When 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.
Read MoreThis week Keith Mabry, who probably has one of the most diverse buying portfolios at K&L, poured some amazing wines from the Loire Valley for us. We tasted 26 different wines this morning, done at the usual breakneck pace due to the 45 minutes we have to do the tasting. Now, while I say 45 minutes, we're definitely able to go back to the wines through the day and sometimes even the next day and retaste. This lets us see how they're evolving, so our time with the wine is not merely confined to that quick little jaunt in the morning.
Read MoreOne of the best, and sometimes most challenging, things about working at K&L is our weekly staff tastings. These aren't pleasure cruises that we calmly sail through, taking our time and leisurely enjoying each wine as we ponder possible pairings or accompaniments. These are gauntlets, tests of will and endurance that we charge through, tasting typically 20+ products in just 45 minutes each week. However, from these tastings I always gain amazing insight in that weekly category, and I always get super excited about some of the wines we tasted—and, gosh, I just wanted to share them with you.
Read MoreAnthony Girard remains one of my favorite "characters" in Sancerre. Years ago, he struck out on his own, leaving the family domaine to create La Clef du Récit in the southern part of the appellation. The name, which translates to “the key to the story,” is intriguingly ambiguous—there’s no castle here, despite the imagery. But maybe it’s more about the keys to his own imaginative mind-palace… which brings us back to that "character" part.
Read MoreSt-Émilion is a magical place—one of the most stunning destinations in the Bordeaux region and a truly special place in the world to grow grapes. The limestone plateau surrounding the village is the birthplace of some of the world’s most compelling and age-worthy wines. While there’s an enduring image of early 2000s Right Bank winemaking that's all about extraction and power, today’s wines lean more toward a transparent expression of terroir. These are beautiful, finessed wines with a purity of texture, a thirst-quenching quality that begs for another glass, and a saline-tinged finish that speaks more to the vigor of the vines than to anything that happens in the cellar.
Read MoreFrom top-performing sub-$50 values to cellar-worthy icons from benchmark vintages, this Bordeaux roundup showcases the full depth and diversity of the region. You'll find Left Bank stars from 2016 and 2019, rare mature releases, a compelling new discovery in Bordeaux Blanc, and a powerful case for the greatness of 2022. We've also released our 2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report, highlighting the most recent growing season's challenges and charms. There’s never been a better time to rediscover Bordeaux’s dynamic landscape—both on the page and in your glass.
Read MoreHere at K&L we've long been huge fans of Ian Brand's wines. Right after I took the reins of the Domestic wine department in 2018, Ian was recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as their Winemaker of the Year. This award shone a bright light on wines that were already considered “insider” here at K&L. In the years since, Ian has been generous enough to host our sales team on several occasions both at his winery in Salinas and at several vineyards from which he sources fruit.
Read MoreWhile the 2024 Bordeaux vintage had its challenges, we went to taste and are excited to share our annual vintage report. The '24s reflect both the difficulties of the year and today’s complex market, but beyond that, we truly believe it’s a great time to rediscover Bordeaux—or find new favorites. Several recently arrived containers have brought in some of the region’s top values and collectibles, and overall quality has never been more consistent. There’s a wealth of world-class wines under $50, each showing remarkable character and a strong sense of place.
Read MoreWhether you're searching for the perfect Father’s Day bottle, chasing the final edition of a collectible Japanese gin, or hunting rare treasures in our second-ever spirits auction, this week’s newsletter delivers some of the most exciting releases of the year. We’re proud to share a custom Compass Box collaboration a decade in the making, spotlight a once-in-a-lifetime Ki Noh Bi release, and give you an inside look at what not to miss in our live auction catalog. There’s something here for every collector, connoisseur, and curious enthusiast.
Read MoreIt is an incredibly rare privilege to learn from Frédéric Rouzaud, the seventh generation of the Roederer family to run Champagne Louis Roederer. Yesterday, at Selby’s restaurant—the Michelin one-star restaurant that we share a wall with here in Redwood City—Lilia, Cinnamon, and I were treated to an incredible masterclass led by Mr. Rouzaud in person. The lineup of wines, the pairing with caviar and oysters, and his unique insights into his family’s Champagne made for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Read MoreThe Kyoto Distillery isn’t just the birthplace of Japanese craft gin—it’s the beating heart of a new spirits movement. Founded by Marcin Miller, David Croll, and Noriko Kakuda Croll, this pioneering distillery blends deep roots in the whisky world with an adventurous spirit and a love for Kyoto’s timeless culture.
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