C226-ON: Côte d’Or of Burgundy, Loire, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence

CELLAR 226 Côte d’Or of Burgundy, Loire, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence ONTARIO Order by May 26, 2014

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 early-September, 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 “Château de la Bretesche is a vineyard extending over 13 hectares on hills overlooking the south bank of the Sèvre. The estate has a long and varied history. The earliest known mention of the vineyards dates back to 1387. It was raised to a marquisate in the 17th century for Louis Jousseaume, a member of Louis XIV’s life guard, hence the coat of arms on the current label.”

– Jérémie Huchet

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: May 26, 2014.

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 209 226

Medal Winner

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

Appeared in the C218 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

CELLAR OFFERING 226 Côte d’Or of Burgundy, Loire, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence

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

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

Château Canet p. 14

The diversity of wine styles produced across France is apparent. In the northern part of the country wines from the Loire Valley, along the banks of the river that flows from the small villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire westwards to the Atlantic coast where the vineyards of Muscadet are to be found, are light and pure, and ideally matched with the local seafood. Further east are the vineyards of Jérôme Billard, dotted in and around the little village of La Rochepot, Auxey-Duresses, Saint-Aubin and Pommard, where he produces tiny quantities of Burgundy wines. Moving south the Languedoc-Roussillon offers many good value wines with the regular sunshine and warm temperatures producing rich ripe styles. There is something for everyone.

Domaine Billard Père et Fils p. 4

Danielle and Pascal Gibault p. 9

LGI Wines p. 19

Paul Sapin p. 24

Château Vignelaure p. 28

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Domaine Billard Père et Fils La Rochepot

The Côte d’Or of

Mayor of the little village of La Rochepot, Jérôme lives there with his wife Elisabeth, their three boys and their dog Haddock. There are 280 inhabitants in the village which neighbours the communes of Auxey-Duresses and Saint-Aubin. Their home and cellar are close to the restored and splendid 13th century castle just to the north of the village. I stopped off to see Jérôme in early November. The 2013 wines, on which this offering is based, had just finished fermentation and had gone into barrel and Jérôme was pretty pleased with how they had turned out. Samples were tasted again from barrel in February, where they will continue to mature until bottling.

Burgundy

The village of La Rochepot is located in the heart of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

7668 $22.50

$135.00

Bourgogne Aligoté, 2013, AOC Aligoté was once widely planted in Burgundy, but it now tends to be replaced with the more popular Chardonnay.

Jérôme continues to cultivate a small 1.8 hectares on limestone soils. His 2013 has ripe pears, green apples and white blossom aromas, with balanced acidity and long flavour.

Aligoté Green apples, white blossom Ripe white fruits, balanced acidity, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Waldorf salad, gougères Bourguignonnes

7669 $27.33

$164.00

7670 $27.33

$164.00

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, 2013, AOC, La Justice The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune had just completed malolactic fermentation when tasted in November and had a distinct sharp lemon characteristic. By February it had developed delicious buttery notes with peaches and apricot flavours on the palate. Three hectares of Chardonnay are planted at the lieu-dit site known as La Justice. The wine was fermented and subsequently aged in barrels produced from Allier and Vosges oak with 10% new.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, 2013, AOC Quite light in colour and structure, the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune red 2013 has nice floral violets and red fruit aromas with strawberry and raspberry flavours, and a sour cherry finish. Five hectares of Pinot Noir are planted on clay loam soils. Ideal for early drinking, the wine was aged for 8 months in oak barrels.

Chardonnay Buttery, fresh apples Peaches, apricots, lemon finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Pavé de Saumon served with beurre blanc sauce

Pinot Noir Floral, red fruits Red berries, sour cherries 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D8 Fresh charcuterie

7671 $35.17

$211.00

Saint-Romain, 2013, AOC, La Combe Bazin The lieu-dit of La Combe Bazin sits east of the village of Saint-Romain. Vines are planted on 1.35 hectares of limestone rich marl soils which are especially suited to Chardonnay. The crop was particularly low in 2013 due to poor flower set. The wine was somewhat restrained on the nose at the time of tasting in February, but did show aromas of dried blossoms and mimosa. More fruit flavours come through on the palate with fresh pears, good balanced acidity and a fresh white fruit finish. The wine was aged on yeast lees for 6 months in Allier oak barrels, 25% new.

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

Chardonnay Dried blossoms, mimosa Pears, long white fruit finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Sea bass with wilted spinach and mushrooms

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The commune of Pernand-Vergelesses is the only commune along the Côte d’Or to offer both red and white wines in all four classification levels - Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village and Regional.

7672 $43.50

$261.00

7673 $39.33

$236.00

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Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, 2013, AOC, Vignes Moingeon Jérôme cultivates a mere 0.75 hectares in the Premier Cru site of Vignes Moingeon in Saint-Aubin. The little side valley of Saint-Aubin neighbours the commune of La Rochepot and links it to the Côte d’Or at PulignyMontrachet and Chassagne. The 2013 is rich and buttery with mellow vanilla, spices and peachy aromas; similar flavours follow onto the palate ending with lively acidity that lingers. Chardonnay vines are cultivated on white marl soils on east facing slopes. The wine was matured for 6 months in Allier oak barrels with a third new giving it its delicious vanilla spice flavour.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, 2013, AOC, Les Castets Les Castets sits on the outskirts of the village of SaintAubin as one approaches from La Rochepot. Pinot Noir is cultivated on limestone marl and white marl soils producing a wine that is deep ruby in colour with a soft, rich attack.

Concentrated, it has succulent fruit flavours and is soft and mellow with a long fresh berry finish. The wine was matured in a combination of Vosges and Tronçais oak barrels for 8 months using a third of new oak.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Chardonnay Rich, buttery, peachy Vanilla, peaches, [00] 8° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Browned chicken breasts in eau de vie, crème fraîche and Dijon mustard sauce with braised carrots

Pinot Noir Succulent fruits Soft, round, mellow berry finish 16° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Pan-seared squab breast with caramelized spring onions, roasted marjoram-potato gnocchi, and thyme jus

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

The Billard vineyards are worked with the use of draft horses to till, weed and invigorate the soil; Jérôme follows the principals of sustainable farming.

7674 $34.50

$207.00

7675 $36.33

$218.00

Auxey-Duresses, 2013, AOC Auxey-Duresses touches the commune of La Rochepot and is another offshoot from the main Côte d’Or vineyards connecting just north of the village of Meursault. The 2013 was a little shy at the time of tasting with subtle fruit aromas of fresh raspberries and sour red cherry flavours. Light and elegant in structure, it has great poise.

