C203-NT: The wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Cote d’Or of Burgundy and the Loire Valley

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES ORDER BY JUNE 6, 2011

OFFERING 203

The wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, The wines of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Cote d’Or of Burgundy and the Loire Valley

The women of Château Canet – Victoria and Charlotte Lemstra

CELLAR OFFERING 203 The wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Cote d’Or of Burgundy and the Loire Valley In this offering from Southern France, Burgundy and the Loire we include wines ranging from simple, quaffable everyday styles providing great value for money to really special wines produced in minute quantities that are perfect for special occasions. All our producers work with the same dedication to quality, striving for improvement each year. Many of the wines selected are from the 2010 vintage, a vintage which the more I have tasted the more I have found to be generally good quality having been sceptical in the beginning. The summer was cooler than previous years with some areas being hit by significant rainstorms and even hail.

The skills of our winemakers have produced wines with perhaps less opulent fruit than 2009, but which are concentrated and well-balanced.

Below: Jérôme Billard loading just-harvested grapes Right: Château de la Bretesche Center: Entrance to Château Vignelaure

About the cover: Harvest is the most exciting time of the year at Château Canet and following in fine French tradition every member of the family lends a helping hand. As a student at the University of Toronto Victoria dreamt of a life of travel and adventure. She refined her dreams in Burgundy when she met and married Floris and fulfilled them with the purchase of Château Canet in 2007. Now her 9 year old daughter Charlotte helps with the harvest while dreaming of a future as a master winemaker. “What I love most about picking is tasting the grapes and imagining how their flavours will show themselves in this year’s vintage.”

Below: Louis Mondeville bottling line

Above: Vine leaf Château Canet Near right: Domaine Peirière Chardonnay vineyard Far right: LGI concrete tanks located in Cruzy

2

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

The wines of the

Languedoc-Roussillon CHÂTEAU CANET Rustiques, Languedoc

6141

Château Canet is owned and run by Floris and Victoria Lemstra since 2007. Having met in the vineyards of Meursault in Burgundy, they were married and both their children born in the Hospices de Beaune.

Located in the Minervois region at Rustiques, 11km east of Carcassonne, they have 45ha of vines on clay and limestone soils together with 3ha of olive groves, 65ha of farmland and forests and guest cottages where they enjoy sharing their passion for wine.

ESPRIT DE CANET MERLOT, IGP CITÉ DE CARCASSONNE, 2010 $17.83

6 BTLS/750 ML $107.00

This wine is packed with plum fruits, blackberries, good mid-palate weight and fresh black fruit flavours. Produced from vineyards located around the medieval city of Carcassonne, on mainly clay/limestone soils, the grapes were de-stemmed and underwent three to four days of cold soak extracting rich black fruit flavours. After fermenting at low temperature it was aged in tank and oak barrels for eight months. M8 D9

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET >>

Great value Grape Variety

Merlot

Aroma

Plums, cherries

Taste

Fresh red and black fruits, medium weight, supple tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Best consumed young, drink over the next two years

Ideal with

Cassoulet, quiche, cold meats

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

3

6142

DOMAINE CANET CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $21.00

6143

6 BTLS/750 ML $126.00

Grape Variety

Chardonnay

4.5ha of Chardonnay are planted at Château Canet. The grapes were harvested in the early morning and skin contact carried out for twenty-four hours in order to maximize the extraction of the fruit flavours. After pressing the juice was left to settle and was racked prior to fermentation at 18ºC, partly in one year old French oak barrels, partly in stainless steel tanks. The result is an elegant wine, lightly oaked with fine nutty and stone fruit characteristics and long lasting tropical flavours. [00] M8 D9

Aroma

Blossoms, citrus fruit, brioche

Taste

White fruits, grapefruit, pineapple

Serve

9° C

Evolution

It is ready now, but will remain fresh up to two years

Ideal with

Grilled fish, sashimi

DOMAINE CANET SYRAH ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010

Made from the first Syrah of the season, harvested in the cool of night Syrah Grape Variety

$21.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $126.00

Over half of Château Canet’s 45ha of vines is planted with Syrah. This wine was produced from early harvested grapes from the younger vineyards to ensure juice with lots of fruit and good acidity. Like the Chardonnay, these grapes underwent a short maceration in the press giving the wine its pale, baby pink colour. Fermented at 17ºC in stainless steel, the wine was subsequently matured on fine lees for five months producing a refreshing, juicy style with crisp acidity.

[00] M8 D9

6144

DOMAINE CANET SYRAH, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2009 $21.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $126.00

Intensely coloured with mellow ripe fruits, there was no use of oak in this wine to allow the Syrah to fully reveal the quality of its fruit and velvety structure. The final wine is tremendously soft with an approachable style, juicy red cherry flavours, and peppery spiciness that develop with time in the glass. After harvest, the grapes are left to cold soak for four days at 8ºC prior to fermentation at 26ºC. M8 D8

6145

Aroma

Sherbet, raspberries, violets

Taste

Generous red fruits, juicy acidity

Serve

9° C

Evolution

Absolutely ready

Ideal with

Summer salads, grilled scampi

An everyday wine with a solid yet soft structure Grape Variety

Syrah

Aroma

Mellow, ripe, cherries, blackcurrants

Taste

Soft palate with juicy red cherries, spice, velvety tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Very approachable now, drink within three years

Ideal with

Grilled red meats, spicy dishes

CHÂTEAU CANET, AOC LANGUEDOC, 2009 $21.67

6 BTLS/750 ML $130.00

Grenache brings characteristic red berry fruits and is combined with the cedar pepperiness of the Syrah. Nightharvested grapes underwent cold soak for four days prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks and a further two week maceration period. This wine has pleasing ripe tannins with good concentration and an enduring cherry finish. M7 D8

4

Elegant, almonds and stone fruits

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Blackberries and pepper Grape Variety

Grenache, Syrah

Aroma

Blackberries, raspberries, cedar

Taste

Soft with medium weight, juicy

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will evolve over two to three years

Ideal with

Venison, duck

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET >>

6146

CHÂTEAU CANET, AOC MINERVOIS, BLANC, 2010 $22.33

6147

6 BTLS/750 ML $134.00

This wine is produced from two of the permitted grape varieties for Minervois Blanc, the Roussanne and the Bourboulenc. Skin contact was carried out for twenty-four hours before gentle pressing of the grapes. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 18ºC and was followed with a very short time in wood to add texture and structure rather than any obvious oak elements. The nose, currently closed, is of ripe pears. The broad structure of the wine, typical of Roussanne, is complemented with fresh lemon juice zestiness. [00] M8 D8

Grape Variety

Roussanne, Bourboulenc

Aroma

Discrete ripe pears, citrus and tropical fruit to come

Taste

Apples and pears with a fresh lemon finish

Serve

9° C

Evolution

Enjoy over the next two years

Ideal with

Grilled monkfish with black olive sauce and lemon mash

CHÂTEAU CANET, AOC MINERVOIS, ROUGE, 2010

Oak is limited to preserve the fruit and structure provided by the terroir Syrah, Grenache Grape Variety

$22.33

6 BTLS/750 ML $134.00

Earthy plum fruits on the nose are the introduction to this supple wine. After harvest, the grapes were cold-soaked for four days prior to fermentation over a twenty day period.

