deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

This is a pre-sell for the 2025 G. D. Vajra Rosabella Rosato (Piedmont, Italy) – $33.99

We had this wine at one of our spring rosé tasting two years ago and this was the wine of the tasting. Unfortunately, the stock lasted less than a few weeks and we did not receive any last year. We still get requests for it so we are working with our Vajra agent to pre-sell the 2025 that is coming shortly. Here is your chance to secure some bottles of this much sought-after pink for this summer.

G. D. Vajra is located 3 kilometers from the center of Barolo. They are sustainable and organic certified. With an incredible ratio of manual work per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of love. Intense research is also placed into monitoring and improving the biodiversity of both flora and fauna not just in the vineyards, but also in the winery fields and forests. We have had great success over the years with this Piedmont producer.

They produce classic wines that include Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo (Barolo) and this Rosato. Rosabella is a rosé de saignée (a method of rosé winemaking that involves “bleeding” off a portion of red wine juice after it’s been in contact with the skins and seeds – it is a unique style of rosé wine because it is so often bolder and darker in color than any other rosé wine) that produces a bigger, darker, and stronger. First produced between 2004 and 2007, Rosabella is a focus on Nebbiolo, with small amounts of Barbera and Dolcetto.

The cut-off date for this pre-sell is Sunday, March 15 @ 6pm. ETA is early May, 2026 – we will contact you upon arrival.

2025 G. D. Vajra Rosabella Rosato (Piedmont, Italy) – $33.99.

Other currently available G. D. Vajra wines include the following:

2024 G. D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – 375mL – $18.99.

2023 G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso (Piedmont, Italy) – $26.99.

2024 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) – $29.99.

2024 G. D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) – $37.99.

2021 G. D. Vajra Barolo Albe (Piedmont, Italy) – $79.99.

Prost everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Quarisa Johnny Q. Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia) – $15.49, regularly $18.99.

John and Josephine Quarisa were high-school sweethearts whose motto is ‘Passion is Everything’. As a winemaker for over 30 years, John’s winemaking has been awarded some of Australia’s greatest accolades including both the Jimmy Watson and Stodart Trophies. In establishing their range of wines, the Quarisas have drawn on their greatest passions in life; their children, their family, heritage and John, himself, the fun loving winemaker. They have ten ranges of wines on offer.

Our weekly special this week is their Johnny Q range Cabernet Sauvignon, made from grapes grown in Coonawarra in South Australia. It is winemaker John Quarisa’s quirky and good humoured approach to life that inspires this exceptional, full flavoured approachable range. Johnny Q Wines are fresh, flavoursome, fruit driven, quality and consistent with grapes sourced from various renowned viticultural regions in South Australia.

Intense red with purple hues. Fresh, complex cassis and mint fruit flavours with some well integrated vanillin oak . Full bodied with dense ripe cassis fruit flavours balanced with vanillin oak but yet long and smooth. Try with chargrilled sirloin or a hearty minestrone. This wine has the flavour, structure and balance to be enjoyed now or offers added satisfaction from further cellaring. A great QPR Best Bang for the Buck red to enjoy as a daily drinker.

Quarisa Johnny Q. Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia) – $15.49, regularly $18.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Osmin and Cie Pyrene L’ettonant Pinot Noir (Cotes de Gascogne, France) – $17.49, regularly $21.99.

The Lionel Osmin & Cie group was created with the aim of establishing a quality wine merchant focusing on the wines of the Gascogne Southwest of France, a project that had never been realized in this region before. Emphasizing the discovery of the unique grape varieties and terroirs of the region, Lionel and his associates, a group of friends united by their love and passion for Southwest wines. Due to their agricultural and agronomic backgrounds, the group’s partners aim to produce the healthiest wines possible while minimizing their impact on the environment. They are also actively involved in reforesting the Landes forest through their tree planting project linked to the sale of their wines (12 bottles sold = 1 tree planted), in addition to being committed to various cultural and social causes to ensure that viticulture is synonymous with the future!

