CELLAR 223 YUKON
Order by March 3, 2014
Portugal, Spain, the Mâconnais & the Rhône Valley
v
“The Estopa Douro and Soneto Port wines are produced from a blend of Douro local varieties in the traditional “lagares”. These wines have tremendous structure so they are able to be aged in casks where they reach top quality, complexity and softness. We make our wines in such a way that you can drink them now with great pleasure, or keep them to be enjoyed for the coming years without loss of quality.” - José Pinheiro, Gesprove.
LEGEND Members’ Choice
White
Aroma
Drink this year
Red
Taste
Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years
Serving temperature
Rosé
Ideal with
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
2
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Select Cases (2013)
Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down
Sparkling
Medal Winner
This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.
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 223 Portugal, Spain, the Mâconnais & the Rhône Valley
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 features a number of traditional winemaking regions in Europe. Neither Spain nor Portugal receives the full recognition each truly deserves, yet both have long winemaking histories. Old regions with very old vines are being unearthed and renewed and indigenous grape varieties re-discovered. In Portugal there is a new generation of young winemakers. Diversity across the regions is translated into wine styles with great white wines being produced in Rueda and Rías Baixas in the north of Spain. Tempranillo, the most widely planted black grape variety in Spain, has also made it across the border into Portugal to make some delicious wines. But, there are also ancient old vines of Garnacha and Cariñena as well as the indigenous varieties such as Touriga Nacional to look out for. Not to mention the fantastic Port wines. From France we offer wines from southern Burgundy, the Mâconnais region and a selection of mainly reds from the Rhône Valley. 2012 was a very good vintage in the Rhône. The 2013 will definitely be scarcer in quantity and is unlikely to reach the same level of quality, although interest in the region may continue to push prices up. If you enjoy Rhône wines I would say that now is the time to invest and stock up that cellar. Quinta da Barreira p. 4
Churchill Graham p. 9
Vinoselección p. 13
Concavins p. 19
Paul Sapin p. 23
Bernard Perrin p. 26
YUKON
3
Portugal
Quinta da Barreira Carvoeira This is a selection of wines from regions around Portugal put together by José Gaspar. Portugal has a host of indigenous grape varieties and a new generation of young winemakers keen to get the best out of them. The results are some great, concentrated wines with the tannins and structure to age. José too makes his own wines at the Quinta da Barreira estate and after the drought and small crops in 2011 and 2012, he is very happy with the 2013 vintage which he finished harvesting on September 23rd, a day before the rains came down!
After harvest, it is very important for the quality of the next crop that the leaves remain on the vines for an extended period – important and beautiful!
4
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>
7464 $22.67
$136.00
7465 $22.83
$137.00
7466 $27.83
$167.00
7467 $16.58
$199.00
Quinta da Barreira, Vinho Branco, Vinho Regional Lisboa, 2010 Produced by José Gaspar from a blend of four grape varieties, Chardonnay, Alvarinho, Verdelho and Arinto, this is a complex wine with honeyed notes, dried camomile flowers, grass and earthy notes. Soft on the attack with medium body, it ends on a fresh sour lemon drop flavour. The grapes were pressed and fermented at low temperature, aged for six months and then bottled.
Quinta da Barreira Reserva, Touriga Nacional e Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinho Regional Lisboa, 2012
Chardonnay, Alvarinho, Verdelho, Arinto Honey, dried camomile flowers, grassy Lemon citrus, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pan-fried white fish with lemon butter caper sauce
Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon
Drought conditions in 2012 led to another below average crop quantity wise and a wine that is quite advanced in maturity. With leathery, meaty aromas and firm acidity on the palate it will be ready for earlier drinking than the previous 2011 vintage. Produced by José Gaspar on his own estate it is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was left for long skin maceration in tank followed by maturation in American oak barrels for six months. Bottled with minimal filtration, it may throw a deposit in bottle.
Leather, earthy, meaty spice
Doudão, DOC Douro, 2012
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional
This is a typical blend of three of the important grape varieties in the Douro, all permitted for Port production. Touriga Franca is the most widely planted variety and is resistant to many diseases and pests. It brings elegance and floral notes. Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) is one of few Spanish grape varieties to have made it across the border and is the second most widely planted grape in Douro. Finally there is the Touriga Nacional, considered to be Portugal’s finest black grape variety. Thick-skinned, it provides deep colour, dark fruit flavours, structure and the potential to age.
Serra Vinho Verde, DOC Vinho Verde, 2013 Vinho Verde, meaning green wine, does not refer to its colour which is very pale almost colourless, but to the fact that it is a style made to be drunk young and vibrant. Vinho Verde is produced in the Minho region in the north of the country bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. Rainfall here is high, encouraging vines to grow vigorously and producing large crops with high acidity levels and relatively low sugar. This translates to a unique wine style which is low in alcohol, at around 10%, with fresh green apple flavours, crisp acidity and a touch of spritz. Enjoy it like the Portuguese do, while it is young and refreshing.
PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>
Full-bodied, firm acidity and tannins 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Wild boar Bolognese sauce with fresh tagliatelle pasta
Mellow fruits Concentrated, ripe fruits, black cherries, fine texture 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Pork roast stuffed with prunes and apricots
Loureiro, Azal, Trajadura, Pedernã Subtle fruits Fresh green apples, spritz, [02] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls
YUKON
5
Harvest is one of the most important times of the year for every winery. The vibrant green color of the vine leaves is an indication of the real quality of the grapes.
7468
$22.67
$136.00
7469
$22.83
$137.00
6
Herdade de Gâmbia, White Wine, Regional Península de Setúbal, Sociedade Agrícola Boas Quintas, 2013 Something of an enigma, this wine is elegant with aromas of honeydew melons and is a touch floral with notes of lychee and lemongrass. A beguiling wine, fresh with a fleshy palate, nice pear drops and melon flavours are rounded off with a slightly chewy finish. Produced from one of Portugal’s mostplanted grapes, the Fernão Pires is blended with Moscatel. The vines are cultivated on the sandy soils of the Setúbal peninsula south east of Lisbon. The juice was left for a short time in contact with the skins prior to pressing followed by fermentation at low temperature.
Herdade de Gâmbia, Red Wine, Regional Península de Setúbal, Sociedade Agrícola Boas Quintas, 2012 Winemaker Nuno Cancela de Abreu’s family has 130 years of history in viticulture and winemaking. Originally from the Dão region, he has worked in many regions in Portugal, led much of the pioneering research and taught many of the current young generation of Portuguese winemakers. The Herdade de Gâmbia estate consists of 33 hectares of vines in four distinct parcels planted since 1987 on sandy soils with a Mediterranean climate. Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Aragonez (Tempranillo) grapes were left in contact with skins at low temperature prior to fermentation. The wine benefits from aeration in the glass and is worth decanting before drinking. Herdade de Gâmbia 2012 opens up to reveal aromas of coffee and chocolate. Rich on the palate it reveals flavours of fresh crushed blackberries, sour cherries and firm acidity.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Moscatel, Fernão Pires Honeydew melon, floral, lychee, lemongrass Pear drops, melon, firm acidity, [01] 8° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Roasted cod fillet with Chinese miso and Japanese aromatic citron sauce
Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonez Matchstick, coffee, chocolate Rich, concentrated, crushed blackberries, sour cherry finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Roasted duck breast with blackberry and port sauce
PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>
7470 $25.17
$151.00
7471 $21.00
$126.00
Terras do Demo Superior, VQPRD, Távora Varosa, 2012
Malvasia Fina, Cógueda, Folgosão, Gouveio Real, Borrado de Mosca, Cerceal
The region of Távora Varosa is located between Douro and Dão, and is characterized by high altitudes and granitic soils. The region is also known for apple growing. Produced from a blend of six indigenous varieties, the 2012 Terras do Demo has a complex bouquet with aromas of Pink Lady apples, fresh limes, coconut, blossom, and mineral notes. On the palate it has firm acidity with fresh lime flavours and a long citrus finish.
