C184-MB

CELLAR OFFERING 184

ThewinesofSouthAfrica,NewZealandandAustralia

With the largest number of the great wines of the deep south ever included in an Opimian selection, this is our first exclusive offer of the wines of the Commonwealth. Our selections are pure gems from the vineyards of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Founders’Choice

JACQUES FOURIE WITH WINE CONCEPTS South Africa

Jacques is widely recognized as one of the foremost winemakers of the Cape winelands. Not only is he the owner of Clovelly Vineyard in Devon Vale, but he also contracts to make the wines of a number of other vineyards including Kyburg and Mount Rozier. We have also sourced wines from four other highly rated vineyards, each of which produces wines of out spanning quality.

Counter clockwise: Jacques Fourie, Afrika Naudé harvesting at Mellasat, Mellasat House

4663 WILD FIG, CLOVELLY TRIANGLE ESTATE, DEVON VALE, 2008

4664

Irresistible!

$19.00 6 BTLS/750 ML $114.00

$16.17 $97.00

It is difficult to imagine any glass of wine giving greater pleasure in its piercingly fresh fruit than this stunner. Jacques has managed to capture the pungent yet enchanting essence of white currants fresh from the bush. Acidity illuminates the palate with attractive nettle-pungent citric notes edged by the typically clean mineral nuances that identify fine white wines of the Cape. The Wild Fig is youthful, balanced and perfectly charming. [00] M8 D8

THE BERRY, CLOVELLY TRIANGLE ESTATE, DEVON VALE, 2007

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma Nettles, white currant, lemon-lime

Taste Fresh, clean, juicy

Serve 10º C

Evolution It would be a crime to wait

Ideal with Thai spiced monkfish parcels, pan-fried cod fillets or a simple Caesar salad

Refreshingly food friendly

$19.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $118.00

$17.50 $105.00

One of the discoveries of the decade, Jacques’ brilliant Pinotage, made with fruit from his own Triangle Estate, has all the elements and flavours of red berries. The aromas are ripe and sappy, while at the entry the palate is spicy, deliciously sweet with juice oozing round the lips. All the way to the finish it gives up more and more vigorous fruit. This is a classy, sophisticated wine, but with the enduring charm of young innocence. M8 D8

4665 CHARDONNAY, ROZIER BAY, MOUNT ROZIER, 2007

$21.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $128.00

From its spiritual home in Burgundy, Chardonnay has become the most international of varietals, enhancing the potential of the terroir wherever it is grown. This example, from two carefully chosen specific sites, was produced from the best available parcels in the Robertson and Stellenbosch region. It already exhibits fine characteristics that display ripeness and richness. The vibrant straw colour leads to aromas of orange blossom with a hint of honey then, as the palate opens, it shows lively notes of lemon zest with tropical fruit. [00] M7 D8

Grape Variety Pinotage

Aroma Beguiling nose of strawberries and black cherries

Taste Refreshing acidity, lifted flavours of redcurrants

Serve 18º C

Evolution Enjoy the “berry” while it is fresh

Ideal with Game and barbecued food - as tested at many a good 'Braai' in South Africa!

Demonstrates the diversity and quality of the Western Cape

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Oranges, lemons

Taste Balanced, fresh acidity

Serve 10º C

Evolution Lovely now, but it can continue to develop

Ideal with Smoked chicken salad, South Africa’s local fish; cob, yellowtail, cape salmon

Mellasat Vineyard at Dekkersvlei

4666 MERLOT/CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ROZIER BAY, MOUNT ROZIER, 2004

$22.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $133.00

Ever since Atlantic Wine bought the old vineyard on Sir Lowry’s Pass they have fire hosed capital into renewing practically everything from equipment, to vineyards, to personnel, appointing Jacques as the consulting winemaker. Four designated vineyards have been given ultra VIP treatment resulting in a remarkable improvement in quality. With an attractive, deep garnet colour, this is both bold and beautiful with spicy ripe black fruit, a sweet hint of tobacco and plenty of crowd pleasing tannin. M7 D8

4667 PINOTAGE,

ROZIER BAY, MOUNT ROZIER, 2006

$22.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $133.00

Jacques concentrated on the more delicate aspects of the grape, seeking out the nuances to create a modern style of Pinotage. This has a rich ruby red core leading to aromas of red berries and juicy plums with a hint of cinnamon from gentle oak ageing. The medium-bodied palate offers complex layers of sweet red fruit that end with a touch of tar and limited notes of sturdy tannin leaving a buzz on the finish. Intense yet with elegance to match, it has a flavour rich structure. M7 D8

4668 ZIDELA ROSÉ, ZIDELA WINES, 2008

$20.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $122.00

Zidela is the Zulu word meaning “to give something of yourself to help others”, and is the spirit guiding this young winery where the winemaker, Jaco Kritzinger, professes his wines are his yesterday, today and tomorrow. This rosé is crisp with the freshness of strawberries in a shining pink colour. The cool, early morning picked grapes were pressed with two hours skin contact, before settlement of the must for 24 hours. Cooled fermentation for two weeks followed by filtration, it was chilled to stabilize the tannins and then quickly bottled to lock up the fruit flavours, making it ready to enjoy straight away. Delicious! [02] M8 D9

4669 ZIDELA MERLOT, ZIDELA WINES, 2007

Distinctive and appealing

Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Ripe black plums, blackcurrant

Taste Good fruit in the middle palate, finishing firm with soft tannins

Serve 18º C

Evolution Will stand up for several more years

Ideal with Roast lamb, lightly char-grilled steak, charcuterie, strong cheeses

A perfect compliment to Cape diversity

Grape Variety Pinotage

Aroma Freshly squeezed ripe red berries

Taste Firmness of plums, softness of raspberries

Serve 17º - 19º C

Evolution It has rounded the rough seas and will sail on to soft calm maturity

Ideal with Wait for a new season shoulder of Alberta lamb

A thirst-quenching charmer

Grape Variety Shiraz, Merlot

Aroma Light, bright aromas of raspberries and roses

Taste Sweet soft fruit, crisp, clean finish

Serve 10º C

Evolution Ready on the day it was bottled

Ideal with Sushi, veal, chicken, turkey roast, antipasto

Ready to charm your taste buds

$20.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $124.00

$19.50 $117.00

This young winery has been experiencing very rapid growth driven by owners Herman Nell and Danie Kritzinger; son Jaco is the winemaker. For this sappy Merlot, Jaco used opulent Stellenbosch fruit blended with grapes from vineyards in the dry Montagu district close to the semi-desert Klein Karoo. This mix of regions of origin results in a wine of strong and rich flavour with deep colour. Following crushing, the grapes were fermented with regular pumping-over to extract maximum aroma before storage in stainless steel to preserve the pure flavours of the ripe fruit until bottling. M8 D8

Grape Variety Merlot

Aroma Ripe red berries

Taste Seductive dark plums and damson with a hint of chocolate

Serve 18º C

Evolution Ready, drink while fresh and young

Ideal with Chilli con carne, tomato-based pasta dishes

4670 ZIDELA CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/PETIT VERDOT, ZIDELA WINES, 2007

Combination of Bordeaux grapes with southern sunshine

$20.83 6 BTLS/750 ML $125.00

$19.67 $118.00

The typical Bordeaux mix of three varietals has been used for this high quality red wine. The grapes were selected from the fertile Breede River Valley where the fine loamy terroir allows deep root penetration into the arid subsoil to extract high levels of complex flavours. In the glass a vibrant, polished ruby red colour offers the aromas which are typical of the blend. The flavour is soft and fruity with a light tannic structure and a delightful hint of sweet spice that lasts into the aftertaste. Maturation in new and used French oak for six months has added a warm nuance of vanilla and wood smoke. M7 D8

4671 REVELATION, MELLASAT, DEKKER’S VALLEY RANGE, 2005

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Aroma Blackcurrant and cedar spice

Taste Rich blackcurrant, blueberry and stewed rhubarb

Serve 18º C

Evolution Already sufficiently flexible to be enjoyed

Ideal with Roast beef, lamb or game, rich meaty casserole

A fruity, easy drinker

$20.67

$21.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $128.00

This wine offers a rush of red fruit on the palate. At the entry, the lifted berry flavours are followed by a soft, rounded dry wine that finishes with scrumptious chewy tannins. Produced from a blend of hand-picked grapes, predominantly Shiraz, it was fermented for 12 days before maturation in stainless steel and oak. It is an easy drinking red wine with a long finish. M8 D8

Grape Variety Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Finely integrated mix of red fruit

Taste Fruity and graceful

Serve 16º C

Evolution Why wait, it is super now

Ideal with Great with chunky dishes; lamb curry, nut burger

Stephen Richardson, Owner & Winemaker, MellasatNtsiki Biyela, Winemaker, Stellekaya Winery

4672 PINOTAGE, DEZA COLLECTION, 2007

$24.00 6 BTLS/750 ML $144.00

This wine has the wonderfully fresh array of fruit for which the Pinotage grape is well known. It has a velvet soft mouth appeal showing refined structure and class. After harvesting, the grapes were cold-soaked for 24 hours before temperature controlled fermentation on the skins for a week. This period of extended maceration softened the texture while extracting colour and tannin enhancing the quality. Following maturation for five months in French oak barrels, using 50 per cent new wood, it is ready to enjoy now but will develop and mature with careful cellaring.

