K&L Newsletter: A Clear View on Bordeaux

Bordeaux enters 2026 with rare momentum. Pricing has softened across the region, quality remains exceptional, and collectors are finding real opportunity at every level of the market. This month’s newsletter reflects that moment in full. We look back at a demanding but productive year at K&L, share the latest arrivals that set the tone for the new vintage cycle, highlight where Bordeaux still delivers some of the world’s best values, and revisit the wines and moments that defined 2025. You’ll also find a deep bench of pre-arrival standouts, in-stock classics ready to drink, and a full calendar of tastings that bring these wines to life in our stores. Whether you’re buying for the cellar, the table, or both, Bordeaux continues to reward attention right now.

A Year in Bordeaux – Highlights of 2025

Bordeaux is much more than the current vintage. It is somehow the most established market in the world of fine wine and yet one that still struggles to define its identity in the modern era. It is an industry full of driven, innovative people who continue to find ways to improve and evolve. The wines are amazing, and, while they can feel intimidating, they also tend to put smiles on people’s faces. Bordeaux is refreshing in style, creative in spirit, and—if you know where to look—an awful lot of fun.

2024 Vintage Report and Newly Arrived Bordeaux

While the 2024 Bordeaux vintage had its challenges, we went to taste and are excited to share our annual vintage report. The '24s reflect both the difficulties of the year and today’s complex market, but beyond that, we truly believe it’s a great time to rediscover Bordeaux—or find new favorites. Several recently arrived containers have brought in some of the region’s top values and collectibles, and overall quality has never been more consistent. There’s a wealth of world-class wines under $50, each showing remarkable character and a strong sense of place.

Bullish on the World of Fine Wine and Spirits

While the fine wine and spirits industry is experiencing some turbulent times, I find myself still enamored with the products, culture, and people who make this one of the most exiting businesses in the world. The joy I get from pulling corks is not going away, and, while everybody is fretting over trying to mobilize the next generation of collectors, I firmly believe that there’s a significant and not-to-be-missed trend towards better and more accessible products that will be the great leveler.

Sauternes for Your Sweetie This Valentine's Day

What wine is more romantic than a delicious Sauternes? Bordeaux’s infamous dessert wine is versatile enough to accompany so many different activities and foods. They are good as an apéritif when they have fine acidity and not too much sweetness. Of course, with foie gras, they are perfect, as are they with a fruit dessert or custard or flan. Just no chocolate please—save that for after Sauternes with your Port. Here are a few suggestions that are in stock and a few superb pre-arrival offerings (you’ll be ahead of the game for next year).

2023: A Year of Bordeaux

This has been a fascinating year for Bordeaux, one that could stand to reshape the market for a long time to come. At the heart of it was the 2022 En Primeur campaign, which not only offered a truly unique (and often “surprising”) expression of some of the region’s finest wines, but also served as a major inflection point for demand and supply.

In-Stock: Exceptional Wines from Bordeaux’s 2020 Vintage

Vintage Report for Bordeaux’s 2020s: A particularly early growing season was characterized by heatwaves and drought. Some mildew pressure June to mid-August in northern Médoc. Merlot was picked in ideal conditions in early September, but then the weather turned cool and particularly damp so some Cabernet Sauvignon had to be picked before perfect ripeness. Small grapes meant lots of tannin and a relatively small crop.

As I said in the report I published upon my return from the En Primeur campaign, some great wines were produced in 2020, and some good wines were produced. 2020 is a fine vintage in general even though it was anything but normal.

Saying Farewell to Bordeaux Legend Jean-Michel Cazes

Jean-Michel Cazes was a genuine, kind, and sincere individual whose infectious energy took over the room wherever he went. He blazed a trail that many of us dream about and did so with an integrity and quality that is rarely seen. The wine world has lost a titan, and K&L (like many others) has lost a great friend. It will be hard to pick the perfect bottle of Lynch-Bages as the right tribute, as there are so many meaningful vintages that are delicious, engaging, and dynamic. But that in itself speaks volumes to the unforgettable force of Jean-Michel Cazes.

Our Comprehensive Guide to Bordeaux's 2022 Vintage

Today's Newsletter is our long-awaited, comprehensive report on all things Bordeaux 2022 En Primeur. After a whirlwind trip to the region in April, our team returned full of enthusiasm and insight for what can only be described as an unprecedented modern vintage. While the growing season was not without its challenges, numerous properties crafted renditions that will rank with their very best, and while prices are undeniably up from 2021, there are still remarkable values to be had when you know where to look. As with any potentially great vintage, the hype and hyperbole must be put into proper context to help our customers make their very best buying decisions—this year's En Primeur newsletter does just that. Please note - these wines are all being offered on a pre-arrival / futures basis.

News from Bordeaux: Early Thoughts on 2022 and In-Stock Favorites

Freshly back from Bordeaux’s En Primeur tastings, Clyde and his team have assembled a roster of the best and brightest Bordeaux that we currently have in stock. You’ll find notes about the lauded 2022 vintage to chew on while we assemble our in-depth vintage report and wines to keep your thirst slaked while we watch the 2022 campaign. All that and more in today’s newsletter!

En Primeur: Memory Lane

As we wrap up the end of this year’s En Primeur week, we’ve got a look back at years past. These are photos from Clyde’s archives, with his captions below each. Enjoy!

2022 Bordeaux En Primeur: Some Very Good Wines, Not Yet a Great Vintage

As my colleague Ralph Sands says, right now, this is a vintage with good wines. Whether or not it is a great vintage is still very much up in the air, and tastings will continue to prove it out either way in the coming days. In our first main day of tasting, we visit St-Estephe, the powerhouses of Pauillac, and start into St-Julien.

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