Pink Lady apples, lime, coconut spice
Fraga da Pena Reserva, DOC, Távora Varosa, 2009
Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Bastardo, Tinta Roriz
Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Bastardo and Tinta Roriz grapes were cultivated on acidic granitic soils with localized areas of metamorphic schist. Deep bright ruby in colour, Fraga da Pena has a mellow cherry and vanilla fruit nose with black treacle spice. The palate is soft and round with typical lively acidity and raisined Christmas cake flavours. It is structured with chewy tannin.
The “tonel” or large wood vats are the traditional Portuguese method used for ageing wines over several months or years.
PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>
Mineral hint, blossom, fresh lime finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled fish with lime, fresh coconut and avocado relish
Mellow cherry, vanilla Black treacle, spice, raisins 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Roast port-glazed goose with Tawny port gravy
YUKON
7
7472
Tágide Touriga Nacional e Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinho Regional Lisboa, 2012
$21.00
Produced from a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has an intense bell pepper, capsicum aroma. Concentrated with a powdery texture it is nicely balanced with herbal flavours and a bitter chocolate finish. The grapes were fermented in traditional cement tanks with extended maceration on skins.
$126.00
Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon Bell pepper, herbal Concentrated, powdery texture, herbal flavour, bitter chocolate finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Chorizo-stuffed bell peppers
7473 $33.17
$199.00
Estopa Maior Reserva, DOC Douro, 2011 Aged in French oak barrels for eight months, the Estopa Maior Reserva has taken on an intense spicy oak characteristic with cedar and vanilla notes which currently dominate the fruit, but which will mellow with time. The grapes were grown on terraces of schist in the Douro Superior sub-region with vines of 25 years of age producing immensely concentrated fruit. After picking by hand, the grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and fermented at low temperature prior to maturing in barrel.
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz Intense spicy oak, cedary Black cherries, lingering spicy finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Rib-eye steak au poivre with balsamic reduction
Port
7474 $45.00
$270.00
8
Soneto Porto, Late Bottled Vintage, 2009 There is no doubt that 2009 was a good vintage in the Douro, although there were contrasting views between the major Port houses as to whether it was declared. Either way the Soneto Late Bottled Vintage 2009 is a star. Deep plum purple in colour, it has cooked dark fruits and prunes complemented by a savoury characteristic. The palate is rich and concentrated with delicious bitter cherry, vanilla and chocolate flavours that persist. A blend of the traditional Douro varieties, it was produced using short fermentation arrested by the addition of wine brandy. It will continue to develop in bottle over 10 years and will throw a deposit.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Touriga Nacional Prunes, dark fruits, savoury Concentrated, bitter cherries, vanilla, chocolate, [08] 18° C 2014-2025 Castelo Branco, prunes in dark chocolate Casa de Gâmbia 1927 - Historically, some of the older “Quintas” dedicated to wine production were connected to small churches. This connection is an important one to Boas Quintas, producer of the Herdade de Gâmbia wines.
PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira
Churchill Graham Lda Vila Nova de Gaia Churchill Graham is a boutique Port and wine producing company founded by Johnny Graham and named after his wife Caroline Churchill. Churchill’s Ports are made at Quinta da Gricha located in the prestigious Cima Corgo sub-region between Pinhão and Tua on the south bank of the river Douro. Vineyards in the Douro are classified using a scale from “A” to “E” taking criteria such as site, aspect, gradient and exposure into account. Churchill Graham uses only grapes from the top grade “A” vineyards and practices traditional techniques to produce its range of premium Ports.
PORTUGAL Churchill Graham Lda >>
YUKON
9
Eighty different grape varieties are permitted for the production of Port. The Churchill Graham vineyards contain a field blend of many varieties including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Tinta Francisca. Port is a fortified wine made by adding brandy to arrest the fermenting grape must. Rapid extraction of colour and tannins is important in making all styles of Port because the fermentation is arrested after just two or three days, so the juice spends a very limited time in contact with the skins compared to normal red wines. Quinta da Gricha uses the traditional “lagares”, shallow granite troughs built in 1852, as the most effective way of extracting colour quickly. The human foot gently treads and presses the grapes breaking up the fruit, but without crushing the pips which are overly bitter and astringent. Once the fermenting must has achieved the desired residual sweetness level, it is run off into a tank containing about one fifth full of brandy spirit. As both mix together the yeast is killed off leaving a young, sweet, fiery Port. The maturation that follows is the determining factor in the style of Port produced.
7477 $19.33
$116.00
7478 $28.17
$169.00
7479 $24.33
$146.00
10
Meio Queijo, DO Douro, 2010, Churchill Graham Lda A blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca and 30% Tinta Roriz, the grapes are grown on different plots, or “talhões”, of the estate’s vineyards. The Meio Queijo 2010 has cherry, bitter almond and raisin aromas with a lingering liquorice finish. The 2010 vintage benefitted from ample winter rains allowing the soils to build up some reserves. Spring temperatures were lower than usual leading to later flowering, about two weeks later than the norm. Dry, warm conditions in the summer with quite high temperatures at the end of July and August produced a healthy crop of ripe fruit. Approximately 20% of the final wine was matured in old casks adding an extra layer of complexity.
Churchill’s Estates Douro Branco, 2012, Churchill Graham Lda This complex wine is made from traditional Portuguese varieties, mainly 70% Rabigato, 20% Viosinho and a 10% old vine field blend mix of grapes. It has a citrus orange blossom and mandarin characteristic complemented with flinty mineral notes and a floral sensation. The grapes come from high altitude vineyards in the Douro and were chilled overnight before being crushed and left to cold soak. A proportion of the wine was fermented and matured for six months in oak casks.
