deVine Thoughts

Author: Ed Fong


This year marks the 10th annual Downtown Dining Week and deVine Wines is proud to donate a 50 bottle mini wine cellar to one lucky patron. Downtown Dining Week is presented by the Downtown Business Association to showcase many of the Edmonton’s finest restaurants in the heart of our city. This year’s event runs for ten days, from March 15-24, inclusive.

Diners will have a choice of 29 participating restaurants to choose from. Restaurants will offer special pricing on a two course lunch for $15 and/or a three course dinner for either $25 or $50. For a complete listing of participating restaurants and their menus, please follow this link – http://www.edmontondowntown.com/dining-week.php

Dining Week patrons can enter to win gift certificates to participating restaurants. One lucky patron will win the “10th Anniversary Grand Prize” – 50 bottles of wine donated by deVine Wines and a 35-bottle Whirlpool Wine Cooler. The 50 bottle wine cellar has a retail value of over $1,500! For a complete listing of the cellar contents, please click here..

Contest entries and rules will be available at all participating restaurants, four of which are deVine Wines partners. I can personally vouch for the Hardware Grill’s “Soup of Yesterday” and their “Open Face Alberta Lamb Burger” – check out their menu here..

Seafood lovers should pay a visit to Sabor Divino. Nobody in Edmonton handles seafood with the touch that Chef Lino Oliviera does. I love his “Piri Piri Prawns” and “Broiled Bacalhau”, their menu is here..

The Marc offers one of the best valued lunch menus found anywhere in Edmonton. If this doesn’t tempt you, then order the “Croque Madame” off the regular menu. I substitute the salad for an order of the best French Fries in Edmonton, perfect for dipping into the egg yolk that sits atop the slices of duck breast. Truly a TDF experience! The Marc is also offering a $25 Dining Week dinner special. Check out their menu
here..

Finally, our neighbor and partner down the street, the Blue Plate Diner, is offering “Pheasant Legs – Two Ways” that is intriguing the heck out of me. Check out their menu here..

So bring your appetite and dinner companions to check out the great lineup of restaurants who want to showcase the BEST of what Downtown has to offer. Reservations are highly recommended. I’ll join you in Downtown Dining Week, even if I can’t win that 50 bottle wine cellar!

Bon Appetite!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Spain is fashioning some incredible values these days, and our feature wines this week come from Hacienda Lopez de Haro in Rioja in North Central Spain. Both are home-runs for the bargain hunter, coming in at under $20 and both scoring outstanding (90+) scores from wine critic Neal Martin of The Wine Advocate magazine.

Located in the historic village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, the winery is excavated into the side of the mountain, providing excellent year-round temperature control. The grapes enter the winery with the aid of gravity, this being the least harsh method of moving the grapes. The soils in this region are mostly calcareous clay delivering great acidity to the wine.

The two wines featured here have a modern twist, a fair amount of barrel treatment that gives them a creamy, vanilla character alongside the nice raspberry fruit. Even though they already having aging in the bottle, decanting prior to consumption will bring forth its best showing. Pair with a nice winter beef and tomato stew to balance out the acidity.

– 2008 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Crianza – $16.99 – this one is in our March Case of the Month.

– 2005 Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva – $18.49 – this one already flying out of the store and has limited availability, decanting for 2 hours recommended. Most Reserva’s sell in the $30 range so this is a great value.

Enjoy everyone!

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Author: 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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Guest 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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Author: 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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Author: Dirk Chan

New on Google Maps is a virtual tour of deVine’s – check it out.

View Larger Map

You can take a complete virtual tour of the store, try zooming in and out in various sections, fun!…

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Author: Dirk Chan

In the early 1970’s, Francis Darroze hunted throughout the Gascony countryside for the best barrels
of Armagnacs from various estates. In more than 40 years, the Darroze Collection grew and today
there is a very impressive selection of 250 different Armagnacs from 30 properties spanning more than
50 vintages. Francis’ son Marc, a trained oenologist takes care of the Armagnac aging today.

Bas Armagnac is a region in southwest France near Gascony, is one of three plantation areas in the
Armagnac area where grapes for the distillation of the Armagnac eau-de-vie can be cultivated. This distinctive brandy is distilled from grapes Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Baco 22A. Volume of production is much smaller than the more famous Cognac region. Armagnac is only distilled once (versus twice in Cognac’s), and is the oldest brandy distilled in France, and in the past was consumed for its therapeutic benefits.