M7 D7

4673 BOSCHETTO ROSSO, STELLEKAYA WINERY, 2005

Soft, juicy and spicy

Grape Variety Pinotage

Aroma Powerful shock of mulberry

Taste Full-bodied with blackberry, liquorice and a dash of dark chocolate

Serve 12º - 15º C

Evolution Enjoy now and through several years

Ideal with Rack of lamb stuffed with fresh herbs and garlic

A rich, earthy red

$24.50 6 BTLS/750 ML $147.00

$26.67 $160.00

The Stellekaya [Home of the Stars] winery is now realizing the dreams of its founders Dave and Jane Lello who contract with Cape winemaker Mark Carmichael-Green to work with Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Biyela, the first black South African winemaker to win gold in her first vintage. It is made from four varietals from the cool Helderberg Range, blending Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sangiovese to produce a medium-bodied, soft wine with subtle spice on the palate and a long savoury piquant finish. M6 D7

4674 CAPE CROSS, STELLEKAYA WINERY, 2005

Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sangiovese

Aroma Cassis and cherry cake surround oak and cigar box nuances

Taste Supple tannins combine with the oak to create a fruit-rich wine

Serve 17º C

Evolution Quite soft now, will mature up to 5 years

Ideal with Rich meat dishes – cassoulet, spicy chorizo casserole

Elegant yet powerful

$33.50

$28.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $169.00

This wine is inspired by the brightest star Gamma Crucis, which guided many early seafarers and explorers around the Cape of Storms, and is Ntsiki Biyela’s favourite wine. A Merlot/Pinotage/Cabernet Sauvignon blend unique to South Africa; it reflects the Cape terroir at its best, producing a wine with both fruit and tannic appeal. In the mouth it shows a New World melange of summer berries with a flourish of smooth juicy fruit balanced by fine oak notes. Long and well-balanced it has generous harmony with good grip and a muscular finish. M6 D7

4675 HERCULES, STELLEKAYA WINERY, 2006

Grape Variety Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Complex Merlot notes, plums with dark chocolate

Taste Berry fruit, chocolate and vanilla

Serve 17º C

Evolution Good stamina, can be enjoyed for several more years

Ideal with Marinated duck breast fillets, pan-fried, served with a cream sauce

Big, rich fruit-driven beauty

$40.00

$31.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $190.00

This red follows the inspiration given to the winemaker by the bright southern star-lit heavens. The ripe hand-picked grapes from low yielding vines were cold-soaked for three days before pressing. The wine completed malolactic fermentation in barrel prior to a further 12 months in French oak casks. The dark garnet-toned colour leads to typical Italian Sangiovese earthiness, completed by dollops of red cassis fruit and Merlot spice. Medium weight, with a complex and lengthy farewell, this is a wine that’s all about the harmony of many impressions. M6 D7

Grape Variety Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Earthy, plum fruit

Taste Clean red fruits with hints of cedar, vanilla and cinnamon

Serve 18º C

Evolution Good quaffer with ageing potential of up to six years

Ideal with Mediterranean food – wild mushroom risotto, veal with parmesan shavings

Paul Sapin SA

SelectionsfromtheSouthernHemisphere

WORLD WINE MERCHANT South Africa, New Zealand & Australia

One of the leading Houses of Southern Burgundy, Paul Sapin has developed a globespanning business specializing in the production of wines in small bottles for airlines. This departure from their traditional role as a specialist French wine company has allowed Opimian to use Sapin’s strength in the industry to select wines that are easy to afford and enjoyable to drink.

Thierry Coulon, Managing Director

4677 CHENIN BLANC, KLOOF-EN-BERG, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, 2008, SOUTH AFRICA

Crisp, fresh and clean

$11.83

$16.17 12 BTLS/750 ML $194.00

Fresh tasting and un-oaked, this white comes from north of Stellenbosch where the grape’s development is substantially lengthened by cool breezes that come off the Atlantic. This cool environment gives the Chenin its crisp freshness. The nose, with pears and green apples, leads to the lightly weighted palate where more orchard fruit flavours are wrapped in refreshing, crisp zingy acidity. [01] M8 D9

4678 PINOTAGE ROSÉ, KLOOF-EN-BERG, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, 2008, SOUTH AFRICA

$16.67 12 BTLS/750 ML $200.00

Join in the charge of the increasing popularity of modern rosé. Pinotage produces one of the best. The grapes were hand-picked in the pre-dawn cool, and then destalked with skin contact for 6 hours to deliver the light colour which, after temperature controlled fermentation for two weeks, was filtered, followed by stabilization and bottling. This example has a brilliant salmon-pink colour and fine mulberry plum aromas. With an almost dry flavour of white peaches it is very food friendly but also makes a lovely summertime aperitif. [02] M9 D9

Grape Variety Chenin Blanc

Aroma Honeysuckle with slices of fresh green apple

Taste Crisp and dry palate. guava, melon

Serve 11º C

Evolution Enjoy its youth and freshness

Ideal with Salmon ceviche with prawns and lime

Indispensable at a summer picnic

Grape Variety Pinotage

Aroma Very delicate flower perfumes

Taste Light, subtle, plums and peach

Serve 11º C

Evolution Sip, drink, quaff, enjoy

Ideal with Lunchtime wine that is great with cold chicken, salads and cold meats

4679 RUBY CABERNET, KLOOF-EN-BERG, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, 2008, SOUTH AFRICA

$16.25 12 BTLS/750 ML $195.00

Created in 1936 in California the varietal is a cross between Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon and its wines show some, but not all, the qualities of both. Primarily used for resistance to drought and high vineyard temperatures, the grape was soon winning approval for its medium-bodied, fruit-driven wines. This is a deep-coloured wine, softly textured with supple ripe berry aromas and a hint of toast. Very easy fruit, with a massive shot of black cherry retaining grip, soft ripe tannins and a velvety finish. M9 D9

4680 SHIRAZ, KLOOF-EN-BERG, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, 2008, SOUTH AFRICA

$16.92 12 BTLS/750 ML $203.00

Yields are controlled and monitored in order that the harvest can be gathered only when the grapes reach their full optimum maturity. This fruity selection offers a bright, deep red coloured wine with a purple rim. Lovely aromas of plum fruit with leafy notes, a vivid spicy, peppery freshness and a touch of mushroom lead to a beautifully soft, fruit-driven palate showing typical Shiraz richness reined in by the soft tannins and textured finish. M8 D9

4681 SAUVIGNON BLANC, MOUNT VERNON, 2008, NEW ZEALAND

A juicy, fresh charmer

Grape Variety Ruby Cabernet

Aroma Ripe black cherries in a summer pudding

Taste Easy, soft, lots of black fruit and a touch of heightened acidity

Serve 16º - 18º C

Evolution Pull the cork and enjoy

Ideal with Pan-fried lamb with cannellini bean mash

Warming, fruity, creamy texture

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Multi-facetted but all about red berries

