deVine Thoughts

May 31, 2022

santa ema

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 8:51 pm

trimbach_blog_small
Author: Dirk Chan

The Maison Trimbach of Alsace fame is one of the great wine estate in the world. The family can date their winegrowing back as far as 1626, and through 12 generations. They’re based in Ribeauvillé (they moved here after the First World War), roughly in the middle of the Alsace wine region in North eastern France near the German border, consisting of a narrow strip of vineyards running in the direction of north to south.

Trimbach makes a broad range of wines from their own vineyard holdings and also bought-in grapes. The house style is quite a dry one, and they avoid using the Alsace Grand Cru vineyard names which were introduced in the 1970s. The only vineyard designation seen on their wines is with famous Clos St Hune Riesling, which comes from a 1.3 hectare plot near Hunawihr (part of the Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard). First produced in 1919 with a small production averaging 8k bottles annually, this is a dry Riesling that is one of Alsace’s (and for that matter the world’s) most famous wines, that requires patience but ages forever and beautifully as well.

The firm in its current form was developed by Frédéric Emile Trimbach in the latter part of the 19th century. His initials are still used in the official name of the company, and one of Trimbach’s top Riesling cuvées bears his name. Parcels of the Geisberg and Osterberg vineyards located on the hill rising up behind the ‘new’ family winery on the edge of Ribeauvillé are blended together to make the equally renowned Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile – the tends to drinking sooner than St. Hune.

According to Jean Trimbach, the house style is aiming for ‘harmonious wines that are concentrated, not heavy; fruity, not sweet; bracing rather than fat; polite rather than voluptuous.’ To that end, fermentations are cool and slow, maloloactic fermentation is not carried out and the wines are bottled early to retain freshness. If Rieslings have historically given you that sweet impression, and you want to try a ‘dry’ version, no place better than to start with Trimbach, try one this summer with food, you’ll be amazed.

Pictured in photo:

2017 Trimbach Riesling Clos Ste. Hune (Alsace, France) – $414.99

Other available Trimbach’s:

2019 Trimbach Riesling (Alsace, France) – $33.99

2016 Trimbach Riesling Mandelberg Grand Cru (Alsace, France) – $82.99

2011 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile (Alsace, France) – $94.99

2012 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile (Alsace, France) – $99.99

2013 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile (Alsace, France) – $104.99

2017 Trimbach Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru (Alsace, France) – $129.99

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May 30, 2022

Weekly Online Offer for May 30

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:22 am

weekly_novellum_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the 2020 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay (Cotes Catalanes, France) – $19.99 (regularly $24.49)

Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage, owners of Domaine Lafage have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean that makes a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. A small percentage is aged in barrel – usually less than 30%. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier. It remains one of the better values in French Chardonnay outside of Burgundy that you can find.

The vineyards for our feature wine is 30 years old vines, grown under organic practices. The winemaking presses the grapes gently before the cold maceration, and fermented in stainless steel tanks. 70% of the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks, then the rest spent two months on Viognier lees in oak barrels.

Offering an enticing nose of white peaches, crushed rocks, spice and brioche emerging from this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay that has depth, layered texture and length. Try with some scampi.

2020 Domaine Lafage Novellum Chardonnay (Cotes Catalanes, France) – $19.99, regularly $24.49

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May 28, 2022

2021 Bordeaux Futures – First Offering

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:13 pm

bord_2021_first_small
Author: Dirk Chan

For a change, the 2021 Bordeaux Futures Campaign is going to feature the Whites and the sweet dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac. Its not often the whites get top billing but after a trio of great vintages for the reds in 2018, 2019 and 2020, the 2021’s was a trying vintage which has produced old-fashioned reds on the lighter (yet elegant) side with alcohol level’s in the 12-12.5% range instead of 14+ range. We will focus on some quality Petit Chateaux, Cru Bourgeois and a few well-priced Classified Growths for short-term cellaring and early drinking while the great vintages sit in your cellar.

How does Futures work you ask – well at its most basic level, you’re purchasing unfinished wine – you pay for it in full now, and in two years time. The wines when released in-bottle will be 10-15% higher so you get a price break.

