Anyone who has met Damien Hugot, either in Champagne or here at one of our tastings, knows that he is full of a good time, and full of lust for life. He saves his serious side for his vineyard, which he tends like a garden, and for his work in his immaculately clean winery. This year he released a brand new cuvée, the Damien Hugot "Hommage 1921" Extra Brut Champagne, which is an homage to his great grandfather, who started making his own wine south of Épernay back in 1921.
Read MoreToday's Newsletter is a feast in more ways that one, but the centerpiece theme is value, including our favorite domestic Insider's deals of the year, hand-picked holiday pairing selections from buyer Kaj Stromer, and a duo of stunning library buys from a pioneering Napa icon. These are but a few of the many spectacular offerings that are at your fingertips, just in time for your holiday planning and preparations to kick into high gear.
Read MoreChampagne Buyer Gary Westby and his team have assembled a lineup of Champagnes that range from everyday values to the height of luxury. No matter the occasion, we have a Champagne to pair with it!
Read MoreLast night, Clément Calleja of Champagne Billecart-Salmon kicked off our annual staff Champagne Summit with a big bang. He hosted a comprehensive tasting of their line paired with sushi from Kanpai at Cinnamon’s and my home in Menlo Park. The wines were unforgettable.
Read MoreToday’s newsletter takes us on a tour of some of the best vineyard sites in California. Our staff members in all three locations hit the road this summer to visit wineries and learn from some of the phenomenal winemakers that call California home.
Read MoreUsually, when I arrive in Brouillet, we do an extensive vin clair tasting of the last year’s harvest together. Since there was no 2021 to taste, Paul announced that instead we would do a retrospective of better years… And what a lineup he poured! This tasting was a true career highlight for me—each wine was great, and fabulous proof of the longevity that the great terroir of Brouillet is capable of producing in its wines.
Read MoreThe relationship between Calera and K&L is long and deep. In 1975 when the late Josh Jensen planted his first vines in the rugged limestone soils of Mt. Harlan, the idea of K&L was also taking root in the minds of our founders Clyde Beffa and Todd Zucker… Fast forward to March of 2022 when I was told that K&L was going to be offered access to these library wines—an opportunity that I was obviously never going to pass up! However, the sheer scale of the library didn’t hit home until I was in possession of a somewhat overwhelming spreadsheet of wines going back five decades!
Read MoreI just returned from the most over-the-top wine trip of my life—and it wasn’t even to a wine-producing country! Champagne Krug invited me, along with about 80 of their top ambassade from around the world, on a two day “Highlands Quest”—filled with more great Krug than anyone has a right to drink in a lifetime. I still don’t think it has all sunk in…
Read MoreSouth American Wine Buyer Kirk Walker has assembled a line up of wines from Chile and Argentina that will make you rethink what you know about this winegrowing region! Collectibles, cult producers, value wines—maybe even the world's best value Pinots?
Read MoreFor those looking for a sharp buy in beautiful bubbly, Champagne Buyer Gary Westby celebrates the dynamic releases from fan-favorite value producer Egrot. Alex Schroeder then discusses the brilliant biodynamic releases from Solemme. Scott Beckerley revisits an old friend with the perennial excellence of Aspasie. And Giovanni Bueno takes a look at the luxury of Laurent-Perrier. All of these stories just scratch the surface of the remarkable range of top-flight Champagne that you'll find at K&L. From everyday bubbles to cellar-worthy icons, we have you covered.
Read MoreThe winding Highway 128 that runs through Anderson Valley was known by sportscar enthusiasts before it was known by California wine seekers. As harvest wraps up throughout the Valley and the leaves just begin to change, Roederer Estate’s 2021 harvest is in tank as they push the throttle toward their 40th anniversary next year. Now firmly placed in California’s sparkling wine pantheon, the estate’s wines represent a remarkable and unmatched value in the marketplace.
Read MoreThe Brochet family has 32 acres of vines, almost all in the village of Écueil on the Mountain of Reims. They have been growers since 1882, at least, and have the distinction of possessing their own special selection of Pinot Noir, Pinot d’Écueil, which is an old massal selection passed down for generations in their family. Louis Brochet, the current winemaker, is qualified with a diploma of enology, a masters-level education in winemaking. With his learned skill, their special selection of Pinot, and the great terroir of the 1er cru of Écueil, the family is turning out fantastic wines. Since we have been buying direct from them for years, the prices are still super reasonable.
Read More
