For those who appreciate the structure, complexity, and age-worthiness of Bordeaux but are seeking exceptional value and a unique New World perspective on classic varieties, the world of South American Bordeaux-inspired blends is a must-explore category. These wines, primarily from the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina and the Andean foothills of Chile, offer a compelling alternative viewpoint that combines the structured finesse of Bordeaux with the concentrated, pure fruit of the New World. The resulting wines offer approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, and layers of flavor that can easily rival their French counterparts.
On a visit to Napa you’ll also find a thriving agricultural community, young winemakers from all over the globe working in a melting pot of vinous cultures. There are epic food trucks lining Soscol Rd with Google Stars in place of Michelin ones. There are old-school, multigenerational farming families working tirelessly, like their grandparents before them, to eke out a living from this special land.
Don’t get me wrong—I adore Bordeaux varietals from around the world. A well-made Napa Cab is irresistible. The brilliance from Margaret River is a sweet spot for sure. Super Tuscans—whether Cabernet or Merlot is the star—are among the most complex wines out there. I’ve had some otherworldly Argentinian Cab Franc and Chilean Cab that are undeniably Cabernet, yet carry a character all their own.
Our new private label programs represent some of the most exciting, high-value bottles on our shelves. Sourced directly by our buyers and crafted in partnership with top producers based on relationships spanning decades, they deliver serious quality at incredible prices. This week, we’re spotlighting giftable Discovery Series wines, in-stock Anonymous selections, K&L Scotch exclusives, a new Rhône wine, a preview of our new Maison 76 project, and where to taste these wines in-store with Somm Services.
Our Holiday 3-packs are hand selected by K&L Buyers to give you the perfect deep dive into a theme, complete with detailed wine & region info—all at a discount. Grab & go for all your holiday gifting and hosting needs!
One of the newest arrivals in our Discovery Series comes from a producer very near and dear to my heart. Earlier this year, while traveling through the Rhône Valley, I found myself in Gigondas—and of course I had to visit Jean-Baptiste Meunier of Moulin de la Gardette. JB represents one of our longest-running Direct Import relationships in the region, and his wines have always embodied the essentials of great Rhône winemaking: terroir expression, purity of fruit, and a character that reflects both the land and his thoughtful touch.
For the holidays this year, we celebrate a newly minted whisky season with an impeccable lineup of 10 single casks of Scotch from our dear friends at Douglas Laing in Glasgow. The wonderful and historic bottler has never failed to bring exciting casks to market, but we’ve turned up the value this year—fighting rising costs and bureaucratic delay to offer a wide variety of unique casks at market beating prices. These are some of the most unique and delicious barrels we’ve ever sourced from the storied bottler, and the prices send a message to the market at large: PEOPLE WANT GREAT SCOTCH AT GREAT PRICES!
With the huge amount of trust and recognition K&L has built over 50 years in the business, plus my own deep personal connections to great producers across California and beyond, I strongly believe that the sky is the limit for what we can achieve with this range of wines.
This year’s K&L Holiday Gift Guide showcases the bottles our buyers are most excited to give (and to receive). Below you’ll find Champagne benchmarks, hand-selected Domestic gems, top-flight Tuscan classics, and versatile Loire Valley wines, plus upcoming in-store events and our Thanksgiving Pairing Guide. Consider this your roadmap to the most compelling gifts of the season.
Even though Labor Day seems like just yesterday, we’re now deep into the holiday shopping season, and if you’re anything like me…you’ll still have plenty of gifts you need to figure out! Well, Team K&L is here to help! This year I decided to break down my list of holiday buying picks by the type of person you’re shopping for. Are they that person who’s the big-time wine aficionado that you never know what to get for them? Perhaps you’re looking to impress someone with a deep cellar with a nice bottle to add to their collection? Or a friend who is very “granola” and you have to find them a small-production, hand-crafted wine that fits the vibe? Well we’ve got something for everyone so read on and fill up that basket!
As of late I found myself loving Tuscan wine more and more. That is why I want to focus on this beautiful region this year. At the end, gifting a Tuscan wine is always a smart move. No matter if the receiver is into wines or not, a Tuscan wine is easy to understand. It feels primal, in the sense that it is easily approachable and defined by a sense of comfort that you don’t find in many regions. This is the list that has defined the region in the last vintages. Give me any of these, and I’ll be happy.