Churchill’s Estates Rosé Douro, 2012, Churchill Graham Lda Produced from 100% Touriga Nacional, this is an explosive Rosé. Vibrant crimson pink in colour, crushed raspberries and red cherries exude from the glass. With juicy acidity, it has the structure to easily go with food. 2012 resulted in a below average crop, in terms of quantity produced, and followed the very small 2011 crop. The winter season was the driest of 40 years; limited rainfall in April and May gave some respite. Temperatures during the early summer were below average, but overall the grapes were healthy and ripe. After picking, the fruit was chilled and crushed, and the skins left in contact with the juice leaching the pretty crimson colour. The wine was fermented at low temperature and bottled.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz Bitter almonds, red cherries Raisins, figs, liquorice 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D8 Portuguese roast lamb with potatoes
Rabigato, Viosinho Flinty, orange blossom, mandarin, floral Complex, limes, mint, mineral finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Thai style oyster salad
Touriga Nacional Crushed raspberries, red cherries Fresh fruits, balanced acidity, [02] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Veal scaloppini with tomato, oregano and capers
PORTUGAL Churchill Graham Lda >>
Night lights along the Douro River in Porto
7480 $28.17
$169.00
Churchill’s Estates Douro, 2010, Churchill Graham Lda
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
Raisins, black treacle, smoke and cassis mingle to create a restrained, complex bouquet. On the palate, the wine has medium body with pure mineral depth and firm acidity which is enhanced with persistent sour cherry flavours. The grapes came from the best plots. After picking by hand, the clusters were de-stemmed, crushed and left for four days to cold soak. 30% of the wine was aged for 12 months in new and old French oak casks. Concentrated and elegant, it has the potential to develop over the coming years.
Raisins, black treacle, smoke, cassis
Churchill’s Reserve Port, Churchill Graham Lda
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca
Sour cherries 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Duck and sour cherry casserole
Port
7481 $26.33
$158.00
7482 $38.00
$228.00
Deep ruby in colour, there are sweet aromas of cherry jam, red fruits and vanilla. The soft, sweet attack on the palate includes flavours of fresh sweet cherries, mulberries and raisins. It has good balance between alcohol, sugar and natural acidity. Churchill’s Reserve Port is a blend of Ports from several vintages; the wines were matured in seasoned oak vats for an average of three years. Filtered and ready to drink, there is no need to decant. Serve straight from the bottle and once opened it will keep for up to a month.
Churchill’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2007, Churchill Graham Lda Late Bottled Vintage Ports are produced from a single year and are usually bottled four to six years post the vintage. Churchill Graham adheres to the traditional style of LBV. No filtration is carried out, ensuring that all the richness, elegance and complexity of flavour are retained. The LBV 2007 was matured in large oak vats and after four years was bottled, then further matured in Churchill Graham’s cool cellars prior to release. It has a developed ruby colour with tawny hue around the edges. Smoky aromas intermingle with treacle, black fruit and a certain herbal earthiness. On the palate it is sweet with red cherry, nutty and raisined fruit notes. Ideally, the bottle should stand upright for several hours prior to opening and decanting so the sediment can settle at the bottom of the bottle.
PORTUGAL Churchill Graham Lda >>
Cherries, red fruits, vanilla Ripe cherries, nice fruit, [08] 18° C 2014-2019 Camembert, layered berry fruit salad with port syrup
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca Smoky, treacle, black fruits Nutty, raisined fruits, [07] 18° C 2014-2020 Mature cheddar, dried fruits and nuts loaf
YUKON
11
All Churchill’s ports are produced in the traditional granite “lagares” built in 1852.
7483 $47.67
$286.00
7484 $39.44
$355.00
7485 $118.50
$711.00
12
Churchill’s Crusted Port, Bottled 2006, Churchill Graham Lda Crusted Ports are named as such due to the deposit they may throw in bottle as they have not been filtered or stabilized. Bottled in 2006, Churchill’s Crusted Port is a blend of two vintages which has been matured in oak casks and then in bottle for three years. A garnet colour introduces aromas of black cherry, smoke and rubber. Sweet on the attack with resinous notes and cherry fruits, it is balanced becoming firm on the finish with good natural acidity. It will continue to gain in complexity in bottle over the next ten years. Care needs to be taken not to disturb the “crust”; stand the bottle for several hours before decanting two hours before serving. The crust can be used for seasoning meats and adding to sauces.
Churchill’s 10 Years Old Tawny Port, Churchill Graham Lda Old Tawny Ports have been aged in wood for a long period so that the youthful ruby colour takes on a more amber brown or tawny hue and a soft, silky character. Churchill’s 10 Years Old Tawny Port is a blend of ports with an average age of 10 years combining the purity of fruit and the nutty complexity from ageing in oak casks. Brick red in colour with a tawny hue, the nose is mellow, yet restrained with spice and orange peel aromas. On the palate more spicy oak, vanilla and dried fruits lead to a fresh, persistent finish. The 10 Years Old Tawny Port is ready to drink and can be served straight from the bottle.
Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port, 2011, Churchill’s (Wood Case) 2011 was a declared vintage by all of the top Port houses, the first since 2007. Johnny Graham states its being one of the best vintages he has ever seen. 2011 was a hot year. The position of Quinta da Gricha on the south bank of the Douro River means that it benefitted from its cooler, more northerly exposure producing intense concentration and mineral qualities. It has all the hallmarks of a Port made in a superb year. Intense black purple in colour, it has a restrained, smoky, black olive nose. Complex and rich on the palate, the sweetness is balanced by the concentration and excellent natural acidity, with a savoury edge and firm tannic structure. OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Barroca Black cherry, smoke Cherry fruits, good acidity, [07] 18° C 2014-2024 Stilton, chocolate cheese cake with black cherries
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca Nutty, orange peel, spice Mellow, spicy oak, vanilla, long finish, [08] 18° C 2014-2016 Ossau Iraty Vieille, walnut tart
Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Francisca Concentrated, smoky, black olive Complex, rich, savoury, [08] 18° C 2014-2040 Cabrales, fig cake with candied pistachio and whipped mascarpone
PORTUGAL Churchill Graham Lda
Spain
Vinoselección Madrid Spain does not receive the full recognition it truly deserves on the international wine stage. It has a long winemaking history and continues to re-define and renew itself. Old regions have been rediscovered and old vineyards unearthed. There is a huge diversity of wine styles with great whites being produced in Rueda and Rías Baixas in the north. Tempranillo is no doubt the most widely planted black grape variety and makes some delicious wines, but old vines of Garnacha and Cariñena are also being re-discovered and given the credit they deserve. This selection includes some of the finest put together with Maribel Gómez at Vinoselección.
Pago del Oro – old vines Tinta de Toro in winter
SPAIN Vinoselección >>
YUKON
13
7486 $20.67
$124.00
7487 $26.33
$158.00
7488 $26.67
$160.00
Cava Parxet Brut Reserva, DO Cava, 2010, Parxet Parxet has been producing Cava in the Alella region north of Barcelona since 1920. It possesses 200 hectares of vines, those older are free-standing bush vines, and more recent plantings are trellised. Produced from the traditional Pansa Blanca (Xarel.lo), Macabeo and Parellada, the grapes were harvested and whole clusters pressed. Typified by its fine mousse with lemon and lime citrus flavours and a slightly earthy finish, it is perfect on its own or with freshly squeezed orange juice to produce Buck’s Fizz. The region is formed by a great mass of granite producing the typical granite-based Sauló soils; poor in nutrients, low water retention and moderate pH.
