C218-NT: C'ote d'Or, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence

CELLAR 218 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Order by JUNE 3, 2013

ORDERING MADE EASY! WHAT TO ORDER Read the description or use the profile chart for each wine to help you make your selections. The profile chart features a variety of symbols; consult the legend below to discover which symbols best suit your palate.

THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ORDER • Order online. Go to opim.ca , sign in and select Show Details or Quick Order.

• Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421.

• Fax your order to 514-481-9699.

• Mail your order in the envelope provided.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REDEEM YOUR COUPON From the same Cellar Offering…

• Order a case of wine and choose your free case from the coupon wines listed on the back cover.

OR • Order two cases of wine and receive $75 off your order.

Restrictions: Coupons are non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

See coupon for full details Exclusions: Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice Programs.

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

Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is End of September, 2013. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board.

The perfect day takes us outdoors, a wicker basket filled with the essentials: a baguette, charcuterie, cheese, and of course Opimian wine. Illustrator Bruce Roberts was born in England, but calls Montreal home. A recipient of the Governor General’s Award, he started his career as an illustrator for The Washington Post, and as a portrait artist drew celebrities such as Margot Fonteyn. This original illustration was inspired by a bicycle trip in the Loire Valley where Bruce and his wife Anna often lost their way and perhaps absorbed more of the landscape than they would have otherwise.

LET US HELP YOU! Contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or email us at opim@opim.ca CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE • Methods of Payment: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque payable to Opimian.

• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 218 and QST #1000640430.

• A valid 2013 membership card is required to order and pick up.

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

• Last day to order from this Cellar Offering: June 3, 2013.

LEGEND Members’ Choice

White

Aroma

Drink this year

Red

Taste

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Serving temperature

Rosé

Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down

Ideal with

Sparkling

Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak

Number of bottles in case Medium concentration

Light in body

Medium oak

Light oak

Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities

Extremely 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 218 209

Medal Winner

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

Appeared in the C210 Select Cases (2012 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.

Sweetness scale gms/litre 00 0-3 01 4-6 02 7 - 12 03 13 - 20 04 21 - 34 05 35 - 50 06 51 - 74 07 75 - 100 08 101 - 139 09 140 - 179 10 180 >

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 Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

CELLAR OFFERING 218 The Côte d’Or of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, the Languedoc-Roussillon, and Provence

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.

The second part of our focus on France includes wines from the north, Burgundy and the Loire, and the south, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. In 2012, our friends at Domaine Billard Père et Fils in Burgundy did not have an easy time. After a growing season which brought all forms of inclement weather, hail finally struck in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune vineyard reducing Jérôme Billard’s crop by 70%. Despite the challenges thrown his way, he produced some fine wines and has made a considerable effort to maintain keen prices. The Loire Valley also went through a torrid time with low crop levels, but again has produced some good wines. Situated at Noyers-sur-Cher, Pascal and Danielle Gibault have a great overview of the whole Loire Valley and offer wines from Muscadat in the west to Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé in the east. The south of the country did not have as much to worry about, although it definitely was a cooler vintage than in recent years and for some there was a lack of rainfall. Generally, the 2012 wines are slightly lighter in style and more herbal. Château Canet, LGI Wines, Paul Sapin SA and Château Vignelaure all feature. We also include unique and very special wines. The only worry is the tiny quantities produced, so be quick to avoid disappointment!

Danielle and Pascal Gibault p. 8

Château Canet p. 12 Domaine Billard Père et Fils p. 4

LGI Wines p. 21

Château Vignelaure p. 25

Paul Sapin SA p. 17

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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The Côte d’Or of Burgundy

This corkscrew, a “Zig Zag Tire Bouchon”, has been at the domaine since the days of Jérôme’s grandfather and, as it is his favorite, it is the only corkscrew that he uses.

Domaine Billard Père et Fils was not an easy year in Burgundy. Across the region quantities were La Rochepot 2012 down between 50% and 60% due to difficult and unpredictable weather

conditions. When I visited Burgundy in March 2012, it was unseasonably hot for spring. Then they experienced cold, rain, frost and hail; you name it, they had it! Having said that, growers who were vigilant in the vineyard have made good wines, but this will be a vintage for relatively early drinking.

Prices across the region will no doubt increase given the small volumes produced, but in recognition of the loyalty of Opimians over the years, Jérôme has made a considerable effort to offer the best value possible.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

The Côte d’Or of Burgundy Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

7144

$32.00

$192.00

7145 $24.00

$144.00

Saint-Romain, AOC, Clos la Truffière, 2012 Specially selected to commemorate Opimian’s 40th Anniversary

Clos la Truffière is a small parcel of 0.35ha tucked away in the Saint-Romain appellation at Gollot. This tiny plot is impossible to access by tractor so the clay limestone soils are ploughed by horse. The vines have a south-west exposition allowing for perfect ripening. The wine was matured in Allier oak demi-muids, 15% new, bringing finesse and elegance. This wine is rich and concentrated with ripe fruits, vanilla and a long, fresh finish.

Bourgogne Aligoté, AOC, 2012 The Aligoté grape is not the easiest to cultivate at the best of times. It is early budding, therefore at risk to spring frosts, vigorous and susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis! Produced from 1.8ha of vines planted on chalky stony soils, the 2012 wine is a testament to Jérôme’s skill in the vineyard and as a winemaker. It has purity with fresh, green apple flavours and a nice citrus finish.

