Thrilling Domestic Discoveries with Ryan Woodhouse
Domestic Buyer Ryan Woodhouse has been on a tear lately, unearthing one new fantastic discovery after another. This month's newsletter shines the spotlight on three exceptional finds from California, encompassing not only some of the best hidden-gem, hand-crafted Pinots and Cabs, but also a sparkling wine producer that's set to make a big splash on the scene. We'll also check in with a perennial favorite Oregon producer that's taking their game to a whole new level in the 2022 vintage.
California's Next Big Thing in Sparkling Wine
Singular, High-Elevation Napa Cabernets
An Oregon Boutique Favorite Hits the Next Level
Micro-Production Santa Barbara Gems from Dusty Nabor
For a deeper dive into the domestic wine scene, be sure to visit our local events page on the K&L website for information about this weekend's upcoming domestic tastings at our Redwood City, San Francisco, and Hollywood locations.
Introducing the Stunning Sparkling Wines of BxT
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Domestic Buyer
Tasting a bottle of BxT sparkling wine at a Heitz Cellars event was an experience to remember. This small passion project by Tom Sherwood, husband of esteemed Heitz winemaker Brittany Sherwood, captured my attention for its top-tier results. Tom's California-based sparkling wines are inspired by grower Champagne practices—in other words, these are small-batch, barrel-aged wines that display impressive depth of flavor and distinct individual character. During a visit to his rented cellar space, I sampled an assortment of BxT's wines from barrel, and all were outstanding. As his production expands, I look forward to introducing more people to BxT's devotion to quality and authenticity. Read more.
2022 BxT "California Immersion" California Brut Sparkling Wine $39.95 View
2022 BxT "McCormack Ranch" Solano County Brut Blanc De Noirs $44.95 View
2021 BxT "Manley Vineyard" Carneros Brut Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine $54.95 View
NV BxT "Perpetual Oxidation - Solera Barrel 3.0" California Sparkling Wine $59.95 View
Obsidian Ridge: Exceptional Cabernet from Geologic Magic
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Domestic Buyer
I recently visited Obsidian Ridge Vineyard in Clear Lake Basin, the highest vineyard in the Mayacamas, established in an arduously remote location at nearly 3,000ft. This implies a commitment to exceptional winemaking, substantiated by the breathtaking soil composition, with obsidian glass constituting over 60% of the topsoil. Despite the high elevation and harsh conditions impacting vine growth, intense UV light enables efficient ripening. The vineyard also focuses on supplementing phosphorus and magnesium, indispensable for vine health, while minimizing chemical use. Alex Beloz, the winemaker, meticulously crafts expressive wines, showcasing his intimate understanding of the vineyard. Read more.
2021 Obsidian Ridge "Volcanic Estate" Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 94 $34.95 View
2021 Obsidian Ridge "Half Mile" Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 93 $74.95 View
Oregon's Hundred Suns Wines: As Good As Ever!
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Domestic Buyer
Founded in 2015 by husband-wife duo Grant and Renée, Hundred Suns has quickly gained favor for its phenomenal quality, friendly persona, and great value. The pair cultivates an intimate connection with their wines, managing everything from vine farming to marketing. Grant's vast prior experience at Beaux Frères informs his minimal-intervention winemaking approach, favoring natural expression over forced manipulation. The wines are refined, exuding authenticity and a robust sense of place. Each bottle is an enticing blend of riveting fruit concentration and deep, earthy flavors. Read more.
2022 Hundred Suns "Old Eight Cut" Willamette Valley Chardonnay $32.95 View
2022 Hundred Suns (Tualatin Estate) Willamette Valley Gamay Noir $32.95 View
2022 Hundred Suns "Old Eight Cut" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $32.95 View
2022 Hundred Suns "Bednarik Vineyard" Tualatin Hills Pinot Noir $59.95 View
2022 Hundred Suns "Sequitur Vineyard" Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir $59.95 View
Dusty Nabor's One-Man Show
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Domestic Buyer
I attended the World of Pinot Noir event in Santa Barbara this March, a large tasting featuring Pinot Noirs from hundreds of global wineries. Despite the event's vast scope, I made a delightful discovery from our own backyard—the wines of Dusty Nabor. Dusty, who operates a one-man winery in Camarillo, delivers unique, high-quality wines showcasing the essence of their origin, blending the fruitiness and savory flavors characteristic of cool-climate grapes. His minimal-intervention winemaking results in pure, precise wines sourced from renowned vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills and Ballard Canyon. These limited-production wines, typically confined to direct sales and local restaurants, are compelling, complex contributions that I'm excited to introduce to our staff and customers. Read more.
2022 NSO Wines Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay $19.95 View
2023 NSO Wines Ballard Canyon Rosé of Grenache Noir $17.95 View
2022 Dusty Nabor "J+K Vineyard" Ballard Canyon Viognier $29.95 View
2023 Dusty Nabor "J+K Vineyard" Ballard Canyon Sparkling Pet Nat Rosé of Grenache $29.95 View
2022 Dusty Nabor "Radian Vineyard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir $59.95 View