Sommerach Silvaner Trocken
$29.99
The winemakers of Winzer Sommerach have had one credo which they have abided by since the winery was established in 1901: Unity is strength. At the beginning of the 20th century, 35 families, all steeped in viticulture for generations, came together out of economic necessity and founded Winzer Sommerach. Since then, a common vision has determined the path of these wine-growing families. Today they pay tribute to all the families out of respect, who, despite an uncertain future, have established the oldest wine cooperative in Franken. An imposing northward-facing stone gable from the old days continues to characterize the old town, reminding the winemakers of their roots, which informs their actions today. The winemakers of Winzer Sommerach are steeped in tradition, but at the same time, they are open-minded and innovative. The past is linked to the future at this winery. Fast-moving trends are passed over in favor of sustainable methods. Even if “genuine craftsmanship” sounds like a concept from the distant past, it perfectly describes the approach of the 90 winemaking families to their work, and is a guarantee of lasting success. This philosophy has passed from generation to generation, with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, driving ambition to be among the best in the industry, and lastly, love of the work. This dedication to the art of winemaking is what makes the estate of Winzer Sommerach truly unique. The skill of the winemaker in conjunction with the terroir are responsible for the quality of a wine, and the winemakers are very grateful to be able to continue the work of their founding fathers with great potential for the future.
Ileach Cask Strength
$79.99
It is back and exclusive to KWM in Calgary again, bottled at 58%. The Ileach Cask Strength is a mystery malt from Islay. In other words, the distillery of origin is a mystery but, look closely at the label, and you'll see a couple of clues: the distillery has its own bay, presumably passable on only the one side; it's water-front has a distinct appearance; and could that be the ruins of the Dunyvaig Castle on the far right? Lagging behind and not understanding our not-so-subtle hints on which distillery this could be? Fear not - this is what makes Mystery Malts so much fun.
Emrich Schonleber Mineral Trocken
$54.99
This estate dates back to 1815 and today they farm 20 hectares of vineyards. Riesling currently accounts for 85% of the vines, supplemented by Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Werner and Frank Schönleber have worked their way to the top of their profession. Germany's leading wine guides unanimously rate Weingut Emrich-Schönleber as a world-class winery. The Mineral is sourced from the younger vines of the Halenberg and Fruhlingsplatschen GG vinyards,and it offers an incredible value to Riesling lovers. Surprisingly saline whilst true to it's name, Mineral hews razor-blade like precision with hammer like slatey minerality buoyed by linear acidity (even in 2022). A wonderful showcase of all the terroirs of the Nahe.
Amrut 2013 9 Year KWM Port Pipe 4660
$214.99
Our 3rd KWM exclusive cask of Amrut was selected last fall when our friend Ashok paid us a visit to the store. Distilled in August of 2013, the whisky matured 9 years in an ex-Port Pipe No. 4660, before bottling in December of 2022, after 9 years at 60%.
When Ashok was going through the samples with us, he was astounded to learn that his Amrut would be our 145th KWM exclusive cask bottling... so he put that little tidbit on the label. Shipments from India don't happen overnight however, and in the 10 months since the cask was bottled, we've launched more than 10 other exclusive bottlings... But 10 months is an improvement, the last cask took nearly a year and a half to reach us.
It is worth noting, that at 9 years of age, this is a very mature bottling of Amrut. It is also almost certainly the first KWM-exclusive cask bottling from an ex-Port cask.
One final curiosity is the bottling strength of 60%. This is not cask strength, Amrut waters its bottlings down to 60%, if they are above, to save an enormous amount of Indian excise taxes...
Rosebank `The Roses` 21 Year Enchantment
$2,349.99
This whisky was featured on Day 12 of our 2023 KWM UBER Whisky Calendar. You can check out Evan's blog post on the whisky here.
Created from a parcel of whiskies distilled in 1990 and 1991, the whisky was for matured 21 years in a mix of 75% ex-Bourbon and 25% Madeira casks, bottled at 50.3%. 92.2pts Whiskybase
Producer Description
"Enchantment is the seventh in a series of seven highly sought-after Rosebank bottlings, released annually by Elixir Distillers. It is a marriage of spirits distilled in both 1990 and 1991, matured in 75% American oak barrels and 25% Madeira hogsheads.
The casks used for the Roses series were among the last held by an independent company. Each bottling in the series represents a different character of Rosebank, bringing together casks with different styles to demonstrate this lost distillery’s wonderful diversity.
Rosebank was mothballed in 1993 and the equipment was stolen in 2009. The spirit produced at the distillery was triple distilled, creating a light, floral style loved by many. Rosebank has since become a cult favourite amongst whisky lovers and collectors."
Hansel Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
$56.24
While the Estate Pinot Noir from Walter Hansel utilizes barrels of Pinot from a variety of Hansel-owned vineyards, the heart and soul (and a majority of the Pinot) is usually harvested by hand from the legendary Meadows vineyard. The result is a Pinot Noir that is very approachable yet complex even when young but can also reward you if cellared.
Verderubbi Pita Verdejo 2023
$18.74
The Pita family has a long history in Spain's Rueda region, a DO dedicated solely to white wine. The dominant variety in the region is Verdejo, a grape that offers crisp citrusy white wines reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc without the resounding grassiness. It has a generous mouthfeel with notes of tropical fruit, and apples, and is certified organic. It would go well with shellfish and other appetizers.
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
$94.99
Ata Rangi is a Maori word for "dawning sky" or "new beginning." Deliciously crafted by Clive Paton, this often sets the standard by which other New Zealand Pinot Noir is judged. This is the flagship Pinot Noir of the Ata Rangi lineup.
From The Winery
"Only the oldest parcels of fruit are used in this, our premium Pinot Noir. The fabled Abel clone makes up 40% of the blend. The result is a very complex, structured wine, beautifully perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style."
La Torre Brunello 2020
$86.99
The price of wine seems to be getting higher and higher with every passing day, especially in famous regions such as Burgundy and Napa. Brunello is of course no exception to this, with most bottles nowadays going for at least $100. This bottle from La Torre represents great value for money. It offers aromas of black tea, black cherries, and savoury herbs on the nose. On the palate, ripe red fruits and baking spice hit the front of the palate, with a finish of cranberry and violet tapering off. Fine tannins and a crisp acidity keep the palate wanting more.
Would benefit from a couple-hour decant.
Pairs perfectly with turkey or roast beef and will be able to hold up to almost any side you throw at it!