Chardonnay Ripe fruits Rich, concentrated, [00] 8° C 2013-2018, M6 D8 Bresse chicken with Morel mushrooms, Beaufort

Aligoté Fresh green apples Green apples, lemons, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Mini phyllo shells with mushroom mousse

7146 26.33

$158.00

7147 $30.67

$184.00

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, AOC, La Justice, 2012, Blanc The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune appellation is comprised of approximately 20 villages on the hills above the escarpment that is the Côte d’Or. Many of these villages are barely inhabited and vineyards are interspersed with woodlands and farms. One such village, La Rochepot, home to Jérôme and Elisabeth Billard, has a population of 300, but only six vignerons. He has been mayor of the village since 2008 and takes his civic duties very seriously. In between tending to his vines, Jérôme is to be found listening to his friends and neighbours, organizing the local community and making sure that the school, in which he was taught, has the right facilities and resources for current and future generations. The La Justice vineyard looks down to Saint-Aubin. The chalky white soils have great drainage and exposure producing a balanced wine with good depth.

Saint-Romain, AOC, La Combe Bazin, 2012 Saint-Romain is a small appellation, nestled in a side valley behind Monthélie and Meursault, at 300 to 400 metres. The soils are marly limestone with intermittent benches of clay. Jérôme farms 1.35ha of Chardonnay at the lieu-dit La Combe Bazin and is planting a further 0.8ha this spring. The 2012 was fermented in barrel with 25% new Allier oak and has an intense vanilla custard and tropical fruit nose. Matured on lees in barrel for 10 months, the palate has fresh fruits and great length.

The Côte d’Or of Burgundy Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

Chardonnay Green apples, lime Good balance, depth, [00] 6-8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Potato salad with smoked salmon and horseradish crème fraîche

Chardonnay Vanilla custard Fresh fruits, vanilla, [00] 8° C 2013-2017, M6 D8 Fresh corn soufflé with bacon and Comté

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Visitors enter the château of La Rochepot via the Levis Bridge where they will discover the 12th century chapel. The walkways lead to the courtyard with its 72 meters deep well dug in the rock. The polished tiled roofs are typically Burgundian.

7148 $34.50

$207.00

7149 26.33

$158.00

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Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, AOC, Vignes Moingeon, 2012 The village of Saint-Aubin is tucked away behind Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault and some of the best wines from here have a certain Puligny-Montrachet characteristic. Jérôme has 0.75ha in the Premier Cru Vignes Moingeon. With good elevation and south eastern exposure, the very chalky soil is known as “marne blanche”. Intense aromas of vanilla, pineapple and toast follow onto the palate with fine texture and great balance.

The wine was fermented in French Allier oak barrels with a third new, and matured for 15 months on lees.

Appealing now, the oak and fruit will integrate further and it will become rich and complex over the coming years.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, AOC, 2012, Rouge Cultivated on alluvial muddy clay soils, Jérôme has 5ha of Pinot Noir in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, with new plantings last year coming into production in 2015. The 2012 wine has a spicy, peppery characteristic with dark fruit flavours and firm acidity. It was aged for 10 months in Vosges oak barrels, 10% new. In 2012, the extreme and variable weather conditions, with a high level of rain, required extra vigilance in the vineyard, particularly in terms of spraying during the growing season. For Jérôme, the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune vineyards were the most severely affected with hail. At 6 pm on August 1st, 70% of the crop was lost. Severe sorting and elimination of all damaged grapes ensued, so no summer holiday for the Billards!

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Chardonnay Pineapple, vanilla, toast Spicy cedar, toast, [00] 8° C 2013-2018, M6 D7 Creamy Gruyère and shrimp pasta

Pinot Noir Pepper, dark fruits Spicy fruits, firm acidity 16° C 2013-2017, M6 D8 Fillet of veal with mild curry

The Côte d’Or of Burgundy Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

7150 $29.17

$175.00

7151 $31.33

$188.00

7152 $32.50

$195.00

7153 $39.83

$239.00

Saint-Romain, AOC, La Perrière, 2012 The pretty village of Saint-Romain perches at the top of a cliff, with its vineyards situated behind those of AuxeyDuresses at a higher altitude than is usual in the Côte d’Or. At the site known as La Perrière, Jérôme cultivates 1.46ha of Pinot Noir on marly limestone soils. As the Burgundians say, this wine “pinote”! In other words, it shouts Pinot! The 2012 Saint-Romain La Perrière has delicious Pinot Noir berry aromas with raspberries and wild strawberries. Medium-bodied, it develops a spicy, peppery characteristic in the glass, alongside the berry fruits, with a moderate, lingering finish. The wine was aged for 15 months in oak barrels, 20% new, from the Vosges forests in eastern France.

Beaune, AOC, Les Bons Feuvres, 2012 Beaune has always been and remains the centre of the Burgundian wine trade. As well as lending its name to the Côte de Beaune, the southern half of the Côte d’Or, it is home to the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune founded by Nicolas Rolin in 1443, which houses the annual Hospices de Beaune auction in November. Les Bons Feuvres is a village parcel in the south west corner of the appellation, close to Pommard. A mere 0.3ha are cultivated on limon soils through which runs a ferrous vein. The 2012 has nice red fruits with a muscular, powerful structure and firm acidity on the finish. The wine was aged in Tronçais oak barrels for 12 months, 20% new.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, AOC, Les Castets, 2012 A high proportion of the Saint-Aubin vineyards are classified Premier Cru with two thirds of the wine produced being red. Les Castets is located west of SaintAubin village on slopes facing east. Domaine Billard Père et Fils has 0.32ha on white marl and limestone marl soils.

The quality of the terroir shows through in the depth of this wine, with good berry flavours and a long finish. After fermentation, the wine was aged for up to 18 months in Vosges and Tronçais oak barrels, one third new.

Beaune 1er Cru, AOC, Les Chouacheux, 2012 Jérôme has .5ha in the 1er Cru Les Chouacheux, on the lower part of the gentle slope that leads up to the famous Clos des Mouches vineyards. At 70 years of age, the vines are the oldest cultivated by Jérôme. The soil is mixed with alluvial, dark clay and limestone. Medium-ruby in colour, Les Chouacheux 2012 has definite forest fruit aromas. It is already very approachable, with good balance and a soft finish. The wine was aged in a combination of Vosges and Allier oak barrels for 12 months, one third new.

