CELLAR 221 ONTARIO
Order by January 6, 2014
ALSACE, ARGENTINA AND CHILE
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 mid-April, 2014. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board. 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 #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430. • A valid 2014 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: January 6, 2014.
The “King of red grapes”, Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the most important grape varieties in the world, has developed beautifully in the Chilean terroir. Several Casa Nueva wines are made using this grape, either as single varietals or as blends. Roberto I. Echeverría, Chief Winemaker, loves its robust character, fruity notes, complexity and superior ageing potential; it just matches perfectly with the rich and elegant style of Casa Nueva wines.
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 CELLIEROFFERING 209 221
Medal Winner
This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.
Appeared in the C213 Select Cases (2013 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
C ellar Offering 221 Alsace, Argentina and Chile
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.
This cellar offering visits the regions of Alsace in France and the Yin and Yang of South America, Chile and Argentina. Despite its complex geography, lying between fault lines which over the years have lifted, rifted and exposed different strata of soils, the effect of the Vosges Mountains range not only on the soils, but which act as a protector of the climate creating low rainfall and sunny blue skies, and its long and documented history of the best sites, Alsace was the only region in France not to place terroir at the center of its wine production philosophy. That has changed with the definition of 50 Grand Crus and “lieu-dit” sites. Argentina and Chile sit side by side; Chile is long and thin, Argentina is vast. Chile has an established international reputation for quality wines. Argentina is the world’s fifth largest wine producer, yet until recently focus was more on high volume production and its domestic market. Separated by the Andes Mountain range, it plays a massive part in the viticulture of both countries, providing melted snow water to irrigate parched vines and altitude for freshness. The worldwide focus on old vines is gaining momentum since the creation of the Barossa Old Vine Charter in 2009. South America has a history of wine and viticulture that dates back to the 1530s. Indeed some of the Cabernet Franc vines used to produce O. Fournier’s Finca La Higuera and Alfa Centauri wines were planted in 1890. At a recent seminar in London there was talk of creating an international charter to protect such vines in South Africa, Australia, Spain, and California so that they may continue to survive to produce wines with depth, balance and poise. Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca p. 12
Viña Echeverría p. 19
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr p. 4
Villard Estate p. 25
Viña La Rosa p. 27
Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina p. 16
Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Chile p. 23
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Alsace
On the Alsace Wine Route, Hunawihr is classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Overlooking the village, the 15th/16th century Church of St. Jacques le Majeur, surrounded by a fortified cemetery, has preserved an unspoiled environment, and is a good example of the unity of the Alsace region.
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr
At Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr, winemaker Nicolas Garde continues to innovate, identifying best vineyard sites and experimenting with the use of oak. I was fortunate to have tasted some of these trials when I caught up with him and Dominique Soller in June. Located in one of the prettiest villages in Alsace, harvest was just kicking off as I wrote this in late September and according to Nicolas it was looking good. After late budburst, the region experienced high rainfall in early summer followed by temperatures notching up towards 40°C during Vinexpo in June.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
7335 $21.17
$127.00
7336 $22.17
$133.00
Crémant d’Alsace, Calixte Brut, Chardonnay, AOC Crémant d’Alsace, NV The Chardonnay grape is permitted in Alsace only for the production of Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wine using the traditional method from Champagne. 100% Chardonnay was fermented in tank followed by a second fermentation in bottle and ageing for 18 months on lees prior to disgorgement. The wine is delicate and restrained with sherbet aromas. On the palate it has a fine mousse balanced with citrus flavours and a crisp finish.
Chardonnay Subtle white fruits Well-balanced, citrus flavours, [02] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Spicy canapés with shrimp and grilled red peppers
Mixed Case – Special Edition Crémant – three bottles each Production of sparkling wines in Alsace dates back to the late 19th century. The wines are typically light in body and high in acidity with a fine mousse. In the 1960s, Peter Weber was a famous character in the Alsace region and a member of the Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr. The two cuvées that make up this special case were produced in his memory.
Peter Weber, Brut, AOC Crémant d’Alsace, NV Produced from a blend of 30% Pinot Blanc, 30% Pinot Auxerrois, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Gris, pale in colour, aromas of fresh green apples and limes are apparent. It is dry with a long, lingering flavour marked by lime citrus, tangy acidity.
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Fresh green apples, limes Limes, marked citrus acidity, [02] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Salmon sushi
Peter Weber, Brut Rosé, AOC Crémant d’Alsace, NV In contrast to the white Brut, the Peter Weber Brut Rosé Crémant d’Alsace is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes and has blackcurrant and grenadine fruit aromas. A pretty pale salmon colour could be misleading for this is a more serious glass of fizz with depth and fresh acidity.
Pinot Noir Strawberry Grenadine, blackcurrant, [02] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Bacon, cheddar and onion quiche
7337 $22.50
$135.00
Pinot Noir, 2012, AOC Alsace, Médaille d’Or Mâcon 2012 was a good year for Pinot Noir in Alsace and tasting this wine it’s no wonder it won a gold medal at the Concours National des vins de Mâcon. The grapes ripened early with good phenolic maturity combined with great acidity. Ruby in colour, there is typical varietal expression with earthy wild strawberry aromas. The palate is soft with nice mid-palate weight and red berry flavours. Whilst Alsace is predominantly known for its white wines, red grapes were widely planted in the region in the middle ages. Pinot Noir was just one variety amongst 40 planted in those days.
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
Pinot Noir Earthy, wild strawberries Red berries, medium weight 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Braised rabbit with grainy mustard sauce
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7338 $20.00
Mixed Case – Gold Medal Winners – two bottles each Wine competitions are a valuable way for producers to benchmark their wines against the competition in an objective way – all wines are tasted blind by a panel of professional tasters. This mixed case offers three traditional Alsace varieties that stood out amongst their peers.
Sylvaner, 2012, AOC Alsace, Médaille d’Or Paris $120.00
Practically unknown outside Alsace, although it was scattered throughout central Europe and is believed to have come from Transylvania, this grape variety remains widespread in the region. The wine has charm. Pale in colour it has restrained flavours of melons and peardrops. Dry and quite light in structure, it is elegant with a lingering fresh finish.