Lagar do Castelo Albariño, DO Rías Baixas, 2012, Bodegas y Viñedos Castro Baroña Recognized as another of Spain’s top white wine producing regions, Rías Baixas is situated in the north western corner of Spain and sits above Portugal. It has moderate temperatures, high relative humidity and abundant rainfall due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Divided into five sub-regions, the Lagar do Castelo is produced in the Val do Salnés, historically recorded as the original area for the Albariño grape with the best quality. Aromas of honey and peach blossoms lead to a rich, broad palate and lemon, peachy flavours.
Finca La Colina Verdejo, Cien X Cien, DO Rueda, 2012, Vinos Sanz One of the oldest estates in the Rueda region, it produces some of Spain’s finest white wines. Finca La Colina Verdejo Cien X Cien 2012 has intense grapefruit and passion fruit aromas. It is soft on the palate with passion fruit flavours, vibrant acidity and a long, lingering finish. It is a perfect match for salads, fish and seafood. The DO Rueda was only created in 1980 in recognition of the quality of the wines produced, but the family history dates back way beyond this to 1870. Located at La Seca in the heart of Rueda, Verdejo, the native variety of the region, is grown on stony soils poor in organic matter.
Pansa Blanca, Macabeo, Parellada Lemon, lime, resin Earthy, limey finish, [01] 6° C 2014-2016, M9 D9 Caesar salad with grilled shrimp
Albariño Honey, peach blossom Rich, peachy finish, [01] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Salmon Sashimi
Verdejo Grapefruit, passion fruit Medium-bodied, vibrant citrus finish, [00] 8° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Pink grapefruit and avocado salad
Bodegas Irius – Located in Somontano, this ultramodern winery is one of the most technically advanced in Spain
14
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
SPAIN Vinoselección >>
7489 $29.00
$174.00
7490
$40.67
$244.00
7491
$27.00
$162.00
Enate Gewürztraminer, DO Somontano, 2012, Viñedos y Crianzas Del Alto Aragón Enate owns 400 hectares of vineyards situated in the Enate Valley and around the villages of Salas Altas, Salas Bajas and Cregenzan at an altitude between 550 and 600 metres. This is an exuberant, yet elegant Gewürztraminer with intense aromas of canned lychees and lemongrass. After an extremely dry winter, spring rains in April were welcome and allowed the vines to bud and flower well. A heat wave in August brought harvest forward so that picking started on August 13th. Intense flavours of rose petals and Turkish Delight are perfectly balanced with crisp acidity and a lingering fresh fruit finish.
Enate Chardonnay, Fermentado en Barrica, DO Somontano, 2010, Viñedos y Crianzas Del Alto Aragón Enate has won countless awards for its wines and in particular the Chardonnay. The 2010 is intense with seductive aromas of cooked bananas, toast and nutmeg. Somontano is a mountainous region in the foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the border with France. It is characterized by cold winters and hot summers with great contrast in temperature between day and night during summer. The grapes were picked on August 20th, 2010, with yields lower than normal due to a big hailstorm on May 9th. The juice was fermented in oak barrels and left on the yeast lees until bottling in May, 2011. It has delicious mellow, fresh pineapple and passion fruit flavours which linger on the palate.
Enate Syrah-Shiraz, Selección Especial – Finca Planacor, DO Somontano, 2006, Viñedos y Crianzas Del Alto Aragón This is 100% Syrah from two different clones cultivated at Enate’s Plancor Estate using French and Australian rootstocks. Intense in colour, the nose is a little reserved but scrummy with vanilla spice, dark fruits and chocolate. It is concentrated with juicy flavours of black cherry, liquorice and vanilla. The soils are sandy loams with a high percentage of sand and little clay so that irrigation is a necessity. The wine was aged for 15 months in new French and American barrels.
SPAIN Vinoselección >>
Gewürztraminer Canned lychees, lemongrass Elegant rose petal, citrus, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Seared sesame tuna with lemongrass and lychee coulis
Chardonnay Cooked bananas, nutmeg spice, toast Pineapples, passion fruit, [01] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Pork roast with rosemary, quatre-epices and honey
Syrah Vanilla spice, dark fruits, chocolate Liquorice, black cherry, vanilla 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Lamb shanks with black cherry wine sauce
YUKON
15
7492 $19.17
$115.00
7493 $21.83
$131.00
7494
$24.17
$145.00
7495 $26.17
$157.00
16
Ramón Bilbao, Single Vineyard, DOCa Rioja, 2011, Bodegas Ramón Bilbao The single vineyard La Pedriza de Tudelilla estate lays in the Rioja Baja sub-region, the area where Tempranillo and Garnacha vines are cultivated in equal measure both benefitting from the warmer climate. Situated at 710 metres altitude, the vineyards are surrounded by almond and olive trees. The 2011 is a 50/50 blend of the two varieties from 40 year old vines on stony pebble soils and clay sub-soils which help to retain some of the scarce rainfall. A pretty wine with mellow coconut and red cherry aromas, it was aged for six months in French and American oak barrels and has a lively fresh fruit flavour. It is perfect for early drinking, but will cellar for a few years.
Pago Del Oro, DO Toro, 2012 The grapes for the Pago Del Oro wines are from selected plots in the area known by locals as the “El Oro”. Close to the Duero River, on the eastern side of the town of Toro, it was renowned for centuries as the best area to grow fruit and vegetables, avoiding spring frosts. Appealing red fruit, raspberries, red cherries and cooked forest fruits are combined with notes of vanilla and liquorice on the finish. Distinctive red soils have a base of clay and are covered with pebbles. The grapes were harvested fully ripe and underwent cold maceration prior to fermentation. The wine was subsequently aged for four months in American oak barrels.
Storks’ Tower Estate, Tríptico, TempranilloShiraz, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, 2009, Hijos de Antonio Barceló Despite its four years, the Tríptico 2009 shows little signs of its age with an intense, vibrant plum purple colour. It is produced by Frenchman Philippe Dardenne using estate grown grapes from three regions, Ribera del Duero, Toro and the Storks’ Tower Estate in Castilla. It is a blend of 67% Tempranillo with 33% Shiraz. The wine has a restrained, mellow black cherry and vanilla aroma. It is soft, rich and structured with great depth and is starting to show some complexity. Manual grape selection at the winery was followed by gentle crushing and cold maceration pre-fermentation. It was matured in new French oak for 12 months giving it a very elegant, fine, creamy texture on the palate. It is a great match with complex meat casseroles and a steal for the price.
