deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Bellingham Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region, South Africa) – $18.99 , regularly $26.99.

Bellingham Wines has been around since 1693. For over three centuries, the vineyards have been cultivated by pioneers and visionaries that brought the best out of the vines and ultimately shaped the landscape of South African wines. Today Bellingham produces contemporary, structured wines, retaining the unmistakable sense of place, style and touch of the unexpected that is idiosyncratic of our storied vines.

Our feature this week is their Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc. The Homestead Series takes its name from the historical homestead at Bellingham in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley, a legendary landmark in local wine history. Once home to the colourful Podlashuk couple, this was where several remarkable, highly successful vinous concepts were hatched.. Made from predominantly old bush vines, this expressive Chenin Blanc has hints of ripe stone fruit on the nose, followed by layers of honey, marmalade, vanilla and peaches on the palate..Delicious for Al Fresco drinking in a picnic setting.

Bellingham Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region, South Africa) – $18.99 , regularly $26.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Canada’s 159th birthday is this Wednesday, and worthy of a big celebration. With patriotism in mind, I’m sure many of you will be drinking something Canadian this week. So, have a Happy Canada Day weekend everybody. Go Canada at the World Cup!!

Here are a few wine recommendations from B.C. and Ontario and Nova Scotia for your drinking pleasure.

Pictured left to right:

2025 Haywire Winery Pinot Gris (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $28.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cune Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $24.99 , regularly $31.49.

The history of Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España began back in 1879 (making them one of the oldest wineries in Spain) at this winery in the famous Barrio de la Estación train station in the town of Haro. Over more than 140 years, it has continued to grow around the Aldea del Vino (Wine Village), a sunny courtyard flanked by unique stone buildings with ceramic tile roofs, which has become the central hub of CVNE.

The first wine produced by CVNE took the name of the company’s initials. However, a simple and fortunate spelling error, confusing the V with a U, led to the creation of the now iconic Cune brand, now one of the leading wineries on the national market. The winery expanded its facilities in 2019, coinciding with its 140th anniversary and marking its continued commitment to producing the finest quality white, rosé and its various levels of red wines ranging from Crianzas to Gran Reserva’s.

Our feature this week is their Rioja Reserva, made from 85% Tempranillo, with the rest being Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and Mazuelo. Garnet color with fresh aromas of red fruit. Aromas of licorice standing out, blending perfectly with sweet notes of vanilla, toffee, as well as spicy aromas and toasted notes from barrel aging. A perfect, round and balanced mid palate, with a fresh touch at the end, giving it length. Pair with a chickpea stew.

Cune Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $24.99 , regularly $31.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Vinedos Emiliana Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier (Casablanca Valley, Chile) – $14.49, regularly $16.99.

Vinedos Emiliana, established in 1986 stands as the world’s larest organic and biodynamic winery, having pioneered sustainable viticulture since 1998. They cultivates over 1000 hectares across the Casablanca Valley. Their commitment to environmenta stewardship is acclaimed through its B Corp certication and innovative practices .

Our feature wine this week is their Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier, Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier is a vibrant and aromatic Chilean white wine, crafted to showcase the pure, expressive nature of the grape while maintaining a dry profile. On the nose, this organic and vegan-friendly selection opens with bright floral aromas, including honeysuckle and white blossoms, seamlessly intertwined with signature notes of peach and vanilla. The palate is greeted with a soft, generous texture, offering a medium-bodied experience dominated by succulent peach, pear, and hints of tropical fruit. Lacking harsh oaky edges, this wine relies on its clean, fruit-driven palate and a subtle herbal finish to provide balance. It is a versatile choice that serves as a refreshing option on its own or a wonderful partner to poultry, creamy pasta dishes, or mildly spiced Asian cuisine.

Vinedos Emiliana Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier (Casablanca Valley, Chile) – $14.49, regularly $16.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Markus Molitor is an iconic Mosel producer of fine German Rieslings. He embodies a winegrowing tradition spanning eight generations nurturing the same family vineyards now under his care. As the head of Weingut Markus Molitor, Markus oversees some 38 ha of vines. How far he has come since his first vintage in 1984, when only 20-years-old, he took over just 7 ha of Riesling.

Renowned for his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, crafting wines of unparalleled precision, complexity, and age-worthiness. From his various yet all famous vineyards Bernkasteler Doctor to the iconic Erdener Prälat and Scharzhofberger, Molitor’s wines are a masterclass in terroir-driven excellence.

But his precise, perfectionist meticulous work, in the vineyard and winery alike that has earned him accolades from the world’s leading wine publications. His achievements are all the more remarkable considering that his plots are worked entirely by hand, on vertiginously steep slopes (up to 80%). What’s it like in the glass? Well, you’ll get to see when you pop one why its considered amongst the best the Mosel has to offer.

Each bottle must be a reflection of the steep slopes, slate soils, and unique microclimates of the Mosel and Saar Valleys. The result is a portfolio that ranges from crystalline dry Rieslings to sumptuous sweet Ausleses, all of which have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following among collectors and critics.

All are great food wines, so expand your horizons and try as many as you can. If you buy a few, then lay some down to gain more complexity in the cellar. Prost!

Pictured:

2021 Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $49.99

Other available Molitor’s for your consideration:

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese (Mosel, Germany) – $53.99

2021 Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $61.99

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese Gold Cap ** (Mosel, Germany) – $88.99

2024 Markus Molitor Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $199.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

Parras Wines is a large company with holdings in Alentejo, Dao, Tejo, Douro, Vinho Verde and Lisboa. Over 20 brands of wines encompass their portfolio. Parras Vinhos was founded in 2010 by Luís Vieira whose beginnings was in bulk wine.