Not one for long term cellaring, it will best be enjoyed over the next few years. 35 year old Pinot Noir vines are cultivated on calcareous clay soils. Originally trained using one long cane, Jérôme has transformed the vines to the Guyot system with greater focus on quality.

Beaune, 2013, AOC, Les Bons Feuvres The 2013 Les Bons Feuvres has herbal, slightly animal notes with a concentrated structure, depth and a savoury cherry finish. Vines are planted on the lower slopes south of the town of Beaune on relatively fertile loam soils with veins of iron ores running through. Not only is the town of Beaune the heart of the Burgundy region, but the Beaune appellation is also the largest in the Côte d’Or with over 400 hectares of vines producing mainly red wine.

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY Domaine Billard Père et Fils >>

Pinot Noir Fresh raspberries Elegant, balanced, sour red cherry finish 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Roast venison with red cabbage, parsnips, port and juniper berries

Pinot Noir Herbal Structured, savoury cherry, tarragon finish 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D7 Boeuf Bourguignon, Comté

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7676 $52.50

$315.00

7677 $59.83

$359.00

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Beaune 1er Cru, 2013, AOC, Les Chouacheux Jérôme’s tiny plot at Les Chouacheux of 50 ares or 12 ouvrées as they would say in Burgundy, sits on what is known as “the kidney of the slope”, looking down over Beaune. The Les Chouacheux vineyard lies across the main road from his Les Bons Feuvres amidst a sea of other vines. There are no obvious boundaries or fences to mark the switch from one grower to another, yet somehow growers all know whose vines are whose. His neighbour is the famous Beaune-based négociant Louis Jadot. Soils are dark, limestone clay and alluvial. Jérôme’s 2013 has an elegant red berry fruit and peppery aroma. Rich and succulent on the palate, it has ripe fruits with a slightly smoky characteristic and a very mellow approach. A real step up in quality, if you can afford the extra dollars it’s worth it.

Pommard, 2013, AOC A truly complex wine with spice, ginger, herbal fruits and strawberry aromas, on the palate raspberry and strawberry flavours are complemented by vanilla. Hail hit Pommard in early June damaging grapes so that, instead of ripening, many shrivelled and developed off flavours.

At harvest time, intent on eliminating all such grapes, Jérôme heavily manned the sorting table and discarded a massive 500 kilograms of fruit! It is this drive and his determination that have resulted in such a fine Pommard.

Les Tavannes lies at the bottom of the slope over the road from and on similar soils to Clos des Epenots.

0.5 ares are cultivated on calcareous loam and alluvial deposits. After fermentation, the wine was matured for 8 months in Allier oak barrels with a third new.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Pinot Noir Red berry, pepper Succulent ripe fruits, smoke 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Braised veal short ribs, beluga lentils, roast tomato and Burgundy veal jus

Pinot Noir Complex, ginger, herbs, strawberries Vanilla, red fruits 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Wild boar cutlet with grand veneur sauce

The Billard vineyards extend to 17 hectares from which Jérôme produces red and white wines in three classification levels; Premier Cru, Village and Regional.

THE CÔTE D’OR OF BURGUNDY Domaine Billard Père et Fils

The Loire Valley Danielle and Pascal Gibault Les Martinières, Noyers-sur-Cher

Husband and wife team Pascal and Danielle Gibault manage the family estate at Noyerssur-Cher. The vineyards have been in Pascal’s family for three generations, but it is really the pair of them that have built the business up together since taking over in 1988 with Pascal physically constructing the winery buildings himself. Horrors of horrors for any winemaker, in an accident he fractured his skull and totally lost his sense of smell. Fortunately, over time it has returned bit by bit and in the meantime he has relied heavily on the people around him.

Hand-harvesting of the Sauvignon Blanc at the Mollet-Maudry estate, Pouilly Fumé appellation; its name is made up of two parts.

“Pouilly” is the village and “Fumé” the grape variety Blanc Fumé, the local name for Sauvignon Blanc.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

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7678 $22.00

$132.00

7679 $20.83

$125.00

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Domaine Gibault Sauvignon Blanc, 2013, AOC Touraine, Val de Loire The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is pale in colour with floral, flinty mineral aromas and a menthol eucalyptus characteristic.

Light on the palate, it has floral and grapefruit flavours. The estate consists of 35 hectares of vines, with 15 hectares situated on a plateau right outside the winery. The vines are interspersed with windmills to prevent the spring frosts on this exposed land from causing damage by keeping the air moving. Pascal carries out a thermo-vinification with juice heated to release aromatic components from the grapes.

Indigenous yeasts carry out a long and slow fermentation lasting two months. Pascal aims to maximize the duration of the fermentation to obtain more richness and body in the wine and leaves it on its lees until bottling.

Domaine Gibault Frisson d’Été, 2013, AOC Touraine, Val de Loire Salmon pink in colour, the Frisson d’Été is made from 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Côt, and has intense pink grapefruit, smoky and mineral aromas with a pithy cherry finish. The grapes were cultivated on 1.5 hectares on limestone clay soils facing directly south and were picked and pressed immediately following a similar vinification as for the Sauvignon Blanc.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Sauvignon Blanc Mineral, herbal Floral, grapefruit, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Vietnamese prawn and rice noodle salad

Cabernet Franc, Côt Grapefruit, citrus, smoky Grapefruit, orange, cherry finish, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Grilled citrus-herb chicken

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

7680

$19.50

$117.00

7681 $20.83

$125.00

Domaine de la Chauvinière, 2013, AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Sur Lie, Y & J Huchet, ChâteauThébaud The Domaine de la Chauvinière estate sits at the top of the slopes overlooking the valley of the River Maine at Château-Thébaud in the Muscadet region. The cellar was part of a 16th century monastery and has been used to mature wines for centuries. The granite-based terroir is very specific, representing a small island of just 4% of the total appellation, and produces aromatic fruity wines.

The 2013 has intense pear drop aromas, lemon citrus, peaches, honey and Galia melon flavours.

Château de la Bretesche, 2013, AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Sur Lie, Jérémie Huchet The Château de la Bretesche is a tighter more restrained style of wine. Produced from the same grape variety as the Domaine de la Chauvinière, they are both 100% Melon de Bourgogne, the difference is due to the terroirs.

10.5 hectares of old vines of an average age of 45 years, with the oldest 60 years, are cultivated on rocky, stony, two-mica augen-gneiss soils. Like all good Muscadet, the wine was aged on lees throughout the winter giving it a bready brioche characteristic, depth and good body.