Sylvaner Restrained fresh fruits Melons, peardrops, lots of charm, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Tarte flambée alsacienne
Pinot Blanc, 2012, AOC Alsace, Médaille d’Or Mâcon With a touch of residual sweetness, this wine is soft and alluring with subtle fruit flavours. The grape is a white mutation of Pinot Gris, itself a mutation of Pinot Noir, which was observed and distinguished from Chardonnay in the late 1890s in Burgundy.
Pinot Blanc Restrained white fruit Hint of residual sugar, very approachable, [02] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cod fillet teriyaki with sweet-andsour cucumbers
Gewurztraminer, 2012, AOC Alsace, Médaille d’Or Colmar This dark pink berry variety is a mutation of the older green berry Traminer cultivar and is more aromatic. Low yields in 2012 produced concentrated perfumed wines. This wine has heady notes of tangerines and orange zest with residual sweetness giving it weight and depth.
Gewurztraminer Tangerines, orange peel Medium weight, [03] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Stir-fried Chinese noodles and prawns
7339 $18.00
$108.00
Sylvaner, Vieilles Vignes, 2012, AOC Alsace Produced for the first time in 2012, I tasted this wine as a vat sample with Dominique and Nicolas at Vinexpo in June, and then again in August. It was delicious on both occasions. The Sylvaner vines are over 45 years old producing a wine with white fruits, pears, peaches and floral notes. Soft and round in structure, it is dry with pronounced acidity.
Sylvaner White fruits, peaches, nutty Soft, round structure, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Apricot salsa grilled chicken salad
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
110 winegrowers, men and women, are members of the Cave de Hunawihr. They grow approximately 200ha of vineyards, the fruit used for the production of the wines featured in this cellar offering.
7340 $19.00
$114.00
Pinot Blanc, Vieilles Vignes, 2012, AOC Alsace Another wine tasted for the first time from tank in June, only a small production was made. This is concentrated Pinot Blanc with weight and structure. It has mellow ripe fruit aromas of mangos and peaches with a hint of fennel. A touch of residual sweetness is offset by nice crispness on the finish.
Pinot Blanc Restrained, fruits Good structure, crisp finish, [02] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Veal medallions with caramelized onions and fennel
7341 $20.50
$123.00
Riesling, Vieilles Vignes, 2012, AOC Alsace Like all good Rieslings, the Vieilles Vignes was quite closed when first tasted and needs a bit more time to fully express itself. It has spice with minerality, limes, fennel and dill. It is relatively low in alcohol and dry with a long, persistent flavour. In the vineyards, the yields were kept low and the fermentation in tank was long and slow, only completing in January post-harvest.
Riesling Fennel, dill Limes, mineral finish, [00] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Grilled salmon with lemon-dill butter sauce
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
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7342 $22.33
$134.00
Pinot Gris, lieu-dit Muehlforst, 2012, AOC Alsace The site named Muehlforst sits at 260 to 310M above and looks down over the village of Hunawihr. Set on clay with limestone soils, it has full south exposition creating a deep, warm terroir ideally suited for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr has 11ha of vineyards here with just one hectare dedicated to Pinot Gris producing a limited amount each year. The 2012 is rich and quite sweet with flavours of peaches, quince, ripe oranges and tangerines. The broad structure is balanced with good acidity.
7343
Gewurztraminer, lieu-dit Muehlforst, 2012, AOC Alsace
$23.33
The deep marl and limestone Muehlforst soils are perfect for Gewurztraminer and Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr has 5ha planted. Quite pale in colour with fresh fruit aromas, it has a juicy, lively style with natural acidity that balances its 32g/l of residual sugar.
Pinot Gris Light, spicy fruits Peaches, ripe orange, tangerine, [03] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Pot-roasted guinea fowl with sage, celery and blood orange
Gewurztraminer Fresh fruits, mango, pineapple Pleasant sweetness balanced by good acidity, [04] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D9
$140.00
Thai red curry Peking duck with steamed jasmine rice and Asian coleslaw Lieu-dit Muehlforst - “Lieu-dit” is the name given to a vineyard within a larger appellation. Wines from these areas must meet stringent production standards, which include varietals planted, vine density, pruning, trellising, grape maturity and yields.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
7344 $27.67
$166.00
7345 $30.17
$181.00
Riesling, Grand Cru Osterberg, 2012, AOC Alsace Unlike the rest of France, until recently in Alsace the focus was on grape varieties rather than terroir. This is more surprising still in that the region boasts some of the most complex geology in the whole of the country. Alsace has over 50 Grand Cru sites classified as recently as the 1990s. Osterberg, in Ribeauvillé, is stony clay overlying a subsoil of marl. Aromas of nettles, chamomile, and dried white blossoms are complemented by limey mineral notes and just a touch of sweetness to produce a powerful wine with great ageing potential.
Pinot Gris, Grand Cru Rosacker, 2012, AOC Alsace The soils of Rosacker are heavy with clay, limestone and dolomite pebbles with sandy scree from the Vosges Mountains. Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr cultivates 1.5ha of Pinot Gris with east/south-east exposition. Nutty and floral at the same time, the palate is rich and sweet with flavours of fresh peaches, apricots and roasted pineapple perfectly balanced by good natural acidity. Taxes levied on Rosacker vineyards are documented as far back as 1483.
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
Riesling Chamomile, dried flowers, nettles Mineral, touch of sweetness, [01] 6° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Butter-poached lobster with Meyer lemon beurre blanc
Pinot Gris Floral, nutty Sweet, peaches, apricots, roast pineapple, [05] 8° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Korean braised pork belly with stir-fried long-stemmed broccoli tossed with oyster sauce
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7346 $32.83
$197.00
7347 $33.67
$202.00
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Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Osterberg, 2012, AOC Alsace This rich, aromatic wine exudes aromas of tinned mangos, apricots and other ripe fruits. The high residual sweetness (58g/l) is balanced by the acidity and fruit flavours. The wine has finesse and ageing potential. Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr has a mere 0.62ha planted in this Grand Cru site on medium to steep slopes, 250 to 350M in altitude with east/southeast orientation. This land has been long renowned for its quality and is mentioned in documents dating back to the middle ages when the vineyards were owned by the nobility of Ribeaupierre.
Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Sporen, 2011, AOC Alsace Situated close to the village of Riquewihr, the Grand Cru of Sporen lies on deep Lias clay-marl soils. Despite the general lack of relevance given to the notion of terroir in Alsace, the wines from Sporen have been sold under their vineyard name for centuries. After a long, hard winter, spring came early in 2011. Warm temperatures in April were followed with warmth and limited rainfall in summer. Harvest took place under fantastic conditions with the Grand Cru grapes being picked early October. The Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sporen is elegant, fresh and young with more serious structure on the palate and great balance. It will develop more spicy and crystallized fruit flavours with time in bottle.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
Gewurztraminer Apricots, tinned mango Sweet, balanced acidity, ripe fruit, [06] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Spiced roast goose with dried-fruit pan sauce
Gewurztraminer Elegant, fresh fruit cocktail, melon Good structure, balance, [05] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Foie gras terrine with brioche toasts and lychee jelly
Gewurztraminer is an aromatic selection of an old grape variety that was recognized as Traminer rosé. In the past, it was known simply as Traminer, and was not as powerful as today’s Gewurztraminer, which literally translates as “spicy Traminer”.
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>
7348 $49.33
$296.00
Mixed Case – Vendanges Tardives – two bottles each (Wood Case) Vendanges Tardives, literally meaning late harvest, is an Alsatian specialty where strict regulations cover the way the wines are made. Conditions in October 2011 were ideal for the grapes to accumulate high levels of sweetness whilst retaining good acidity levels. The grapes were picked from mid-October, early for this style of wine, through until November. Fermentation was long, lasting between six to eight weeks, and the wines kept on their lees for five months. The wines are quite open and so ready for earlier consumption with a smooth balance that will allow them to develop.
Riesling, Vendanges Tardives, 2011, AOC Alsace The full spectrum of citrus fruits shines through in the Riesling, Vendanges Tardives; mandarins, tangerines and limes. It is restrained, sweet and finely balanced.
Riesling Mandarins, tangerines, limes Perfectly balanced sweetness, [05] 6° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Tandoori chicken, caramelized Indian rice pudding
Pinot Gris, Vendanges Tardives, 2011, AOC Alsace The nose is complex with aromas of peaches, mangos, pears and honey. The zippy apricot acidity balances high residual sweetness giving depth and length. It is fatter and sweeter than the Riesling with 70g/l residual sugar.
Pinot Gris Peaches, mangos, pears Zesty acidity offsets sweetness, long finish, [06] 8° C 2014-2019, M6 D9 Foie gras torchon with crusty French bread, Munster
Gewurztraminer, Vendanges Tardives, 2011, AOC Alsace Deep in colour, with baked apples aromas, flavours of mango, ripe apricots, and zesty lemon freshness come through on the palate. The wine conjures up thoughts of mango crème brûlée and roasted pineapple. Last to be harvested, conditions were so good in 2011 that the Gewurztraminer was left to hang in the vineyard! It was picked November 4th, two months after the start of harvest for the Crémant wines!
7349 $66.67
$400.00
Pinot Gris, Selection de Grains Nobles, 2009, AOC Alsace In mid-April 2009, after a long, cold winter, budburst was quite late. The summer was hot and sunny with a stormy July followed by a long autumn. Conditions were ideal for the full development of Noble Rot. The grapes were harvested on October 20th with a massive potential alcohol of 21,5%. The thick, syrupy juice slowly fermented over the winter until the yeast stopped naturally with a balance of 12% alcohol and 150g/l residual sugar. The result is a luscious, fat wine with delicious ripe apricots, peaches, spice, and vanilla flavours. It has great depth and lingers on the palate.
ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr
Gewurztraminer Baked fruits Mango, ripe apricots, lemon freshness, [06] 8° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Roasted mango duck with lemon sauce
Pinot Gris Ripe apricots, vanilla, honey Peaches, apricots, long lingering finish, [09] 8° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Honey cheesecake with apricot compote, Roquefort
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Argentina
Some may be surprised to learn that Argentina is the world’s fifth largest wine-producing country with 15 million hectolitres of wine produced annually. Vines were brought to the country by the first Spanish colonizers in the early 16th century. The wine trade really developed in the 19th century to satisfy its domestic market. Argentina boasts high mountains and plains, lush vegetation and extreme desert and there is now a focus on quality wines. 2013 growers benefitted from a large crop as well as high quality grapes.
Malbec has long-been a blending grape, but in Mendoza and in the vineyards of Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca, it is at home. Argentina’s most popular red grape variety produces velvety, concentrated wines.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>
Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca Valle de Uco, Mendoza 7350 $15.83
$95.00
7351 $15.83
$95.00
7352 $16.00
$96.00
Lírico Torrontés, 2013, Valle de Famatina, La Rioja Mauricio is a master of this unique Argentinean variety which all too often can be sickly and over-extracted. Torrontés Riojano vines are cultivated in the north of the country at high altitude (910M) in the Famatina Valley on traditional, tall pergola-trained vines. The grapes were hand-harvested in two goes, early and late, at the end of February. Whole clusters were placed in the press and left to drain without crushing resulting in a delicious, light, elegant style. Delicate aromas of rose petal, jasmine and citrus follow through and linger on the palate.
Lírico Chardonnay, 2013, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza The Vista Flores region in the Western Uco Valley has attracted attention more for the red wines it produces. The Chardonnay vines are planted at high density, 6850 vines per hectare, at an altitude of 1050M. The fruit was hand-harvested into 18kg boxes and gently pressed the first week in March. The juice was fermented in tank with no use of oak to produce a wine with spicy aromas, passion fruit flavours and good balance.
Lírico Malbec, 2013, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Vista Flores enjoys purity and intensity of sunlight. With approximately 3000 hours of sunlight per year and its altitude of 1050M, the solar radiation ensures full phenolic ripeness of black grapes. The region is known for the drop in temperature between daytime and night, a phenomenon that was accentuated in 2013; 30°C to 32°C in the day dropped to 10°C to 12°C at night, so that acidity in the wines remains fresh. The Lírico Malbec 2013 has floral, plums and chocolate on the nose with a hint of leather. More savoury flavours strike the palate and it has a good potential for cellaring. 30% of the wine was oak-aged for a short period.