Albat Elit Reserva, DO Somontano, 2010, Bodegas Irius Deep ruby in colour, the Albat Elit Reserva 2010 has coffee and herbal notes which unfold in the glass leading to heady aromas of tiramisù. Intense succulent red fruits, caramel and vanilla flavours hit the palate. It is elegant in structure with good acidity, fine tannins and persistent flavour. Produced in the state-of-the-art, new modern winery at Barbastro, the wine was aged for 14 months in French oak barrels emerging with attractive coffee and vanilla notes.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Tempranillo, Garnacha Coconut, cherries, prunes Red cherry acidity 17° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Roasted loin of venison with prunes
Tinta de Toro Raspberries, red cherries, cooked forest fruits, vanilla Succulent fruits, liquorice finish 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Braised pork shoulder with potato-fennel purée
Tempranillo, Shiraz Mellow, black cherry, vanilla Complex, structured, fine texture 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Rustic rabbit and chickpea stew
Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Tiramisù, coffee, herbal Vanilla, red fruits, caramel 17° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Estofado - Spanish-style beef stew
SPAIN Vinoselección >>
7496 $31.83
$191.00
7497 $35.00
$210.00
Finca Valdelagua, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, 2010, Bodegas Viñedos Casa del Valle The Finca Valdelagua has smoky cassis notes typical of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot grape varieties. Spicy black fruits continue onto the palate. Only the best grape clusters from the estate were selected and harvested during the cool early morning. Refined and elegant in style, it would beat many a more expensive Saint-Julien in blind tastings. The wine has great balance and poise with a long, lingering finish and should develop well over the coming years.
Blasón de San Juan Crianza, DO Ribera del Duero, 2007, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier The O. Fournier Ribera del Duero estate at Berlangas de Roa has 60 hectares of vineyards with the oldest bush vines dating back to 1946, planted on sandy stony soils. At an altitude of 700 to 850 metres there is a great drop in temperature between day and night, hence a slow ripening period. 2007 was a very good vintage in Ribera del Duero; Tempranillo grapes, regionally known as Tinta del País, were hand-picked within the period of October 14th and 24th into small, 17 kilogram boxes. These were tipped onto a sorting table at the winery and fermented in stainless steel tanks with maceration on the skins of up to 30 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation was carried out in French oak barrels for 13 months with 50% new and 50% one year old barrels. This is a complex wine with savoury and fruit aromas, an intricate mix of forest fruits, vanilla and spice.
SPAIN Vinoselección >>
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot Cassis, smoke Spicy black fruit, well-balanced 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Noisette of lamb with truffle and Lyonnaise potatoes
Tinta del País Restrained fruits Complex forest fruits, vanilla, spice 18° C 2014-2019, M6 D9 Grilled filet mignon and Portobello mushrooms
Jesús Artajona, Enate winemaker, listening to the release of CO2 which is liberated during malolactic fermentation.
YUKON
17
7498 $58.17
$349.00
7499 $78.50
$471.00
7500
Plaer, DOQ Priorat, 2011, Ritme Celler Plaer in Catalonian means pleasure and winemaker Albert Jané aims to express all the pleasure and identity of Priorat in his wines. Only native grapes from exceptional old vineyards throughout the Priorat area were sourced from Bellmunt del Priorat, Falset, Torroja del Priorat, El Molar, Porrera, Poboleda and El Lloar. The vines are between 40 and 60 years old and all are cultivated on the typical Licorella slate and quartzite soils at 300 to 650 metres. Matured for a year in French oak, the 2011 has an intense cedar, pencil lead characteristic that marries with the spicy ginger fruit aromas. A top quality wine, the rich sweetness is balanced with a savoury side and long berry flavours.
Auditori, DO Montsant, 2011, Acústic Celler Albert Jané comes from a big Catalonian family of winemakers specializing in Cava. Montsant is where his heart is now and where he has been making some seriously good wines for the last 10 years. This was one of my favourite wines in the whole tasting for this cellar offering. Produced from 100% magical old vine Garnatxa (Garnacha) from vineyards 55 to 80 years old, the nose is complex with mellow fruits, spice, vanilla and smoke. Red fruit flavours, raspberries and strawberries are complemented by the cedar notes. Three plots all lie close to the beautiful Montsant Mountains with harsh, barren, stony, sandy clay soils and stones. The grapes were handselected and fermented in small tanks with daily pigeage. The skins were pressed using a small vertical wooden press and the wine run-off directly into French oak barrels in which it was matured for 12 months.
Pago de Santa Cruz, DO Ribera del Duero, 2010, Viña Sastre
$585.00
2010 was an excellent vintage in Ribera del Duero, despite extreme climate conditions. Bud break occurred at the usual time, but was followed by early spring frosts mid-May which served to delay the vegetative cycle and harvest. Pago de Santa Cruz has cooked dark fruits, apples, vanilla, and rhubarb and custard aromas. It is elegant in structure with cooked fruits and a long spicy finish. The vineyards are located around the village of La Horra, considered one of the prime sites of the DO. The old bush vines are 75 years old and produce less than one kilogram of grapes each. The wine was aged for 18 months in new American oak, but the oak is delightfully integrated with the concentrated fruit.
7501
Valduero Gran Reserva, DO Ribera del Duero, 2001, E. Valduero
$97.50
$144.67
$868.00
18
This is an extraordinarily complex wine aged for a full 48 months in oak barrels! It has a bouquet with black treacle, molasses, raisined fruits, and cut hay. The palate is rich and structured with an acidity that keeps the wine fresh and alive, ending with long, raisiny flavours. Valduero specializes in producing older barrel-aged wines. The grapes came from selected plots with a minimum of 25 years. After picking by hand and fermentation, the wine was matured in six different types of oak in the old stone cellars beneath the 15th century house in Gumiel de Mercado. The estate, established in the early 1980s by Gregorio García Álvarez, is now run by his two daughters Yolanda and Carolina.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Cariñena, Garnacha Cedar, pencil lead, ginger Rich sweet fruits, savoury 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Gnocchi with duck, black olives, and tomato ragù
Garnacha Mellow fruit, spice, cedar, vanilla Cooked red fruits, raspberries, strawberries, fruit crumble 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D9 Spanish spice-rubbed turkey breast with chorizo, sweet potato and mushroom stuffing
Tinta del País Cooked dark fruits, apples, rhubarb Cooked fruits, spicy 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Butter bean, red lentil, sweet potato and chorizo stew
Tinto Fino Raisins, black treacle, Christmas cake Complex, rich, structured 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Braised pheasant with red cabbage wild rice
SPAIN Vinoselección
Bodegas Concavins SA Montblanc, Barberà de la Conca Catalonia Cistercian monks settled in the Catalonian Barberà de la Conca region nearly one thousand years ago. The area is steeped in history with the fortified town of Montblanc and the monastery of Poblet. Wine production was probably introduced to the region by the Romans. Clos Montblanc, owned by Pilar Carbonell, is run by winemaker Josep Vadrí. The wines are made from indigenous and international grape varieties that are grown in the surrounding hills.
SPAIN Bodegas Concavins SA >>
YUKON
19
7502
Montblanc 362 Macabeu/Chardonnay, DO Catalunya, 2013
Macabeu, Chardonnay
7510
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
Primary fruits
$15.83
$190.00
Conca de Barberà has loose, well-draining soils of tertiary origin abundant in limestone. The grapes were picked late this year in mid-October. After destalking and pressing, the juice was fermented at a very low temperature of 14°C. A 50/50 blend of Macabeu (Viura) and Chardonnay, the wine has fresh fruit flavours of peaches and pears with a fresh lemon finish.
