deVine Thoughts

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.

Enjoy the campaign everyone..

See current offers..

Enroll to get first dibs on upcoming new offers..

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Boschendal Lanoy Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Western Cape, South Africa) – $17.99 (regularly $21.99).

Boschendal (Dutch for bush and dale) is the second oldest Wine Estate in South Africa, born in 1685. It is located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape. They offer a great experience for visitors with their sustainable policies toward land and people.

Boschendal Wine Estate is part of a bigger farm. There are vineyards, to be sure—although Boschendal also sources grapes from regions other than Franschhoek—but there are also orchards, gardens, and bush. Visitors can taste wines in the historic manor house, a classic Cape Dutch building with the typical ornate front gable, that dates to 1812: Boschendal Founders Estate is a national heritage site. They can eat in Boschendal’s restaurants and shop for produce and meat in the estate’s shops. They can go hiking, ride horses, and enjoy the art gallery. If they’re pressed for time, there’s a helipad.

Our weekly special this week is their Lanoy Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend – aromas of black fruits, spices and a touch of black pepper. On the palate, this Cabernet-Merlot blend shows dark fruit, licorice and sweet spice, supported by fine, supple tannins and a fresh finish. Will go wonderfully with tasty meats such as lamb and game, or barbecued meats.

Boschendal Lanoy Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Western Cape, South Africa) – $17.99 (regularly $21.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge (Rhone Valley, France) – $24.49 (regularly $30.49).

Since the early 1980’s, the name Jean-Luc Colombo has been linked with the northern Rhone appellation of Cornas, famous for their Syrahs. With holdings also in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, the Southern Rhone and Provence, he has been an outspoken pioneer with strong opinions about the French wine industry. He has consulted for over 100 estates in the Rhone Valley. With Anne, his wife, they have a farm where they have created a little paradise planted not just with grapes but with trees of apricots, figs and olives, a vegetable garden and many flowering plants. In 2010, their daughter Laure joined the family estate as a viticulturist and oenologist. Everything is farmed organically.

Hard to believe this is the first Jean-Luc Colombo wine in our store, but our weekly feature this week is their Les Abeilles Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge a 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre blend with an intense purple color. On the nose, seductive aromas of red fruits (cherry & strawberry), coriander and bay leaf. This is a fresh and silky wine, with notes of licorice and spice on the palate finishing with nice acidity. A food-friendly wine which will perfectly match grilled lamb, pork and assorted cheeses.

Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge (Rhone Valley, France) – $24.49 (regularly $30.49)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $20.99 (regularly $25.99).

Babich Wines is the oldest family-owned (established in 1916 after the family immigrated from Croatia in 1910) winemaking company in New Zealand and a leading NZ wine brands that aims to sustainably crafting the most drinkable New Zealand wines for export. This winery practises sustainable viticulture and is heading towards Organic Certification.

Their Black Label Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was first produced in 2005 and is made from grapes from the Waihopai, Awatere and Wairau Valley properties. This is a high quality drink displaying archtypical New Zealand Sauv Blanc character with that added layer of complexity. Plenty of citrus notes (citrus, grapefruit, mango, lemon) on the nose while the palate offers lime, gooseberry, minerals and smoky herbals. Delicious with a spring salad, fish or poultry dishes!

Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $20.99 (regularly $25.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Vina Bisquertt Crazy Rows Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $17.99, regularly $22.49.

Vina Bisquertt is a family winery founded more than forty years ago by Osvaldo Bisquertt and his wife Soledad Urrutia, under the philosophy of producing wines with expression of terroir. Being pioneers in the Colchagua Valley, planting their first vineyards in the Rinconada de Perrillo Estate in the mid-1960s and acquiring their first winery in Lihueimo ten years later. Their winery is part of the Colchagua Wine Journey Circuit. Son Sebastien runs the show now at this highly respected winery that exports to over 80 countries around the world.

Our special this week is their Crazy Rows Cinsault. Crazy Rows is the winery’s signature wine range featuring Carignan, Pais (Tempranillo) and Cinsault grapes with the aim of revitalizing their heritage native varietals in Chile. This featured red has a lovely fresh nose, so inviting, pure with liquorice root, spice, and redcurrant. This is such an enjoyable glass of wine – a wine that makes you smile. Fresh with bright red fruits, rounded tannins with a hint of pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Vibrant, delicious, and super juicy yet still has grip and rustic tannins. Decant for a half hour and pair with grilled red meats.

Vina Bisquertt Crazy Rows Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $17.99, regularly $22.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano (Maremma, Italy) – $23.99, regularly $28.99.

Fattoria Le Pupille was a farm belonging to the Gentili family of Pisa. Initially, it was an estate full of cattle, large wheat fields and a small oil production. In the 60s, it was decided to plant a couple of hectares of vineyards to drink wine with the family and give it to the closest friends. At that time the dignity of the Maremma as a territory with great winemaking potential was not recognized and Morellino di Scansano was a simple and pleasant local wine, intended for daily consumption, but certainly not aspiring to deal with the big Italian appellations.

In 1985, a 20-year-old Elisabetta Geppetti didn’t just inherit a Tuscan estate – she turned it into a leading Tuscan estate, and a global ambassador for Morellino di Scansano while crafting a Super Tuscan legend known as Saffredi. Nestled in Maremma, between rolling hills and the shimmer of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this estate boasts 85 organically farmed hectares that dance between altitude and sea breeze. Her mentor was the late great Giacomo Tachis, the father of Supertuscans Sassicaia, Solaia and Tignanello. Elisabetta’s daughter Clara now brings a new-gen edge to the family affair, while son Ettore crafts the wines with both intuition and technical precision.

Our special this week is their standard bearer Morellino di Scansano. Morellino di Scansano DOCG is an Italian red wine made in the hilly environs of the village of Scansano in the Maremma region of coastal Tuscany. Morellino is the local name for the Sangiovese grape. The wine, which was granted DOC status in 1978, then upgraded to DOCG status beginning with the 2007 vintage, is made from at least 85% Sangiovese, which is also the basis of the Tuscan wines Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

This is just a great quality everyday red. It offers succulent, bright, creamy red fruits, a silky core of dark red purple berry fruits, lavender, rose petal spice and a touch of menthol. Balanced yet doesn’t scream for attention – enjoy with tomato-based pasta dishes.

Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano (Maremma, Italy) – $23.99, regularly $28.99.

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