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>
Mauricio Lorca was ecstatic when I met him in London in May – it was a fantastic harvest he said, beaming from ear to ear. Having made wines in different regions of the country he chose a high altitude site in Vista Flores in the Uco Valley to set down his own roots planting high density vineyards yielding low quantities of concentrated grapes.
Torrontés Riojano Elegant, fresh lemon Floral, jasmine, citrus, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Spicy shrimps with ginger and garlic
Chardonnay Spice, savoury Passion fruit, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pineapple passion fruit grilled chicken with grilled vegetables
Malbec Floral, plums, hint of leather, chocolate Savoury flavours, chewy tannins 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Pan-seared baby pheasant breast with sautéed foie gras
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7353 $16.00
$96.00
7354 $24.00
$144.00
Lírico Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Incredibly young at the time of tasting, it was not surprising that it was somewhat subdued, but dark fruits and meaty characteristics were present. On the palate it is fine in texture with a soft, velvety structure, refined tannins and great balance. It is a wine worth holding onto for a while prior to drinking. Soils in Vista Flores are alluvial and have been deposited from water flows from the tops of the Andes. Sandy clay, rock and silt loams, with very little organic matter, provide a well-drained base for the vineyards.
Lorca Opalo Malbec, 2012, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Malbec has become the flagship red grape for Argentina. Mauricio has produced a wine focused on purely expressing the variety and so no use of oak in the Opalo. Deep plum in colour, it has floral notes of violet and lavender. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and grassy, herbal flavours it will benefit from more time in bottle. 2012 produced a small crop; a cold winter with temperatures down to -15°C during the night produced less clusters and low yields.
Cabernet Sauvignon Dark fruits, meaty Fine texture, balanced 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Lamb chops with balsamic reduction
Malbec Floral, violets Fruit, herbs, firm chewy finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Black pepper-roasted duck breast with grilled plums Sandra is very pleased with the quality of the hand-harvested Malbec grapes
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>
Mauricio Lorca is recognized as one of Argentina’s finest winemakers. Although he acts as consultant winemaker in a number of wineries, it is in his own winery where he has free reign on techniques used and wine styles.
7355 $24.00
$144.00
7356 $27.00
$162.00
7357 $27.00
$162.00
Lorca Opalo Syrah, 2011, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza The climate in Vista Flores is desert-like with very little rainfall, approximately 300mm annually. This gives Mauricio control over the vigour of the vines. Low yields, equivalent to producing just one bottle of wine per vine, were achieved resulting in great concentration with aromas of blackberries, black cherries and dark fruits. Quite firm on the palate, it has chewy tannins and a slight astringency which will mellow with time in bottle.
Temático Reserva Malbec, 2010, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Unlike many producers these days, Mauricio is keen to hold onto wines. He has a stock of older bottles that he ages until they are ready for release. The 2010 Temático Reserva Malbec is showing superbly now. Intensely coloured, it has chocolate and cooked blackberry fruit aromas with flavours of coconut, vanilla, cooked cherries and berries. It is fine in texture with fine-grained tannins and a long finish. Produced from 100% Malbec grapes, the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It is one of my favourite wines in the whole tasting and is well worth the money.
Temático Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Shyer on the nose than the Malbec, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine with lovely cherry fruits, medium weight and firm, chewy tannins. The wine opens up in the glass and would merit being decanted before drinking, if serving soon. Harvested the first and second weeks of April 2010, the grapes were fermented in tank and subsequently aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 80% French, 20% American.
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca
Syrah Black cherries, dark fruits Concentrated, needs time to develop 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Judion bean and chorizo stew
Malbec Chocolate, cooked black berry fruits Coconut, vanilla, cooked cherries and berries 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Pan-roasted venison short loin with mushroom fricassee and black cherry relish
Cabernet Sauvignon Restrained cherry fruits Complex, mellow flavours, firm tannins 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Rump steak with red wine and pink peppercorn sauce
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Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier argentina Mendoza
The immensity of the Andes Mountains guards the O. Fournier vineyards from rain and wind, allowing for the growth of quality grapes
José Mario Spisso, chief winemaker for all three wineries in the O. Fournier stable, is quiet, reserved and unassuming. Based in Argentina, he travels back and forth across the Andes every week between February and May during harvest. Outside of these times, he is in Chile once a month with regular trips to the winery in Spain located in the Ribera del Duero. So far he is very happy with 2013, in particular in Argentina where he considers it to be one of the best vintages in the last decade.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier argentina >>
7358 $12.75
$153.00
7359 $12.75
$153.00
Blasón de San Carlos Torrontés, 2013, Cafayate, Salta Argentina boasts some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world, north of the country in the province of Salta. O. Fournier sources grapes here from the Cafayate Valley at 1750M, where low annual rainfall and clear blue skies suit Argentina’s indigenous Torrontés variety. The grapes were harvested by hand and clusters selected at the winery. After pressing, the juice was fermented for 10 days resulting in a dry wine with gentle, fresh lemon and lime citrus flavours.
Blasón de San Carlos Sauvignon Blanc, 2013, Valle de Uco, Mendoza The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were cultivated at 1100M altitude at Vista Flores and El Cepillo in Mendoza province. 2013 was a good year for grape-growing in Argentina with a cold spring, little rainfall and, towards the end of summer, cool nights allowing for a long, slow-ripening ideal for Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour, the Blasón de San Carlos 2013 Sauvignon Blanc has wonderful lemon and gooseberry notes with a refreshing, light palate.
7360
Blasón de San Carlos Malbec, 2013, Valle de Uco, Mendoza
$16.58
The wine is produced from 100% Malbec grown at El Cepillo and La Consulta in the Uco Valley. This Malbec has subtle, earthy fruit aromas. On the palate soft, mellow forest fruit flavours come through with lively, balanced acidity. The wine was aged for three months in oak barrels post fermentation.