A great wine for seafood dishes, the flinty minerality will combine particularly well with oysters.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

Melon de Bourgogne Pear drops, white fruits Peaches, Galia melon, honey, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Steamed lobster with lemon-herb butter

Melon de Bourgogne Lees, fruit, flinty Concentrated, depth, [00] 8° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Fresh oysters, Pacific oysters baked with Mornay sauce, shallots and breadcrumbs Charles Pain is reintroducing the Chenin Blanc on the Domaine with new plantings on a recently acquired vineyard site. The fruit from this vineyard will be used for the production of the dry and supple Chinon Blanc, a distinctive expression of the grape variety.

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7682

Domaine du Pont de Livier, AOC Crémant de Loire, Flore and Emmanuel Rialland

$172.00

Refreshing, crisp, with aromas of fresh green apples and almonds, this Crémant de Loire has fine creamy mousse and good acidity. Crémant de Loire can be made in a large part of the Loire Valley covering Angers, Saumur and Touraine, and from a number of different grape varieties. Domaine du Pont de Livier at Saint-Georgessur-Layon lies south of the town of Angers. Made from 80% Chenin Blanc with 20% Cabernet Franc, the grapes were carefully picked by hand and gently crushed to ensure that no colour leached from the black grape skins. The wine then followed a traditional method, as in Champagne, with a second fermentation in bottle to capture the bubbles.

7683

Pouilly Fumé, 2013, AOC, Jean-Paul Mollet, SCEV des Renardières

$28.67

$32.67

$196.00

7684

Florian Mollet manages the 15 hectare Mollet-Maudry estate which is split between the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé appellations. The Pouilly Fumé is restrained with a firm, steely mineral palate which will open up with a little more time in bottle. Grown on 35 year old vines hillsides around the villages of Tracy-sur-Loire and Boisgibault, and facing the Loire with south west exposition, the grapes were harvested by hand mid-October and cool fermented in stainless steel tanks.

Sancerre Blanc, 2013, AOC, Florian Mollet, EARL Le Clos du Roc

$202.00

Vines were first planted on this site in Sancerre by monks from the Saint-Satur abbey founded in 1450. The property has been in Florian’s family since the 1940s.

Whilst his father Jean-Paul chose an alternative career, he maintained the vineyards and sold his grapes. The young Florian was passionate about wine and took over the management of the estate in 2000. Since then he has revived the family name producing top quality Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. His 2013 Sancerre Blanc has lovely floral and mineral notes with more gooseberry and fresh lime flavours on the palate. The vines are planted on the best sites around Saint-Satur, Ménétréol and Thauvenay.

7685

Sancerre Rouge, 2012, AOC, Florian Mollet, EARL Le Clos du Roc

$33.67

$32.67

$196.00

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The small town of Sancerre is perched on the top of a hill looking down on the Loire and the surrounding hillside vineyards. The majority of plantings are the Sauvignon Blanc, but some rosé and a small amount of red wines are produced from Pinot Noir. This wine has nice red fruits and strawberry aromas. On the palate it is light, but with a complex and layered texture, with earthy fruits and a long bitter cherry finish.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc Fresh green apples, almonds Refreshing, crisp acidity, [02] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Smoked salmon with shaved fennel salad, rhubarb pistachio crisp

Sauvignon Blanc Restrained, mineral Steely palate, great depth, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Chèvre ravioli and olive butter

Sauvignon Blanc Flinty, floral Gooseberry, fresh limes, [00] 8° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Pan-grilled Alaska halibut with drizzled Meyer lemon butter and savoury salsa

Pinot Noir Strawberries, red fruits Earthy, bitter cherries 16° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Herb-roasted organic spring chicken Provençal with petits farcis

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault >>

The Domaine Charles Pain, Cuvée Prestige 2011 and 2012, offered to Opimians in the last two years, have earned medals at the Concours des Vignerons Indépendants and Concours des Grands Vins de Mâcon.

7686 $23.50

$141.00

7687 $24.00

$144.00

Olivier St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, 2013, AOC, SARL Olivier Domaine Olivier has grown little by little over the years to its now 38 hectares. These are spread within the StNicolas-de-Bourgeuil appellation over a range of differing terroirs and soil types, mainly sand and gravel based.

The Cabernet Franc vineyards are cultivated on a hillside which is protected from the north by the forests sitting at the top. The area is renowned for producing some of the Loire’s best red wines. The Olivier 2013 has lots of ripe red fruits, concentration and weight with sharp acidity, and ends on bitter cherry and savoury notes.

Domaine Charles Pain, Cuvée Prestige, 2013, AOC Chinon, Val de Loire Across the Loire River and just 30 kilometres from StNicolas-de-Bourgueil, the appellation of Chinon tends to produce silkier, tender wines from the Cabernet Franc grape. In 2013, Charles Pain has produced a wine with earthy fruit aromas and a soft attack unfolding into a lively palate with spicy, incense and red berry flavours. 35 year old vines are cultivated on the right bank of the Vienne River in the communes of Panzoult, Cravant and Ile Bouchard on gravelly terraces. A long fermentation and maceration was followed by four to six months maturation in old large oak vessels, adding spice and body.

THE LOIRE VALLEY Danielle and Pascal Gibault

Cabernet Franc Ripe red fruits Bitter cherries, savoury notes 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Sausage, tomato and butter bean bake

Cabernet Franc Earthy forest fruits Red berries, incense 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Venison terrine served with Cumberland sauce

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Languedoc-Roussillon Floris and his wife Vicky are living the dream, and it shows on Floris’ face! He was in his element during my last visit in September 2013. Harvest had started as he proudly showed me, chest all puffed out, the new vat room with the whites and rosés fermenting away, and his new bottling line, before we went on a tour of the vineyards. He continues to re-structure and re-plant the vineyards which now cover 45 hectares of the 118 hectare estate.

Two beehives placed amongst the wild herbs have borne fruit and I think of Floris most mornings as I tuck into my bowl of Château Canet honey poured over fromage blanc. The latest evolution on the estate is the planting of truffle oaks which will pay dividends in another seven years. Floris’ passion is infectious as he describes his latest ideas and some of the challenges faced such as tackling wild boar that devour new plantings overnight.

7688 $13.83

$83.00

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Sauvignon, Baronnie de Canet, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc The Baronnie de Canet range of wines is sourced by Floris from nearby vineyards offering great tasting wines at good value prices. The Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is almost colourless in the glass, but it would be misleading to interpret this as a sign of tastelessness. It is light, crisp and full of fresh pear and passion fruit flavours with a green apple finish. The vineyard lies just north of the Canal du Midi, and east of the medieval town of Carcassonne.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Château Canet Rustiques, Languedoc

Sauvignon Blanc Pears Green apples, passion fruit, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Apple, celeriac and walnut salad with smoked trout and crème fraîche dressing

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Château Canet >>

The Mediterranean pines line the 600 metre driveway up to the Domaine nestled between vineyards, olive groves and pine forests.

