C209-QCE: The wines of Bergerac and Bordeaux

QUEBEC

Order by April 30, 2012

OFFERING 2 0 9

The wines of Bergerac and Bordeaux

OPIMIAN MAKES ORDERING EASY WHAT TO ORDER? Would you prefer a wine you can drink now or lay down? Which styles of wine do you most enjoy – light, medium or fullbodied – oak or no oak? Familiarize yourself with the icons Opimian provides below and consult the wine descriptions to guide you in your wine selection. Interested in what other members enjoy? The Members’ Choice indicates member favourites – they know this wine, the supplier and they regularly order it.

HOW TO ORDER Once you have made your selection, you can place your order in one of four ways: • Order online. Sign in to opim.ca. Show Details on the left menu brings you to the cellar offering. Click the shopping basket to add a case to your order. Submit Order when you have completed your selection and provide your payment information. A confirmation will be sent to you via email.

• Email at opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call in your order at 1-800-361-9421.

• Mail or Fax in your order - Complete the order form provided with all the information requested. Mail in the envelope provided or fax to 514-481-9699.

CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE FOR CELLAR OFFERING 209 • Methods of Payment: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque made out to Opimian.

• 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 • A valid 2012 membership card is required to order and pick up.

• Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum or maximum required.

• The last day to order from this Cellar Offering is April 30, 2012.

REDEEM YOUR COUPON Redeem your coupon by choosing one of the following two rewards from this Cellar Offering: 1. Order a case of wine & choose your free case from the coupon wine selection shown on the back cover.

OR 2. Order two cases of wine & receive $75 off your order If redeeming online, insert your coupon number (found on the front of the coupon) when prompted. See coupon for full details.

About the cover: This is the house of Château Roustaing and to the south covering two rolling hills typical of the Entre-DeuxMers, are my vines. My wines are now unusual for the area, as I insist on maintaining a high proportion of the more traditional Cabernet, giving them a pronounced red berry fruit dimension. To avoid any awkward tannins that the Cabernet can sometimes impart, I heat the must as soon as it is pressed, then cool it to 20˚C. I don’t use barrels; the finished wines stay in tank until bottling in the spring to preserve absolute freshness.

—Benjamin Mazeau, Château Roustaing

Restrictions: A 2nd case of wine must be ordered for every coupon redeemed. Coupons are non-transferable, may not be exchanged for cash and cannot be combined with the Opimian Select or Founders’ Choice programs.

WINE DELIVERY It takes time! The wines on this Cellar Offering are not yet in Canada. When the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution center, you will receive a Pick Up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and location for pick up.

You can follow the status of your shipment at opim.ca.

The expected arrival at a Canadian Port is End of August, 2012. Arrival dates at liquor boards depend on their distances from port of entry. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, and processing time required by each liquor board.

LET US HELP YOU! If you have any questions about what or how to order, contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or opim@opim.ca Notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures): 1. A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian to remit the funds enclosed (less any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.

2. The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.

LEGEND Members’ Choice

White

This symbol denotes wines most ordered

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

Drink this year

Red

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Rosé

Wine meant for laying down

Opimian Suggests

Medium concentration

Heavy oak

Medium oak

Light in body Light oak

Less than 100 cases 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

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Appeared in the C202 Select Cases (2011 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.

Sparkling Great concentration

Medal Winner

Sweetness scale 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

gms/litre

Examples

0-3 Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds 4-6 Some New World varietals, some reds 7 - 12 Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds 13 - 20 Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou 21 - 34 Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry 35 - 50 Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace, dry White Port 51 - 74 Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat 75 - 100 Auslese, Beerenauslese 101 - 139 Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port 140 - 179 Ice Wines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port 180 > Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

CELLAR OFFERING 209 The wines of Bergerac and Bordeaux

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW is a graduate of Bordeaux’s famous Institut d’Oenologie and was elected to the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1997.

Fluent in French and English, Jane is currently a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, regularly speaks at industry seminars and is a Panel Chair for the International Wine Challenge.

There is no other region in the world that has the number of estates producing such a large quantity of exceptional wines. The fine wine market for the top classed growths has experienced huge growth over the last twenty years with demand from Asia helping to drive prices up. For many of us these prices are prohibitive except perhaps on very special occasions. Fortunately, there remain a large number of lesser-known estates and family run properties of all shapes and sizes. Find the right terroir, the right winemaker and there are still bargains to be had. The Entre-Deux-Mers region gives its name to white wines, but in fact makes three quarters of all the red wine that is produced as AOC Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur. No one knows this area better than Bill Blatch of Vintex. Martin Krajewski is passionate about Château de Sours and has invested a small fortune in plantings, a new winery and equipment. He brings this same passion to Clos Cantenac, the estate in Saint-Émilion which he owns with friend and partner Marcus Le Grice. The Johnston family is one of the great names in Bordeaux wine history, as a négociant since the early 18th century.

More recently, Michel and Angelita Baucé bought their vineyard in 2003 and have been making award winning wines since. Across the department boundary, in the Dordogne, Marianne and Philip Mallard have spent the last twenty years bringing Château Pique-Sègue, back to its former glory.

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1. Sylvie and Marie Courselle of Clos SainteAnne 2. Originally one of the many milestones on the road to Bordeaux, these old stones now announce that you have arrived at “Le Sours” 3. View of Château Pique-Sègue and its vines from the cellar

4. Jérôme Trolliet of Château Martinon 5. Clos Cantenac - basket presses produce juice of such quality that the basic design has not changed in nearly 100 years 6. Raphaël and Diane Baucé, with Tobby their dog, are proud to show the Sauvignon grapes on the first day of the 2011 harvest

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Bergerac

The Veneto Marianne Mallard with Doughnut, her Staffordshire Bull-Terrier

Château Pique-Sègue Bergerac 19th century Château Pique-Sègue was classified Philip and Marianne Mallard asIn the “one of the most beautifully sited in the region” by the

Guide Feret, Bordeaux’s traditional reference. Today, it has been lovingly restored and invested in by Philip and Marianne Mallard who purchased it in 1990. Each year their wines receive numerous national and international awards. The vineyards at Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt lie on the slopes of Montravel and have been re-structured.

The estate also includes a herd of pedigree Limousin cattle with a champion French bull!

