deVine’s Daily Blog Article

November 2, 2019

Merlot Ascendency

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:19 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

It has taken Merlot more than a decade to overcome the negative impacts from Sideways and get back to the position in the wine world it truly belongs in. The grape is a very sensual, sexy grape when done right, and they come in all sorts of price points. Anything green and stemmy is to be avoided, but the well made ones are oh so easy to drink because of abundant dark fruits and more than anything, a smooth and velvety palate. This juxtaposes again Cabernet Sauvignon that has the tannic palate reminiscent of sucking on a tea bag.

So next time you’re in, pick up a Merlot or a Merlot dominant wine and see if it changes your perception of the grape.

Below are five well made Merlots from five different countries – pictured left to right:

2017 Vinaria Bostavan Daos Merlot (Moldova) – $20.99
2015 Ronan By Clinet (Bordeaux, France) – $24.99
2017 Odfjell Armador Merlot (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $21.49
2015 Silenus Merlot (California – Napa Valley, United States) – $66.99
2017 Burrowing Owl Merlot (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $39.99

Some believe the highest form of Merlot is in Pomerol, in the right bank of Bordeaux. Here are a few recommendations for those who want to explore the best:

2008 Château Latour a Pomerol (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $149.99
2009 Château La Providence (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $199.99
1995 Château Clinet (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $319.99

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October 30, 2019

General Release of the Great 2016 Red Bordeaux

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 6:49 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Bordeaux 2016 vintage is heralded among the great vintages ever – part of an ever increasing list of great vintages, following in the footsteps of 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and the most recent 2018’s. There is great finesse and concentration in the wines, and with lower alcohol than some of the other vintages, this is a vintage to reward patience – it is a must-not-miss year and all wine collectors should have some in their cellars.

We are now offering these ageworthy wines for sale as all of the futures have now been picked up. The selection will never be as great as it is now.

Check out what’s available for sale here..
Also, selling fast (3/4 sold) are the tickets to the Red Bordeaux 2016 tasting. You can register for this special tasting here…

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October 21, 2019

Annual Best Bang for the Buck Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:19 am

Author: Dirk Chan

The extremely popular annual Best Bang for the Buck tasting is coming up on Saturday, December 7 at 7pm. Only 60 Spots are available for this stand-up event.

The theme is wines that cost $20 or less that represent superb value. We all want great quality for price ratio wines and this is the event to stock up on and buy by the case. With the additional 10% tasting discount, it becomes a supreme bargain both for your own consumption and as gifts.

A sure-fire sellout so please book now to avoid disappointment. You can register here…

Look out for more tastings for the new year that are suitable Christmas gifts, upcoming shortly.

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2010 d’Arenberg Museum Releases

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:19 am

Author: Dirk Chan

The d’Arenberg Winery is one of the most respected wineries in McLaren Vale in South Australia – established in 1912 by the teetotaller Joseph Osborn, who sold his stable of prize winning horses to purchase the property. Three more generations since Joseph – Frank, Francis (universally known as d’Arry) and then Chester, who joined in 1984 and runs the show now.

Known for making distinctive, finesse driven wines using traditional methods in the vineyard and the winery, Chester is also renown for his wild shirts and his wines’ unique and often humourous names. Chester has made a habit of holding some wines back until they reach prime drinking age, and then releasing them as Museum Releases – we’ve been getting them since the release of the 2006’s. We’re now on the 2010’s.

Unfortunately, because of the recently finished d’Arenberg Cube, an amazing five story structure in the shape of a Rubik’s cube that includes restaurant and tasting room that is fast becoming a mainstay attraction destination (check out the story of this fabulous facility here..) in the region, we only received four sku’s this year, but they are very fine ones albeit very limited availability (pictured left to right):

2010 d’Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling Museum Release (Adelaide Hills, Australia) – $34.99
2010 d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Shiraz-Grenache Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $32.99
2010 d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $44.99
2010 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $89.99

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October 17, 2019

Red Bordeaux 2016 Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:09 am

Author: Dirk Chan

Bordeaux 2016 vintage is heralded among the great vintages ever – part of an ever increasing list of great vintages, following in the footsteps of 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and the most recent 2018’s. There is great finesse and concentration in the wines, and with lower alcohol than some of the other vintages, this is a vintage to reward patience – it is a must-not-miss year and all wine collectors should have some in their cellars.

