Samuel Louis Smith: The Central Coast Winemaker to Watch

When K&L Domestic Buyer Ryan Woodhouse stops a tasting and says "keep an eye on this winemaker," you listen. That was six years ago, and Samuel Louis Smith has been one of our favorite producers ever since. He makes about 1,300 cases a year across Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and cool-climate Syrah from some of the most compelling sites on the Central Coast — all organically farmed, all minimal intervention, all genuinely outstanding. We've visited him in the vineyards, poured his wines at our tent events, and we're re-running our 2019 interview now that new vintages are in stock.

United States, CaliforniaRyan WoodhouseMay 4, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsInterview

Maison 76: K&L's Own Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Avize

After 25 years of sourcing Champagne for K&L, Gary Westby finally made one of his own. Maison 76 is a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Avize, made in collaboration with Olivier Bonville — 60% reserve wines, three years on the lees, dosed at just 5.8 grams per liter, and priced under $50. Gary calls it one of the greatest brut sans année offerings K&L has ever carried. The first case off the truck went straight to his house.

Champagne, FranceGary WestbyMay 4, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsK&L Private Label

Rosé for Mom: Aaron's Picks for Mother's Day

Rosé might just be the oldest wine in the world, which means gifting it to mom is basically a tradition as old as time. Aaron Hughes, K&L's Redwood City Tasting Bar Manager, picked six bottles for every kind of rosé lover — from bone-dry Provence elegance to fruit-forward pool wine — and none of them will break the bank.

General WineAaron HughesMay 1, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsHoliday

Win Favorite Child Status: Jonathan's Mother's Day Spirits Picks

Forget the gift card. Jonathon Goldstein, K&L's Spirits Buyer, has three bottles that will actually impress her—whether she's shaking Negronis, stirring Martinis, or squeezing limes for a Margarita that finally tastes the way it should.

SpiritsJonathan GoldsteinMay 1, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsHoliday

E. Pira Barolo 2022: Chiara Boschis and the Making of a Modern Classic in Piedmont

A deep dive into E. Pira Barolo 2022 and the vision of Chiara Boschis, one of Piedmont’s most influential modern winemakers. From Cannubi to Mosconi, this vintage captures a rare balance of elegance, terroir expression, and early drinkability in Barolo.

Italy, PiedmontOrazio CampoliMay 1, 2026K&L Wine Merchants

Champagne for Mom: Franck Bonville's Grand Cru Avize Is a Sure Thing

If you want a Champagne that never misses—for mom, for the table, for any occasion worth celebrating—Franck Bonville from the Grand Cru village of Avize is the answer. Gary picks three bottles for every kind of mother, from $53.99 to a once-in-a-while splurge that will genuinely stop her in her tracks.

Champagne, FranceGary WestbyMay 1, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsDirect Imports

Give Mom Champagne All Year Long

The gift that keeps arriving. Our Champagne Club delivers two bottles every other month — each from a different corner of France's most beloved region. Starting at $69.95 a shipment, with member discounts on every bottle. Cancel anytime. Give mom something she'll actually look forward to.

Champagne, FranceGary WestbyMay 1, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsWine Club

Spring 2026 Newsletter: Staff Picks, Bordeaux Futures, and Rare Spirits

This Spring 2026 newsletter brings together sharp insight from our buyers, a fresh look at Bordeaux futures, ten bottles our staff can’t stop opening, milestone releases from the Anonymous Wine Collective, a truly rare 36‑year‑old Speyside malt, and one of our favorite chillable Rhône producers just in time for warmer days.

Mas de Libian's Biodynamic, Chillable Reds from Southern Rhône

Even though they are an historic property, Mas de Libian still falls a little under the radar. For me, though, they check a lot of boxes. They have long practiced organic farming and are now Demeter-certified biodynamic. They make fresh, vibrant wines that are accessible, quaffable, sumptuous, and compelling. It doesn’t hurt that the property’s terroir is a dead ringer for that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with its calcareous iron-rich clay soils and galets roulet (the rolled stones) sitting on the surface and radiating warmth back to the vines. With all these pluses, it is hard to believe that not a single one of their delicious wines retails for north of $30!

France, RhôneKeith MabryApril 23, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsDirect Imports

Next Stop: The Story Behind K&L NYC’s “Subway Bag”

A casual idea turned into a fully licensed love letter to New York. Here’s the story behind K&L NYC’s new “Subway Bag,” told by the designer who made it happen.

K&L NewsSantiago VillasisApril 23, 2026K&L Wine Merchants

A Buyer’s Note: Enviable 36 Year Old Speyside Malt

When this 1989 Speyside malt came to us, the thing that stood out immediately wasn’t the age or the rarity, but the outrageous quality to price ratio. This is a 36‑year‑old Speyside malt, distilled in 1989, drawn from refill hogsheads, and bottled at a natural strength just under 48% with a microscopic amount of its neighboring distillery add to the mix. There’s no famous distillery name on the label, no finishing regime meant to dress it up, and no attempt to turn it into something it isn’t. Just dang good whisky for an amazing price. That’s not something you see every day.

Spirits, Scotch WhiskyDavid Othenin-GirardApril 22, 2026K&L Wine Merchants

Limited-Production Sonoma Coast Sparkling Wines from Anonymous Wine Collective

To mark the first anniversary of the Anonymous Wine Collective, we’re releasing two extraordinary Sonoma Coast sparkling wines—both crafted by a longtime California sparkling specialist and aged far beyond the norm. From seven years on the lees to extended élevage in oak, these limited‑production wines deliver Champagne‑level pedigree at a fraction of the price.

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