deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

We have received our annual allotment of R. Lopez de Heredia wines for the year (and the allocations keep getting smaller and smaller as world wide demand far outstrips supply). One of our very favourite houses anywhere, there are very few wineries in Spain… in the world for that matter, whose name conjures up the heritage, prestige and adherence to old world wine-making quite like R. López de Heredia. Little about this winery has changed in the 140 years since it’s founding by Don Rafael López de Heredia founded it in 1877. The family adheres to a winemaking doctrine blueprinted in the 1880’s – to make wine only from their own vineyards.

Located in the historic town of Haro, Heredia was the first to establish their winery next to the train station (for easy access to transporting their wines abroad). This area is known as ‘Station District’, there are seven famous wineries that make up this Golden Mile of Rioja. Renown for holding their Rioja wines till they think it is ready, we are pleased to offer the 2007 Cubillo Crianza, 2004 Tondonia Reserva in 750mL and in magnums as well as the 2005 Bosconia Reserva, all classic wines that are especially well priced given their high quality. Unfortunately, no Gravonia white this year.

Quantities are extremely limited so get yours sooner than later. Pictured left to right:

2007 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza (Rioja, Spain) – $39.99

2004 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $64.99

2005 Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $54.99

2001 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – 1.5L – $169.99

Also available:

2004 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – 1.5L – $169.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Craft Beers continue to be a hot trend. Join us on Thursday, February 23 at 7pm as we feature Jim Phelan of Untapped Craft Imports who will talk about and pour ten beers from his vast craft beer portfolio in this informal stand-up tasting. There’ll be a surprise to end the tasting as well.

More information and to register for the tasting, click here….

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Author: Dirk Chan

On October 31st, Annabelle and I were inducted as Honorary Confrades with the rank of Cavaleiro (Knight) into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto in an Enthronement Ceremony and dinner held at the Four Seasons in Vancouver. There were 20 of us from Canada inducted in this year’s ceremony – it was the first time the ceremony has been held in Western Canada (previously in Toronto and Montreal).

The Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood) is a non-political, not for profit, organisation, established in 1982 with the purpose of communicating, and enhancing the worldwide reputation of Port Wine and its moderate consumption. The Confraria welcomes into its organisation, persons who, by their actions, reputations, or position make a significant contribution to the image and knowledge of Port Wine. The Cavalerio title is given to those who have been recognized for having made a commitment and a true contribution to Port Wine.

The ceremony was a formal black suit affair, we were each introduced and our contributions read aloud (humorously of some people I must say), then presented with a bright green and red ribbon from which hangs the Tambuladeira (silver emblematic port tasting cup), and the diploma whereupon we signed the Roll of Honour confirming your admission as an Honorary Confrade.

You don’t have to call us Lady Annabelle or Sir Dirk for this was a humbling affair given some of the other honorees – including a government official and Canada’s first female Master of Wine, Barbara Philip – but it was sure nice to be in their company none the less.

For more info on the Confraria, click here..

You have to be nominated by a Port house for this honor, and we’re grateful to Quinta do Portal for the nomination. We have loved their wines for more than a decade now – below are some of our favourites, both port and reds: (pictured with us is Leila Zuniga of Lifford Wines (Alberta agent for Portal) and Joao Branco (Board Member of Portal):

NV Quinta do Portal Lagrima White Port (Douro, Portugal) – $25.99

2003 Quinta do Portal Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – 375mL – $34.99

Quinta do Portal 20 Year Old Tawny Port (Douro, Portugal) – $76.99

2009 Quinta do Portal Touriga Franca (Douro, Portugal) – $46.99

2009 Quinta do Portal Auru (Douro, Portugal) – $159.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Buyer Alert! The great 2015 German Riesling vintage has already been compared with the legendary 1990, and that would be saying something…

We’ve tasted a few and it is not the ‘green’ classic spectrum like 2013 and 2014, the 2015’s are muscular and bold like a body builder, but with incredible acidity that balances out the fruit and make the wines appear drier than they actually are. These wines are good to drink now, yet improve for a decade or more.

Our first 2015 shipment has arrived, and its not very big, so get yours quickly, it won’t last…

Pictured left to right:

2015 Hexamer Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg “Quarzit” Riesling QbA (Nahe, Germany) – $24.99

2015 Willi Haag Riesling Spatlese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany) – $24.99

2015 Flick Hochheimer Victoriaberg Riesling Trocken (Rheingau, Germany) – $28.99

2015 Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany) – $54.99

2015 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett (Mosel, Germany) – $43.99

And one 2015 Scheurebe for good measure…

2015 Muller Catoir Haardt Scheurebe QbA Trocken (Rheinpfalz, Germany) – $32.99

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