As many of you reading this will know, Sean Thackrey, the creative genius and free spirt behind Pleiades Wine Co., sadly passed away in 2022 after 40 years of inspiring generations of winemakers and wine drinkers alike. Sean was one of the most experimental, naturally gifted, intuitive winemakers California has ever known. Never confined by convention nor distracted by fads, Sean followed his own path guided by his one ultimate goal, to provide pleasure to those that drank his wines.
Read MoreAfter the incredible success of and great feedback on our initial Anonymous releases (that sold out VERY quickly) I’ve been working hard to get the next set of wines across the finish line. It’s taken a little longer than we hoped, but doing things right takes time, and good things come to those who wait! Finally I have not one, not two, but three new Anonymous wines to share with you all. I’m so unbelievably proud of these releases, I truly couldn’t be more excited about getting them in your hands and most importantly in your glass.
Read MoreLast month we finally pulled off a staff trip that had been six years in the making! I had long wanted to take our sales team up to the far West Sonoma Coast and Fort Ross-Seaview AVAs. This beautiful part of the state produces some of the very best and most distinctive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. However, the wineries and vineyards are extremely remote and getting to them requires long miles on very tiny roads full of switchbacks, precipitous drop offs, and centurion Coastal Redwoods. Putting together my dream itinerary for this trip was no small feat. Winemakers’ schedules had to align. I had to get 15 staff members on a bus to navigate these roads, and rely on the willingness of our fearless designated driver, Jorge Valencia, to traverse these coastal mountains, often on dirt roads in the middle of nowhere! But we finally did it!
Read MoreFrance is the soul of fine wine, and no day better honors that legacy than Bastille Day. From the regal bubbles of Champagne to the sun-soaked reds of the Southern Rhône, the mineral purity of Chablis to a Médoc sleeper from a banner vintage, today’s newsletter celebrates the glorious diversity of French terroir. Each pick comes straight from the K&L team—Gary, Keith, Alex, and Ryan—offering their top choices to toast la belle France. Raise a glass with us this weekend and discover what makes these bottles so timeless and essential.
Read MoreSouthern Rhône reds are the essence of summer flavor. One of my favorite wine categories overall, these bold-yet-balanced wines are tailor-made for outdoor gatherings and anything hot off the grill. There’s something magical about the way ripe, sun-drenched fruit meets savory spice—it pairs effortlessly with smoky, charred flavors.
Read MoreNothing is more fitting for celebrating France than a bottle of Champagne, and nothing goes better with July weather than cold bubbles. We have three delicious options, at three different price points for this fun occasion.
Read MoreSummer is finally upon us and the 4th of July is right around the corner. BBQs, vacations, quality time with family and friends, and fireworks are all summer activities that many will be enjoying in the next few weeks. We have plenty of wonderful options here at K&L to make this time of year extra special. Here are a few beers I wanted to showcase this 4th of July that I think everyone would enjoy.
Read MoreAsk a sommelier what they drink on their day off and more often than not, the answer is the Loire Valley. Why? Exceptional value, deep history, incredible diversity, and food-pairing perfection. From crisp Muscadet to age-worthy Chenin Blanc and soulful Cabernet Franc, the Loire delivers serious pedigree without the pretense—or the price tag. Below, you’ll find some of our most exciting discoveries, from under-the-radar gems to cellar-worthy icons.
Read MoreTucked away in the northwest corner of the Loire Valley, west of the Gallic town of Vendôme, lie 27 communes dotted along the southern banks of the Loir River that comprise the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois, 120 hectares of flinty, sandy soils bursting with the region’s “rare and ancient native variety” Pineau d’Anuis, plus Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Chardonnay.
Read MoreIn the Loire, the conversation almost always starts with Sauvignon Blanc—Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon. They are popular, and they are great. But Chenin Blanc is just as noble, and honestly, it deserves a lot more attention than it gets. The range of styles, the variety of terroirs, the sheer versatility make it one of the most exciting white grapes out there, especially when grown in the Loire.
Read MoreWhen people think of Cabernet Franc, they often default to Bordeaux or New World versions—ripe, plush, sometimes oaked... sometimes too much oak. But my favorite expressions come from the Loire Valley, where Cab Franc sheds the excess and takes on something more honest: earthy, floral, fresh-fruited, savory, and deeply connected to place.
Read MoreLike what happened in Beaujolais with its crus, Muscadet began highlighting specific geological zones capable of producing wines with aging potential. The first three—Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges—set the tone, and now there are ten official crus. These wines are aged longer on the lees (usually 17–30 months, depending on the cru), and they offer a completely different experience from the classic sur lie style. The best of them are structured, mineral, and textured—serious wines hiding behind a humble name.
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