Peaches, pear drops, lemon finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Prosciutto, goat cheese and asparagus phyllo bundles
COUPON
7503
Montblanc 362 Tempranillo/Cabernet, DO Catalunya, 2013
7511
Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering
$15.42
$185.00
Produced from a blend of 85% of the earlier ripening Tempranillo picked in September with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested mid-October, the grapes are grown at Clos Montblanc’s own vineyards on chalky clay soils. Cherry aromas dominate the nose and come from the ripe Tempranillo. The wine was left for an extended time on skins giving good body, colour and tannin, and was subsequently matured for a short time in American oak barrels.
Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon Cherry fruits Medium weight 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Coca Catalana – Catalonian pizza with caramelized onions, butifarra sausage, and red peppers
COUPON
7504 $19.83
$119.00
7505 $33.17
$199.00
20
Clos Montblanc Xipella, DO Conca de Barberà, 2012 This blend contains two of the traditional varieties Macabeu and Parellada combined with 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour with pleasing pear drop aromas, this wine is quite light. It is elegant with flavours of passion fruit, citrus lemon and a pink grapefruit finish. The vines are located at the foot of the Miramar mountain range at 400 metres on clay soils. The grapes were harvested during the cool night hours with each variety picked and fermented separately in stainless steel tanks.
Clos Montblanc Chardonnay, Premium, DO Catalunya, 2013 This wine is made with Chardonnay sourced from several plots on the family estate. The grapes were harvested at the end of August during the cool evening and partly fermented in tank, partly in oak barrels. Barrels produced from three different sources of oak were used to add complexity; Allier, Nevers and Tronçais forests. Prior to pressing the grapes were lightly crushed and left on skins for two to four hours. Post fermentation, the wine was left on the yeast lees with regular “bâtonnage” adding extra structure. Tasted from barrel it showed delicious notes of ripe bananas, pineapple, and tropical fruits balanced with toasty oak notes.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Macabeu, Parellada, Sauvignon Blanc Pear drops Passion fruit, citrus lemon, pink grapefruit, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Lemon roast chicken
Chardonnay Ripe bananas, pineapple, toast Toasty oak, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Lump crab cakes with pineapple-mango salsa
SPAIN Bodegas Concavins SA >>
Having worked in France, Chile and Australia, Winemaker Josep Vadrí brings a modern influence to the Clos Montblanc wines.
7506
Clos Montblanc Xipella, Premium, DO Catalunya, 2012
$235.00
This is a concentrated, serious wine for the price. The Clos Montblanc Xipella 2012 is deep ruby in colour with nice red fruit aromas. The palate is somewhat austere at the moment, but has great concentration with flavours of bitter cherry and dark chocolate with firm tannin. A wine to keep in the cellar for a year before opening, it is a blend of four traditional Catalonian varieties; Grenache, Monastrell, Samsó and 2% Syrah - alright not so traditional Catalonian. Each variety was picked when fully ripe and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25 to 28°C. The wines were matured in oak barrels for approximately 12 months and then blended.
7507
Clos Montblanc Merlot, Premium, DO Conca de Barberà, 2011
$19.58
$21.08
$253.00
The herbal, bell pepper aromas suggest Merlot cultivated in a cool climate; indeed the grapes for this wine came from a specific plot at 560 metres. Four hectares are planted on a limestone hillside of the Miramar Mountains. The leafy aromas are complemented by red fruit characteristics and a concentrated, structured palate with slightly chewy tannins. The wine was matured 12 months in American oak. This is a great match for rustic foods or Mexican dishes.
SPAIN Bodegas Concavins SA >>
Grenache, Monastrell, Samsó, Syrah Red fruits Bitter cherries, concentrated 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Pork tenderloin with stone fruit and thyme
Merlot Herbal, bell pepper, red fruits Chewy, leafy finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D7 BBQ pulled beef chili
YUKON
21
7508 $21.83
$262.00
Clos Montblanc Syrah, Premium, DO Conca de Barberà, 2011 Syrah vines are planted directly in front of the winery. I am not sure if this means they get more attention than other estate vines, but the wine is definitely very good. Deep ruby in colour, it has black cherry and floral lavender aromas. Medium-bodied with more savoury characteristics on the palate, there are meaty notes with liquorice lingering on the finish. After relatively short fermentation in tank, the wine was matured for 12 months in barrel.
7509
Clos Montblanc Masia Les Comes Reserva, DO Conca de Barberà, 2009
$27.33
The estate vineyards are planted on terraces at 700 metres on clay loam soils. The wine was matured in oak barrels for 18 months and has a delicious coconut aroma which complements red fruit flavours. After a soft attack on the palate, it has quite firm tannin with spicy bitter cherry menthol flavours and a chewy finish.
$328.00
Syrah Restrained, black cherry, floral Savoury, bitter liquorice finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Wine-braised brisket with tart cherries
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Coconut, red fruits Spicy, red fruits, bitter cherry menthol 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Slow-cooked lamb shanks with roasted root vegetables
A panoramic view of the Masia Les Comes estate vineyards
22
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
SPAIN Bodegas Concavins SA
The Mâconnais
Paul Sapin SA Southern Burgundy The team at Paul Sapin continues to evolve with the addition of winemaker Vincent Charleux this summer. It couldn’t have come at a better time. 2013 has been a difficult vintage in Burgundy. The vines got off to a late start and never caught up during the growing season, leading to a late harvest. Disease pressure meant that severe crop selection was required in the vineyard. The result is a small crop and high demand that continues to push prices up. The Mâconnais wines for this cellar offering were tasted directly from tank and selected “sur place” with Thierry Coulon and Vincent Charleux.
THE MÂCONNAIS PAUL SAPIN SA >>
YUKON
23
Wintertime in the Mâconnais
7512 $13.42
$161.00
Coeur des Lanciers Blanc, Vin de France The wine is produced from a blend of Colombard and Gros Manseng from the Gascogne region in South West France blended with ripe Chardonnay from the South. It has a nice ripe melon aroma, with passion fruit flavour, balanced acidity and a long gooseberry finish. It is a great everyday drinking wine.
Colombard, Gros Manseng, Chardonnay Pear drops Melons, refreshing acidity, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Broccoli and smoked haddock soup
7513 $13.42
$161.00
Coeur des Lanciers Rosé, Vin de France Produced using fruit sourced from the Gascogne region in South West France, this Rosé has winey red fruits aromas with a soft approachable palate. Mouth-filling with balanced acidity and a fresh finish, it offers great value for money. A mere 1% of the production in Côtes de Gascogne goes to making Rosé wines from traditional grape varieties.
Cabernet Franc, Grenache Red berry fruits Soft, balanced acidity, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Courgette and bean bake with feta
7514 $13.42
Coeur des Lanciers Rouge, Vin de France Vibrant plum in colour with jammy cooked berry fruits, the Coeur des Lanciers Rouge has a soft, sweet, succulent palate developing firm tannins on the finish. It is produced from Syrah grown in the Vaucluse department of the Languedoc.