7689 $13.83

$83.00

Chardonnay-Viognier, Baronnie de Canet, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc The Baronnie de Canet Chardonnay-Viognier 2013 is aromatic with mellow white fruit flavours, good acidity and a long, lingering finish. Chardonnay represents 70% of the blend and is sourced from a vineyard in Limoux, 25 kilometres from Carcassonne on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. The Viognier element is from young vines planted at Château Canet in 2009 and brings softness and peachy flavours to the wine.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Château Canet >>

Chardonnay, Viognier Vanilla, ripe fruits Mellow white fruit, good acidity, [00] 8° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Sushi, sashimi

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Château Canet, a family affair – pictured from left to right: Floris, Oliver, Victoria and Charlotte.

7690 $13.83

$83.00

7691 $17.00

$102.00

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Merlot, Baronnie de Canet, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc The Baronnie de Canet Merlot has a nice herbal, leafy characteristic, floral with a green capsicum edge to it. On the palate the tannins are soft with juicy acidity, fresh berries flavours with some grip on the finish. The Merlot vineyards are situated on slopes around the city of Carcassonne on clay limestone soils. After picking the grapes were destemmed and left to cold soak for three to four days prior to fermentation.

Domaine Canet Chardonnay, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc 80% of the Domaine’s vineyards are AOP Minervois with the balance classified as Vin de Pays d’Oc. That is not to say that they are any lesser in terms of quality or that Floris pays them any less care and attention. Chardonnay is not permitted in the AOP Minervois Blanc so it naturally falls in Vin de Pays d’Oc. The grapes were picked early in the season, to retain natural fresh acidity, and in the cool of the early morning. After a light crushing, the juice and skins were left in contact for 24 hours prior to fermentation allowing all the white fruit flavours to leach out. The juice was fermented part in oak barrels and part in tank creating a final wine with nutmeg and cinnamon spice aromas that complement the fruit. On the palate the wine sings purity and freshness.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Merlot Herbal, green pepper, floral Juicy fresh berries 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cassoulet

Chardonnay Melon, nutmeg, cinnamon Fresh, light, lemon citrus finish, [00] 8° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Chicken tagine with apricots and almonds

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Château Canet >>

7692 $17.50

$105.00

7693 $20.83

$125.00

7694 $20.83

$125.00

7695 $20.83

$125.00

Vignobles Canet, Picpoul de Pinet, Tête de Cuvée, 2013, AOP Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul de Pinet lies around the lake of the Étang de Thau. This is a wine region that has been “rediscovered” and has become ever more popular, particularly on restaurant wine lists. And no wonder for it’s a great match with seafood and all kinds of fish dishes. Similar in some ways to Austria’s Grüner Veltliner, it is subtle, but with complex aromas of fresh green apples, cut hay, and floral notes. It is medium-bodied with flavours of fresh limes, green apples and a mineral finish. I reckon the cooler late harvest in 2013 has produced one of the best vintages.

Château Canet, 2013, AOP Minervois, Blanc Floral notes of bergamot combine with fresh apple, pears and zesty lime flavours. Floris’ Minervois Blanc 2013 has refreshing acidity ending on a pink grapefruit note.

Produced from 50% Roussanne and 50% Bourboulenc, the juice was left in contact with the skins to macerate in the press at low temperature for 24 hours. It was then fermented very slowly at 18°C taking several months to become bone dry. The wine was aged in oak for a mere three weeks to add an extra dimension rather than an obvious oak characteristic.

Château Canet, 2013, AOP Minervois, Rosé The grapes from the younger vineyards on the estate are used to produce Château Canet’s Rosé. Made from 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache, they were the first red grapes to be harvested in early September. The machine harvester goes out into the fields in the night time when temperatures are lower and the deep-coloured Syrah grapes pass directly into the grape press. The lighterskinned Grenache grapes are gently crushed and left on the skins for a few extra hours. The result is a wine with a pretty baby pink colour, aromas of pear drops, berries and sherbet ending on lemon citrus and sour cherry flavours; it is very pleasing and very moreish.

Château Canet, 2013, AOP Minervois, Rouge Red Minervois accounts for over 90% of the appellation’s total production. The Château Canet Minervois Rouge 2013 has intense fruit aromas including plums, cherries, blackberries and blueberries. The grapes were picked in the cool early hours, lightly crushed and left to soak in the juice at low temperature for four days. Concentrated and elegant, it has delicious fruits, structure and a bitter cherry finish. After fermentation at 27°C, just 15% of the wine was matured in old French oak barrels from the Vosges adding spicy notes.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Château Canet >>

Picpoul Blanc Fresh green apples, fresh hay Limes, green apples, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Squid with sweet potato and lemon salsa

Roussanne, Bourboulenc Floral Apples, pears, lime, pink grapefruit, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Crab and citrus salad with pink peppercorn vinaigrette and fennel purée

Syrah, Grenache Pear drops, red fruit Sherbet, lemon citrus, sour cherry finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Clams with chickpeas, harissa and mint for garnish

Syrah, Grenache Plums, blackberries, blueberries Concentrated, bitter cherry finish 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Duck Parmentier

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7696 $23.83

$143.00

7697 $43.50

$261.00

7698 $34.67

$208.00

18

Canet, Family Reserve, 2011, AOP Minervois Floris and Vicky have a very special affinity with Canada; Vicky’s mother and sister live in Picton, Prince Edward County. For the last 12 years, each summer Vicky, Floris and their children, and Vicky’s two brothers with their respective families all congregate for a family get-together on the lake. As one can imagine, a good time is had by all with fine Château Canet wines helping the flow of conversation. The Family Reserve is produced from the favourite barrel in the cellar and bottled for the family to enjoy at this time. Deep in colour, the 2011 Family Reserve has an intense, jammy fruit aroma, with flavours of raspberries and spice. It is produced to be shared with family and friends, encouraging conviviality and debate over dinner.

Château Canet, La Chapelle, 2012, AOP Minervois (Wood Case) Produced from gnarled old Grenache vines, the La Chapelle takes its name from the remnants of the 12th century chapel that was on this site. The 70 year old vines are the oldest on the Château Canet estate and are considered part of the family as Vicky refers to them as her “old ladies”. Intense raspberry and red cherry flavours segway into an elegant wine almost Burgundian in structure. The grapes were picked by hand in early October and underwent a cold maceration at 8°C for 10 days. Fermentation was carried out at 27°C using traditional pushing down of the cap by foot.