Taste Soft, approachable, harmoniously balanced

Serve 18º C

Evolution

Never intended to be a long distance runner, it’s more about middle distance

Ideal with Rib-eye steak with chestnut mushrooms and potatoes dauphinoise

A world-wide favourite

$21.42 12 BTLS/750 ML $257.00

$21.17 $254.00

A Kiwi classic of the quality that helped put New Zealand firmly on the wine map. After harvesting and gentle crushing, the juice was allowed a period of skin contact to extract optimum fruit flavour before the slow cooled fermentation. This ensured the retention of the rich aromatic Sauvignon Blanc varietal character. Distinctive ripe elderberry flavours mingle with fresh gooseberry fruit on the palate; well-balanced and crisp. [01] M8 D8

4682 SEMILLON/CHARDONNAY “ON THE BILLABONG”, RIVERINA, 2008, AUSTRALIA

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma Vibrant aromas of lime and lemons

Taste Rich and intense gooseberries flavour

Serve 12º C

Evolution Fresh and tingling now, don’t wait

Ideal with Sushi

Fresh and ripe, a great value easy-drinking white

$13.58

$17.17 12 BTLS/750 ML $206.00

The wine originates in the irrigated Riverina district, where the giant, legendary family vineyards of De Bortoli prepare the wines for bottling by Paul Sapin. The varietal character of the Chardonnay, with well-defined fresh fruit, showing banana, melon, and touches of apricot, dominates the fresh aromas, while the tight lemon acidity of the Semillon drives the palate with well-rounded, silky flavours and a persistent finish. [01] M8 D9

Grape Variety Semillon, Chardonnay

Aroma Lemon fresh, waxy, candy peel fruit-filled aromas

Taste Broad with a silky textured appeal, ripe fruit, a touch of honey

Serve 11º C

Evolution At its best when relatively young

Ideal with Lemon pork and noodle stir-fry

4683 SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON “ON THE BILLABONG”, RIVERINA, 2008, AUSTRALIA

$17.42 12 BTLS/750 ML $209

$168.00

Winemaker Steve Webber made his name with this blend, which shows sun-drenched fruit and soft approachable flavours, one of the best value Australian reds. The bouquet offers vigorous lifted spice and freshly cracked black pepper aromas with a background of plum fruit nuances supported by subtle oak. The palate is generous with spice, peppers and concentrated plum. The finish is soft with balanced tannins and a touch of sweet oak. M8 D8

New Zealand

Packs a feisty, fruity fist

rape Variety Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Plum fruit supported by light oak

Taste Juicy, fresh plum

Serve 18º C

Evolution Drink while in its youth

Ideal with Lightly pan-fried lamb cutlets, served pink with oven roasted vegetables

MANUKA HILL ESTATE Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

We met the Fredatovich family in London some years ago. In an exhibition of many wineries and an almost countless number of wines, the bottles from this family-owned winery stood out for their consistently high quality and the integrity of the fruit. A country more renowned for its white wines than its reds, we concentrate on the cool climate classics.

Hawke's Bay Vineyard

4684 CHARDONNAY, HAWKE’S BAY, 2008

$22.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $134.00

The high level of lime-accented acidity lifts and prolongs the exotic flavours in the glass where the primary fruit combines pears and ripe apples, then fills out with melon and banana. This is a wine with an endless finish, lingering in the mouth with refreshing clarity. This is a superb choice for readers looking for a tasty, smooth wine with a lot of power, high notes of fresh lively fruit, but without reference to oak which does not feature in the production. [01] M7 D8

4685

SAUVIGNON BLANC, HAWKE’S BAY, 2008

Attractive un-oaked wine with penetrating zip

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Oatmeal, fresh pears, white peach and a hint of bacon

Taste High-accented acidity, mouth puckering lime finish

Serve 10º C

Evolution Made to be enjoyed just as it is

Ideal with Smoked trout, salad with roast chicken

$21.33

$22.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $133.00

This classic Sauvignon is typical of the unique character of Hawke’s Bay wines. It is fresh with good weight of fruit filling the mouth and though it appears quite dry, the secondary impression is rich with fully ripe, full-bodied fruit. Retaining a fine level of fresh sappy acidity which is the hallmark of the variety, it has mouth-filling flavours of stone fruit, especially damsons, with an impressive herbaceous display, featuring elderflowers and nettle. A luscious and flavoursome performer, the finish is clean and fresh. [00] M8 D8

Flighty enough to take off

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma Enticing aroma of fresh cut grass and green herbs

Taste Full-bodied and mouth-filling but still retains fine acidity

Serve 11º C

Evolution Enjoy its youth

Ideal with Lobster tail salad

Sunset - Hawke's Bay

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

4686 TUA TUA BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, 2008

A succulent palate of passion fruit and minerality

$24.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $145.00

$24.50 $147.00

This fabulous wine shows all the elements that have made Marlborough synonymous with the highest quality Sauvignon. Capsicum and gooseberries lead the charge into the palate alongside a burst of passion fruit and tropical flavours. The lively natural citric acidity extends the palate, filling the senses with rich fruit nuances that slowly ease with grace and interest into a long crisp finish. [01]

M7 D8

4687 TUA TUA BAY GEWÜRZTRAMINER, GISBORNE, 2008

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma Fresh as the nettles of springtime

Taste Forceful, full body, accented tropical fruit

Serve 11º C

Evolution So full, rich from lees ageing, it will mature for a couple of years or more

Ideal with As an aperitif, fresh herb salads with chicken satay

Voluptuous, full of interest

$24.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $145.00

$24.50 $147.00

Yellow in colour with golden reflections, it has an expressive nose of ripe yellow fruits and spicy notes. Surely one of the best wines of this varietal made in Kiwi land, it has a classic aroma of rose petals with peaches and apricots then a dash of Turkish Delight. Delicious, rich flavours fill the mouth and flatten out on the roof of the palate showing fine balance with fruit intensity. Finally, secondary flavours suggest lychees, building and continually refreshing through to the finish. [02] M6 D7

4688 TUA TUA BAY PINOT NOIR, MARLBOROUGH, 2008

$25.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $152.00

Good Pinot Noir can be difficult to find but, not so in cool New Zealand. The fruit for this wine was sourced from several North Island sites with both free-draining and heavier soils which increased the complexity of the extract while regular lees stirring promoted the full flavour. It is now showing notes of spicy cinnamon with ripe plums and hints of raspberry. The mouth is both soft and creamy with balanced fruit sweetness and persistent berry fruit flavours mixed with the burr of leafy, earthy, tannin. M6 D7

Grape Variety Gewürztraminer

Aroma Floral, passion fruit, ripe banana, jasmine, a touch of spice

Taste Pure fruit characteristics sing in harmony

Serve 12º - 14º C

Evolution A variety that ages well, changing as it matures

Ideal with Best on its own or try oriental food seasoned with curry and ginger

Would win a prize in the Côte de Beaune

Grape Variety Pinot Noir

Aroma Ripe and fruit-forward with an intriguing complexity

Taste Velvety structure, the minerality anchors red and black fruits

Serve 18º C

Evolution Upfront fruit is good now, will ripen and round out as it ages

Ideal with North African lamb roulade with couscous

vineyards

New Zealand

Australia

HASTWELL AND LIGHTFOOT McLaren Vale

A true partnership of old friends, Mark & Wendy Hastwell and Martin & Jill Lightfoot, happily remain constant friends after 18 years in business together. The vineyard started back in late 1987 with the observation, "there has got to be something better to do than work in an office for the rest of your life". The four friends found that there was and now work together, hands on, at one of the finest quality wine estates in the country.