15% of the wine was subsequently aged in one year old Vosges oak barrels adding complexity and spicy notes, but no obvious oak flavours. M7 D7

6148

Minervois Blanc represents only 2% of the entire Minervois production

CHÂTEAU CANET, LA CHAPELLE, AOC MINERVOIS, CUVÉE SPÉCIALE, 2010 [WOODEN CASES] $33.83

6 BTLS/750 ML $203.00

La Chapelle is named after the 12th century chapel which previously stood on the site of this vineyard. Producing an average yield of 20 hl/ha, the gnarled seventy year old Grenache vines strive to survive; sadly each year fewer of them do. In 2009, rather than uprooting La Chapelle, for the first time, Floris and Victoria decided to segregate these grapes which were usually blended with other Grenache.

Hand-harvested late, on October 2nd, they were left to cold soak for ten days and were kept on skins a further three weeks during fermentation, submerging the cap by foot twice daily. Having tasted it very early in its development, it was quite closed, but it is already showing lovely typical Grenache berry characteristics, great structure and potential. M6 D6

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON CHÂTEAU CANET

Aroma

Plums, blackcurrants, blackberries, hint of violets

Taste

Supple, soft fruits, soupçon of liquorice and spice

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will keep up to four years

Ideal with

Daube à la Provençale

Only the “vin de coule” (wine from the first pressing) is used Grape Variety

Grenache

Aroma

Blackberries, vanilla, coconut

Taste

Full-bodied, rich fruit, chocolate

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It merits bottle age, five to seven years

Ideal with

Game casseroles, ripe cheeses Left: The ancient fortified town of Carcassonne recalls the images and decor of the Middle Ages. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Right: Many men dream of a Porsche or something similar for their 40th birthday. Floris wanted a copy of his first car, a Citroën Dyane, or a glorified 2CV. His children Olivier and Charlotte fulfilled his dream, but regret their present a little when Floris picks them up at school.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

5

LGI WINES Carcassonne Founded in 1999, LGI works closely with some of the big cooperatives around the Minervois and St. Chinian area. The Languedoc, traditionally known for producing big volumes of inexpensive, low quality wine, was a significant contributor to the wine lake. This has changed in recent years and we may be moving into a situation where there is actually a wine shortage. Over the last ten years, more than 100,000ha of vines have been pulled and vineyards totally abandoned. With a succession of years of drought, the 2010 harvest reached its lowest yield with eleven million hectolitres versus twenty million in 2000.

The LGI winemaking team, led by chief winemaker Xavier Roger, works closely with the growers and cooperatives in the area to identify the vineyards with the most potential to produce quality wines.

The vineyards of Lagarde

6

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI WINES >>

6153

CUVÉE LAGARDE BLANC, IGP DU COMTÉ TOLOSAN, 2010, SÉLECTION DU VIGNERON $16.08

12 BTLS/750 ML $193.00

Clean, fresh apples and melon fruits combine with a soft, light palate. Accessible with refreshing lemon acidity, it represents great value for money. Produced in the Gers region in the south west of France close to Toulouse, the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. After picking and six hours skin contact to build on the fruit aromas, the grapes were gently pressed and fermented at low temperature.

[01] M8 D9

6154

CUVÉE LAGARDE ROUGE, IGP PAYS D’HÉRAULT, 2010, SÉLECTION DU DOMAINE $16.08

12 BTLS/750 ML $193.00

The Lagarde Rouge is produced from traditional Languedoc grape varieties grown between Narbonne and Béziers. Picked at optimum ripeness, de-stemmed and crushed, the Carignan and Grenache grapes underwent short macerations of eight days while the Merlot was on skins for two weeks. The resulting blend is a palatable, soft wine offering lots of red fruits and, as does its white counterpart, great value for money. M8 D8

6155

LA CAMPAGNE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.42

12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

The Merlot for La Campagne is cultivated 30km from Béziers on beautiful south facing slopes. A more rustic style, it has notes of tobacco and spice with astringent tannins on the finish; it is a wine with character. Traditional vinification was carried out with the grapes fermented in concrete tanks and a maceration of two to three weeks.

M8 D8

6156

DOMAINE MONDIÉ MERLOT SYRAH, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.42

12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

Gilles Mondié is a young dynamic producer. He is responsible for the running of the 50ha estate of Domaine Mondié close to the village of Argeliers where he is a member of the cooperative. Planted on south facing clay soils, the vines average twenty years. The grapes were harvested in the cool hours of early morning and after crushing macerated for three weeks during a cool fermentation. Intense purple in colour, the palate is plums, cherries and soft berry fruits. M7 D8

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI WINES >>

Crisp and fresh, it will surely please every palate Grape Variety

Ugni Blanc, Colombard

Aroma

Apples, citrus fruit, pineapple

Taste

Soft, crisp, fresh lemony acidity

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Delicious now

Ideal with

Aperitif, summer salads

Easy drinking red Grape Variety

Carignan, Grenache, Merlot

Aroma

Strawberries, red berries

Taste

Supple, soft tannins, easy

Serve

18° C

Evolution

No need to wait

Ideal with

Pizza, simple pasta dishes

La Campagne is a traditional term used in the South of France to designate a big farm Grape Variety

Merlot

Aroma

Plums, red berry fruit, spicy notes

Taste

Simple, but concentrated with dark fruit flavours

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will drink well up to three years

Ideal with

Entrecôte steak

Fruity and herbal Merlot with a Syrah kick Grape Variety

Merlot, Syrah

Aroma

Plums, blackberries, blackcurrants

Taste

Soft, juicy red fruits, medium length

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It is enjoyable already and will maintain its freshness for up to three years

Ideal with

Magret de canard

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

7

6157

LES ARGELIÈRES CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $18.25

12 BTLS/750 ML $219.00

A ripe, broad style, this Chardonnay tantalizes the senses with notes of coconut and nutmeg. The fruit, grown on gravel, stony soils west of Béziers was picked during the cool of night. After gentle pressing, 40% of the juice was fermented in French oak at low temperature adding complexity without dominating the fruit. The wine was subsequently aged on its fine lees for three months contributing elegance to the finish. [01] M8 D8

6158

LES ARGELIÈRES SYRAH, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $18.25

12 BTLS/750 ML $219.00

The Syrah is grown on south facing chalky slopes near Argeliers. Traditional vinification was carried out with grapes macerating for approximately three weeks to maximize skin extraction. There is no use of oak. The wine’s concentration is apparent in the deep red colour with purple reflections.

