Dumangin Whisky Bushmills 2014
$101.24
This one says its first maturation was for 6 years in (probably in ex-Bourbon) before a 12-month finish in a Ratafia Champenois Barrel. So...a seven-year-old then, rather than 6? Who knows? Maybe they were short a day or two somewhere in there. Either way, we love Bushmills. Especially when it comes from the indie bottlers.
282 bottles. Natural colour and non-chill filtered. 47.3%
Dumangin Whisky La Piautre
$70.00
After three years of primary maturation, this French Single Malt was then shifted into an ex-Ratafia Champenois cask for 15 months. Incredibly exciting for not only being one of the very few French Single Malts on the market, but also one that's been decked out in a fancy finish. Beyond singular.
As for proper notes...all we know so far is that maverick producer Gilles Dumangin says this one is 'oily and opulent.'
345 bottles. Natural colour and non-chill filtered. 46.3%
Aguijon de Abeja Fusion Blancas Reina
$18.19
That name is a mouthful, but trust us - it is worth remembering! The Fusion is an Argentine blend of Chardonnay, Torrontes and Semillon.
Hector and Pablo Durigutti are the winemakers behind the Aguijón de Abeja wines. Hector started at Alto Las Hormigas at the age of 15 and has completed 25 projects at various well-known wineries, learning old-world techniques and agriculture. Pablo started at La Rural, a winery now owned by Catena, and the Durigutti brothers source their fruit for the Aguijon wines from vineyards located in three different regions, striving for the optimal conditions for each variety (all vineyards are organically farmed).
Tolo do Xisto Ruxe Mencia
$26.34
Ruxe is made by Andrea Obenza of Coca i Fitou, a highly respected producer based in Montsant. This Ribeira Sacra project is made from the Mencía varietal, a red grape that is gaining favour around the globe. The wine is made with the notion of conveying the mineral essence of the area by blending grapes from different schist soils found on the banks of the Sil River. An Atlantic wine, mineral, saline, aromatic, excellent acidity, tart fruits, soft tannins, herbaceous notes and sweet and savoury spices. The result is a medium-bodied wine with excellent length.. Pair with seafood, tapas and white meats.
A KWM Exclusive.
Raul Perez Ultreia St. Jacques
$33.99
Ultreia Saint Jacques is the first wine Raúl Pérez made when he set out on his own, and he considers it still to the most important wine he makes. About 85% of the old vines that supply it are grown on clay with the rest on sand. The wine is fermented in traditional oak vats, some bought from world-famous Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero, and all but about 20% of the grapes are fermented as whole bunches. The must is kept in contact with the skins for a full two months before the wine is pressed into neutral barrels, where it’s aged for a further 10 months. Most of the grapes are the local Mencía, but some field blends go into the blend, so there are small proportions of alicante bouschet, trousseau/bastardo, palomino and other varieties. It has bright, fresh blueberry and cranberry fruit with a rasp of tannin and a savoury, crisp finish. It's a remarkable wine for the price, snagging 93 points from Decanter magazine.
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.
Tolo do Xisto Ribeira Sacra Mencia
$33.99
Famous for producing complex, floral wines made from Mencía, Ribeira Sacra is probably Galicia’s second-best-known wine region, behind Rias Baixas. Tolo do Xisto is a new project from the team at one of our favourite Spanish wineries, Coca i Fitó, with the Galician winemaker Andrea Obenza. The name Tolo do Xisto means "mad about slate". The winemaking process strives to transmit the mineral essence of the area through the different soils along the Sil River banks. A mineral, almost salty wine, is achieved which is aromatic, with good acidity. Penetrating smooth tannins, acidic red fruit, balsamic notes, and spices, but above all, it is very delicate with a long finish. This wine is light enough to enjoy with grilled fish like salmon or tuna. Terrific with white meats it is also one you'll enjoy on its own when you don't want something too heavy.
Speri St Urbano Valpolicella
$35.99
"Deep ruby with a rich, ample bouquet of spice and ripe red fruit confirmed on the full, layered palate," according to the importer. "The Speri family’s presence in the heart of Valpolicella goes back to 1874. Their vineyards (totaling 60 hectares/24 acres) are located in the finest districts of the Classico area. And every grape that goes into their wines is estate-grown and cultivated by the Speri family with just as much pride in the craft of viticulture – the hands-on, hard-working side of it – as the art of it. The vineyards are divided into three distinct crus: La Roverina, Sant’Urbano and La Roggia." Pair with red meats, perhaps game, or hard cheeses.
Heartland Stickleback Red
$15.99
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Dolcetto are blended together to create a bright yet full-bodied wine that is perfect for everyday occasions. Each variety is individually fermented on the skins for 5 days before it is pressed to enhance the aromatics while softening the naturally present tannins. Maturation in 2–3-year-old oak barrels rounds out the rich and savoury character of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Dolcetto and a splash of Lagrein add spiciness and vibrant tannins that complete the wine. Perfect for your Sunday night roast dinners, grilled dishes, cured meats, and aged cheeses.