4689 CHARDONNAY, MCLAREN VALE, 2008

$25.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $152.00

$171.00

We have enjoyed working with this estate for several years and it is clear that the wines have excelled vintage upon vintage. Although the vines have been affected by the widespread drought in South Australia, there is neither sign of over ripeness nor any loss of balance. The clear golden colour, lightened by a sparkling hint of emerald green leads on to aromas of pineapple and pear with ripe apricot lifted by the notes of cedar that linger in the background. With a masterly touch the winemaker produced a fruit-driven style free of an excessive “buttery” influence with all the flavours brought together in a package wrapped in fresh lemon acidity. [00] M7 D8

Complexity of aroma and flavour

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Lemon, pear, lychee and pineapple

Taste Deep, concentrated, rich and muscular

Serve 12º C

Evolution Delicious now, it will hold well

Ideal with Rich creamy dishes such as mushroom stroganoff

4690 VIOGNIER, MCLAREN VALE, 2008

$27.00 6 BTLS/750 ML $162.00

This is an absolutely delicious example of a grape which but a few years ago seemed destined to disappear. Widespread planting across Australia now produces wines of many different styles but this one boasts memorable quality. It has plenty of fresh lemon and lime aromas which subdue those of dried stone fruit. Like all the best wines of this grape it shows a rather fat profile on the palate but there is no loss of sophistication found in the honey-like features which carry the fruit into a long lasting clean finish. [00] M7 D7

4691 TEMPRANILLO, MCLAREN VALE, 2006

$28.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $169.00

One of the finest examples of Tempranillo grown in the southern hemisphere, it has an intensely dark ruby-red colour that extends to the rim of the glass, then the lifted aromas show ripe, fresh, fruity black cherry and sweet spice. These notes are repeated across the palate with the robust mouth-feel smoothness of the tannins and a dash of spice. The winery uses old barriques in order to preserve the distinct varietal fruit profile of the grape. Plenty of power extends the length of the finish. M6 D7

4692 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MCLAREN VALE, 2005

$28.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $169.00

All the fruit for wines from this winery are 100% estate grown, giving Martin and Mark total control over the volume and quality of their grapes. Undoubtedly the drought has created huge difficulties but these have been combated by severe pruning and strict reduction in crop size. This Cabernet has a fine spiced mint bouquet with small hints of subtle oak that repeats in the mouth alongside a broad range of ripe red berry fruit. Careful ageing in used American oak barriques allows the strong varietal fruit qualities to remain impressively complex and pure, reinforced by the powerful grip of grainy earthy tannins. M6 D7

Let the fruit tell the story

Grape Variety Viognier

Aroma Pungent and aromatic with notes of orange blossom, honey and peach

Taste Luscious texture with deep stone fruit flavours

Serve 11º C

Evolution No need to wait, it is brilliantly tasty already

Ideal with Griddled swordfish steaks with peach and corn salsa

One of the finest expressions of this noble grape

Grape Variety Tempranillo

Aroma Ripe raspberry, blueberry, cinnamon and burnt toast

Taste Opulent, spicy and silky smooth

Serve 15º - 19º C

Evolution Young but approachable, it will develop

Ideal with Pork and chorizo casserole, wild mushrooms fried gently in garlic

Shining example of handling ripe Cabernet

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Aroma

A blockbuster combining elegance with vivid fruit flavours

Taste Vibrant red berries and chocolate, soft with fine tannins and glorious fruit

Serve 18º C

Evolution Perfect now, enjoy the spicy bite, will last

Ideal with Roast leg of lamb served with caramelized vegetables and fresh mint sauce

Mark & Wendy Hastwell AND Jill & Martin Lightfoot

4693 SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2006

Simple grape but hugely intense

$29.50 6 BTLS/750 ML $177.00

$36.17 $217.00

It’s hard to find wines that show wider appeal than this. In a word, it has everything, from the depth of its cerise colour, dark and intense right through the glass, to its attractive nose showing a quartet of notes; red fruit, fresh rolled black pepper, smoke and dark chocolate. The softness of the fruit encourages a swift quaff to fill the mouth with blackcurrant flavours that eke out and fatten as the tannins, hidden within the fruit, add pungency and persistence to the luscious harmony of the finish. M7 D8

4694 FAT ’N SKINNY, “PICKER’S CHOICE”, MCLAREN VALE, 2006

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Raspberries, elderberry with a tinge of burnt caramel

Taste Dark, ripe berries, mocha and mouth-filling tannin

Serve 18º C

Evolution Lovely and will remain so for several years

Ideal with Sip on its own with the best Belgian chocolate truffles

Gorgeous Grenache, spicy Shiraz – lovely splashes of fruit

$21.67

$21.83 6 BTLS/750 ML $131.00

This is a delicious wine that tells a delightful story. Named to honour two vineyard workers, Fats Holla and Skinny Gervanti, this is a juicy Grenache with a hearty dollop of Shiraz. Every flavour element to be found in a grape makes a starring appearance including spice, cassis fruit, plums, raspberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. A seriously fruit-driven wine designed to be splashed into glasses around the barbecue table. Certainly a case of “pour, drink and make merry”, just like the original Fats ‘n Skinny who sipped wine like this one as they worked through the vineyard. M9 D9

Grape Variety Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Aroma A bowl of red berries, ripe and plump

Taste Jammy, rich fruit, very easy

Serve 16º - 18º C

Evolution Open up now and enjoy

Ideal with If not the barbe , try pork chops in a mustard and herb crust with roasted parsnips

SONGLINES ESTATES

Milsons Point, New South Wales

Martin Krajewski, having retired from a hugely successful financial career, has become the inspiration behind remarkable quality vineyards both in France and Australia. Opimian members need no introduction to his Château de Sours, but his Australian adventure, only available to Opimian, is a phenomenon. In partnership with viticulturalist, David Fatches and legendary winemaker John Duval, the guiding hand behind Penfold’s “Grange”, the most sought after wine in Australian history, Martin’s Songlines Estates is creating magic.

The co-workers

4695 BYLINES CHARDONNAY, HUNTER VALLEY, 2 007

$44.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $268.00

As most Chardonnays head for more subtle, elegant styles, here is one that offers massively concentrated fruit flavours, enhanced and surrounded by complex oak nuances of the highest quality. It shows plenty of lees and barrel characteristics which balance the exotic opulence of the fruit. Harvested from a vineyard yielding 1.5 tons per acre, the fruit comes from ancient vines planted on sandy loam over clay and limestone. Too often winemakers brag about hand-crafting, but this wine truly merits this description. It is one of the most rewarding Chardonnays ever tasted by Ken Christie. [00] M6 D7

4696 BYLINES SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2005

$44.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $268.00

Intense and ripe, the bouquet is an orchestration of black pepper, walnut and dark cherries. The rich palate is all about harmony written in large letters with flavours that project blackberry, mocha and oak. John Duval handcrafted this beauty from a vineyard of 100 year old vines yielding a low 2 tons per acre. Every batch was tasted to find those with more generous flavours early in life to blend and produce a wine with soft tannins, rounded structure and an open display of fruit. M5 D6

4697 LEYLINES SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2006

$25.33 12 BTLS/750 ML $304.00

From vineyard blocks that neighbour the Songlines McLaren Vale estate, the grapes were selected by David Fatches for approachability as a young wine. The fruit came from a block of 105 year old vines and was enhanced by the addition of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kidman vineyard, Coonawarra. Vibrant and youthful, the attractive nose shows red berries, mulberry, cloves and vanilla. Fleshy flavours sweep right through to the finish underlining succulent raspberry, sweet fruit and the buzz of dusty tannins.

M6 D7

4698 SONGLINES SHIRAZ, MCLAREN VALE, 2005

Not for the faint of heart

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Smokey oak notes, butterscotch and stone fruit

Taste Citrus notes add complexity and elegance

Serve 12º C

Evolution Can be enjoyed now but will develop greater complexity with careful cellaring up to 7 years

Ideal with Baked whole turbot with fennel

A great wine!

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Perfect balance between integrated oak and black fruit

Taste Blackberry, dark chocolate

Serve 18º C

Evolution Start in a year and carefully cellar for up to 15 years

Ideal with Carbonnade of beef with wholegrain mustard croutes

Big, rich and bold

Grape Variety Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Blackberry, cherry, liquorice, vanilla and pepper

Taste Soft, fine chocolate, vanilla with grainy tannin and subtle earthy notes

Serve 18º C

Evolution Already a “crackerjack” but it will last for four or five more years

Ideal with Lamb served with roast garlic and rosemary with winter root vegetables

$100.17

$63.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $380.00

The Estate’s flagship wine, it was recently described as the Château Latour of Australia. The bright, dark red, saturated to the rim is indicative of youthful freshness and concentration. Intense primary fruit aromas reveal an elegant sophistication balancing fresh cranberry, blackberry and spice backed up by subtle hints of cedary oak. The palate, filled with vibrant charm, reveals grainy tannins and the complexity of aniseed, liquorice and coffee. M5 D6

A wine awarded top marks by several respected wine writers in Australia

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Deep, intense, pure red fruit

Taste Tight, balanced and poised all the way to the farewell

Serve 19º C

Evolution This is a “keeper” it will last for years

Ideal with Beef Wellington, roast lamb with whole-roasted garlic

BLACK SPRINGS WINERY

Hunter Valley, Neil McGuigan

Neil McGuigan is part of a tale of how a poor family of Hunter Valley wine labourers became Australia’s third largest wine company. It is the story of great success and personal tragedy. From triumph to disaster, and back again, Neil is at the helm of a fine winemaking tradition and as his wines emerge we realize why. From our first offer of his wines a decade ago, we are delighted to return to an old friend and renew a close relationship with one of Australia’s foremost winemaking families.