Balanced and smooth, plum fruit aromas come through on the nose with firm tannins on the finish. M7 D8

The vineyards are on gravel soils covered with rocks as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grape Variety

Chardonnay

Aroma

Tropical fruits, nutmeg spice, coconut

Taste

Broad structure with medium length

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Enjoy it at optimum freshness, within two years

Ideal with

Almond trout

The grapes were selected from the best Syrah vineyards Grape Variety

Syrah

Aroma

Black fruits, spicy notes

Taste

Energetic fruit, firm finish

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Immediately drinkable, it will persist up to three years

Ideal with

Roasted pepper and spinach pasta

Hand-harvesting at one of the coop vineyards with which LGI is associated

8

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI WINES >>

6159

TORTOISE CREEK SAUVIGNON BLANC, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $18.67

12 BTLS/750 ML $224.00

While still quite restrained on the nose, this wine has more facets to it than one would expect from a southern French Sauvignon Blanc. Gooseberries combine with herbs and softness on the attack, not flabby in any way, with good acidity and fruit flavours. It is balanced with a zesty citrus finish. Chief winemaker Xavier Roger has used some of the techniques he learned in New Zealand, combining Sauvignon Blanc picked early in the season with grassy aromas and grapes picked later to give smoothness and riper flavours. [00] M8 D9

6160

Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma

Gooseberry, herbal, bonbon anglais

Taste

White peaches, fruity with good balance and zesty citrus acidity

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Enjoy over the next two years

Ideal with

Greek salad, Thai cuisine

12 BTLS/750 ML $224.00

Nutty, textured Viognier

The Tortoise Creek Viognier grapes are grown near the small village of Argeliers, 20km north of Narbonne where they enjoy the sunny, warm climate. Harvested too early Viognier can be quite bland, too late and the wines can become heavy and oily in texture. The team at LGI meticulously tracks this variety’s maturity before choosing the right day to harvest. A short skin contact followed by gentle pressing and fermentation at low temperature has produced a wine with a slightly nutty, smoky nose and a textured palate with layers of flavours, good weight and a firm finish. [00] M8 D9

Grape Variety

Viognier

Aroma

Peaches, apricots, almonds

Taste

Fruits found in the aroma continue onto the velvety palate with good weight

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Ready to enjoy now and up to two years

Ideal with

Butter chicken

TORTOISE CREEK MERLOT CABERNET, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010

Optimum ripeness of the grapes is easily reached on these terroirs

$18.25

12 BTLS/750 ML $219.00

The warm sunshine of the Languedoc-Roussillon and the lack of rainfall during the summer of 2010 led to low yields throughout the area especially for red wines. Parcels of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were selected by Xavier and picked at optimum ripeness. After de-stemming and crushing, the grapes were left to macerate for at least a month and fermentation carried out at 28ºC to produce a concentrated palate. M8 D8

6162

Grape Variety

TORTOISE CREEK VIOGNIER, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $18.67

6161

Multi-faceted southern Sauvignon Blanc

TORTOISE CREEK SHIRAZ, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $18.25

12 BTLS/750 ML $219.00

Selected parcels of Syrah in the Languedoc-Roussillon were identified by Xavier and picked at full ripeness. The grapes underwent cold soak for forty-eight hours prior to fermentation to extract soft tannins and lots of colour. 30% of the wine was aged with medium toasted French oak staves giving it its cedar notes and combining perfectly with the dark black fruit flavours of the grapes. New world in style, it has masses of fruit and concentration with nicely integrated oak. M7 D8

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI WINES >>

Grape Variety

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma

Blueberries, blackberries

Taste

Full ripeness provides richness with soft tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It is delicious now and will hold for up to two years

Ideal with

Beef medallions with Chanterelle mushrooms

Perfect combination new world-old world style Grape Variety

Shiraz

Aroma

Dark fruits, pencil lead, cedar oak, chestnut notes

Taste

Full-bodied, juicy fruits, velvety tannins adding to the length

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will continue to evolve over three to four years

Ideal with

Roast venison with red wine and onion jus

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

9

6163

DOMAINE DE FONTJUN, AOP SAINT-CHINIAN, 2010 $17.42

12 BTLS/750 ML $209.00

Domaine de Fontjun is located near the Mediterranean and picturesque village of Cébazan 5km east of Saint-Chinian after which the appellation was named in 1982. Winemaker Florence Sechet has succeeded in producing a complex and exciting wine with notes of the garrigues so typical of Saint-Chinian combined with leather and spice. The Syrah and Grenache are harvested at polyphenolic ripeness. The greater part of the two varietals is traditionally vinified.

However, a portion of the Syrah undergoes carbonic maceration, a method used on whole, uncrushed grapes. This allows the development of specific aromas which add to the wine’s complexity. M8 D8

6164

CHÂTEAU SALITIS, CUVÉE PREMIUM, AOP CABARDÈS, 2009 $20.33

Aroma

Ripe blackcurrants and raspberries, cedar, leather notes, spice

Taste

Structured with spicy flavours and raspberries on the finish

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Enjoy upon arrival and up to three years

Ideal with

Rabbit in mustard sauce

Atlantic meets Mediterranean

12 BTLS/750 ML $244.00

Situated 3km east of the historic medieval town of Carcassonne at Conques-sur-Orbiel, Château Salitis has 100ha of vines managed by Frédéric Maurel. Cabardès is the meeting point for influences of the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west allowing for a slow and even maturation of the grapes and resulting in fruity wines in the Languedoc and Bordeaux regions. The Cabardès AOP is the only wine appellation in the Languedoc allowed to blend southern grape varieties such as Syrah and Grenache with Atlantic varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, producing Languedoc wines with distinct characteristics. The 2009 is showing development with incense, liquorice and a certain earthiness. M6 D7