The Côte d’Or of Burgundy Domaine Billard Père et Fils

Pinot Noir Wild strawberries, raspberries Soft, medium-body, spicy berries 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D8 Braised rabbit with spring vegetables

Pinot Noir Red fruits Muscular structure, good acidity 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D8 Roasted pheasant with pancettamushroom stuffing and Marsala sauce, Époisses

Pinot Noir Berry fruits Vanilla, fruit 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D8 Roast wild boar loin with smoked baconshallot sauce

Pinot Noir Forest fruits, vanilla Soft, approachable, good balance 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D7 Venison haunch steak with spelt grain and red wine sauce

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The Loire Valley

Danielle and Pascal Gibault Les Martinières, Noyers-sur-Cher

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

As part of the preparation for blending, Charles Pain regularly monitors the quality of the various batches of wine in barrel.

Situated at Noyers-sur-Cher in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, Pascal and Danielle Gibault produce their own wines.

Not quite, but nearly square in the middle of the long, varied and complex Loire Valley, they are well-placed to source wines up and down the valley from east to west; from Muscadet on the coast around Nantes in Brittany heading upriver towards Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire, an old-time favourite of Parisians. The wines are most typically produced from Melon de Bourgogne (for Muscadet), Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

7154 $27.33

$164.00

7155

Domaine du Pont de Livier, AOC Crémant de Loire, Flore & Emmanuel Rialland Honeysuckle aromas from the Chenin Blanc, which makes up 80% of the blend, combine with good acidity and structure, both provided by the Cabernet Franc.

Produced according to the traditional method used in Champagne, the grapes were harvested by hand and pressed immediately to ensure no colour from the blackskinned Cabernet Franc leached into the wine. Pale lime-yellow in colour, the wine has good acidity and a long flavour, with fine mousse produced by the second fermentation in bottle.

Domaine de la Chauvinière, 2012, AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Sur Lie, Y. & J. Huchet, ChâteauThébaud

$134.00

In 2012, yields in Muscadet were some of the hardest hit in France, suffering from spring frosts, hail and mildew.

Nonetheless, the wines have turned out to be some of the best ever produced. Made from the Melon de Bourgogne, at Domaine de la Chauvinière, the vines, aged up to 90 years, are planted on granite soils known as the “Granit de ChâteauThébaud”. Situated at the top of the banks of the Maine River, only a small section of the Muscadet appellation is on this decomposed granite, which allows both good drainage of the soils and deep penetration of the roots. Attractive flavours of white fleshy fruits and pears combine with crisp acidity and a touch of spritz to create a Muscadet super for early drinking and that is great with seafood.

7156

Domaine Gibault Sauvignon Blanc, 2012, AOC Touraine, Val de Loire

$22.33

$23.50

$141.00

7157 $26.50

$159.00

The Domaine Gibault Sauvignon Blanc 2012 won a gold medal at the Salon des Vins de Loire, held in Angers as I tasted samples in London. While quite shy on the nose, it has smoky ripe fruit flavours on the palate. After an extended slow fermentation, the wine was left on its lees to add complexity, giving it a distinct mineral characteristic. 20ha are planted on south-facing plots with sandy soils over limestone.

Vignoble Brisebarre Vouvray, AOC, 2010, Val de Loire, EARL Philippe Brisebarre Vouvray is another classic wine from the Loire produced from 100% Chenin Blanc. No other region in the world produces Chenin Blanc with the same appeal and longevity as the Loire Valley, although South Africa does its best and makes some fine examples. Over the last five years, Philippe Brisebarre has been nominated as the representative of the INAO in the region. Domaine Brisebarre has been in Philippe’s family for three generations and he currently manages 25ha of 35 year old Chenin Blanc vines planted on clay-limestone soils.

The 2010 has lovely fragrant honey, hazelnut and lanolin aromas. Flavours of green apples and blossom linger on the palate with fresh acidity.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc Honeysuckle, honey Good acidity, lingering finish, [02] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Salmon and spinach lasagne, honeyed fig crostata

Melon de Bourgogne Pears, white fruits Light palate, nice acidity, touch of spritz, [00] 6-8° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Prawns with lemon-garlic butter

Sauvignon Blanc Earthy, mineral Smoky, mineral, fruits, [00] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Sainte-Maure de Touraine goat cheese with rocket salad

Chenin Blanc Honey, hazelnut, blossom Green apples, floral, [02] 6° C 2013-2016, M8 D9 Sautéed sea bass on a bed of couscous and fresh tomato

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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7158 $29.00

$174.00

7159 $29.67

$178.00

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Pouilly Fumé, AOC, 2012, Jean-Paul Mollet, SCEV des Renardières The further east one travels along the Loire, the better the results in terms of wine quality for the 2012 vintage. Just enough pre-harvest rain fell to allow the grapes to soften and ripen fully without producing any rotten fruit. JeanPaul Mollet’s vines are planted on hillsides on the north of the Loire River, looking over Tracy-sur-Loire. Aged 35 to 40 years, the vines face south west on clay soils. After hand-picking in mid-October, the grapes were gently crushed and fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. The resulting wine is quite light in structure with floral blossom notes and pure gunflint aroma, typical of the best Loire Sauvignons.