We’ll taste wines from several appellations , and talk about Bordeaux Futures, storage requirements, pairings and other anecdotes. Come learn about Bordeaux and sample seven wines in this stand-up tasting.

In the meantime, here are a few recommendations of available 2016’s for your consideration:

2016 Chateau Rousselle (Bordeaux – Cotes de Bourg, France) – $25.99
2016 Château Haut-Brisson La Grave Grand Cru (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $52.99
2016 Château Siran (Bordeaux – Margaux, France) – $74.99
2016 Château Ormes de Pez (Bordeaux – St. Estephe, France) – $84.99
2016 Château Branaire-Ducru (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $144.99
2016 Château Clos L’Eglise (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $309.99

Please register for this special tasting here…

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October 14, 2019

Not Douro Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 7:35 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

On Saturday, October 19 @ 7pm, join Annabelle and Ed as they present to you all brand new wines recently arrived from Portugal on a special order just for deVines.

While everyone knows of the Douro Valley, this event will feature whites and reds from some of the more obscure wine producing regions of Portugal – such as Tras os Montes, Dao and Lisboa that are producing fine wines – hence the name “not Douro”. In this stand-up tasting, facts and tidbits from their buying trip and stories abound in this fun-filled event.

Please register here…

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October 13, 2019

2010 d’Arenberg Museum Releases

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 7:12 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

The d’Arenberg Winery is one of the most respected wineries in McLaren Vale in South Australia – established in 1912 by the teetotaller Joseph Osborn, who sold his stable of prize winning horses to purchase the property. Three more generations since Joseph – Frank, Francis (universally known as d’Arry) and then Chester, who joined in 1984 and runs the show now.

Known for making distinctive, finesse driven wines using traditional methods in the vineyard and the winery, Chester is also renown for his wild shirts and his wines’ unique and often humourous names. Chester has made a habit of holding some wines back until they reach prime drinking age, and then releasing them as Museum Releases – we’ve been getting them since the release of the 2006’s. We’re now on the 2010’s.

Unfortunately, because of the recently finished d’Arenberg Cube, an amazing five story structure in the shape of a Rubik’s cube that includes restaurant and tasting room that is fast becoming a mainstay attraction destination (check out the story of this fabulous facility here..) in the region, we only received four sku’s this year, but they are very fine ones albeit very limited availability (pictured left to right):

2010 d’Arenberg The Dry Dam Riesling Museum Release (Adelaide Hills, Australia) – $34.99
2010 d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Shiraz-Grenache Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $32.99
2010 d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $44.99
2010 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $89.99

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October 2, 2019

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:23 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Wow…Thanksgiving week is fast upon us, where did September go? So here is our annual picks to accompany the classic turkey and/or ham dinner with all its fixings. Start your evening off with a sparkling wine, followed by whites, reds, a dessert wine and perhaps a port to end.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are a great way to start any function whether its a greeting aperitif or to pair with appetizers. Lively and clean, these will get everyone ready for what’s to come next.

2014 Luis Pato Bruto Vinho Espumante (Bairrada, Portugal) – $20.99

NV Fernridge Winery Haha Brut Cuvee (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand) – $29.99

NV Château de Targe Saumur Brut Rose (Loire Valley, France) – $31.49

Champagne

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

NV Champagne J-M Seleque Solessence Brut (Champagne, France) – $49.99

NV A. Margaine Rosé Premier Cru (Champagne, France) – $67.99

2008 Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Brut Ludes (Champagne, France) – $109.99

2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (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), sweet Chenin Blancs or other Germanic or Alsace varietals. Having said that, some will always go with a dry creamy Chardonnay irregardless and that’s perfectly fine. Also, don’t forget that rosés work really well too!

2018 Dubard Château Laulerie Sauvignon Blanc (Bergerac, France) – $19.99

2017 Terras Gauda Abadia de San Campio Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain) – $24.99

2016 Clos du Soleil Capella (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $29.99

2017 Mullineux White (Swartland, South Africa) – $41.99

2017 Peter Lauer Fass 17 Neuenberg Riesling (Germany) – $64.99

2015 Domaine Roux Pere & Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Macherelles Premier Cru (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $124.99

2018 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose (Provence, France) – $56.99

2018 Casa de Mouraz Rose (Dao, Portugal) – $27.99

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.

