Eleonora and Gloria Barale are the fifth generation to hold the reins at Barale Fratelli, a winery whose history in Barolo runs 150+-years deep. The fact that they are not fratelli (brothers) at all, but sorelle (sisters), reflects the new generation in Barolo: women holding leadership roles in what was once a very male-dominated industry, who use modern technology and farming practices but traditional winemaking methods to create flat-out fantastic wines.
Read MoreThe year 2024 was certainly one for the record books at K&L. It’s been a year of big changes: we opened the Culver City store at the beginning of the year—our first new location since 2007—and celebrated with a wonderful party filled with winemakers and friends. We also held our annual Champagne Tent Event in Culver City for the first time, after many years in Hollywood.
Read MoreYou could make the case that any season is rosé season, especially in California, but there's no denying that the dog days of summer are when these pink gems really shine. Today's newsletter explores the category in depth, starting with Gary Westby's top picks in rosé Champagne. Keith Mabry offers up his favorite Provence performers, plus a pair of stellar artisan beauties from Greece and Lebanon. Finally, we'll take a look at how the category has gone from pedestrian to profound with a sampling of the world's finest collectible renditions.
Read MoreAfter 47 years in the wine biz, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our fourth location. Get ready for us, Westside LA, because K&L is now open in Culver City! K&L Culver City is built on the same foundation we’ve built our whole company on: expert staff, small producers, customer service, excellent prices, and community—but now you don’t have to sit in traffic on the 10 to get there!
Read MoreOne of the truly great things we accomplished at K&L this year was bringing our wine, spirits, and beer delivery service in-house. Rather than relying on external vendors to deliver orders to our local customers, we hired a first-rate team of drivers to our staff and built a system that provides real-time tracking and SMS notifications. We are so pleased with the improved service we can offer—all at little to no cost—and hope you are too.
Read MoreAs a bona fide tired mom, I’m here to attest to the fact that moms do a lot. A lot a lot. There’s unseen labor and research and consideration and love that goes into countless tasks, endless tasks; and I’m wagering that if there’s a mom in your life, she’s tired. She’s probably so tired from planning everything all the time to plan something nice for herself for Mother’s Day. That’s where you come in! And we’re here to help. Here are a few mother-approved tips that will help you make the mom in your life feel loved.
Read MoreLast Friday, Bordeaux guru/Big Cheese Clyde Beffa and I hosted an Instagram Live tasting of nine value bottles, each under $50 and some well under $50. One of my favorites from the IG tasting was such a bottle: the 2004 Vieux Robin, Médoc $29.99. It was just hitting that perfect sweet spot for older Bordeaux: where it’s still fresh and alive, but all the hard edges have mellowed into tune. Last Friday (and even open after a few days), it was absolutely delicious.
Read MoreIndigenous grapes, old-vine vineyards, organic farming, fresh new talent, and diverse terroir: this is the new Spain. If you haven’t revisited the Spanish wine aisle in awhile, you’ll be amazed at all the fresh energy pouring out of the country in vinous form. Let Spain Wine Buyer Kirk Walker take you on a tour of his favorite spots and producers in today’s newsletter.
Read MoreOn January 27, K&L hosted the Union des Grands Crus of Bordeaux tasting in San Francisco at City View Metreon, whereover 80 châteaux send winemakers, owners, and representatives to pour their current releases and discuss the vintage. We’ve had the honor of being the Bay Area host since the 2005 vintage, and our 15th event brought us the 2020s.
Read MoreK&L's co-owner and Bordeaux Buyer Clyde Beffa joined us on Instagram Live for a happy hour to celebrate new arrivals to our Bordeaux shelves. We love Bordeaux wines, and love that Clyde fines perfectly aged bottles straight from the cellars at amazing prices.
Read MoreAs some of the first Americans to step foot at Bordeaux châteaux since the borders reopened, we’ve got the inside scoop on the 2020 vintage. We’ve tasted the wines, we’ve toured the cellars, we’ve spoken with the winemakers—and there’s no doubt about it: this is a wonderful vintage, marked by freshness and complexity. A modern classic.
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