at dinner. This is a Blanc de Blancs that has it all—and promises to develop well for at least a generation.

Benchmark Producers to Start Your Wine Collection

Whether you are collecting for investment or for decades of enjoyment ahead, there are certain tried-and-true benchmark producers that are always the wisest of bets for your wine cellar. I’m pleased to share a few thoughts on some of my personal favorite producers, all of whom I hold in the highest regard. These are among the finest in their regions and provide exceptional value at their level. If you are looking to start a wine collection, you absolutely cannot go wrong if you start with wines from any of these estates.

Louis Roederer’s Masterful 2014 Vintage Champagne: Buy Some for Now and Some for the Cellar

I know I have been like a broken record recommending the 2014 vintage, but some things are worth repeating. After drinking a bottle of this great 2014 Louis Roederer Brut Champagne $89.99 95WA with some homemade sashimi bowls earlier this month, I feel compelled to repeat myself. No Champagne lover will ever say “I bought too many of the 2014s.” I understand that these wines lack the flash of the 2012s and the power of the 2015s, but in the medium-to-long term I promise that they will evolve into something very, very special—and I think better than those two other vintages. I caught a glimpse of that with this great Champagne on the fifth of this month.

Valentine's Day Wine Buying Guide

Our Valentine’s Day Buying Guide is here! Whether you want to gift a special bottle, or open a memorable wine for a dinner with your loved one, we have ideas galore.

Celebrate Your Sweetheart with Chelsea's Collectible Wine Picks

In an understated and often unnoticed way, K&L has become a part of many lovers' lives. Upon revealing my employment at K&L to a recent acquaintance, they promptly shared, "Twenty years ago, I bought the Champagne from you that my wife and I enjoyed when we got engaged!" As Valentine's Day approaches and we think on the importance of these memories, I've curated a list of top-tier wines, not limited to Champagnes, that every wine lover will appreciate. These selections are perfect for toasting love, be it Platonic or romantic, or gifting to your favorite wine aficionado for future enjoyment.

Unparalleled Value in Chablis from Domaine Seguinot-Bordet

With a history that dates back to 1590, Domaine Seguinot-Bordet’s roots in Chablis run incredibly deep. Jean-François Bordet oversees the day-to-day operations at their 16 hectare estate. The 2022 vintage in Chablis was much like the rest of Burgundy, it was one of the hottest vintages in recent memory. Yet, with few hiccups after May it, was a relatively easy growing season that resulted in a much larger crop than 2021 or even hot vintages like 2020, 2019, and 2018.

White Burgundy for Every Day of the Week by Château Vitallis

Château Vitallis is in the town of Solutré surrounded by Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards in southern Burgundy’s Mâcon region. They can trace their origins back to 1835 when the Dutron family took over the domaine. The same family is still at the helm, with Denis Dutron in the driver’s seat and his son Maxime managing the winemaking responsibilities. They have an envious selection of vineyard holdings scattered across appellations focusing mainly on Pouilly-Fuissé.

2022 Paul Pernot: The Maestro of Puligny Montrachet

A visit to Domaine Paul Pernot is always a treat. Often, you will be welcomed by the man himself. Paul Pernot has run the domaine since the 1950s and is easily in his 90s, but he’s still spry. Speaking very little English, he is often assisted by his two sons who both are heavily involved in the running of the domaine.

2022 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau: A Stunning Set of Wines

In 1989 Sylvain Langoureau took over the reins of his family winery, becoming the fifth generation to tend the nine-hectare domaine located in the small hamlet of Gamay on the hillside where Puligny-Montrachet and St. Aubin meet... These are easily some of the greatest values we carry in white Burgundy at K&L.

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