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

BERGERAC Château Pique-Sègue >>

6601

Château Pique-Sègue, AOC Montravel, 2011 $22.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$136.00

The Château Pique-Sègue 2011 Montravel is a great success and a good follow on from the 2010 wine. Intense gooseberries and peaches jump out of the glass. After picking, the grapes underwent a period of skin contact prior to fermentation at low temperature, giving full expression of the tufa rich calcareous clay soils. It has good depth with firm balanced acidity on the finish. [00] M8 D9

6602

Château Pique-Sègue, AOC Bergerac, 2010 $22.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$136.00

Another award winning wine from Château Pique-Sègue, the 2010 has bags of blackberry fruits, mulberries and ripe cherries with chewy tannins. The efforts made by Marianne and Philip in the vineyard and in the winery show through in this wine. Grapes grown on slopes north of the Dordogne River have produced a structured and concentrated wine to match many more prestigious appellations. It is great for laying down for a few years and a good follow on to the hugely popular 2009. M7 D7

6603

Terre de Pique-Sègue, Anima Vitis, AOC Montravel, 2006 $34.83

6 BTLS/750 ML

$209.00

Special selections of the best parcels of fruit go into making the Terre de Pique-Sègue, a primarily Merlot-based blend with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense, full of black treacle and earthy notes, this wine was matured for 15 months in French oak, giving it concentration with fine tannins and balanced acidity. M7 D8 Classified in the XIV century by the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Château PiqueSègue was not only one of the most beautifully sited, its reputation placed it among the best known crus of Montravel and Bergerac

BERGERAC Château Pique-Sègue

Terroir expression Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle Aroma

Intense gooseberry, peaches

Taste

Lime and gooseberry, firm acidity

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Enjoy while youthful

Ideal with

Grilled goat cheese crostini

A match for many a more prestigious appellation Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Blackberries, mulberries

Taste

Chewy tannins will soften and integrate

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Will benefit from some bottle age, this is a three to four year wine

Ideal with

Guinea hen stuffed with Brussels sprouts

Double medal winner – Paris & Mâcon Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Black treacle

Taste

Good concentration, mature tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Drinking nicely now, it will continue to do so over the next three years

Ideal with

Cassoulet with duck confit

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Clos Cantenac Saint-Émilion,

by Martin Grand Cru Purchased Krajewski and Marcus Le Grice in 2007, this tiny 3ha vineyard has an exceptional terroir of deep gravel, sand and clay over limestone on gentle south-facing slopes.

Careful management in the vineyard and investment in the winery have been rewarded with the production of exceptional wines.

Bordeaux 6604

December early morning mist shrouds the old Merlot vines outside the cellar at Clos Cantenac

Petit Cantenac, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2010 $36.33

6 BTLS/750 ML

$218.00

Deep purple in colour, the 2010 Petit Cantenac has an extremely attractive, complex nose with crème pâtissière and cooked blueberries, vanilla, toast, and cedar notes. On the palate it has succulent juicy fruits with firm balanced acidity, fine tannins and a long blueberry, vanilla flavour. A huge success from what was a bit of a roller coaster year in the vineyard; the wine was aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, 50% new, 50% one year old. M6 D7

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Three hectare Grand Cru site Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Cooked blueberries, blackberries, vanilla, cedary oak

Taste

Succulent fruit, firm acidity, fine tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

More complexity will build, cellar two to six years

Ideal with

Roast venison

BORDEAUX Clos Cantenac

Château de Sours Martin was driving me back to Bordeaux airport on a Martin Krajewski As damp, foggy January evening, he told me it has not been

easy for him as he never trained as a winemaker. However, Martin is passionate about wine and he knows a lot about quality – in wine, in art and of people. He has surrounded himself with a great team and detail is everything. He is very proud that both his children, Lolly and Matt, decided to train as winemakers. Martin has invested over five million euros at Château de Sours over the last five years, adding that it is never-ending! But it is worth it, as his wines continue to improve. His latest project is the planting this spring of a trial vine “garden” to include many different grape varieties.

The summer sunshine casts a soft shadow of the old walnut tree onto the wall of the Rose cellar

BORDEAUX Château de Sours >>

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KENNETH B.

IST CHR I E

Beyond the gates are a labyrinth of dark twisting tunnels and caves that stretch two hectares and that were mined over 200 years ago for the stone to build the Château

Kenneth Christie is an extraordinary man of many rare talents with a marvelous sense of humour, but a savage single mindedness in the pursuit of excellence. He is also a graciously modest person and a generous supporter of those less fortunate, but cut him in half and he is an Opimian through and through.

— Martin Krajewski, Proprietor Château de Sours

6605 La Fleur d’Amelie, AOC Bordeaux, 2010 $29.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$178.00

This is a very special wine made by Martin and his team as a tribute to Kenneth B. Christie, MW, for his contribution to Opimian since its inception. Ken was involved in selecting the barrels that make up the final blend of La Fleur d’Amelie. The fruit was sourced from two hectares of older vines on the limestone plateau, and blended with wine aged 30% in one year old French oak, and 70% in two year old barrels.

Delicious notes of mocha, leather, cedar and spice combine with black fruits. A touch of Petit Verdot adds to the structure and purity of fruit. M5 D7

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

A tribute to Kenneth B. Christie, MW Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot Aroma

Mocha, leather, spice

Taste

Black fruit, mocha, spice

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will develop well in bottle and will endure with careful cellar ageing

Ideal with

Braised lamb shanks with vegetables

BORDEAUX Château de Sours >>

du Château de Sours Blanc, AOC 6606 Richemont Bordeaux, 2011 $20.50

12 BTLS/750 ML

$246.00

The grapes were hand-picked and carefully sorted in early September. After pressing and clarification of the juice, it was fermented at low temperature in stainless steel vats with a small proportion fermenting in two year old oak barrels. The oak is not obvious; rather it adds a touch of complexity. [00] M8 D9

6607

Château de Sours Blanc, AOC Bordeaux, 2011 $27.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$162.00

The fruit for the Château de Sours Blanc comes from older vines planted on the limestone plateau that surrounds the Château and is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Semillon. The majority of the wine was fermented in two and three year old oak barrels giving the finished product a lovely toasty component and vanilla nuances. These combine with delicious, soft white fruits, fine texture and a mineral finish. [00] M7 D9

Source du Château de Sours Blanc, AOC 6608 La Bordeaux, 2010 $46.83

6 BTLS/750 ML

$281.00

Pale in colour, this wine with huge finesse and complexity is intensely aromatic with notes of lime, ginger, peaches and blossom. These same flavours follow through onto the palate with pineapples, vanilla, a racy acidity and a long mineral finish. The sheer quality of the limestone terroir and the old vines shine though. After hand-picking and pressing, the grapes were 100% fermented in French oak, 50% new, 50% one year old, followed by lees stirring to add complexity. [00] M7 D8

du Château de Sours Rouge, AOC 6609 Richemont Bordeaux, 2010 $20.50

12 BTLS/750 ML

$246.00

The grapes that go into producing Richemont du Château de Sours come from younger more recent vineyard plantings and were picked in late September and early October. The 2010 vintage was the first year the new cellar at Château de Sours was used. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and subsequently half the juice aged in two and three year old barrels. Plum in colour, the nose is quite restrained with cassis notes and a touch of spice from the oak. Soft and plump with black cherries featuring on the palate, it will improve in bottle over the next few months. M8 D8

BORDEAUX Château de Sours >>

Delicate fresh fruits Grape Variety Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Aroma

Pear drops, honeysuckle, ripe gooseberry

Taste

Delicate fruits with length

Serve

8 - 10° C

Evolution

It has immediate appeal

Ideal with

Spinach salad with edamame and pecorino

Limestone plateau provides mineral notes Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Aroma