$199.00
7361 $16.58
$199.00
Torrontés Lemon citrus Broad, lemon and lime finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Chinese chicken salad with spicy Asian dressing
Sauvignon Blanc Lemon, gooseberries Limes, lemon drop finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Halibut with grapefruit beurre blanc served over shiitake mushrooms
Malbec Earthy fruits Mellow, forest fruits, good acidity 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Charcoal-grilled New York strip steaks with chimichurri sauce
Blasón de San Carlos Tempranillo, 2012, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Tempranillo represents just over 5% of the vineyard planted in Argentina, yet if the Blasón de San Carlos 2012 is anything to go by, the potential for the grape is huge. This is rich, concentrated Tempranillo – think Ribera del Duero as opposed to traditional Rioja. Aged in oak for three months, it has mellow dark forest fruits with rich weight and body.
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier argentina >>
Tempranillo Dark fruits, mellow Concentrated, rich style 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Slow-roasted spiced pork loin with blackeyed beans and tomatoes
ONTARIO
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7362 $28.00
$168.00
7363 $32.83
$197.00
7364 $59.17
$355.00
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Finca Sophia Sauvignon Blanc, 2013, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Sauvignon Blanc
The grapes at Finca Sophia in Vista Flores are cultivated at 1100M and were harvested by hand in the middle of February. After a second sorting at the winery, the grapes were gently crushed and left to macerate on the skins for eight hours at 6°C to 8°C prior to pressing. Elegant primary aromas are complemented with peardrops and grapefruit. The wine has some weight and more richness on the palate than the Blasón de San Carlos Sauvignon Blanc.
Peardrops, primary aromas
Finca Sophia Red Blend, 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Tempranillo, Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a blend of four grape varieties coming from three sites in the Uco Valley; La Consulta, Pareditas and El Cepillo. This wine is really coming into its own now. It was so good we drank the bottle with dinner and it was gone before you could notice. A complex bouquet features red fruits, strawberry leaf, herbs and cedar. The palate is elegant with fine-grained tannins and a velvety structure, good acidity keeping it youthful, and a long, bitter cherry flavour on the finish that demands another sip. The blend of Tempranillo, Malbec, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 50% new, 50% second use, with 80% French and 20% American oak creating perfect balance and finesse.
Strawberry leaf, herbs, cedar
Alfa Crux Malbec, 2010, Valle de Uco, Mendoza It may be pricey, but worth every penny; if you want to splash out and try some top Malbec go for this! Not quite ready for drinking (it tasted even better having been open a while) it is brimming with summer violets, red berries, raspberries, blueberries and vanilla. Produced from 100% Malbec grown at La Consulta, the grapes were picked by hand in April 2010. After cold soak for five days, the juice was fermented in a combination of oak and stainless steel vats and was subsequently aged for 20 months in new oak barrels, 80% French, 20% American. Decanting and aerating in advance of drinking is recommended if consumed in the short term.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
Medium weight, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Roasted red pepper and goat cheese tart
Velvety texture, berry fruits, spice 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Orecchiette with rabbit ragù
Malbec Violets, raspberries, blueberries, vanilla Mixed red berry compote, vanilla 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Lamb, red wine and rosemary casserole with potato stacks and braised red cabbage The underground cellar maintains the barrels at constant temperature and humidity. The red wines are aged in French oak barrels, adding complexity and character while complementing the purity of the fruit aromas.
ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier argentina
Chile
Viña Echeverría Molina, Curicó Valley Located on the outskirts of the town of Molina in the Curicó Valley, the Viña Echeverría estate was established in the early 1900s. The Curicó Valley is located 200km south of Santiago and has prospered as a winemaking region since the 1880s. The Echeverría family has a long history in Chile, dating back to 1740 when the first ancestors came from a small town in the Spanish Basque Mountains.
Early winter pruning of a 50 year old Cabernet Sauvignon vine at the Viña Echeverría vineyards in Molina, Curicó Valley - The vineyards are located exactly at parallel 35° south, nestled between the towering Andes Mountains and the deep, cool Pacific Ocean.
CHILE Viña Echeverría >>
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7365 $16.50
$99.00
7366 $12.50
Casa Nueva Moscato Frizzante, 2013, Curicó Valley A delicious, fresh Moscato with intense lemon aromas and a hint of fennel, it is light in alcohol with refreshing spritz. It is elegant and fresh with sherbet flavours. The grapes were hand-picked and fermentation at low temperature was arrested leaving residual sweetness. The wine underwent a second fermentation in pressurized tanks capturing the delicate bubbles and “frizzante” characteristic.
Casa Nueva Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, Curicó Valley With half the wine aged in oak barrels for three months, attractive red fruits, red cherries and coffee notes set the scene for a velvety wine with bitter cherry flavours. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were hand-picked between April 27th and May 2nd.
Moscatel Lemons, fennel Refreshing, light, nice spritz, [05] 5° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Chicken Pad Thai, ladyfinger lemon torte
Cabernet Sauvignon Red fruits, cherries, coffee Velvety texture, bitter cherries 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8
$150.00
Balsamic lamb with roasted herbed potatoes Built in the 1930s, the beautiful “old cellar” section of the Echeverría winery was remodeled to hold the “sala de venta” or sales and showroom for visitors.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
CHILE Viña Echeverría >>
7367 $12.50
$150.00
7368 $17.50
$105.00
7369 $17.50
$105.00
7370 $17.50
$105.00
Casa Nueva Barrel Selection Carmenère, 2012, Curicó Valley Originally widely planted in the Médoc, Carmenère virtually disappeared from European vineyards after Phylloxera ravaged its way across them. A late-ripening variety and susceptible to “coulure”, it often produces low yields and was therefore not replanted. Rediscovered in 1994 amongst Merlot vines (Phylloxera has not been a problem there) it has become one of Chile’s signature grapes. The 2012 Barrel Selection has a floral, spicy nose. It is quite light on the plate with potpourri, orange peel on the nose and chocolate flavours.
Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Carmenère, 2011, Curicó Valley Fully ripe Carmenère grapes were picked between May 7th and May 11th, 2011. Blueberry aromas introduce fine silky tannins, elegance and balance, with notes of pepper and flowers on the finish. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks with extended skin maceration. It was subsequently matured in French and American oak for 12 months.
Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Merlot, 2011, Rapel Valley The Rapel Valley to the north of Curicó is a warm region known for producing full-flavoured red wines. It is named after the Rapel River which divides it and which brings vital mineral-rich meltdown water from the Andes. The Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Merlot 2011 is restrained with a smoky cassis aroma. Still very young and drinking nicely already, it has the potential to age.
