K&L Wines: top buys from the US
Great online and in-store deals from this popular family merchant
Established in Millbrae, California in 1976, K&L Wine Merchants runs retail stores in San Francisco, Redwood City and Hollywood. But it is the family-owned company’s online presence that is the cornerstone of the business today.
K&L Wines has an impressive selection of old and rare wines plus latest-vintage domestic and international wines. The company’s mission statement is to offer the world’s finest wines at competitive prices, priding itself on its customer service.
The ‘boots-on-the-ground’ search for wines is personal and professional: Bordeaux buyer Ralph Sands has visited the region 55 times.
Sands says K&L’s 12-strong buying team is committed to investing the time and effort to build relationships with producers and negociants to buy direct. They also cherry pick the best wines from other sources.
He says this investment sets K&L Wines apart as a business: ‘family-owned, with a trusted reputation for wine procurement and education, combined with a contagious passion for the 7,000 hand-picked wines available year-round’. This passion is evident on the website, where many K&L employees write reviews of their own favourite wines.
Members can also sign up to an Insider’s Advantage mailing list to get exclusive savings on inventory clearance wines.
Fun fact: K&L Wines takes its name from the initials of the founding partners’ wives: Clyde Beffa Jr’s wife is Kay and Todd Zucker’s wife is Linda.
The partners, who met as children in 1947 when they lived across the street from each other, produce a private label for K&L as well. Kalinda, also named in honour of their wives, includes a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Sourced from top producers at great-value prices, the wines are among some of K&L’s most popular.
Decanter’s selection of top K&L Wines to try
The wines below are a current selection from the K&L Wines portfolio. The most recently tasted are at the top of the list.
See also:
Best wines to try from Wine.com
La Crema, Rosé Brut, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, California, USA
90
Lithe and light, this delightful blend of Pinot Noir (65%) and Chardonnay reveals ripe red fruit and perfumed floral notes. Bright acidity on the balanced, engaging palate brings focus to the citrus and spice-infused finish.
La CremaSonoma County
Frank Family Vineyards, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Los Carneros, California, USA, 2018
91
With fruit primarily sourced from the clay loam soils of the Lewis Vineyard, which sits adjacent to the San Pablo Bay, this cool-climate Carneros Chardonnay shows engaging apple, pear and citrus fruit characters with rich, buttery brioche notes and a swirl of vanilla. Full-bodied with a creamy texture and a zap of bright acidity, it has a long, elegant finish.
2018
Frank Family VineyardsNapa Valley
Nautilus, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2019
91
Ripe lemon, lime and grapefruit aromas give way to a grassy, fresh herb undertone. The vibrant, zesty palate boasts a creamy texture, a touch of spice and lovely minerality through the lively finish.
2019
Nautilus
Amalaya, Blanco de Corte Torrontes-Riesling, Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina, 2019
90
A fresh white that marries the intense aromatic characters of Torrontes (85%) and Riesling: juicy peach, zesty citrus and a touch of mango. Zippy acidity means this easygoing, versatile, well-priced wine is perfect with a wide range of dishes.
2019
AmalayaCalchaquí Valley
Morgan, Albariño, Monterey County, California, USA, 2018
90
Crisp, clean and ultra-refreshing, this is a great example of American Albariño. Medium-bodied, floral and fruity with bright citrus flavours and steely minerality.
2018
MorganMonterey County
Bodegas Muga, Reserva, Rioja, Rioja, Spain, 2016
93
From a fantastic vintage and reliable producer, this well-composed Reserva carries the power and elegance of black and red fruits, ripe tannins and integrated acidity. It shows remarkable balance and persistence on the finish.
2016
Bodegas MugaRioja
Clos de los Siete, Red Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
93
Remarkable intensity of black fruit, spice and mocha, this elegant, single-vineyard Malbec-based blend by noted Bordeaux-based consultant Michel Rolland showcases integrated tannins, a round texture and persistent freshness. High-elevation vineyards (more than 1,100m), and notable diurnal temperature swings add to the concentration, aromatic lift and lively acidity.
2017
Clos de los SieteUco Valley
Calera, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California, USA, 2017
92
Enticing, vivid aromas of ripe red fruit and delicate floral characters. On the medium-bodied palate, velvety tannins cloak dried herbs and plush cherry and strawberry flavours, while subtle minerality and earthy nuances linger on the finish.
2017
CaleraCentral Coast
Vina Robles, The Arborist, Central Coast, California, USA, 2018
92
A big, bold blend based on Paso Robles Syrah (41%) that boasts brooding dark fruit and distinctive spice aromas. On the palate, smoky notes wrap around black cherry and plum, supported by bright acidity.
2018
Vina RoblesCentral Coast
Amici Cellars, Olema Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2018
91
Lovely aromas of blackberry, currant and savoury spice. A heady, full-throttle mix of dark chocolate and nutty nuances build on the richly textured and solidly structured mid-palate, joined by more dense, ripe dark fruit.
2018
Amici CellarsSonoma County
Substance, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
90
Fruit for this wine comes from five Columbia Valley vineyards. Deep, dense aromas and flavours of black cherry, blueberry, tobacco and earthy notes build, supported by great minerality, refined tannins and a focused finish.
2018
SubstanceColumbia Valley
Banshee, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2018
88
Plenty of ripe red fruit on the nose gives way to dried herbs and spices. On the palate, there's tangy acidity and tart cherry flavours leading to a clean finish.
2018
BansheeSonoma County
