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. This 2009 St-Emilion is an unparalleled value from one of the region's all-time great vintages, and one that you won't find anywhere else.
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. And speaking of high bars, we just set the standard for remarkable value in the Discovery Series, with a delicious St-Emilion with over fifteen years of bottle age for under $15. As Clyde likes to say, only a dollar a year, which is an incredibly high standard at any stage in the game. I adored this opportunity when we first tasted it, and through tough negotiations, and even after a round of tariffs, I'm still shocked that we're able to offer a wine this solid, with this kind of age, all for this price. It is a generous expression of St-Emilion, but the broad, delicious quality of the vintage also shines through. Approaching maturity with a long life ahead, it carries beautiful aromatics of red fruits, leather, and florals, with a palate that has a core of plum and cassis, wild berry, and a soft, easygoing finish. Everything is in place, and I'm certain there's not a better buy in today's market for a perfectly aged Bordeaux from a signature vintage."
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 2009 vintage in Bordeaux was the epitome of a warm, ripe, and generous year. A long, hot, and dry summer led to perfectly ripened grapes with high sugar levels and incredible concentration. Unlike some hot years, the nights remained cool, which helped the grapes retain enough acidity to keep the wines fresh and balanced.
On the Right Bank, these conditions were a dream for Merlot, producing wines that are opulent, powerful, and hedonistic. The 2009s are known for their saturated color, rich dark fruit flavors, and velvety, mouth-coating texture. They were stunning upon release and are now showing beautifully with over a decade of age.
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.