Casa Nueva Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot, 2010, Curicó Valley The Curicó Valley is one of Chile’s historic regions. Located 200km south of the capital Santiago, winemaking has prospered in the region since the mid-1800s and remains the primary industry. The Mediterranean climate suits a range of grape varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red grape and Merlot the second in this region, enjoying both the climate and the sandy clay and decomposed granite soils. Combined with 30% Merlot, this Gran Reserva 2010 is a solid, structured wine. Quite closed aromatically, it has typical cassis notes with firm tannins and will repay cellaring. The Merlot was picked on April 10th, with the later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon being picked between April 30th and May 10th. After fermentation, the wines were blended and aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months.
CHILE Viña Echeverría >>
Carmenère Dried flowers, spice, orange peel Floral, chocolate 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cocoa and spice slow-roasted pork with onions
Carmenère Blueberries Silky, elegant, peppery spice 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Ragout of venison with wild mushrooms on mafalda pasta
Merlot Smoke, cassis Mineral finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Braised beef short ribs with potato purée, Swiss chard and horseradish cream
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Restrained cassis Firm, structured 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Prosciutto-wrapped guinea fowl with chanterelle mushrooms
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Roberto Echeverría, father and son, masterminds of the 3rd and 4th generations of their successful family business. They firmly believe that their success is measured through the satisfaction of those that drink their wines.
7371 $19.50
$117.00
7372 $19.50
$117.00
7373 $11.33
$136.00
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Casa Nueva Family Reserva Malbec, 2010, Colchagua Valley Mellow forest fruits, with fresh acidity, blackberry flavours, pure structure and a certain minerality, finish on a firm note. The Colchagua Valley is a sub-region in the south of the Rapel Valley and is attracting a lot of international attention. The vineyards are concentrated on the west side of the valley with some influence from the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean giving the grapes an elegant balance of fruit and acidity.
Casa Nueva Family Reserva Syrah, 2011, Colchagua Valley Intensely coloured with smoky cassis aromas, black fruit flavours and a fine texture, this wine has the potential to age. This is textbook Syrah. It is produced from grapes sourced just south of Santiago, grown in the warm and dry climate of the historic and prestigious Maipo region where the first plantings were in the 1540s, and from the Colchagua Valley further south. The Syrah grapes were harvested on March 30th and April 14th and carefully selected. After fermentation and extended time on skins, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.
Casa Nueva Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, 2009, Noble Botrytis, Curicó Valley This late harvest Sauvignon Blanc would give many Sauternes a run for their money! Deep, bright golden in colour, it has an intense and complex bouquet with ripe apricots, vanilla, dried fruits, dates and oranges. Unlike Sauternes this was produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Clusters were picked in three stages once the desired ripeness and level of noble rot had been achieved on June 9th, 16th and 23rd. The juice was fermented in tank and subsequently aged in French oak barrels. The residual sugar is perfectly balanced by the acidity giving the wine a long, sumptuous finish.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
Malbec Forest fruits, mellow Black berries, mineral, firm finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D7 Filet mignon with spiced butter, glazed artichoke and haricots verts
Syrah Smoke, cassis Black fruits, fine tannins 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D7 Smoke-roasted rack of lamb with garlicrosemary rub
Sauvignon Blanc Ripe apricots, vanilla, dried fruits Dates, oranges, sweetness balanced with acidity, [08] 6-8° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Vanilla panna cotta with caramelized orange jelly
CHILE Viña Echeverría
Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier chile Maule-San Antonio
Old vines are a passion and an obsession for José Manuel Ortega. In Chile, fruit is sourced from vines with a minimum of 65 years and as old as 123 years. Having scoured the country, José Manuel identified the traditional, and until recently overlooked region of Maule with its old bush vines, as the place to be for his red wines. O. Fournier uses only old vines in the production of its wines. These ancient, ungrafted, dry-farmed vineyards can only be worked with horses as they were planted before the creation of the tractor.
CHILE Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier chile >>
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7375 $17.50
$105.00
7376 $31.83
$191.00
7377 $53.67
$322.00
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Blasón de San Javier Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012, Valle del Maule
Cabernet Sauvignon
The grapes were gathered from a 100 year old vineyard close to the Andes at an altitude of 190M. Vines are densely planted on free-draining alluvial soils with limited flood irrigation producing low yields. The Blasón de San Javier Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 has all the hallmarks of the O. Fournier style. The bouquet is complex with dark forest fruits, Christmas cake and spice. Rich and mellow on the palate, it has great depth. Delicious to drink now, it will develop gracefully.
Dark forest fruits, spice
Finca La Higuera Red Blend, 2012, Valle del Maule
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot , Cabernet Franc, Carignan
This is hugely complex and rich; drinking a glass is drinking a bit of history. The Maule Valley has some of the oldest vines in Chile. The Cabernet Franc vineyard that produced the grapes for the Finca La Higuera was planted in 1890 whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon is a mere 100 years old. At an altitude of 280M, the Cabernet Franc vines are dry-farmed and have survived on alluvial, free-draining sandy loams and silt loam. The grapes were picked by hand with strict selection and sorting at the winery. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured for 12 months in barrel prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered. The nose is mellow with fruits, berries and cedar. Medium-bodied, the acidity dances on the tongue and leads to a long, complex finish. This is a wine to be savoured now and for years to come.
Alfa Centauri, Cabernet Franc/Carignan, 2011, Valle del Maule This is another star of a wine with the fruit coming from the same Cabernet Franc vineyard planted in 1890, as that which was used for the Finca La Higuera, combined with 10%, 60 year old Carignan planted on sandier soils. Both vineyards are un-grafted, cane-pruned and dryfarmed. This wine definitely needs more time before it will reach its peak. Aged for 17 months in new French oak barrels, the oak does not dominate in any way; it is a testament to the sheer intrinsic power and structure of the wine itself. Nor does it come across as a hard-hitting, in your face beast, despite its 15,5% alcohol. Rather it is refined and discrete with mellow fruit and spice flavours, powdery tannins, and fine acidity.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
Complex, fresh finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Griddled saddle of veal in morel sauce with asparagus
Cedar, berries Complex, long finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Roast beef with wild mushroom sauce and caramelized-shallot mashed potatoes
Cabernet Franc, Carignan Mellow forest fruits Red fruits, grainy tannins, good acidity 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Braised lamb shanks with coriander, fennel and star anise
La Higuera Estate is the base for O. Fournier wines in Chile. One hundred year old vines grafted with top varieties produce grapes of exceptional quality. These old vineyards are the reason for the personality and success of the O. Fournier wines.