Sancerre, AOC, 2012, Florian Mollet, EARL Le Clos du Roc A stone’s throw away, across the river, is the small town of Sancerre. Its proximity to the capital has meant that, for years, Sancerre wines have been in demand by the Parisians. The vineyards lie on the hillsides around the villages of Saint-Satur, Ménétréol and Thauvenay, all looking south west towards the Loire River. Produced by Florian Mollet, who used the same vinification as is used for the Pouilly Fumé, one can taste the influence of the terroir; a wine with similar flinty characteristics, but with more depth on the palate. This wine will become more expressive over the coming months.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Sauvignon Blanc Gunflint, slate, floral Light structure, balanced, refreshing acidity, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Crab, asparagus and avocado salad

Sauvignon Blanc Flinty, slate Good acidity, depth, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Asian pesto grilled shrimp, grilled Chèvre

Florian Mollet is the tenth generation winemaker of Domaine MolletMaudry. Along with his father Jean-Paul, they follow the winemaking practices of those that came before them and are passionate about the unique soil that contributes to the quality of their wines.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

Hand-harvesting of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes at Le Clos du Roc for Florian Mollet’s Sancerre.

7160

Olivier St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, AOC, 2012, SARL Olivier

$146.00

A wine produced from 100% Cabernet Franc; it has a fragrant mellow bouquet that gives it instant appeal.

Forest fruits, undergrowth and spices combine with the leafy notes so typical of Cabernet Franc. With good concentration on the palate, it has intense incense flavours and a long, bitter chocolate finish. The vineyards, situated on a hillside and protected from the north by a forest, consist of 15ha planted between 8 to 40 years ago. Vines have been cultivated in the vineyards of Bourgueil, on the north bank of the Loire River, since Roman times, but the founding of the Abbey of Bourgueil in 990 marked the beginning of its development.

7161

Domaine Charles Pain, Cuvée Prestige, 2012, AOC Chinon

$24.33

$24.67

$148.00

The Chinon appellation occupies 1800ha along the Vienne River. Rabelais, the great French Epicurean, was born near Chinon and wrote in praise of its wines ensuring their fame would spread. Domaine Charles Pain has 20ha of vines, approximately 35 years of age, in this appellation.

The vineyards are situated on the right bank of the Vienne River, east of Chinon, on terraced gravelly soils. Produced from 100% Cabernet Franc, it is deep plum in colour. The aromas are a little subdued with meaty, savoury notes while on the palate it has good weight and concentration, with a firm finish. This wine needs some time to mellow and to open up. It is lighter in structure than the St-Nicolas-deBourgueil, but has good intensity of flavour.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault

Cabernet Franc Complex, mellow, spices, leafy Incense, bitter chocolate 16-18° C 2013-2017, M6 D8 Spice-rubbed thick grilled pork chops

Cabernet Franc Meaty, savoury Medium-bodied, firm tannins 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D6 Boeuf bourguignon, Crottin de Chavignol

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet Rustiques, Languedoc 12

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Floris and Vicky Lemstra, with their family, live in the beautiful 19th century manor house surrounded by 45ha of vineyards, olive groves, farmland and pine forests that make up the Château Canet estate. It is a truly enchanting setting. All the original buildings are still in use, although they have been modernized; the stables are now used as the wine ageing cellar. When not on his travels, Floris can be found in his old jeep checking the vineyards, while his winemaker, the young and delightful Amandine, keeps an eye on things in the cellar. Together they work on tasting and blending the Château Canet wines and have put together a special cuvée in celebration of Opimian’s 40th anniversary.

Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet >>

7162

$24.83

$149.00

7163 $19.50

Château Canet, 1973 Jubilée, 2011, AOP Minervois Specially selected to commemorate Opimian’s 40th Anniversary

This special selection, oak-aged cuvée was produced by Floris for Opimians 40th anniversary. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, after picking the grapes underwent a cold soak for four days, followed by fermentation at 25°C. Two “pigeages” or punch-downs were performed each day for maximum extraction. Both varieties were matured separately, partly in oak, giving it a wonderful toasty, cedary note, and partly in tank for 12 months, prior to blending the final wine. Delicious now, the wine will develop further complexity over the coming years.

Syrah Rosé, Baronnie de Canet, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc Brimming with ripe strawberry aromas and intense crushed strawberry flavours, the Baronnie de Canet Syrah Rosé, produced from 100% Syrah, is a salmon pink colour. The grapes were harvested in the cool of night and fermented at low temperature.

$117.00

7164 $19.50

$117.00

Syrah, Grenache Toasty, cedary Juicy fruits, firm tannins 18° C 2013-2016, M7 D9 Roast beef with caramelized onion gravy

Syrah Ripe strawberries Soft, approachable, strawberry finish, [00] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Salmon sashimi with ginger and hot sesame oil

Merlot, Baronnie de Canet, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc Ruby in colour and with a winey blackcurrant nose, the Baronnie de Canet Merlot is light to medium-bodied with leafy flavours and a soft, juicy palate. Vinified with the same care and attention Floris and Amandine give to the estate wines, the grapes for the Baronnie range are sourced from nearby vineyards close to the city of Carcassonne.

Merlot Blackcurrant Light to medium-bodied, leafy flavour 16° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Charcuterie

7165 $21.33

$128.00

Domaine Canet Chardonnay, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc In Jean de Florette style, the 2012 Château Canet suffered from little (read no) rainfall in August which had a dramatic effect on yields, bringing them down by 19%. That aside, Floris considers himself lucky compared with other regions where the problem was significant rain, bringing with it the possibility of rot and hail. The Chardonnay vines are cultivated on the more mineral soils of the estate, producing a style that is understated with aromas of fresh, golden delicious apples and a long finish. Fermentation was carried out part in one year old Burgundian oak barrels and part in stainless steel.

Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet >>

Chardonnay Golden delicious apples, lanolin Floral, medium-bodied, balanced acidity, [00] 8° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Salmon fish cakes

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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To determine the best time to harvest, Floris tastes the grapes to ascertain the quality of the fruit aromas, the acidity and the ripeness of the tannins. He examines the grape pips and chews on them as well to check for bitterness.