2021 was ravaged by mildew, a less than satisfactory growing season, cruel frost in April (meaning volumes were well down pretty much across the board) and selection had to be severe. The reds in 2021 is far different than those made in 2018, 2019 and 2020, when alcohols as high as 15% were commonplace. The 2021 reds are in the 12 to 13% alcohol range, made in an old-fashion way that reminds of 1985 or 1988, a balanced not over the top style from a bygone era. Plenty of acidic freshness in the aromatic reds but they will drink nicely relatively early in a medium-bodied style than the bigger style we’ve become used to in the last decade. No clear winner on left or right bank, variability is high and depends on the Chateau. This is a vintage to buy and enjoy early while the great vintages age in your cellars.

Alas, the real revelation in 2021 is an absolutely brilliant vintage for white bordeaux, both dry or sweet where high acid is a good thing! The dry whites, all picked before late September’s heavy rain, are both aromatic and full of fruit and zesty freshness without the flab of riper years.

And the sweet wines are truly great, despite extremely small quantities and in some cases a miniscule percentage of a normal harvest. Climens, one of our favourites made ‘not an ounce’ of sweet wine, and Suduiraut had both spring frost and summer hail. Those that were spared made very fine dessert wines and we’ll certainly attempt to get our hands on what small quantities that are available.

As usual, items offered will be sold on a first-come first served basis and in some cases maximums applied. In many cases we won’t be able to go back for more of something once it sells out and if we do, price will be second tranche (release) pricing.

Here is the first offerings

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May 23, 2022

Weekly Online Offer for May 23

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:24 am

weekly_moulin_labbaye_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Château Moulin de L’Abbaye Cru Bourgeois (Medoc, France) – $25.99 (regularly $30.99)

Moulin de L’Abbaye (mill of the abbey) is made of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 1% Malbec from 27 year old vines grown on clay-limestone soils. This has some age on it and is in its prime wheelhouse.

The vineyard is of 2 ha purchased in 1984 has been worked traditionally by a family of cooperative members for 30 years now and their hard work was rewarded with a Cru Bourgeois classification recognition in 2003.

Developed nose of wood smoke, red fruits and a touch of cassis, smooth resolved tannins in a medium, medium-full mouthfeel. Not often you find a Petit Chateaux Left Bank that’s CabSau dominant so take advantage of it. This is delicious now, pair with grilled lamb chops on the barbecue!

Château Moulin de L’Abbaye Cru Bourgeois (Medoc, France) – $25.99, regularly $30.99

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May 16, 2022

2021 Bordeaux Futures Campaign

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:58 pm

bordeaux_futures_2021_small
Author: Dirk Chan

For a change, the 2021 Bordeaux Futures Campaign is going to feature the Whites and the sweet dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac. Its not often the whites get top billing but after a trio of great vintages for the reds in 2018, 2019 and 2020, the 2021’s was a trying vintage which has produced old-fashioned reds on the lighter (yet elegant) side with alcohol level’s in the 12-12.5% range instead of 14+ range. We will focus on some quality Petit Chateaux, Cru Bourgeois and a few Classified Growths for short-term cellaring and early drinking while the great vintages sit in your cellar.

How does Futures work you ask – well at its most basic level, you’re purchasing unfinished wine – you pay for it in full now, and in two years time. The wines when released in-bottle will be 10-15% higher so you get a price break.

2021 was ravaged by mildew, a less than satisfactory growing season, cruel frost in April (meaning volumes were well down pretty much across the board) and selection had to be severe. The reds in 2021 is far different than those made in 2018, 2019 and 2020, when alcohols as high as 15% were commonplace. The 2021 reds are in the 12 to 13% alcohol range, made in an old-fashion way that reminds of 1985 or 1988, a balanced not over the top style from a bygone era. Plenty of acidic freshness in the aromatic reds but they will drink nicely relatively early in a medium-bodied style than the bigger style we’ve become used to in the last decade. No clear winner on left or right bank, variability is high and depends on the Chateau. This is a vintage to buy and enjoy early while the great vintages age in your cellars.

Alas, the real revelation in 2021 is an absolutely brilliant vintage for white bordeaux, both dry or sweet where high acid is a good thing! The dry whites, all picked before late September’s heavy rain, are both aromatic and full of fruit and zesty freshness without the flab of riper years.