Our feature of the week is their Pyrene L’ettonant Pinot Noir. Pyrène wines is a private label under Lionel Osmin & Cie. Located in the heart of the South-West, at the very foothill of the Pyrène in Pau, the Lionel Osmin & Cie Maison is constantly bottling the essence of their unique regional grapes and idyllic landscapes.

This pinot noir is charming and accessible with cherry, strawberry and slight spice character. Medium-bodied and refreshing yet has nice concentration and very easy to enjoy. A very consistent producer – this is the third successfuly wine we carry from this house. Pair with cured meats, terrines, poultry, white meats, pork chops, veal stew or Camembert.

Osmin and Cie Pyrene L’ettonant Pinot Noir (Cotes de Gascogne, France) – $17.49, regularly $21.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Flight of the Condor Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $16.99, regularly $21.49.

The majestic condors soar above the Andes Mountains capturing in their flight Argentina’s finest wine appellations. Each wine in the Flight of the Condor winery’s range shows varietally pure wines which excel in their region of origin.

Our feature of the week is their Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Mendoza with its consistent weather conditions in high elevation vineyards that produces wonderfully consistent reds. The grapes are selected for their balanced fruit profile. 4-5 days of cold soak was followed by 8-10 days of alcoholic fermentation and malo-lactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine spends 6 months in contact with French oak prior to bottling.

The wine has a vibrant, fresh fruit profile, and is varietally pure with a linear structure and nuanced complexity of well integrated light oak contact. Try with grilled red meats and aged cheddars.

Flight of the Condor Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $16.99, regularly $21.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Bodega Ramon Ramos Tardencuba Crianza (Toro, Spain) – $27.49, regularly $34.99.

The Ramon Ramos is a 35 minute drive SE of Zamora in the NW Spain. The estate dates from the 13th-century, the cellar, had and still has all the necessary conditions for preserving and aging great wines. Combining modern technology with the wisdom passed down from their ancestors allows their wines to retain their timeless character while adapting to contemporary tastes.

Our weekly special this week is their Tardencuba Crianza made from 100% Tinta de Toro (Temperanillo) planted in vase-shaped containers in very poor sandy and stony soils with small production per hectare and harvested by hand. Intense red color with a garnet rim and very aromatic, with ripe red fruits with notes of black plum, and hints of cherries with a subtle and integrated touch of oak. Powerful and full-bodied yet smooth with a balanced entry, and a lingering aftertaste that shows some tannins but with fine acidity that invites another sip. Decant for 1/2 hour and definitely pair with grilled meats, game dishes, cured meats, smoked foods, and aged cheeses; it can also accompany chocolate desserts.

Prost everyone!

Bodega Ramon Ramos Tardencuba Crianza (Toro, Spain) – $27.49, regularly $34.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Spier Field & Flutter Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape, South Africa) – $19.99, regularly $24.99.

The Spier winery and farm was founded in 1692. In that time, the winery has come a long way and still strives to follow traditional winemaking practices, but also to keep up with current technology. Nestled in the famed Stellenbosch wine region, the vineyards have borne witness to centuries of craftsmanship and dedication. It is also a wine farm that welcomes all with abundant picnics, child-friendly gardens, award-winning wine tastings, farm-to-table eateries & more. This award winning, true to terroir producer has consistently represented great price for quality ratio in every range of wines they produced.

Our weekly special this week is indeed special, a brand new arrival into Alberta just in time for Valentines is their Field & Flutter Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, an organic blend of 7% Shiraz and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ruby rich red colored with a nose of moss, cherries, mullberries, black currant and blackberries in a velvety and gentle package with medium body finishing with allspice and dark chocolate. Doesn’t that sound delicious?

Prost everyone!

Spier Field & Flutter Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape, South Africa) – $19.99, regularly $24.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Valentines is coming up this weekend, so here are a few recommendations to treat your loved one for this special occasion. Included are some rec’s for bubbles, special whites, rosés, reds and dessert & chocolate pairings. Much more options are available, just drop in the store this week or send us an email for personal assistance.