Vanilla, ripe fruits

Taste

White fruits, vanilla, medium length

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Delicious now and for the next three years

Ideal with

Grilled hake with salsa verde

A wine with great breeding Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Aroma

Toasty, peaches, lime, ginger, floral

Taste

Fresh limes, pineapple, vanilla, good acidity

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Drink over the next three to four years

Ideal with

Sweet and sour pork

Younger vines produce soft, plump wines Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Restrained, cassis with a hint of spice

Taste

Black cherries

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Perfect over three years

Ideal with

Pan-fried duck breast with black cherry sauce

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6610

Château de Sours Rouge, AOC Bordeaux, 2010 $27.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$166.00

The grapes for the Château de Sours red come from the 10ha plot that surrounds the Château, on the limestone plateau. Even with the high Merlot content in the blend (85%) this is a more powerful, masculine wine than one would expect. I am sure the 15% Petit Verdot has a lot to do with this. While the nose is currently not very expressive it does have herbal, allspice and musky aromas. Firm but balanced, this wine needs time to open up. It was aged for 15 months in oak, 20% new and two and three year old barrels. M6 D7

Source du Château de Sours Rouge, AOC 6611 La Bordeaux, 2010 $52.50

6 BTLS/750 ML

$315.00

Made from 100% Merlot, only the oldest, very best blocks planted at high density are used. The grapes were handpicked on October 2nd and underwent long maceration during fermentation with regular “pigeage”. The wine is aged in oak, 40% new, 60% one year old barrels. All the richness of the Merlot shows with cooked red fruits, red berries, and vanilla combined with ripe tannins and bitter chocolate on the finish. M6 D7

Petit Verdot makes its mark in the blend Grape Variety Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Herbal, allspice

Taste

Powerful with firm tannins, it needs more time for all the parts to incorporate

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will open up over the next few years, drink in two to eight years

Ideal with

Entrecôte steak

Opulence of concentrated Merlot Grape Variety Merlot Aroma

Cooked red fruits

Taste

Red berries, vanilla, bitter chocolate

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It merits more time to reach its full potential

Ideal with

Standing rib roast with rosemary-thyme crust

The stone pineapples on top of the Château de Sours gates symbolize “hospitality and warmth” which modern day pilgrims can still expect when they visit

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

BORDEAUX Château de Sours

Vinoma Pineuilh, Gironde Angelita and Michel Baucé

It is not yet 10 years since Angelita and Michel Baucé bought their estate close to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande in the east of the Bordeaux region, where they have been making award winning wines since 2003. In fact the estate has a history of making red, white and sweet wines since the 18th century and some of the vines are close to one hundred years old. Aside from the vineyard, the property was also a working farm with poultry, pigs, ducks, cows, cereals and a large vegetable garden. They have farmed the land organically since 2007 and in 2010 received full organic certification.

In 1997, Pierre Taïx took over the operational and management duties at Château Rigaud and Château Fongaban. He immediately made changes to the way the vineyards were managed, modernized the cellars and added his know-how to the vinification of the wines. Since then, the wines are regular recipients of international awards.

BORDEAUX VINOMA >>

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6613

Château Les Bois Noirs, AOC Bordeaux, 2011, Michel and Angelita Baucé $20.33

6 BTLS/750 ML

$122.00

Angelita and Michel organically farm 14 hectares of vines planted 30 years ago at the eastern limit of the Bordeaux region, south of the Dordogne River towards Bergerac country. Despite the nail-biting looming threat of storms at harvest time in 2011, the area in fact had only 40mm of rain just prior to harvest, allowing the grapes to reach full maturity in a healthy condition. A rigid selection of the grapes followed by maceration at low temperature before fermentation created a wine deep purple in colour, with spicy black fruits on the nose and a soft, juicy palate with a long bitter cherry ending. M8 D8

6614

Château Haut Nivelle, Tradition, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, 2009, Vignobles Le Pottier $20.33

6 BTLS/750 ML

$122.00

Based close to the boundary with the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Haut Nivelle, owned by Patrick Le Pottier, has 32 hectares of vineyards located on a hilltop with sandy-clay soils. The wines are made in the modern cellar with fermentation in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks producing a spicy wine with cooked fruit.

M8 D9

6615

Château Pré La Lande, Cuvée Révélation, AOC Sainte-Foy de Bordeaux, 2006, Michel and Angelita Baucé $22.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$132.00

One could be forgiven for not knowing the appellation of Sainte-Foy de Bordeaux; it has only 31 official producers making wine and was previously a sweet wine region.

Coming after the excellent 2005 vintage, 2006 was the year of the Cabernet Franc. Planted on south-facing slopes, with an average yield of only 28 hectoliters per hectare, less than half that permitted by the appellation, the grapes reached maximum maturity. After cold maceration and fermentation, the wine was aged for 24 months in French oak, 70% new. M7 D7

6616

Château Laroche Joubert, AOC Côtes de Bourg, 2009, Vignobles Jöel Dupuy $23.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$139.00

The Côtes de Bourg, on the right bank of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, has varied soils with outcrops of limestone mixed with sand, gravel and loam, and iron rich clays.

Château Laroche Joubert has 16 hectares of vines on claycalcareous soils with light gravel on the surface both on the plain and on a gentle hillside. After picking, the grapes were left to soak at low temperature prior to fermentation for gentle extraction of colour and tannin. Owner Jöel Dupuy, working with oenologist Michel Guiraud, aged the wine in oak barrels for 12 months, giving it spicy clove and vanilla elements melded with cooked fruits. M8 D9

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Eastern end of the Bordeaux appellation Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Spicy incense, plums

Taste

Juicy palate, bitter chocolate

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Enjoyable upon arrival, drink over three years

Ideal with

Braised pork roast

Cloves and fruit Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Spicy cloves, cooked fruits

Taste

Smooth and soft flavours

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It is ideal for early drinking and will keep up to three years

Ideal with

Fettuccine with asiago cheese and artichoke topped with grilled sirloin

A year for Cabernet Franc Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Quite closed, spicy plums

Taste

Juicy fruits, powdery texture

Serve

18° C

Evolution

More time in bottle needed for optimum drinking

Ideal with

Beef estouffade à la provençale

Spicy fruits Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Spicy, cooked fruits, vanilla, cloves

Taste

Summer pudding, coconut, quite firm finish

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Charming now, it will develop over two to three years

Ideal with

Traditional roast beef, Comté cheese

BORDEAUX VINOMA >>

6617

Château Vieux Saule, AOC Bordeaux Côtes de Francs, 2009, T. Moro $23.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$139.00

Located in the Côtes de Francs 10 kilometres north east of the town of Saint-Émilion, Château Vieux Saule has 12 hectares of hillside vineyards facing due south. Thierry Moro cultivates these 40 year old vines on calcareous clay soils and is in the process of converting them to organic farming.