While the law required a minimum of ten years of aging in oak barrels, Darroze will wait 15 or more years before releasing. deVine did a special order for the Darroze Collection of single estate and single vintage Bas Armagnacs for your consideration. Most of the vintages we’ve selected are those vintages where wine at a world wide level were not as successful, so as to provide vintage dated spirits for those hard to find birthyears. Very limited availability on these, so grab while supply lasts.

1963 Francis Darroze Chateau de Gaube – $424.99

1964 Francis Darroze Chateau de Gaube – $424.99

1974 Francis Darroze Domaine de Saubin – $224.99

1979 Francis Darroze Domaine de Busquet – $187.99

1982 Francis Darroze Domaine de Busquet – $181.99

1986 Francis Darroze Domaine de Bertruc – $159.99

1992 Francis Darroze Domaine de Rieston – $144.99

Other vintages not linked but available for sale include 1965, 1966, 1967, 1972, 1983, 1999 and 2000.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Time to look forward to what to drink to bring in the New Year. There are so many choices to celebrate with, from nexpensive sparklers from Australia, Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, sparklers from France and then the ultimate with French Champagne.

Champagne is in great demand these days: availability is low and the dwindling supply is quickly snapped up by enthusiasts around the world; the soaring price increases do not deter buyers who want the ultimate in celebratory wine. deVine has searched high and low to bring these products for your consideration and listed below are some of our favourites.

1) NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava (Penedes, Spain) – $17.49

2) NV Vedova “Fordue” Extra Dry Prosecco (Veneto, Italy) – $18.99

3) NV François Lichtle Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé (Alsace, France) – $26.49

4) NV Langlois-Château Brut Rosé (Loire Valley, France) – $26.99

5) NV Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noir (California) – $33.49

6) NV Cave Spring Blancs de Blanc Brut (Ontario – Niagara) – $38.99

7) NV Bruno Gobillard Brut (Champagne, France) – $49.99

8) NV Piper-Heidsieck Brut (Champagne, France) – $59.99

9) 2004 Camille Saves Grand Cru Brut Millesime (Champagne, France) – $69.99

10) 2002 Devaux D de Devaux La Cuvee (Champagne, France) – $102.99

11) 2002 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé Brut (Champagne, France) – $239.99

12) 1998 Krug Brut (Champagne, France) – $324.99

13) NV Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut (Champagne, France) – $349.99

14) 2002 Moet & Chandon Dom Pérignon Brut (Champagne, France) -1.5L – $499.99

15) 1998 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises (Champagne, France) – $539.99

16) 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé (Champagne, France) – $639.99

Happy New Year Everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

deVine’s offers all of your Christmas gifting needs. Pictured is a gift basket of wine. You can customize your basket by adding stemware or other sundry items. Many styles of baskets available and the wine possibilities are endless. Do give us some lead time to wrap.

For those who want sampler packs that offer a taste of a larger variety, we have three offerings:

1) the Twelve Days of Christmas Beer Sampler – $91.17 with a focus on seasonal holiday season releasesl . Only 40 cases available so grab yours while supply lasts. Some of the beers in this package is already out of stock at the government warehouse.

2) the December’s Mixed Case – $208.84 is an eclectic mix for everyday drinking with several wines suitable for the traditional Christmas turkey dinner.

3) the Wine Spectator magazine issues their Top 100 wines every year around this time. This year, we’re offering a mixed case of nine wines that made the grade in 2012, plus one from 2011 and two wines from 2010 to complete the mixed case. The Wine Spectator Top 100 Mix Case – $299.39 would serve as wonderful Christmas presents, have your own Spectator tasting or enjoy these highly regarded wines for yourself at your leisure.

We have also just received many nic nacs that would be great as stocking stuffers, new Riedel and Schott Zwiesel stemware and much more, drop by the store to visit if we can be of any assistance.

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Author: Ed Fong

Save the date! The businesses on 104th-St. are coming together on Tuesday, December 4 to say a collective “THANK YOU!” for your support throughout the year.