Fond Cyprès, Cyprès des Corbières, 2013, AOC Corbières Domaine Fond Cyprès is close to Lézignan in the adjacent appellation of Corbières, 28 kilometres from Château Canet.

The 18 hectare estate was established by Laetitia Ourliac and Rodolphe Gianesini who started clearing the land of scrub in 2002 and slowly replacing it with vineyards. The 2013 has savoury aromas with a rich concentrated palate, vibrant black fruit flavours and firm acidity. Produced from 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% Carignan, the vineyard gained organic status in 2010 and the wine was fermented using natural indigenous yeast.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Syrah, Grenache Jammy, red fruits Raspberries, grip on the finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Dry-rubbed grilled bison rib-eye with sweet potato and cauliflower purée, and ratatouille

Grenache Raspberry jam, red cherries Red berry flavours, soft finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Braised lamb shank over mashed potatoes

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan Savoury, meaty Rich, concentrated, black fruits 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Rosemary-and-pepper standing rib roast with two mushroom pan sauce

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Château Canet

was founded by the exuberant Alain Grignon; a stereotypical LGI Wines LGI Frenchman and bon viveur who is fiercely proud of his hometown and the surrounding wine lands. Alain retired at the end of last year and whilst he will be missed by all, he has Carcassonne Carcassonne left the company with a strong and dynamic team in place.

He has handed over the overall running of the company to Head Winemaker, Xavier Roger who will continue to oversee winemaking while working closely with grape growers and taking on his broader responsibilities.

Château La Clotte-Fontane is located near the village of Sommières, in the Gard department of the LanguedocRoussillon. Surrounded by hills covered with Mediterranean pines, oak trees and aromatic plants, this splendid Château extends to 130 hectares with 38 hectares under vine.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI Wines >>

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7700 $10.58

$127.00

7701 $10.58

$127.00

7702 $14.83

$178.00

20

Lagarde Blanc, 2013, IGP Comté Tolosan, Sélection du Vigneron I defy anyone to find a wine as flavoursome and delicious at this price. Almost colourless, it has limey green fruits and herbal flavours with refreshing acidity on the palate. Cool weather in spring time in the south west of France led to a poor start to the vines’ growing cycle and a considerable reduction in the quantity of grapes produced, but the quality is certainly in the glass. Ugni Blanc and Colombard vines close to the city of Toulouse are influenced by the ocean and the Pyrenees climate, producing aromatic crisp white wines.

Lagarde Rouge, 2013, IGP Pays d’Hérault, Sélection du Domaine Produced from indigenous varieties Carignan and Grenache, the Lagarde Rouge 2013 is deep in colour with chocolate and cherry aromas. Soft and juicy on the palate it has spicy meaty flavours and a bitter cherry finish. The Hérault department is one of the four that make up the larger Languedoc region. Viticulture is extremely important to the region and dates back to Roman times. Representing great value, it will go with many pasta dishes and sausages.

Manoir Grignon Chardonnay, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc

Ugni Blanc, Colombard Leafy Fruity, herbal, lingering finish, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Butternut squash risotto

Carignan, Grenache Chocolate, cherry Meaty, bitter cherries 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Sausage and wild mushroom lasagna

Chardonnay

There is absolutely no mistaking the use of oak in this cuvée. For anyone with an aversion to intensely spicy aromas of cloves and pencil lead, this is not a wine for you. The aromas are complemented by fruity bananas and fresh apples. This is a big, obvious wine with smoky, toasty vanilla flavours; a French wine with a new world twist. Crafted by Alain Grignon, the grapes are grown on the lower slopes of the Montagne Noire.

Cloves, banana, spice

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI Wines >>

Vanilla, toast, apples, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Roasted chicken with rose hip glaze, herbs, apples and shallots

Tortoise Creek vineyards located on south exposed hills made of pebbles, limestone and clay, which enhances the minerality of the wines. The Mediterranean climate brings the sea mist and warm breezes while the hills maintain cooler temperatures for the soils,

7703 $14.83

$178.00

Manoir Grignon Cabernet-Syrah, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc Dense and bright purple in colour, the Manoir Grignon Cabernet-Syrah 2013 has intense cedar, incense, smoke, black cherry and plum aromas. The spicy oak dominates the fruit, yet it is rich and soft on the palate with succulent fruit flavours combined with vanilla, clove and woody oak tannins. The grapes were cultivated in the Languedoc close to Béziers, naturally producing low yields and achieving full ripeness. The vinification was carried out in traditional concrete tanks using selected yeasts.

Creek Wines, Viognier, “Le Verger”, 7704 Tortoise 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc

$15.75

$189.00

7705 $15.25

$183.00

Typical Viognier flavours of peaches and blossoms shine on the palate. Soft with good body and a long elegant finish, this is a wine for anyone that enjoys Condrieu, but at a fraction of the price. After picking, the grapes underwent short skin-contact maceration and were then pressed and fermented at low temperature. I had a very similar southern French Viognier at Hakkasan in London and it’s amazing how well it complemented a complete range of modern Chinese dishes.

Tortoise Creek Wines, Shiraz, “Les Petites Mûres”, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc No oak is used in making the Shiraz so that the wine is brimming with succulent fruit, the mellow black fruits leading to a rich palate with great concentration. Xavier’s team of winemakers spend their time in the fields in the run up to harvest, tasting grapes to determine the very point at which they are ready to be harvested. After picking the grapes were left to cold soak and then slowly fermented over a month.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI Wines >>

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Cedar, incense, black cherries Vanilla, succulent fruits, smoky finish 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Herb-crusted rack of lamb with a Syrahfig sauce

Viognier White blossoms Floral, peaches, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Peach Asian spring rolls

Shiraz Mellow, black fruits Rich, ripe, dark fruits 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Stuffed beef rolls with tomato and olives sauce

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At Château La Clotte-Fontane, the wines aged in barrel are stored in underground cellars, believed to provide the best conditions during the maturation phase.

7706 $12.75

$153.00

7707 $13.25

$159.00

7708 $19.33

$232.00

22

Tortoise Creek Wines, Carignan, “Vieilles Vignes”, 2013, IGP Pays d’Hérault Carignan was once the most widely planted grape variety in France. Part of its popularity with growers was its propensity to produce very high yields. The result was often poor quality, tart, tannic wines. Much Carignan has subsequently been replaced with other grape varieties, but if planted on the right terroir and managed appropriately it can produce interesting, concentrated wines. Tortoise Creek Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2013 has intense cedar and incense notes complementing the blackberry, cherry, and forest fruit flavours. The old Carignan vines are planted on pebble and clay soils; the grapes were harvested, destemmed and crushed, then fermented with French oak.