Starting to show some complex leather notes, this wine has fine texture and balance, and will continue to evolve. M6 D7

6618

Château Lamouroux, AOC Graves, 2007 $26.50

6 BTLS/750 ML

$159.00

Located in the heart of the Graves region, close to Podensac, Château Lamouroux has 26.5 hectares of vineyards. As the Graves appellation suggests, these are typically flinty, stony soils with lots of gravel over limestone.

At Château Lamouroux the land is regularly ploughed and leaf-plucking and green-harvesting is carried out to concentrate flavours. The vinification is overseen by Patrick Léon of Château Mouton Rothschild, Opus One, and Alma Viva. The grapes were hand-picked into small baskets and the wine was aged for 12 months in one and two year old barrels. Deeply coloured, the 2007 has developed leather and animal notes combined with violets and a soft fine texture. M7 D8

BORDEAUX VINOMA >>

Going organic Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Touch of tobacco, leather

Taste

Black and red cherries

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Appealing now, drink over five years

Ideal with

Lamb, red wine and rosemary casserole with braised red cabbage

Graves – well-drained stony gravel soils Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Violets, leather

Taste

Animal, fine texture

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will offer more over two to three years

Ideal with

Flambéed pepper steak

The Château Haut-Nivelle vineyards extend over chalk clay slopes to the east of the Gironde and 55 kilometres from Bordeaux at the edge of the Saint-Émilion appellation

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Château Fongaban is one of the oldest properties in the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion. The rich calcareoussandy and clayey-muddy soils are similar to those of the Classified Growth wines of Saint-Émilion.

6619

Château Fongaban, AOC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2009, SARL de Fongaban $28.33

6 BTLS/750 ML

$170.00

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of the so called satellite appellations which lie on the right bank of the river Barbanne north east of the village of Saint-Émilion. The 17th century Château Fongaban, owned by Pierre Taïx, sits on a hilltop with wonderful views of the surrounding vineyards. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted before fermenting in old concrete tanks with the wine subsequently being ageing in oak for 12 months. Quite gamey on the nose, it also has liquorice and marmite notes. On the palate it is dense with ripe tannins and good balance. M6 D8

6620

Château Rigaud, AOC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2010, Pierre Taïx $28.50

6 BTLS/750 ML

$171.00

Also owned by the Taïx family, the vineyards of Château Rigaud neighbour and share the same views as those of Fongaban. Eight hectares of 30 year old vines are cultivated on calcareous-clay soils. After harvesting, the grapes were de-stemmed, lightly crushed and fermented in tank at 28˚C. The result is a deeply coloured wine with spicy incense and leather on the nose, and concentration with good weight on the palate closing with firm tannins. M6 D7

6621

Château Labadie, AOC Côtes de Bourg, 2008, Vignobles Joël Dupuy $29.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$174.00

Owned by the same proprietor as Château Laroche Joubert, this wine is a reflection of the 2008 vintage. With the slightly higher percentage of Merlot in the blend, it has firm tannins which will soften over time. The bouquet already expresses complex aromas of coffee, dark fruits, leather and tobacco leaf. It is probably worth waiting a few years for it to reach its best although at the moment it will combine wonderfully with game and wild mushroom dishes. M6 D6

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

One of the four satellite appellations of Saint-Émilion Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Liquorice, tobacco

Taste

Incense, ripe tannins, well-balanced

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Appealing now, it will develop more complexity over five years

Ideal with

Wild rabbit and morel stew with olive oil mash

Traditional winemaking Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Leather, incense

Taste

Concentrated, firm finish

Serve

17° C

Evolution

It will soften with time in bottle

Ideal with

Lamb Tagine

Côtes de Bourg boasts wines with a strong tannic backbone Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Dark fruits, coffee, hint of leather

Taste

Quite closed, some tobacco

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will develop complexity, drink over two to five years

Ideal with

Grilled guinea fowl with ceps

BORDEAUX VINOMA >>

6622

Château Viramon, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2009, Vignobles Lafaye Père et Fils $36.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$216.00

The classification of wine in Saint-Émilion is a controversial subject and confusing, to say the least; there are over 200 Grand Crus Saint-Émilion. This one, owned by Joël Lafaye, has 10 hectares of vineyards around the village of SaintÉtienne-de-Lisse, to the east of Saint-Émilion, on the clay soils that typify this area. Predominantly Merlot, the blend has typical earthy aromas of undergrowth or as the French would more romantically term them “sous-bois”. On the palate it is concentrated with fine texture and a slightly firm finish. It was aged in one and two year old oak barrels and merits bottle age. M7 D7

6623

Château Haut-Bergeron, AOC Sauternes, 2010, Lamothe $39.50

6 BTLS/375 ML

$237.00

This is a modern fresh style Sauternes that is immediately attractive. Produced at Château Haut-Bergeron, part of the 29 hectares estate, which has been in the Lamothe family since the 18th century, is contiguous with the great Château d’Yquem. The vines are an average of 50 years old. The first “tri” or selection in the vineyard was done on September 27th, with two successive pickings; the last ended on November 3rd, 2010. The wine was aged 18 months in oak barrels and the toasty oak is quite apparent at the moment, with elegant pears and white blossoms shining through on the palate. [08] M7 D8

BORDEAUX VINOMA

Vignerons from father to son since 1866 Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Earthy, spicy

Taste

Concentrated with fine texture

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Two years in bottle before opening will reward

Ideal with

Mushroom wellington

Modern Sauternes Grape Variety Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle Aroma

Spicy vanilla oak, floral

Taste

Fresh pears, blossom notes

Serve

8 - 10° C

Evolution

Elegant now, it will continue to develop more complexity, good ageing potential

Ideal with

Crab roll with seaweed vinaigrette, banana tarte tatin, Bleu des Basques Brebis cheese At Château Pré la Lande, Angelita Baucé (right, middle) joins in on the work at the sorting table where only the best of the “black pearls” will be used to produce the Cuvée Révélation

QUEBEC

15

SEMAV The Johnston Family Marie Josèphe de Saxe (1731-1767), wife of Dauphin Louis Ferdinand de France (son of Louis XV) lived in the Château a little after it was built around 1750. Nestled in the bend of the Dordogne River La Dauphine’s 31 hectares spread over one single plot

16

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

The Johnston family is one of the great names in Bordeaux wine history, an established négociant since the early 18th century.

Located in the heart of the famous Chartrons district, the company is run by brothers Denis, Archibald and Ivanhoé; their aim is to offer and promote quality wines. Their relationship with producers throughout the Bordeaux region, built up over many years, opens the door to wines at every quality level from the simple everyday wines to top quality classed growths.

BORDEAUX SEMAV >>

Harvest at Château Daugay where the vineyards are divided 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 25,000 bottles are produced.

