deVine Thoughts

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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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Kaiken Indomito Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99, regularly $23.99.

Argentina’s Kaiken Winery has been a leader in the heart of Lujan de Cuyo’s Vistalba region, but also with vineyards extending from Cafayate to Patagonia. This district in Luján de Cuyo sits at the base of the Andes, forty kilometers south of the city of Mendoza. The altitude of this vineyard ensures a wide temperature range good for maturing grapes. The high altitude (up to 1250 feet) has something to do with the quality and consistency of their lineup, always capturing the spirit of the land.

Our weekly special this week is their Indomito Cabernet Franc, 20% aged in barrels for ten months and the rest in tanks. Intense red color with violet highlights. Notes of fresh red fruits such as raspberry and red currant emerge while blending with herbal hints of green pepper, floral spices, and a touch of menthol. On the palate, it is a medium full Cabernet Franc, with soft and ripe tannins. A well-balanced natural acidity and good structure. It has a long and persistent finish with a pleasant, fresh, elegant sensation.

Indómito is born with the intention of creating a free-spirited, relaxed line focused on satisfying new consumption occasions. It is aimed at consumers who enjoy the ritual of opening a bottle in search of new experiences. Pair with a grilled red meats.

Prost!

Kaiken Indomito Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99, regularly $23.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Hard to believe we’re talking Christmas already, but here we are in early April March offering once again the Canella Family Sparkling Advent Calender – $204.99 from Empson Canada for Christmas 2026 season now. Purchase yours now (it is due to arrive in November) to ensure you have it for the Xmas season. Deadline for pre-sell is midnight, Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The Canella winery was founded in 1947 after World War II by Luciano Canella. His parents owned a small, family-style restaurant in San Donà di Piave in Venice. Having to survive the difficult wartime after his Dad’s passing, Luciano began to search the surrounding areas for the best wines to match his mother’s cuisine when he thought about creating his own wine. He put this idea into action and set up a state-of-the-art winery specializing in Prosecco.

Since then, the Canellas have become Prosecco pioneers and through hard work, the brand and family of Canella demonstrate what can be achieved in the Conegliano appellation and have become almost synonymous with Prosecco itself.

This festive Advent Calendar collection on pre-sale contains 24 bottles of 200ml sparkling wines from the Canella family including their five different Proseccos and their families premium Brut Rosé. All will be laid out at random within the box with a pop open tab for each day leading up to Christmas. Cases are shipped in a plain protective outer carton.

Note: Due to high warehousing costs, there will be no extra cases for Christmas as the agent is only bringing in what is pre-sold.

2026 Canella Sparkling Advent Calendar (Veneto, Italy) – $204.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Villa des Anges Unoaked Chardonnay (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $16.99, regularly $19.99.

Situated on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa in the Pays d’Oc appellation, the Villa des Anges domaine is owned by Jaqueline Menard de Ginestous and in her prominent winegrowing family’s hands since the 18th century. Home to a Mediterranean climate, the vineyards grow in ancient alluvial and clay/limestone soils. Villa des Anges wines are made by celebrated winemaker Jeff Carrel.

The feature this week is their Unoaked Chardonnay resplendent with baked yellow apples, Bartlett pear, pineapple, lemon and creme fraiche. Grown on clay-limestone soil, malolactic fermentation on fine lees and aged in tanks for additional spicy complexity. Balanced and easy to enjoy – this is for those who like Chablis on a budget. Enjoy with white meats, soft cheeses or as an aperitif.

Villa des Anges Unoaked Chardonnay (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $16.99 , regularly $19.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Now if you serve Champagne, your audience will immediately know you’re here to do some serious partaking and celebrating:

NV Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut (Champagne, France) – $67.99
NV Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Quality Brut (Champagne, France) – $87.99
NV Champagne Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger (Champagne, France) – $124.99
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

Whites & Pinks

Whites with a touch of sweetness is preferred because of the sweetness of some of the fixings – candied yams, cranberry sauce, and honey for the glazed ham. A completely dry white will seem more austere and void of fruit due to the sweetness of the food so I recommend Rieslings (dry or off-dry, both work), Gewurztraminers or other Germanic or Alsace varietals. Having said that, some will always go with a dry creamy Chardonnay or Chenon irregardless and that’s perfectly fine. Also, don’t forget that rosés work really well too!