Domaine de Fontjun, 2013, AOP Saint-Chinian The appellation of Saint-Chinian takes its name from the village around which vineyards lie on purple clay and limestone soils, and above on rugged schist slopes at altitudes over 600 meters in the north of the region.

Domaine de Fontjun is located close to the picturesque village of Cébazan just five kilometres south of SaintChinian. Syrah and Grenache grapes were harvested and a proportion of the Syrah fermented using the carbonic maceration technique producing a wine full of blackberry and blueberry flavours. Soft and aromatic it is very approachable with a nice cherry and blueberry finish.

Carignan Spice, cedar Black fruits, cherries, vanilla 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D8 Smoked sausage gumbo

Syrah, Grenache Blackberries, blueberries Cherry, blueberries 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Pot-roast pheasant with butter beans

Château Salitis, Cuvée Premium, 2012, AOC Cabardès

Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Château Salitis lies in the only appellation in France where it is permitted to blend southern grapes such as Grenache and Syrah with Bordeaux varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 100 hectare estate lies just five kilometres north east of the historic medieval city of Carcassonne at Conques-sur-Orbiel. Owner and winemaker Frédéric Maurel carried out a traditional vinification with each variety harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented on skins for over a month. His Cuvée Premium 2012 is drinking nicely now with a mellow bouquet of undergrowth, coffee and woodlands combined with perfumed pine, cedar and cassis notes.

Undergrowth, coffee

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Cassis, pine 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Lamb meatballs and tomato sauce over tagliatelle

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI Wines >>

7709

Château La Clotte-Fontane, Cuvée Mathiérou, 2013, AOP Languedoc

$243.00

The historic property of Château La Clotte-Fontane was purchased and restored to glory by Maryline and Philippe Pagès when they fell under its spell in the late nineties. Designed in the 18th century by Jean Mouton de La Clotte, the Château stands on the site of an ancient Roman villa and is cited in historical documents as belonging to Comte Pierre de Gange in 1432. The 130 hectare domaine consists of 38 hectares of vines surrounded by pines, oak trees and wild scrub. The Cuvée Mathiérou is produced from a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, and has aromas of ripe damsons and cherries with a hint of dark chocolate. Elegant with fine silky texture, it ends with lingering bitter cherry flavours.

7710

Domaine des Trois Voies, 2012, AOC Corbières, Arnaud Sié

$20.25

$18.83

$113.00

7711 $18.83

$113.00

7712 $30.00

$180.00

Deep plum in colour, the Domaine des Trois Voies 2012 has aromas of red berries, cassis, incense and smoke. Light to medium-bodied it is soft with flavours of blackcurrant and coffee. Viticulture in Corbières dates back to the 11th century BC. First introduced by the ancient Greeks, it was developed by the Romans and later by the monasteries and abbeys in the middle ages.

The terrain is a series of twisting and turning mountains and valleys stretching from the Mediterranean Sea inland with great variations in soils from schist, clay, marls, limestone and sandstone with subsoils dating from primary to the Quarternary Period. The appellation officially recognizes 11 different terroirs. The 20 hectare Domaine des Trois Voies is established on chalky clay soils and is located in the small village of Talairan.

Cuvée Triviaci Merlot Cabernet, 2012, Vin de France, Arnaud Sié An elegant wine, herbal and mineral aromas combine with flavours of cassis and leaf. Rich and concentrated on the palate, the Cuvée Triviaci 2012 is well-balanced.

The grapes were harvested by hand from vineyards established on chalky clay soil producing a yield of approximately 35 hectolitres per hectare. Triviaci, meaning three paths, is thought of as the combination of ancestral know-how, French terroirs and the modern techniques used to create this cuvée.

Domaine Esprit des Pierres Grenache, Revelation, 2012, AOC Corbières Esprit des Pierres Grenache, Revelation has intense spicy aromas of wild herbs and the garrigues of the Languedoc; notes of thyme, oregano and celery are apparent on the nose. The soft, juicy palate reveals fruity, red berry flavours, raspberry and cherry. Planted on one of the best terroirs in the Corbières, it is a majority of Grenache with just a splash of Syrah to keep the authorities happy as Corbières must be a blend by law. The hardy vines struggle in this hot, dry region to produce yields of 28 hectolitres per hectare; irrigation is not permitted to quench their thirst. The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and crushed, and then fermented at 28°C for three weeks.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON LGI Wines

Grenache, Syrah Damsons, cherries, dark chocolate Bitter cherries, long finish 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D9 Wild boar chilli

Syrah, Grenache Cassis, red berries, floral, smoke Blackcurrant, coffee 18° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Crispy-skin duck breast with stewed cherries

Merlot, Cabernet Franc Cassis, slate, leaf Concentrated, rich 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Braised beef short ribs with turnip greens, roasted cippolini and horseradish cream

Grenache, Syrah Wild herbs, thyme, oregano, red berries Raspberries, red fruits 16° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Rabbit roulade on grilled vegetables, ratatouille and garlic shoots

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paul sapin Paul Sapin has been making, sourcing and buying wines from the Languedoc for decades, working closely with Olivier Mandeville Peirière. Olivier lives and runs the Château Peirière estate which has been in his family since the 16th century. His red wines are good, but his white wines are really special, in particular the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc. 2013 saw the arrival of winemaker Vincent Charleux who has also brought new ideas with him; we include a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay Sur Lie in this cellar offering.

This vineyard is located in the village of Blomac, 19 kilometres east of the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Canal du Midi.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Paul Sapin >>

7714 7724 $12.17

$146.00

Maison Belleroche Chardonnay, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering Pale in colour with appealing primary pear drop and banana aromas, the Maison Belleroche Chardonnay is soft and very approachable with delicate white fleshy fruit flavours. Chardonnay vines cultivated on calcareous limestone soils of the Languedoc ripen their grapes under the warm glow of the Mediterranean sun. Demonstrating great value for money, it is perfect on a summer’s evening.

Chardonnay Banana, white fruits Soft palate, fleshy, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Smoked salmon and dill mascarpone toasts

COUPON

7715

Maison Belleroche Merlot, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc

Merlot

7725

Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering

Forest fruits

$11.33

A simple wine brimming with forest fruits and red berries, on the palate it is soft and light with fresh balanced acidity. One of the main grapes in Bordeaux, in the Languedoc Merlot is planted on chalky hillsides around the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne.