6625

Prince Pirate Blanc, Vin de Table Français $12.25

12 BTLS/750 ML

$147.00

A simple, clean and refreshing white, this wine is made for everyday drinking. Produced in the southwest of France, it is a blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc. [00] M9 D9

6626

Prince Pirate Rouge, Cuvée d.t., Vin de Table Français $12.67

12 BTLS/750 ML

$152.00

Popular with Opimians for everyday drinking, the Prince Pirate Rouge has red and black fruits, medium body and liquorice on the finish. This wine represents great value for the price and is made in a style that will go with a range of foods. M8 D9

6627

Excellent value Grape Variety Colombard, Ugni Blanc Aroma

White fleshy fruit

Taste

Peaches and pears, nice acidity

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Best in its youth

Ideal with

Pan-fried Dover sole

Straightforward and fruity Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Red and black fruit

Taste

Soft, liquorice

Serve

18° C

Evolution

No need to wait

Ideal with

Aubergine lasagne

The Opimian Society’s Claret, AOC Bordeaux $16.00

12 BTLS/750 ML

$192.00

Deep plum in colour and typically characteristic of Bordeaux, the Opimian Society’s Claret is simple and restrained with tight tannin. For those that prefer a glass of Claret without having to think too hard about it, this is very approachable for early drinking. M9 D9

BORDEAUX SEMAV >>

Luncheon Claret Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Restrained plum fruits

Taste

Firm tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Perfectly ready

Ideal with

Meatloaf with roasted potatoes

QUEBEC

17

6628

Château Martinon, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, 2010, Jérôme Trolliet $19.67

12 BTLS/750 ML

$236.00

This 30ha estate, situated close to Gornac in the EntreDeux-Mers, has been in the Trolliet family for generations.

The fruit from 25 year old vines was harvested by machine and was followed by traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks. Jérôme Trolliet subsequently partly aged the wine in oak, giving it a distinctly smoky aroma which combines nicely with herbal plummy fruits and a long incense finish.

M7 D8

6629

Partage de l’Argenteyre, AOC Médoc, 2010, GAEC des Vignobles Reich $19.67

12 BTLS/750 ML

$236.00

The original modern label was developed at Château de l’Argenteyre by Philippe and Gilles Reich. The vineyards are situated in the northern end of the Médoc at Bégadan and Queyrac, on well-drained gravelly soils. Notwithstanding the label’s modern design, the vineyards are managed in a traditional way with high planting density. A classic wine style has been produced with intense cigar box, cedar and red fruits on the nose and fine texture on the palate. M6 D8

6630

Château Moulin des Laurets, AOC Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2010, Lionel Mounet $26.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$156.00

Sited on the plateau of Puisseguin 7km north east of Saint-Émilion, Château Moulin des Laurets has been in the Mounet family for generations. Today, Lionel Mounet cultivates the 13 hectares of 30 year old vines on chalky clay and sandy clay soils. The two soil types provide different characteristics to the grapes. Classic winemaking was followed by 18 months ageing in tank, creating a fleshy wine, full of cooked fruit and crumble flavours. M6 D8

6631

Château de La Dauphine, AOC Fronsac, 2004, SCEA Domaines Jean Halley $41.83

6 BTLS/750 ML

$251.00

Owned by the Halley family, of retailer Carrefour fame, Château de La Dauphine is run by Guillaume Halley. The 10 hectares of vineyards lie on a south-facing slope on the northern bank of the Garonne River in Fronsac, a region that has seen investment and improvements in quality over the last decade. The grapes were harvested between October 5th and 10th, 2004, with strict selection. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by ageing for one year, 30% in new oak and the balance in one year old barrels. At 8 years of age, the Château de La Dauphine is now presenting nice maturity. M8 D9

18

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Smoky incense fruits Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Smoky, ripe damson fruits, herbal notes

Taste

Good fruit concentration

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Drink over the next four years

Ideal with

Civet of rabbit

From the northern extremity of the Médoc Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Spicy, cigar box, red fruits, cedar

Taste

Fine texture with good acidity

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It has the potential to develop and will benefit from time in bottle

Ideal with

Roast French poularde with chestnut stuffing, giblet sauce and cranberry jelly

Fleshy right bank appeal Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Coffee, black cherries, chocolate

Taste

Plum, apple fruits

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Already soft and easy, it will continue to evolve

Ideal with

Magret de Canard

Nicely mature Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Liquorice, smoky

Taste

Fruits, good acidity, powdery tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Lovely now, it will hold for four years

Ideal with

Stir-fried beef in oyster sauce

BORDEAUX SEMAV >>

6632

Château Daugay, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2008, Christian de Bouärd de Laforest $50.83

6 BTLS/750 ML

$305.00

Classified as Grand Cru, the 5.5 hectares of a single plot that is Château Daugay lie on the southern slope from Saint-Émilion. Until the mid-1980s, the wine produced from this vineyard was incorporated into the first Grand Cru Classé Château Angélus, owned by the same family.

Since that time, Château Daugay has produced wine and developed a reputation in its own right. After classic winemaking, the wine was aged for a year, 50% in vat and 50% in one year old oak barrels. Deep plum in colour with vanilla, earthy fruits and meaty flavours, it shows all the complexity of its grand terroir. M6 D7

6633 Hortevie, AOC Saint-Julien, 2008, J-E Borie SA $55.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$330.00

Hortevie consists of a 3.5 hectare vineyard in SaintJulien and is one of the best of the smallest estates in the appellation. Sandwiched between the more famous appellations of Pauillac and Margaux, Saint-Julien is sometimes overlooked, yet it has the potential to produce extremely fine, elegant wines. This Cru Bourgeois owned

by Henri Pradère shows all the hallmarks of its breeding.

Elegantly perfumed, it was aged for 12 months in oak, 20% new. Light to medium-bodied, it is balanced and soft, making it very approachable now, and will mature nicely over the next five years. M7 D8

BORDEAUX SEMAV >>

Distinction and breeding Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Soft vanilla, earthy fruits

Taste

Smoky, perfumed incense finish

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Starting to develop some complexity, drink over the next five years

Ideal with

Veal rib-eye steak with red wine and chanterelle mushrooms

All the elegance and style of Saint-Julien Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Restrained, vanilla oak

Taste

Good balance, it will mature and open up

Serve

18° C

Evolution

More to come over the next five years

Ideal with

Roast pigeon with quince purée

Owner and winemaker Michel Puzio of Château Croix de Labrie, one of the first “garagiste” estates

QUEBEC

19

The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is best known for the vineyards that surround it and the prestigious wines produced which carry its name. It is also a town rich in history with historical monuments, underground catacombs and a monolithic church.