Pictured:

NV Ruinart Brut Rosé (Champagne, France) – $169.99

Below are other recommendations suitable for enjoying a bottle with your special someone:

Champagne/Sparkling Wine:

NV Undurraga Sparkling Rosé Royal (Leyda Valley, Chile) – $26.49

NV Bellenda Treviso Prosecco Levis Extra Dry (Veneto, Italy) – $28.49

NV Barone Pizzini Franciacorta Animante Extra Brut (Lombardy, Italy) – $64.99

NV Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut (Champagne, France) – $67.99

NV Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Quality Brut (Champagne, France) – $87.99

NV Champagne Valentin Leflaive Sigma 20 4.0 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (Champagne, France) – $124.99

2015 Champagne Gardet 130th Anniversary Extra Brut Millesime (Champagne, France) – $129.99

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rosé (Champagne, France) – $156.99

2008 Champagne Gardet Prestige Charles Gardet Brut Millesime (Champagne, France) – $189.99

2019 Champagne Agrapart Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Mineral (Champagne, France) – $299.99

2015 Moet & Chandon Dom Pérignon Brut (Champagne, France) – $389.99

Special Whites & Rosé:

2024 Huteau-Boulanger la Muse Sauvignon (Loire Valley, France) – $21.99

2022 Selbach Blue Fish Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – $24.99

2024 Veiga da Princesa Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain) – $29.99

2024 Springfield Estate Miss Lucy White Blend (Robertson, South Africa) – $38.99

2020 Domaine Bailly-Reverdy Sancerre Chene Marchand (Loire Valley, France) – $47.99

2022 Rockford Local Growers Semillon (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $52.99

2021 Pievalta San Paolo Verdicchio Classico Riserva (Marche, Italy) – $69.99

2023 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #10 (Mosel, Germany) – $96.99

2022 Domaine Cottenceau Montagny Premier Cru Montuchot (Burgundy – Cote Chalonnaise, France) – $119.99

2023 Sadie Family Palladius (Swartland, South Africa) – $199.99

2024 Bruno Lafon Lucy in the Sky Rosé (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $22.49

2024 Château La Nerthe Tavel Prieure de Montezargues (Rhone Valley, France) – $34.99

Special Reds:

2023 Bodegas Canopy Ganadero Garnacha (Toledo, Spain) – $24.99

2023 Shelter Winery Lovely Lilly Pinot Noir (Baden, Germany) – $31.99

2023 Malivoire Small Lot Gamay (Ontario – Niagara, Canada) – $36.99

2021 Herdade do Mouchao Ponte (Alentejo, Portugal) – $42.99

2021 Agricola Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $54.99

2021 Clos du Soleil Signature (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $65.99

2014 Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $74.99

2020 Cotarella Montiano Merlot (Lazio, Italy) – $93.99

2019 Louis Jadot Clos des Couchereaux Premier Cru (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $109.99

2020 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) – $139.99

2019 Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua (Provence, France) – $144.99

2011 Château Providence (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $189.99

2016 Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) – $229.99

2021 Château Calon-Segur (Bordeaux – St. Estephe, France) – $289.99

1998 Château Leoville Las-Cases (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $609.99

Chocolates & Dessert:

2023 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – $30.99

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Douro, Portugal) – 500mL – $32.99

2024 Stratus Riesling Icewine (Ontario – Niagara, Canada) – 200mL – $54.99

2018 Domaine des Fontaines Bonnezeaux Les Brunettes (Loire Valley, France) – $61.99

2021 Château Sigalas Rabaud Premier Cru Classé (Bordeaux – Sauternes, France) – 375mL – $69.99

2010 Hetszolo 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu by Cos d’Estournel (Tokaj, Hungary) – 500mL – $74.99

2018 Domaine Huet Clos du Bourg Moelleux Première Trie (Vouvray, France) – $99.99

1979 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $239.99

2007 Dow’s Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $359.99

1994 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $499.99

Do shop early for the best selection.