10

This cuvée illustrates the technical progress being made by some estates in the region Syrah, Grenache Grape Variety

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Grape Variety

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache

Aroma

Blackberries, earthy, truffles, black pepper

Taste

Fruity, liquorice, persistent

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Already drinking nicely, it has the components to support ageing

Ideal with

Chicken casserole with red wine, ham and peppers Left: LGI chief winemaker Xavier Roger Right: Unloading of newly harvested grapes which will go through a cleaning process prior to crushing

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI WINES

PAUL SAPIN SA A fortuitous meeting brought about through adversity led to this successful partnership between Thierry Coulon and Olivier Mandeville Peirière. The year was 1994, a year with severe frost damage in the Loire, forcing Thierry to look for alternative sources of Chardonnay. Olivier, having studied winemaking at Montpellier, had taken on the running of the family estate in Minervois from his father and was making good quality, varietal wines. The two were introduced through a wine broker. When in 1996 Thierry bought Paul Sapin, an old established, small négociant business, the partnership with Olivier was developed as the source of quality Languedoc wines. It continues to flourish with the team recently acquiring Château Blomac.

Domaine Peirière – home of Olivier Mandeville Peirière

6165

LES OMBRAGES, IGP VAUCLUSE, 2010 $16.42

12 BTLS/750 ML $197.00

The Vaucluse region lies south of the Rhône Valley. It is said that its wild nature and purity of light have inspired generations of artists and impressionist painters over the years, but, perhaps it is the wine that has inspired them!

This wine is soft and fruity with energetic, juicy acidity.

M8 D9

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON PAUL SAPIN SA >>

Fruity Grenache Grape Variety

Grenache, Carignan, Syrah

Aroma

Red berries, spice

Taste

Soft, mellow palate with good acidity and a firm finish

Serve

16° C

Evolution

It is delicious while in its youth

Ideal with

Spanish tapas, burgers

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

11

6166

LOUIS MONDEVILLE GRENACHE ROSÉ, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $16.83

12 BTLS/750 ML $202.00

This Grenache is grown in the foothills of the Montagne Noire between Narbonne and Carcassonne, affording it some protection so that it benefits from the sunshine with cooler nights and the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The intense, fruity bouquet conjures up images of the Mediterranean’s sunny climate. Direct pressing of the Grenache Noir grapes was followed by fermentation at low temperature, with emphasis given to maintaining its fruitiness. [01] M8 D9

6167

LOUIS MONDEVILLE SAUVIGNON BLANC, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.17

12 BTLS/750 ML $206.00

The Mandevilles are a family of innovators. Olivier’s father Paul was the first person in Europe to harvest grapes mechanically when he imported a machine from the US in 1971. As a grape variety, Sauvignon is not a natural lover of hot summers making the skill of the vine grower and winemaker more important than ever. After picking and pressing, the juice was left to settle prior to fermentation at low temperature to create soft, fruity flavours. [01] M8 D9

6168

12 BTLS/750 ML $206.00

Viognier is not an easy grape to get right, but Olivier has certainly succeeded. One of the first to plant this variety in 1993, the vineyard has now reached maturity. This shows through in the expression of the full character of the grape.

Medium pale yellow in colour, the aroma is very appealing with white fleshy fruits and delicious peachy flavours that are so typical of the Viognier. Soft and full on the palate with a long finish, it would give many more expensive Condrieu wines a run for the money. [01] M8 D9

DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE CHARDONNAY, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.25

12 BTLS/750 ML $207.00

Domaine Peirière is in the heart of the Minervois at Azille.

With a total of 230 hectares of vines, many were planted thirty years ago by Olivier’s father Paul, a pioneer in the region. The Chardonnay was planted more recently in the 1990s with 40ha grown on a high trellis which allows for full ripeness of the grapes. The result is an expressive wine with melons on the nose, fruit and weight on the palate and great balance. [01] M8 D9

12

Grape Variety

Grenache

Aroma

Raspberries, lemon

Taste

Red fruit flavours, spiciness on the finish, extremely palatable

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Enjoy while it is fresh

Ideal with

Canapés, light salads

Tropical fruits Grape Variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma

Pineapple, citrus

Taste

Round, lemon and melon

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Appreciate its freshness and vivacity upon arrival

Ideal with

Sushi

LOUIS MONDEVILLE VIOGNIER, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.17

6169

Perfect for a summer evening

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Mature vines, complex wines Grape Variety

Viognier

Aroma

Intense fruit salad, pear drops

Taste

Peaches, nectarines

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Drink over two years

Ideal with

Chinese cuisine

Ripe Chardonnay Grape Variety

Chardonnay

Aroma

Exotic pineapple

Taste

Melons, peaches, medium length

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Fresh and vibrant, ready now

Ideal with

Toasted pine nut salad

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON PAUL SAPIN SA >>

6170

DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE MERLOT, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $16.67

12 BTLS/750 ML $200.00

The Merlot is the first of the red varieties to ripen and be harvested. Medium ruby in colour, on the nose it has chocolate and earthy notes combined with lavender and herbs typical of the garrigues. With more definition and structure than many Merlots from the south, much of it due to the forty year old vines, it has a full body and marked tannins on the finish. M7 D8

6171

DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $16.67

12 BTLS/750 ML $200.00

Domaine Peirière includes 30ha of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The contrast between the warm summer days and cool nights, thanks to the proximity of the Montagne Noire, allows the fruit to develop typical cassis aromas combined with ripe plums. Quite light in structure, this wine is immensely quaffable with an attractive liquorice hint on the finish. M7 D8

Thierry Coulon amongst the 100 year old vines at Blomac

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON PAUL SAPIN SA >>

Structured and delicate Grape Variety

Merlot

Aroma

Chocolate, lavender, earthy notes

Taste

Ripe red fruit, slightly dry tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It should hold up to four years

Ideal with

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

True Cabernet expression Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma

Cassis, plums, spicy

Taste

Delicate structure, ripe black berries

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It is ready to enjoy, but will hold

Ideal with

Pork roast with rosemary

Domaine Peirière cellars

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

13

6172

DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE SYRAH, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $16.83

12 BTLS/750 ML $202.00

Olivier’s father Paul was the first person to plant Syrah in the Languedoc in 1974 and at nearly 40 years of age, these are the oldest Syrah vines in the region. A dark garnet-red, this wine has lovely floral notes of lavender and wild herbs. Soft and juicy on the palate, it is easy and approachable with good balance and soft tannins. M7 D8

6173

DOMAINE PEIRIÈRE PINOT NOIR, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.50

12 BTLS/750 ML $210.00

The Domaine has 30ha of Pinot Noir planted in the 1990s.