2024 Huteau-Boulanger la Muse Sauvignon (Loire Valley, France) – $21.99
2022 Andreas Bender Scheurebe Trocken (Pfalz, Germany) – $28.99
2023 Tenuta di Angoris Ribolla Gialla (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) – $34.99
2023 Willi Haag Juffer-Sonnenuhr Brauneberg Riesling Spatlese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany) – $41.99
2021 Domaine Olga Raffault Chinon Le Champ-Chenin Monopole (Loire Valley, France) – $56.99
2023 Domaine Francois Villard Saint Peray Version (Rhone Valley, France) – $67.99
2021 Château Lespault-Martillac Blanc (Bordeaux – Pessac-Leognan, France) – $81.99
2023 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #10 (Mosel, Germany) – $96.99
2022 Domaine Cottenceau Montagny Premier Cru Vigne du Soleil (Burgundy – Cote Chalonnaise, France) – $109.99
2023 Philippe Bouzereau Meursault Vieux Clos du Chateau de Citeaux Monopole (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $142.99
2023 Sadie Family Palladius (Swartland, South Africa) – $199.99
2024 Maison Austruy Peyrassol Mediterranée Rosé (Provence, France) – $24.99
2024 Condé Rosato Forli (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) – $36.99
2024 Domaine de la Begude Bandol Rosé (Bandol, France) – $41.99

Reds

For reds, try to avoid the big oaky tannic monsters. Oak and tannins are the enemies when pairing with slightly sweet food, try for a red with lots of up-front fruit, little oak and a soft tannins like a Beaujolais (served slightly chilled) or a Pinot Noir.

2022 Fundacao Eugenio de Almeida Cartuxa EA Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $21.99
2024 Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot (Ontario – Niagara, Canada) – $24.49
2022 Château de Gaudou Chatelet de Gaudou Tradition (Cahors, France) – $24.99
2023 Lucien Lardy Beaujolais-Villages Vieilles Vignes (Beaujolais, France) – $27.99
2024 Ca’ del Baio Dolcetto d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) – $29.99
2023 Quinta do Portal Reserva (Douro, Portugal) – $34.99
2024 Domaine Deliance Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy – Cote Chalonnaise, France) – $43.99
2022 Franz Haas Pinot Nero (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $58.99
2020 Angelo Negro e Figli Barbera d’Alba Bertu (Piedmont, Italy) – $61.99
2014 Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $74.99
2022 Philippe Bouzereau Chassagne-Montrachet (Meursault, France) – $94.99
2015 Château La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France) – $134.99
2016 Château Lagrange (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $174.99
2019 Quinta dos Muros M7 (Douro, Portugal) – $199.99
2016 Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Capriolo Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) – $224.99
2009 Les Asteries (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $349.99
2000 Château Leoville Las-Cases (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $769.99

Dessert

As for dessert, remember dessert wine should be sweeter than the dessert itself:

2023 Peller Estates Private Reserve Vidal Icewine (Ontario – Niagara, Canada) – 200mL – $28.49
2021 Brigaldara Recioto della Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy) – 375mL – $46.99
2018 Borgo Scopeto Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) – 375mL – $66.99
2019 Château Suduiraut (Bordeaux – Sauternes, France) – 375mL – $84.99
2009 Domaine Huet Cuvee Constance (Loire Valley, France) – 375mL – $169.99

Port (Post Dinner)

Port is always good for the final touches of a meal, with cheese and roasted nuts:

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Douro, Portugal) – 500mL – $32.99­
2013 Quinta do Portal Quinta dos Muros Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – 375mL – $45.99
2018 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $87.99
2016 Croft Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $169.99
Vinhos Barbeito Ribeiro Real Lote 1 Boal 20 Year Old (Madeira, Portugal) – $239.99
1966 Messias Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $309.99
1994 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $499.99

Happy Easter to all!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Morgenster Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $18.99, regularly $23.49.

Family-owned and family-run, Morgenster Estate has a long history dating back 300 years. Situated near the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West (35 minutes from Cape Town), Morgenster was a pioneer in the 1990s and paved the way for South Africa’s wine and olive oil culture.

The feature this week is their Sauvignon Blanc – the grapes for this wine are harvested slightly later in order to maximize the wonderful tropical fruit notes that this wine has to offer. A palate-pleasing wine, harmonious and well-balanced showing typical tropical flavours in abundance. The aromas include lemon zest, green apples, pears and the requisite grassiness. This elegantly crafted wine has gracious balance and poise with vibrant, integrated acidity leaving a lingering citrus and flinty finish. Pair with white meat and salads.

Morgenster Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $18.99 , regularly $23.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Hard to believe its been almost eight years since the iconic Rioja producer Lopez de Heredia’s World Export Manager, Maria Vicente was here to lead a tasting with us (April 20, 2018 to be exact). She was in town briefly this past weekend and we had a short impromptu tasting through some current releases.

Founded in 1877, four generations of the R López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines in Haro, home to the Tempranillo based red wines and the Viura and Malvasia for their whites. Hidden away in their cob-webbed laidened cellars for a long time, Heredia is renown for late releases, the wines when they arrive have age (over a decade usually) on them and show marvelously and is well priced given how long the wines are cellared and for the quality you get.

We are happy to have the following in stock with a new shipment arriving in a couple of months. Enjoy!

Lopez de Heredia Mixed Pack Gift Box (Rioja, Spain) – $509.99

1995 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $449.99

2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – 1.5L – $209.99

2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $95.99

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

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