If I was forced to pick a favorite wine region in California, I think it would have to be the Santa Cruz Mountains. These rugged coastal mountains are a truly special place to produce wine. First of all, the diversity of micro-climates within the AVA allows for an almost endless range of possibilities for grape growing. The generally warmer interior (SF Bay side) of the mountains is perfect for growing Bordeaux varietals as illustrated by the iconic wines of Ridge Monte Bello and close neighbors such as Fellom Ranch and Mount Eden. On the coastal side of the mountains the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay provide enormous tempering effects on temperature as well as persistent fog. This makes great conditions for growing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Tenuta di Carleone: The New Frontier of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico

Thirty years ago, after completing winemaking school in Germany, Sean O’Callaghan set off with his motorcycle throughout Italy. He landed in Chianti and never looked back—and if you’ve ever had the chance to visit there, you probably can understand. It is just such a perfect wine region; the proximity to Florence and the beauty of the hills are something that will stay in your heart forever. And let’s not forget about the wine—I mean, it’s Chianti after all!

The Italian Wines We Can’t Stop Talking About

From iconic names to emerging stars, Italy continues to offer some of the most thrilling wines in the world. This curated collection highlights everything from pedigreed Prosecco and Alpine gems to collectible Barolo and hidden treasures from Abruzzo. Whether you're looking to stock up on everyday favorites or add a few cellar-worthy bottles, these standout selections are not to be missed.

Barale Barolo: Organic, Family-Made Wines with 150 Years of Tradition

Eleonora and Gloria Barale are the fifth generation to hold the reins at Barale Fratelli, a winery whose history in Barolo runs 150+-years deep. The fact that they are not fratelli (brothers) at all, but sorelle (sisters), reflects the new generation in Barolo: women holding leadership roles in what was once a very male-dominated industry, who use modern technology and farming practices but traditional winemaking methods to create flat-out fantastic wines.

Foss Marai: Pedigreed Prosecco from Valdobbiadene

When we think about Prosecco few names carry as much pedigree as Foss Marai. Unlike the industrially produced bottles that have flooded the global marketplace, Foss Marai has built its reputation via a continuing pursuit of excellent terroir-driven wines that truly express their place of origin: Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy’s most prestigious appellation for Prosecco.

Clos de l’Anhel: Soulful, Biodynamic Wines from Corbières

Clos de l’Anhel is one of the first producers I recruited after taking over the French Regional progam at K&L. Vigneron Sophie Guiraudon established Clos de l’Anhel in the appellation of Corbières just over two decades ago. She proudly states that she is a first-generation winemaker. Beginning her career at another winery in the region, she felt like she could do the same thing they were doing but better and organic—so why not strike out on her own?

Jaw-Dropping Finds and Collectible Rarities

From our Bordeaux Buyer Ryan Moses, Director of Auctions John Christensen, and Private Client Services Advisor Chelsea Herholdt, we bring you a lineup of some of our most collectible bottlings from producers who continue to inspire. With the goal of introducing—or reintroducing—you to bottles that promise to delight for years to come, we're thrilled at the opportunity to dive into these stellar selections from some of the world's very best.

A Treasure Chest of Collectible Wines on Our Auction Block

This month, our auction block is brimming with exceptional lots from some of the most coveted producers in the world. Whether you're seeking investment-grade Bordeaux, rare Burgundian treasures, Cult classics from California, or the pillars of Champagne, our currently live lots present an incredible opportunity to add legendary bottles to your collection.

Burgundy and Beyond: The Storied History and Current Vintages

There are few rollercoaster rides in the wine world quite like being a Burgundy fan. I like to joke that if you just look at a bottle wrong, it might decide to spite you and have an “off day” when you open it. Being one of the most finicky fine wines, it raises the question: why do people chase it so fervently? Because when you catch it at the right time, there is no taste more glorious, wine or not. A bottle of Burgundy in its finest form carries nuance and depth that is paralleled only by the finest flavors in existence on Earth far beyond wine.

Under the Radar and Over-Delivering Finds from Bordeaux

I’ll be the first to admit—with all the tumult in the wine industry these days, it’s been a bit more than an uphill battle to restock our shelves. That said, I’m absolutely thrilled with some of our current selections, from everyday values to top collectibles. Here are a few finds that you won’t want to miss, and some of the stories behind them.

Bordeaux, France, Wine NewsletterRyan MosesMarch 23, 2025K&L Wine Merchantsklwines, ryan moses, bordeaux

Northern Rhône Wines from the Top of the World: Guy Farge

I was fortunate enough to visit with Thomas Farge last year, and he took me through his St-Joseph holdings where we saw many of his new plantings. Since taking the winemaking mantle from his father, Guy, Thomas has grown the estate to about 20 hectares. Every vineyard has a stunning hillside view but some of the new vines overlook vistas of the valley below that any developer would be jealous of. We traipsed through some of his existing St-Joseph vines and marveled at the steep terraced slopes. Each time I got out of his truck, I had to consciously think about not stepping out over a ledge and tumbling to another terrace below.

Amorotti in Loreto Arputino: Abruzzo’s Hidden Jewel

If they ask me which region is my favorite in Italy, I usually say Abruzzo. It is a true natural beauty, with a mountain (Gran Sasso) and amazing beach sites all in one region. It is a little like California, in fact. Plus, the wines of Abruzzo are stunning... It is home to an under-the-radar winery that I love: Amorotti.

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