Ultimately, he is trying to determine how the grape will taste in the glass.

7166 $21.33

$128.00

Domaine Canet Syrah Rosé, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc The Domaine Canet Syrah Rosé has a vinous, winey characteristic making it a great food wine. Made with the first Syrah of the season, harvested in the cool of night, the grapes were produced by the younger vines, bringing lots of red fruit with good acidity. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, it was matured for five months, giving it some extra oomph!

Syrah Winey Red fruits, soft palate, [00] 6° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Cod sautéed in olive oil with fresh tomatoes

7167 $21.33

$128.00

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Domaine Canet Syrah, 2011, IGP Pays d’Oc The Domaine Canet Syrah 2011 has delicious sweet chocolate and dark berry fruit aromas. Soft, supple and concentrated, no oak was used in order for the Syrah to fully express its velvety structure. The grapes were harvested at night to benefit from the cooler temperatures, 15°C instead of the blistering 35°C heat witnessed in the daytime. The grapes were left to macerate at low temperature for four days, followed by a slow fermentation.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Syrah Sweet dark berries, chocolate Supple, concentrated, savoury notes 18° C 2013-2016, M7 D9 Lamb meatballs in spicy eggplant tomato sauce

Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet >>

7168 $21.50

$129.00

7169 $22.83

$137.00

7170 $23.17

$139.00

7171 $23.33

$140.00

Vignobles Canet, Picpoul de Pinet, Tête de Cuvée, 2012, AOP Coteaux du Languedoc The vineyards lie close to the Étang de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. Picpoul grapes are cultivated on this limestone plateau, which is the largest white wine producing area within the Languedoc region. The grapes were harvested in the early morning and fermented at low temperature, producing a wine with fennel and tarragon aromas, firm citrus acidity with the flavour of fresh limes, tarragon, and a mineral finish. This is a great match for oysters and other seafood.

Château Canet, 2011, AOP Languedoc A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, this wine has distinct wild herb aromas reminiscent of the garrigues in the South of France. On the palate, flavours of blueberries and redcurrants emerge with firm acidity and fine-grained tannins. The grapes were night-harvested and left to cold soak. The wine was fermented at a maximum temperature of 27°C and subsequently matured in tank for 12 months before bottling.

Château Canet, 2012, AOP Minervois, Blanc A medal-winner at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris, this is a classy wine. It is bright in colour with a floral, Rhôney bouquet, typical broad structure on the palate and flavours of white, fleshy fruits. It is produced from two of the eight or so grape varieties permitted in the appellation for white Minervois. Roussanne and the late-ripening Bourboulenc grapes were picked and lightly crushed. The juice was left in contact with the skins for six hours before pressing. With no obvious oak flavours, it spent just three weeks in barrel to smooth out the edges and add complexity.

Château Canet, 2012, AOP Minervois, Rouge Château Canet lies outside the village of Rustiques in the southern part of the Minervois, in an area known as the Balcons de l’Aude, on clay limestone soils. After fermentation, 15% of the blend was aged in one year old oak barrels produced from the Vosges forest, a process which enhances the Syrah grape. The blend is made up of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache and has distinct nettle and herb aromas. Still quite young and firm, after some aeration the wine opens up to express red and blackberry fruits.

Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet >>

Picpoul Blanc Fennel, tarragon Fresh limes, herbal, [00] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Shellfish paella risotto

Grenache, Syrah Herbal, grassy Blueberries, redcurrants 18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Braised beef short ribs, Comté

Roussanne, Bourboulenc Floral White fruits, broad structure, [00] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Moroccan chicken tagine

Syrah, Grenache Herbs Leafy, red and black berries 18° C 2013-2016, M8 D8 Catalan sausage and beans with tomato and herb sauce

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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7172 $44.50

$267.00

7173 $29.00

$174.00

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‘M’ de Canet, 2012, Vin de France (Wood Case) The only thing wrong with this wine is the miniscule quantity produced! A white wine made from black Merlot grapes, the first free run juice is immediately drawn off into barrel, leaving no time for the skins to cede any colour. The clear juice is fermented in a grand total of three new oak barrels producing a mere 900 bottles. The wine has intense spicy oak, toast and roasted hazelnut aromas. It is medium-bodied with a long, lingering flavour – delicious! 300 bottles go to Holland, 300 to Germany and the remaining 300 have been reserved for Opimian members. The vines are planted in a corner of the estate on soils high in limestone content and benefit from the cooling effect of the Cers wind blowing in from the West.

Domaine de la Baquière, Grand Caprice, 2011, AOP Corbières (Wood Case) The vineyards of Domaine de la Baquière cling to the western hillside of Mount Alaric, just across the highway from Château Canet and into the more rugged terrain of the Corbières region. Frédéric Corpel’s vines strive on poor, calcareous, pebbly soils. Yields are low. The Syrah and Grenache grapes were picked by hand separately.

A slow fermentation was carried out, allowing the temperature to rise to around 32°C with daily punching down of the cap to extract maximum flavour and tannins from the skins. The wine was subsequently matured in new oak barrels for 11 months, with only the best barrels selected for the cuvée Grand Caprice.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Merlot Spicy oak, toast, roasted hazelnuts Medium-bodied, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Roasted quail with rosemary, thyme and garlic

Syrah, Grenache Herbal Blueberries, herbs, firm acidity 18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Cassoulet of cannellini beans, duck and Toulouse sausage At harvest, day time temperatures can be between 35° and 40°C. To avoid the risk of oxidation for the grapes, harvest takes place very early in the morning, between 3am and 7am, at the coolest time of the night when temperatures drop to 15° to 16°C.

Languedoc-Roussillon Château Canet

Paul Sapin SA Rows of Sauvignon Blanc along the edge of the Aude River benefit from the cool nights, which help in the development of the aromas.