It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

6634

20 Mille, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, 2009, JeanPhilippe Janoueix $87.50

6 BTLS/750 ML

$525.00

While only an AOC Bordeaux Supérieur status, this wine has had the same if not more care and attention lavished on it than many classed growths. This special cuvée, produced from a parcel at Château Croix-Mouton, is the brainchild of Jean-Philippe Janoueix. The vineyard planted in 2000, has 20,000 vines per hectare, double the amount of the highest density vineyards, the idea being that the smaller the quantity of grapes produced per plant, the greater the concentration of flavours. The rows are so tightly spaced, 60 cm between them, that all labour is undertaken manually. The grapes were picked on October 8th and 9th, 2009. Fermentation in small open top wooden vats was followed by malolactic fermentation and ageing in new oak barrels. M6 D7

6635

Château Croix de Labrie, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2007, M. Puzio – Lesage $131.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$790.00

This small property, only 2.3 hectares in size, is owned by Michel and Ghislaine Puzio-Lesage. It is planted with 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, with an average age of 40 years. Only 200 cases are produced each year. The intense bouquet has coffee, smoke and red berries while on the palate it is concentrated with depth and pure cassis. It will age wonderfully. M6 D6

20

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Bonsai vineyards Grape Variety Merlot Aroma

Coconut, vanilla, cooked fruits

Taste

Appealing red fruits, vanilla

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Charming now, it will become more complex over three to seven years

Ideal with

Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary

Pure and powerful Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Coffee, smoky, red berries

Taste

Cassis with concentration and depth

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will benefit with two more years in bottle before opening

Ideal with

Wild boar stew with morels, chestnuts and chorizo

BORDEAUX SEMAV >>

Bill Blatch has spent the last 30 years exploring all the areas Vintex et Les of Bordeaux and sniffing out the latest generation of producers are making quality wines. The Entre-Deux-Mers region that lies between the Dordogne and the Garonne rivers gives Vignobles Grégoire who its name to the white wines produced in the area, however it actually accounts for three quarters of all red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines. It is not easy being a grower here nor making ends meet, but Bill searches out those that take pride in what they do and who are willing to put in the effort, despite limited resources.

Located at the entrance to the rough road that leads to the estate, the pine tree at Château du Pin is visible for miles around

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

QUEBEC

21

6638

Château Haut Maginet, AOC Bordeaux Blanc, 2011, Vignobles Jolivet $19.00

6636

6 BTLS/750 ML

$114.00

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle

FREE CASE CHOICE FOR THIS CELLAR OFFERING

Aroma

Herbal leafy notes

COUPON

Taste

Nice limey fruit

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Ready now

Ideal with

Squash and caramelized onion tarts

6 BTLS/750 ML

In 1981, Jean-Marc Jolivet established this estate with 27 hectares in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers region, close to the medieval town of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne. Over the years he has purchased neighbours’ vineyards to build the estate to its current level of 103 hectares, all on southfacing clay limestone slopes. Half of the grapes undergo skin contact, then, after gentle pressing, are fermented at low temperature to preserve the fresh style for which JeanMarc strives. The results are herbal, leafy aromas, medium weight and long lime fruits on the finish. [00] M9 D9

6639

Fresh style made for drinking young

Château Roquefort, Sauvignon-Semillon, AOC Bordeaux Blanc, 2011 $23.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$138.00

After a long day in the car exploring the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this was our last stop of the day. Here we met Sam Mestre, winemaker and vineyard manager. He runs the 90ha estate and gave us a potted history of this incredible property. We were shown the remarkable Neolithic covered alley; at 14km long it is the oldest in Europe. The Château built in the 13th century by King Edward I of England, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current building is 18th century and the estate also has a dovecot built in 1715. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, cultivated on chalky clay soils, were hand-picked and underwent skin contact for 12 to 24 hours before pressing and fermentation. The combination of ripe gooseberry Sauvignon Blanc aromas with floral and honeyed notes from the Semillon is ideal. The palate is broad with great length. [00] M8 D9

A perfect combination of varieties Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Aroma

Floral , gooseberries, honey

Taste

Broad structure, long fruity finish

Serve

8° C

Evolution

It will be delicious over the next two years

Ideal with

Basquaise chicken

The Château Vieux Dominique estate is a 180˚ arc of all Merlot vineyards located below the home of Cyrille Grégoire

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Stéphane Defraine has spent the last 25 years developing his estate Château de Fontenille

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

6640

Château de Fontenille, AOC Entre-Deux-Mers, 2011 $23.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$138.00

Opimian has made its mark! Stéphane Defraine recounts fond memories of a visit and lunch with Opimian members during harvest time. The building housing the winery dates to 1453; at the end of the Hundred Years’ War it was used to accommodate people, hens, livestock and hay.

While the wine’s final blend contains only 50% Sauvignon Blanc, the balance made up of Semillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris, it shouts Sauvignon Blanc. With fresh limes, gooseberries and a hint of fruit blossom on the nose, it has a touch of spritz and lively acidity. [00] M9 D9

6641

Aroma

Gooseberries, lime

Taste

Fresh acidity, white fruits

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Lively and ready

Ideal with

Aperitif, oysters

Explosive fruit

$24.00

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

6 BTLS/750 ML

$144.00

Château Guirauton, Cuvée Spéciale, AOC Graves, 2010, GAEC Les Cabanasses – H. Ardurats & Fils $32.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$192.00

The Graves region runs south east of Bordeaux, tracking the left bank of the Garonne River. The Graves appellation meets the largest forest of maritime pines in Europe, the Forêt des Landes, with over a million hectares. This body of trees has an impact on the climate in Graves and Sauternes, providing protection and a cooling effect. It was from this forest that the vineyard of Château Guirauton was first hewn 60 years ago by Henri Ardurats’ father. Fermented in new Allier oak barrels, this wine is elegant and complex with aromas of vanilla, mango and other ripe exotic fruits that are not dominated at all by the oak. [00] M8 D9

6643

Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris

Clos Sainte-Anne, Sauvignon-Semillon, AOC Bordeaux Blanc, 2010, Les Vignobles Francis Courselle Owned by the Courselle family of Château Thieuley, Clos Sainte-Anne is the home of Marie Courselle. Her modest country house is tucked into a steep south-facing slope with wonderful views of the pretty green countryside and vineyards all around. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vineyards are planted on the lower slope below the house.

The grapes were hand-picked and vinified at Château Thieuley, where after slow fermentation at low temperature, they were kept on their lees for several months, producing intense and fresh gooseberry fruits with balanced acidity.

[00] M8 D9

6642

Hailed by Stéphane as his best white vintage ever!

Aroma

Gooseberry fruit

Taste

Concentrated with great balance

Serve

8° C

Evolution

Most appealing in its youth

Ideal with

Seared tuna steak

Complex and elegant Grape Variety Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Aroma

Tropical fruits, vanilla

Taste

Passion fruits, lychees

Serve

8° C

Evolution

It will be at its most appealing over two years

Ideal with

Asian cuisine

Château de Fontenille, AOC Bordeaux Clairet, 2011 $22.33

6 BTLS/750 ML

$134.00

This is more of a traditional Clairet in style than the lightcoloured rosés that one mainly finds on the shelves today.

