Bordeaux grapes have traveled farther, and adapted more brilliantly, than any varieties in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc have taken root in new landscapes, absorbing local character while retaining the structure and poise that define their origins. This month, we look at how these grapes express themselves from the Gironde to the Andes, from Napa Valley to the Tuscan coast, and beyond. Along the way, our buyers highlight the benchmark wines, the unexpected values, and the producers shaping the next generation of Bordeaux-inspired winemaking.

Don’t get me wrong—I adore Bordeaux varietals from around the world. A well-made Napa Cab is irresistible. The brilliance from Margaret River is a sweet spot for sure. Super Tuscans—whether Cabernet or Merlot is the star—are among the most complex wines out there. I’ve had some otherworldly Argentinian Cab Franc and Chilean Cab that are undeniably Cabernet, yet carry a character all their own.

Ralph likes to say to me, when we’re running ourselves into the ground during a long day of tasting off vintages En Primeur, that the difference between K&L and so many other retailers is that we always “do the work.” While I think that’s a testament to our do-it-all work ethic, it also speaks to how Ralph carries himself. So many people get caught up in the scores and the newest trends, but for Ralph, it’s always been about the wine and the people. Because he’s always doing the work, he can focus on his genuine enthusiasm for the world of fine wine—and let that hard work speak for itself. After being around Ralph for the last decade, I can tell you: it speaks volumes.