There’s something about Northern Rhône that unites wine lovers. It happens to present perfect conditions to really understand terroir—that is, how different places can affect the same grape’s profile in the final wine. Northern Rhône is to Syrah lovers what Burgundy is to Pinot lovers: an intellectual playground for the grape.
Read MoreWhether you are collecting for investment or for decades of enjoyment ahead, there are certain tried-and-true benchmark producers that are always the wisest of bets for your wine cellar. I’m pleased to share a few thoughts on some of my personal favorite producers, all of whom I hold in the highest regard. These are among the finest in their regions and provide exceptional value at their level. If you are looking to start a wine collection, you absolutely cannot go wrong if you start with wines from any of these estates.
Read MoreWeatherEye Vineyard, on the ridgeline of Red Mountain in Washington, is without doubt one of the most exciting vineyards anywhere in the United States: a site so radical, its implementation has been 15 years in the making! The incredibly rocky, volcanic soils, constant wind, elevation, and lengthy growing season give the wines immense concentration and structure. Even though the vines are relatively young, the intensity of the wines here is already formidable.
Read MoreDomaine Belle is located in the village of Larnage, just to the north of the famous winemaking cooperative of Tain l’Hermitage, which the original Louis Belle helped to found in 1933. Today, the third generation, Philippe, is at the helm, and his son Guillaume is in the process of learning the ropes. Today, they own 25 hectares covering six communes and three appellations in the Northern Rhône. We added this fantastic family-run estate to our Direct Import portfolio five years ago, and they have quickly become a fan favorite for their deep, soulful wines.
Read MoreThe wines of Jean-Louis Chave hold a special place atop the Rhône wine hierarchy. With an unbroken winegrowing lineage that dates back to 1481, not many other producers in the region (or even the world) can claim the heritage, the history, or the track record of superb craftsmanship that the Chave brand has evoked for centuries.
Read MoreThere’s no wine that is more closely aligned to Australia than Barossa Shiraz. And you’ll find it here in every style, shape, and form. From inexpensive, tasty bottles to world-class collectibles, Barossa runs the entire spectrum. And while there are plenty of tourist trap cellar doors, there are also plenty of spectacular, well-run tasting rooms where any serious wine lover would feel at home. The best of these was the Artisans of Barossa.
Read MoreShiraz has long been synonymous with Australian wine. As the most planted variety in the country, it consistently garners a significant share of international awards and accolades. Classic Aussie Shiraz, which reflects Australia's warm climate, is characterized by its intense concentration, deep color, and robust fruit profile. This truly unique wine style has earned its place in the international canon of distinguished wines. But here in the United States, Shiraz has had something of an image problem. Many wine enthusiasts assume Australian Shiraz is poor quality, excessively sweet, and dull–essentially describing Yellowtail. But I'm here to tell you that there is a whole world of Australian Shiraz characterized by extraordinary quality, ageability, and deliciousness, all while staying true to the wine's classic style.
Read MoreTime for a little self-admonition. Before actually traveling to Beechworth in North East Victoria, I had absolutely zero knowledge of its wine—or that the region even produced wines in the first place. Yes, I knew about Giaconda (a producer whose Chardonnay has a global cult following), but that was literally my only reference point. The day I spent here was absolutely eye-opening. I was jaw-on-the-floor astounded by the wines, their unique styles, and the incredible producers that are tirelessly working to put this footnote of a wine region on the global map. I am utterly convinced this is the world's best wine region that you’ve never heard of.
Read MoreJust a few short weeks ago the K&L Redwood City sales team went on the trip of a lifetime. We traveled to the vineyards gently climbing the coastal mountain range that separates Salinas Valley from the coasts of Big Sur.
Read MoreOur Domestic Buyer Ryan Woodhouse shines a spotlight on the Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County’s rising superstar wine region. This cool climate zone produces some of the most exciting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the state, and our pages are packed with some of Ryan’s favorites. He also includes a focus on an Oregon Riesling producer who knocked his socks off and a roundup of under $20 bottles that overdeliver.
Read MoreSaturday in all three stores, we're doing a battle for the ages: Northern Rhône vs Southern Rhône! In this corner, we have the dark and brooding Syrah grape in its most majestic incarnation; in the other corner, we have the powerhouse team of 13 grapes working side by side to bring you stunning complexity and juicy drinkability. Who will reign supreme? You'll have to join us to find out!
Read MoreFor St. Patrick’s Day, I knew my friend was bringing Corned Beef (here’s the recipe she used), so my wine pairing was the 2018 Ferraton Père et Fils "La Matinière" Crozes-Hermitage. I adore Northern Rhône wines—and a Crozes-Hermitage for $19.99 was an immediate draw! Not only is the pricing off the hook, its pedigree is, too: it’s organically and biodynamically farmed thanks to major investment in this estate by Rhône giant Michel Chapoutier. Critics reap praise and scores on this estate. I had to try it.
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