This wine was made using the saignée method. The grapes are picked, lightly de-stemmed and put into tank as for red winemaking. After a number of hours some of the juice is drawn off and fermented at low temperature resulting in a wine with herbal, raspberry and red fruit flavours. [00] M9 D9

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

Deeply-coloured, aromatic rosé Grape Variety Cabernet Franc Aroma

Leafy, herbal

Taste

Raspberry, herbs

Serve

8° C

Evolution

At its best

Ideal with

Light charcuterie, pizza

QUEBEC

23

6644

Château du Pin, AOC Bordeaux, 2009, SCEA Vignobles J.-M Constans $18.50

6 BTLS/750 ML

$111.00

This family estate is run by husband and wife Jean-Marie and Claudette Constans. He is in charge of the vineyard, she competently runs the cellar. Aside from winemaking, they have found the time to raise six children, one of whom, Guillaume, is now involved in the estate. Claudette has no formal wine training. She is a qualified nurse and this discipline and their down to earth approach show through in the wines they produce which until 2006 were all sold in bulk. The winery is modest, but they continue to plough back money made into new equipment and constant improvement. M8 D9

6645

Aroma

Cassis, dark fruits

Taste

Firm tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Ready to drink

Ideal with

Toulouse sausage

Immediately enjoyable

$18.83

Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

6 BTLS/750 ML

$113.00

Aroma

Plums, candied peel

Taste

Plums, red fruits

Serve

18° C

Evolution

At its best over the next two years

Ideal with

Herbed lamb chops

Château Baby, AOC Bordeaux, 2009, Héritiers Brisson

100% Merlot

$19.67

Grape Variety Merlot

6 BTLS/750 ML

$118.00

Franck Brisson, owner of Château Baby, also owns a fruitpacking firm in the nearby town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. His mother lives in the Château which overlooks the Dordogne River and the vineyards, which are in the north east corner of the Bordeaux appellation. Three plots around the winery, for a total of 22 hectares of Merlot, are on the southern bank of the Dordogne. Management of these is entrusted to the young and energetic winemaker Pascal Colle who combines a progressive outlook with being a “man of the soil”. Deep ruby in colour, the 2009 has developed spicy, liquorice and white pepper aromas with good balance and attractive red fruits. It offers great value for early drinking. M8 D9

24

Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Château Bellevue Rougier, AOC Bordeaux, 2010, GAEC Bellevue Rougier Set in the rolling hills of the northern Entre-Deux-Mers in the little village of Rimons, Château Bellevue Rougier has been in the Lobre family for four generations. Previously making white wines, it was replanted to red and now has 26 hectares of 20 year old vines on clay limestone soils. As is usual in this part of the Bordelais region, vines are trellised high with two metres between rows. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks to produce a light style featuring plums and red fruits. M8 D9

6646

Simple Bordeaux appellation, great value

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Aroma

Liquorice, spice, white pepper

Taste

Ripe fruits, good balance

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Drink over two to three years

Ideal with

Red and yellow pepper pasta with fresh tomato

Clos Sainte-Anne is described as a magical place, atop a steep south-facing valley. Marie Courselle says it feels like stepping into Tuscany every time she goes home.

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

The cellars in which the Château Vieux Dominique ages in French oak barrels which are renewed every three years

6647

Château Haut Maginet, AOC Bordeaux, 2010, Vignobles Jolivet $20.50

6637

6648

6 BTLS/750 ML

$123.00

Focus in the vineyard Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

FREE CASE CHOICE FOR THIS CELLAR OFFERING

Aroma

Plums, chocolate

COUPON

Taste

Firm tannins

6 BTLS/750 ML

Jean-Marc Jolivet pays enormous attention to what is happening in the vineyard, which is so important in this region where the cool soils and level of rainfall can lead to excessive vegetation. He was one of the first to practice bud-thinning, de-leafing, and green harvesting, to allow the fruit to fully ripen.

Only organic fertilizers and a minimum of sprays are used.

Grass is sown in alternate rows to regulate the vines’ vegetative growth. The wine was fermented in stainless steel, with no use of barrels, producing a fresh plummy style with some grip that is ready to drink now and which will keep. M8 D9

Serve

17° C

Evolution

It has the potential to develop over two years, keep up to four years

Ideal with

Crown roast of pork

Château Roustaing, AOC Bordeaux, 2010, B. Mazeau

Remnants of a medieval priory were incorporated into the cellar wall

$21.00

6 BTLS/750 ML

$126.00

Unusual for the Entre-Deux-Mers region which favours the earlier ripening Merlot, this wine is Cabernet-based; Benjamin Mazeau likes to do things differently. His opinion on planting densities is in complete contrast to the current trend, preferring high, widely spaced vines; the same is true for the vinification. The musts are heated to 70˚C and left to soak in a cauldron overnight prior to fermentation. The juice is then cooled and fermented with relatively short maceration to retain Cabernet fruit rather than overly extract. The result is a wine with smoky notes although it has not seen any oak. It is light to medium-bodied with pleasant red fruit, violet, and fine tannins on the finish. M6 D8

6649

The dog at Château Roquefort has taken to bidding farewell to every departing visitor

Château Jouanin, AOC Côtes de Castillon, 2009, SARL de Fongaban $22.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$133.00

Current owner Georges Taïx’s father, a business man from Béziers, originally bought Château Jouanin as a home in which to live; the vineyard and winery were to be merely a hobby. The vineyard lies on the border between the Côtes de Castillon and Puisseguin Saint-Émilion and consists of 20ha planted on a limestone plateau with clay soils. The grapes were picked at maximum ripeness and fermented at 28 to 30˚C in concrete vats. During post fermentation part of the wine was aged in large wooden vats and part in new French oak barrels. The finished wine has meaty liquorice notes with vanilla and plums on the palate. M7 D8 BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

Grape Variety Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Aroma

Savoury, smoky

Taste

Vanilla, red fruits, violets

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Delicious now and over the next four years

Ideal with

Braised short ribs with whole grain mustard

Castillon-la-Bataille – end of the 100 Years’ War Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Liquorice, meaty

Taste

Plummy fruits, vanilla

Serve

18° C

Evolution

At its finest over three years

Ideal with

Veal chops with mushrooms, bacon and potatoes

QUEBEC

25

6650

Château Vieux Dominique, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, Réserve, 2010 $22.83

6 BTLS/750 ML

$137.00

This estate lies in the north of the Bordeaux appellation in the commune of Maransin and was purchased by Cyrille Grégoire in 1996. The house and cellar sit at the top of a steep hill looking out across vineyards to the south, west and east. Produced from a vineyard selection of 100% Merlot, the wine has an intense purple colour, with smoky spices mixed with baked apples, blackberries, cinnamon and cloves. Aged in oak for nearly eighteen months, it needs a little more time to fully integrate and should benefit from a couple of years in bottle. M7 D7

6651

Château de Fontenille, AOC Bordeaux, 2009 $23.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$139.00

Château de Fontenille currently has 44 hectares of vineyards with a further six hectares due to be planted. New plantings are completed at higher density to compensate for the elevated humidity of the region. Situated in the Entre-Deux-Mers close to Créon, it adjoins the vineyards of Châteaux Thieuley and Bauduc. The red wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels. The 2009 has good herbal fruits, cassis and spice.