CHILE Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier chile
Villard Estate Casablanca Valley The Casablanca Valley lies 75km west of Santiago and 35km from the Pacific Ocean, at the foot of the Coastal Mountain range. The proximity to the ocean creates cool, foggy mornings. The cool climate region, planted in the mid-1980s, was selected by Thierry Villard to establish Chile’s first family-owned boutique winery in 1989. I met up with Thierry and his son Jean-Charles (aka Charlie), current winemaker, at Vinexpo in June.
Jean-Charles Villard at harvest in the Tanagra vineyard 100% involvement from the winemaker
7378 $15.67
$188.00
Expresión Reserve Chardonnay, 2012, Casablanca Valley Bright in colour and Burgundian in style, it has intense, toasty vanilla aromas. The Chardonnay grapes were picked by hand, pressed and fermented at low temperature with part of the juice fermented in French oak hogsheads. 20% of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for eight months, the balance matured in tank with a small portion undergoing malolactic fermentation. The result is a complex wine, mellow and elegant with a soft palate, balanced acidity, and lingering custard and lime flavours.
CHILE Villard Estate >>
Chardonnay Toast, vanilla, ripe fruits Custard, lime, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Veal scaloppini with lemon-cream sauce served with Portobello ravioli
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7379 $15.67
$188.00
7380
Expresión Reserve Syrah, 2012, Casablanca Valley The 2012 Expresión Reserve Syrah is an intense, succulent, mouth-filling beast. First tasted in June when it had been in bottle just three months and again in August, it scored high marks both times. Complex with aromas of cassis, blackberries, loganberries, dark cherries, vanilla and coffee, on the palate it is concentrated with soft tannins, succulent fruits, and fine texture. Produced from 100% Syrah, the grapes were harvested by hand and macerated at 8°C for five days prior to fermentation. 65% of the wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months.
Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir, 2012, Casablanca Valley
$187.00
Chilean Pinot Noir is gaining recognition worldwide, in particular Pinot Noir from the cool climate region of the Casablanca Valley. This thin-skinned grape variety is a challenge both viticulturally and in the winery. In 2012, conditions in the Casablanca Valley were unusual with a hot summer and fairly warm nights, but fortunately no humidity and so no development of rot, to which Pinot Noir is very susceptible. This warm characteristic is displayed in the 2012 Expresión Reserve Pinot Noir with more black fruits and blackcurrant flavours, and good balance. Produced from vines planted in 2006, after a cold soak lasting eight days and fermentation, half of the wine was matured in oak barrels for eight months.
7381
Le Pinot Noir Grand Vin, 2012, Casablanca Valley
$15.58
$33.00
$198.00
Strict selections of the best parcels go into the production of Le Pinot Noir Grand Vin. With more classic Pinot Noir flavours than the Expresión Reserve, the Grand Vin has earthy, floral aromas. On the palate it has red fruits, blackcurrants and chocolate. The wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 16% new. It will improve with more time in bottle.
Syrah Cassis, blackberries, vanilla, coffee Succulent fruits, fine texture, long finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Grilled rib-eye steak with vanilla coffee rub
Pinot Noir Plum skins, herbal Sour cherry, lively acidity 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Roast pork loin with herb crust and dried cherry sauce
Pinot Noir Earthy, floral Blackcurrants, balanced acidity 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D8 Roast grouse with blackcurrant and beetroot sauce
7382 $59.00
$354.00
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Tanagra Syrah, 2011, Casablanca Valley This hand-crafted wine is completely fermented in French and American oak barrels. For those collectors out there, this wine is worth collecting and cellaring. Thierry’s son Jean-Charles nurtures these barrels as his babies. Bush vines are planted at high density on a steep hill with west/northwest exposition. Deep in colour, intense chocolate and forest fruits aromas lead to a rich, concentrated palate with blackberries, vanilla and spice. Each barrel is hand-fed with grapes and turned daily 180 degrees by Charlie to ensure the skins fully macerate. The wine was matured in barrel for 18 months.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
Syrah Chocolate, forest fruits Rich blackberry, vanilla, complex 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Wild boar stew with wild mushrooms, chestnuts and chorizo
CHILE Villard Estate
Viña La Rosa Cornellana Estate Cachapoal Valley, Rapel
Viña La Rosa’s commitment to the environment and natural resources has prompted its quest for 100% organic certification, with focus on the production of wines from balanced viticulture where the vineyards are viewed as part of the ecosystem.
It is at least 10 years since I was last in Chile and at Viña La Rosa. Fortunately, trade shows such as Vinexpo allow us not only to taste wines, but to maintain personal contact with winemakers and catch up on the news. It is not the same as visiting the estates firsthand, but a good second. It was with great pleasure that I saw old friends Ricardo Ullrich, Sergio Allard and winemaker Gonzalo Cárcamo, and met Vineyard Manager Eugenio Maffei in June. Viña La Rosa has three estates with a total of 860ha in the historic Cachapoal Valley.
CHILE Viña La Rosa >>
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7384
Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc, 2013, Cachapoal valley
7396
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
$10.00
$120.00
Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated in the Peumo area on a plain close to the Cachapoal River. This location benefits from exposure to the influence of the Pacific Ocean. Soils are alluvial sandy loams, poor in nutrients and well-drained. The grapes were harvested by machine in the cool of night during the first and second week of March. The result is an ideal summer afternoon wine, refreshing with delightful gooseberry, greengage and peardrop aromas. Soft and light on the palate, it reveals just a hint of spritz.
Sauvignon Blanc Gooseberry, greengage, peardrops Limes, refreshing spritz, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Fresh fish ceviche with mango, marinated in a chilli and cilantro vinaigrette
COUPON
7385 $10.00
$120.00
Cornellana Chardonnay, 2013, Cachapoal Valley Grown on the Peumo estate, in early March the grapes were machine-harvested in the cool night, gently crushed and left on skins for five to seven hours before pressing in order to maximize the full flavour of the Chardonnay grape. After pressing and clarification of the juice, the must was fermented using selected yeast at low temperature, between 12°C to 14°C.
