deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

It’s been quite a while since I have been excited about a $20 wine, but the 2010 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc – $20.99 from Marlborough, New Zealand did just that.

This blew all of us at deVine away with its immense quality and great price point. Tasting more like a cross between the Kim Crawford and the Cloudy Bay (both of which sell for more money), this had a standout nose of the trademark cat pee gooseberry nose, with fresh mown grass and drying hay. On the palate, it sang with wild exotic tropical fruit, citrus notes of grapefruit and a keylime pie finish. The concentration of fruit was very intense and stayed on the palate for a minute. This won Best Sauvignon Blanc award at the London International Wine Show in London in 2008.

Bravo and our highest recommendation – should be fabulous for Thanksgiving dinner too. Grab yours fast before the rest catches on. Thanks to Michael Fregren of Christopher Stewart Wine & Spirits for bringing this fabulous white into Alberta. You can purchase this online here..

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Author: Dirk Chan

On Tuesday, October 4th from 11:30am to 1pm, the Hardware Grill Restaurant will close during their normal lunch hours to host a private luncheon for 100 guests. A special three course meal with two matching wines will be served, including a takeaway dessert prepared by Chef Larry Stewart with proceeds raised donated to the E4C School Lunch Program.

“We could not participate in helping feed underprivileged school kids on the day of the Al Fresco event, so we came up with the idea of donating the entire restaurant to raise money for the Lunch Program” says Melinda Stewart. “We have two young children of our own, and want to do something special to give back to the community who has supported us so well over the years.”

There will be greetings from the City of Edmonton by none other than Mayor Stephen Mandel, as well as from Jim Taylor, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association, and Kristin Morra of E4C. We are hoping for the entire 100 seats to be sold for this worthy cause, so please spread the word to your friends and corporate colleagues.

Your can purchase tickets in advance here..

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