The palate is quite closed, but not austere and will benefit from two more years in bottle. As well as producing great wines, Stéphane Defraine makes homemade pâtés and charcuterie; the cellar is full of maturing legs of ham. M6 D7

26

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 209

Fleshy Merlot Grape Variety Merlot Aroma

Smoky spice, baked apple, blackberries

Taste

Cooked pears, cinnamon, spice

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Best in two to four years

Ideal with

Filet mignon with Merlot sauce

Each year two hectares of new plantings at high density Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Leafy herbal notes, cassis

Taste

Bitter chocolate, concentrated

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will soften with bottle age, cellar two to six years

Ideal with

Sautéed duck breast with ceps The main part of the Clos Sainte-Anne vineyard is located on a sharp escarpment. Standing on the lower slope of the vineyard are, from left to right, Jane Masters, Sylvie Courselle and Bill Blatch

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

6652

Château Bel-Air, La Chapelle, AOC Côtes de Castillon, 2010, SCEA du Domaine de Bellair $27.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$163.00

Purchased as a holiday home in 1993 by Patrick David, Château Bel-Air has since developed into a full- fledged winery. Situated in the commune of Belvès, just six kilometres from Saint-Émilion, the soils consist of sandstone, clay and quartz with an excellent exposition south, south-east facing slope, allowing grapes to reach full maturity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months giving it a spicy, smoky element and dry tannins that with time will more fully meld with the fruit. M6 D6

6653

Château Guillou, AOC Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2010, Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils EARL $28.17

6 BTLS/750 ML

$169.00

For many years Château Guillou was leased and farmed by the famous Libourne négociant house of Moueix.

Belonging to the Saby family who also own Château Rozier in Saint-Émilion, the four hectares of 55 year old vines sit facing Saint-Émilion on the western side of the Montagne Saint-Émilion. Bill Blatch worked with the Saby family to create this special blend using a predominance of Merlot with some ageing in American oak, unusual for the region, adding vanilla and cooked fruit. M6 D7

6654

Clos Sainte-Anne, Merlot, AOC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, 2009, Les Vignobles Francis Courselle $29.67

6 BTLS/750 ML

$178.00

A much more classy and concentrated wine than the appellation suggests, in the past this area was devoted to producing sweet dessert wines. The combination of the south-facing slope, clay limestone soils with a high level of gravel and high density plantings make this terroir ideal for ripening Merlot which makes up 90% of the blend. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 30% new, 40% one year old, and 30% two years old giving it restrained vanilla spice which complements the herbal fruit. Still quite closed, but with good balance, it will benefit from some cellaring. M6 D7

Fleur d’Or, AOC Sauternes, 2009, Vintex et les 6655 La Vignobles Grégoire SAS $21.58

12 BTLS/375 ML

$259.00

As a man passionate about Sauternes, each year Bill selects the top micro-cuvées and barrels from lesser known estates in the Sauternais, searching out wines with true noble rot characteristics. With favorable conditions for the development of the fungus that makes these wines so special, 2009 was a good year for Sauternes. Mostly grown on the ferruginous clay of Barsac, but also some gravel soils, the grapes were hand-harvested with the traditional picking of individual botrytised grapes. Distinctive earthy noble rot aromas complement the ripe apricots and honey perfumes. With great depth, balance and flavour, this wine will improve in bottle. [08] M6 D7

BORDEAUX VINTEX ET LES VIGNOBLES GRÉGOIRE >>

An estate with regal ties Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma

Spicy, smoky

Taste

Vanilla, firm tannins

Serve

18° C

Evolution

Still young, it will broaden over two to five years

Ideal with

Game terrine with roast pistachio dressing

More Pomerol in style Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Apple, vanilla

Taste

Cooked fruits, incense, bitter cherries

Serve

18° C

Evolution

It will reach perfection over two to five years

Ideal with

Pan-seared lamb loin chops with wild mushrooms ragout

Premières Côtes star Grape Variety Merlot, Cabernet Franc Aroma

Vanilla herbal spice

Taste

Quite closed, concentrated

Serve

18° C

Evolution

More will emerge as it matures, drink two to five years

Ideal with

Daube of beef with fresh tagliatelle

A noble year Grape Variety Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Aroma

Ripe apricots, earthy

Taste

Apricots, good concentration

Serve

10° C

Evolution

It will persist over five to ten years

Ideal with

Roquefort-walnut terrine with apple salad

QUEBEC

27

OUR COUPON PROGRAMS

Refer a new member, and upon

joining, both you and the new member will receive a coupon for one of two great rewards

YOUR COUPON GIVES YOU OPTIONS! 1. Order a case of wine & choose your free case from the free case choices for this Cellar Offering: Lot 6636 (See Lot 6638 on page 22) Lot 6637 (See Lot 6647 on page 25)

OUR WINE PROGRAMS OPIMIAN SELECT Taste the World!

Only Opimian gives you access to exclusive cellars from around the world.

A successful innovation catered to New Members and those who are still uncertain of what to order, the Opimian Select program allows you to try a minimum of 24 wines – from every day sippers to a gourmet dinner partner – at a fixed price of $123. Sign up for Opimian Select and receive a mixed case from every Cellar Offering regardless of whether you are away, on holidays or simply forgot to place your order. Develop your palate, taste the classics from each region, discover new varietals and experience what our suppliers have to offer! Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”.

THE SELECTION Opimian Select includes a case (6 bottles) of three to six different wines from a featured supplier on each Cellar Offering. Mostly reds with the occasional white or rosé, these wines showcase the variety of styles available through Opimian - if you happen to find a favourite wine, make note of the supplier for future Cellar Offerings!

To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Opimian Select” in the left hand column. View details by clicking on each wine name or supplier.

“Opimian Select is an educational experience and, as any wine lover knows, it is essential and fun to continuously try new things.”

~ David Lawrason, Toronto Life

OR 2. Order two cases of wine & receive $75 off your order

opim.ca OR

800-361-9421

“Opimian’s philosophy is to create bonds between people through wine.

~ Roberto Echeverría, Opimian Supplier

FOUNDERS’ CHOICE Cherish the Experience!

The premium wine experience – only with Opimian!

Established in recognition of Opimian’s founders, this program offers premium wines from our most cherished suppliers – at a fixed price of $192. Each wine is specifically selected to dedicate to the spirit of Opimian. Some are hidden jewels discovered in a cellar by our Master of Wine; others are specially crafted by our suppliers with the Founders’ Choice program in mind.

Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”.

THE WINES Sign up for Founders’ Choice and receive a case (6 bottles) of premium wine from every Cellar Offering that is ready to drink and has great cellaring ability. Each wine comes with a dedicated back label and a personal message from the supplier detailing why they chose to share with us this one-of-a-kind wine. These wines are not, and will never be, on any Cellar Offering and can only be received by signing up for this program.

To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Founders’ Choice” in the left hand column.

Château de Sours is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering. #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