My Journey to Bordeaux

It’s a bit of a fool’s errand to try to follow in Clyde’s footsteps. But my years working with him have inspired me to realize that the biggest challenges are often the most worthwhile. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from Clyde how to run a rewarding and compelling Bordeaux program, and my main goal is to continue that legacy, ensuring that the remarkable depth and selection at K&L remain fundamental to our organization’s future.

For those of you who have been engaged with K&L for a while, my name might not be particularly new—I’ve spent the better part of the last decade with the organization, participated in five different En Primeur campaigns, and have been a passionate advocate for one of the regions I truly believe is responsible for some of the best values in world-class wine, ranging from $15 to $500.

My wine journey started over two decades ago when I was thrown into the deep end working in restaurants on the East Coast, discovering a passion for wine that has never left me. It was a 1998 Gaja Barbaresco that did the trick; I still remember marveling at the glass left for me, thinking how I never knew wine could be that complete, effortless, and dynamic. As many wine lovers know, it’s the unforgettable experiences that we chase to relive as often as possible. That magic is both a blessing and a curse, something that has followed me throughout the years.

I wrote my first wine list when I was 21, ran four different beverage programs by my mid-20s, and kept seeking ways to immerse myself in wine. As many in this industry know, working with wine often comes with incredibly demanding hours, where wine is only a small part of the conversation. When I met my soon-to-be wife, Melissa, I knew I wanted to find an opportunity that wouldn’t tether me to nightlife, despite my respect and admiration for the people who make restaurants such special institutions in our lives.

A lucky break led me to a job at Sine Qua Non, bringing me to California. Say what you will about the wines and styles from this one-of-a-kind winery, their work ethic and dedication to the craft were uncompromising at every turn—both inspiring and challenging.

Moving to Northern California for a retail opportunity is where I first truly fell for Bordeaux, being randomly introduced to magical wines like ’82 Lafite, ’00 Cheval Blanc, and the omnipresent ’09 Pontet-Canet. Being involved in campaigns for the ‘09s and ‘10s became foundational to modern Bordeaux, and considering the rapid evolution of the region in the past 15 years, it presents a fascinating juxtaposition of contrasting styles.

Landing at K&L has given me countless opportunities to learn about wine, but never have I felt as connected to it as I have while learning under Clyde. I’ve been spoiled with verticals of Mouton, Pichon-Lalande, Palmer, and Lafite, just by being in his orbit. A 1928 Branaire-Ducru still remains a landmark wine for me, casually shared at a company event long ago. Seeing him bring a ’55 to La Gaffeliere and having Comte de Malet-Roquefort call out the vintage is a moment I can only wish for those who love the magic of fine wine. Randomly mentioning ’90 Montrose and having it show up at a tasting a week later—simply astounding.

I look forward to sharing my passion for wine with all our K&L clients moving forward. For those who adored Clyde’s off-the-beaten-path selections over the years, please know that they remain a priority, and I am well connected to his network of négociants. If you’re a fan of top collectibles, I’ve been there alongside you for the past few years—I’ve been curating many of our high-end wines during that time. Wherever you are in your journey, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to help you find your next inspiring, dynamic, and delicious wine. Together, let’s continue to explore the extraordinary world of wine that Clyde has helped cultivate.

Here’s just a small selection of some of my favorite properties and vintages currently on offer at K&L…

2016 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien $79.99 96WS 95DC 95JS 95WE

2018 La Gaffelière, St-Emilion $99.99 99VN 97WA 97WE 96DC

2020 Montrose, St-Estèphe $209.99 100WA 99JA 99VN 98DC 98JD

2019 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac $229.99 99JD 98DC 98JA 98WA 98VN 96-98WE 97JS 96WS

2009 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac $259.99 100JD 100RP 100TWI 98-100WE 98JS 97JA

2005 Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac $749.99100JA 100JD 98DC 98JS 98WA 98TWI 98VN 98WS 95WE

2010 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion $1100 100JD 100JS 100WA 100TWI 100WE 98WS

- Ryan Moses, K&L Bordeaux Buyer