$161.00
Syrah Cooked berries Soft, succulent palate 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Syrah-braised short ribs served on polenta
24
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
THE MÂCONNAIS PAUL SAPIN SA >>
7515 $27.67
$166.00
7516 $30.00
$180.00
7517 $33.00
$198.00
7518 $47.67
$286.00
Mâcon-Villages, Cuvée Prestige, AOP, 2013, Chemin des Dames Light in style, it has an appealing pear drops aroma and refreshing, crisp lemon citrus acidity on the finish. The Mâcon appellation’s winemaking area is fifteen kilometres wide and extends over fifty kilometres from north to south. This wine was produced at the Cave de Prisse from Chardonnay cultivated on the soft limestone sub-soil which lies under layers of marl, silt and gravel.
Viré-Clessé, Cuvée Prestige, AOP, 2013, Grande Terre Viré-Clessé lies close to the appellations of Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran and was established as an appellation in its own right in 1999. This area lies on a limestone strip that runs south, north from Pouilly-Fuissé. Produced at the Cave de Viré, the 2013 was a little shy at the time of tasting, but had nice tangerine, mandarin citrus flavours with a hint of aniseed. A proportion of the wine was fermented in barrel.
Saint-Véran, Cuvée Prestige, AOC, 2013, Terres des Lices Produced at the Cave de Chame, Saint-Véran Terres des Lices has white fruits, pears, fennel and aniseed on the nose leading to fresh apple and honeysuckle flavours which linger on the palate. After picking, the grapes were de-stemmed, lightly crushed and the juice left on skins; it was part-vinified in oak barrels. Post fermentation the wine was matured on yeast lees adding more weight to the final wine. The appellation of Saint-Véran lies on the outer borders of Pouilly-Fuissé to the north and south on red acidic sandy soils giving a little less weight and depth than its neighbour.
Pouilly-Fuissé, Cuvée Prestige, AOC, 2013, Chemin de La Ronde Pouilly-Fuissé is known as the “King of the Mâcon Wines”. The area lies on south-east facing slopes at an altitude of 200 to 400 metres with the Rock of Solutré and Vergisson prominent features of the landscape. Soils are comprised of clay and limestone from the middle Jurassic period with crystalline primary schist exposed in areas. The full flavour of this special terroir shines through producing a pure wine with white fruits, pears, green apples and a persistent citrus fruit finish. Oak was not used; the wine was vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve the natural fruit and minerality of the grapes.
THE MÂCONNAIS PAUL SAPIN SA
Chardonnay Pear drops, melons Lemon citrus, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Salmon with dill and capers
Chardonnay Lemons, tangerines Green apples, lemon, aniseed, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Roasted chicken with clementines
Chardonnay White fruits, pears. fennel, aniseed Apples, pears, [00] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Creamy seafood stew
Chardonnay Melons, pears, white blossom Fresh pears, juicy fruits, lemon finish, [00] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Lemon sole gratin
YUKON
25
The Rhône Valley
The Signargues lies at the heart of the old Rhône River which brought the “galets” that, through erosion, rolled down from the Alps.
The 2012 vintage, from which many of these wines are Bernard Perrin offered, was a very good vintage in the Rhône. The 2013 definitely be scarcer in quantity and will unlikely reach Viticulteur-récoltant-négociant will the same level of quality, although interest in the region
may continue to push prices up. If you enjoy Rhône wines I would say that now is the time to invest and stock up that cellar. Bernard Perrin works closely with small estate growers producing wines with personality and which reflect their terroir.
26
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN >>
7519
$41.00
$246.00
7520 $19.75
$237.00
7521 $19.75
$237.00
7522
$23.00
$138.00
Domaine Berthet-Rayne, Cairanne, Castel Mireio, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2013, Michel and André Berthet-Rayne Domaine Berthet-Rayne, run by André and Michel, has been in their family for four generations. At the time of their grandfather, the estate was made up of wheat, potatoes, corn and just a small amount dedicated to a vineyard. Produced from a complex blend of Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, this wine has all the distinction of an elegant Cairanne white with notes of white blossom and honey. The Viognier used in the blend was part-matured in oak for four months adding an extra dimension.
Clos de la Grange des Moines Rosé, AOP Costières de Nîmes, 2013 Costières de Nîmes lies south east of the ancient city of Nîmes and north of the Camargue famous for its wetlands, lagoons and flatlands. Intense red berry fruits are present on the nose, with raspberries and pear drops flavours, and a pink grapefruit finish. Produced from a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Cinsault, all vines are cultivated organically on limestone clay soils. Half the grapes were pressed immediately with the other half left on skins for some hours. Refreshing, it makes a great aperitif or accompaniment to sushi.
Clos de la Grange des Moines, AOP Costières de Nîmes, 2012 Awarded a gold medal at the Concours des Vins d’Orange, it has quite a spicy aroma with notes of Christmas cake and potpourri complemented with fruity wine gums. On the palate it is soft and light with bitter chocolate and cherry flavours developing in the mouth. Produced from a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, it was made in the traditional way with daily pump overs and rack and returns, and was matured for 12 months in tank. Run by brother and sister François and Fanny Boyer, Clos de la Grange des Moines has been in their family since the beginning of the last century. Fanny makes the wines. François cultivates the 51 hectares of vines, managing the vineyards organically since 2009.
Mas d’Intras, Vallis Vinaria, Merlot, IGP Coteaux de l’Ardèche, 2011, Denis Robert and Sébastien Pradal A light wine with intense blackcurrant aromas and light tannins, the Mas d’Intras estate in Valvignères in the Ardèche is run by cousins Denis Robert and Sébastien Pradal. Their ancestors have lived in the village of Valvignères for over four centuries. Twenty-two parcels make up the 23 hectares of vineyards with the first Merlot planted in 1982. The vines are planted on deep, red stony limestone clay soils with south-east exposition and are cultivated organically. The team looks at all ways to reduce its impact on the environment and has replaced the heaters used to warm the must at harvest time with a system using solar panels. The wine is bottled into lighter glass bottles so that less energy is used in the manufacturing of the bottles as well as fuel in the transport.
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN >>
Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc White blossom Honey, citrus, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Veal piccata with capers and lemon sauce
Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault Intense red berry fruits Raspberries, pear drops, pink grapefruit, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Sushi
Syrah, Grenache Potpourri, wine gums Cherries, bitter chocolate 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Chargrilled beef burger
Merlot Blackcurrant, cordial Blackcurrant, red cherries 16° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Charcuterie
YUKON
27
7523 $24.17
$145.00
7524 $27.17
$163.00
28
Domaine des Romarins, AOC Côtes du Rhône, 2012, Xavier Fabre For those that enjoy the more rustic characteristics of the Rhône, this wine has leathery spice and herbal notes that come from the 5% Mourvèdre and 15% Carignan. These are combined with 45% Grenache and 35% Syrah to give long spicy flavours and a certain chewy finish perfect to go with gamey dishes. Each grape variety was harvested, vinified and aged separately on fine yeast lees in old, lined concrete tanks.
Domaine des Romarins, Signargues, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2012, Xavier Fabre The Signargues plateau was occupied by the Romans. Aptly an archaeologist discovered a Roman statue of Bacchus the god of wine which is now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The terroir consists of the typical rolled “galet” stones deposited by the Rhône River. Domaine des Romarins Signargues 2012 has a smoky, musky aroma with good structure and liquorice cherry flavours. Produced from old vines, it is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. There is strict control over yields and grape selection in the vineyard. The wine was left on skins for an extended period and postfermentation, the Syrah was part-matured in oak barrels.
