Posts in Champagne
In-Stock Champagne Highlights

As a long-time lover of this historic wine, I’m excited to share with you some of the finest and most unique Champagnes we’ve discovered recently as well as sharing a few highlights as I reminisce on 2024. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of Champagne, I’ve handpicked some exceptional bottles and offers that I think you'll absolutely love. Cheers to great bubbles and even better moments ahead!

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My Most Memorable Champagnes from 2024

Last year I was in luck for the number of great champagnes that I had a chance to drink, and looking back, I picked out 10 of the most memorable to tell you about. Highlights include the over-achieving 2004s at age twenty, the epic 2008s that we can’t get enough of, and even some non-vintage gems. And of course, most often it’s the company that makes these bottles so special.

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Champagne, FranceGary Westby
A Toast to the New Year with Our Sparkling Wine Recommendations

The 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.

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Franciacorta: The Italian Answer to Champagne

Franciacorta is Italy’s premier sparkling wine from Lombardy. It draws upon centuries of history, culture, and winemaking tradition. Its name dates back to the 11th century when Cluniac and Cistercian monks reclaimed the lands, which became known as Francae Curtes—lands free of taxes. It then became "Franzakurta" in 1277. Franciacorta's legacy dates back even earlier than Dom Perignon, with a mention in the Libellus de vino mordaci, a groundbreaking book on bottle-fermented wines published in 1570.

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Gary’s Recipe for NYE Success: Laurent-Perrier and Caviar at Home

New Year’s Eve is the one night of the year when everyone is having a party. For me, I prefer to do it at home—it gets a little crazy out there with all those people who don’t get out much! So I save my budget for caviar, and, of course, Champagne, and have a great time at my own dining room table! Caviar and Champagne are a great and storied pairing, but I have found it to take a little more attention than just throwing any bottle together with those precious eggs.

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2016 Cristal: The Best Since the 2008 Vintage

When I read that the team at Roederer were comparing their newly released 2016 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne to the 2008, I have to admit that I was very skeptical. I love it when great wine proves my skeptical heart wrong. Last night, Cinnamon and I drank this great vintage of Cristal with homemade sashimi bowls, and while I was very impressed from just tasting the wine for this video, now I am a complete convert—this is definitely the best Cristal for me since the 2008; it has an energy, a sheen, a brilliance that reminds me so much of that great vintage.

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Holiday Buying Guide: Our Top Picks for the Season

The K&L Holiday Wine Buying Guide is your ultimate resource for selecting the perfect wines to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether you're searching for the ideal bottle to pair with festive meals, a special gift for a wine lover, or simply a standout wine to enjoy with loved ones, our curated guide offers expert recommendations across all price points and styles. From rich reds and elegant whites to sparkling wines and rare finds, our team of experienced sommeliers and wine buyers has handpicked a selection that embodies the spirit of the season, ensuring your holiday table is stocked with exceptional wines. Let us help you make this holiday season even more memorable with the perfect bottle for every occasion!

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‘Tis the Season: Wine and Whisky Gifts

When it comes to finding the perfect gift, a truly exceptional bottle is often the way to go. While we take great care every day to ensure that everything we bring in meets the highest standards, these are some of the wines I would go to first. Each one is sure to make a memorable impression and offer an experience that will be appreciated by any wine lover.

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Thanksgiving Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Pairing

This week, we’re officially kicking off our Thanksgiving planning. Halloween is in the rearview mirror; Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are just far enough away that we don’t have to wrap our brains around gifting quite yet… No elves on the shelves, but our rally bird is out in Redwood City—it’s the perfect time to talk turkey.

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