2017 Manos Negras Pinot Noir (Mendoza, Argentina) – $19.99

2017 Pascal Aufranc Chenas (Beaujolais, France) – $26.99

2015 Stoneboat Vineyards Rock Opera Pinotage (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $32.99

2017 Sara Perez & Rene Barbier Dido Venus La Universal (Montsant, Spain) – $37.99

2015 Nerkihue Servicios y Asesorias Quiebre Guarda Especial Petit Verdot (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $44.99

2014 Fontanafredda Barolo di Serralunga d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) – $49.99

2013 Freemark Abbey Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (California – Napa Valley, United States) – $66.99

2016 Braida Barbera d’Asti Bricco dell’ Uccellone (Piedmont, Italy) – $97.99

2012 Mission Hill Oculus (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $149.99

2012 Louis Jadot Corton Greves Grand Cru (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $159.99

2004 Château L’Eglise-Clinet (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $219.99

2006 Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy) – $449.99

Dessert

Sweet dessert wines and Port are always good for the final touches of a meal:

2016 Orange River Cellars Straw Wine (South Africa) – 375mL – $21.99

2013 Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszu (Hungary) – 250mL – $29.99

2016 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey (Bordeaux – Sauternes, France) – 375mL – $69.99

2010 Hexamer Rieslng Eiswein (Nahe, Germany) – 375mL – $169.99

Croft NV 430th Anniversary Limited Edition Ruby Port (Douro, Portugal) – $31.99

2000 Porto Quevedo Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $69.99

1965 Krohn Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $309.99

Note our regular store hours are in affect this long weekend, except holiday monday when we’re open from noon-5pm.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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October 1, 2019

Krug Dinner at Rge Rd

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:38 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

On Monday, October 7th, there will be a very special Krug Champagne Tasting Dinner at Rge Rd (10643 – 123 Street). Hosted by Brent Sutcliffe, National Brand Manager for Krug Champagne and featuring a collaborative menu by Award winning Chef de Cuisine Davina Moraiko and Chef-Owner Blair Lebsack. For many, Krug represents the pinnacle of fine Champagne and this tasting is a landmark event for lovers of this house.

Cost is $295 per person (tax and gratuity included), tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.

Please call the restaurant to reserve with a credit card – 780-447-4577.

The featured Champagnes include the following:

NV Krug Grand Cuvee – $319.99
NV Krug Rose – $409.99
2004 Krug – $419.99
Hennessy XO – $259.99

Seating is limited. You can purchase wines tasted at 10% off through deVine’s at the tasting.

See the full size postcard for this event here..

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September 20, 2019

Introducing Francois Mikulski

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 4:28 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Francois Mikulski is a name most of you haven’t heard of, but in the world of Burgundy, he is big with a cultish following for those in the know.

With a Polish name and no family tradition to keep in mind François Mikulski and his wife Marie-Pierre were free to create something completely new when they founded Domaine Mikulski in 1992. The most obvious result was the minimalist labels for the bottles, far from the traditional burgundian label.

Inheriting his first plots of Meursault in 1992 from his late uncle, Pierre Boillot, Francois has since relentlessly pursued excellence through minute attention to biological balance in the vineyard and terroir minded élevage practices in his cellar. Not too much new oak is used – about 20% leaving the fruit to express itself and the terroir.

So much attention in Meursault is paid to Roulot, Coche-Dury and Lafon – all great but availability is almost non-existent due to availability and price point. We feel the quality found in Mikulski’s wines are beginning to challenge the superstars of Meursault, but yet his prices are still really attractive in the context of those other producers. His wines are laser-beams, extreme conduits of their unique terroirs, and a real thrill to drink and enjoy. It is all about authenticity, elegance and purity.

Note there were literally one or two six packs that came into Alberta so get yours while we still have some.

Pictured left to right:

2017 Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Cote d’Or Chardonnay (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $47.99

2017 Francois Mikulski Saint-Aubin (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $89.99

2017 Francois Mikulski Meursault (Meursault, France) – $109.99

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