The dramatic change in temperature of up to 20ºC between day and night makes this a suitable area for Pinot Noir. It is a refreshing, fruity wine, light in structure with a very fine texture and floral aromas. M7 D8

6174

DOMAINE BLOMAC CABERNET SAUVIGNON, IGP PAYS D’OC, 2010 $17.00

12 BTLS/750 ML $204.00

Domaine Blomac has a long association with wine going back to the de Roland Trassanel family who founded the vineyards, built the original wine cellar in the late 18th century, and who received authorisation to use water from the nearby Canal du Midi. Today, the wines are made by young Parisian Marie Toussaint who studied winemaking and gained experience in Strasbourg, Champagne and as far afield as California and Australia. The estate has two distinct terroirs; the first alluvial soils on the banks of the river Aude, the second gravelly limestone-clay on which the Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. This wine is appealing with a violet bouquet and black cherries on the palate complemented by a light, tannic structure. M8 D8

6175

CHÂTEAU BLOMAC, AOC MINERVOIS, 2009 $18.75

12 BTLS/750 ML $225.00

The Syrah and Carignan vines that are used are more than forty-five years old, mainly free standing bush vines, showing through in the sheer concentration and weight of the wine. Intensely coloured, it has complex aromas of coffee, garrigues, herbs and lavender. On the palate it is structured with a full flavour coming through on the long, harmonious finish. M7 D8

14

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Syrah has found a suitable home in the Languedoc Grape Variety

Syrah

Aroma

Red fruits, floral, lavender notes

Taste

Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and peppery spice

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Perfectly ready now, it has the structure to persist

Ideal with

Lamb brochettes

Sophisticated Pinot Noir Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Floral, earthy, spice

Taste

Blackcurrants, light structure, soft texture

Serve

10° C

Evolution

At its best over the next two years, but it will cellar up to four

Ideal with

Cold roast beef

The varietal emerges with the unique qualities provided by the gravelly limestone soils Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma

Blackberries, spices

Taste

Black cherries, structured tannin

Serve

18° C

Evolution

This is a three year wine

Ideal with

Toulouse sausage

First competition, first gold medal – Mundus Vini Grape Variety

Syrah, Carignan, Grenache

Aroma

Wild berries, herbs, lavender

Taste

Fruity, elegant, silky tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Drinking well now and for up to three years

Ideal with

Pan-seared steak with herbes de Provence

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON PAUL SAPIN SA

Provence

CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE Rians-en-Provence

Georges Brunet, credited with the rebuilding of the highly regarded Third Growth Château La Lagune, was the first person to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence here at Château Vignelaure in the 1960s. Now owned by a Swedish-Danish couple, Mette and Bengt Sundström who purchased the estate in 2007, it is managed by winemaker Philippe Bru. Located on a plateau at the foot of the Montagne Victoire northeast of Aix- en Provence, the estate has 57ha planted with vines at between 350 and 480M altitude on limestone clay soils. The wines produced are concentrated with finesse and complexity. Beneath the estate is a spectacular network of cellars where the wines are allowed to mature, first in oak, then in bottle. The magnificent cellars are complemented by a fascinating collection of modern art featuring works by César, Miro and Hartung.

The picking team with the Syrah harvested from the La Colline de Vignelaure vineyard

PROVENCE CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

15

6176

LE PAGE DE VIGNELAURE ROSÉ, IGP VIN DE LA MÉDITERRANÉE, 2010 $23.50

6 BTLS/750 ML $141.00

Herbal leafy flavours typical of Cabernet Sauvignon show through in this bright pink rosé. Sourced from selected parcels on the estate, the grapes were picked by hand and subsequently macerated for a number of hours prior to fermentation. On the palate it has fresh acidity and citrus tang combined with the herbal flavours. [00] M8 D8

6177

LE PAGE DE VIGNELAURE ROUGE, VIN DE PAYS DES CÔTEAUX DU VERDON, 2008 $25.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $150.00

Having started on the road to development, the brick ruby colour introduces an intense nose with a lovely combination of vanilla and red fruits, raspberries and red cherries. On the palate it is refined with good juicy acidity and finegrained tannins. Produced from 4ha of select parcels with low yields, the grapes underwent long maceration of seven weeks followed by part of the wine being aged for twelve months in oak barrels. M6 D7

6178

CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE ROSÉ, AOC CÔTEAUX D’AIX EN PROVENCE, 2010 $27.67

6 BTLS/750 ML $166.00

This is a more typical style of rosé from Provence, produced from old vines Grenache and Syrah. The growing season in 2010 was relatively cool and resulted in late budbreak which began at the end of April. The flowering took place during warm weather which allowed for uniformity and steady fruit setting. The dry, cool October permitted the harvesting of perfectly healthy clusters. After eight hours of skin contact the grapes were pressed, fermented at low temperature and subsequently kept on fine lees for three months. Bright pink in colour the nose is mellow with delightful fruit and concentration on the palate. [00] M7 D8

6179

CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE, AOC CÔTEAUX D’AIX EN PROVENCE, 2007 $33.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $198.00

The 2007 Château Vignelaure is showing all the finesse and elegance that epitomize this estate and that have helped build its reputation over the years. After an exceptionally mild winter, budburst was early and was followed by an especially wet spring. The summer was cool and windy with no rain until a few welcomed storms at the end of August which helped to ripen the fruit. Harvest started on September 10th and took place in ideal weather conditions. The grapes were picked by hand with strict selection in the field and again at the crusher. Each variety and parcel was not only vinified separately, but a different vinification program was used for each tank. After a long maceration period, the wine was matured in oak, one third new, for fourteen months. M6 D7

16

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Made using the saignée method, the process of bleeding off a portion of red wine Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma

Herbal notes

Taste

Tangy citrus acidity, balanced and fresh

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Perfect now

Ideal with

Smoked fish, Indian cuisine

Art & Wine: The labels were designed by Yves Saint Laurent Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Aroma

Intense aromas of vanilla and red fruits

Taste

Raspberries, cherries, lingering fine finish

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will continue to develop over four years

Ideal with

Duck with wild rice and cherry stuffing

A more serious rosé Grape Variety

Grenache, Syrah

Aroma

Strawberries, red berries

Taste

Red fruit intensity, structured with depth

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Perfectly balanced, it will keep three years

Ideal with

Tuna steak

To show the wine’s full potential, decant before serving in large glasses Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache

Aroma

Red fruits, vanilla

Taste

Elegant structure with integrated oak

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Showing good ageing potential, it will continue to develop and improve in bottle up to eight years

Ideal with

Roast guinea fowl with spinach and pears

PROVENCE CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE >>

Billard is the fifth generation at this family estate in the DOMAINE BILLARD Jérôme Hautes-Côtes de Beaune just 15km south of Beaune. Having studied viticulture and oenology in Beaune and Montpellier and having worked with various top producers around the world, he PÈRE ET FILS has been running the estate since 1993. During this time he has expanded beyond the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune to the La Rochepot current 17ha of vineyards in a number of appellations. Jérôme aims to express the typicity of these different terroirs combining traditional practices with innovation.