Happy Valentine’s everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Le Cellier du Pic Cos du Petit Jour Merlot “Cuvée Prestige” (Pays d’Oc, France) – $19.99, regularly $25.49.

The Cellier du Pic is a cooperative of one hundred winemakers located near Montpellier, Pic St. Loop in southern France started in 1989. Located in the villages of Assas, Baillargues, Claret and Saint-Gély-du Fesc, the growers share their expertise and good humor are always at the service of delicious, supple and authentic wines so that the terroirs of of approximately 700 hectares are showcased true to their terroir and are synonymous with pleasure and character.

Our weekly special this week is their Le Cos du Petit Jour Merlot “Cuvée Prestige”, a full-bodied, supple, and juicy red wine is made exclusively from Merlot grapes. After production, it is aged for several months in oak barrels, from which it acquires notes of vanilla and a lightly toasted undertone. The nose is immediately inviting and is dominated by an abundance of ripe red and black fruit, reminiscent of berries, strawberries, and cherries. The oak aging is also clearly visible, with a hint of laurel in the background. The palate is just as fruity as the nose and is therefore particularly juicy. The oak aging is responsible for the wine’s slightly coating, soft, and rounded character, and these impressions linger well into the tasty finish. This wine is excellent as an aperitif or with young, soft cheeses, roasted meats, (spicy) stews, and pork dishes..

Prost!

Le Cellier du Pic Cos du Petit Jour Merlot “Cuvée Prestige” (Pays d’Oc, France) – $19.99, regularly $25.49

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Author: Dirk Chan

Chateau Ksara is the oldest winery in Lebannon. Located in the Bekaa Valley, it is an hour’s drive SE of Beirut. The region has a semi-continental hot climate where winters are cold with moderate rainfall while the summers are hot and dry. All of Ksara’s vineyards are in the Bekaa Valley at an average altitude of 1000 meters.

Named after the ‘ksar’ or ‘fortress’, there is the Middle East’s first Observatory (with their white wine named after it) on site so that the Jesuit monks could record rainfall and seismic activity. There is also a Bell Tower (Le Prieure) which has a red wine named after it, being one of the estate’s most prominent monuments. The underground Roman caves are another stately feature of the estate.

The Blanc de L’Observatoire is made up of Clairette, Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc while the Le Prieure is made from Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Caladoc (a genetic blending of Grenache and Malbec). Both can pair deliciously with grilled fish/seafood or grilled red meats.

Pictured left to right:

2022 Château Ksara Blanc de L’Observatoire (Lebanon) – $24.99

2021 Château Ksara Le Prieure (Lebanon) – $24.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Monte da Ravasqueira Encantado Red (Alentejo, Portugal) – $15.49, regularly $18.49.

Monte da Ravasqueira has been linked to the José de Mello family for several generations. Located in the municipality of Arraiolos, about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the estate occupies a vast area of ​​typical Alentejo landscape.

The vineyards of Monte da Ravasqueira are carefully managed and monitored with the main objective of producing high quality wines. It comprises an area of 45 hectares, most of which are planted on clay-limestone soils with granite outcrops. Located in Alentejo, Monte da Ravasqueira offers a wide variety of wines resulting from 29 plots of vines. They are also engaged in a number or other activities involving the production of cork, olive oil and honey, as well as rearing fine cattle and fattening of black pig from Alentejo.

Our weekly special this week is their Encantado Red, a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca and Syrah vinified separately and then combined before aging in French oak barrels for 8 months prior to bottling. Nose of forest aromas with a lush mid palate displaying layers of black berry fruit, baking spice and licorice notes finishing on medium tannins and fine length. There is also a slight truffle note that is interesting and beguiling. Try with grilled meats.

Monte da Ravasqueira Encantado Red (Alentejo, Portugal) – $15.49, regularly $18.49.

Prost!

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