And the sweet wines are truly great, despite extremely small quantities and in some cases a miniscule percentage of a normal harvest. Climens, one of our favourites made ‘not an ounce’ of sweet wine, and Suduiraut had both spring frost and summer hail. Those that were spared made very fine dessert wines and we’ll certainly attempt to get our hands on what small quantities that are available.

The early pricing appears to on par with 2020, which is no bargain, alas the Whites and Sauternes may cost more because the Bordelais know they have something great there (the cost of Euro savings offset by skyrocketing shipping charges). We’ll focus on early and elegant drinkers from Petit Chateaux, Cru Bourgeois and lesser Grand Cru Classe for reds this year. For those of you continuing verticals of high end wines and wanting a specific chateaux, please drop us a line asap so we can keep an eye out for you. We will certainly not be purchasing vast amounts of reds like we did for 2018, 2019 and 2020, perhaps only 20-25% of Grand Cru Classés of what we normally buy for reds giving the early pricing scheme.

As usual, items offered will be sold on a first-come first served basis and in some cases maximums applied. For the whites and sweet wines, In many cases we won’t be able to go back for more of something once it sells out and if we do, price will be second tranche (release) pricing.

If you’ve subscribed to Futures last year, you will be automatically enrolled for this year’s Campaign. For those new to the game, please subscribe to the 2020 Bordeaux Futures Offerings using this link –
https://secure.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1880392&ac=cdw8

Subscribing is a two step process, you will have join by filling out above form, then click the link sent to your email address. This ensures you get the offers as soon as we release them. Any unsold product will go on the main website 2-3 days after the offerings. As usual, we’ll be updating each product with running counts of what’s left for sale as best we can. Subscribers can expect the first offering early next week with new offering on a weekly basis thereafter. The campaign will end by mid June.

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Weekly Online Offer for May 16

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 9:21 am

weekly_caceres_reserva_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Marques de Caceres Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $29.99 (regularly $36.99)

Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in Cenicero, in the heart of La Rioja Alta, Marqués de Cáceres wines are among the most widely distributed Spanish brand in the world exporting to over 120 countries. Forner’s wine-making family had fled to France during the Spanish Civil War. The first wines were released in 1975.

This Tempranillo and Garnacha blend made from parcels from 25-35 year-old vineyards on clay and limestone soil has produced a dense bouquet of toasted aromas, red and black berries, sour cherries, earth, leather, and plums with a rich, layered body of spicy herbs, currant, black fruits and campfire elements with integrated smooth tannins and fresh acidity.

Fine accompaniment to roasted or stewed meats as well as game and strong cheeses.

Marques de Caceres Reserva (Rioja, Spain)- $29.99, regularly $36.99

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May 9, 2022

Weekly Online Offer for May 9

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:43 am

weekly_edmeades_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Edmeades Zinfandel (California – Mendocino, United States) – $21.49 (regularly $26.99)

Edmeades makes bold wines from the rugged coastal vineyards in Mendocino County’s rugged coastal mountains. Their Zinfandels are intense with distinctive character and personality. They work side by side with a small group of growers, who year after year produce some of Mendocino County’s most highly-prized grapes. They prefer a delicate touch in the cellar, allowing each vineyard to be fully expressed in the wines that they make.

This Zinfandel begins with concentrated aromas of baking spices including; cinnamon and cloves. Those spices give way to aromas of blackberries, black currants, and dried sage. The texture is round, and the fruit expression is focused and lush. Subtle and integrated tannins accentuate the richness of the wine, while pleasant acidity keeps it fresh on the finish. Try with anything barbecue.

Edmeades Zinfandel (California – Mendocino, United States) – $21.49, regularly $26.99

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May 6, 2022

Annual Quevedo Port Advent Calendars Pre-Sell

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:01 am

quevedo_calendars_presell_2022_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Another year has come and gone – and its time to look ahead to Christmas 2022. As last year, we are doing another special pre-sell from Quevedo. But instead of two Quevedo Advent Port Calendars, this year, there is two extra new offerings. The ETA is for November of this year, in time for the Christmas holiday season. The deadline to pre-buy is midnight Wednesday, May 18th.