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre Green herbs, spice, leather Spicy, chewy finish 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Rabbit cacciatore
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre Cassis, herbs, smoke Cherry, liquorice 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Hanger steak served with meaty forest mushrooms
Xavier Fabre of Domaine des Romarins enjoys sharing his passion for his Côtes du Rhône wines during his many tastings.
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN >>
7525
Domaine du Val des Rois, Valréas, Signature, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2012, Emmanuel Bouchard
$193.00
The Bouchard family has been wine grower since the 17th century, originally in Burgundy and then the Rhône. Today, Emmanuel Bouchard manages the estate. A biologist by training, Emmanuel cultivates the vineyard organically adding only natural compost to the soil. Valréas is the most northern commune of the Côtes du Rhône Villages and one can taste the relatively cool climate in the wine style which transitions towards the wines of the northern Rhône with more restrained aromas, black fruits and chocolate. The palate is tight with good firm acidity and will benefit from some time in bottle prior to drinking.
7526
Domaine des Coteaux des Travers, Labartalas, AOC Rasteau, 2012, Robert Charavin
$32.17
$35.67
$214.00
7527 $37.17
$223.00
7528
$40.33
$242.00
A wine brimming with flavours of the south, intense floral notes, lavender and wild herbs from the garrigues mix with griotte cherries and chocolate. Produced from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the wine is rich and high in alcohol at 15%, with flavours of black cherries, chocolate and cream; it is literally Black Forest cake in a glass. It is intensely concentrated due to the very old vines, 40 to 90 years, with low crop. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and fermented in a combination of traditional oak and concrete tanks with extended maceration on skins.
Domaine du Murinais, Vieilles Vignes, AOC Crozes Hermitage, 2012, Catherine and Luc Tardy With intense dark fruits and spice, the smoky bacon characteristic is a result of 12 months ageing in oak, half in 225 litre barrels and half in 600 litre casks. The palate is much more mineral in style, with the flavour of red cherries and a sour cherry acidity to complement the spicy oak finish. Domaine du Murinais vines are in the south of the appellation in the commune of BeaumontMonteux on a limestone clay plateau with “galets” or rolled stones. The vineyards are cultivated mechanically without the use of chemical insecticides and herbicides. The Syrah grapes were picked manually, fermented in concrete tanks and then matured in oak. The wine will benefit from some time in bottle for the oak to integrate more fully and for the flavours to mellow.
Château de Montmirail, Le Graminier, AOC Gigondas, 2012, SCEV Maurice ArchimbaudMonique Bouteiller A great example of Gigondas, the blend is 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre with raspberries and fresh red fruit flavours. It is soft, approachable and concentrated at the same time, not giving away its potent 15% alcohol! The Château de Montmirail vineyard lies on the foothills of the stunning jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail on limestone clay terroir. A relatively short maceration given the level of concentration, the wine stayed on the skins for 12 to 14 days. It is delicious for drinking now.
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN >>
Grenache, Syrah Black fruits, chocolate Ripe fruits 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D7 Seared wild boar tenderloin with rosemary
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Floral, lavender, griottes, chocolate Jammy fruits, cherry, chocolate 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Roast lamb with griotte marmalade
Syrah Smoky bacon, dark fruits, spice Mineral, red cherries, spicy bacon 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Duck breast with pancetta and beet purée
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Raspberries Fresh red fruits, balanced acidity 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Grilled veal chops with horseradish potato purée and sautéed chanterelle mushrooms
YUKON
29
Harvest at Domaine Berthet-Rayne
7529 $41.00
$246.00
7530 $52.00
$312.00
30
Les Reines, AOC Saint Joseph, 2012, Gilles Flacher Intense spice, smoke, cooked red fruits and banana all make up the bouquet of Gilles Flacher’s Les Reines 2012. The palate is tight and firm with similar spicy flavours, good lively acidity and a long finish. Gilles’s family has been responsible for tending these 7 hectares of vines on the hillsides outside the village of Charnas since 1806. On typical granite slopes facing south, southeast, Gilles has captured the full expression of this special terroir with no use of oak.
Domaine des Cigalons, AOC Châteauneuf-duPape, 2012, SCEA Emile Raymond
François Boyer is the fourth generation to ensure the continued success of Clos de la Grange des Moines.
Syrah Intense spice, smoky, cooked red fruits Spicy, tart fruit finish 18° C 2014-2019, M6 D8 Venison with wild mushrooms, chestnuts and cranberries
Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Syrah
The Domaine des Cigalons vineyard is a mere 7 hectares situated on the left bank of the Rhône on the sites known as the Chapouin and Coudoulet and the soils contain high proportions of the characteristic rolled pebbles famous in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Ruby in colour, the Domaine des Cigalons 2012 has aromas of wild herbs of the garrigues, red fruits and tarragon. Soft and silky on the palate, it shows nice fruits with grippy tannin on the finish. It will continue to mature for five to six years. The blend consists of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah.
Garrigues herbs, tarragon, red fruits
OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 223
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN >>
Red fruits, grip on the finish 18° C 2014-2019, M6 D8 Herb-crusted lamb cutlets with lamb jus over sea salted new potatoes and ratatouille
Gilles Flacher ages his St. Joseph in oak barrels for only two years in order to maintain a certain finesse.
7531 $65.67
$394.00
7532 $69.83
$419.00
Domaine Villabea, AOC Condrieu, 2011 A repeat of the wine offered last year, the Condrieu 2011 has transitioned from the floral, white blossom and peach notes to more hazelnuts, apricots and rich honeyed structure. Like the Côte-Rôtie, this wine is offered at a special price and may not be available in the future – which would be a huge shame! The old Viognier vines are on steep slopes overlooking the Rhône River. The grapes were harvested by hand, crushed and the juice fermented in old oak barrels.
Domaine Villabea, AOC Côte-Rôtie, 2011 Sadly, this may well be the last time we can offer Domaine Villabea as Gérard Villano has retired and has passed on his vines to a young local grower. As a parting gift, he has offered a special price on the last vintage. The 2011 Côte-Rôtie is starting to show nice complexity – spice, smoke, mown hay and artichokes. On the palate it has all the typicity of Côte-Rôtie – firm acidity, fine texture and flavours of tobacco with tannic structure and a long finish. This is a perfect match for a rich stew or entrecôte steak. Produced from old vines Syrah co-fermented with 10% Viognier, it was aged in old oak casks for 18 months.
The Rhône Valley BERNARD PERRIN
Viognier Hazelnuts, spice, apricots, earthy Honey, rich structure, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D7 Oven-roasted salmon with spicy apricot glaze
Syrah, Viognier Spice, smoke, artichoke, compost Tobacco, dark fruits 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Slow-roast fillet of beef with baked potato Rossini and purée of truffles
YUKON
31
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 7510 (See Lot 7502 on page 20) Lot 7511 (See Lot 7503 on page 20)
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 $135. 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 $229. 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. Quinta da Barreira 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