deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina) – $22.49 regularly $26.99.

The Bodega Catena Zapata is certainly one of the standout and most respected wineries in Argentina. Famous for its production of world class Malbecs, it is Argentina’s oldest family winery, started by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena back in 1902. The winery itself is distinguished by its pyramid-like design based on Mayan architecture, located in the sub-appellation of Agrelo.

Our feature this week is their High Mountain Vines Chardonnay, with its aromas of white flowers, golden apples and pastry cream, displaying a lush palate with sweet fruit flavors and a refreshing touch of acidity. It concludes with a succulent, balanced finish rendered with admirable precision. Try with an oily fish or poultry dishes.

Prost!

Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina) – $22.49 regularly $26.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Parkland County, Alberta, the Anohka Distillery has their farm located in the heart of some of the best barley growing conditions in the world. In fact, the Province of Alberta grows more barley than any country in the Western Hemisphere and almost three times more than Scotland.

Anohka was started with the intention of showing that we have a tremendous opportunity to make some of the best whisky in the world in the same place where we have some of the best growing conditions in the world.

And now, the long wait is over, two new products have just arrived at the store.

Pictured from left to right:

Anohka Moose Hunter Canadian Whisky Aged 10 Years (Alberta, Canada) – 750mL – $61.99

Moose Hunter Whiskey – this is Anohka’s take on traditional blended Canadian whisky – deep and complex blend of Alberta whiskies carries the warmth of the hearth and the edge of the untamed North, weaving in a young, rich, bready and fruity single malt.

Anohka Progress Report #3 Single Malt Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 250mL – $45.99

Progress Report Single Malt Whisky – Honeysuckle and traditional sherry notes on the nose. The palate is rich with lush, sweet, fruity notes and an oaked, malty backbone. A complex umami character mid-palate leads to a honey, chocolate, and orange finish.

Already a staple in the store for awhile is:

Anohka Tempest Dry Gin (Alberta, Canada) – $57.99

Prost everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Baron de Ley Bodegas Maximo Tinto (Rioja, Spain) – $14.99 regularly $17.49.

Bodegas Máximo was founded in 2000, is located on the outskirts of Logroño, the wine capital of La Rioja, surrounded by vineyards and steeped in tradition.

Bodegas Maximo is part of the Grupo Barón de Ley, a leader in the production of high-quality Rioja wines in the D.O.C La Rioja. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the facilities ensure exceptional quality in every bottle, offering high quality wines at accessible prices. Born from the desire to broaden the portfolio and offering a new perspective on the Spanish wine scene, Maximo sought to create wines that go beyond the traditional designations of origin.

Today, Bodegas Máximo is celebrated for crafting wines that capture the terroir of the land and the authenticity of the vineyards. With a modern approach, Máximo has embraced emerging trends and tastes. Fresh, youthful wine crafted for easy enjoyment.

Our feature this week is their Maximo Tinto, a red made from the Tempranillo grape, fermented in stainless steel tanks with gentle skin maceration. A rich cherry-red hue, with aromas of red fruits and a hint of cherry, plum, chocolate and clove. On the palate, it’s lively yet smooth and juicy with soft, round tannins with some licorice. A versatile everyday drinker that is cheap and cheerful.

Baron de Ley Bodegas Maximo Tinto (Rioja, Spain) – $14.99 regularly $17.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the The Ned Marisco Vineyards Pinot Gris (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99, regularly $22.49.

The Ned represents the vibrant diversity that is so prevalent in the Marlborough wine-growing region in the Northeast of the South Island. One of Marlborough’s famous peaks, The Ned mountain served as the playground for founder, Brent Marris to express his grassroots winemaking that places the energy and liveliness of this grand adventure in every bottle made. The Marisco Vineyards are located in the Waihopai Valley, a location which provides a near perfect environment for producting wines of great character.

Our feature this week is their Marisco Vineyards Pinot Gris, a delightfully aromatic white featuring bright florals and ripe aromas of white peach, poached pears, baked apples, green mangoes and honeydew with hints of baking spice. The harmonious palate is fresh and full of flavour (no doubt due to the extended contact of the juice with the grape skins prior to pressing). This is a delicious example of cool climate Marlborough Pinot Gris. This was a former Wine Spectator magazine’s Top 100 Wines of the Year from 2025. Try pairing with chicken, fish, pasta dishes, even Dim Sum.