Red berries, light structure 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Caramelized veal chops

$136.00

COUPON

7716

Maison Belleroche Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc

$11.33

Floral aromas of lavender combine with blueberries and bitter cherry flavours. This is a soft Cabernet Sauvignon cultivated in the heart of the Languedoc. The vines were planted on chalky hillsides 25 years ago and thrive on the pebbly soils under the warm rays of the sun.

$11.33

Lavender, blueberries Bitter cherries 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9

$136.00

7717

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with a cherry chutney

Maison Belleroche Syrah, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc More structured than the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Maison Belleroche Syrah 2013 has a savoury edge to the fruit. Black cherry flavours combine with meaty herbal notes and chewy tannins on the palate.

Syrah Black cherry Meaty, savoury, leafy, chewy finish 18° C

$136.00

2014-2016, M8 D9 Barbecued sirloin steak seasoned with herbs and green peppercorns

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Paul Sapin >>

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7718 $12.50

$150.00

Domaine Peirière Sauvignon Blanc, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc In 2013, Domaine Peirière has surpassed many Loire estates with its Sauvignon Blanc. The aroma is intense gooseberry and flinty petrol; there is no doubt about the grape variety here! On the palate it is concentrated, brimming with gooseberries, greengages and limes which linger forever on the palate. I would happily drink this as my house wine all summer.

Sauvignon Blanc Gooseberry, petrol Concentrated, gooseberries, greengages, lime, [01] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Bay scallop and asparagus risotto

7719 $11.92

$143.00

Domaine Peirière Grenache Rosé, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc With a medium intensity pink colour, the Domaine Peirière Grenache Rosé has banana, pear drops and red berry fruits; it is simple, yet full of flavour and appeal.

Domaine Peirière lies in the heart of the Minervois region close to the Montagne Noire that ensures cool nights to recuperate from the heat of the day in summer. The Grenache grapes were harvested in the cool early hours, some pressed directly and some left in contact with the skins for a short maceration.

7720

Domaine Peirière Pinot Noir, 2013, IGP Pays d’Oc

$13.58

Succulent strawberry flavours, cooked fruits, vanilla and violets are expressed in the Domaine Peirière Pinot Noir 2013. The Pinot Noir grape does not like it too hot. In fact it tends to do best in cool climate regions, but the cooling effect of the Montagne Noire close to the estate produces a wine with nice fruits and a soft palate.

$163.00

Grenache Pear drops, banana Soft, red fruits, [01] 6° C 2014-2015, M9 D9 Pizza Margherita

Pinot Noir Violets, red berries Strawberries, vanilla 16° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Cedar-planked salmon with barbequed tomatoes

7721 $18.17

$109.00

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Domaine Peirière Chardonnay, Sur Lie, 2013, Platinum, IGP Pays d’Oc Chardonnay has made Burgundy famous for the quality of its fine wines, all produced from 100% of the grape. The Domaine Peirière Chardonnay Sur Lie 2013 is somewhat reminiscent of wine from the Maconnais; it’s also a fraction of the price! It has mellow, earthy, spicy aromas with a rich palate and succulent melon, peachy flavours.

Two parcels from the 220 hectare estate were selected for this wine, one south-facing, one north-facing. The grapes were gently pressed and left to settle on fine lees at low temperature for eight days followed by a second settling. The wine was matured for some months post fermentation adding complexity and creamy texture.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Chardonnay Earthy, spicy Rich, melon, peachy, [00] 6° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Chicken supreme with mushroom risotto

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Paul Sapin >>

The traditional cellars of Domaine Peirière

7722 $18.17

$109.00

7723 $15.50

$186.00

Domaine Peirière Sauvignon Blanc, Sur Lie, 2013, Platinum, IGP Pays d’Oc With depth and finesse, flinty mineral aromas lead to a rich wine with weight, balanced acidity and long length.

Sauvignon Blanc cultivated on a north-facing parcel was selected for its minerality. Vines were planted on these calcareous slopes 30 years ago. After picking, the grapes underwent a carbonic maceration for 12 hours before pressing. After fermentation at low temperature, the best wine yeast lees were retained during maturation with regular yeast stirring.

Château Blomac, 2012, AOP Minervois Syrah, Carignan and Grenache have been blended to produce a wine with dried fruits, raisins and Christmas cake aromas. On the palate the wine has flavours of chocolate and bitter cherry, with a succulent mid-palate and soft tannin on the finish. Château Blomac lies on the outskirts of the village of Blomac, 40 kilometres south of the town of Narbonne. The parcels of Syrah stretch over the banks of the Canal du Midi once used to transport wines around France. This is a special terroir with light, mineral-rich soils and small pebbles.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Paul Sapin

Sauvignon Blanc Flinty, mineral Succulent fruits, long elegant finish, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Steamed mussels with fresh fennel and thyme

Syrah, Carignan, Grenache Dried fruits, raisins Chocolate, bitter cherries 18° C 2014-2017, M7 D9 Roasted rack of lamb with Moroccan spiced eggplant and vegetables couscous in black garlic gravy

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Provence Château Vignelaure is a special place. Whilst many vineyards and Chateaux sit cheek by jowl in Provence, Château Vignelaure sits apart on an isolated plateau. Things have always been done a bit differently here. Current owners Bengt and Mette Sundström want to create an inspirational haven for artists, writers and musicians alike. The vineyard was originally established by Georges Brunet in the 1960s. Coming from Bordeaux’s Château La Lagune, he was determined to find a terroir suitable for growing fine Cabernet Sauvignon in the South of France.

Also a fan of the arts, he too would often have guests stay including one Yves Saint Laurent who drew the harlequin that is now the Le Page de Vignelaure label. Through the nineties and up until 2007 the estate was run by David O’Brien, reputed Irish horse trainer turned winemaker extraordinaire. The wines are a testament to the fine terroir.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Château Vignelaure Rians-en-Provence

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

7726 $23.67

$142.00

7727 $23.83

$143.00

7728 $31.50

$189.00

Le Page, Vignelaure Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon et Merlot, 2013, IGP Méditerranée A rosé made in Provence from Bordeaux varietals with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it has typical leafy fruit flavours with a succulent palate and lingering finish. Four hectares on the estate are dedicated to producing the Le Page, Vignelaure Rosé. After a long, cool winter the vines sprouted late in 2013 and were also affected by two hailstorms on July 7th and 17th leading to a late harvest that only ended on October 24th.

The grapes were picked and immediately pressed. After static settling and racking, the juice was fermented at low temperature and the wine matured on lees for three months.

