Bordeaux Varieties Around the World

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.

• It Could Only Be from Bordeaux
• Napa Valley: A Millionaire’s Playground? Or Something for Everyone?
• High-Altitude Bordeaux Blends from South America
• Italy's "Super" Wines of Bordeaux Varieties
• Upcoming Bordeaux Events

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.

But Bordeaux is where it all started, and it’s where I keep going back to. Why? First, these are wines of impeccable balance, built on subtlety and concentration, refinement and precision. They’ve also proven time and time again that they can age effortlessly and beautifully, developing depth and character over the years in a way few wines can. And while they certainly reward patience, I’d argue that the wines of the past few decades don’t demand it as much—something that makes them all the more dynamic.
Keep reading On the Trail.

-Ryan Moses | K&L Bordeaux Buyer

Three and a half years ago I moved to Napa Valley. After 15 years of visiting the region to taste and learn about its wines I became a “local.” Friends and colleagues had mixed reactions to my new home ranging from “Oh, isn’t Napa just an adult Disneyland for rich people?”… to “Wow, there’s so much cool stuff happening in Napa these days.” Well, after a few years of living in the valley I’ll say that both assumptions were correct! If you’re a millionaire with plenty of disposable income, you can most definitely come to Napa and have a blast. You can spend as much money as you want on highly curated, luxury experiences, $1000 bottles, Michelin Star dining, and boutique hotels.

However, on a visit to Napa you’ll also find a thriving agricultural community, young winemakers from all over the globe working in a melting pot of vinous cultures. There are epic food trucks lining Soscol Road with Google Stars in place of Michelin ones. There are old-school, multigenerational farming families working tirelessly, like their grandparents before them, to eke out a living from this special land. You’ll see lavish, palatial wineries with the latest hi-tech equipment. You’ll also find folks working out of humble industrial units, foot-treading grapes in well-worn fruit bins; borrowing, sharing, collaborating with their neighbors to try and get a start in a business that requires passion, hustle, and grit if you don’t have bottomless pockets.

I had long known that Napa produced world-class wines of pedigree, longevity, and opulence. What I didn’t know about Napa before moving here was the depth and variety of the winemaking culture and community. While the scope of this newsletter is focused on Bordeaux varietals (there’s so much beyond Cabernet in Napa) even within this particular genre of wines there’s a huge range of styles, prices, and ideologies to be found in the valley and I’ll do my best to cover some of them here...
Keep reading On the Trail.

-Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Domestic Buyer

For those who appreciate the structure, complexity, and age-worthiness of Bordeaux but are seeking exceptional value and a unique New World perspective on classic varieties, the world of South American Bordeaux-inspired blends is a must-explore category. These wines, primarily from the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina and the Andean foothills of Chile, offer a compelling alternative viewpoint that combines the structured finesse of Bordeaux with the concentrated, pure fruit of the New World. The resulting wines offer approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, and layers of flavor that can easily rival their French counterparts.
Keep reading On the Trail.

-Rachael Ryan, K&L South American Wine Buyer

Long before the term “Super Tuscan” took hold, a few visionary estates along the Tuscan coast began blending Cabernet and Merlot in defiance of the region’s regulations. What started as an experiment became a revolution, producing wines that rival the greatest Bordeaux while retaining unmistakable Tuscan character. At the center of that story is Sassicaia, the wine that changed global perceptions of Italy. Our upcoming tasting features this landmark bottling and a selection of leading contemporary releases.

• Redwood City - Sassicaia Tasting 12/17 at 4PM
• Hollywood - Sassicaia Tasting 12/17 at 4PM
• Culver City - Sassicaia Tasting 12/17 at 4PM
• San Francisco - Sassicaia Tasting 12/17 at 4PM

• Monday December 8: Sommelier Services Presents – Discover Bordeaux
• Friday December 12: Grand Bordeaux Tasting – Right Bank
• Saturday December 13: Grand Bordeaux Tasting – Left Bank

We at K&L Wine Merchants are thrilled and deeply honored to once again serve as the Bay Area retail partner for Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) — this time for our big event on January 22, 2026. What makes this year especially momentous is that it coincides with our 50th Anniversary.

We’ve been hosting the UGCB tasting in San Francisco since the 2005 vintage*— a partnership that now spans two decades, and mirrors our longstanding love affair with Bordeaux. Our co-founder, Clyde Beffa — whose deep passion for Bordeaux helped build K&L’s reputation — would be proud to see how those early relationships have flourished. Today, our dedicated team, led by Bordeaux buyer Ryan Moses, continues that legacy, bringing the finest vintages and château connections from Bordeaux to the Bay Area and the rest of California.

At the January event, we are especially excited to preview the 2023 vintage for our guests. It’s more than a tasting — it’s a celebration of heritage, expertise, and half a century of sharing great wine with you. We look forward to seeing you there.