Our feature wine this week is their Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto, Enologos translating to Winemaker’s Selection, based out of the Lisbon region with 120 hectares under vine. The main objective of the large team has been to maintain the typical characteristics and quality of the ancient wines, showcasing their unique terroir. This is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, offering up a delightfully indulgent burst of ripe red berries, quite aromatic – you can almost smell the spice warming up in a cellar. Despite a brief encounter with French oak, it retains a wonderfully full body experience with plenty of ripe plum and blackberry fruit. It pairs beautifully with grilled beef – a match made in wine heaven.

Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99).

The de Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The winery is run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian. Their mandate is to produce wines that reflect their origin and character of each vineyard, based on solid principles of sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques.

The climate is characterized by a maritime influence with a high annual precipitation (900 mm. on average), and the vines are grown on slopes on old granite base. They are old pre-phylloxera vines, rainfed. The vineyard is worked manually and the soils are plows on horseback, respecting the ancient local traditions. Sustainable practices in vineyard, winery and in employment.

Our weekly special this week is their Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying a vibrant purple hue, with fresh, ripe berry aromas enhanced by a subtle hint of violet. From Isla de Maipo, it offers elegant, refreshing acidity. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, with a juicy fruit core balanced by soft, rounded tannins. An old world feel here. Pair with red meat.

de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Principe de Viana Crianza (Navarra, Spain) – $20.99 (regularly $24.99).

Principe de Viana winery, named in honor of the first Monarch of Navarra and has been around since 1983. The vineyards are situated in the historically privileged area of the Ribera Baja of Navarra in Northern Spain.

They produce wines that respect the raw material by obtaining the best of the land. Wines with personality, unique, organic, single varietal and sweet wines from late harvest. In just 25 years they have became one of the principal and most prestigious wineries in Navarra. Viticultural management employs the most advanced technology aiming for ideal vineyard development. Planting is controlled by GPS as well as by laser marking, while vines are monitored by computers tracking humidity levels and temperature as well as recollecting daily plant growth data. Modern sustainable methods with the respect for the natural surroundings are also exercised.

Our weekly special this week is their Crianza, a Tempranillo with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix. Fruity, juicy and vibrant character with a nose of cherries and plums, accompanied by subtle spice nuances that lend an exotic touch. On the palate, it is deep, ripe and enveloping, with a fluid texture, vanilla from the oak ageing (French and American barrels) that invites further enjoyment. Its freshness and vivacity make it an ideal choice for those seeking a wine with vitality and a balanced profile. Will go wonderfully with tasty grilled red meats such as lamb and game, or barbecued meats.

Principe de Viana Crianza (Navarra, Spain) – $20.99 (regularly $24.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

The 2022 Bordeaux vintage is a legendary vintage already and it will only get more legendary (and expensive) as time goes on. Some say it is an unexpected development as it was really hot but this once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece compares with other greats such as 2016, 2010, 2005, and even 1961. It is a vintage that every serious collector will want to have some in their cellars. Patience will be required but it will surely be rewarded – many are 40-50 year wines yet they are approachable early as well (as our tasting in February showed – the tannins were already so smooth and velvety). The price was high to begin with and hasn’t dropped with the generally smaller yield and universal praise all around.

We sold a lot En primeur so there isn’t vast quantities of any wines left over for this in-bottle release – in some cases there is only one or two bottles available. Thus, please buy sooner than later – many of the vintages’ highest scoring wines are no longer available in Alberta.

Pictured from left to right:

2022 Château Malartic-Lagraviere (Bordeaux – Pessac-Leognan, France) – $149.99
2022 Château Branaire-Ducru (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $179.99
2022 Château Leoville Barton (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $279.99
2022 Château Troplong Mondot Premier Grand Cru Classé B (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $399.99
2022 Château Montrose (Bordeaux – St. Estephe, France)- $549.99

All available Left Bank Wines..
All available Right Bank Wines..

Prost everyone!

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After a two year absence, deVine’s is pleased to offer 2025 Bordeaux Futures. 2025 is a great vintage, certainly the best since the monumental 2022’s and one of the greatest of the new millenium. Since 2003, the vines have adapted to hot humid weather of global warming – many say 2025 is a cross between 2009 and 2010 – drinking earlier like 2009 but more delicate yet concentrated like 2010 but not as tannic. Closest single vintage comparison might be 1990, high praise indeed. There is a quality reminiscent of Bordeaux’s past yet is unmistakably defined by precision and understanding of modern winemaking.

It was a small crop with record low yields across the board. The reds are balanced wines with lower alcohol (12.5-13.5%), higher acidity, near perfect ripeness, complex noses and silky tannins that, like 2022’s you want to drink right away. Alas, patience has its rewards.

Some suggest Margaux and St. Emilions are the two star appellations, but at the high end level, there are great wines in every appellation. Its a hard vintage to skip, you will miss out on some future legends.

In order to not ambush the 2024’s, the initially releases have pretty much sat firm with 2024 pricing and that is great news. It is a great price for a great, long lived vintage. Pricing is the best since 2019. In summary – buy, buy, buy!

How does Futures work you ask? – well at its most basic level, you’re purchasing unfinished wine – you pay for it in full now, and in two years time (2028), they arrive and you have some great Bordeaux to cellar for some time before enjoying the fruits of your patience. The wines when released in-bottle will be 10-15% higher so you get a price break. Nowadays, you buy futures so you can get your hands on a bottle or two of something great and rare. Bordeaux being one of the great wines in the world – at the top end, demand far out strips availability and Futures may be the only way of ensuring you get your hands on some of the more illustrious houses.

The campaign is fast coming to an end, with several products already sold out. If you’ve been hovering on the sidelines, its time to purchase..

See current offers..

Enroll to get first dibs on upcoming new offers..

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