Welcome to the Discovery Series
2019 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, Pauillac $29.99
The result of nearly a year spent meticulously tasting through Bordeaux to uncover an exceptional deal at unbeatable pricing, we’re beyond excited to introduce the inaugural edition of what we’re calling the K&L Discovery Series. The aim of this new collection is to showcase wines that are both quintessential and exemplary representations of their region and/or vintage—and this 2019 Pauillac delivers on every front. It embodies the structure, depth, and pedigree of a top-tier Bordeaux, hails from the outstanding 2019 vintage, is crafted by a classified growth, and tastes like it could come from nowhere else but Pauillac. While we’re keeping the identity of our collaborator confidential to maintain the incredible value, rest assured: this is a truly authentic expression of one of the world’s most revered wine appellations—offered at a price that’s virtually unheard of.
The 2019 Vintage in Bordeaux
Read our report from the trail on Bordeaux 2019
The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is widely regarded as excellent, marked by a balance of richness, structure, and freshness. Following a mild winter and a wet spring, the growing season transitioned into a hot, dry summer. These conditions stressed the vines just enough to concentrate flavors without compromising phenolic ripeness. Crucially, timely rain in late July and early August helped alleviate drought stress, allowing grapes to reach full maturity.
In Pauillac, this vintage yielded wines with deep color, fine-grained tannins, and great aromatic purity. Cabernet Sauvignon thrived, delivering power and classic notes of cassis, cedar, graphite, and tobacco. The wines exhibit a remarkable balance between density and elegance, with vibrant acidity supporting age-worthy structure. Alcohol levels are moderate compared to some recent vintages, and the best wines show great precision and energy.
Top estates such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande crafted wines that combine Pauillac’s traditional power with finesse and aromatic complexity. The 2019 vintage is approachable in youth for some cuvées but will reward cellaring, showing strong potential to become a benchmark vintage for the region.
Pauillac
Pauillac is one of the most prestigious wine appellations in Bordeaux, if not the world, located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary in the Médoc region. Known for producing powerful, age-worthy red wines, Pauillac is home to three of Bordeaux’s five First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. These iconic estates, along with numerous other classified growths, contribute to Pauillac’s reputation as a benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
The terroir of Pauillac is a key to its greatness. The gravel-rich soils provide excellent drainage, encouraging deep root growth and contributing to the development of concentrated, complex fruit. The proximity to the Gironde moderates the climate, protecting the vines from frost and providing steady ripening conditions.
Wines from Pauillac are typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. They are known for their deep color, firm tannins, and notes of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and tobacco. In youth, they can be powerful and structured, but with age, they evolve into elegant, nuanced wines of great depth and character. Pauillac remains a cornerstone of Bordeaux, revered by collectors and enthusiasts around the world for its consistency and pedigree.