Chardonnay Subdued, melon Pears, melon, crisp finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Linguini with creamy prawn and garlic sauce
7386 $10.00
$120.00
Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2013, Cachapoal Valley The warm Cachapoal Valley has a climate often compared to that of the Napa Valley. Situated between the 33rd and 34th parallels, it is just 30km inland from the ocean. It has an even and long ripening season, allowing the grapes to develop and express their full varietal personality. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot, the nose has plums, violets and other fruits. Quite light in structure with a soft finish, this is a simple, yet flavoursome wine.
7387
Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Cachapoal Valley
7397
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
$10.00
True to type, the Cornellana Cabernet Sauvignon is deep in colour with firm tannins and backbone. More earthy flavours with good acidity, the wine was a little shy at the time of tasting. The grapes were picked in the second half of April; it was barely four months old after all!
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Violets, plums Light structure, soft fruits 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled sausage and peppers hoagie
Cabernet Sauvignon Restrained Earthy fruits, firm tannin 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled beef tagliata with aromatic herbs
$120.00
COUPON
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
CHILE Viña La Rosa >>
Aside from being husband and wife, Ricardo Ullrich (Viña La Rosa) and Daniela Fadda (founder Gourmet-Mondial) enjoy working together, experimenting with traditional and avant-garde Chilean food and wine. See the December/January issue of Opimian News for their Pastel de Choclo recipe and Cornellana wine pairing.
7388 $10.00
$120.00
7389 $10.00
$120.00
Cornellana Merlot, 2013, Cachapoal Valley For anyone that loves Merlot this is a must, and for the price, one cannot go wrong! Intense and appealing red forest fruit aromas lead to a soft, juicy palate with red and black fruit flavours. The Merlot grapes were harvested at the end of March and combined with 5% Syrah and 5% Malbec. After fermentation and maceration on skins for 15 days, the free run wine was part-matured with French oak for three months, adding extra spice.
Cornellana Carmenère, 2013, Cachapoal Valley Carmenère is a pet subject of winemaker Gonzalo Cárcamo; Peumo has been regarded as the epicenter of the variety and this wine is part of a wider project on which he is working. The Cornellana Carmenère 2013 has a deep colour with mellow berry fruits and blueberries. The palate is rich with ripe fruit flavours, and medium-bodied with soft tannins. This is perfect for anyone wanting to taste the true flavour of the variety.
CHILE Viña La Rosa >>
Merlot, Syrah, Malbec Red forest fruits Juicy fruits, peppery spice 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Vegetarian lasagna
Carmenère Mellow, blueberries Ripe fruits, soft tannins 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Slow-cooked turkey breast with winter fruit sauce
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7390 $13.42
$161.00
7391 $13.50
$162.00
7392 $13.50
$162.00
Cornellana Reserve Chardonnay, 2013, Cachapoal Valley This is ripe Chardonnay with a touch oak. Skin contact was carried out for up to 12 hours. A third of the final wine was fermented with French oak adding structure and weight rather than an overt oaky characteristic. The balance was fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks providing peardrops, melon and passion fruit flavours.
Chardonnay Peardrops, melons Broad structure, passion fruit, [00] 6-8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Seared scallops with herb-butter pan sauce
Cornellana Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Cachapoal Valley Vibrant plum purple in colour, this wine scored very highly in the tasting. Intense aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants typical of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon sing from the glass. It has a pure, linear structure with cassis flavours, good balance and firm acidity. 5% Syrah and 5% Merlot were added to the blend and the wine aged for six months in used oak barrels.
Cornellana Reserve Malbec, 2013, Cachapoal Valley Despite only six months in used barrels, the Cornellana Malbec Reserve has taken on attractive coconut and oak aromas which slightly mask the fruit. Concentrated, firm tannins evolve on the palate at the same time as delicious coconut and black fruit flavours which linger on the finish. The Malbec was blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot Blackberries, blackcurrants Cassis, mineral finish 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled lamb chops with eggplant tapenade
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon Coconut, fruit Black fruits, vanilla 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Penne arrabiata with Italian sausage
Winemaker Gonzalo Cárcamo joined Viña La Rosa in 1998. Each year, he with his team analyze the performance of their wines through tastings and benchmarking while searching for new trends in the old and new wine world.
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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 221
CHILE Viña La Rosa >>
7393 $13.50
$162.00
Cornellana Reserve Merlot, 2013, Cachapoal Valley Floral notes of lavender and roses combine with cooked dark fruits and blackcurrant jam. The palate is concentrated with firm, but not aggressive acidity and more savoury flavours. Blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the wine was aged for six months in used oak barrels.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Lavender, blackcurrant jam, roses Savoury, black fruits, concentrated 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D7 Roast duck with spicy prune and apricot stuffing
7394 $18.83
$113.00
7395 $34.33
$206.00
Cornellana Barrel Reserve Malbec, 2012, Cachapoal Valley Malbec was blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine aged for nine months in new, second and third fill American and French oak barrels. Aromas of fresh black fruits and berries dominate the bouquet. Concentrated with a fine silky texture, it has good balance and lingers on the finish.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon Blackberries, dark fruits Structured, firm finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Barbecued beef brisket with grilled herbed vegetables
Cornellana Carmenère Gran Reserva, 2012, Cachapoal Valley (Wooden Case) A new introduction to the range at Viña La Rosa, this Carmenère was blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Still very youthful with berry fruit aromas, it will benefit from cellaring. The palate is rich with savoury notes combined with bitter cherries and vanilla. The wine was matured in new and second use French oak barrels for a year.
Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon Berries, rich fruits, vanilla Savoury, bitter cherries, dense 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Braised venison with cherries
The Cachapoal Valley has a long and even ripening season, resulting in perfect fruit ripeness and good acid levels.
CHILE Viña La Rosa >>
ONTARIO
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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 7396 (See Lot 7384 on page 28) Lot 7397 (See Lot 7387 on page 28)
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 $102. 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 $188. 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. Viña Echeverría 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