4699 BOTRYTIS SEMILLON, HUNTER VALLEY, 2008

Botrytis-derived complexity

$23.67 6 BTLS/375 ML $142.00

$187.00

Many wines retain a great volume of residual sugar, but very few show much in the way of elegance or finesse. The secret of high quality lies in the magic of “Botrytis Cinerea”, a mold growth much feared by greengrocers as it can ruin their fruit almost before their eyes. It is known to winemakers as “Noble rot”, because it reduces the water in the grapes but leaves fine levels of nectar. Tasting like the finest honeyed fruit, this is perfectly balanced acidity and dried fruit in the glass; it is sweet, endlessly long and utterly scrumptious. [10] M6 D7

4700 SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC, HUNTER VALLEY/ADELAIDE HILLS, 2008

Grape Variety Semillon

Aroma Honey, peaches, floral notes

Taste Dried fruit over sweetness and fruit acidity

Serve 10º C

Evolution Everlasting

Ideal with Smoked salmon, traditional blue cheese, roasted fruit sponge cake

Crisp and zesty

$23.67

$23.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $140.00

Fully ripe fruit, with developed varietal flavours and aromas, was picked and pressed with fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, which ensured the retention of the fruit of both varieties before they were blended. Semillon provides the greater portion of the blend where its soft fleshiness was augmented by the attack of crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc. Deliciously fruity, pear and grapefruit flavours cascade on to the palate leaving tingling, vibrant, thirst quenching fruit. [01] M8 D8

Grape Variety Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma Vibrant orange aromas alongside exotic tropical and stone fruit

Taste Bold citrus and grassy/herbal flavours

Serve 10º - 12º C

Evolution Time to enjoy for its youthful freshness

Ideal with Roasted fillet of salmon with herb breadcrumb topping

Hunter Valley

4701 VIOGNIER, HUNTER VALLEY, 2008

$23.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $140.00

Each passing vintage produces Viognier with a greater range of characteristics and flavours than its predecessors. This is due to the development of the vines which are now fully mature, their roots deep into the diverse soils of the Hunter Valley. This is aromatic, even a touch oily with perfumes of flower petals, jasmine and a hint of pink grapefruit and orange zest. Fragrant and juicy in the mouth, it reveals attractively balanced qualities which combine exotic mango, papaya and kiwi fruit with light cinnamon and clove.

[01] M7 D8

4702 VERDELHO, CENTRAL RANGES, 2008

A trio of flowers, peaches and spice

Grape Variety Viognier

Aroma Peaches and apricots with butterscotch and buttery cream

Taste Exotic fruit, creamy with a long, supple finish

Serve 10º C

Evolution Young is beautiful, but this will age well too

Ideal with Prawn and coriander fish cake with sour cream and chive dip

$23.67

$23.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $140.00

Verdelho, the newly discovered darling of Australian vineyards, threatens to develop a “cult” reputation. It is a fine variety, which has long roots and presence in Portugal. Now very widely planted in Australia it is particularly successful in West Australia, the Hunter Valley and Central Ranges where the wines have intense flavours and a showy floral perfume. This one is rich and lively with refreshing crispness that demands that it should be enjoyed in its youth. The nose is a creation of citrus perfumes packed with orange blossom partnering peach and red apple. [01] M8 D8

4703 CHARDONNAY, HUNTER VALLEY, 2008

Take a break from Chardonnay, try this beauty

Grape Variety Verdelho

Aroma Pineapple, tropical fruits

Taste Creamy texture, acidity provides freshness and length

Serve 11º C

Evolution Lovely and waiting now

Ideal with Sautéed abalone in lemon sauce

Stylish and elegant

$23.33

6 BTLS/750 ML $140.00

Neil sources his fruit from that grown close to Pokolbin in the heart of the Valley, an area producing wines that show off the exotic fruit flavours of the Chardonnay. Year after year, great Hunter Valley estates produce Australia's top Chardonnays, each one ripe, full-bodied and memorable. This elegant, concentrated style has a long flavour filled with subtle nectarine fruit and complex almond and vanilla notes. A classic of its genre, it is impeccable winemaking at the highest level. [00] M7 D8

4704 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CENTRAL RANGES, 2007

$26.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $156.00

$23.67 $173.00

The Central Ranges GI (Geographical Indication) includes the sub-regions of Cowra, Mudgee and Orange. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the second most planted grape variety after the Chardonnay in this high-altitude, cool climate region of New South Wales. Neil’s Cabernet Sauvignon features lifted cassis and blackcurrants on the nose with obvious and classy oak that is in perfect harmony with the fruit. The palate is intense but balanced with fine-grained tannins. M6 D7

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Fresh, deep aromas of ripe stone fruit and citric notes

Taste Toasty marmalade, almost honeyed ripe nose with silky, lime accents

Serve 11º C

Evolution Good now, will develop further with ageing

Ideal with Steamed halibut with spinach, broad beans and gnocchi

All the elements in perfect harmony

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Rich, dark fruit

Taste Ripe fruit, subtle oak, velvety tannin

Serve 18º C

Evolution Will age well for the next 3 – 5 years

Ideal with Braised lamb, seared steaks with porcini mushrooms

4705 WHITE TRIO, 2008

$23.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $140.00

An utterly delicious, fresh-tasting blend of three varieties of which two, Verdelho and Semillon were grown in the warm soils of the Hunter, while the Sauvignon Blanc comes from the slopes of Mount Canobolas, from vines planted at an astounding 2800 feet above sea level. Winemaker, Mark Woods, has done a superb job with the different components, fermented at a very cool 12º Celsius for 15 days, retaining the fresh aromas with extraction of maximum flavour. It is drinking perfectly now and shows refreshing citrus and tropical fruit flavours with zesty acidity and a persistent finish. [01] M7 D8

BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD Cessnock, Hunter Valley

This was the first major Oz vineyard from which Opimian offered wines close to ten years ago. The perfect climate for vine production gives the wines their “distinctive Hunter character” a blend of rich fruit and elegantly integrated acidity. Now owned by New South Wales entrepreneur, John Davis, the quality of his wines continues to reflect the best of the Hunter Valley.

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho

Aroma Zesty, elderberry flowers, vibrant

Taste Fine fruit with well-balanced lemony acidity

Serve 12º C

Evolution Drinking well now

Ideal with Mussels with fennel and crème fraîche

4706 ROCK PILE CHARDONNAY, HUNTER VALLEY, 2007

Pure and obvious high quality

$31.00

$27.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $163.00

The consistently high quality of succeeding vintages of “Rock Pile” owes much to the terroir with its easy draining gravel soil. Mark Woods ferments 70% of the fruit in small oak barriques before maturation for four more months in wood. The balance is produced in steel tanks, retaining freshness then blended prior to bottling. Lovely tropical fruit now, it is enhanced by subtle oak which increases complexity and length in the mouth. [00] M7 D7

4707 RED TRIO, HUNTER VALLEY, 2007

$23.83 6 BTLS/750 ML $143.00

Three vines are the source for this wine; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from red clay soil in the Hunter Valley, with Shiraz coming from one of South Australia’s cooler regions. After harvesting the fruit was macerated for three days before primary fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation which broadened the flavour platform. Matured in French oak for 12 months, it is versatile and sturdy, offering a fruit-driven display with layered ripe wild berries, mulberry and plum fruit flavours enhanced by a subtle background of toasty oak. The lingering finish shows silky soft tannins. M7 D7

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Honey and cashew notes, oatmeal, oak nuances