The

Cote d’Or

6180

BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ, AC, 2010 $22.83

6 BTLS/750 ML $137.00

The Aligoté grape often produces dull wines with little character or charm and searing acidity. Jérôme has 1.8ha of the varietal planted and has succeeded in producing a wine with delightful honeyed aromas followed by grapefruits and lemons on the palate. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperature, the wine was bottled early to capture the fruit. [00] M8 D9

6181

BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE BLANC, AC, LA JUSTICE, 2010 $25.33

of Burgundy A rare fine example of Aligoté Grape Variety

Aligoté

Aroma

Delicate honey, white blossom, green apples

Taste

Grapefruit flavours with vivacious lemon citrus, supple finish

Serve

10° C

Evolution

It is at its best now

Ideal with

Charcuterie de campagne, Charolais cheese

It shows well even in its youth

6 BTLS/750 ML $152.00

La Rochepot is considered to be one of the best communes in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. 3ha are planted on limestone soils in the lieu-dit La Justice at 350M altitude above the Saint-Aubin appellation. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were gently pressed and the juice fermented in barrels from the Vosges and Allier forests with 10% new oak. After malolactic fermentation the wine was subsequently aged on lees for ten months with regular stirring producing a smooth wine with ripe white fruits and grapefruit flavours. [00] M7 D8

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY DOMAINE BILLARD PÈRE ET FILS >>

Jérôme Billard (right), his assistant and Yolande the mare work the Saint-Romain Chardonnay vineyard

Grape Variety

Chardonnay

Aroma

Grapefruits, melons, pears

Taste

Smooth, fresh white fruits

Serve

10° C

Evolution

It will continue to develop over three years

Ideal with

Fillet of Salmon with classic beurre blanc

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

17

6182

BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE ROUGE, AC, 2010 $25.33

6 BTLS/750 ML $152.00

5ha of Pinot Noir are planted on clay limestone soils with the yields kept low through strict de-budding and regular manual ploughing of the soils. The hand-picked grapes underwent additional sorting at the winery prior to gentle crushing by foot during the fermentation. The wine was subsequently aged for ten months in Allier and Vosges barrels emerging with herbal aromas and a light, easy-drinking style. M6 D7

6183

SAINT-ROMAIN, AC, LA PERRIÈRE, 2010 $28.17

6 BTLS/750 ML $169.00

At La Perrière, 1.46 hectares of vines are planted on marl calcareous soils. There is no use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or weed killers in the vineyard allowing the maximum development of microorganisms in the soil. Traditional vinification followed by fifteen months in oak barrels, 20% new, fully express the nature of the terroir producing a somewhat restrained nose with all the typicity of Pinot Noir; red fruits, herbal notes, lovely balance. M6 D6

6184

6 BTLS/750 ML $175.00

The Auxey-Duresses appellation lies on the side valley that leads from Meursault to Saint-Romain. A finely textured wine with all the elegance associated with good Burgundy, this wine has delicious appealing red fruits with elegance and depth. 1.25ha are planted on clay limestone soils. After fermentation the wine was aged for twelve months in Allier and Vosges barrels, 20% new oak, creating a wine with impressive finesse. M6 D7

BEAUNE, AC, LES BONS FEUVRES, 2010 $30.50

6 BTLS/750 ML $183.00

The grapes come from a small plot of only 0.3ha planted on loam soils with iron veins, already making it a more complex wine. Vibrant in colour with layers of flavours, it is silky and balanced with a long, spicy finish and soft, ripe tannins; this is a stunner. It was aged for twelve months in Tronçais oak barrels, 20% of which were new. M6 D6

18

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Herbs, spices, black cherries

Taste

Light structure, lively acidity

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It is approachable now, but has good cellaring potential

Ideal with

Braised lamb

Maturity will bring smoky, macerated fruit Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Raspberries, redcurrants, cassis, herbs

Taste

Structured with fine tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will evolve over five to eight years

Ideal with

Veal roast blanquette with mushrooms

AUXEY-DURESSES, AC, 2010 $29.17

6185

Sourced from one of the best zones in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Sheer elegance Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Red fruits, cassis, plums

Taste

Medium-bodied, silky

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will build greater depth over three to five years

Ideal with

Roast haunch of Venison with blueberry and rhubarb sauce

Many consider Beaune the wine capital of the Côte d’Or Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Multifaceted, perfumed, liquorice

Taste

Fleshy, tightly bound, silky ripe tannins, spicy, persistent

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It can be appreciated in its youth, but it will age well, this is an eight to ten year wine

Ideal with

Pomegranate-glazed duck breast

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY DOMAINE BILLARD PÈRE ET FILS >>

2010 harvest of the Pinot Noir in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune

6186

SAINT-AUBIN 1ER CRU, AC, LES CASTETS, 2010 $32.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $192.00

Tucked away behind its more famous neighbours Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, SaintAubin has often been overlooked. Here the majority of the production is white with less than one third producing red wines. Les Castets is one of a total of twenty premier crus with white marl and limestone soils. The wine was aged for eighteen months in Vosges and Tronçais barrels, one third new. M5 D5

6187

BEAUNE 1ER CRU, AC, LES CHOUACHEUX, 2010 $39.67

6188

6 BTLS/750 ML $238.00

Bottling in the Billard cellars

One of Burgundy’s best communes in terms of quality and value for money Pinot Noir Grape Variety Aroma

Crunchy red apples, black cherries, raspberries, peppery

Taste

Opulent fruit, firm attack, the tannins will need time to soften

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It has a long road ahead, drink 2013-2020

Ideal with

Wild boar stew

A first for Jérôme, a first for Opimian

Jérôme purchased this parcel in January, 2010, or rather he was selected by the grower; it is not easy to purchase vineyards in Burgundy without being known to the community. The owner, whom Jérôme knows well, was retiring.

