California New Releases and Current Obsessions
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Domestic Wine Buyer
One of the best parts of my job is finding amazing new California wines to share with you. This lineup has a little bit of everything—crisp Sauvignon Blancs for sunny days, hidden-gem wineries making waves with small-lot wines, and even exclusive Napa library releases. I’m also especially excited about our upcoming tasting, where we’ll explore wines from California’s prehistoric seabeds. Whether you’re looking for an everyday favorite or a rare collectible, these picks are some of the most exciting bottles out there right now.
Spring Sauvignon Blanc Steals
A Thrilling Discovery: Common Thread Wines
Hiding in Plain Sight: Hendry Ranch
Single-Vineyard Winery Direct Library Releases from a Napa Star
Upcoming Tasting: Buried Treasure-Wines From California's Prehistoric Seabeds
Spring Sauvignon Blanc Steals
Spring is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. We’ve handpicked some of California’s finest, offering incredible value and vibrant flavors perfect for the season. Whether you’re sipping in the sunshine or pairing with fresh spring fare, these Sauvignon Blanc steals are not to be missed!
2021 Cormorant Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Previously $28) $14.95 View
2022 Lasseter Estate "Voila" Sonoma Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon (Elsewhere $50) $19.95 View
2022 Quivira Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 93 $14.95 View
2023 Argot Wines "Steiner Vineyard" Sonoma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc $22.95 View
2023 Saracina Mendocino County Sauvignon Blanc 95 $21.95 View
A Thrilling Discovery: Common Thread Wines
I rarely taste wines from an unknown producer and feel completely stunned. But when I discovered Common Thread, a tiny Carmel Valley winery focused on small-lot, minimal-intervention winemaking, I was blown away. Producing fewer than 200 cases per wine, they fit the “natural” wine category yet remain precise, pure, and free of flaws. Many of the wines are sourced from some of the very best vineyards in the region, and are extremely well priced when considering the quality and pedigree of fruit.
The wines share a “common thread” of purity and terroir clarity, but the name has a deeper meaning for winemaker David Baird. An established Paso Robles and Central Coast winemaker, he launched his own label in 2021, inspired by a unique trait he shares with his children—a single palmar crease, sometimes linked to genetic conditions like Down syndrome. After his six-month-old son's diagnosis in 2016, he committed to donating a portion of proceeds to inclusion-focused foundations. Common Thread has been my biggest wine revelation of 2025, and I’m thrilled to share it. Learn more about Common Thread's excellent expressions here.
2023 Common Thread "Massa Vineyard" Carmel Valley Chenin Blanc 92 $24.95 View
2023 Common Thread "Escolle Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands Gamay $29.95 View
2023 Common Thread "Massa Vineyard" Carmel Valley Cabernet Franc 94 $29.95 View
2023 Common Thread "Tasona Nafare Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah 95 $29.95 View
Hiding in Plain Sight: Hendry Ranch
Hendry Estate is a hidden gem and one of my favorite spots in Napa Valley. The wines are outstanding, the views stunning, and the atmosphere serene. But beyond that, visiting Hendry feels like stepping into a bygone Napa—when multigenerational families farmed together, and vineyards were planted for quality and terroir, not just profit.
Perched on a western bench above Napa at Mt. Veeder’s base, the vineyard blends elements of Carneros, Oak Knoll, and Veeder. Some areas benefit from San Pablo Bay’s cooling influence, while others have steep, rocky, volcanic soils. The Hendry family has farmed here since 1939. Today, fourth-generation Drew Hendry, at just 10 years old, works alongside his father, Mike, and their longtime vineyard crew—many of whom have lived on the property for decades. Keep reading here to learn more about Hendry's remarkable vision.
2023 Hendry "Estate" Napa Valley Albariño $22.95 View
2022 Hendry "Estate - Barrel Fermented" Napa Valley Chardonnay $34.95 View
2020 Hendry "Estate" Napa Valley Proprietary Red 95 $39.95 View
2019 Hendry "Estate" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 94 $59.95 View
2021 Hendry "Blocks 7 & 22" Napa Valley Zinfandel 95 $34.95 View
Single-Vineyard Finds:
Winery-Direct Library Releases from Ad Vivum
Few Napa wines rival the pedigree and quality of Ad Vivum. Sourced from a top Yountville vineyard and crafted by veteran winemaker Chris Phelps, this is a project of rare excellence. After earning his enology degree at UC Davis, Chris studied in Bordeaux, where he worked at Château Pétrus under Christian Moueix. He later became the founding winemaker of Dominus.
In 2007, Chris launched Ad Vivum, sourcing from Sleeping Lady Vineyard on Yountville’s west bench—a site of gravelly, alluvial soils at the Mayacamas’ base. Thanks to our direct relationship with Chris and his son Josh Phelps, we’re offering a rare selection of vintages, sourced straight from the winery’s cellar. These wines are true masterpieces, showcasing elite terroir and one of Napa’s most talented winemakers. Find tasting and vintage notes here..
2016 Ad Vivum "Sleeping Lady Vineyard" Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release) 96 $149.95 View
2017 Ad Vivum "Sleeping Lady Vineyard" Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release) 95 $149.95 View
2018 Ad Vivum "Sleeping Lady Vineyard" Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon (Winery Direct Library Release) 97 $149.95 View
This Week’s Tasting:
Buried Treasure—Wines From California's Prehistoric Seabeds
Saturday, March 8th
$20 Per Person
3:00PM-6:00PM — K&L Hollywood
3:00PM-6:00PM — K&L Culver City
1:00PM-4:00PM — K&L San Francisco
1:00PM-4:00PM — K&L Redwood City
California’s diverse terroir is shaped by its geological history, with marine sedimentary soils playing a key role in defining distinctive wines. This tasting showcases vineyards rooted in ancient seabeds, where fossilized shells, sandstone, and calcareous deposits influence each bottle’s character. From the limestone-rich slopes of Mt. Harlan to the calcareous clay loam of Sta. Rita Hills, these soils yield wines with vibrant acidity, refined structure, and layered complexity. Featuring Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this lineup highlights how these varieties uniquely express their coastal or inland origins.
2022 Thacher "Own-Rooted - Shell Creek Vineyard" Paso Robles Highlands Chenin Blanc $29.95 View
2019 Calera Mt. Harlan Chardonnay $49.95 View
2021 Cobb "Doc's Ranch Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $89.95 View
2022The Hilt "Estate" Sta. Rita Hills Syrah $49.95 View
2022 Turley "Pesenti Vineyard" Paso Robles Zinfandel $49.95 View
2020 Adelaida "Viking Vineyard" Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon $69.95 View
Please visit your store location's reservation page to purchase tickets in advance:
Walk-ins permitted as capacity allows. Line-up subject to change.
K&L Hollywood
K&L Culver City
K&L San Francisco
K&L Redwood City