Taste Creamy tropical fruit and rich biscuit flavours

Serve 11º C

Evolution Drinking well, good keeper

Ideal with Good on its own, roasted goose stuffed with prunes

Style to suit any occasion

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz

Aroma Powerful and intensely aromatic with red fruit ascending

Taste Generous with silky tannin, black cherry, sweet spice and blackberry

Serve 18º C

Evolution Can be held for a “trio” of years

Ideal with Fillet of beef served with mushrooms and reduced red wine gravy

Briar Ridge Winery Entrance

4708

OLD VINES SHIRAZ, HUNTER VALLEY, 2007

$28.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $172.00

This is a wine with glorious complexity, full of red fruit, mature spice notes and a touch of vanilla. The vineyard, irrigated to completely control the water supply to each vine, keeps the plants in a water stressed situation to ensure that the grapes attain even and perfect ripeness before harvesting. The flavours show increased intensity and wellstructured tannins that display the classic Shiraz attributes of warm leather, earth, pepper and spice. M6 D7

4709

COLD-SOAKED CABERNET SAUVIGNON, HUNTER VALLEY, 2007

$28.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $172.00

After picking the grapes were crushed, then cold-soaked on the skins for 72 hours. This process deepened the colour, and helped to secure the extraction of the softer tannins and complex flavours. Now into its second year the wine is showing a rich, vivacious nose of berries, chocolate and cedar. The soft and ripe palate with fine tannins and glorious fruit intensity, particularly dark berries, combines with balanced tannins and subtle oak. It finishes with tremendous grip and length. M7 D7

4710

“BIG BULLY”, MEMBERS RESERVE WRATTONBULLY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2006

Too good to miss, too luscious to wait

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Spice, chocolate, black and red berry fruit

Taste Elegant palate; the tannins are ripe and soft, the fruit abundant

Serve 18º C

Evolution Good for a decade

Ideal with Spiced lamb or peppery chicken casseroles

Explosive!

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Ripe black fruit and olives

Taste Dense palate with layers of cherry, fruitcake, and hints of chocolate on a lengthy, tannic finish

Serve 19º C

Evolution Ready now but, no need to hurry

Ideal with Roasted duck, old cheddar

Simple excellence!

$38.50 $231.00

$31.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $187.00

Of the four varieties planted in the Wrattonbully region of the Limestone Coast, the Cabernet Sauvignon is by far the most successful. The region is cool, almost cold, bridging the border between South Australia and Victoria in the extreme south. This climate is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon which rewards the long cool ripening with the phenolic concentration of the aromatics and flavonoids. It is complex and rich with ripe plum, mulberry, coffee, liquorice and chocolate flavours which fill the palate with their individual characteristics. M5 D6

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Vibrant cassis mixed with mint, rosemary, redcurrant and blueberry

Taste Concentrated, complex with soft, silky tannins

Serve 19º C

Evolution Tough now, showing some softening, leave a while

Ideal with A bottle to share with conversation, duck in a reduced plum sauce

Mark Woods, Winemaker

Briar Ridge Cellar

GEOFF HARDY WINES

Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Without doubt Geoff Hardy has emerged as the leading winemaker in his State. His early development of Australia’s largest vine nurseries placed him in a perfect position to select the best root stock and vines for his vineyards which produce fruit of extraordinary quality.

4711 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, CHARDONNAY, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2007

Viticultural brilliance

$39.17

$32.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $194.00

Geoff’s K1 labelled wines, from the cool growing conditions of his Kuitpo (Ky-po) Vineyard, are produced from fruit of two successful clones. The nose has developed the tremendous power of a basket of exotic nuances, particularly orange zest, mangoes, melon and white peaches. This complexity is strengthened by touches of damp earth and oak smoke. The palate is fresh with spiced savoury notes harmonizing with lovely hints of fresh lemon acidity and a long finish that seems reluctant to leave the mouth. [00]

M6 D8

4712 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, SHIRAZ, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2007

$32.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $194.00

From the depth of its dark colour it could have been made with black Indian ink, but inside the glass there’s a massive aroma of wood, strawberries, cassis, tobacco leaves and a hearty milling of black pepper. With close to 20 months in French and American oak, the colour has taken on a lustrous sheen with soft grainy tannins and rich black fruit, leather, vanilla and sweet cinnamon spice. The finish is long, fresh, with a note of aggressive pungency. M6 D6

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Very fresh, complex

Taste Concentrated, harmony of the components

Serve 12º C

Evolution Ready today, tomorrow and for five or six years

Ideal with A perfect partner for whole-poached salmon

Grape Variety Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Blackberries, polished leather, dark chocolate

Taste Superb fruit in the middle palate reinforced by fine tannins

Serve 18º C

Evolution Maturity will reward

Ideal with Casserole of lamb, mushrooms, olives and red peppers

The classic richness of the Adelaide Hills

Geoff Hardy K1 Cellar

4713 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2007

$32.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $194.00

This is a beautiful example of the grape, making an instant impression with a deeply concentrated ruby colour, with features that show balance and sophistication. The nose offers blackberries, cassis, mint and kitchen herbs underlined with tea, dark plum and cedary oak. Then in the mouth these characteristics, with crushed blackcurrant, add to the opulence. Silky smooth tannins fill the mouth with the gift of complexity while well-integrated acid provides definition and focus. M6 D6

4714 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, MERLOT, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2006

$32.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $194.00

Geoff’s Merlot is grown on a small number of locations within the rolling, undulating hills of Adelaide, a landscape closer to that of southern Ontario than the usual impressions of Australia. Merlot is a relative newcomer to this region. The wines show a dense garnet colour with a lifted nose and spicy notes of mulberry, black cherry and crushed black pepper. The flavour is rich with its bookmark black fruit and earthy background. Full-bodied, ripe tannins make a strong impression across the palate as they fill the mouth with flavour. M7 D7

4715 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, SHIRAZ VIOGNIER, ADELAIDE, 2006

Firm, strong, with a long life ahead

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Ripe blackcurrant, mint, green leaf

Taste Powerful, pungent and still tough

Serve 19º C

Evolution A wine with a ten year life span

Ideal with Mozzarella and parma ham calzone

Quite firm but smooth

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Black cherry, plum with spice

Taste Chocolate texture with a mass of red berry and hints of oak

Serve 19º C

Evolution Leave a while yet but not for too long

Ideal with Pappardelle with a hare ragù

Lovely floral perfumes

$27.50 6 BTLS/750 ML $165.00

$31.00 $186.00

Hand-picked grapes were fermented in tank, before transfer to a mixture of French and American oak barrels, mostly second fill, to mature for 16 months prior to bottling. Blueberry fruit with a hint of cardamom spice, cracked pepper and cigar box on the nose with a Viognier induced floral lift. The palate shows rich raspberry fruit with lingering, velvety tannins that complement the lasting mint chocolate and vanilla flavours. M7 D8

4716 K1 BY GEOFF HARDY, MUSEUM RELEASE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ADELAIDE HILLS, 2001

Grape Variety Shiraz, Viognier

Aroma Blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry

Taste Long, intense fruit integrated with savoury tannin and toasty oak

Serve 18º C

Evolution Very fine fruit now, will last but no need to delay

Ideal with Spicy moroccan vegetable tangine with pomegranate couscous

A national treasure

$34.50 6 BTLS/750 ML $207.00

$43.17 $259.00

This lovely, ripe, mature Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 12 months in French and American oak hogsheads. It is drinking beautifully now, showing supple tannins that enfold, almost in a caress, the red fruit and earthiness. Rich in tobacco nuances, the rounded fruit flavours join with all the other emphasized notes in a seamless symphony. It is beautifully balanced with a very inclusive, long, perfumed nose and soft fruit finish. M8 D9

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Intense, perfumed nose with cedar notes and spice

Taste Rich flavours of blackcurrant and blueberry finishing with great length

Serve 19º C

Evolution Now fully mature, quite close to perfection

Ideal with Thinly sliced rare roast beef, parsnip chips and peppery watercress

4717 GMH VINEYARD SERIES, MERITAGE, LIMESTONE COAST/LANGHORNE CREEK/ADELAIDE HILLS, 2006

$19.83 12 BTLS/750 ML $238.00

Geoff studied at Roseworthy College prior to starting on his independent career as a grape grower and viticulturist. He bought his first vineyard with partner, Ian Leask in 1980. The results of their co-operation can be seen in the constant and outstanding quality of the GMH labels. With lifted blackberry and cassis on the nose this has a palate offering sweet fruit flavours with luscious plums, blackcurrant and the complexity provided by blending three grapes. M6

D7

4718 GMH VINEYARD SERIES, SHIRAZ, LIMESTONE COAST/LANGHORNE

CREEK/ADELAIDE

$19.83 12 BTLS/750 ML $238.00

HILLS, 2007

The vineyards, some planted over 100 years ago, produce sparse bunches with tiny berries, the secret of the complex flavours of Geoff’s Shiraz, which has typical leathery notes. The colour is a wonderful purple with hints of mauve at the rim. The complex bouquet of black fruits, prunes, liquorice, and vanilla roll into the palate with an explosion of dark chocolate reined in by fine textured tannins and integrated oak. This is a superbly structured wine with intense velvety fruit. M6

D7

4719 GMH VINEYARD SERIES, PETIT VERDOT, LIMESTONE COAST, 2007

$19.83 12 BTLS/750 ML $238.00

Many winemakers announce that the Petit Verdot grape, used in a minor role in Bordeaux, will become Australia’s next big success. At the moment it is made in various styles, many of them too tough to be attractive. This is one of the best we have tasted, with masses of luscious ripe sweet fruit and plenty of supple tannins to balance the palate and give it complexity. If all the other producers had the same vision of the grape that powers Geoff’s wine, then it is certain that for Australian Petit Verdot the future is bright. M6 D7

Great wine and a good buy

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Shiraz

Aroma Concentrated blackcurrants and forest berries followed by spicy hints of mocha

Taste Tight tannin structure with fine grained cedary oak

Serve 19º C

Evolution Coming into focus, will mature well

Ideal with Fleshy pasta dishes with a tomato base such as bucattini amatriciana

Alluring marriage of fruit and dark notes, mocha and chocolate

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Black fruit, kitchen spices

Taste Plenty of red berries and notes of mocha and dried fruit

Serve 18º C

Evolution Very youthful but drinking nicely

Ideal with Five spice aromatic duck

Proving the versatility of Australian viticulture

Grape Variety Petit Verdot

Aroma Green, stalky, cassis, leaves, forest floor notes

Taste Tough packet of full, ripe red fruits

Serve 19º C

Evolution Surprisingly forward, delicious

Ideal with Hearty spiced lamb and aubergine pie, wild mushroom and sage risotto

K1 Vineyard

Hardy Family

WESTEND ESTATE Griffith, New

TheCalabriaFamily

South Wales

Established in 1945, the Calabria family business involves all members of the family in the winery operations. The doyen of the family, Bill Calabria, remains utterly committed to the excellence of their wines, which come from the New South Wales Riverina district, where carefully controlled irrigation restricts the availability of water. In current drought conditions, irrigation is totally essential but becomes more limited as the dry weather continues. This has resulted in wines of even greater concentration and body.

4722

MILYAROO CHARDONNAY, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

4723

Clean, easy, fresh

$17.33 12 BTLS/750 ML $208.00

$14.08 $169.00

The grapes used for this delicious wine come from the vineyards of the three south eastern states, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The fruit was grown on irrigated, free-draining, deep sandy soils and has developed a delicate golden-green colour and a floral nose with notes of toast and lemon. Nicely balanced soft flavour offers a good structure and long aftertaste. [01] M7 D8

MILYAROO SEMILLON/CHARDONNAY, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Citrus, apple and pear

Taste Good balance, clean integrated fruit

Serve 12º C

Evolution Will stay the pace for two or three years

Ideal with Roast saddle of rabbit

Charming, fruit-driven style

$17.33 12 BTLS/750 ML $208.00

$14.08 $169.00

It is hard to imagine any wine producing region where these two white grapes come together with such easy harmony. The Semillon, itself a big performer in Australia, provides the velvety smooth stage upon which the Chardonnay performs its paces. The nose is soft and attractive showing newly turned hay and green grass, then in comes the Chardonnay, donating peaches and melons and a lightweight bowl of fresh fruits. [01] M8 D9

Grape Variety Semillon, Chardonnay

Aroma Very light oak, good white fruit notes

Taste Soft, small spice nuances, good level of ripe fruit

Serve 11º C

Evolution Ready to be enjoyed

Ideal with Summer salads, seafood dishes

Calabria Family

4724 MILYAROO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

4725

Mouth-filling red fruit

4726

$17.42 12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

$14.17 $170.00

Bill Calabria was once a leading boxer, but his wines have won more medals than his fists, surpassing 500! Today, he specializes in limited edition wines of notable quality like this bright red which spent several months in new oak barrels, adding complex cassis and blackcurrant flavour to sweet spice with earthy, tannic notes that show vinosity and a fine level of integration. M6 D7

MILYAROO MERLOT, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Smokey cassis, dark fruits, tea leaves

Taste Ripe and rich, tough finish lengthened by firm tannins

Serve 18º C

Evolution Reaching a good time to open the first bottle, will last

Ideal with Hearty pastas or grilled meats

Fragrant and smooth

$17.42 12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

$14.17 $170.00

This is very good, displaying fine quality from the moment the cork draws clear, when the dark maroon wine fills the glass with its bright, well-polished, intense colour. The nose is ripe with cassis, pungent tongue-tingling spice, along with plenty of firm tannin that keeps the fruit in the heart of the palate. All the elements come together resulting in a rich and round mouth-feel with a long finish. M6 D7

MILYAROO SHIRAZ, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

Grape Variety Merlot

Aroma Blackberry and melon fused with raspberry

Taste Sweet cassis, tobacco, and mineral notes, moderate tannin

Serve 19º C

Evolution Delicious now, it has potential for a long life

Ideal with Roughly cut pâté de campagne, unsalted butter with crusty bread

$17.42 12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

$14.17 $170.00

Something very clever about the way the Calabria’s make their wines, they are all so, in a word, complete. This is particularly remarkable as Bill Calabria has a clinical condition that, although he may taste his wines, he is prevented from actually drinking them. The colour is as dark as all the reds, but the bouquet is oak-accented with blackcurrant, brambles and cinnamon spice. A soft, smooth flavour of red fruit, especially raspberry and blueberry, follows bringing the acidity and tannin into focus. M7 D7

4727 RICHLAND CHARDONNAY, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA 2008

A bombshell of ripe red fruit

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Old leather, smoke, summer pudding fruits

Taste Fresh and sappy but soft and ripe

Serve 19º C

Evolution Lovely to drink now however, it has years of life ahead

Ideal with

Spiced lamb, tomato and pine nut filled pastries served warm with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of natural yogurt

$20.33 6 BTLS/750 ML $122.00

$110.00

This is an elegant and restrained wine showing what can be gained when the winemaker’s use of oak in ageing and flavour development is handled with a light hand. The pale yellow colour shows various light green hints, a sure sign of youth, and the bouquet shows subtle honey and hazelnut along with some nice touches of melon. The palate is equally attractive with a rich, creamy mouth-feel and honey flavours that continue from the bouquet. Beautifully balanced with mineral and lime acidity, there is just a hint of vanilla from the wood. Full-bodied and quite firm, this wine has terrific length. [01] M7 D8

Handcrafted, a showpiece of fine winemaking

Grape Variety Chardonnay

Aroma Slate, mineral, lime acid and honeyed peach

Taste Elegant, the oak supporting fine ripe fruit

Serve 11º C

Evolution Drinking well now but will develop further complexity

Ideal with Roasted pork loin with fennel, grilled polenta with wild mushrooms

4728 RICHLAND SHIRAZ, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

$22.17 6 BTLS/750 ML $133.00

Here we have a truly fine Shiraz, from the grape that Australia has practically made its own. Gone are the over expressed Ozzie wines with smells of sweaty leather. In their place are the wines rich with blueberry and black fruit made more fascinating by the pinches of fresh cracked peppercorns. The aroma is big, fruit-driven, as though blackberries had been freshly crushed into the glass. Plenty of firm tannins hang on to the flavours allowing the palate to warm and develop its full rich potential with an infusion of subtle oak from the short period of cask ageing. M7 D8

4729 96 POINTS SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER, RIVERINA, 2007

A warm, rich approachable wine

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Dark berries with black pepper

Taste Berries, chocolate, vanilla and some tarry dark notes

Serve 19º C

Evolution Supple enough to enjoy now

Ideal with Pink roast shoulder of salt marsh lamb

$20.83 6 BTLS/750 ML $125.00

$116.00

Following the old traditions of the Côte Rotie, Bill Calabria blended a splash of Viognier with his Shiraz, even to the old open-top fermenting vats, then maturing in French oak hogsheads for twelve months. Now the colour is almost too dense to see through the glass, but the nose is filled with lovely petals and roses, mixed with plums and a whiff of pepper. The palate is as strong as the nose, but still elegant with a blending of dark chocolate and blackberry. It finishes with a gruff tannic note. M6 D7

Impressive finesse and structure

Grape Variety Shiraz, Viognier

Aroma

Hugely concentrated, juicy plum flavours with dark chocolate

Taste Bursting with intense black fruit

Serve 19º C

Evolution Enjoy the rough or leave to soften – best in 4-5 years

Ideal with Spiced braised knuckle of veal served with green peppers and aubergine

Bill Calabria supervises every aspect of the winemaking process, Westend Estate Cellar Door & Function Centre

Three Bridges Durif at Winery

4730 96 POINTS DURIF, RIVERINA, 2007

$20.83 6 BTLS/750 ML $125.00

A grape propagated in the 1880s in France, it was a capricious cross between the Peloursin and Syrah grapes. It is known in California as the Petite Sirah. Made by traditional methods and fermented in large oak vats it has developed a dark purple colour. Now dense, a black giant with a layered structure that opens with damsons and succulent black plum notes of mocha and chocolate. Bill Calabria’s wine makes Shiraz look lightweight in comparison! M6 D6

4731 WESTEND ESTATE “THREE BRIDGES”

CABERNET/SHIRAZ,

KING VALLEY, 2008

$26.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $160.00

The King Valley, in the hilly northeast of Victoria, was once the centre of Australia’s gold rush. Now it is the source of some awesome reds. This one was a mighty success at our tastings. Packed with silky soft cassis-laden fruit we guarantee that after one sip, you'll be as convinced as we are. Brimming with ripe aromas of blackberry, plums and figs, it is a sumptuous red, jam-packed with concentrated fruit flavours. M6 D7

4732 WESTEND ESTATE “THREE BRIDGES” RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RIVERINA, 2006

$33.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $202.00

This is the “top of the range” of the wines produced by Bill Calabria at Westend. This wine is dedicated to the founding members of the family, Francesco and Elizabeth Calabria, new migrants from Italy in 1927. “Three Bridges” crowns 60 years of connection with the Riverina. Like many Australian Cabernets this is a big brute. It has an intensely deep colour, with an intricate aroma of sweet, ripe blackberry and mulberry fruit and hints of mint and tobacco. The fruit is so ripe that it all merges in the mouth, filling the palate with the many flavours of cooled compote of summer berries. Big, spiced up, vanilla hinted, flavoursome finish. M7 D8

4733

WESTEND ESTATE “THREE BRIDGES” RESERVE SHIRAZ, RIVERINA, 2006

If you like big monsters, this is for you

Grape Variety Durif

Aroma Blackberry, liquorice and spice

Taste Big flavours of ripe black cherries, chocolate and soft oak

Serve 19º C

Evolution Far from ready, be patient for a while

Ideal with Grilled bison fillet, venison casserole

Rustic charmer

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Aroma

Dark fruit combined with floral notes, subtle oak and spice

Taste Powerful with ripe, juicy blackberries

Serve 19º C

Evolution Forward, drinks well today but has years of life ahead

Ideal with Grilled beef rolls stuffed with pine nuts and raisins, lamb shanks with roasted garden vegetables

Powerhouse Cabernet lavishly barrel-aged

Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma Deep nose, showing fruit, oak, vanilla, tobacco and chocolate

Taste Complex cassis and blackcurrant

Serve 19º - 22º C

Evolution Perfect to drink now or age in the medium term

Ideal with Roast saddle of lamb, caramelized vegetables and fresh mint sauce

Bill’s heavyweight champion

$33.67 6 BTLS/750 ML $202.00

$42.83 $257.00

Heavily oak influenced, the early impressions offer dark chocolate with rich black fruit which absolutely fills the palate against a secondary display of sweet spice, especially vanilla, cinnamon and ground nutmeg. It has great length, building flavours that reflect the aromas, all underpinned by a super harmonious structure that allows it eventually to slip away on softly polished notes of leather and the gentle grip of tannin. M6 D7

Grape Variety Shiraz

Aroma Cherry, coffee, oak with notes of eucalyptus

Taste Package of red berry, spice and tobacco leaf

Serve 19º C

Evolution A life expectancy of ten years

Ideal with Slow-cooked game casserole

COUPON PROGRAMSWINEPROGRAMS

Referanewmember, and upon joining, the new member will receive a Free Case Coupon and you will receive a Referral Case Coupon.

WWW.OPIM.CA or 800-361-9421

NEW MEMBERS

With your valid Free Case Coupon, choose one of the 6 bottle cases listed below, with the order of any other case on the same Cellar Offering (excluding Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice).

REFERRING MEMBERS

With your valid Referral Case Coupon, choose one of the 6 bottle cases listed below, with the order of any other case on the same Cellar Offering (excluding Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice) OR

Redeem your valid Referral Case Coupon for a Wine Credit (based on tenure) and apply against a case of your choice, with the order of any other case on the same Cellar Offering (excluding Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice).

YOUR FREE CASE CHOICES FOR THIS CELLAROFFERING

4720 MILYAROO SEMILLON/CHARDONNAY, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

Coupon 6 BTLS/750 ML

Packaged in cases of 6, this is the same wine as lot 4723, available only with the coupon as explained above.

4721 MILYAROO MERLOT, SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA, 2008

Coupon 6 BTLS/750 ML

Packaged in cases of 6, this is the same wine as lot 4725, available only with the coupon as explained above.

OPIMIAN SELECT ASelectionofourWines

Receive a mixed case (6 bottles) from a region’s most representative wines from every offering. This is a great way to sample the many styles, grape varietals, and terroir from the world’s best wine-producing regions.

FOUNDERS’ CHOICE ACollectionofPremiumWines

Receive one premium wine (6 bottles) from Opimian’s most trusted suppliers.

Every Founders’ Choice selection features a dedicated back label and we provide a detailed description of each wine region, terroir, winemaking style, grape type, and food match.

The Founders’ Choice feature supplier is Jacques Fourie.

These wines are not available on the Cellar Offering and can only be ordered through reserving on these programs. For an application, please visit our website, www.opim.ca, “Downloads” section OR call us at 800-361-9421.

CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE FOR CELLAR OFFERING

184

•Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum nor maximum required.

•Last day to order for this Cellar Offering: November 3, 2008

•A valid 2009 membership card is required to order and pick up.

•Methods of Payment: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque made out to Opimian in Trust.

SYMBOLS

White Red

Rosé

Sparkling

Drink this year

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Wine meant for laying down

•4 ways to order:Online: www.opim.caEmail at: opim@opim.ca Phone: 800-361-9421Fax: 514-481-9699

•Expected arrivals at Canadian Port: End of March 2009. Arrival dates at liquor boards depend on their distances from port of entry.

•Release dates: Dependent upon actual arrival dates, and processing time required by each liquor board.

•Your order status: Updated weekly at www.opim.ca.

Members’ Choice

This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.

Opimian Suggests

To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.

Sweetness scalegms/litreExamples

Great concentration Light in body Medium concentration

Heavy oak Light oak Medium oak

Less than 100 cs available

Very limited quantities

Extremely limited quantities

Limited quantities

Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including G.S.T & H.S.T #R 105 233 217 • Q.S.T #1000640430

Medal Winner

Appeared in the C177 Select Case (2008 Season)

opim.ca

000 - 3Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds 014 - 6Some New World Varietals, some reds

027 - 12Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds

0313 - 20Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou

0421 - 34Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry

0535 - 50Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace, dry White Port 0651 - 74Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat 0775 - 100Auslese, Beerenauslese

08101 - 139Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port 09140 - 179Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port 10180 >Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

#420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca