deVine Thoughts

February 6, 2017

d’Arenberg 2008 Museum Release Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:24 pm

darenberg_smallAuthor: 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 that now houses the winery, cellar door and d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. In succession, three more generations since Joseph – Frank, Francis (universally known as d’Arry) and now Chester, who joined in 1984, have been in charge over the years.

Known or making distinctive, finesse driven wines using traditional methods in the vineyard and the winery, Chester is also renown for his wines’ unique and often humourous names. Also famous is their unique red stripe across their labels – there’s a story behind that and you can find out if you attend our upcoming d’Arenberg 2008 Museum Release tasting – $40, scheduled for Saturday, February 18 at 7pm. 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 had both the 2006 and the current museum release vintage is now the 2008’s. We’ll be tasting seven wines from the excellent 2008 year – pictured left to right are five of the seven wines we’ll be tasting:

2008 d’Arenberg The Wild Pixie Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $44.99

2008 d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Museum Release (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $32.99

2008 d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Museum Release Shiraz-Viognier (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $44.99

2008 d’Arenberg The Custodian Museum Release Grenache (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $32.99

2008 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Museum Release Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $89.99

Advanced registration is required, you can sign up here..

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Beers “Untapped”

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:23 pm

untapped_blog_smallAuthor: 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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February 1, 2017

Second Wine & Cheese Pairing Combo with Cavern

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:28 am

cavern_pairing2_smallAuthor: Dirk Chan

deVine and Cavern offer its second Monthly Wine and Cheese Pairing Combo – $75. How does this work? You purchase the wine at deVine’s, you then visit Cavern to obtain their cheese pairings, the charcuterie and the bread and pay the difference $75 minus the cost of the wine. The cheeses are seasonal and will be constantly changing depending of what’s new and exciting from Tricia at Cavern.

This month’s wine is the 2014 Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas (Beaujolais, Frane) – $29.99, a wild ferment Chénas that lives up to its Quartz name with its unique yet intense minerality, dark spectrum florals, woodsy notes, spices and subtle earth smoke. On the palate, wild black plum, black cherries, raspberries and stones. Tannins are slightly grippy and acids are bright and shining through to a fine peppery, graphite and bitter amaro-like finish. Quite structured, yet very fresh. Very fine Beaujolais Cru. Stimulating and cerebral wine.

2014 Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas Quartz (Beaujolais, France) – $29.99

View the postcard for this promotion..

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January 28, 2017

Lopez de Heredia New Arrivals

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 3:23 pm

heredia_blog_smallAuthor: 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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January 23, 2017

Beers “Untapped”

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:45 pm

untapped_blog_smallAuthor: 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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January 13, 2017

Annabelle & Dirk Knighted

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 7:06 pm

confraria_ceremony_smallAuthor: 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.

dirk_annabelle_small

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):

portal_confraria_small

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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January 9, 2017

The Great 2015 German Vintage

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 3:52 pm

german_2015_smallAuthor: 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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January 2, 2017

January Case of the Month

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dirk @ 4:47 pm

jan_case_smallAuthor: Dirk Chan

Our January Case of the Month – $200.64 is a great sampler case for those wanting diversity, discovery and affordability in everyday drinking wines. We choose wines for this case to showcase their true varietal characteristics from wine regions from all over the world. It is seasonal in nature as well, more whites and pinks and lighter reds during the summer and now more full-bodied reds as fall approaches. It is a great way to discover your palate besides always having some wine on hand.

January features a wild assortment of wines from all over, with offerings are from all corners of the globe including Italy, France, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, United States and Australia.

You can read more detailed information and purchase the January Case of the Month online here..

Salute!

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December 26, 2016

New Year’s Sparkling Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:46 pm

champagne_smallAuthor: Dirk Chan

From all of us at deVine’s to you and yours, we wish you a very Happy New Year in 2017 with all the best for happiness, good health and prosperity.

May good fortune and luck follow you wherever you go and in all that you do for the coming year, 2017.

We thank you for your continued patronage!

Ed, Annabelle, Chad, Dirk, Mark, Bill, Bob, Kaitlyn and Keith

Here are some New Years Wine recommendations for your consideration. Have a fun New Years, and remember to drink responsibly:

 

Pictured (left to right)

NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Brut Grand Cru (Champagne, France) – $58.99

rosier

NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Carte Jaune Arrow (Champagne, France) – $71.99

2002 Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Brut (Champagne, France) – $239.99

 

Sparkling

NV Val d’Oca Prosecco di Valdobbiadene (Veneto, Italy) – 375mL – $16.99

NV Bodegas Pinord Dibon Brut Cava (Penedes, Spain) – $16.99

2013 Domaine Rosier Cuvee du Rosier (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $19.99

NV Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco (Veneto, Italy) – $24.49

NV Rolet Cremant du Jura Brut Rose (Jura, France) – $27.99

NV Ferrari Brut (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $34.99

2014 Quinta do Soalheiro Espumante Bruto Alvarinho (Vinho Verde, Portugal) – $48.99

 

Champagne

NV Gremillet Brut Selection (Champagne, France) – $49.99

devaux_d

NV Chartogne-Taillet Brut Rose (Champagne – Rose, France) – $67.99

NV Comte Audoin de Dampierre Cuvee des Ambassadeurs (Champagne, France) – $72.99

2002 Devaux D de Devaux La Cuvee (Champagne, France) – $104.99

NV Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru VP Extra Brut (Champagne, France) – $159.99

2006 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut (Champagne, France) – $349.99

NV Krug Rose (Champagne – Rose, France) – $464.99

 

Something Sweet & Sparkling

2014 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – 375mL – $16.49

2015 La Spinetta Bricco Quagia Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – $25.99

 

happy_new_year_dancing
Here are our store hours leading up to the New Years:

Tuesday, Dec 27 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 28 – 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday, Dec 29 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, Dec 30 – 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, Dec 31 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, Jan 1 – Closed

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For the Edmonton Food Bank – Summary and Thank You’s

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:45 pm

foodbank_summary_smallAuthor: Ed Fong

Big thanks to our Team at deVine Wines and our partners in the wine industry for stepping up for Edmonton’s Food Bank on short notice.

Together, we raised almost $5,000 in bids for our impromptu silent auction and filled two large bins with food for those in need.. Kudos to Dirk Chan for administering the auction, the Evaristo Family for their generous contributions and our special partner, Chris Graham, Owner/Pharmacist of Shoppers Drug Mart, Edmonton City Center East.

Chris partnered with Ed Fong in a scheme to demonstrate how we need to “think outside the box” when it comes to helping charities in these difficult times. Ed proposed he redeem all of his Shoppers Drug Mart points for peanut butter, a highly sought after item identified by the Food Bank. Chris said he would match Ed’s donation dollar for dollar, and together, were able to donate 72 jars of peanut butter. Both Ed and Chris were able to tap into another method of helping Edmonton’s less fortunate.

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