A. Margaine Extra Brut Champagne
$106.99
The Champagnes from father-daughter duo Arnaud & Mathilde Margaine are a KWM exclusive, and they are exceptional. With vineyards based in Montagne de Reims, they specialize in Chardonnay (90%) although they also have a small plot of Pinot Noir. This small estate (7 hectares) was started by Arnaud's father (Bernard) in the 1950s and is organically farmed. The vines average 35 years of age and the Chardonnay is produced from a clone unique to the area.
Carlone Davide Boca Piemonte
$73.99
Boca is both a small D.O.C. zone and a rare red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape (locally named Spanna, 70-90%) along with Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese), vinified either together or separately. Despite its modest size, its roots can be traced back to Roman times.
The wine is grown in the north of Piedmont, along the Sesia River, on the wooded hills of the Novarra province around the towns of Boca, Maggiora, Cavallirio, Prato Sesia and Grignasco. It delivers notes of wild berries, cherry, and forest floor. Fine but grippy tannins make it a natural fit with beef and lamb.
Hansel South Slope Pinot Noir
$68.99
The South and North Slope vineyards of Hansel lie in the Russian River Valley. The two vineyards face each other, side by side, but show very different characteristics despite their proximity. Here is what Stephen Hansel has to say about the South Slope and the French Clone 777 Pinot Noir planted there: "The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of our Vineyards blocks. It slopes from South to North about 45 feet and it's soils are predominantly sandy loam. The berry size is medium with a high berry count giving cluster weight that has yields approaching 2 1/4 tons/acre (our highest yields). It is 100% French clone 777, and tends to show it's earthy side far more then our other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world."
Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir
$69.99
From The Winemaker
Alyce was my Mom and she was the life of the party.
There is a section of vineyard right in the middle of the North slope where the soils are very heavy adobe clay resulting in the vines struggling to produce a crop more than 1 ton to the acre. It is a field blend of clone 777 and 115. This minimal crop yield tends to produce wines that are big, rich, "over the top" flavors; perfect for "Alyce". The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of the vineyards blocks. Soils are predominantly sandy loam and the vines are all from Burgundy clone 777. Dark cherry, tobacco, cedar, dried autumn leaves and iron lend this wine tons of character and depth.
Hansel North Slope Pinot Noir
$68.99
The North and South Slope vineyards of Hansel face each other, side by side, but show very different characteristics despite their proximity. The North Slope's Pinot Noir plantings are from clone 115. Stephen Hansel states "...115 exhibits the most fruit-driven flavors and appears more "New World" then French." This is might be the most expressive of the Pinot range, a lush, plush wine with notes of cherry, cranberry, spice and forest floor. It's a great example of Burgundy meets California, in other words the best of both worlds. The vibrant acidity will allow it to age gracefully for another decade but it's hard to resist right now.
Hansel Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
$56.99
Stephen Hansel (Walter Hansel's son) on the Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
"Produced from the highest elevation and is a product of 3 clones; the Hyde/wente; the Hudson/wente and French Dijon clone 95. These clusters are extremely small and the berries are the size of BB's; offering rich and flavorful wines. My mom, Alyce, was an exciting Lady with over-the-top energy and appeal. This wine takes after her."
The 2020 was whole- cluster pressed and then aged in one-year old French oak for 12 months. The fruit is sourced from the highest elevation of their vineyard sites which helps preserve acidity and freshness. The oak is present but nicely integrated while the palate offers baked apples and spice with just the right amount of acidity to balance things out. Only 708 cases were produced.
Mayu Riesling
$20.99
Viña Mayu was established in 2005 in the Elqui Valley, the first fine wine producer to enter the wine business since 1998. Mauro Olivier was one of the pioneers, planting vines for fine wine production and sourcing grapes from the different vineyards in the valley. He started working on his family vineyards for table grape production at a young age; years later he began working in Pisco production (the national Chilean spirit, made from white wine). In 2000, he planted the first Carménère and Syrah vines in the valley. 5 years later, in 2005, he decided it was time to embark on his own wine project, under the Mayu label. Mayu is an ancient INCA name for the Milky Way, literally meaning "creek of stars." The region lies 400 km (250 mi) north of Santiago, at the southern end of the Atacama Desert in the Coquimbo region, and rises to 2000 metres above sea level. These are great value wines produced from what is effectively a high-altitude desert. The hot arid climate allows for good ripening while the cold desert nights help preserve acidity.
Trossos Llum D`Alba Blanco
$42.99
The arid vineyards of Priorat, about a 90-minute drive from Barcelona, produce some of the most sought-after Spanish red wines. White wines, on the other hand, are a scarcity here but taste this and you'll wonder why. It's a blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Macabeau. Expect notes of passion fruit, ripe pineapple, white peach, citrus, thyme and tart grapefruit. A medium-bodied wine with some beautiful acidity and structure. Perfect with roast chicken.
Terredora Lacryma Christi Rosso
$41.99
This winery begins with a tale of two brothers - Walter and Antonio Mastroberardino -who parted ways, with Antonio acquiring the winery and Walter acquiring the vineyards (renamed as Terradora). The Terredora di Paolo estate is located on the hills of Irpinia surrounding the valleys of the Sabato and Calore rivers. With about 180 hectares of vineyards, they rank among the most prestigious producers in Southern Italy. The South of Italy is one of the most interesting wine areas in the country and Campania, and especially the Irpinia region, produces wines from native grape varieties such as Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, Piedirosso and Falanghina, all of which are brimming with personality. Aglianico has been called the Barolo of the South for its power and its ability to age for many years. We have just received their Irpinia Aglianico, Falanghina, Rosato, and Lacryma Cristi Rosso (made from Piedirosso).
The Lacyrma Christi from Terredora is a red wine made from 100% Piedirosso harvested selected vineyards on the slopes of Vesuvius. An ancient legend suggests that God cried when he found a strip of paradise stolen by Lucifer in the Gulf of Naples and, where his tears fell, the vine grew. Piedirosso, the vine grown on the slopes of the Vesuvius volcano, celebrates life from the ashes and testifies to the ceaseless work of recovery and innovation that Terredora undertakes to promote wine-growing in the region. Essence of fire and sea - the signature of Terredora Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso.