C236-NT: Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Order by DECEMBER 7, 2015

Australia, New Zealand & South Africa James Ceccato, Chief Winemaker Berton Vineyards

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 Order Wine - Show Details or Quick Order Wine.

• Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421.

• Fax your order to 514-481-9699.

• Mail your order.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is mid-March 2016. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board.

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

• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430.

• A valid 2016 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: December 7, 2015.

James Ceccato, Chief Winemaker at Berton Vineyards, tastes the new vintage of The Bonsai from High Eden in the Eden Valley.

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in this vineyard and the wines consistently deliver outstanding quality. 2012 was the first year the two varieties were blended to make The Bonsai. The wine was recently awarded 94 points by James Halliday which has reaffirmed their belief that this is a wine to look out for!

LEGEND Members’ Choice

White

Aroma

Drink this year

Red

Taste

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Rosé

Serving temperature

Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down

Ideal with

Sparkling

Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak

Number of bottles in case Medium concentration

Light in body

Medium oak

Light oak

Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities

Extremely limited quantities Limited quantities

Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

Medal Winner

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

Appeared in the C228 Select Cases (2015 Season)

To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.

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

Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

C ELL AR OFFE RING 236

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

In this, our annual visit to the antipodes and South Africa, we have cast our net further to offer new wines, producers and regions from each.

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.

From the Sunnycliff Estate wines produced in the Murray-Darling, which offer great value for money, to the premium regions of the Hunter Valley and Margaret River with their particular specialties, Australia offers great variety. In New Zealand, to complement the wines from Manuka Hill Estate, we offer the wines from Summerhouse Wine produced in Marlborough, including two exciting red wines and some super bubbles.

Members have been telling us how much they have been enjoying wines from South Africa, in particular those from Warwick Wine Estate. This year we have also sourced some wines from Vondeling Wines in Paarl as well as Richard Kershaw Wines, based in the exciting cool climate region of Elgin on the Western Cape. Influenced by the proximity of the Indian Ocean, this is traditionally an apple-growing region. More recently it has been making its mark producing world class wines.

Briar Ridge p. 4

Berton Vineyards p. 6

Wingara Wine Group p. 9

Hastwell & Lightfoot Vineyards p. 11

Shottesbrooke Vineyards p. 14

Wines by Geoff Hardy p. 16

Chapman Grove Wines p. 20

Summerhouse Wine Co. p. 22

Manuka Hill Estate p. 24

Warwick Wine Estate p. 26

Richard Kershaw Wines p. 33

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

3

Australia New South Wales Briar Ridge Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley region to the north of Sydney is the historic wine region of New South Wales. Grapevines were brought to Sydney Cove with the First Fleet. But viticulture in the Hunter Valley is not without its challenges. Its climate is one of the warmest, most humid and wettest in Australia which can pose difficulties, particularly at harvest time. The upside is that it produces wine styles using Semillon and Syrah grapes that are truly unique to the region.

Briar Ridge winery is nestled in the Mount View region of the Lower Hunter surrounded by vines planted on the undulating slopes of the Brokeback Mountain ranges. Gwyn Olsen has been Chief Winemaker at Briar Ridge since 2013 and is a rising star in the Australian wine industry. Having studied at the University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Gwyn made wines in France and New Zealand for six years. She was named DUX of her class at the Australian Wine Research Institute and received the prestigious Young Winemaker Medal from Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine in 2014.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA BRIAR BURGUNDY RIDGE >>

Ridge Old Vines Shiraz, Hunter Valley 8303 Briar and Orange, 2013 Ridge Early Harvest Semillon, Hunter 8302 Briar Valley, 2014 There is no other region in the world that produces Semillon in the style of the Hunter Valley. When $26.50 young, these wines are light and crisp. Yet, they have the potential to mature for years, becoming rich and honeyed with notes of nuts, toast and spices. 2014 was one of the earliest harvests on record in Australia $159.00 with Semillon being harvested under ideal conditions to produce a classic Hunter Valley wine. Pale in colour with restrained aromas of white blossom, camomile and a hint of fresh grass, it is elegant on the palate with depth and a lingering citrus finish. Enjoyable in its youth, it will develop complexity over the coming years.

This wine is produced from a blend of grapes grown in the warm Hunter Valley and Shiraz from the cool $28.50 region of Orange. Orange, in central New South Wales, is approximately a four hour drive west of Sydney, and sits at an altitude of over 600 metres. The cool climate, reliable rainfall and geology produce grapes with distinct $171.00 flavours. Briar Ridge vineyard in Orange is planted at an altitude of 840 metres on rich soils derived from basalt rocks. The combination of the two regions results in a deeply coloured wine, exuding aromas of summer pudding, cooked blackberries and vanilla. The complex bouquet leads to a concentrated palate with a linear structure, pure acidity and long finish.

Shiraz Summer pudding, cooked blackberries, vanilla

Semillon

Concentrated, spicy fruits

White blossom, camomile

18°C

Grassy, refreshing citrus fruits, [00]

2016-2022, M6 D8

6°C

Roasted loin of venison with spiced red cabbage and truffle jus

2016-2020, M7 D9 Oysters with ginger-lime relish

Stonefields Vineyard Shiraz, Wrattonbully, 8305 2012 Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 8304 Stonefields Wrattonbully, 2012 Briar Ridge also owns two vineyards in South Australia, in Wrattonbully and Coonawarra. The $23.83 grapes for this wine were cultivated close to Penola in Wrattonbully and after picking were brought to the Hunter Valley for vinification. The Wrattonbully climate is slightly warmer than its more famous neighbour $143.00 Coonawarra, but the region has similar Terra Rossa soils which produce high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes. The 2012 Stonefields Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine example with mellow aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fine texture leading to savoury flavours and liquorice that develop on the palate. This is a wine with great length; it is delicious now and will continue to be in the years to come.

Cabernet Sauvignon Blackcurrants, cassis Savoury, liquorice

Slightly lighter in concentration than the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Stonefields 2012 Shiraz is light to $23.83 medium-bodied with intense aromas of blackcurrant gums and cherry menthol flavours. Ready for drinking now, it is intense in flavour and ideal with a charcuterie platter. Wrattonbully, in the Limestone Coast region of $143.00 South Australia, is famous for producing Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The red Terra Rossa soils overlay the limestone base and are complemented by the dry and moderate summers.

Shiraz Blackcurrant Cherry menthol 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Charcuterie platter

18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Char-grilled beef tenderloin, grilled mushrooms, rösti potato, and red wine jus

AUSTRALIA BRIAR RIDGE

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

5

Berton Vineyards Yenda, New South Wales When I caught up with Bob Berton and Andrew Cudmore at ProWein in March, they were both grinning from ear to ear. Harvest in Yenda had more or less finished; picking started early this year. They were happy with the vintage in terms of quality and were looking forward to some rest.

Chardonnay harvest at Berton Vineyards February 6th 2015 — a beautiful, cool morning ahead of the heat of the day

8306 Head over Heels Chardonnay, 2015 $21.00

$126.00

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Spicy, fruity aromas with baked apples and cinnamon, the Head over Heels Chardonnay is medium-bodied with nice fruit and crisp limey acidity. Perfect for everyday drinking, it will pair well with roast chicken.

Chief Winemaker James Ceccato has made an easy-drinking wine that will go well with a range of white meats, fish and salads.

Chardonnay Spicy, baked apples, vanilla Cinnamon, lime, citrus, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Lemon-thyme roast chicken

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA BERTON VINEYARDS >>

8307 Head over Heels Pinot Grigio, 2015 $21.00

$126.00

Crisp and refreshing with flavours of green apples, pears and citrus, this is a perfect wine for spring.

James Ceccato, Chief Winemaker at Berton Vineyards, carefully handles the fruit and ferments at cool temperature to fully capture the wine’s fresh flavours.

The winery at Yenda is in the heart of the Riverina region, known for its sunshine and dry climate. Without the Murrumbidgee Irrigation scheme developed in the early 20th century, agriculture would not survive.

AUSTRALIA BERTON VINEYARDS >>

Pinot Grigio Fresh green apples Crisp, refreshing, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Cobb salad

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

7

8309 Head over Heels Cabernet Merlot, 2014 8308 $21.00

Head over Heels Shiraz, 2014 The 2014 Head over Heels Shiraz has approachable red cherry and tobacco aromas which combine with notes of mocha and spicy oak. On the palate it is fairly light with firm acidity. It is suitable for early drinking and ideal to accompany a range of pasta dishes.

$21.00

The Cabernet Merlot is more savoury and more concentrated in style with solid tannins. Deep plum in colour with aromas of eucalyptus and cherry menthol, the palate has a savoury, smoky flavour with a chewy bitter cherry finish, well-integrated toasty oak and the potential for some cellaring.

$126.00 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Cherry menthol

$126.00

Savoury, smoky, bitter cherries Shiraz

18°C

Red cherries, tobacco

2016-2020, M7 D8

Spicy, fruits

Roasted veal loin garnished with pink peppercorn, served with potato purée and parsnip slaw

16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Creamy orecchiette with sausage and peas

8311 Berton Vineyard, The Bonsai, High Eden, 2012

Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, High 8310 Berton Eden, 2013 High Eden, a sub-region of Barossa’s Eden Valley, is where Bob Berton and his wife Cherie first caught $26.83 the wine bug. Their property, established in 1996, sits on gently rolling hills and at 450 metres is one of the highest points in the whole of Barossa. Bob planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the late nineties on ancient $161.00 podsolic soils containing quartz. The climate is cool with high winds and low rainfall, so the vines naturally bear low crops. This is an intense wine with savoury, smoky dark fruit and incense aromas. On the palate it is full of more succulent dark fruits and vanilla flavours which continue to linger. Medium-bodied with a fine velvety texture, it is extremely drinkable now and will continue to mellow nicely, developing more complexity.

This wine is produced from the very best barrels of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, from Bob’s original vineyard planted in 1996. The climate is cool due to $38.83 the altitude, and wind is a constant challenge. Despite access to water now (they built a big dam), the vines struggled in their initial years to become established.

So much so that five years after planting, the Shiraz $233.00 vines still looked like rootlings, hence the plot became known as The Bonsai Vineyard. 2012 was a fine vintage in virtually all parts of Australia, albeit with low yields.

This wine is intensely concentrated in every sense. Intense aromas of cooked fruits, ripe damsons, and plum pudding lead to a concentrated palate with a port-like richness, brimming with succulent fruits, black cherries, plums and raspberries. After 20 months of aging, each barrel was hand-selected for the final blend.

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Damsons, plums

Cabernet Sauvignon

Succulent rich fruits

Incense, savoury, dark fruits

18°C

Succulent dark fruits, vanilla

2016-2020, M7 D9

16°C

Roasted spiced lamb ribs with whole grain mustard sauce

2016-2021, M6 D9 Prime aged côte de boeuf with roasted carrots and shallots

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA BERTON VINEYARDS

Wingara Wine Group South Melbourne, Victoria Wingara Wine Group, close to Mildura in North West Victoria, is in the Sunraysia region on the banks of the Murray River. This is a major agricultural centre benefitting from the guaranteed sunshine and water from the Murray to produce inexpensive, flavoursome wines. Wingara Wine Group was established by the Yunghanns family of grape growers and citrus fruit farmers in Sunraysia and Coonawarra. They built the winery in 1980 and launched Sunnycliff wines in 1989.

The wines are made by Frank Newman.

With a serious commitment to environmental sustainability, the Estate is managed by Craig Thornton.

AUSTRALIA WINGARA WINE GROUP >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Brut Chardonnay-Pinot Noir 8312 Sunnycliff Sparkling Wine, NV

$19.50

$117.00

opim.ca order online at

Spanish sparkling wine company Freixenet took a stake in Wingara Wine Group at the turn of the century and fully acquired it in 2008. Freixenet is an expert in sparkling wine production, so it’s no surprise that this wine tastes as good as it does, offering fantastic value for money. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were harvested from Wingara’s Red Cliffs vineyard in early February. Fresh lemony aromas lead to a well balanced palate, with flavours of fresh apples, and a fine mousse.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

8313 Sunnycliff Estate Chardonnay, 2014

Fresh fruits Fresh apples, well-balanced, [02] 6°C

$16.33

2016-2018, M8 D9 Mushroom and goat cheese crostini

$196.00

Melons, lemons and limes; this wine is a real fruit salad.

The palate is soft and crisp with a long nutty flavour.

This Chardonnay is farmed in the Murray-Darling region and the grapes are picked in late January. After gentle pressing, separate lots of Chardonnay were cool-fermented using different yeast strains to add complexity. The wine was left on its lees with periodic stirring giving it a soft, creamy texture.

Chardonnay Lemons, limes Crisp palate, hazelnut, [00]

8314 $16.33

$196.00

6°C

Sunnycliff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 With ripe berry fruits and showing some development in colour, a brick ruby hue, and on the nose, the 2014 Sunnycliff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for drinking now and over the coming couple of years. It is soft and light with cherry fruits, and a long red cherry finish. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested in March and then fermented in Australian-designed Sweeping Arm Potter fermenters. The wine was matured on premium toasted French and American oak.

2016-2017, M8 D9 Warm Cajun chicken salad

8315 Sunnycliff Estate Shiraz, 2014

Cabernet Sauvignon Ripe fruits Cherries, red berries, spice

$16.33

16°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Rosemary braised lamb shanks

Less developed and deeper in colour than the Sunnycliff Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Shiraz is a more weighty wine. The palate is soft and round, with good mid-palate fruit and great balance. Picked in early March, the wine was made in a similar way to the Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged with French and American oak.

$196.00 Shiraz Fresh berry fruits Soft, round, fruity palate 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Baked lasagne

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA WINGARA WINE GROUP

South Australia

It is spring and the grid-work of vines, soon to burst into leaf, stripe a pattern down the Hastwell & Lightfoot vineyard, through the cover crops and the native grass swards

AUSTRALIA HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT VINEYARDS >>

Hastwell & Lightfoot Vineyards McLaren Vale

Hastwell & Lightfoot began in 1988 in the beautiful McLaren Vale region of South Australia when friends Martin and Jill Lightfoot teamed up with Mark and Wendy Hastwell to live the dream. 28 years later, I caught up with Martin and Jill on a trip to Spain; they had lost none of that initial enthusiasm. Days earlier they had been hand-packing the Founders’ Choice wine for Opimian members. Keen to learn about European varieties grown in their places of origin, in particular Spain’s Tempranillo, Martin was equally not shy to share his opinions on the wines produced.

Mark’s son James is now the winemaker and has been involved in the estate from an early age. After coming home from primary school in the afternoons, he was sent out into the fields to plant vines. The vineyards are now lovingly tended by Martin and Jill’s nephew Richard McGeachy.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

11

Skinny Winemaker’s Blend, McLaren Vale, 8317 Fat’n 2015 A well-balanced and structured wine, it is white Rhônelike in style. It’s actually a blend of 42% Vermentino, $21.67 32% Chardonnay and 26% Viognier. Soft and round on the palate, it is quite restrained in terms of flavour, but has notes of grapefruit and lemon citrus oil with a nutty background. Each of the grape varieties was picked and $130.00 fermented separately. Vermentino, originating in Italy, has become fashionable in France. Highly regarded for its fragrance and acidity, it remains a speciality in Australia.

The Chardonnay and Viognier were aged on lees with French oak.

8318 Fat’n Skinny Picker’s Choice, McLaren Vale, 2014 $21.67

$130.00

The Fat’n Skinny Picker’s Choice has aromas of cooked fruits and black cherries. The palate is medium to light-bodied with some firm grippy tannin and ending with savoury bitter chocolate and liquorice flavours. It is produced from a blend of five grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo and Shiraz with a touch of Viognier, from 10 distinct vineyard parcels.

Each parcel was harvested and the grapes fermented in open-top fermenters, then aged in oak for 18 months.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Viognier

Vermentino, Chardonnay, Viognier

Black cherries, cooked fruits

Stone fruits, citrus oils

Savoury chocolate, liquorice

Round, grapefruit, orange blossom, [00]

18°C

6°C

2016-2021, M6 D7

2016-2017, M8 D9

New York strip steak with wild mushrooms ragout and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes

Pan-seared scallops with lime and coriander

8319 Hastwell & Lightfoot Vermentino, McLaren Vale, 2015 $23.83

$143.00

This is a pure expression of the Vermentino grape. There are few producers in Australia who grow this variety and, to my knowledge, other than Hastwell & Lightfoot none of them are based in McLaren Vale. I am not sure what motivated the guys to graft this variety onto their 24-year-old rootstock, but the idea was a good one. The grapes have benefitted from the well-established root system and already produce wines with flavour and balance. The 2015 has nutty aromas which lead to a soft, round palate. Stone fruit flavours are perfectly balanced by the crisp lemon acidity. After picking, the grapes were left to macerate on the skins for some hours before pressing. The decanted juice was fermented at low temperature to fully capture the flavours.

Vermentino Stone fruits, nuts Lemon, almond, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Wild rice salad with lemon pepper chicken

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT VINEYARDS >>

Here is winter; the Cabernet Sauvignon is yet to be pruned and the setting sun makes a stunning statement — end of day.

Hastwell & Lightfoot Cabernet Sauvignon, 8320 McLaren Vale, 2013

& Lightfoot Sands of Time Shiraz, 8321 Hastwell Single Vineyard, McLaren Vale, 2013

Deep purple in colour, with aromas of blackcurrant and elderflower, the 2013 Hastwell & Lightfoot Cabernet Sauvignon has a soft, silky palate. Medium to full-bodied, it $27.83 is concentrated in flavour with dark fruits and ripe tannins.

The wine was matured for 24 months in a combination of older oak barrels and hogsheads and is not overtly oaky, but $167.00 will benefit from some maturation in bottle before drinking.

It is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Cabernet Franc coming from five distinct blocks. Vines are planted on the north side of the McLaren Vale hills on sandy soils between 350 and 600 millimetres deep over clay. Each parcel was fermented separately with extended maceration for up to 38 days on selected lots.

This is another demonstration of the quality of the 2013 vintage, which produced hugely concentrated wines $29.17 for cellaring. Hastwell & Lightfoot have five blocks of Shiraz. These are vinified and matured individually and only after 12 months is the best block selected for the Sands of Time. In this case, the grapes came from $175.00 the eastern block at a 200 metres altitude with rows orientated north-south. The name of this flagship wine refers to the 10,000 years’ worth of sand brought in by the prevailing Westerlies which turned valleys and ridges into enormous sand dunes. Deep purple in colour, this wine needs more time to reveal its inner secrets. For the moment the nose is restrained and the palate tight, yet it is rich and concentrated with black fruit flavours and good depth. It was matured for 23 months in older oak hogsheads and was bottled in February, 2015.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Blackcurrant, elderflower Dark fruits, mocha 18°C 2016-2021, M6 D8 Roast rack of lamb with root vegetables

Shiraz Restrained, dark chocolate Black fruits, pepper, concentrated 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D7 Beef Wellington

AUSTRALIA HASTWELL & LIGHTFOOT VINEYARDS

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

13

Vineyards and winery lie in the McLaren Flat not far from Shottesbrooke Shottesbrooke Hastwell & Lightfoot Vineyards. Established by Nick Holmes around a similar time as Hastwell & Lightfoot, it was named after an estate in Berkshire, England where Nick’s grandfather, Richard Holmes, had been Vineyards the parish vicar. Nick is no longer involved, but the reins have passed to his stepson Hamish Maguire who is hugely passionate. He lives on McLaren Vale the estate with his wife Emily and young family. Next to the family home

they have purchased a corrugated shed built in 1916, originally used for drying grapes, and have transformed it into a super little restaurant which looks out onto the Shottesbrooke vineyards. Behind it sits a Tahitian lime grove that was in blossom when I happened to visit; it smelt divine! It’s so relaxing and peaceful that the “punters” don’t want to leave. Hamish has been known to leave them the keys to lock up.

Winemaker Hamish Maguire and his faithful dog Angus, an Australian Red Dog Kelpie, inspect the old Cabernet Sauvignon blocks for fruit bunch counts in spring, leading up to the 2015 vintage.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA shottesbrooke vineyards >>

8323 Regional Series Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, 2014 8322 Regional Series Chardonnay, Padthaway, 2015

The Padthaway region is an important Australian producer of premium quality white wines and Chardonnay is without a doubt the most successful. $20.50 The 2015 Regional Series Chardonnay has aromas of ripe melons, guava and tropical fruit salad. The palate is soft and round with nice weight, grapefruit citrus flavours and fresh tangy acidity. This is classy Aussie $123.00 Chardonnay. Like many other regions in Australia, Padthaway saw very little rainfall during the 2015 growing season and yields were below average, producing good concentration.

$20.50

$123.00

Shiraz grapes were grown in the Langhorne Creek region and underwent traditional vinification. Vibrant plum in colour, it has a mineral, wet stone characteristic with savoury aromas and a hint of black cherry. A soft attack leads to a rich palate with succulent fruits combined with savoury notes and chocolate flavours.

Flavours of bitter chocolate and cherry linger, giving it a long finish. Good winter rainfall leading up to the 2014 vintage allowed soils to retain all the moisture necessary for the hot summer that followed.

Shiraz Earthy, savoury, black cherry Succulent dark fruits, chocolate, hint of leather

Chardonnay

18°C

Guava, melons, tropical fruit salad

2016-2021, M6 D8

Soft, grapefruit, citrus, [00]

Slow-cooked wild rabbit stew

6°C 2016-2018, M8 D8 Thai green chicken curry

Series “Eliza” Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 8325 Reserve 2012

Series Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren 8324 Estate Vale, 2013 The first Shottesbrooke vineyards were planted 30 years ago by Nick Holmes. The vines are now carefully $24.17 nurtured by vineyard manager Jodie Armstrong on a wide range of terroirs, from sands through to black cracking clay. While the estate is only a short distance from the vineyards of Hastwell & Lightfoot, there is $145.00 a different handprint on the wines, with winemaker Hamish Maguire aiming for big, full-bodied styles. The 2013 Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon shows some development in colour with a ruby hue, green beans and spicy aromas that pre empt a rich palate with fine texture and firm acidity. The wine is well-balanced with a bitter cherry and liquorice finish. It was aged in a combination of one to three year old French and American oak barrels.

There is no denying it, this is an expensive wine, but it is special. The Reserve Series “Eliza” Shiraz is only $35.17 released in years of exceptional quality. It is complex with an intense bouquet of chocolate, nuts, soot, and char-grilled notes. On the palate it is rich and concentrated with great weight, complexity and length. $211.00 This is a suave, polished wine, fine in every sense. Shiraz grapes are selected from an individual vineyard plot on the McLaren Flat. The plot was originally purchased from the crown in 1847 by one Edward Harris. Upon his death, the property passed to his daughter Eliza. The vines, planted in 1994, are cultivated on deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility, naturally producing low yields. Fermentation was finished in new oak hogsheads and the wines left to undergo malolactic fermentation and mature for a further 19 months in oak.

Shiraz Intense, complex, chocolate, nuts

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich, concentrated

Spices, green beans

18°C

Liquorice, bitter cherries

2016-2025, M6 D9

18°C

Duck cassoulet

2016-2019, M7 D8 Lamb chops with tomato-mint jam

AUSTRALIA shottesbrooke vineyards

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

15

Wines by Geoff Hardy Kuitpo

Who knows, without Geoff Hardy’s ancestors Australian viticulture may never have developed in the way it did. Over 150 years and six generations later, Geoff Hardy split off from the family business wanting to establish his own vineyards and grow his own grapes. That was in the early 1980s and by 1986 he had located his ideal spot in the cool climate region of Kuitpo in the Southern Adelaide Hills. Named K1 as no one knew how to pronounce Kuitpo and because it was the first vineyard to be established in the area, the vines are now into their third decade and producing consistently high quality grapes. Geoff’s daughter Bec, also a viticulturist, and her husband Richard work alongside making high quality wines and continuing to experiment with unusual grape varieties. The latest generation, Matilda, was born at after harvest on May 29th, 2015; an auspicious occasion to mark the good 2015 vintage!

The K1 by Geoff Hardy cellar door driveway in autumn

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA wines by geoff hardy >>

8327 GMH White Meritage, South Australia, 2015 $21.50

$129.00

This GMH White Meritage blend is produced from 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon grown in the coolness of the Adelaide Hills. This region benefitted from the great growing conditions, producing a pale yellow wine with a greenish tinge, lime aromas with a soft round palate and balanced natural acidity. 30% of the wine was fermented in old oak barrels, but this is most definitely not an oaky wine.

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Lime gums, lime leaves, gooseberry Broad, citrus fruits, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Prawns served on watercress salad with mango dressing

8328 GMH Meritage, South Australia, 2013 $21.50

$129.00

This is a blend of four Bordeaux varieties, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, from a number of the family’s vineyards around South Australia. 2013 was generally a very dry and hot vintage, ensuring all the varieties met full ripeness. Intense and bright purple plum in colour, the 2013 GMH Meritage has aromas of blackberries, blueberries and liquorice. The palate is rich, concentrated and structured with plenty of fruit balanced with acidity. It was matured for 18 months in mostly French oak barrels, 10% new.

Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec Liquorice, black fruits Concentrated blackberries, blueberries 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Butter-basted bison ribeye steak with crispy potatoes

8329 GMH Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, 2014

This is a less obvious ripe fruit wine, but a wine with stature and solid structure. On the nose a hint of green bean is followed by a more savoury palate with firm $21.50 tannins requiring a little more time in bottle before it reaches its optimum. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were grown in Langhorne Creek some 70 kilometres south east of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. An $129.00 area steeped in tradition and history, it was settled in the early 1850s and is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Vineyards benefit from the on-shore southerly winds blowing in from the Southern Ocean and across nearby Lake Alexandrina, the so-called Lake Doctor, which moderates the maximum daytime temperature and increases humidity. A touch of Limestone Coast Petit Verdot adds body and Adelaide Hills Merlot some roundness. It was matured in a mix of American and French oak barrels.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot Green bean Savoury, structured 18°C 2016-2021, M6 D7 Moroccan spiced lamb with sun-dried tomato and chickpea salad

8330 GMH Shiraz, South Australia, 2014

The Langhorne Creek region lies in the flood plain of the Bremer River. Named after cattle driver Alfred Langhorne who settled in the area in 1841, the region $21.50 owes its viticultural heritage to one Frank Potts. Potts acquired land from the government in 1850, planting just over 12 hectares of Shiraz and Verdelho grapes on either side of the Bremer River. He constructed $129.00 a unique weir and channel system in order to floodirrigate his land during the winter to allow enough water in the soil for the vines to survive summer conditions.

His system is still used today to replenish the soils with much needed deep soil moisture. For the 2014 GMH, Shiraz from Langhorne Creek was blended with one third from the Limestone Coast and a tiny dash from Adelaide Hills. The wine has spicy, cherry characteristics with a chewy finish and was matured for 16 months in French oak, 7% new.

Shiraz Spice, cherries Cherry, menthol, cloves 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D7 Peking duck breast with sweet potato crêpe, raisins, and black peppercorn sauce

AUSTRALIA wines by geoff hardy >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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This photo of Bec and Geoff Hardy is taken from the balcony of the “Treehouse” at the K1 by Geoff Hardy vineyard

by Geoff Hardy Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide 8331 K1 Hills, 2015

by Geoff Hardy Middle Hill Shiraz, Adelaide 8332 K1 Hills, 2014

The Kuitpo region in the southern Adelaide Hills is a full 2.5°C cooler than McLaren Vale just six kilometres $29.67 away, making it ideal territory for the cool-loving Sauvignon Blanc grape. The vines are planted in a sandy loam area of the K1 vineyard and are trained to a single cordon and spur-pruned to a low number of $178.00 buds which reduces yield and increases flavours. The result in 2015 is a pale wine which is intensely aromatic with grassy notes, limes, and lime pickle. On the palate a combination of citrus emerges, lemons, limes and mandarins, with passionfruit and apricot; it ends with crisp acidity. This is a complex and concentrated wine perfect for drinking over the next couple of years.

In 2014, cool, wet and windy conditions during flowering in the spring resulted in very low crops in Adelaide Hills. $29.67 As the saying goes, one man’s loss is another man’s gain; the reduced yield combined with a long ripening period produced intensely concentrated wines. The Middle Hill Shiraz is bright purple in colour with intense $178.00 aromas of violets, cherries, chocolate, plums and ripe black fruits. It has a velvety structure, with elegance and richness. The tannins are ripe and fine giving the wine great balance and poise. The oak is perfectly integrated; it was matured for 18 months using 20% new French oak and older barrels. Middle Hill refers to the picturesque sandstone ridge in the middle of the K1 vineyard where the grapes were grown.

Sauvignon Blanc Intense limes, nettles, lime pickle Lemon, lime, citrus, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Tempura soft shell crab with spicy chili tomato sauce

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

Shiraz Violets, cherries, chocolate Black fruits 18°C 2016-2021, M6 D8 Caramelized pork belly with sticky rice and Asian greens

AUSTRALIA wines by geoff hardy >>

8333 K1 by Geoff Hardy Shiraz, Adelaide Hills, 2013

Shiraz

2013 was an almost perfect season in the southern Adelaide Hills. Clear and temperate conditions during flowering were followed by a summer with few spikes in temperature, little wind and low rainfall; a wine grower’s $33.00 dream come true. The result is a Shiraz which is concentrated and delicious to drink now with lots of potential to age; a wine drinker’s dream come true. A dense purple colour, the 2013 K1 Shiraz is more restrained than the 2014 Middle Hill and has a savoury aroma. The palate is soft $198.00 and rich on the attack; a concentrated mid-palate with dark fruit flavours emerges. It is a wine with great purity and depth. Succulent to taste and lingering on the palate, this wine will continue to evolve for years.

Savoury, plums Dark fruits, chocolate 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D9 Braised-beef pappardelle

Mixed Varietals Case - 2 Bottles Each

8334 Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy

As a viticulturist, Geoff Hardy has always been interested in different grapes and he continues to $33.00 experiment with new and exciting varieties. Over the years he has drawn inspiration from viticulture around the world, matching the $198.00 soil type and adapting the training 2 bottles system to best suit each variety. each The idea of this mixed case of varietals came out of a discussion with Bec and Opimian Area Representatives during a wine trip to Spain. The Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy wines are made from parcels of handselected premium fruit from the family’s vineyards.

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Montepulciano, Limestone Coast, 2013 This wine just exudes blackcurrants. The intense aroma leads to succulent fruits on the palate with a rich attack and sweet fruit flavours.

It is concentrated and mouth-filling with ripe tannins and a bitter cherry finish. The Montepulciano grape is likely to have originated in Abruzzo in central Italy.

Montepulciano Blackcurrants Succulent fruits, bitter cherries 18°C 2016-2021, M6 D8 Lamb stew with herbed couscous

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Nero d’Avola, McLaren Vale, 2014 Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s most important grape variety, was for many years overlooked, used as blending material to bolster more weedy wines in Tuscany and Piedmont.

It was first described by Sicilian botanist Francesco Cupani in 1696 and has more recently come into its own producing deeply coloured, full-bodied wines. The variety is vigorous and loves hot, dry climates, making it perfect for McLaren Vale. Geoff’s 2014 Nero d’Avola has mellow aromas of plums, brambles and a long, bitter chocolate flavour.

Nero d’Avola Mellow dark fruits, plums Bitter chocolate, brambles, mulberries

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy Tempranillo, Adelaide Hills, 2013 It seems very apt that, given the conception of this mixed case occurred during a Spanish wine tour, the main grape of Spain responsible for the very best Riojas and Ribera del Duero should be included. This Australian version was grown in the Adelaide Hills and has fresh red apple aromas with red cherry and berry flavours. It is soft on the palate with a long, chocolatey finish.

18°C 2016-2021, M6 D8

Tempranillo

Gnocchi with pumpkin, ricotta, pine nuts and burnt sage butter

Red apples Red fruits 18°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Chorizo-stuffed capsicums

AUSTRALIA wines by geoff hardy

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Western Australia

Chapman Grove Wines Margaret River The Margaret River region in Western Australia is located some 200 kilometres south of the state capital, Perth. Its climate is more strongly maritime-influenced than any other wine region in Australia due to the Indian Ocean (also great for surfing) and is often likened to that of Bordeaux in a dry year. Chapman Grove Wines was established by Ron Fraser in 1997; he initially sold his grapes to local wineries. Ron launched his own wines in 2006 and the winery is now rated five stars by Australian wine critic James Halliday.

Sunset over the Chapman Grove Wines vineyard with the colours of the clouds coming from the setting sun’s reflection

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

AUSTRALIA chapman grove wines >>

Grove Cabernet Merlot, Estate 8335 Chapman Grown, Margaret River, 2011 The similarity in climatic conditions with Bordeaux shows through in the 2011 Chapman Grove Cabernet $30.33 Merlot. The vineyard is located 10 kilometres south east of the Margaret River Township on a combination of north and south-facing slopes. 2011 was a good vintage in Western Australia, a warm year and early $182.00 harvest, so the grapes benefitted from the cool night time temperatures. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon with 49% Merlot, it is showing some development in colour with a brick ruby hue and mellow bouquet. Ripe cherry aromas combine with a touch of bell pepper. The palate is silky in texture with medium weight and good acidity. The wine was matured for nine months in oak, adding a spicy edge. It is ready for drinking now and over the next few years.

Grove Reserve Semillon Sauvignon 8336 Chapman Blanc, Estate Grown, Margaret River, 2013 2013 was a top vintage in Margaret River which coincided with the launch of a new wine at Chapman $33.00 Grove, the Reserve Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is a partially barrel-fermented dry white in the vein of the best Pessac-Léognan wines from Bordeaux.

This is a complex white wine; the bouquet is mellow $198.00 and broad with notes of melon, limes, toast and spice.

The wine is well-structured and fills the mouth with a broad impression and persistent flavours of citrus fruits and vanilla. Produced from 69% Semillon and 31% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine spent six months in oak giving it extra texture, but it is not dominated by the oak; just 25% new oak and 75% second fill.

Delicious now, it will certainly still be drinking nicely in a few more years and may even surprise us more in the future.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

Cherries, spices, touch of bell pepper

Mellow, melons, brioche

Juicy fruits, silky

Limes, vanilla, toast, [00]

18°C

6°C

2016-2019, M8 D9

2016-2018, M8 D9

Rosemary salt-crusted venison with cherry-Cabernet sauce

Chicken satays with coconut and lemongrass dipping sauce

Chapman Grove Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, 8337 Margaret River, 2014

$36.17

$217.00

This is a young wine with huge potential, requiring patience and restraint. Deep in colour, it has aromas of plums and cedar. The palate is firm and needs some time to mellow and to open up, but the wine is concentrated with good balance and weight. 2014 was another good vintage in Margaret River, so all the prospects for this wine look good. Winter rainfall replenished the ground water reserves and was followed by a dry and warm summer which cooled off in April, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to slowly ripen to full potential. Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Bruce Dukes matured the wine for 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Good things come to those who wait!

Cabernet Sauvignon Plums, cedar, spice Firm, good structure, concentration 18°C 2017-2022, M6 D6 Roasted aged beef fillet with potato gratin, spinach and cèpe-Madeira sauce

AUSTRALIA chapman grove wines

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Summerhouse Wine Co. in the heart of New Zealand’s major grapeMarlborough Based growing region, Summerhouse vineyard lies on glacial nestled in the Wairau and Waihopai valleys at the South Island soils top of New Zealand’s South Island. The winery, built in

2005, was designed to handle small batches of grapes so that site-specific wines can be produced.

New Zealand Summerhouse wines come from unique and inspiring vineyard sites across the various sub-regions of Marlborough. Hidden jewels and remote backbreaking vineyards help them write the next chapter in Marlborough’s wine story.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

NEW ZEALAND SUMMERHOUSE WINE CO. >>

8339 Summerhouse Chardonnay, Marlborough, 2012

Blanc de Blancs, Marlborough, 8338 Summerhouse 2010, Méthode Traditionnelle The potential for producing high-quality sparkling wines in Marlborough was recognized when leading French $33.17 Champagne houses started to invest more than 20 years ago. Yet, these wines still only represent a small proportion of the wines produced. Summerhouse 2010 Blanc de Blancs certainly stacks up against Blanc de $199.00 Blancs Champagne. It is made from 100% Chardonnay using the traditional method. Pale in colour with a fine stream of bubbles, it has elegant, refined aromas including fresh apples and lime. The palate is pure, soft with a mineral crisp finish. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine was aged on lees for 30 months before disgorgement in November, 2013.

Delicious now, it will develop more brioche notes with cellaring.

Chardonnay Fresh apples, lime Pure, mineral, [02]

This is an intense wine, straw in colour with aromas of vanilla oak, pineapple fruits and butter. The palate is soft and medium-bodied, leading to solid acidity which gives $26.00 substance and keeps the wine alive. The 2012 growing season was not typical in Marlborough with cooler, wet weather and a lack of sunshine in spring and early summer. However, conditions improved in late summer $156.00 so that ripe, concentrated grapes were picked by hand on April 25th. The 2012 Summerhouse Chardonnay is a blend of 60% clone 95 and 40% clone 15. The wine was barrel-fermented and matured for 10 months in French oak barrels.

Chardonnay Vanilla oak, pineapple, buttery Well-balanced, crisp finish, [00] 8°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Pasta alla Carbonara

6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Endive and walnut salad

8341 Summerhouse Syrah, Marlborough, 2013

8340 Summerhouse Pinot Noir, Marlborough, 2013

This ripe, concentrated wine is produced from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the renowned Southern Valley subregion of Marlborough. The hillsides, with their ancient $28.00 clay-laden soils, are perfectly suited to the variety. The 2013 season was warm and dry with lots of sunshine so that grapes were picked between March 26th and March 28th. The 2013 Summerhouse Pinot Noir is rich $168.00 and concentrated with flavours of dark cherries and other ripe fruits. It is balanced with a liquorice and red cherry finish and some earthiness on the nose. After pressing, the wine was matured in a selection of new and seasoned French oak barrels for nine months. Drinking nicely now, it will reward some further cellaring.

Pinot Noir Earthy, fresh mushrooms Dark cherries, ripe fruits, liquorice

Despite being planted the world over, there are only a handful of premium wineries in Marlborough that produce Syrah; it’s proving to be an exciting varietal for $29.83 the region. Grown in the Southern Valley sub-region in 2013, the fine summer was followed by a long, cool autumn, allowing the grapes to develop an array of flavours and retain natural acidity before picking on $179.00 April 30th. The wine was matured for nine months in French oak barrels and has a distinctly smoky incense aroma which combines with cut hay and spices. On the palate more black fruits emerge together with white pepper and hints of nutmeg and other savoury spices. Medium-bodied with a juicy midpalate, this wine will continue to develop.

Syrah Incense, smoke, cut hay Black fruits, white pepper 18°C 2016-2021, M6 D8 Herb-crusted roast pork loin

18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Wild mushroom risotto

NEW ZEALAND SUMMERHOUSE WINE CO.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Central Otago Pinot Noir berries being hand-sorted in the vineyard

Manuka Hill Estate Waitakere North Island The Fredatovich family has been growing grapes and making wine in Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island for over 70 years. In addition to their own grapes, the family works closely with growers in other regions, in particular Marlborough and Central Otago on the South Island. Wines are made and matured at the winery in Henderson by Lee Winston.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

NEW ZEALAND MANUKA HILL ESTATE >>

8342 Tua Tua Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2015

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has become an international standard for this grape variety. The 2015 Tua Tua Bay Sauvignon Blanc has intense aromas $25.50 of limes, snow peas and nettles. The zesty palate is refreshing with a sour lemon and lime finish. Grapes from the Wairau Valley were harvested on April 6th, lightly pressed and fermented at low temperature to capture the $153.00 citrus flavours, leaving just a touch of residual sweetness to balance the wine’s natural acidity. Sauvignon Blanc is farmed on well-drained, gravelly soils with calcareous deposits. New Zealand enjoyed a fabulous summer leading up to the 2015 harvest with Marlborough basking under blue skies. The dry conditions reduced yields by nearly a third in the vineyards, leading to ripe, concentrated flavours in the wines produced.

8343 Tua Tua Bay Pinot Gris, Marlborough, 2015 $25.50

Intense aromas of spice, ripe apples and quince lead to a soft palate with breadth and fresh acidity. This is a dry style of Pinot Gris with lots of appeal which will marry superbly with many Asian dishes. Grapes came from the lower Wairau sub-region of Marlborough near Grovetown.

$153.00 Pinot Gris Fresh apples, spice Soft, mellow, [01] 6°C

Sauvignon Blanc

2016-2017, M8 D9

Snow pea, limes

Poached pork with Granny Smith apple, fiddleheads and roasted onion

Lemon, limes, [01] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Spicy Thai squid with chili and cilantro

8344 Tua Tua Bay Reserve Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2014 $32.83

$197.00

2014 was a bumper crop in New Zealand due to favourable conditions throughout the growing season. Even small regions such as Central Otago, which represent just 3% of New Zealand’s wine production, saw the number of bottles of wine increase. Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island is the most southerly vineyard on Earth. Its undulating landscapes, rocky lands and climate characterized by cold winters and hot dry summers make it perfect for the cultivation of Pinot Noir. Burgundy clones were planted at McArthur Ridge on light gravelly soils. Ruby in colour, the wine is quite muted in aroma with a light, elegant structure. On the palate more red berry fruit flavours emerge, leading to a vanilla oaky characteristic. The 2014 Tua Tua Bay Reserve Pinot Noir has good depth and leaves a lasting impression in the mouth. Grapes were fermented in open-top fermenters and the wine matured in French oak barrels for a year. This style will work equally well with baked salmon or game.

Pinot Noir Restrained, red berries Oaky vanilla, forest fruits 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D8 Five-spice roast duck

NEW ZEALAND MANUKA HILL ESTATE

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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Warwick Wine Estate Stellenbosch Norma Ratcliffe was born and raised in Edmonton and is proud of her Canadian heritage. She developed an interest in wine during a family trip to San Francisco and this initial interest blossomed into a passion while Norma was a student in Europe. The historic Warwick Wine Estate in Stellenbosch was founded in the 18th century and grew many different fruits, but it was only after Norma and her husband Stan arrived fifty years ago that wine grapes were planted. Norma’s love for wine and her enthusiasm transformed the estate.

She became the first female winemaker in South Africa and was making world class wine. She was the first woman to join the Cape Winemakers Guild, becoming the only female chair in its history. Today, her son, Mike Ratcliffe, runs Warwick Wine Estate on a day-to-day basis, but Norma remains a leading figure and mentor to young people in the South African wine industry.

South Africa Hennie Brand hand-filling the “Old Bush Vines” Pinotage barrels – He has worked for Warwick Wine Estate for over ten years and is an integral part of the winemaking team.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

8346 Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc, 2015

The First Lady Unoaked Chardonnay, 8345 Warwick 2015

$19.83

$119.00

Pale bright yellow in colour, the 2015 First Lady Unoaked Chardonnay has appealing aromas of pears, melons and lemons. The palate is soft and broad, finishing with refreshing lemon citrus acidity. 2015 was one of the driest and earliest vintages on record and is proclaimed to be one of the best quality vintages ever in Stellenbosch. The wine was matured on yeast lees for six months.

Opimian members are not the only ones who have developed a taste for Warwick’s Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc. Cellar door sales have been so strong that we had $21.67 to fight for an allocation and Mike has now kept some aside for Opimian. I raved about the 2014 last year, and this year is every bit as good. You will not be disappointed.

The 2015 has gooseberry, coriander and lime gum aromas. $130.00 On the palate it is soft with complex flavours of limes, mandarin and other citrus fruit which persist. The Sauvignon Blanc vines are cultivated on a plot of land named after a researcher from Stellenbosch University that was working on developing new varieties of peaches. The location at 180 metres benefits from a constant cool breeze allowing full grape flavours to develop.

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Chardonnay

Lime gums, coriander

Melons, pears, lemon

Mandarins, limes, other citrus, [00]

Broad, lemon citrus finish, [00]

6°C

6°C

2016-2018, M8 D9

2016-2017, M8 D9

Brandade fritters with tomato and piquillo chutney, and lemon aïoli

Prawns with garlic, lemon and chili basting sauce

8348 Warwick Pinotage, Old Bush Vines, 2014

8347

Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014

Norma Ratcliffe purchased the Warwick Wine Estate with her husband Stan in the 1960s. She is often $19.83 referred to as “The First Lady”. As one of the first women to make wine in South Africa, she was the first female member of the Cape Winemakers Guild and its first and only female chair. Cabernet Sauvignon was the $119.00 first grape that she and Stan planted so it’s appropriate that this Cabernet Sauvignon should be named after Norma. The 2014 First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in colour with floral and blackcurrant aromas. Soft and fullbodied on the palate, it has good tannins and a bitter cherry finish. The wine was matured for 18 months in French oak.

Another popular favourite with Opimian members produced from South Africa’s own grape, the 2014 Old Bush Vines Pinotage has intense blackberry, ripe $23.17 blackcurrant, black cherry and dark fruit aromas. Soft and medium-bodied on the palate, it has balanced acidity with fresh berry flavours and a long finish.

Pinotage was planted at Warwick Wine Estate over 20 $139.00 years ago on a single plot. The grape is a South African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault developed at Stellenbosch University by Professor Perold in 1925.

The wine spent 14 months in old French oak barrels.

Pinotage Intense blackberry, blackcurrant Black cherries, ripe blackcurrants

Cabernet Sauvignon Floral, blackcurrants Ripe dark fruits, bitter cherries 18°C

18°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Venison and wild mushroom pie with gravy and fluffy mashed potatoes

2016-2020, M7 D8 Home-made beef burgers with cheese, bacon, smoked jalapeño and grilled onions

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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1-800-361-9421 call in your order

8349 Warwick Three Cape Ladies Cape Blend, 2013 $28.83

$173.00

The 2013 Three Cape Ladies Cape Blend is a deep ruby colour with aromas of coconut, red berries and woody fruits. It has a succulent mid-palate exuding a combination of savoury and fruit flavours. This is an elegant wine with depth and complexity; powdery tannins finish with savoury liquorice notes.

It is a blend of 50% Pinotage, 34% Syrah and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, all perfectly integrated and harmonious. Named in honour of the three generations of ladies at Warwick Wine Estate, Norma, her daughter Jenny and grand-daughter Eve, I wonder if life at Warwick is always as beautifully harmonious. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 22% new, conferring mellow coconut flavours, and lots of appeal with the potential to age.

Pinotage, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon Coconut, red berries, woody fruits Supple, succulent fruits, savoury liquorice edge 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Seared duck breast with red wine and berry sauce

Bonnievale Unpretentious Sauvignon Blanc, 8350 2015

$19.67

$118.00

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As the name suggests, you can’t really go wrong with this wine: it’s a definite crowd pleaser with typical flavours of Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour with attractive gooseberry and lime aromas, it is light and refreshing with lime citrus flavours. The grapes were picked, pressed and fermented at low temperature.

8351 Bonnievale Unpretentious Merlot, 2014 $19.67

$118.00

Smoky dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate aromas give the 2014 Bonnievale Unpretentious Merlot bags of appeal. It is full-bodied with lingering smoky flavours and a touch of plum. Grapes were grown in the fertile Breede River Valley around Bonnievale. The fruit was hand-harvested and left to macerate at low temperature before fermentation and barrel aging.

Sauvignon Blanc

Merlot

Gooseberry, lime

Smoky dark fruits, vanilla

Refreshing citrus notes, limes, [01]

Chocolate, plums

6°C

18°C

2016-2017, M8 D9

2016-2018, M8 D9

Baked red snapper in dill sauce

Pasta with roasted red pepper cream sauce

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

Vondeling Wines a long time, the Voor-Paardeberg district of Paarl was little Voor-Paardeberg For known, but it is currently a rising star. 15 years ago, three friends,

Julian Johnsen, Anthony Ward, and Richard Gower, invested in the historic farm which was granted to Swedish immigrant Oloff Bergh in 1704. The farm, originally named Vondeling, has three centuries of winemaking history and so it seemed like a natural choice for the trio to adopt the Vondeling name when the first wines were released in 2005. The vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain and the individual wines are named after wild fynbos plants that grow there. A traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse built on the farm in 1750 has been fully restored, a great spot to visit for anyone touring the region.

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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8352 Vondeling Babiana, Voor-Paardeberg, 2014

The Voor-Paaderberg region is situated between the winegrowing areas of Paarl, Wellington and Swartland.

Hugging the south eastern slopes of the mountain, vines $30.33 are cultivated on granite soils. The hot, dry climate produces interesting, complex wines in a Rhône-like style. Babiana is a blend of 50% Chenin Blanc, 24% Chardonnay, 13% Grenache Blanc and 13% Viognier. This unusual $182.00 combination has produced a hugely complex wine. Straw yellow in colour, it has an intensely toasty nose with pineapple, butter and flinty notes. The palate is rich and concentrated without being flabby in any way. Superbly balanced with good acidity, this wine has great aging potential. All the grapes are hand-picked, chilled and whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel where fermentation is entirely natural. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is matured in barrel for a year giving it weight and complexity. It is named after the Babiana noctiflora, a rare species of fynbos only found on Paardeberg Mountain, which has a delicate yellow flower and releases its scent in the evenings to attract moths for pollination.

8353 Vondeling Merlot Rosé, Voor-Paardeberg, 2015 $21.33

$128.00

More Provence rather than Bordeaux in style, yet this wine is made entirely from Merlot grapes, used in Bordeaux and not in Provence. Pale salmon in colour, it has a soft winey nose with subtle red fruits and a refreshing vibrant palate. The vineyard, located on a granite spur which extends from the foothills of the mountain, was planted 20 years ago. The soil has a high clay content lending softness and volume to the wine. Grapes are picked, destemmed and directly pressed with only the free run juice being fermented at cool temperature.

Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier

Merlot Winey Well-balanced, depth, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Spicy Thai prawns

Toast, pineapple, flint Ripe fruits, buttery, citrus, [00] 6°C 2016-2021, M6 D8 Rabbit in white wine sauce and shallots

8354 Vondeling Erica, Voor-Paardeberg, 2012 $30.50

$183.00

The 2012 Vondeling Erica is deep plum in colour with mellow, ripe, dark fruits and violet aromas. The palate is soft and ripe with flavours of black olives and black cherries. It is rich and well-balanced with a savoury finish, concentration and depth. Delicious now it will develop.

Julian cultivates six clones of Shiraz on the farm and only the best go into the Erica blend, each one contributing different characteristics. The complex blend is further enhanced with the inclusion of 9% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache. The grape bunches were hand-picked and left to chill overnight. After partial de-stemming, but not crushing, they underwent cold soak and whole berry fermentation in open-top fermenters. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for 16 months, one third new. It is named after the Erica hippurus plant, a species of fynbos that is native to Paardeberg Mountain. Following a fire in 2011, a botanical survey was commissioned to record the plant species growing on Paardeberg Mountain and the post-fire fynbos regrowth was documented for 18 months. Over 900 species in over 70 families have been collected with approximately 10% of these listed as threatened, including Erica hippurus.

Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache Mellow, ripe dark fruits, violets Black cherries, olives, savoury finish 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Lamb saddle with eggplant, spinach purée, mashed potatoes and olive lamb jus

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

Vilafonté Paarl South Africa is reputed to have vineyards on the oldest soils in the world, although Australians may dispute that belief. The Vilafontes soil type is described as being somewhere between 750,000 and 1.5 million years old. The philosophy at Vilafonté is unwavering commitment to excellence, in everything they do. It was created by the coming together of Mike Ratcliffe and Californian duo extraordinaire winemaker Zelma Long and viticulturist Phil Freese. Put all these elements together and you have the basis for making super wine. The Vilafonté vineyard sits in the shadow of the Simonsberg Mountain in the Paarl region. The wines are made in Stellenbosch in the boutique winery designed by Zelma at Bosman’s Crossing.

Vilafonté has 16 hectares of vineyards which are dedicated to four Bordeaux grape varieties. It is one of the most densely planted vineyards in South Africa. The vines are meticulously tended to by Edward Pietersen and his vineyard team under Phil’s guidance.

In the cellar, the same attention to detail is applied by winemakers Martin Smith and Jonathan Daniels, with Zelma providing oversight and support.

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE >>

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8355 Vilafonté Series C, 2013 $67.00

$402.00

In previous years we have offered the Series M wine. This year I was blown away by the Series C 2013 produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Intense in colour, it displays a mellow bouquet full of dark fruits, black cherries and vanilla. The palate is soft and rich on the attack with a concentrated and succulent midpalate. It has a fine, velvety texture with ripe tannins making it both deliciously appealing now and suitable for cellaring. Series C matured for 23 months in 70% new French oak.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Mellow, dark fruits, vanilla, black cherries Rich, concentrated, velvety fruits 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D9 Beef and wild mushrooms stew

Phil Freese and Edward Pietersen work together to elevate Vilafonté fruit quality to a level commensurate with the production of fine wine.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

SOUTH AFRICA WARWICK WINE ESTATE

Richard Kershaw Wines Elgin I first met Richard in 1995 in London, before he set off to travel the world, write a book in Bordeaux, and make wine in Chile. In 1999 he finally settled in South Africa, becoming group winemaker of Mulderbosch Vineyards and Kanu Wines. In January 2012, Richard pursued his dream to make his own site-specific cool climate wines and he chose the region of Elgin to do it. Since then, Richard’s wines have been making lots of noise with wine critics around the world.

They are world class and this is just the start! Produced in only very limited quantities, we offer them exclusively to Opimian members. The Elgin Valley is essentially an apple-growing area situated inland on a hexagonal-shaped plateau at 300 metres, surrounded by mountains and only 10 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean.

SOUTH AFRICA RICHARD KERSHAW WINES >>

Elgin’s cool morning mists bring delicacy and elegance, but also power and persistent flavours to the Kershaw wines. The grapes are picked at lower sugar levels and moderate alcohols from vineyards that have met Richard’s exacting standards.

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8358 The Smuggler’s Boot Chardonnay, 2015

Bright yellow in colour with intense aromas of pineapple, vanilla and other spices, the 2015 Smuggler’s Boot Chardonnay has bags of structure and ripe fruit. The $23.50 creamy pineapple yoghurt flavour is balanced with crisp acidity and a long, classy finish. It is produced from Chardonnay grapes sourced from cooler regions including Elgin, Elim, Greyton, Hemel-en-Aarde, Darling $141.00 and Philadelphia near Durbanville. These regions benefit from long, cool summers that preserve the grapes’ natural acidity. 50% of the grapes were fermented in barrel, with the other half un-wooded.

Smuggler’s Boot Grenache Shiraz 8359 The Mourvèdre, 2015 This is a medium-bodied wine with great character. Red fruit aromas are balanced with tangy acidity, making it $22.67 mouth-wateringly moreish. Richard has always had a soft spot for Shiraz and has watched with keen interest the re-emergence of Grenache in Southern France and Priorat in Spain, as well as in the Swartland region of $136.00 South Africa. Grenache needs more heat to ripen fully and Richard has sourced grapes from his old stomping ground around Stellenbosch, Tulbagh to the north and the increasingly popular Swartland.

Chardonnay

Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre

Spices, vanilla, pineapple

Red fruits

Ripe fruits, pineapple yoghurt, lemon, [00]

Mellow, tangy acidity

6°C

18°C

2016-2019, M7 D9

2016-2019, M7 D9

Smoked fish spring rolls

Short-rib ravioli

8360 Kershaw Elgin Chardonnay, Clonal Selection, 2013

I first tasted Richard’s Clonal Selection Chardonnay at a Master of Wine winemakers tasting in Florence last year. It was the 2012 and I was impressed.

I then tasted the 2013 at a tasting in Bordeaux in February of this year and was $45.00 absolutely blown away; it stood up against some of the very best Burgundies.

Upon return to London, I tracked some down for myself from a prestigious fine wine merchant and was determined to convince Richard to hold some for Opimian members. This is absolutely top-notch and you don’t have to be a wine $270.00 anorak to appreciate it. Everyone I have served this wine to has loved it. Bright in colour, the nose is elegant, restrained and complex with aromas of honey, white peaches and spice. The palate is soft, textured with layers of flavour and toasty citrus fruits which just go on and on. It is a white wine with the potential to age. 100% Chardonnay, it is made from three clones, CY96,CY95, and CY76, known as the Dijon clones, grown on plots within Elgin region. The grapes are hand-picked in the early morning and tipped directly into the press. The juice undergoes a natural fermentation and then rests in French oak barrels, approximately 40% new.

Chardonnay White peaches, honey, toast Citrus, toast, [00] 6°C 2016-2021, M6 D9 Roast pork loin with garlic and ginger

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 236

SOUTH AFRICA RICHARD KERSHAW WINES >>

8361 Kershaw Elgin Syrah, Clonal Selection, 2012

Full of potential, the 2012 Kershaw Elgin Syrah Clonal Selection is complex with a bouquet of dark cherries, smoke, vanilla and chocolate. The palate is vibrant with a $43.33 solid structure and flavours of ripe cherries, juicy acidity and fine tannins. Delicious now, it will develop more complexity if cellared for some years and will continue to drink well for years to come. Elgin is South Africa’s coolest $260.00 wine district, benefitting from altitude and proximity to the ocean. The Syrah Clonal Selection is made from two clones, namely SH9C, which produces scented wines that are delicately balanced and savoury, and SH22, giving fuller concentrated wines with black fruits. Grapes were hand-picked into small lug baskets then manually sorted on a conveyor before the stems were removed. No pumps are used at all during winemaking so that the destemmed grapes were manually fed into open-top fermenters and underwent a three day cold maceration before natural fermentation. A gentle pigeage programme, while the wine was on skin, was followed by the wine gravity-fed into barrels. It was matured for 15 months in French oak barrels produced by artisanal coopers in the Rhône and Burgundy with around 50% new oak; this is seamlessly integrated with the structure of the wine.

Syrah Dark cherries, smoke, vanilla Cherries, vibrant acidity 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D9 Cumberland sausages with mash and grilled eggplant

email your order

opim@opim.ca

Richard believes that a winemaker must be firmly involved in all aspects of winemaking in order to produce wines that are consistently of the highest standard, and that outstanding quality is maintained with each bottle of every vintage.

SOUTH AFRICA RICHARD KERSHAW WINES

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a new member, and upon joining, both you and the OUR COUPON PROGRAMS Refer new member will receive a coupon for one of two great rewards.

Your coupon gives you options! Opim.ca or 800-361-9421 Order any case of wine & choose your free case from the choices below Bonnievale Unpretentious Sauvignon Blanc, 8356 2015 As the name suggests, you can’t really go wrong with this wine: it’s a definite crowd pleaser with typical flavours of Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour with attractive gooseberry and lime aromas, it is light and refreshing with lime citrus flavours. The grapes were COUPON picked, pressed and fermented at low temperature.

or

Order any two cases of wine & receive $75 off your order

8357 Bonnievale Unpretentious Merlot, 2014

Smoky dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate aromas give the 2014 Bonnievale Unpretentious Merlot bags of appeal. It is full-bodied with lingering smoky flavours and a touch of plum. Grapes were grown in the fertile Breede River Valley around Bonnievale. The fruit was hand-harvested and left to macerate at low temperature COUPON before fermentation and barrel aging.

Sauvignon Blanc

Merlot

Gooseberry, lime

Smoky dark fruits, vanilla

Refreshing citrus notes, limes, [01]

Chocolate, plums

6°C

18°C

2016-2017, M8 D9

2016-2018, M8 D9

Baked red snapper in dill sauce

Pasta with roasted red pepper cream sauce

OUR WINE PROGRAMS

Opimian Select

Expand your horizons, cellar, taste — it doesn’t matter what it is. Opimian Select will provide you with several different wines to try from eight different wine regions. You can sample and taste the great, everyday selection of wine from our suppliers… find a few favourites and discover what characteristics you love. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight mixed cases of wine, one from each Cellar Offering.

Founders’ Choice

Invest in your cellar, palate, experience – the Founders’ Choice program will enrich many aspects of your life… it will refine your palate and develop your cellar. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight cases of premium wine, one for each Cellar Offering. This program is for members who are looking to expand their cellars and refine their palate.

Founders’ Choice is a hidden jewel among Opimian’s wine selection – rare with many unique facets that reveal something new with each case.

Shottesbrooke Vineyards 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