C237-AB: Alsace, Argentina and Chile

CELLAR 237 Alberta

Order by JANUARY 4, 2016

Alsace, Argentina and chile Jean-Charles Villard of Villard Estate

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-April 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: January 4, 2016.

Jean-Charles Villard studied Agriculture in Chile as well as Viticulture and Oenology in Bordeaux.

He worked his first harvest at McWilliam’s Wines in the Hunter Valley. This marked the beginning of his travels which included harvests at De Villiers Estate near Stellenbosch, Château Palmer in Bordeaux, and La Stoppa in Emilia Romagna, to mention a few. 2005 marked his first vintage at Villard Estate. Today, he and oenologist Anamaria Pacheco make the wines while his father, Thierry, is the ultimate judge for the final blends and is a fountain of wise advice.

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

2

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

Medal Winner

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

Appeared in the C229 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 237

Alsace, Argentina and Chile

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

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

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr p. 4

Gastronomy is an important part of everyday life in Alsace, so it is no wonder it produces wines that are versatile with a great range of cuisines, and which have the potential for cellaring. Historically, emphasis was placed on grape varieties including Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. More recently, this has shifted to acknowledge the importance of the growing site and its microclimate. Our friends at Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr offer the noble Riesling grape grown on two specific sites, called “lieux-dits”, for you to discover the impact of the land. There is also a mixed case with the three pre-eminent grape varieties cultivated on the prestigious Grands Crus. For those that are yet to be convinced of the potential for white wines to improve with age, these wines will mature, becoming more complex and spicy.

In South America, both Argentina and Chile produce high quality wines. The regions are separated by the Andes Mountains, which have a profound influence on both, depending on which side of the mountains and how close they are to them. The mountains provide important melted ice water to parched vines and coolness during the growing season. Argentina is marked by its high altitude and intense sunlight, whereas Chile is characterized by factors such as proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountain range and latitude, the combinations and permutations of which make a wide range of quality white, rosé and red wines from simple everyday drinking styles to the most complex and long-lived.

Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca p. 10

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina p. 15

Viña Echeverría p. 20

Villard Estate p. 23

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Chile p. 18

Viña La Rosa p. 26

ALBERTA

3

Alsace

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr

They like to do things differently in the region of Alsace. The wines produced are like no others in France. The majority made are white, based on grape varieties including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewurztraminer. They are fragrant with varying degrees of sweetness, and the best have a potential for long cellaring. These are superb food wines, for gastronomy is very important in Alsace with local cuisine based on foie gras, goose, pork and choucroute. The structure and flavours of the wines ranging from elegant to rich and aromatic makes them great matches for all types of cuisine, Indian, Chinese, and Thai, as well as the local fare.

A spectacular view of the medieval town of Riquewihr from the Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyards located behind the village of Hunawihr

4

The region runs 190 kilometres north to south flanking the foothills of the Vosges Mountain range to its west and the path of the Rhine River to the east. The climate is one of the sunniest and driest in France, due to the protection afforded by the mountains, despite its northerly latitude. Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr, located in the heart of Alsace, is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Hunawihr. Winemaker Nicolas Garde produces a whole range of great Alsace wines recognized internationally.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>

opim.ca order online at

Peter Weber Brut, AOC Crémant d’Alsace, NV, 8362 Médaille d’Or Colmar

$17.00

$102.00

Crémant d’Alsace is a great value alternative to Champagne. It is ideal as an aperitif on any night of the week and as a palate cleanser before dinner. A gold medal winner at the local wine show in Colmar, this Crémant is pale in colour with fresh lime and sherbet flavours, and a whistle clean palate. This cuvée is made up of 30% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, 30% Pinot Auxerrois and 10% Pinot Gris.

Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris

Weber Brut, Blanc de Noirs, AOC 8363 Peter Crémant d’Alsace, NV The Peter Weber Brut, Blanc de Noirs is a more complex glass of fizz. Produced from the noble Pinot Noir grape variety, it has more structure. It is pale $17.67 yellow in colour with aromas of melon, lemon, green apple, and honeyed spice. A fine stream of bubbles and a creamy mousse make it fuller on the palate with $106.00 good balance and acidity. Based on the 2013 vintage, Crémant d’Alsace is produced using the traditional method of the Champagne region. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine was matured for 13 months on lees before disgorgement.

Pinot Noir Melon, green apples, honey Apples, spices, [02] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Bacon, cheddar and onion quiche

Limes, fresh Soft, hint of brioche, [02] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Ham croquettes served with lime wedges

8364 Riesling Réserve, AOC Alsace, 2014 $14.33

True to Riesling character, the Réserve 2014 is pale in colour with a lime hue. Subtle white flowers and limey aromas lead to more obvious lime, citrus flavours and a crisp, refreshing palate.

$86.00 Riesling White flowers, lime Lime, citrus, crisp, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Shrimp and papaya salad

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>

ALBERTA

5

8365 Gewurztraminer Réserve, AOC Alsace, 2014 $17.00

The aromatic grape Gewurztraminer has produced wine with aromas of glacé fruits, pineapple and sherbet with an earthy note in the background adding complexity.

The lively acidity perfectly balances some sweetness, producing a wine that is light and refreshing and which will complement a whole range of Asian dishes.

$102.00

8366 Pinot Gris Cuvée Prestige, AOC Alsace, 2014 Gewurztraminer Glacé fruits, confit pineapple

$16.67

Lemon, sherbet, earthy, [02] 6°C

$100.00

2016-2018, M8 D9 Chicken Tikka Masala

A complex wine, it is medium yellow in colour with aromas of honey and spice. It has a soft round attack with some residual sweetness balanced by the bitter stone fruit finish. This is a full-bodied, aromatic version of Pinot Gris with length and depth. The grape variety has successively been identified on labels in Alsace as Grauer Tokayer, Tokay Gris, Tokay d’Alsace and Tokay Pinot Gris, until finally the Pinot Gris name was adopted in 2007. The variety is a colour mutation of Pinot Noir.

Pinot Gris Honey, spice Stone fruits, grapefruit pith, [02] 8°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Veal roast Blanquette

Blanc, AOC Alsace, 2014, Médaille d’Or 8367 Pinot Paris

$15.00

$90.00

This is an elegant and well-balanced dry white wine with fresh fruit flavours, white fruits, stone fruit and a crisp finish. The Pinot Blanc grape variety is believed to have existed for about 2,000 years. Over this time, the variety has been propagated for several centuries and has mutated so that more than 1,000 clones have been observed and registered with different berry colour, cluster size and leaf shapes.

Pinot Blanc

8368 Muscat, AOC Alsace, 2014, Médaille d’Or Colmar

White fruits Stone fruit, pears, [00]

$16.50

6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Three cheese spinach crespelle with béchamel sauce

Bright yellow in colour with elegant perfumed aromas of lychees and rose petals, the 2014 Muscat is fresh and crisp on the palate with lingering lemony fruit flavours.

Warm, dry weather during flowering in 2014 led to decreased yields, but it was followed by mild summer temperatures, producing elegant characteristics.

$99.00 Muscat Lychees, rose petals Crisp, lemon, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Asparagus and rock shrimp risotto

6

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>

One of the 130 members of the Cave Cooperative ready for harvest

lieux-dits mixed case - 3 bottles each

8369 Lieux-dits Mixed CasE - 3 bottles each $16.50

A “lieu-dit” designates a selected vineyard site. The site, its terroir, that is to say the combination of soil, aspect, climate, endows a specific character and expression to the wines produced. In this case, we have selected one of the world’s most noble quality white grapes and two sites which have made their mark on it.

$99.00

Riesling Silberberg, Rorschwihr, AOC Alsace, 2014 Silberberg, meaning Silver Mountain, sits above the village of Rorschwihr, 10 kilometres from the cave at Hunawihr. The soil is known locally as Muschelkalk. It is deep, siliceous and chalky, retaining humidity, and hence is resistant to drought conditions. The Silberberg terroir gives Riesling wine a rich texture with acidity and lemony characteristics. The 2014 is very pale in colour with aromas of gunflint and lime. The palate has flavours of green apples and gooseberries with a tangy lime and lemon citrus acidity leading to a long finish. Appealing to drink now, it has the body and structure to cellar for five to seven years.

Riesling Flint, lime, nuts Gooseberry, apples, [02] 6°C 2016-2021, M6 D9 Sesame chicken salad with ginger-lime dressing

Riesling Muehlforst, Hunawihr, AOC Alsace, 2014 Muehlforst lies at an altitude of 311 metres, close to the Grand Cru Rosacker and Hunawihr village; the soils are chalky. In comparison to the Silberberg, the Muehlforst was more closed at the time of tasting and requires more time to fully express itself. On the nose some mineral notes segue to a soft, round palate, leaving just a tad sweeter impression on the palate with a long mineral and lime finish. 2014 produced a small crop of high quality wines. Vines burst into bud early in the second half of March due to early spring. Summer conditions were cooler and damper than usual and the natural advance was lost until fine, sunny conditions during September and harvest.

Riesling Wet stone Lime, mineral, [02] 6°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Choucroute garnie

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>

ALBERTA

7

Appellation Grands Crus Mixed Case – 2 bottles each

Grands Crus Mixed 8370 Appellation Case - 2 bottles each Unlike every other wine region in France, until recently Alsace shunned $21.67 the idea of labeling its wines with specific sites, preferring to market their wines on the basis of grape variety and brand, despite local $130.00 knowledge dating back to the Middle Ages that certain sites had more potential than others to produce the best wines; there are plenty of medieval documents that attest to this. Finally, in the 1980s the notion of terroir was acknowledged publicly with the identification of the top sites – the Grand Crus. The Grand Crus produce the best quality wines with the longest potential for cellaring.

Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rosacker, AOC Alsace, 2014 Grand Cru Rosacker sits behind the village of Hunawihr, close to the main Vosges fault line with a mixture of soil types such as Ceratite limestone, various colour marls and dolomite pebbles. The soils are rich in calcium and magnesium, with clay and a heavy texture. Less than three hectares of Pinot Gris are planted and Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr is the exclusive producer. The 2014 Pinot Gris is a bright yellow colour with aromas of spices and cooked apples. Rich and sweet on the palate, it develops complex flavours of crystalized fruit and honey in the glass with a long, bitter fruit finish.

Pinot Gris Cooked apples, spice Sweet, complex, earthy notes, pithy finish, [04] 6°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Spaghetti squash and Red Norland potato latke served with arctic char and Cortland apple crème fraîche

Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg, AOC Alsace, 2013 Each Grand Cru has a decree stipulating the grape varieties that are permitted and limiting the yields produced. The Grand Cru of Osterberg lies on the fringes of the medieval town of Ribeauvillé. Indeed the Cru was mentioned in documents from the Middle Ages when the noblemen of Ribeaupierre owned vineyards on the very same slope. The Cru comprises just 24.6 hectares on medium to steep slopes running 250 to 350 metres and facing east-southeast. The soil is stony clay over Muschelkalk and marl sub-soil ideally suited to Riesling. The 2013 Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg is pale lime in colour with hints of lime on the nose. Flavours of green apples and citrus are complemented by fresh acidity and balance, giving it lots of potential. The 2010 was tasted recently at an Opimian event in Vancouver and was stunning with smoky notes and crushed lime flavours, with great structure and length. I have no doubt the 2013 from a classic vintage will be every bit as good.

Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Froehn, AOC Alsace, 2014 The Grand Cru of Froehn sits atop a small mound of calcareous sandstone, the knoll known as Zellenberg. Just 14.6 hectares of vines are planted on the steep hillside at 270 to 300 metres. The soil is a marl-clay with dark grey schist and white calcareous layers with areas rich in iron. This is a rich and full wine, complex with honeyed, earthy aromas followed by fruit flavours of apricot and mango. Sweet fruits are balanced with bitter pink grapefruit characteristics. A wine with complexity and depth, Froehn has long been recognized for producing fine Gewurztraminer, and was mentioned as one of the finest vineyards of the medieval period.

Gewurztraminer Honey, earthy Apricot, mango, bitter, white fruit finish, [04] 6° C

Riesling Lime

2016-2020, M7 D9 Grilled foie gras terrine with mango compote

Green apples, limes, [02] 8°C 2016-2022, M6 D8 Lobster ravioli

8

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr >>

8371 Riesling Vendanges Tardives, AOC Alsace, 2010 $28.83

$173.00

Sweet Vendanges Tardives wines are produced from the very ripest grapes, picked some weeks after the main harvest is already busy fermenting away in tank. The grapes are left on the vine for longer, becoming more concentrated and raisined; when the conditions are right, noble rot can develop. The 2010 Riesling Vendanges Tardives is an intriguing wine. There is no doubt it is Riesling. It exudes the characteristic traits of limes, resin and smoky kerosene notes, yet it also has apricot, honey and quince flavours associated with dessert wines, but is less sweet. It is complex, showing nice development and a long, lingering aftertaste.

Riesling Lime, resin, coconut Apricot, apples, [06] 6°C 2016-2022, M6 D8 Wild duck breast with apples, aged Gouda

Main entrance to the tasting room –”La Revue du Vin de France” ranks Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr first among the cooperative wine houses in Alsace and third in France

ALSACE Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr

ALBERTA

9

Argentina

Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca Valle de Uco, Mendoza

10

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

Mauricio Lorca is Argentine through and through, proud of his country and proud of the wines it produces. With a total focus on quality, in 1999 Mauricio planted some of the highest density vineyards in the Uco Valley. These are now 15 years old and producing incredibly concentrated fruit with restricted yields. Mauricio farms a range of varieties including, of course, Argentina’s specialty variety, Malbec. Opimians love it at all quality levels, from Lírico to the very special Temático Reserva, which has been offered over the last few years. Each year, Mauricio has kept a small quantity back, his library stock. This year we have dipped into some of that to put together three vintages of Temático in a special case.

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>

Behind every great wine is a great team – Mauricio Lorca (far right) and members of his commercial, production, logistics, and administration team

email your order

opim@opim.ca Torrontés, Winemaker’s Wines, Valle de 8372 Lírico Famatina, La Rioja, 2015

$15.17

$91.00

Argentina’s own aromatic signature grape variety, Torrontés Riojano is traditionally grown in the province of La Rioja in the north of the country. The grapes were cultivated on typical pergola-trained vines in the Famatina Valley at 1,000 metres. Pale in colour, elegant with fresh lemon zest aromas, it is medium-bodied with firm, citrus acidity and flavours of crushed lime and floral lychees.

Torrontés Riojano Sicilian lemon zest Crushed limes, lychees, [01] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Spicy empanadas

Chardonnay, Winemaker’s Wines, Vista 8373 Lírico Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2015

$15.17

$91.00

Bright in colour, the 2015 Lírico Chardonnay has intense aromas of bananas, pears and melons. The palate is ripe, with good body and weight, and shows crisp acidity. The Chardonnay grapes were grown at Vista Flores in the Uco Valley at high altitude. The vines are densely planted and production is limited to yield concentrated grapes.

Chardonnay Melons, pears Soft ripe fruits, balanced acidity, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Baked chicken and zucchini

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>

ALBERTA

11

Malbec, Winemaker’s Wines, Vista 8374 Lírico Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2015

$15.17

$91.00

The first of three Malbecs produced by Mauricio Lorca, the Lírico has hints of plums, chocolate, spice and leather. With soft, mellow flavours and a round structure, this wine is suitable for simple barbecue dishes and pasta. The 2015 growing season started a bit ahead of time with early bud-break, compared to previous years, and more rain than usual; harvest took place the third week of March and was completed by hand. 30% of the wine was in oak for a short period.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Winemaker’s Wines, 8375 Lírico Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2015

$15.17

$91.00

The Lírico Cabernet Sauvignon has a savoury edge with cooked fruit flavours. Medium-bodied, it is well-balanced with a fine texture, great to pair with steak on the barbecue; not surprising given beef is a key component of Argentine cuisine. 30% of the final wine was aged in oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were cultivated on vines with high vertical trellising and were handharvested into small boxes in April.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Malbec

Cooked fruits, savoury

Plums, chocolate, hint of leather Mellow, plums

Medium-bodied, fine texture 18°C

18°C

2016-2019, M7 D9

2016-2019, M7 D9 Braised short rib ragù served over truffled gorgonzola pappardelle

Grilled flank steak and fingerlings with chimichurri sauce

8376 Lorca Opalo Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2014 $21.50

$129.00

A pure expression of Malbec, the grapes were cultivated at the Vista Flores vineyard planted by Mauricio over 15 years ago. Vines are high density with 6,850 vines per hectare. Yields are low with one vine producing the equivalent of just one bottle of wine. Dense in colour and hugely concentrated, the 2014 Lorca Opalo Malbec has complex chocolate, spices, violet and savoury aromas. The palate is soft and juicy with dark fruits and black cherry flavours. It is succulent, medium to full-bodied with great concentration. Already tasting delicious now, it will mature for some years. Do not be put off by reports of the 2014 vintage in Argentina which for sure was a challenging one. The skill of the winemaker has been brought to bear and has produced fine results.

Malbec Chocolate, savoury, violets Black cherries, spice 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Winter venison Malbec stew

12

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>

Opalo Syrah, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, 8378 Lorca Mendoza, 2013

$21.50

Opalo Cabernet Sauvignon, Vista Flores, 8377 Lorca Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2014

$129.00

Equally fine, if not even a tad higher in my scores, is the Lorca Opalo Cabernet Sauvignon 2014. It has intense, $21.50 ripe dark fruit aromas, blackcurrants and spice. Soft and ripe on the palate, it is medium-bodied with delicious blackberry and cherry flavours. It is well-balanced with fine tannins and a good solid structure. Produced from $129.00 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with no use of oak, this is a pure, unadulterated expression of the variety.

The grapes were harvested by hand the second week of April with highly limited production.

2013 was a great vintage for winemakers in Argentina and this wine still has a long life ahead of it. Vibrant purple in colour, fresh fruits and blackcurrant aromas lead to a concentrated palate. It is firm, but wellbalanced with juicy dark fruits flavours, good mid-palate weight and a long, smoky finish.

Syrah Pure blackcurrant Concentrated, dark berries 19°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Hearty lamb stew served over mashed potatoes

Cabernet Sauvignon Blackcurrants, spice Dark berries, structured 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D8 Maple chipotle pork chops, caramelized onions, and blackberry sauce

Reserva Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle 8380 Temático de Uco, Mendoza, 2012

$23.50

$141.00

Reserva Viognier, Vista Flores, Valle 8379 Temático de Uco, Mendoza, 2015 A great example of fine Viognier, it has all the qualities of Condrieu from the northern Rhône at a fraction of the $21.50 price. Bright yellow in colour, it has an intense, mellow bouquet with apricots, brioche and honey. The palate is soft and round with good weight, finishing on stone fruit flavours such as white peaches and pears. This $129.00 Viognier is concentrated and elegant, well-balanced and very drinkable with a wide range of dishes. Produced from 100% Viognier, half the grapes were fermented in French oak barrels, half in tank.

Viognier

The Temático Reserva Malbec has been a favourite with Opimian members for some years now. 2012 was a year marked by even lower yields, producing rich wines.

This Malbec is now starting to show real complexity with a hodgepodge of vanilla, figs, cola, fennel, and leather aromas. Medium-bodied with a more savoury flavour on the palate, it has some chewy tannins and ends long.

The wine spent 12 months in oak, 90% French and 10% American.

Malbec Jammy, vanilla, figs Cola, fennel 19°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Pan-roasted Five Spice duck breast and confit leg on almond and apricot couscous, sautéed haricots verts and blackberry-cider sauce

Apricots, toasty oak Stone fruits, white peaches, pears, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Prawn Thai curry

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca >>

ALBERTA

13

vertical tasting case - 2 bottles each: 2009, 2010 AND 2011 Temático Reserva Malbec 8381 Vertical Tasting Case Because Temático Reserva Malbec has been so popular, we went back $24.83 to Mauricio and asked to taste past vintages to see how they are evolving.

The wines tasted so good we have put together a vertical tasting case $149.00 using bottles from Mauricio’s library stock. Some of you may already have some of these in your cellar, if you haven’t enjoyed them already. If you missed these wines the first time around, now is a great opportunity to try them.

Temático Reserva Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2010 2010 was an average year in terms of climate conditions with day temperatures up to 28°C dropping to 12°C overnight. Leaf plucking was carried out in February to give the fruit some exposure to the sun. Slightly less concentrated on the palate than the 2009 vintage, it has a complex bouquet with black cherry fruits and a hint of leather.

Malbec Restrained, complex, hint of leather Black cherries 18°C 2016-2019, M7 D9

Temático Reserva Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2009 Temperatures during the growing season in 2009 were a little higher than average with a maximum during the day of 32°C. Hence, it was important to protect the grape bunches from over-exposure to the sun. The wine has dark fruits, spice and mineral notes. It is rich and concentrated on the palate with vibrant acidity and a savoury cherry finish.

Malbec

Guinness-marinated pork, cherry au jus, arugula and crispy polenta

Temático Reserva Malbec, Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2011 For those of you that ordered this wine last year, it is developing nicely with good integration of oak. I have revised the maturity and drinkability notes accordingly to reflect its potential to age. Deep in colour, it has a ripe fruit nose with blueberries and violets. Soft and ripe on the palate, it is mediumbodied with great balance. Flavours of blackberries and other dark, juicy fruits lead to bitter cherry notes.

Earthy, dark fruits, spice

Malbec

Savoury, spice, cherries

Ripe fruits, blueberries, violets

18°C

Blackberries, dark fruits, bitter cherries

2016-2019, M7 D9

18°C

Slow-braised and crispy short ribs duet with crushed root vegetables and Duxelles sauce

2016-2022, M6 D8 Chilli con carne

These Malbec grapes come from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley, one of the best regions in Argentina to grow this variety. To ensure maximum quality from each cluster, great care is taken from pruning, to irrigation, to the optimal time for harvesting.

14

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos Mauricio Lorca

The La Consulta region’s proximity to the Andes Mountains means there is a significant fluctuation between day-time and night-time temperatures, up to 25°C.

Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina Mendoza

José Manuel Ortega has made Argentina his home. This was his first foray into winemaking some 15 years ago following a career in banking. Today, he makes wine in three countries, two of which are featured in this cellar offering. The Uco Valley, at an elevation of 1,200 metres, where José Manuel established new vineyards, is one of Mendoza’s happening regions right now. Ortega opted to plant bush vines without any trellis, in the traditional style. A stunning, modern design winery has been built on the San Carlos estate. It took four years to complete and also houses a gourmet restaurant looking out onto the snow-capped Andes Mountains.

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina >>

ALBERTA

15

de San Carlos Malbec, Valle de Uco, 8382 Blasón Mendoza, 2015 A different style of Malbec to that produced by Mauricio Lorca, this has the typical O. Fournier signature. Deep $15.08 purple in colour, the nose has ripe dark fruits. The palate is concentrated and pure with cassis flavours and a linear structure. The fine tannins give the wine a silky texture balanced by the natural acidity. The Blasón de San $181.00 Carlos Malbec is produced from 100% Malbec grown at 1,100 metres in El Cepillo and La Consulta in Mendoza province. The grapes were hand-picked and clusters sorted twice by hand at the winery. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in oak barrels for three months. Delicious now, like all O. Fournier wines, it has the potential for cellaring.

de San Carlos Tempranillo, Valle de 8383 Blasón Uco, Mendoza, 2015

$15.08

$181.00

Produced in much the same way as the Malbec, the 2015 Blasón de San Carlos Tempranillo has taken on a little more oak with cherry menthol and Kirsch aromas combined with white pepper. The palate is soft on the attack, lighter than the Malbec, becoming a little bit firmer on the finish.

Malbec

Tempranillo

Dark fruits

Cherry menthol

Cassis, silky texture

White pepper, Kirsch

18°C

18°C

2016-2020, M7 D8

2016-2019, M7 D8

Baked penne with roasted vegetables and chorizo

Lamb and porcini kebabs

8384 Finca Sophia Sauvignon Blanc, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 2015 $24.50

$147.00

The 2015 Finca Sophia Sauvignon Blanc is restrained with appealing aromas of gooseberries, limes, slate, and lime custard. The palate is soft and refreshing with a long lime, citrus finish. Complex, elegant and very moreish, it will go well with a whole range of foods. The 2014 was not selected last year so it’s great to see the 2015 showing so well! The high altitude of the Uco Valley in the foothills of the Andes Mountains leads to long days of sunshine interspersed with cool night time temperatures; perfect conditions to produce flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc.

The grapes were picked by hand, sorted and destemmed, then left to macerate on skins between 6°C and 8°C. Sauvignon Blanc Gooseberry, lime custard Refreshing, lime, [00] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Grilled sardines with olives, capers and parsley

16

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina >>

Sophia Red Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 8385 Finca 2012 Developing some nice, complex mature characteristics, the 2012 Finca Sophia Red Blend has a very mellow bouquet. Like all O. Fournier wines it is quite restrained $27.50 with a hint of leather and some floral notes. The palate is soft and succulent with good mid-palate weight, finishing with red fruits and vanilla. The 2012 Finca $165.00 Sophia Red Blend is produced from a blend of 40% Tempranillo, 40% Malbec, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah grown in Altamira. The varieties were harvested between the middle of March until April. Fermentation in tank, with an extended 28 days on skins, allowed for full extraction of colour and structure. The wine was then matured for 12 months in oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one year old. In order to preserve the full flavour and structure of the wine, it was bottled unfiltered and so may reveal a deposit over time. This is a well-balanced, fresh and complex wine with many years ahead of it.

8386 Alfa Crux Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2012

Once again the Alfa Crux Malbec was a star in the line-up tasting for this cellar offering. The top wines produced by O. Fournier are all named after stars. $46.83 In this case the Alfa Crux from the Southern Cross constellation is visible from the austral hemisphere.

Produced from the best barrels of Malbec, this is 100% Malbec grown at La Consulta. Dense ruby in colour, the $281.00 bouquet exudes aromas of cherries, soft ripe fruits and vanilla. The palate is elegant with good balance and ripe tannins. Flavours of cherries, red berries and bitter fruits linger on the finish. The grapes were fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak vats after an initial cold maceration. The wine was left on skins for 28 days and then matured in new oak barrels for 20 months using 80% French and 20% American oak, perfectly integrated with the wine.

Malbec

Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah

Cherries, vanilla, herbs

Complex, floral, leather, vanilla

Red berries, bitter cherries, spice

Red fruits, vanilla, oaky finish

18°C

18°C

2016-2025, M6 D8

2016-2025, M6 D8

Roasted tournedo loin of lamb, pisto, mint aïoli and tempura zucchini flower

Beef medallions served with a Malbec reduction and layered potato cake

José Mario Spisso is O. Fournier Group’s Chief Winemaker in Argentina, Chile and Spain.

ARGENTINA Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Argentina

ALBERTA

17

Chile

Valley is one of the largest and oldest Bodegas y Viñedos Maule winemaking regions in Chile. Perhaps because of its from the capital Santiago, it was for many years overlooked, but has attracted much attention O. Fournier Chile distance of late. José Manuel Ortega was himself drawn to this region by the very old vines; bush vines, dryMaule-San Antonio farmed planted over a century ago with field blends of 120 year old Cabernet Sauvignon vine – O. Fournier is recuperating these old vines, maintaining their original plant density and training systems, while controlling yields on a per plant basis.

18

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

CHILE Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Chile >>

de San Javier Cabernet Sauvignon, 8389 Blasón Valle del Maule, 2014

8388

Blasón de San Javier Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Valle del Maule, 2014

An intensely spicy and complex wine for the price, it has aromas of incense and black cherries with a hint of $16.67 smoke. The palate is soft and rich with raisined fruits and fig flavours, and has good structure with natural acidity and a savoury marmite finish. The 2014 Blasón de San Javier is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, $100.00 30% Merlot and 20% Syrah. Vines are planted in the Maule Valley on alluvial free-draining soils at around 90 metres. After fermentation on skins for 12 days, the wine was matured in French oak barrels for three months.

The 2014 Blasón de San Javier Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 100 year old vines densely-planted at $16.67 161 metres of altitude in the Maule Valley. 2014 was a favourable growing season for late-ripening black varieties. March was hot and April warm allowing the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full maturity $100.00 and develop rich flavours. This wine has aromas of red and black cherries with a hint of smoke. The palate is soft and velvety, making it very approachable in its youth with a fine, silky texture leading to flavours of olives and more black cherries.

Cabernet Sauvignon Red and black cherries, smoke

Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah

Olives, smoky

Incense, black cherries, spices

18°C

Figs, savoury

2016-2022, M6 D9

18°C

Braised veal Osso Buco

2016-2022, M6 D8 Seared duck breast with fresh figs and blackcurrant sauce

Centauri Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Valle 8391 Alfa del Maule, 2013

8390 Finca La Higuera Red Blend, Valle del Maule, 2014

This is an altogether denser wine than the Blasón de San Javier wines, yet with the hallmark lightness of touch of winemaker José Mario Spisso. The 2014 Finca La Higuera has a complex bouquet of black $27.00 liquorice, red fruits, Christmas cake, raisins and cassis.

It is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carignan. The soft palate $162.00 has a lively acidity with red berries, red cherries and smoky flavours. All grapes were grown on old vines with the Cabernet Franc planted in 1890 and dry-farmed.

The grapes were harvested in April and the fruit bunches sorted at the winery before fermentation on skins for 28 days. The wine was matured in new and used French oak barrels for 12 months. Looking at the blend composition one could suppose that this would be Bordeaux in style (with the exception of a small amount of Carignan), yet it is a style of its own; mellow, complex and a great food wine.

Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan Liquorice, raisins, cassis Red cherries, smoke 18°C

The 2013 Alfa Centauri Cabernet Franc Carignan is mainly Cabernet Franc produced by vines planted in 1890. These $42.50 are densely-planted, dry-farmed on alluvial, silty loam soils and produce very low yields of concentrated fruit. 10% of Carignan complements the blend coming from 60 year old vines cultivated on sandier soils. The wine was aged for $255.00 18 months in new French oak barrels and has an intense toasty, smoky characteristic coming from the oak which complements the dark fruits, blackberry and cherry aromas.

Soft and elegant on the palate, fresh red berries, raspberries and meaty flavours emerge with a long and moreish acidity. The wine will benefit from more time in bottle before reaching its optimum drinking. Frost in 2013 meant that yields were even lower than average with a long, slow ripening leading up to harvest in April.

Cabernet Franc, Carignan Toast, smoke, dark fruits Cherries, raspberries, meaty 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Butterflied leg of lamb with black cherry glaze

2016-2025, M6 D9 Bacon-wrapped venison loin, celery root purée, fondant potato, glazed carrots and braised cippolini onions

CHILE Bodegas y Viñedos O. Fournier Chile

ALBERTA

19

Echeverría family winery is based just outside the town of Molina, Viña Echeverría The in the heart of the Curicó wine region in Chile’s Central Valley, some 226 kilometers south of Santiago. The climate is more temperate than more northerly parts of the Central Valley with rainfall during the winter Casa Nueva months. The coastal range at this point is high enough to block any from the Pacific Ocean. The Echeverría family came to Chile Molina, Curicó Valley influence from the Spanish Basque country.

Three generations of the Echeverría family in the vineyards at Molina – from left to right – Roberto, Xanti and Roberto Ignacio.

20

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

CHILE Viña Echeverría >>

Nueva Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 8392 Casa Central Valley, 2014

$9.67

Nueva Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 8393 Casa Curicó Valley, 2014

Plum in colour with some green bean aroma combined with cumin and spice, the 2014 Casa Nueva Selection Cabernet Sauvignon has liquorice and leafy flavours.

It is medium-bodied and well-balanced. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks with no use of oak.

$116.00 Cabernet Sauvignon

The colour shows some development with a brick ruby hue. The 2014 Casa Nueva Cabernet Sauvignon $10.83 Reserva has smokier, dark fruit aromas and less of the green bean, suggesting riper grapes at harvest. The palate is soft and mellow with flavours of black cherries, chocolate and violet. It is medium to full-bodied with firm $130.00 chewy tannins on the finish. Half the blend was matured in oak barrels for three months. The Curicó Valley has a long and dry growing season which suits the lateripening Cabernet Sauvignon well.

Green bean, cumin Liquorice, herbs

Cabernet Sauvignon

18°C

Smoky, dark fruits

2016-2017, M8 D9

Black cherries, chocolate

Braised rabbit ragout with gnocchi, pearl onions, Parisian vegetables and forest mushrooms

18°C 2016-2019, M7 D8 Garlic-rubbed filet mignon with fresh herbs served with roasted red potato wedges

8394 Propuesta by Roberto Ignacio Echeverría, Maipo Valley, 2013 $14.50

$87.00

The second vintage of this new wine is as impressive as the first.

Winemaker Roberto Ignacio Echeverría has put together a special blend using grapes from the warmer Maipo region further north. The result is a wine brimming with summer fruits, blackberries and vanilla. The palate is soft and succulent with juicy acidity finishing with solid, chewy tannins.

Produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, the wine was aged in barrel for eight months using American and French oak.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec Blackberries, summer pudding Vanilla, sweet fruits 19°C 2016-2018, M8 D8 Bison ribs with wild blackberry BBQ sauce

1-800-361-9421 call in your order

CHILE Viña Echeverría >>

ALBERTA

21

8395 Casa Nueva Four Elements, Maipo Valley, 2013

The Maipo Valley is Chile’s best region for Bordeaux varieties. The 2013 Casa Nueva Four Elements is deep in colour with an intense aroma of ripe blackcurrants over a smoky background. Soft on the attack, the wine $17.00 has fine silky texture and is quite different from previous wines made by Echeverría. It is dense, but elegant with more blackcurrant flavours on the palate, mineral sooty $102.00 notes and a long, lingering finish. This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Carignan and 5% Carmenère was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Carignan, Carmenère Ripe blackcurrants, smoke Blackcurrants, mineral notes 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Venison casserole with green beans and roasted potatoes

Nueva Pinot Noir Family Reserva, 8396 Casa Casablanca Valley, 2013

$15.33

$92.00

The cool 2013 vintage has suited the variety well, producing a wine with delicious, earthy Pinot Noir flavours. Complex red fruits and spicy aromas combine to give a mellow impression. Light to medium-bodied, this wine has great balance. For those that enjoy Burgundian-style Pinot Noir this is great value produced from the cool Casablanca Valley; 75% of the wine was matured in French oak for six months.

Pinot Noir Mellow, earthy, red fruits Complex, meaty 18°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Roasted game hens with red wine-mushroom sauce over roasted potatoes and onions

100 year old vats made from native Chilean raulí wood, in the Viña Echeverría museum cellar.

22

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

CHILE Viña Echeverría

Villard Estate Casablanca Valley

Frenchman Thierry Villard made Chile his home and established the country’s first family premium boutique winery in 1989, in the Casablanca Valley.

At that time, Casablanca Valley was not yet on the wine world’s radar. Today, it is recognized as one of Chile’s premium cool-climate regions. The proximity of the ocean and the cool breezes blowing in are a major influence on the afternoon temperatures during summer. The region is renowned for its world-class whites and Pinot Noir wines.

The wines are made by Thierry’s son Jean-Charles.

The family is busy building a new winery so they are only going to get better!

Pinot Noir vineyards in spring

CHILE Villard Estate >>

ALBERTA

23

The Villard Estate vineyards total 40 hectares with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, 8397 Expresión Casablanca Valley, 2015 Casablanca Valley owes much of its fame to the quality of the Sauvignon Blanc wines it produces. The $14.58 2015 Expresión Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is pale lime in colour with a refreshing gooseberry and lime zest aroma. In the mouth, it is soft, medium-bodied with flavours of fresh crushed limes, passion fruit and $175.00 mango which persist. The grapes were harvested and underwent some skin contact prior to whole-bunch pressing and fermentation at low temperature. The wine was matured on its lees in tank for four months with regular stirring to add mid-palate weight, and then bottled in September. It knocks the socks off most other Chilean Sauvignon Blancs.

8398 Expresión Reserve Syrah, Casablanca Valley, 2014

Having built its reputation on white wines, Casablanca Valley went on to prove itself with high-quality reds; site selection is an absolutely key factor. The Expresión $14.58 Reserve Syrah is made from grapes harvested from individual plots of relatively young vines. Intense plum in colour, this is an expressive wine with aromas of chocolate, blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine $175.00 is medium-bodied with lots of mid-palate fruits; black cherries, blackberries, succulent acidity and a touch of oak. Delicious to drink now, it has the balance and structure to mature for some years. Each plot was hand-picked and vinified separately with seven days of maceration prior to fermentation.

40% of the wine was aged in American oak barrels for eight months then blended with the tank-matured wine.

Sauvignon Blanc Gooseberry, lime zest Passion fruit, crushed lime, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Seared sea scallops with red pepper coriander sauce

24

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

Syrah Blackberries, blackcurrant, chocolate Black cherries, vanilla 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Roasted leg of lamb stuffed with lamb loin rillettes

CHILE Villard Estate >>

8399 Le2014Pinot Noir Grand Vin, Casablanca Valley, Jean-Charles produces several levels of Pinot Noir. This, the top cuvée, is aptly named the Grand Vin in reference perhaps to Thierry’s native France or to the Burgundy $27.00 region. It is made from the very best plots and selected barrels. Still youthful at the time of tasting, it is a bright ruby colour with intense aromas of vanilla and red $162.00 cherries. The soft, jammy fruits on the palate are perfectly complemented with vibrant acidity, both leading to a long, spicy finish. This wine needs some time and will reward cellaring. Low yields in the vineyards produce concentrated, structured wines which are transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured a further 11 months in barrel.

Grand Vin, Casablanca Valley, 8400 L’Assemblage 2013

$21.83

$131.00

Aromas of cooked summer fruits, apples, blackberries and vanilla combined with cedar and pencil lead, the palate is soft and mellow with a fine texture and long, spicy finish. It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 13% Syrah, 7% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot Apples, blackberries, vanilla Cedar, cooked fruits, spice

Pinot Noir Vanilla, cherries Jammy, spices 16°C

18°C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Herb-crusted NY Strip Steak with tomato and roasted garlic confit

2016-2022, M6 D8 Duck breast with balsamic, cherry and sage sauce

CHILE Villard Estate

ALBERTA

25

Viña La Rosa Cornellana Estate Cachapoal Valley Rapel

Viña La Rosa is located at Peumo in the Cachapoal Valley some 150 kilometres south of Santiago. This is one of Chile’s oldest family wineries, purchased in 1824 by Francisco Ignacio Ossa Mercado. Don Francisco fell in love with the region, its vineyards, hidden valleys, the Cachapoal River and the Andes Mountains.

He purchased the estate lock, stock and wine barrels from its then-owner Manuel Blanco Encalada, Chile’s first President. The estate has been in the hands of Ismael Ossa Errázuriz since 1987, representing the sixth generation. Winemaker Gonzalo Cárcamo has been making wines at Viña La Rosa since 1998, becoming Head Winemaker in 2011, and is passionate about Carmenère.

26

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

CHILE Viña La Rosa >>

The hidden valley of Cornellana Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon vines are visible on the slopes from the location where this photo was taken, while down on the valley floor we have Carmenère on the right slope and Chardonnay on the center flat.

Sauvignon Blanc, Cachapoal 8401 Cornellana Valley, 2015

$9.33

$112.00

In terms of value for money, if Sauvignon Blanc is your thing, you cannot go wrong with the Cornellana Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in colour with smoky gooseberry aromas, the palate has more lemon and grapefruit citrus flavours. Refreshingly crisp with a long finish, this wine is perfect any day of the week. The grapes were picked the first week of March at night to benefit from the cooler temperature.

Sauvignon Blanc Gooseberry, smoke Lemon, grapefruit, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Shrimp scampi with linguini

8402 Cornellana Rosé, Cachapoal Valley, 2015 $9.33

$112.00

The Cornella Rosé is quite deep in colour, bright crimson in fact. Aromas of fresh fruits, apples, melons and raspberries segue into a juicy palate with flavours of Galia melon and lemons. Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah, the grapes were picked and left for 18 hours to macerate on skins at low temperature. The juice was then fermented at 14°C. A great summer wine, it will go well with salads, fish and poultry.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah Raspberries, apples Galia melon, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Grilled chicken breast topped with fresh bruschetta

opim.ca order online at

CHILE Viña La Rosa >>

ALBERTA

27

8403 Cornellana Carmenère, Cachapoal Valley, 2015

Carmenère is one of the original Bordeaux grape varieties, although it has long since been virtually eliminated from that region. For many years Carmenère in Chile was confused with Merlot until DNA profiling revealed the truth. It is a grape variety that is difficult to ripen which produces herbaceous, green wines if $9.33 not fully mature. Today, Chile and more specifically Peumo are at the epicentre of Carmenère production. The region has a Mediterranean climate and is just 30 kilometres from the Pacific Coast. The soil, sunshine and lack of autumn rain $112.00 allow the grape to reach full maturity. Intense purple in colour, the nose reveals black cherries and fresh cream. The palate is succulent with soft, juicy fruits and balanced acidity. Since becoming Head Winemaker in 2011, Gonzalo has made Carmenère his pet project. Vines are planted on colluvial soils with a high presence of clay. The grapes were harvested the first week of May. A long, dry growing season in 2015 led to an extended harvest which began at the end of February and ended on May 20th when the Carmenère was picked.

Carmenère Black cherries, cream Succulent, juicy fruits 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Sausage and bean casserole

8404 Cornellana Shiraz, Cachapoal Valley, 2015 $9.33

$112.00

The 2015 Cornellana Shiraz has aromas of violets and nuts. The palate is soft and round with ripe blueberry fruits and tangy acidity. The grapes were picked by machine, de-stemmed and crushed. During fermentation, open pump-overs were carried out and the temperature controlled between 24°C and 27°C. A small percentage of the wine was matured with French oak for three months.

Shiraz

$9.33

$112.00

The 2015 Cornellana Malbec has plummy aromas with a touch of cotton candy or burnt sugar. The palate is light to medium-bodied with flavours of sour cherries and a firm acidity. Yields in 2015 were naturally higher than previous vintages with more bunches per vine, as well as more and heavier grapes per bunch. 2015 was affected by the El Niño current. Bud-break was two weeks early, but shoot growth slow due to low temperatures in October. Summer was hot, followed by autumn with warm days and cool nights.

Violets, nutty

Malbec

Soft, ripe fruits, blueberries

Plums, cotton candy

18°C

Sour cherries, damsons

2016-2018, M8 D9

16°C

Hoisin-marinated pork chops with blueberry-plum red wine reduction served over cauliflower purée with broccoli florets

28

8405 Cornellana Malbec, Cachapoal Valley, 2015

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

2016-2018, M8 D9 Charcuterie platter

CHILE Viña La Rosa >>

Cornellana Estate plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon in spring

Reserve Chardonnay, Cachapoal 8406 Cornellana Valley, 2014

Reserve Carmenère, Cachapoal 8407 Cornellana Valley, 2014

2014 was one of the earliest vintages on record in the Cachapoal Valley with Chardonnay grapes $11.25 picked the second week of March. The 2014 Reserve Chardonnay has fresh fruit flavours of melons, pears and passion fruit. Crisp acidity balances the palate, finishing on lemon notes. The Chardonnay was $135.00 cultivated on alluvial soils with a mixture of sand and sandy loam. After a short maceration the grapes were pressed and fermented at low temperature with 35% of the blend aged in French oak for six months.

Matured for six months in new and used barrels, the Cornellana Reserva Carmenère has delicious, toasty $11.33 oak notes with spice and incense aromas that combine with lush black and red cherry fruit flavours from the grape. The wine is medium-bodied with a soft, smooth palate, fine tannin structure and a long, chocolatey $136.00 finish. The grapes were fermented in tank with open pump-overs to extract the deep colour and tannins from the grape skins. A wine with bags of flavour for drinking now, it will cellar nicely for some years.

CHILE Viña La Rosa >>

Chardonnay

Carmenère

Melon

Black cherries, smoke

Pears, passion fruit, [00]

Smooth, toasty, cherries

8°C

18°C

2016-2017, M8 D9

2016-2020, M7 D9

Crab cakes with mango-papaya chutney and passion fruit aïoli

Pork ribs with maize stew

ALBERTA

29

Reserve Pinot Noir, Cachapoal 8409 Cornellana Valley, 2014

Reserve Shiraz, Cachapoal Valley, 8408 Cornellana 2014 The 2014 Cornellana Reserve Shiraz was oak-aged for six months giving it an intense and distinctly smoky and spicy $11.33 characteristic with aromas of cloves, eucalyptus, chocolate and dark fruits. The palate is medium to light-bodied with plummy flavours and firm structure. Shiraz vines are planted on granitic soils on the slopes of the coastal mountain $136.00 range. The grapes were picked by hand the second week of April. After de-stemming and crushing, the must was fermented with open pump-overs. The wine was matured for six months in used oak barrels giving it spicy notes.

The 2014 Cornellana Reserve Pinot Noir is a New World style of Pinot Noir, young and vibrant with bags of fruit. $11.67 Intense aromas of vanilla, coconut and red fruits lead to a soft, light palate. This wine is juicy with raspberry flavours and some persistence. The Pinot Noir vines are cultivated on the banks of the Cachapoal River on alluvial soils. $140.00 The grapes were picked by hand in early April. Half were crushed; the remainder were left intact and underwent a carbonic maceration followed by slow fermentation at low temperature. The wine was aged for a year in old barrels.

Pinot Noir Red fruits, vanilla, coconut Raspberries, cream 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9

Shiraz

Veal marsala served over egg noodles

Dark fruits, smoke, chocolate Plums, spice 18°C 2016-2018, M8 D8 Marinated sirloin with gorgonzola mashers

Barrel Reserve Chardonnay, 8410 Cornellana Cachapoal Valley, 2014

$15.50

$93.00

Full of toasted spice aromas with ripe peaches and pineapple, the 2014 Cornellana Barrel Reserve Chardonnay is marked by oak. The palate is fresh with flavours of white fruits, lemon, tangerines, and vanilla.

The grapes were hand-harvested then gently pressed.

50% was fermented and aged in French oak barrels for six months, the other half in stainless steel tanks. It complements all fatty fish and creamy seafood dishes.

Barrel Reserve Cabernet 8411 Cornellana Sauvignon, Cachapoal Valley, 2013 Deep purple in colour, the Cornellana Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is quite restrained on the nose with $15.50 some savoury and black olive aromas. It is full-bodied with good weight, ripe tannins and a bitter liquorice and smoky finish. The 2013 growing season was long and cool with Cabernet Sauvignon reaching full phenolic maturity. The $93.00 final wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The grapes were cultivated on granitic soils with a high presence of clay and lime. A long, cool growing season meant vigilance in the vineyard was important with all the grapes reaching full maturity. The grapes were hand-picked, sorted and crushed then fermented in stainless steel vats at up to 30°C. The wine was matured in barrels for nine months.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc Black olive, savoury

Chardonnay

Liquorice, smoky

Ripe peaches, pineapple, toasted spice

18°C

White fruits, tangerines, lemon, vanilla, [00]

2016-2020, M7 D8

6°C

Roast saddle of lamb with zucchini and asparagus in a pan jus

2016-2018, M8 D9 Panko-crusted salmon topped with lemon cream sauce and cheesy risotto

30

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 237

CHILE Viña La Rosa >>

Barrel Reserve Carmenère Petit 8412 Cornellana Verdot, Cachapoal Valley, 2013 This is one of my favourite wines in the tasting and a great indication of the potential of these two late$15.50 ripening varieties. It is a blend of 80% Carmenère and 20% Petit Verdot picked in early May, 2013. The wine is deep black purple in colour, revealing aromas of cedary spice, black cherries, violets and cloves. Soft and rich on $93.00 the palate, it has succulent mid-palate fruit and weight with flavours of blueberries, vanilla and toast. The 2013 Barrel Reserve Carmenère Petit Verdot is full-bodied with ripe tannins and a long, chocolate finish. Peumo is considered one of the great areas for Carmenère. The vines are planted on the foothills of the mountains on deep soils with clay and coarse sand, allowing long and slow ripening. The wine was aged in 100% oak using a selection of new, second and third-use barrels.

Cabernet Franc, Gran Reserva, 8413 Cornellana Estate Grown, Cachapoal Valley, 2014 (Wooden Case)

Plum in colour, the 2014 Cornellana Cabernet Franc, Gran Reserva has a complex bouquet with floral notes, incense and meaty characteristics. Medium to fullbodied, the palate remains tight with firm acidity and a long, black liquorice finish. This is a dense, concentrated $149.00 wine which needs time to evolve and fully express itself.

10% Cabernet Sauvignon was added to give extra structure. The grapes were grown on steep slopes of red granitic soils in the La Palmería de Cocalán vineyard. The wine was aged in oak for 12 months. $24.83

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Dried flowers, incense, meaty

Carmenère, Petit Verdot Black cherries, violets, cedar, cloves Blueberries, vanilla, chocolate 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9

Liquorice, dense structure 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Slow-roasted short ribs with creamy polenta

Boeuf Bourguignon

One year old Carmenère vine in the Cornellana Estate valley; the leaves take on the characteristic red-copper tone in autumn

CHILE Viña La Rosa

ALBERTA

31

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

or

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

Reserve Chardonnay, Cachapoal 8414 Cornellana Valley, 2014

Reserve Shiraz, Cachapoal Valley, 8415 Cornellana 2014

2014 was one of the earliest vintages on record in the Cachapoal Valley with Chardonnay grapes picked the second week of March. The 2014 Reserve Chardonnay has fresh fruit flavours of melons, pears and passion fruit. Crisp acidity balances the palate, COUPON finishing on lemon notes. The Chardonnay was cultivated on alluvial soils with a mixture of sand and sandy loam. After a short maceration the grapes were pressed and fermented at low temperature with 35% of the blend aged in French oak for six months.

The 2014 Cornellana Reserve Shiraz was oak-aged for six months giving it an intense and distinctly smoky and spicy characteristic with aromas of cloves, eucalyptus, chocolate and dark fruits. The palate is medium to light-bodied with plummy flavours and firm structure.

COUPON Shiraz vines are planted on granitic soils on the slopes of the coastal mountain range. The grapes were picked by hand the second week of April. After de-stemming and crushing, the must was fermented with open pump-overs. The wine was matured for six months in used oak barrels giving it spicy notes.

Chardonnay

Shiraz

Melon

Dark fruits, smoke, chocolate

Pears, passion fruit, [00]

Plums, spice

8°C

18°C

2016-2017, M8 D9

2016-2018, M8 D8

Crab cakes with mango-papaya chutney and passion fruit aïoli

Marinated sirloin with gorgonzola mashers

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.

O. Fournier Argentina 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