The regular Quevedo Port Advent Calendar – $134.99 has been a favourite at deVines for 4 years now. This has a small footprint that fits very easily underneath a Xmas tree. There is 24 x 50mL bottles (2×12 different ports).

Returning this year is the exciting Quevedo Luxury Port Advent Calendar in a Mahogany Box – $799.99 which contains 24 x 100mL separate bottles including some interesting white ports, a couple of organic offerings and a single varietal tawny alongside numerous Colheita’s. Inside every drawer you will find a different 100ml bottle for each of the 24 days. A very limited boxes are produced and available to the world due to single barrels of some ports. For those who purchased the Luxury Mahogony last year and only want this year’s refills, there is a refill pack on offer for $569.99.

New for this year is two 4-half bottle packs for your consideration – the Port Explorer Pack – $119.99 and the Port Connoisseur Pack – $224.99.

What a special Xmas present these are for the port lover, new or experienced!

For a list of all the ports included in each of these four packages, please click the links below.

2022 Porto Quevedo Port Advent Calendar (Douro, Portugal) – $134.99

2022 Porto Quevedo Luxury Port Calendar in Mahogany Wood Box (Douro, Portugal) – $799.99

2022 Porto Quevedo Luxury Port Calendar Refill Pack (Douro, Portugal) – $569.99

2022 Porto Quevedo Port Explorer Pack (Douro, Portugal) – $119.99

2022 Porto Quevedo Port Connoisseur Pack (Douro, Portugal) – $224.99

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May 3, 2022

Something Special for Mother’s Day

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 9:56 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

A Happy Mother’s Day to all mother’s out there and hope your day is full of love, joy and plenty of wine! Here are our suggestions for the festive day:

Sparkling for Brunch:

2020 Mulderbosch Sparkling Rose (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $24.99
NV Kechris “Afros” Pet-Nat Retsina (Macedonia, Greece) – $31.49
NV Champagne Andre Clouet Brut Rose No. 3 (Champagne, France) – $74.99
NV Henri Billiot et Fils Cuvée Laetitia Grand Cru Brut (Champagne, France) – $129.99
Riedel Veritas Champagne Glass – $34.99

whispering_angel
Something Pink:

2020 Spinelli Tratturo Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC (Abruzzi, Italy) – $17.99
2020 Huber Zweigelt Rosé (Traisental, Austria) – $23.99
2021 Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé (Provence, France) – $35.99


A few whites and reds for that special meal:

2019 Agricola Sandro de Bruno Pinot Grigio Ramato (Veneto, Italy) – $21.99
2020 Losada Vinos de Finca Godello (Bierzo, Spain) – $33.99
2019 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvée Ste. Catherine (Alsace, France) – $79.99
2019 Matahiwi Estate ME Pinot Noir (Wairarapa, New Zealand) – $25.99
2018 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $53.99
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2017 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville (California – Napa Valley, United States) – $144.99
2009 Le Dome (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $399.99
Riedel Performance Magnum Decanter – $99.99


Chocolate Pairings:

2020 Vietti Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – $39.99
2003 Rolet Vin de Paille (Jura, France) – 375mL – $52.99
1979 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $189.99
Riedel Vinum Port Stem – $34.99


Happy Mother’s Day!

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May 2, 2022

Weekly Online Offer for May 2

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:22 am

weekly_grand_verdus_rouge_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the 2019 Chateau Le Grand Verdus Rouge -$17.49 (regularly $21.99)

The vineyards of Château Le Grand Verdus is situated in the heart of a preserved hilly landscape, in the AOC of Bordeaux Supérieur area, between the Médoc, Graves and Saint-Emilion, at the gateway to the Entre-Deux-Mers region (between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers), 20 km east of Bordeaux city.

This fine country 16th-century Renaissance residence has been in the hands of the same family since 1810, with four generations of the Le Grix de la Salle family, all fired by the same passion for making wine that reflect its terroir.

Treat yourself to the delicate and rounded Rouge, 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon – this is a luscious, fruity wine with the aromas of fresh fruit, spices and liquorice. Supple palate and instantly pleasurable, this wine will improve over five years. Great with some roasted lamb at the family table. A stellar value in good Bordeaux!!

2019 Château Le Grand Verdus Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Superieur (Bordeaux – Entre-Deux-Mers, France) – $17.49 (regularly $21.99)

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