Please come visit us and enjoy the many special offers and activities provided by the following merchants and restaurants for your holiday festive season pleasure. We wish to say a collective Thank you to the residents and visitors to our street for your year round support. Without you, our valued customers, we would not be here!

deVine Wines & Spirits (4 PM to 10 PM), 10111-104th-St.
www.devinewines.ca or phone 780.421.9463
· 10% discount on all in-stock regularly priced wines and spirits (in store shopping only and no rain checks) – excludes beer and wines stored in our vintage keeper/vintage room and special cases of the month.
· Enjoy a free wine tasting while you shop and browse

· unadvertised in-store products between 15-20% off
· Enter your name for a chance to win a gift basket of wine

Please contact the individual businesses below if you require further information.

104st Grill (all day promotion), 10190-104th-St.
www.104stgrill.com or phone 780.429.4333
· 25% discount on your bill for parties up to four (4) guests

Blue Plate Diner (4 PM to 10 PM), 10145-104th-St.
www.blueplatediner.ca or phone 780.429.0740
· 25% off all food (discount is not applicable to beverage alcohol)

Blunt Salon (all day sale), Icon II Tower, 10142-104th-St.
www.bluntsaloninc.com or phone 780.498.1899
· 25% discount on all haircuts and styling

Bubble Buzz (all day sale), Icon Tower II, 10140-104th-St.
www.bubblebuzz.ca or phone 780.761.2899
· Purchase one drink and receive a 50% discount on your second drink
· Come down and enjoy relaxing board games while you savor our drink creations

Carbon Environmental Boutique (all day sale), 10184-104th-St.
www.carbonboutique.com or phone 780.498.1900
· A full day sale event
· In-store draw for a $50 gift certificate
· Free hot Christmas beverages

The Cask and Barrel (4PM to Close), 10041-104th-St.
www.thecaskandbarrel.ca or phone 780.498.1224
· 25% off your entire bill from 4 PM until close

Coup (garment boutique) (all day sale), #101, 10137-104th-St.
www.coupboutique.com or phone 780.756.3032
· 25% discount on all clothing
· In-store draw for a private shopping night

Credo Coffee (all day promotion), Icon Tower I, 10134-104th-St.
www.credocoffee.ca or phone 780.935-5546
· Purchase or reload a gift card, and obtain an extra 10% of credit

Dauphine (all day sale), 10129-104th-St.
Phone 780.421-4410
· 10% discount on all packaged items and Christmas orders placed before Dec 15, 2012

Evoolution (all day sale), Icon Tower I, 10130-104th-St.
www.evoolution.ca or phone 587.521.3445
· 10% discount on all oils, vinegars (excluding bottles over $250) and salts

Eye Care Group (all day sale from 9 AM to 9 PM), 10360-Jasper Ave.
www.eyecaregroup.ca or phone 780.437.2020
· Champagne reception from 4 PM to 9 PM
· All eyewear orders 25% off (frame & Rx lenses)

The Helm Clothing (all day sale), 10125-104th-St.
www.thehelmclothing.com or phone 780.425.4344
· Enjoy a 10% discount on our entire inventory of fine menswear

Lit Wine Bar (6 PM to Close), Icon Tower I, 10132-104th-St.

www.litwinebar.ca or phone 780.757.6688
· Enjoy half priced wine by the glass or by the bottle from 6 PM till close

Mercer Tavern (all day promotion), 10363-104th-St.
www.mercertavern.com or phone 587.521.1911
· 25% discount on your food purchase

Pangaea Market (all day sale), 10150-104th-St.
Phone 780.425.9890
· 10% off your order

Roast Coffeehouse + Wine Bar (all day sale), 10359-104th-St.
www.roastcoffee.com or phone 587.521.1563
· 20% off retail (includes serveware, whole bean coffee, brewing equipment)
· Free 12 ounce brewed coffee

Tony the Tailor Ltd. (all day chance to win), 10172-104th-St.
www.edmontontailor.com or phone 780.426.4654
· 5 In-store draws for a $15 Off Dry-cleaning Gift Certificate

Tzin Wine & Tapas (all day sale), 10115-104th-St.
www.tzin.ca or phone 780.428.8946
10% off on all gift certificates sold that day. Tzin will donate the 10% your save to their Movembe

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