Languedoc-Roussillon PAUL SAPIN SA >>

Thierry Coulon at Paul Sapin SA has had strong ties with the Languedoc for many years, having established a partnership with Olivier Mandeville Peirière over 20 years ago. Olivier, who can trace his ancestors back to Normandy and the time of William the Conqueror, is the latest generation to run the Domaine Peirière estate, which has been in his family since the early 16th century.

Listed as one of France’s historical monuments, the estate boasts a 9th to 11th century chapel that was only spared during the French revolution because it was being used as a sheepfold.

Quelle bonne chance!

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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7176

Maison Belleroche Chardonnay, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc

$18.00

Chardonnay vines were planted 20 to 25 years ago on calcareous limestone soils with 4500 to 5000 vines per hectare. Pale yellow in colour and quite light in style, the wine has fresh pear drops and melon fruits. Simple, yet with good intensity, it is a very pleasant wine to while the time away.

$216.00

Chardonnay Pear drops, melons Pears, melons, balanced acidity, [01] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Bay scallops pan-roast

7177 $17.58

$211.00

Maison Belleroche Merlot, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc The Merlot vines are planted on the chalky hillsides in the Languedoc region, close to the town of Béziers.

This historic town was a Roman colony in 36BC and an important staging post on the route from Rome to Madrid. The town’s heyday was in the 19th century with the growth of the region’s wine industry. Many of the rich wine merchants and brokers were based here.

Merlot Leafy, floral Herbal, fine texture 16-18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Cumberland sausage with red wine, rosemary and lentils

Taken during ripening or véraison, the Château Blomac Merlot from 60 year old vines gradually changes from pink to a luscious purple.

18

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Languedoc-Roussillon PAUL SAPIN SA >>

7178 $17.58

$211.00

7179 $17.67

$212.00

Maison Belleroche Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon cultivated in the sunny south of France has all the varietal characteristics of the grape variety. Grown on the hillsides around Béziers, light, pebbly, calcareous limestone soils retain some of the heat during the day and allow the grapes to fully ripen. With more structure than the Merlot, this wine has nice blackcurrant, leafy flavours with chewy tannins on the finish.

Maison Belleroche Malbec, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc A rustic wine with leather and spice aromas, it will pair well with spicy dishes. The Malbec has a soft approach leading to quite firm acidity and tannins. Flavours of bitter cherry and chocolate evolve on the palate. Primarily found in the Cahors region of France, this Languedoc version has all the hallmarks of the grape variety, with a dark colour and robust tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon Blackcurrant, leafy Structured, chewy tannins 16-18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Veal rib-eye with Chanterelle mushrooms

Malbec Leather, spice Bitter cherry, good backbone 18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Lamb and aubergine tagine

7180 $18.17

$218.00

Domaine Peirière Sauvignon Blanc, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc A wine full of character, it has intense petrol, smoke, gunflint and grassy aromas. Quite austere on the palate, with great length of flavour and a mineral finish, it reflects the cooler summer of 2012. The vines are planted on calcareous limestone soils at a density of 4500 vines per hectare. The proximity of the Montagne Noire tempers the heat of day with cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop full aromas.

7181

Domaine Peirière Grenache Rosé, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc

$17.83

Produced from 100% Grenache from old vines, this wine has a light, salmon pink colour with appealing raspberry, banana and grenadine flavours. After picking, the grapes were immediately pressed and fermentation was carried out at low temperature. Quite firm in structure, this is a somewhat serious rosé.

$214.00

Languedoc-Roussillon PAUL SAPIN SA >>

Sauvignon Blanc Petrol, gunflint Grassy, firm acidity, [01] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Shaved asparagus and goat cheese crostini

Grenache Banana, raspberry Medium-bodied, firm finish, [01] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Grilled polenta slices with a strawberry and feta summer salad

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The Syrah from these 100 year old vines is used in the blend for the Château Blomac Minervois. These very old vines produce low yields, but the fruit brings great concentration to the wine.

7182 $17.75

$213.00

7183 $19.75

$237.00

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Domaine Peirière Syrah, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc Although the current winery at Domaine Peirière is ultramodern, the estate has been a family winery for over 400 years. Run by Olivier Mandeville Peirière, who trained as a winemaker in Montpellier, it was Olivier’s father Paul who developed the estate at Vassière, visiting vineyards throughout the world and introducing new techniques.

The 230ha estate was re-planted with a range of varietals 30 years ago, so the vines are fully matured. Restrained on the nose, the wine has a soft fruit attack and flavours of dark fruits, spice and slate.

Château Blomac, 2011, AOP Minervois The Château Blomac is a wine with a savoury focus; it has more earthiness and wild herbs of the garrigues rather than fruit. It has complexity, more than one would expect at this price level. On the palate it is quite tannic, but it will mellow to yield flavours of chocolate and coffee.

Old vines Syrah and Carignan, aged more than 45 years, are blended with Grenache in the proportion of 50%, 30% and 20%. Now owned by Paul Sapin SA, Château Blomac pre-dates the 17th century when it was owned by the Abbey of Lagrasse. In 1786, it was purchased by Jean-Baptiste de Rolland de Trassanel who extended the vineyards and made the basis of the estate today.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Syrah Restrained, smoky Dark fruits, spice 18° C 2013-2016, M7 D9 Braised duck legs with leeks

Syrah, Carignan, Grenache Savoury, wild herbs Chocolate, coffee 18° C 2013-2016, M7 D8 Civet of hare

Languedoc-Roussillon PAUL SAPIN SA

LGI Wines Carcassonne An astute commercial businessman, Alan Grignon has the physique and the temperament of an old vigneron and is a man of the land. In 1999, after a lifetime in the wine trade, he established LGI Wines in the historic, medieval town of Carcassonne. He has assembled a dynamic team of young people including chief winemaker Xavier Roger who, together with his team, makes and sources excellent value wines.

