Recently I had the great pleasure to meet Jacky Blot. I have long been a fan of his wineries, Domaine Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte, when their wines were presented to me well over a decade ago. They represent an outsider's spirit in an emerging region, and he has been one of the pioneers to make a sustainable impact on elevating these appellations to greatness. Last Monday I was incredibly saddened to hear of his passing. If you’re not familiar with his wines, now more than ever is the time to discover themfor yourself.

Gilbert-Jacquesson: A Growers’ Grower Making Great Champagne

Nothing beats a tasting at the dining room table of a great grower, especially when that grower is Jean-Baptiste Jacquesson and the dining room looks out onto the vineyards of Troissy in the Marne Valley.

How to Pamper Tired Moms This Mother’s Day

As a bona fide tired mom, I’m here to attest to the fact that moms do a lot. A lot a lot. There’s unseen labor and research and consideration and love that goes into countless tasks, endless tasks; and I’m wagering that if there’s a mom in your life, she’s tired. She’s probably so tired from planning everything all the time to plan something nice for herself for Mother’s Day. That’s where you come in! And we’re here to help. Here are a few mother-approved tips that will help you make the mom in your life feel loved.

Nicolas Maillart: The Cutting Edge of Champagne’s 1er Cru

There is no doubt that Nicolas Maillart is among the elite of Champagne’s grower producers, and we have been very lucky to work with him and his wines over the last four years.

En Primeur: Memory Lane

As we wrap up the end of this year’s En Primeur week, we’ve got a look back at years past. These are photos from Clyde’s archives, with his captions below each. Enjoy!

Bordeaux En Primeur: Yielding to Merlot

Yields are down. A common colloquialism among many in the supply side of the wine world. Since wine crops are so measurable, it is not just out there to garner sympathy—it is usually a meaningful component to quality of a vintage and the marketplace for the wine. But low yields are a symptom that can be ascribed to many different issues, good and bad. We take a look at what it means for the 2022 vintage.

Loire Valley Newsletter: Keith's Road Trip!

Today's Newsletter is Loire Buyer Keith Mabry's travel diary, so to speak. Having just returned from the region, he's full of fresh insight and enthuisasm for an incredibly broad and diverse range of expressions, starting with a trio of standouts from Keith's many visits while he was on the road. Our direct-import Loire producers are firing on all cylinders, showcasing the reference-point class of Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Hidden-gem regions provide unbeatable value (and longevity) for jaw-dropping bargains, and Keith pays a long-awaited visit to an all-time favorite visionary in an up-and-coming appellation.

The Fresh and Feisty 2020 Bordeauxs at UGC in San Francisco

On January 27, K&L hosted the Union des Grands Crus of Bordeaux tasting in San Francisco at City View Metreon, whereover 80 châteaux send winemakers, owners, and representatives to pour their current releases and discuss the vintage. We’ve had the honor of being the Bay Area host since the 2005 vintage, and our 15th event brought us the 2020s.

Our Top Buys in Grower Champagne

Today's Newsletter gets us back to bubbles in a big way, and not just any bubbles. Champagne buyer Gary Westby and his team have been as busy as ever tracking down the region's best direct-import buys to fill your cellar without breaking the bank. From everyday values to showstopping collectible vintage stunners, our Champagne portfolio is full to the brim with proven performers and new discoveries that with thrill even the most seasoned aficionados.

Make 2023 the Year of Bordeaux!

Today's Newsletter rings in 2023 with our first and best love—Bordeaux. As our team gears up for their annual trip this spring, we're highlighting some of our top performers and personal favorites that came our way in 2022 and looking ahead to what the coming year will bring from the world's most famous wine region.

Holiday Buying Made Easy: Our Top Picks in Nearly Every Category

Today's Newsletter is the final installment of 2022, and we're ringing out the year with a bang. Our buyers have all pitched in to compile a wide-ranging selection of holiday winners for every palate, price tier, and festive occasion. Without further ado, we'd like to wish you Happy Holidays and all the best over the next few weeks and into the New Year.

The Best Escargot Pairing

My son came home one night talking about something his teacher had mentioned: it was called escargot, and he was interested in it. I immediately snatched up the opportunity to get my kid to try a new thing and called my French friend Julie to hatch a plan. Within two days, we were gathered in my kitchen, cooking escargot and popping the corks on the Damien Hugot Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc and the 2017 Auxey-Duresses “Les Clous” from Jacques Bavard—each stunning and perfectly suited to our meal.

K&L Wine Merchants

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