Southern Hemisphere wines are more exciting than ever, and K&L Buyer Thomas Smith has assembled a tour de force of the best on our shelves. Whether you’re looking for exquisite cool-climate Pinot, skin-contact summer sippers, or the most exciting producer to come out of South Africa, Thomas has got you covered.
Read MoreToday, the staff and buyers at K&L are opening up Sauvignon Blanc from around the world to pay homage to the Sauvignon Blanc grape and the wonderful wine it produces.
Read MoreIn this week’s newsletter, K&L’s Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa Buyer, Thomas Smith, has a litany of bottles from the other side of the world that will be at home by grill or by garden. If you’re in the mood for a sizzling burger hot off a campsite fire pit, try a Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch. Ceviche by the beach? Try one of Australia’s powerful, bone-dry Rieslings from Eden Valley. Just want to catch up with friends in your own backyard? Try a bubbly rosé from Tasmania or a Pinot Meunier rosé from New Zealand. The possibilities for summer fun are endless!
Read MoreWe have big news for fans of New Zealand Pinot Noir: K&L is now the exclusive importer of Ata Rangi, one of the most well-renowned producers of Pinot in the country. For over 40 years, Clive Paton and his family have been making exceptional wines, earning official status as Grand Cru of New Zealand. We are proud that they’ve chosen us to be their exclusive retailer in the U.S., and we can’t wait to share these beautiful wines with you.
Read MoreBuyers Kirk Walker and Thomas Smith have joined forces in our Southern Hemisphere newsletter to bring you the best values, the best new finds, the best oldies-but-goodies we have from south of the Equator. From Uruguay to Marlborough, the “New World” is bringing their A-game, and our newsletter is your guide to your new favorites!
Read MoreFans of New Zealand wines are celebrating Sauvignon Blanc today,and our very own NZ guru is no exception. Buyer Thomas Smith may not be able to be in Marlborough with his Kiwi pals, but he is drinking a glass or two in solidarity from the comfort of his own home—and he has some excellent recommendations for you to do the same!
Read MoreThe proceeds from the tastings in all three stores this Saturday 2/1/20 will be donated to the World Wildlife Federation Australia to aid in their response to wildlife and habitat restoration and in their work to imagine innovative solutions for the future of Australia.
Read MoreNew Zealand is killing it right now with Pinot Noir, and we at K&L are completely on board the NZ Pinot train. Our Australia/New Zealand Buyer Thomas Smith is one of its biggest advocates, and has brought in some stunning wines from new Direct Import producers that are really breathing life into the category for us. And we’re excited to use this blog space to introduce you to them. First up: a fellow by the name of Matt Connell.
Read MoreLast week was Organic Wine Week in New Zealand and to celebrate here in the States they hosted a tasting and seminar at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Although they are a relative newcomer in the wine world, New Zealand is setting standards and outpacing many other wine regions in sustainable and organic practices. Their holistic approach and future-facing goals are promising and inspiring.
Read MoreQuartz Reef has always had a cult following at K&L. Which is why I jumped at the chance to meet up with Rudi Bauer, founder and winemaker behind Quartz Reef this August. Rudi first moved to New Zealand from his native Austria in 1985 and after stints at Mission Vineyards, Giesen and Rippon, quickly became known as one of the pioneers of Central Otago, and one of the first adherents of Biodynamic farming in New Zealand. He founded Quartz Reef in 1998 and today, he’s considered a legend in the Central Otago winemaking scene.
Read More