The Ned Marisco Vineyards Pinot Gris (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99, regularly $22.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Summer is in full swing, its time to break out the white wine. Fortunately, we’ve had some outstanding whites come into the store recently – the wines below are both idiomatic and varietally correct and also food friendly and worthy of your consideration. Some are extremem limited so grab some early on before they disappear for the year.

Pictured left to right:

2024 Robert Gilvesy Szent Gyorgy-Hegy Furmint (Badacsony, Hungary) – $35.99

2022 La Chablisienne Premier Cru Les Vaillons (Chablis, France) – $79.99

2021 Château Lafleur Les Champs Libres (Bordeaux – Fronsac, France) – $169.99

Other recommendations:

2025 Agricola Fattori Roncha Pinot Grigio (Veneto, Italy) – $21.49

2024 Cantina Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna (Sardinia, Italy) – $24.49

2024 Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Loureiro (Moncao e Melgaco, Portugal) – $27.99

2025 Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $33.49

2022 Grosset Springvale Riesling (Clare Valley, Australia) – $39.99

2023 Domäne Wachau Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Axpoint (Wachau, Austria) – $57.99

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

2022 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Les Setilles (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $76.99

2021 Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuisse (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $92.99

2022 Domaine Cottenceau Montagny Premier Cru Vigne du Soleil (Burgundy – Cote Chalonnaise, France) – $109.99

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

2022 Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $259.99

Enjoy the summer everybody!!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the La Girouette Chardonnay (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

La Girouette is on the edge of the Languedoc region in Cevennes, this somewhat unknown region has warm sunny days and cool nights which give elegance and aromatic complexity to their wines.

La Girouette means “weather vane” and represents a symbolic change in direction towards organic farming practices. Their wines are certified organic and can be enjoyed on a daily basis.

Our weekly special this week is their La Girouette Chardonnay – burgundian like with ripe apples and citrus notes complemented by a subtle touch of cream a a slight toastiness to finish. Well balanced acidity and smooth texture make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes – seafood, salads and poultry.

Prost!

La Girouette Chardonnay (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

The Rosé season is in full swing and while a lot of products are still in transit, we have had several of the 2025’s arriving in good time. The freshness of the 2025’s certainly shows through. Hopefully, as we get some hotter temperatures, drinking pinks will be more and more the in-thing to do. Hope you have yourself and great summer!

Pictured from left to right:

2024 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $23.49
2025 Wild Goose Rosé (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $30.99
2025 Prieler Rosé vom Stein (Burgenland, Austria) – $31.99
2024 Chateau Croix d’Allons Bandol Rosé (Bandol, France) – $52.99

Other interesting pinks not pictured:

2024 Domaine la Grande Bauquiere La Belle Montagne Rosé (Provence, France) – $21.99
2024 Ken Forrester Petit Rosé (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $22.49
2025 Agricola Gorgo Bardolino Chiaretto (Veneto, Italy) – $24.49
2024 Maison Austruy Peyrassol Mediterranée Rosé (Provence, France) – $25.99
2024 Famille Abeille-Fabre Saint Max Rosé (Provence, France) – $30.99
2024 Bodegas Moraza Rosato (Rioja, Spain) – $31.99
2025 Burrowing Owl Rosé (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $39.99
2024 Domaine de la Begude Bandol Rosé (Bandol, France) – $41.99

Prost everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Sottano Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99, regularly $24.99.

Sottano was founded in 1890 by Fioravante Sottano who settled in Mendoza after moving from Italy. Situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, in Perdriel, in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, it covers over two hectares of land, including 15,000 square meters of landscaping using only native species.

The winery produces about 800,000 liters of wine annually. In a fully automated process, the wines are distributed in stainless steel tanks of different sizes, which allows us to maintain precise quality control. Their underground cellar stores their best wines during their aging in oak barrels and later in the bottle.

Our weekly special this week is their Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon – an intense ruby color and aromas of ripe coffee, cassis, black fruits, black pepper, cedar and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and balanced acidity, offering a rich and full-bodied persistent experience. Pair with grilled red meats.

Prost!

Sottano Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99, regularly $24.99

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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 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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