California New Releases and Current Obsessions

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.

Wine NewsletterRyan WoodhouseMarch 4, 2025K&L Wine Merchantsklwines, wine newsletter, california wine, ryan woodhouse, sauvignon blanc, common thread wine, carmel valley, hendry wines, mike hendry, ad vivum, wine tasting

Ad Vivum’s Stunning Napa Cabs Direct from the Winery

Very few wines in Napa have even a fraction of the pedigree and quality you'll find in the wines from Ad Vivum. They are sourced exclusively from one of the best parcels in one of the most highly respected vineyards in Yountville and hand crafted by a winemaker with unbelievable experience and excellence. Ad Vivum is a small project from longtime veteran winemaker Chris Phelps. Chris gained a degree in viticulture and enology at UC Davis before heading to France to further his studies at the University of Bordeaux. After becoming friends with mentor and vigneron Christian Moueix, Chris worked at Château Petrus in Pomerol and several other Moueix properties in the region. Earning his trust and respect, Moueix then handpicked Chris to become the founding winemaker of his new venture in Napa Valley—Dominus.

Wine NewsletterRyan WoodhouseMarch 3, 2025K&L Wine Merchantsad vivum, klwines, chris phelps, ryan woodhouse, napa valley, napa valley cabernet, napa cab

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