deVine Thoughts

February 19, 2013

Top Drops: Dominus Vertical Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 9:46 am

dominusAuthor: Dirk Chan

Dominus is one of California’s most famous red wines. Owned by the Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus fame, this legendary winery has been one of the leaders of the so called ‘cult’ wines of the region. Established in 1983 and located in Napa), the famous Napanook Vineyard (124 acres of gently sloping land from the foothills of the Mayacamas Range in the Yountville Appellation) provides the lion’s share of the grapes for Dominus, a Bordeaux inspired red. This vineyard’s claim to fame was it was home of some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940’s and 1950’s (when it was known as Inglenook) with its gravelly and clay loam soils and volcanic influences.

Please join us for the Top Drops: Dominus Vertical tasting on Saturday, March 23rd at 7pm – $140 per person. We’ll sample Dominus 2009, 2008, 2007 (all of which scored in the high 90’s from the legendary wine critic Robert Parker), alongside the 2003, 2001, 1996 and a surprise. Book your spot today here..

Known for its complexity and balance, we’ll taste a wine that expresses its an exceptional terroir – seamless, full of finesse and perfectly integrated., while learning a bit about the history and Moueix’ commitment to stewardship of this treasured land. Only 18 seats available for this rare vertical, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

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February 14, 2013

IllumiNIGHT

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:42 pm

illuminiteGuest Author: Michael Phair

IllumiNITE 2013 is this weekend, Saturday Feb. 16 and Sunday Feb. 17. On both days the event runs from 5-10pm both in the Alley of Light (the alley behind Sobey’s) and on 104th street.

IllumiNITE will again host 10 sculptures of light in the alley, a light show produced by GURU on the Armstrong Building on 104th street, an ice bar at Crock and Barrel, Fox & Finery Pop-Up Market in the Armstrong Building, along with bannock making, hot chocolate and Fat Franks!

Saturday’s opening will take place at 6pm by the entrance to the strip park with an annoucement of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the sculptures of light.

IllumiNITE is thankful to the many sponsoring businesses and groups that has help make this event successful.

Admission is free, with donations to the Edmonton Food Bank gladly accepted.

Please come out and enjoy this Edmonton Winter Event– IllumiNITE Year 2!

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February 9, 2013

Valentine’s Wine Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:41 pm

valentineAuthor: Dirk Chan

Valentine’s is a special day and we’ve written in our latest blog several appropriately named and love themed related wines to share with that someone special.

1) NV Rolet Crémant du Jura Brut Rosé (Jura, France) – $24.99 – lovely earthy pink bubblie to start the evening, pair with caviar or oysters

2) NV Devaux Brut Cuvée Rosée (Champagne, France) – $72.99 – the real thing, French Champagne, drinking marvelously.

3) 2004 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut (Champagne, France) – $254.99 – For those who want high end Champagne, this lovely lady is for those who want the best.

4) 2011 Ochoa Rosado Garnacha (Navarra, Spain) – $16.99 – for those looking for a still pink, great alive color, fine to pair with appetizers

5) 2010 Hexamer Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Riesling Spatlese (Nahe, Germany) – $37.99 – a sweet white for your sweetie – pair with lobster

6) 2010 Domaine les Cotes de la Roche Saint Amour (Beaujolais, France) – $22.99 – St. Amour, a cru beaujolais. Try with something spicy like Thai food.

7) 2010 Bodegas Sierra Norte Pasion de Bobal (Valencia, Spain) – $17.99 -. ‘Pasion’ is made from the little known Bobal grape, rich and velvety. Lovely label of tree with heart-shaped leaves…

8) 2010 Fita Preta Sexy Tinto (Alentejo, Portugal) – $19.99 – ‘Sexy’ speaks for itself, incredible packaging and the wine is also great.

9) 2010 d’Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $26.99 – Gorgeous label design appropriately named. Full-bodied shiraz.

10) 2011 Some Young Punks Passion Has Red Lips Shiraz-Cabernet (South Australia) – $25.99 – Full bodied, passionate red of spicy and dark ripe fruit.

11) 2011 Quady Elysium Black Muscat – 375mL (California) – $13.99 – Heart-shaped label is followed by a lovely raspberry, blueberry note perfect for pairing with dark chocolate.

12) 2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey – 375mL (Bordeaux – Sauternes, France) – $94.99 – for those looking for a sweet dessert wine to pair with fruit based desserts.

13) 2011 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti – 375mL (Piedmont, Italy) – $13.99 – smells like Chanel No.5, light as a feather, sweet and heavenly pairing for fresh strawberries & cream

14) Phillips Longboat Chocolate Porter – 650mL Bottle (Canada) – $5.99 – for those looking for a different alternative to a chocolate pairing.

Please contact us if you have special needs in selecting specific wines that would make your Valentine’s Day memorable.

Happy Valentine’s everyone!

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