A Hollywood Premier: 2012 Billecart Salmon “NFB”

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to the release party of the 2012 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" NFB Brut Champagne $199.99 96WA 95VN by the seventh generation of the Billecart family, Mathieu Roland-Billecart. The party was thrown at Larrabee Studios in North Hollywood, down an obscure alley in an unassuming part of town—but what a place! Everyone from Michael Jackson to Metallica has recorded there, and the sound-dampened walls felt like they were full of stories. It was an unforgettable evening, and the magic of the NFB has added another legend to this legendary place. It was a great chance to reconnect with friends in the wine world, and especially to spend time with the team from Billecart—Mathieu, Geoffrey, and Clément.

Elegance and Energy from Montalcino’s Hills: Pian dell’Orino Hits Our Shelves

Pian dell’Orino delivers some of the most authentic Sangiovese from Montalcino’s hillside region. Located near the Biondi-Santi estate, the Pian dell’Orino name has become synonymous with outstanding quality. The winery has been able to rise to benchmark Brunello status while working biodynamically and using a Burgundian vineyard management. They represent one of the more forward-looking producers you can find nowadays in Montalcino.

What Mom Really Wants: Champagne Picks for the Queen of the Day

As I criss-cross Champagne this spring, one theme keeps popping up: 2024 is shaping up beautifully in the cellar—but we collectors can’t drink futures on Mother’s Day. So I’ve pulled together bottles that are ready to thrill right now. First up is the crown jewel of my 25-year buying career, the transcendent 2008 Louis Roederer “Cristal”—direct from the maison and showing every bit of its triple-digit pedigree. I’ll also share notes from the Kimmeridgian soils of Les Riceys with Vivien Lamoureux and give you a sneak peek at Alexandre Le Brun’s rain-soaked yet dazzling 2024 vins clairs. Finally, because brunch without pink bubbles is just breakfast, I’ve hand-picked six rosé Champagnes that deliver serious finesse and pure festive joy. Grab a glass and dive in—there’s plenty to celebrate.

2008 Cristal: The Best of the Best for Mom

This Mother’s Day, if you feel like a splurge, we have something incredible in stock for you: a wine that comes from the best vintage of my 25-year career buying Champagne at K&L, and one of the very top wines from that vintage. I am talking about the 2008 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne (direct from Roederer 2025) $449.99. This wine has absolutely perfect provenance, coming direct from Roederer, through their own wholly owned import company, MMD. With multiple 100 and 99 point scores from the press, I am not alone in liking it—it is simply as good as Champagne gets.

Top Picks from K&L's Buying Team

Our buying team recently returned from their journeys through Champagne, Burgundy, Rhône, Italy, Bordeaux, and beyond, bringing back an insider's perspective on what's exciting in the world of wine right now. From under-the-radar producers to emerging vintages, this curated collection features their favorite discoveries, greatest values, and standout bottles.

Report from the Rhône: Vintages, Friends, Wine Fairs, and Cheese!

I recently returned from two weeks in the Rhône Valley, and I am still playing catch up. There were so many things to digest along the way – new vintage assessments, strengthening our producer relationships, and finding new partner producers.

A Cloudy Forecast in Bordeaux

We’re back on the trail, getting ready to taste the 2024s in Bordeaux, while catching up with our friends in the region. It is one of the great traditions in the world of fine wine—and quickly becoming an indispensable part of my year. The exhausting (trust me…) trek through the region will give us a wonderful perspective on the wines that will be released for sale as soon as next week—another chapter in the storied history of Bordeaux.

Honoring Bill Blatch, an Icon in Bordeaux and a Dear Friend

Bordeaux, the wine world, and K&L Wine Merchants lost a very special friend and mentor a few weeks ago with the passing of Mr. Bill Blatch.

The Magic of the Santa Cruz Mountains

If I was forced to pick a favorite wine region in California, I think it would have to be the Santa Cruz Mountains. These rugged coastal mountains are a truly special place to produce wine. First of all, the diversity of micro-climates within the AVA allows for an almost endless range of possibilities for grape growing. The generally warmer interior (SF Bay side) of the mountains is perfect for growing Bordeaux varietals as illustrated by the iconic wines of Ridge Monte Bello and close neighbors such as Fellom Ranch and Mount Eden. On the coastal side of the mountains the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay provide enormous tempering effects on temperature as well as persistent fog. This makes great conditions for growing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Tenuta di Carleone: The New Frontier of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico

Thirty years ago, after completing winemaking school in Germany, Sean O’Callaghan set off with his motorcycle throughout Italy. He landed in Chianti and never looked back—and if you’ve ever had the chance to visit there, you probably can understand. It is just such a perfect wine region; the proximity to Florence and the beauty of the hills are something that will stay in your heart forever. And let’s not forget about the wine—I mean, it’s Chianti after all!

The Italian Wines We Can’t Stop Talking About

From iconic names to emerging stars, Italy continues to offer some of the most thrilling wines in the world. This curated collection highlights everything from pedigreed Prosecco and Alpine gems to collectible Barolo and hidden treasures from Abruzzo. Whether you're looking to stock up on everyday favorites or add a few cellar-worthy bottles, these standout selections are not to be missed.

Jaw-Dropping Finds and Collectible Rarities

From our Bordeaux Buyer Ryan Moses, Director of Auctions John Christensen, and Private Client Services Advisor Chelsea Herholdt, we bring you a lineup of some of our most collectible bottlings from producers who continue to inspire. With the goal of introducing—or reintroducing—you to bottles that promise to delight for years to come, we're thrilled at the opportunity to dive into these stellar selections from some of the world's very best.

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