With no children of his own he was approached by many for this prime site of 1.24 acres of sixty year old vines below the famous Clos des Mouches. However, it is Jérôme who is celebrating his first vintage under the guidance and advice of the former proprietor. Very closed in due to its youth, it has the structure to secure greatness with maturity. M5 D5

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Aroma

Black fruits, bilberries, cinnamon, pepper

Taste

Fruit depth, complex framework, refined texture

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Patience will reward, drink 2013-2020

Ideal with

Jugged hare, Epoisses cheese

POMMARD, AC, LES TAVANNES, 2010

Pommard wines are amongst the most tannic and robust in Burgundy Pinot Noir Grape Variety

$43.33

6 BTLS/750 ML $260.00

Pommard produces only red wine. The lieu-dit of Les Tavannes, with its loamy limestone stony soils, lies north east of Pommard and has similar characteristics to some of the 1er Cru. Jérôme cultivates a minuscule twenty-two ares of vines. The wine was aged for fifteen months in Allier oak barrels, one third new, producing intense cherry menthol aromas, a concentrated palate with a long herbal-cherry finish and the potential to age for many years to come. M5 D5

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY DOMAINE BILLARD PÈRE ET FILS >>

Aroma

Cherry menthol, pure fruit, underbrush

Taste

Concentrated, succulent fruits, herbal cherry, muscular

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Allow it time to evolve, try a bottle in 2014, ageing potential up to twenty years

Ideal with

Goose breast with winter vegetables

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

19

The wines of the

Loire Valley DANIELLE AND PASCAL GIBAULT Les Martinières, Noyers-sur-Cher

Jérémie Huchet and his father Yves are owners and vine growers at Domaine de la Chauvinière

The Loire Valley, known as the garden of France, extends from east to west twisting and turning for 280km. A land with a huge architectural heritage, it is rich with castles, more than three hundred, ranging from fortifications built in the 10th century to stately homes built for royalty and nobility from the 16th century onwards. Along the banks of the river, many different wine styles are produced, the best from grapes suitable to this cooler climate such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Danielle de l’Ansée, the commercial arm of Domaine Gibault, produces fine wines from Touraine and works to distribute other domains which share their quest to offer consistent high quality.

20

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

THE LOIRE VALLEY DANIELLE AND PASCAL GIBAULT >>

6189

DOMAINE GIBAULT SAUVIGNON BLANC, AOC TOURAINE, 2010 $21.83

6 BTLS/750 ML $131.00

This is a fine example of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire which truly stands up to many much more expensive and known appellations. Domaine Gibault has 11ha on sandy chalk soils with southern exposure. What shows through in this wine is the ripeness of fruit giving quite a broad rather than mineral style. Abundant gooseberries and a smoky flavour are produced from long, slow fermentation and ageing on fine lees. [00] M8 D9

6190

6 BTLS/750 ML $123.00

Produced from 2ha of Gamay on south facing chalky clay soils, the yields are controlled through green harvest. Leaf thinning helps the fruit fully mature in this climate giving cooler floral and leafy aromas. The grapes underwent semicarbonic maceration and short fermentation to eliminate any green characteristics leaving a lightly structured wine with rustic tannins and grip. M8 D8

Gooseberries, apricots, orange blossoms

Taste

Broad structure with greengauge flavours, hint of butter from the ageing on lees

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Lively and ready

Ideal with

Goat cheese salad, oysters

Cool leafy flavours Grape Variety

Gamay

Aroma

Blackcurrants, blackberries, floral, leafy

Taste

Medium weight with firm acidity and grippy tannins

Serve

12° C

Evolution

Made to be enjoyed while fresh, drink within two years

Ideal with

French beef casseroles, Toulouse sausage

DOMAINE GIBAULT EMOTION, AOC TOURAINE, 2010 $21.50

6 BTLS/750 ML $129.00

A more serious style of wine, Côt, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted on south facing chalky clay soils. Maturity is achieved through green harvest and leaf thinning to expose the grape bunches to the sun’s warming rays. A long maceration and ageing has resulted in a concentrated wine with aromas of red fruits and violets combined with fine-grained tannins. M6 D7

6192

Aroma

DOMAINE GIBAULT FRIANDISE, AOC TOURAINE, 2010 $20.50

6191

Its quality surpasses that of many more expensive Loire Sauvignons Sauvignon Blanc Grape Variety

CHÂTEAU DE LA BRETESCHE, AOC MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE, 2010, DOMAINE DE LA CHAUVINIÈRE $21.00

Serious stuff from Touraine Grape Variety

Côt (Malbec), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aroma

Jammy red fruits, violets

Taste

Concentrated with fine tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Ready to enjoy now, it has staying power, three to five years

Ideal with

Grilled lamb chops

An authentic “gastronomic” wine

6 BTLS/750 ML $126.00

A particularly well-made example of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Château de la Bretesche is located on the south bank of the Sèvre River with 10.5ha of old vines between thirty and sixty years old on gneiss soils. After gentle pressing and fermentation, the wine was aged on fine lees throughout the winter months allowing it to develop richer characteristics and balance. It is an exceptionally pure wine.

[00] M8 D8

THE LOIRE VALLEY DANIELLE AND PASCAL GIBAULT >>

Grape Variety

Melon de Bourgogne

Aroma

Candied fruit, melon, brioche

Taste

Lively acidity, fresh melon

Serve

10 - 12° C

Evolution

Best in its youth, drink within two to three years

Ideal with

Mackerel vin blanc

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

21

Hand-harvesting at Domaine Du Pont de Livier

6193

DOMAINE DU PONT DE LIVIER, CRÉMANT DE LOIRE, AOC, FLORE AND EMMANUEL RIALLAND $25.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $150.00

This is a refreshing aperitif and a suitable alternative to Champagne. Crémant de Loire is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, with a second fermentation in bottle to produce fine mousse, but using typical grape varieties from the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Clean and fresh, it has a lingering citrus flavour and succulent acidity. [02] M8 D9

6194

DOMAINE DU PONT DE LIVIER ROSÉ D’ANJOU, AOC, 2010, FLORE AND EMMANUEL RIALLAND $20.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $120.00

Flore and Emmanuel Rialland, situated at Saint-Georgessur-Layon 40km south of Angers and west of Saumur, cultivate a total of 18ha of vines. This medium sweet rosé is produced from the traditional Anjou variety Grolleau grown on sandy soils. After a short maceration period the grapes were pressed and fermentation arrested leaving seventeen grams per litre of residual sugar balanced with the natural acidity. [03] M8 D9