Located beneath Béziers and Narbonne this vineyard, mainly Carignan, is nestled at the Montagne Noire foothills, where the vines benefit from the Mediterranean climate as well as cooler temperatures from the mountain.

Languedoc-Roussillon LGI WINES >>

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7186

Lagarde Blanc, IGP Comté Tolosan, 2012, Sélection du Vigneron

7184

Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering

$17.08

$205.00

COUPON

In 2012, the cooler summer meant perfect conditions in the Gers where the Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes were grown for this wine. The Gers region, located 80km from the historic city of Toulouse, is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, producing a temperate climate combined with an abundance of sun. The Lagarde Blanc, Comté Tolosan offers outstanding value for money.

Extremely pale, indeed almost colourless, it certainly does not lack aroma and flavour. It has pungent green fruits, gooseberries and limes aromas. On the palate it has more citrus flavours with ripe lemons, limes and a touch of guava.

7187

Lagarde Rouge, IGP Pays d’Hérault, 2012, Sélection du Domaine

7185

Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering

$17.08

$205.00

COUPON

22

Traditional Languedoc varieties were grown on the slopes beneath the Montagne Noir between Béziers and Narbonne. The wine was fermented and aged in tank to preserve all the fruit aromas of the grapes. After picking, the Carignan and Grenache were de-stemmed, crushed and macerated for eight days. The Merlot was left for a further week on skins.

Winemaker, Xavier Roger was born in a winemaking family from Sancerre, so he has “smelled more Sauvignon than milk” in his life! He travelled the world to gain experience before settling in Languedoc.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Ugni Blanc, Colombard Gooseberries, limes Lemons, limes, guava, [01] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Endive salad with blood oranges and goat cheese

Carignan, Grenache, Merlot Spice, winey fruits Soft , succulent mid-palate 18° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Beef fillet in bacon with scallions, seasoned with herbes de provence

Christophe Barbier in his Grenache vineyards located on the amazing Massif de La Clape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Languedoc-Roussillon LGI WINES >>

7188 $19.67

$236.00

7189 $19.67

$236.00

7190 $19.50

$234.00

7191 $19.25

$231.00

Tortoise Creek Chardonnay, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc In 1969, Mel Master and his wife Janie left Britain to live in Provence. Since that time, they have lived there and in California. An author and amateur of Rhône wines, Mel was one of the first people to recognize the potential of individual estates in Languedoc at a time when the vast majority of wines were being produced by cooperatives.

He and Janie developed the Tortoise Creek range while working with Alan Grignon. The Chardonnay grapes were sourced from some of the best parcels. After pressing and clarification of the grape juice, a very slow fermentation, lasting up to a month, was followed by ageing on fine lees.

Tortoise Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 2012, IGP Côtes de Gascogne Pale yellow in colour with tropical fruit aromas, the wine is delicious with flavours of passion fruit and pink grapefruits bursting through a long, lingering, fresh finish.

In the Gascony region, the best parcels of Sauvignon Blanc are on chalky clay soils with southern exposure.

The grapes were night-harvested and left for 24 hours skin contact at 6°C. The wine was subsequently kept on the lees for 40 days at 0°C in order to extract full fruit flavours. It is matured on its fine lees until bottling.

Tortoise Creek Shiraz, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc With a noticeably spicy oak characteristic, the Tortoise Creek Shiraz has an intense cedary, pencil lead nose with dark fruits. Similar flavours show on the palate with good fruit, medium-body and a slightly chewy finish. Chief winemaker, Xavier Roger is constantly on the lookout for top parcels of Shiraz in the Languedoc. The grapes were harvested at full ripeness and, after de-stemming and crushing, were left to macerate for 48 hours at low temperature. The wine subsequently fermented with the temperature rising naturally to 26°C. 30% of the wine was aged in oak, giving the intense cedar flavours.

Les Argelières Chardonnay, 2012, IGP Pays d’Oc The Les Argelières Chardonnay is oaky with aromas of coconut, wood and resin combining with floral blossoms, magnolia and lanolin. 40% of the wine was fermented in French oak; the balance was fermented in tanks at low temperature. The vineyards lie on gravelly, well-drained soils around the village of Argeliers, 30km west of Béziers.

The grapes were harvested in the cool of the night and gently pressed in pneumatic presses.

Languedoc-Roussillon LGI WINES >>

Chardonnay Pears, white fruits Citrus fruits, structure, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Seared scallops with lemon aïoli

Sauvignon Blanc Tropical fruits Passion fruit, pink grapefruit, [01] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Roasted pork loin with orange-herb sauce

Shiraz Cedar, pencil lead, black fruits Black fruits, spice 18° C 2013-2016, M8 D8 Daube de Boeuf Provençale

Chardonnay Coconut, floral Nutty, structured, firm finish, [00] 8° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Lobster pappardelle with chive butter

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Like many villages in the South of France, in the Languedoc countryside, winemaking has been a tradition for centuries in Cruzy. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive orchards.

7192 $18.42

$221.00

7193

Domaine de Fontjun, 2012, AOP Saint-Chinian The Domaine de Fontjun lies outside the small, picturesque village of Cébazan in the Hérault department.

The Saint-Chinian AOP has developed one of the most distinctive reputations for Languedoc wines from grapes such as Syrah and Grenache produced on its rugged, schist soils. The grapes were harvested at full phenolic ripeness and the majority underwent a traditional vinification. Winemaker Florence Sechet chooses to ferment part of the Syrah using carbonic maceration, requiring the hand-harvested grapes be kept uncrushed.

With fine structure and nice fruit flavours, the wine has aromas of mellow berry fruits, fennel and thyme.

