Bubbles Aplenty, from Biodynamic to Best Buys

For 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.

National Chardonnay Day the Oregon Way

We’re here today, on National Chardonnay Day, to celebrate this iconic, global grape, and specifically to celebrate what’s happening with it in Oregon. Pinot Noir definitely put Oregon wine on the map, but Chardonnay is no doubt becoming a major contender, and, if the bottles we have on our shelves are any indicator, the future looks incredibly bright for Oregon Chard.

Ryan's Wine of the Week: Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot

I can't think of a more appropriate Wine of the Week for Earth Day than the 2018 Hirsch Vineyards "San Andreas Fault" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The wine comes from an iconic vineyard that sits quite literally at the edge of the Earth, 1,500 to 2000 feet above the Pacific Ocean in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA… The entire estate, including the orchards and gardens, are farmed according to biodynamic principles. The wines themselves are made in a very natural way that respects the quality of the fruit and a powerful sense of place.

New to K&L: Biodaynamic Rhône Producer Mas de Libian

When Rhône Buyer Keith Mabry and I first tasted the wines of Mas de Libian, we were so struck with their absolute vibrancy and aromatic beauty that we knew they should be part of K&L’s portfolio. They are biodynamically farmed, low-intervention, naturally made wines, but very clean and extremely well made. The complex aromas leap out of the glass, and the wines dance on the palate—these wines are the ballet dancers of the Rhône Valley.

All Roads Lead to Rhône in This Week's Newsletter

Rhône Buyer Keith Mabry declares this “the era of the Rhone,” and in this week’s newsletter, he explores why. A string of excellent vintages, exciting new Direct Import producers, and best-in-France values—our Rhone aisle is the destination for fans of soulful wines at every price point.

Palate Shockers

In the thousands of wines we taste at K&L each year, it is often the most strange, wildly different wines that are the most talked about... Regardless of whether you think the wine tastes good or not, they are so radically different that they always tend to inspire heated discussions and end up stealing the spotlight. So I reached out to our buying staff to compile a list of wines that will shake up your palate. If you find yourself in need of a bottle to change up your wine routine, argue over, or just explore somewhere new, check out this list.

The Best and Brightest from Our Champagne Aisle

So many of the wonderful bottles on our shelves are made by wonderful people, and our relationships are the cornerstone of our business. At this time each year, we normally send our Champagne crew out to visit the cellars and taste vin clair in Champagne, gathering intel and great deals to bring to our customers. Alas, times are different, and we are thinking fondly of those folks (whom we also missed seeing at our annual tent event last year). Next best thing: photos and tasting notes and stories about some of our fave Champagne producers.

New Arrivals from the Languedoc-Roussillon

French Regional Buyer Keith Mabry joined me on Instagram Live to discuss new releases from some of his favorite Direct Import producers from the Languedoc-Roussillon. The wines were singing, and, as always, represent exceptional value.

A Feast Fit for a King (Crab) with 2012 Louis Roederer Cristal

Last night, I was treated to an early birthday treat as my friend, Henry, who manages the Fish Market restaurant, called and said that he had fresh king crab for us. Once a year, he gets an allocation aired in from Alaska that has not been frozen, and it is an over-the-top delicacy. We paired it with the most elegant of tête de cuvée Champagnes, the 2012 Louis Roederer “Cristal” Brut Champagne, and I don’t know if my real birthday is going to be able to compete.

New Winery, Classic Wines from Willamette's Nicolas-Jay

This year marks Nicolas-Jay’s seventh vintage of making beautiful Pinots and Chardonnay in Willamette Valley. Despite fires and pandemics, these two longtime friends—Jay Boberg and Jean-Nicolas Meo—have managed to open a brand-spanking new winery this year, just in time for harvest. It may be weird times all around, but the future is looking bright for this winery, and for Oregon wine as a whole.

Oregon's Hundred Suns Wine

With winemaker bona fides and access to some of the best fruit in the Willamette Valley, Hundred Suns’ limited-edition cuvées showcase the amazing juice coming out of Oregon these days—and they’re racking up critic scores to prove it. Made in micro-quantities with lots of love by Grant Coulter and Renée Saint-Amour, they’re wines to snatch up while we have them in stock. Our Magic 8-Ball says they won’t be around long!

Our Buyer Team's Champagne Odyssey Begins at Fleury

Our Champagne Team is on the trail in France! First stop is a visit to one of the OG biodynamic grower-producers, Champagne Fleury. Scott Beckerley faithfully reports the deliciousness for us.

K&L Wine Merchants

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