22

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 203

Charles Pain of Domaine Charles Pain

A refreshing aperitif Grape Variety

Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc

Aroma

Crisp fruit, honey, nutty

Taste

Fine mousse, balanced, citrus

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Ready upon arrival

Ideal with

Sushi, caramelized pear and walnut pie

A light pink, medium sweet rosé Grape Variety

Grolleau

Aroma

Blackcurrant, leafy

Taste

Herbs and spices

Serve

10° C

Evolution

At its absolute best

Ideal with

Spicy lamb tagine

THE LOIRE VALLEY DANIELLE AND PASCAL GIBAULT >>

6195

DOMAINE DU PONT DE LIVIER, CÔTEAUX DU LAYON, AOC, 2010, FLORE AND EMMANUEL RIALLAND $23.50

6 BTLS/750 ML $141.00

Côteaux du Layon is known for its sweet dessert wines produced from the Chenin Blanc, a varietal that can be extraordinarily long-lived. Situated along the Layon River, a tributary of the Loire River, the noble rot affected grapes were hand-picked in successive stages, a maximum of three. With a honeyed spice nose, it has a light, elegant palate with flavours of poached apples and pears and caramelized fruit. [06] M6 D7

6196

DOMAINE CHARLES PAIN, CUVÉE PRESTIGE, AOC CHINON, 2010 $22.83

6 BTLS/750 ML $137.00

Charles Pain established this domaine in 1987 with 8ha of Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Chenin Blanc. It now comprises over 40ha situated along the banks of the La Vienne River east of the village of Chinon in the communes of Panzoult, Cravant-les-Côteaux, Avon-les-Roches, Theneuil and l’Île Bouchard with an average vine age of forty years. For this wine, Cabernet Franc grapes from gravel terraces underwent long maceration of twenty to twenty-eight days. The resulting wine has developed a ruby red colour and leafy aromas complemented with medium concentration and a firm finish. M6 D7

6197

JEAN-PAUL MOLLET, POUILLY FUMÉ, AOC, 2010, SCEV DES RENARDIÈRES $27.00

6 BTLS/750 ML $162.00

This domaine is based at Tracy-sur-Loire just 8 to 10km east of the village of Sancerre, on the opposite bank of the Loire River. The vines are between thirty-five and forty years old planted on south west facing slopes with clay limestone soils. After pressing the grapes were fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. Pale yellowgreen in colour, this wine has remarkable fresh limes and green apples on the nose with a soft, broad palate. [00] M6 D7

6198

FLORIAN MOLLET, SANCERRE BLANC, AOC, 2010, EARL LE CLOS DU ROC $27.50

6 BTLS/750 ML $165.00

This property, which previously belonged to the Saint-Satur Abbey in 1450, has been in the Mollet-Maudry family since the 1940s. Florian Mollet took on responsibility for running the 11ha property ten years ago. It is located on south west facing slopes overlooking the Loire River at SaintSatur, Ménétréol and Thauvenay. Hand-harvesting of the fruit from thirty-five year old vines took place in midOctober. Traditional vinification occurred in temperaturecontrolled stainless steel tanks giving way to a fruity, balanced wine. [00] M8 D8

THE LOIRE VALLEY DANIELLE AND PASCAL GIBAULT >>

Combination of sweetness and high acidity makes this longlived Chenin Blanc Grape Variety Aroma

Honey, cooked apples, acacia flowers

Taste

Unctuous, peaches, candy floss

Serve

10° C

Evolution

Will develop more honeyed notes in bottle, it will persist for at least ten years and possibly more

Ideal with

Tarte tatin, soft blue cheeses

Cabernet Franc – a Loire speciality Grape Variety

Cabernet Franc

Aroma

Earthy, eucalyptus, spice

Taste

Supple, balanced, cassis fruit, silky tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Already generous, it will keep up to five years

Ideal with

Pheasant and wild mushrooms fricassee

Combining new technology with respect for tradition Grape Variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma

Fresh limes, green apples, minerality

Taste

Soft, smokey, herbal, flinty

Serve

8 - 10° C

Evolution

At its peak during its first two years, it will keep up to five

Ideal with

Mango and goat cheese leaf salad

Food-friendly Grape Variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Aroma

Lemon citrus, grassy

Taste

Soft attack, fresh lemons, vivid acidity, hint of almonds

Serve

8 - 10° C

Evolution

Optimum drinking within two years after bottling

Ideal with

Fish terrine, paella

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

23

COUPON PROGRAMS

WINE PROGRAMS

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

OPIMIAN SELECT

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).

CUVÉE LAGARDE BLANC, IGP DU COMTÉ TOLOSAN, 2010, SÉLECTION DU VIGNERON COUPON

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.

6 BTLS/750 ML

The Founders’ Choice feature supplier is Château Canet.

CUVÉE LAGARDE ROUGE, IGP PAYS D’HÉRAULT, 2010, SÉLECTION DU DOMAINE COUPON

FOUNDERS’ CHOICE

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

Packaged in cases of 6, this is the same wine as lot 6153, available only with the coupon as explained above.

6152

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.

A Collection of Premium Wines

YOUR FREE CASE CHOICES FOR THIS CELLAR OFFERING

6151

A Selection of our Wines

6 BTLS/750 ML

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.

Packaged in cases of 6, this is the same wine as lot 6154, available only with the coupon as explained above.

opim.ca CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE FOR CELLAR OFFERING 203

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

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

• Last day to order for this Cellar Offering: June 6, 2011

• A valid 2011 membership card is required to order and pick up.

• Expected arrivals at Canadian Port: End of September, 2011. Arrival dates at liquor boards depend on their distances from port of entry.

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

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

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

SYMBOLS

Members’ Choice

White

Drink this year

Red

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

This symbol denotes wines most ordered

by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.

Opimian Suggests

Rosé

Heavy oak

Medium concentration

Light in body

Medium oak

Light oak

Less than 100 cs available

Extremely limited quantities

Very limited quantities

Limited quantities

Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink 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

Appeared in the C196 Select Cases (2010 Season)

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.

Wine meant for laying down

Sparkling

Great concentration

Medal Winner

Sweetness scale

gms/litre

00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

0-3 4-6 7 - 12 13 - 20 21 - 34 35 - 50 51 - 74 75 - 100 101 - 139 140 - 179 180 >

Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World Varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace, dry White Port Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port 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