Château Bouisset, Les Bécassines, 2012, AOP Coteaux du Languedoc, La Clape

$138.00

La Clape was once an island south of the Roman port of Narbo. Today, the limestone massif is joined to the mainland and produces delicious wines. Château Bouisset, owned by Christophe Barbier, has vineyards planted 20 years ago. Once a chef, he has worked with Grenache, Syrah and Carignan to produce a wine brimming with blueberries, cooked berry compote and coconut ice. All the grapes were hand-picked and a carbonic maceration was carried out for the Carignan. The Carignan and Syrah components were both aged in barrel for six months, adding a succulent attack to the finished wine with good tannins and long, bitter cherry finish.

7194

Domaine Barroubio, 2012, AOP Languedoc

$23.00

$25.50

$153.00

24

Grey and white pepper characteristics come from Syrah and Grenache grown at 300M. The Domaine Barroubio is a beautiful estate located in the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. Rugged with stony soils, the landscape is almost lunar. 27ha of bush vines, or as the French call them ‘gobelet’, produce naturally low yields. Wild herb aromas such as tarragon and a hint of fennel complement the peppery spice. The grapes were fermented at 26°C with maceration for 21 days followed by ageing in tank.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Syrah, Grenache Berry fruits, fennel, thyme Crushed berries, fine tannins 18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 Braised lamb shoulder with thyme, carrots and fennel

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan Blueberries, cooked fruits, coconut Medium-bodied, bitter cherry 18° C 2013-2015, M8 D9 French hunter’s stew with pheasant

Syrah, Grenache Grey pepper, white pepper, herbs Spicy fruits 18° C 2013-2016, M8 D8 Grilled bison T-bone steaks with herb butter

Languedoc-Roussillon LGI WINES >>

Considered as the jewel in the crown of the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence appellation, Château Vignelaure cultivates Château some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the South of France. These were planted in the 1960s from cuttings Vignelaure from the Bordeaux classed growth of Château La Lagune. winemaking on the estate dates back much further.

Rians-en-Provence However, An archaeological dig unearthed a Roman winery dating back

to the 1st century on the eastern boundary of the estate; it is thought to have been one of the largest in the Roman Empire.

Provence The underground cellar at Château Vignelaure was dug into the hard limestone rock by Georges Brunet in 1972. 300 oak barrels of various sizes are stored here; each size adds a distinct level of complexity to the blends.

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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7195 $24.67

$148.00

7196 $24.83

$149.00

26

Le Page, Vignelaure Rosé, 2012, IGP Méditerranée Provence is the heart of rosé country. The pale, dry style produced is in high demand with exports to the USA up over 40% in 2012! On the other hand, the Le Page, Vignelaure Rosé is not a typical Provence rosé; it is made from two Bordeaux grape varieties with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The 2012 season was marked by very little rainfall. The grapes were picked in the sunshine around September 17th for the Merlot and October 18th for the later ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.

The grapes were pressed immediately, resulting in the very pale baby pink hue to the wine. It has a nutty, vinous aroma with a hint of fennel and juicy, moreish characteristic on the palate. It is perfect for a summer afternoon.

Le Page, Vignelaure Rouge, 2008, IGP Méditerranée Due to the exclusion of local permitted grape varieties in the blend, the Le Page, Vignelaure Rouge must be classified as IGP Méditerranée, but has all the anticipated quality of an appellation wine. Following a cold winter, the mild spring in 2008 allowed for quick, homogenous and vegetative growth of the vines. Rain in May and June was followed by a cool, dry summer allowing the grapes to develop slowly. After fermentation, the wine was aged in oak for 12 months. Deep plum in colour, it is showing more development on the nose with a bouquet of cherries, raisins and vanilla. Concentrated on the palate, it has an intense, spicy, cedary flavour.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 218

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Vinous, fennel, herbal Juicy fruit, fresh finish, [00] 6° C 2013-2014, M9 D9 Cioppino – San Francisco-style seafood stew

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Raisins, cherries Cedar, spice, toasty oak 18° C 2013-2016, M7 D9 Slow-braised lamb shanks, root vegetables and roasted shallot jus

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

7197 $26.00

$156.00

La Source, Château Vignelaure, 2008, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence An intense bouquet with treacle, black fruits and smoke aromas, the 2008 La Source has a complex, layered texture although it was quite restrained when the bottle was first opened. After aeration for a few hours it became more expressive with black fruits and juicy acidity; time allowing, it is worth decanting. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan and 10% Grenache from selected lower yielding parcels, each was vinified separately.

The wine was part aged in oak barrels for 12 months.

Château Vignelaure, 2009, AOP Coteaux d'Aix en Provence This is Château Vignelaure’s Grand Vin from a great vintage. It has a deep colour and a complex bouquet with savoury notes, liquorice, dark fruits, vanilla, coconut and toast. A soft, silky texture with mellow red berries and oak flavours make this a classy wine that is worth the extra.

Produced from old vines, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah, the wine was aged in French oak barrels and demi-muids for 18 months, one third new, one third one year and one third two years old. Drinking nicely now, it will continue to develop a further five years.

7198 $33.83

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache Treacle, black fruits, smoke Complex, layered texture 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D8 Smoked duck breast with plum chutney

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Complex, dark fruits, vanilla Mellow, berries, coconut 18° C 2013-2018, M6 D9 Venison with juniper berries, sour cherry sauce and pumpkin mash

7199 \

$203.00

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure

$74.00

$222.00

The Chantemerles terroir surrounded by garrigue forests with red clay and limestone are excellent for the production of reds. The Canal de Provence is the water supply for Marseille and the surrounding towns and villages.

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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 7184 (See Lot 7186 on page 22) Lot 7185 (See Lot 7187 on page 22)

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 $130. 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 $181. 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 Canet 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