K&L Discovery Series: The Gateway to the Finest in Bordeaux and Beyond
There are few moments more rewarding than opening a bottle that outperforms its price tag—when structure, provenance, and vintage align to deliver something that resonates deeper than expected. We live for those moments. And with that pursuit in mind, we’re proud to introduce a new chapter at K&L: the Discovery Series.
This collection is born from years of relationships, deep cellars, and the obsessive hunt for under-the-radar gems. These are Bordeaux wines that defy conventional pricing—bottles with pedigreed terroir, classic profiles, and just enough bottle age to show something special now, while promising even more down the road.
We begin with a region that sets the tone: Bordeaux. Our first four wines encapsulate our vision for the Discovery Series.
2019 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, Pauillac (Elsewhere $50) $29.99. There’s something instantly recognizable in the signature of Pauillac—graphite-laced cassis, pencil shavings, a pulse of crushed rock beneath ripe fruit—and the 2019 vintage delivers it in full, classical form. But what makes this wine sing is how it threads approachability into that firm structure. Red and soft black fruits tumble out first—think warm currants and black cherry compote—followed by hints of violets, cedar, and tobacco leaf.
It’s the kind of wine that drinks well now with a brief decant but will reward patience. It doesn’t announce itself loudly, but it lingers—evolving in glass, teasing what lies beneath. And for Pauillac at this price? It’s the definition of discovery.
2005 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, St-Emilion (Elsewhere $40) $19.99 From one of the Right Bank’s greatest vintages, this bottle carries nearly two decades of development—showing the savory depth and truffle-edged charm that makes mature St-Émilion irresistible.
2009 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, St-Emilion (Elsewhere $40) $14.99 A plush counterpoint to the 2005, the 2009 is saturated with opulence. Ripe plum, espresso, warm spice—it’s a wine that’s moved into a perfect drinking window, brimming with Right Bank generosity but never losing focus.
2019 K&L Discovery Series Bordeaux, Pomerol (Elsewhere $50) $24.99 From one of the most treasured terroirs in the world of fine wine, it’s nothing short of a coup to bottle an exclusive Pomerol of this caliber and deliver it for under $25. This is land where bottles typically fetch $100 to $3,000, simply because production is so limited and quality so high. The plateau of Pomerol is defined by its unique gravel and iron-rich clay soils, which yield wines of remarkable complexity, richness, texture, luxury, and longevity. I was captivated by this particular selection for its quintessential Pomerol character: gorgeous red fruits, striking density, and a textured palate that reflects the famed mosaic of soils beneath the vines. It is a wine that could come from nowhere else.
There so much to come in the Discovery Series. Look for these wines in the coming weeks:
· 2016 St-Estèphe Discovery Series – This is the sleeper. The northern Médoc’s standout in 2016 produced wines with powerful structure and fine detail. What we’ve found is an insider’s pick—silky, savory, deeply etched. It's St-Estèphe with lift and drive.
· 2019 Pomerol Discovery Series – Pomerol is rarely seen, and rarely inexpensive. It’s a region defined by scarcity—tiny production, immense demand. But the 2019 Discovery Series bottling cuts through that exclusivity, delivering the plush, velvety Merlot core and violet-laced aromatics that make Pomerol one of Bordeaux’s most captivating—and elusive—appellations.
Beyond Bordeaux, our Italian wine buyer, Orazio Campoli, has uncovered a lineup of hand-picked gems that bring the same ethos—value, authenticity, and expressive terroir—from Italy’s most iconic regions. These are benchmark styles at unheard-of pricing, and each is a personal selection:
· A bold, polished Super Tuscan that punches well above its tier.
· A Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that delivers the dusty red fruit and sandalwood of true Tuscan nobility.
· A supple, earthy Brunello di Montalcino that captures Sangiovese’s depth in full bloom.
· A vibrant Barbera d’Alba with nerve, texture, and impeccable balance.
· Three stunning Barolos, including a regal 2016, a beautifully lifted 2021, and bit of a coup with a jaw-dropping 2021 Mosconi Cru bottling.
We’re also exploring groundbreaking opportunities in Chablis and the Rhône—each crafted through longstanding relationships with producers who know exactly what we’re after: wines that capture their region’s essence, with a price tag that feels like a secret. You probably won’t be surprised, then, that we also have a new Champagne label on the way.
In addition, we’ll carry a growing list of one-time domestic deals from California—Anonymous in name, but unmistakable in quality. More unreal buys in cult-caliber Cabs, truly rewarding and expressive Chard and Pinot, and perhaps an old-vine Zinfandel and some bubbles by the time the year is through. The wines in the bottle are truly shocking, and a credit to the unparalleled network we’ve built in Napa over the years.
And finally, for those who look beyond the vine: our Spirits team has been building a parallel Discovery Series under the K&L Liquors and Faultline banners. These are hand-picked, exclusive bottlings of Scotch, Bourbon, Armagnac, and more—crafted for those who know what they like and love to be surprised.
The Discovery Series and our entire suite of K&L exclusive brands are more than a label—it’s a promise. Of quality, of character, and of wines that move you, even before the first sip. And this is just the beginning.