High-Altitude Bordeaux Blends from South America

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.

Top Picks from K&L's Buying Team

Our buying team recently returned from their journeys through Champagne, Burgundy, Rhône, Italy, Bordeaux, and beyond, bringing back an insider's perspective on what's exciting in the world of wine right now. From under-the-radar producers to emerging vintages, this curated collection features their favorite discoveries, greatest values, and standout bottles.

Laberinto’s Highly Rated Sauvignon Blanc Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

For the last five to six years the dollar-per-dollar highest-reviewed Sauvignon Blanc in the world has been Chile’s Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc (check out the current vintage we have in stock: (2023 Laberinto "Cenizas de Laberinto" Sauvignon Blanc Maule Valley $19.99 96TA 95DS 93JS). The competition is not even close. Its closest competitor comes from New Zealand, and, at this price point I think we would have to go back decades to find a wine with similar reviews from France! I love that this overachieving wine comes from an appellation that is off the grid, far away from where, on paper, you would expect to find crisp, mineral-driven wines.

South America Wine News: Top Picks from Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay

Today's newsletter plays hopscotch across the Andes as we explore some of the best insider's favorites from South America. First, we get familiar with two showstopping projects from either side of the mountain range in Chile's Laberinto and Argentina's El Enemigo. Next, we'll get a glimpse of what visionary Chilean winemakers are doing to take the historic Carménère grape into the modern era, and finally, we'll explore a quartet of sub-$20 value performers that can stand tall in any regular, go-to rotation.

Chilean Winemakers Breathes New Life into Carménère

The Colchagua Valley, it turns out, is a fantastic place for Carménère, with the combination of the right soils and the long growing season that make this unique variety shine. Now that Chile is about 30 years into its journey with this Carménère, there is much to celebrate and champion. Chile has found its niche with wines that stand alone in the marketplace as showcases for what this grape can do.

Argentina's Enemigo Winery Is at the Top of Their Game

The wines from El Enemigo are some of the very best from Argentina—and, I would say, in the world. The easiest way for me to justify this statement is to make a sports comparison. When athletes are at the pinnacle of their sport, they make what they do seem effortless and simple. And the very best can take that to the next level—to me, it is almost like magic. All the wines from El Enemigo are like that for me, they are elite!

Chile's Soulful Laberinto Wines Pull 95+ Scores at Less Than $22

Laberinto is without a doubt one of the most exciting producers in Chile. If you have been following our South American wine program, you’ll know that I have dedicated a rather large number of words to the wines of Rafael Tirado, founder of this Maule Valley winery. And, because I am so enthusiastic, I cannot help myself from putting more words towards this cause! I love when a wine/producer/region is so connected ideas and threads that can enrich the experience of a wine. That is what I am looking for. There is so much good wine out there that interesting and delicious beat out just delicious for me, always.

Holiday Buying Guide: Kirk's Spain and Chile Picks

Kirk Walker is our Spain, Portugal, and South America Buyer—if it has a Latin flair, Kirk likely brought it to our shelves. He loves research, and he’s a great person to talk to if you want to know how, for instance, the Andes’ rain shadow affects the vines in Chile. He’s also a good person to talk to in order to understand what’s going on with sparkling wine in Spain, the new wave of dry wines in Portugal, and for all your Rioja needs (I think it’s safe to say we all have Rioja needs). If you want to talk about the context of a wine region while drinking great wine, Kirk’s your man!

South America's Greatest Collectibles, Cult Producers, and Values

South American Wine Buyer Kirk Walker has assembled a line up of wines from Chile and Argentina that will make you rethink what you know about this winegrowing region! Collectibles, cult producers, value wines—maybe even the world's best value Pinots?

Value, Complexity, Terroir: Argentina and Chile Shine

South America’s wine industry is not new, but there’s plenty of new energy flowing through it right now. With high altitudes, vineyards that span a thousand miles, and rediscovered viticultural areas, Chile and Argentina have a ton to offer wine lovers. In this week’s newsletter, South American Buyer Kirk Walker assembles a lineup of favorites from up and down the continent, from desert to foothill to former dinosaur stomping grounds.

The Summer Sun Is More Fun with Wine in Hand

Summertime, and the livin’ is…well, decidedly different than we all had expected. But the wines are excellent, and there’s no shortage of options, both tried-and-true and off-the-beaten path. In this week’s newsletter, our Buyers have joined forces to bring you a guide to beating the heat with the coolest of the cool summer wines on our shelves.

Under the Southern Sun

Buyers Kirk Walker and Thomas Smith have joined forces in our Southern Hemisphere newsletter to bring you the best values, the best new finds, the best oldies-but-goodies we have from south of the Equator. From Uruguay to Marlborough, the “New World” is bringing their A-game, and our newsletter is your guide to your new favorites!

K&L Wine Merchants

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