The result of nearly a year spent meticulously tasting through Bordeaux to uncover an exceptional deal at unbeatable pricing, we’re beyond excited to introduce the inaugural edition of what we’re calling the K&L Discovery Series. The aim of this new collection is to showcase wines that are both quintessential and exemplary representations of their region and/or vintage. 2005s are more elusive these days, much less one of this caliber at this price. This is a great vintage, beautifully mature, and deliveriing a genuine Right Bank experience.
Our buyers taste thousands of wines a year. Here's why this one made the cut for our Discovery Series.
K&L Bordeaux Buyer, CRO
"Our Discovery Series has arrived! At the core of this program is a mission to showcase wines of impeccable quality, unmistakable regional typicité, and exceptional value. As I often say, we’re not just placing a label on someone’s latest release—we’re curating standout selections from our deep, trusted network of sources. Each wine must rise above its peers, often outperforming bottles at multiples of the price. Only those that meet this high bar make it into the lineup. 2005 Bordeaux is more elusive by the day, now that it has hit its twentieth anniversary. Well, for a dollar per year, you can experience a brilliant example of this famed vintage, only with K&L's Discovery Series. The boldness of the vintage is apparent, but there's a softer, mature edge to this rendition that will thrill classic claret fans and those looking for a bit more of an aromatic and earthy expression, while the abundant fruit of the '05 vintage takes center stage. There's good structure here too—I find myself thinking of food pairings immediately when tasting this wine. This bottling was created not only as a great value and an exemplary version of St-Emilion, but one that puts the growing season center stage. And what a season it was, as the 2005s have become some of the region's greats over the years. Now that we finally have it in bottle and on our shelves, I couldn't be more excited with how our 2005 bottling turned out. It is examples like these, wines you'll find nowhere else, at simply stunning prices, that are at the heart of our Discovery Series."
St-Émilion is a stunning mosaic of different terroirs, but it is most famous for its limestone plateau and clay soils. This unique geology is the key to its world-class, Merlot-dominant wines.
The limestone soils provide excellent drainage and impart a signature minerality and freshness to the wines, while the clay soils retain moisture, which is ideal for Merlot, helping it to develop a rich, powerful, and velvety character. This combination of soils creates wines that are simultaneously opulent and structured, capable of aging for decades.
The 2005 vintage is widely considered one of the greatest of all time in Bordeaux, and it was particularly exceptional on the Right Bank. The year was marked by near-perfect weather from start to finish—a warm, dry, and sunny growing season with just enough water at the right times to ensure the grapes reached perfect ripeness without any stress.
The resulting wines are masterpieces of concentration and balance. They possess incredible depth of fruit, powerful but perfectly ripe tannins, and a structure that promises decades of life. Now, with nearly two decades of bottle age, this 2005 is entering its prime drinking window, revealing the complex savory notes that only time can bestow.
The magic of the Right Bank Bordeaux lies in the art of the blend. Each grape variety plays a crucial role. Merlot forms the backbone, providing structure, blackcurrant notes, and tannins for aging.
Merlot brings softness and fleshy plum flavors. Small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot can be added for aromatic complexity and spice, creating a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Gironde estuary divides Bordeaux into two distinct regions, the Left Bank and the Right Bank, each with its own unique terroir and winemaking philosophy that defines the style of its wines.
This St-Émilion is just one chapter in our Discovery Series. Each bottle is a story—a place, a person, and a flavor we believe in. It’s our promise to bring you wines of exceptional character and unheard-of value. We’re thrilled to have you on the journey with us.