Le Page, Vignelaure Rouge, Cabernet Sauvignon et Merlot, 2009, IGP Méditerranée

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Leafy, crushed nettles Herbal, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Spinach, pancetta and shallot quiche

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

The Le Page, Vignelaure Rouge 2009 has all the elegance and chic of the clothes of Yves Saint Laurent, the man who designed its label in the 1980s. The colour shows little signs of development. Aromas of blackberry fruits and leaves indicate the blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot. The wine was part-aged in oak barrels for 12 months adding vanilla flavours with elegant tannins and balanced acidity.

Blackberry, herbs

Château Vignelaure, Rosé, 2013, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Produced from old vines of Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Château Vignelaure Rosé 2013 is complex, full of ripe fruits with a succulent mid-palate and mellow flavours of strawberries and cream. After picking, the Grenache underwent some skin contact prior to crushing. The Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon were pressed directly. After settling of the juice, a small proportion of the Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in a 400 litre new oak barrel, although there is no obvious oak in the wine.

Château Vignelaure, 2010, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Château Vignelaure’s Grand Vin comes from the best plots of stony clay limestone soils on the 53 hectare estate. A cool and wet winter built up the soil’s water reserves and led to a late budburst at the end of April in 2010. Despite the late start, flowering went well and was followed by good conditions throughout the summer and harvest started on September 25th. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah were harvested separately and subsequently matured in French oak barrels for 18 months with a third new. The final wine is dense with plums, smoke and earthy aromas and is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Syrah. Dark fruits flavours and a juicy palate lead to a bitter cherry and smoky finish.

7729 $41.33 $248.00

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

Dark fruits, vanilla 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus

Strawberries and cream Ripe fruits, fresh acidity, [00] 6° C 2014-2016, M8 D9 Bouillabaisse

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Smoke, earthy Juicy palate, bitter cherry, smoky finish 18° C 2014-2024, M6 D8 Roast saddle of lamb with turnips

7730 $91.67

$275.00

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7731

Château Vignelaure, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence – Vertical Tasting Case One bottle each – 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 (Wood Case)

Château Vignelaure, 2009, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

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$43.67 $262.00

Like all the best wine estates, variation in climate from one vintage to the next has an effect on the wines produced.

This mixed case showcases six vintages each with their own characteristics, but which all display complex smoky dark fruits, concentration, finesse and ageing potential - a signature of the fine terroir at Château Vignelaure.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Château Vignelaure, 2006, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache

A really ripe, concentrated vintage, the 2009 is absolutely delicious now, but merits keeping if you a can avert temptation! The oak is currently more obvious than the 2010 with intense cedar, pencil lead and vanilla notes, and is complemented by the ripe dark berry fruits and a concentrated palate. After three years of severe drought, winter rains and heavy snowfall replenished the water table. Budburst was late, but vegetative growth rapid due to the water levels combined with warm temperatures, although yields were low with small bunches of small-berried grapes produced.

Picking started three weeks earlier than the 2008 with fully ripe grapes in tip-top condition.

Cedar, dark berries

The 2006 Château Vignelaure remains youthful in colour with aromas of blackcurrants, herbs, smoke and leaf. On the palate it is juicy with good acidity and nice chewy tannins. After another dry winter, the vines were pruned severely in spring and the decision was taken to plough between the rows of vines to prevent grass growing which would take up the so valuable water resources. Flowering began over two weeks ahead of the norm due to a warm spring.

Finally the dry spell was broken by two big storms in July, bringing water at a time too early to damage the crop. Harvest started on September 8th under fine blue skies.

Blackcurrant, smoke, herbs

Château Vignelaure, 2008, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Château Vignelaure, 2005, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache

Not an easy year, 2008 marked the third consecutive dry winter at Château Vignelaure, followed by a cool, wet spring. Summer was dry, but cool and harvest, which started on September 29th, was interrupted by three storms. 2008 was a year requiring skill in the vineyard and in adapting the vinification process. As a result, the 2008 spent less time in oak with just 12 months as opposed to the usual 18 months and has nice leafy woodlands aromas reflecting the cooler climate conditions. The palate is structured with firm tannins on the finish. This was also the first vintage at Château Vignelaure for winemaker and General Manager Philippe Bru. Nothing like a baptism of fire!

Leafy, woodlands

Spice, incense, smoke

Moroccan meatball stew with couscous

The 2005 is complex and elegant with aromas of spice, incense and smoke. After a cold dry winter, the dormant vines sprang back to life mid-April helped by limited rain showers which ensured rapid vegetative growth. The summer was fine and dry without being excessively hot and the fruit ripened well on the vines. The grapes were hand-picked under fine conditions with each parcel and grape variety vinified separately and left on skins for 28 days for maximum extraction of colour and tannins.

Château Vignelaure, 2007, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache

Château Vignelaure, 2004, AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache

Up until and including 2007 the Grand Vin at Château Vignelaure was produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with an additional component of Grenache. After this time, winemaker Philippe Bru prefers to use the Grenache to produce a more complex Rosé.

Dense and concentrated, the 2007 has spicy incense and smokey notes combined with fresh fruits and herbs. The early start to the vines’ growth cycle was due to the relatively warm, yet dry winter. The summer of 2007 was marked by cool temperatures, lots of wind and no rain other than a few short bursts of showers at the end of August providing just enough water for the thirsty vines to ripen the grapes.

The wine was bottled after 14 months in oak barrels.

Incense, spices

The 2004 growing season followed the European heat wave of 2003, the hottest summer on record since 1540!! Despite normal seasonal temperatures in the winter months, there was a complete absence of rainfall. In order to offset water stress to the vines, pruning was particularly severe in the spring, dramatically limiting yields so that production was a mere 16 hectolitres per hectare. The Château Vignelaure 2004 is drinking nicely now with herbal leafy, undergrowth and dark berry aromas. Produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah and 5% Grenache, the wine was matured in oak barrels for 18 months with malo-lactic fermentation completed in the summer of 2005.

Herbal, dark berries

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 226

Vanilla smoke, blackberries 18° C 2014-2024, M6 D9 Pan-seared duck breast with quince gélee and leek gratin

Christmas cake, liquorice 18° C 2014-2022, M6 D8

Ripe fruits, cherries 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Rabbit with capsicum and olives

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

PROVENCE Château Vignelaure >>

Leafy, dark fruit 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Rosemary braised pork shanks with Asiago polenta and braised greens

Lighter body 18° C 2014-2020, M6 D8 Beef tenderloin with roasted Portobello mushrooms

Undergrowth, woodland fruits 18° C 2014-2018, M6 D8 Venison stew with herbes de Provence

ONTARIO

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Château Canet is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering. #420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca